The 5 Best Michigan Summer Adventures
Michigan is an active and outdoor state, although I feel like people sometimes forget that. Michigan is home to three major things that a lot of states do not have: water, forests, and outdoor sports. With so much to do, you may be thinking that activities will break the bank, and that is definitely not the case.
Looking to get out on the water? Michigan is a giant peninsula. Whether it\’s a river, lake, or one of the Great Lakes, no matter where you are in the state you are never more than six miles from a body of water. Did I mention, no matter where you are in the state you are never more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes?
Are you more of the adventure time that likes to be where the wifi is weak? Then Michigan\’s forests will be perfect for you. With over 53 percent of Michigan is covered in forests you\’re sure to find endless trails, camping, biking, and adventures.
Maybe you\’re more of the outdoor enthusiast if that\’s the case Michigan is still the place for you! When it comes to outdoor sports in the summertime, Michigan is your place to be. From kayaking and mountain biking to jet skis and off-roading you\’re sure to find the perfect adventure.
The 5 best Michigan summer activities
1. Climb Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes
Located in Empire, Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes not only offer an amazing workout but a gorgeous view as well. Sleeping Bear Dunes was even voted \’Most Beautiful Place in America\’ and for good reason. The climb is something anyone can achieve you just have to try. From the top of the dunes, you will see beautiful landscapes and the waves of Lake Michigan welcoming you. The best part of climbing the dunes, running or rolling back down them. You just can\’t be afraid to get a little sand in your pants, I mean it\’ll come out…eventually.
2. Kayak out to Turnip RockLocated at the tip of the thumb you will find Port Austin, Michigan. Port Austin is home to one of Michigan\’s greatest wonders, Turnip Rock. The shallow waters surround Turnip Rock make it only accessible by kayak. The trip consists of a 7 mile out-and-back trip via the Point aux Barques trail located on Lake Huron. Since the water is shallow you\’re able to leave your kayak and get up close and personal with Turnip Rock for some amazing pictures.
3. Bike around Mackinac Island
Take a ferry boat over to Mackinac Island and rent a bike when you arrive. The M-185 Perimeter Tour is an 8-mile state highway that loops around Macinac Island\’s shoreline. The best part, it\’ll only be bikers, walkers and the occasional horse-drawn buggy since cars are not allowed on the Island. From start to finish you will find yourself on a flat and smooth asphalt road that places you between the forest and the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron offering gorgeous views along the way. If you ride a leisurely pace it will take you about 1.5 hours, this includes a little bit of time for photo opportunities, which I highly recommend that you take.
4. Kayak the Pictured Rocks
If you\’re looking for a picture-perfect Michigan adventure, the Pictured Rocks are your place to be. Lake Superior has some of the clearest waters and is my favorite Great Lake to go and visit. Tucked away in Michigan\’s Upper Peninsula Lake Superior offers plenty of hidden gems, like Pictured Rocks. One of the best ways to explore pictured rocks is by heading up to Munising. You can either go on a guided boat tour or rent a kayak to explore Lake Superior\’s Pictured Rocks National Shoreline. Discover the magnificent arches and rock formations and you get up close and personal with Bridalveil Falls, Kissing Rock, Lovers Leap Arch, Caves of the Bloody Chiefs, Indian Head, Battleship Row, Chapel Rock and the sea caves of Pictured Rocks.
5. Visit Black Rocks
Located in Marquette, Michigan and tucked away in Presque Isle Park, you will find what is known by the locals as \”Black Rocks\” these cliffs range anywhere from 20-35 feet high. Black Rocks are best known for cliff jumping, where you plunge into the freezing depths of Lake Superior. Once you take the plunge into the waters of Lake Superior the only way to get back up to the rocks is to either free climb the cliffs from the water or to swim to a nearby beach. You don\’t need to jump off of Black Rocks to get the most out of the area, just wander around and take in all the natural beauty.
Five Things
Quarantine week 13 is complete. Today marks day 91 of quarantine/self-isolation. Restaurants were allowed to open here this past Monday at 50 percent capacity, and stores were allowed to open as well. Next week hair salons can open back up. To be honest, I am just not ready to eat in a restaurant yet or go to the salon. I am not sure when I will be ready to travel, but I am trying to get back into things. Have you gone to restaurants, stores, or on any trips?
This week the weather was hot and disgusting, so Jack and I spent a lot of time inside. I have been avoiding the trails because the ticks are so bad, and I am not about to mess around with that. Here is a look at some of my favorite things from this week.
How to Make a Lemonade Slushee
When I lived in Pittsburgh, I would constantly go to Pirates baseball games. I remember there being a guy who sold lemonade and I am pretty sure he is the reason that lemonade started to become my summer staple.
With temperatures starting to creep up, I have been craving the ice-cold lemonade that he would chant about. I decided to change it up a bit, inside of a tall glass of lemonade packed with ice, I filled a blender with lemonade and packed it with ice to create a delicious and refreshing lemonade slushee. The end result was more delicious than I could have imagined. I like convenience on the go, so I used a portable blender so I could take my slushee on the trail with me.
Lemonade Slushee
Ingredients
1 cup of lemon juice (I used fresh lemons)
½ cup sugar
4 cups of ice
Directions
1. Put everything into a blender.
2. Turn the blender on and mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Enjoy.
Beginners Guide to Hiking: 9 Essential Tips
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me out on plenty of hiking adventures. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to spend the day, I love checking out new trails and scenery, meeting people along the way and of course traveling to new hiking destinations.
Unlike walking on a treadmill, or paved path, hiking involves more and sometimes comes with unpredictable variables. I once came across a ladder in a rock “wall” that I had to climb up. Recently, I have received a lot of questions in regards to hiking, and I thought I would share my 9 essential hiking tips for beginners that will help you when you’re out on your first trek.
9 Essential Hiking Tips for Beginners
1. Start small
Choose a hike a little shorter than the distance you can normally walk on a level paved surface. Make sure that the hike is right for your fitness level.
Pro Tip: To estimate the time required to hike a trail, figure a pace of approximately 2-miles per hour. For every 1,000 feet of elevation, you should add an hour to your time.
2. Get familiar with the trail
This is something I didn’t do in the beginning. Not only did I end up walking 6 miles on sand dunes out of my way one time in 90-degree weather, but I also ran out of water. Knowing where the trail goes is now one of the most important tips that I can give. Find out if the trail is a loop or if you will need to backtrack. Do trails intersect? If they do this is where you could potentially make a wrong turn if you know where you are going this is less of an issue.
Pro Tip: I like to find a lunch spot with a view, and being familiar with the trail before I get on it allows me to plan accordingly.
3. Tell someone where you will be
It is important that someone who is not on the hike knows where you will be and what the itinerary is.
Pro Tip: The “worry time” I give someone is several hours later than my planned finished time. I do this because sometimes I stop so many times for amazing views it adds hours onto my hike. I also have a knee that will act up sometimes, and therefore slow me down. Just make sure someone knows where you are and you give them a comfortable “worry time.”
4. Check the weather
This one might seem obvious, but it has definitely gotten hikers into trouble. Leading up to your hike and even right before, check the weather. Not only will it help you know what you need to pack and how you need to dress, but it will help you avoid surprise weather changes while you’re out.
5. Wear the right shoes and socks
Painful feet are a quick way to ruin anyone’s day. If you’re going to hike make sure you invest in quality hiking shoes and socks.
Pro Tip: Do not wear cotton socks, make sure you wear wool or synthetic socks. Also, be sure that the socks do NOT have a seam, seams are a great way to cause blisters and destroy your toenails.
7. Bring a hiking pack
Even if you’re just going on a “quick” little hike, I still recommend a backpack. It’s great to hold sun protection, food, water, and first aid supplies. Of course, if you’re going on a longer hike (especially if it is more remote), you will want to pack other supplies.
8. Pace yourself
Remember, this is not a race. You don’t want to burn off all your energy at the beginning of the hike, you want to save it for times when you really need it, such as a couple of miles uphill.
9. Leave no trace
This is probably one of the most important things you can do when you’re out on a hike. The trails will only remain beautiful if we take care of them. So make sure when you’re out you leave no trace. Don’t leave wrappers or banana peels behind. Take everything back with you that you came with.
Campfire Popcorn
There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire at night and enjoying a big pot of freshly popped popcorn. If you have never made popcorn over a campfire before, you are definitely missing out. Campfire popcorn has quickly become my favorite. I will even go as far as to say that I prefer it over s’mores!
There is something so satisfying about making popcorn over a campfire, hearing the kernels pop, and enjoying the warm smell of popcorn. You can make it sweet or salty, and of course, get creative with the seasonings you sprinkle on top.
Whether you have a bonfire in your backyard or a campfire at a state park, popcorn is always a good idea. When I am out camping I love to make a big batch my first night, so I can enjoy it while I am on the trail the next day.
My popcorn is from Grand Rapids Popcorn Company and came as a kit with an open fire popper, “ready to pop” packets, disposable popcorn bowls, popcorn seasoners, a recipe card, and a bag of their (crazy delicious) S’mores popcorn.
Fashion meets Food 