Pure Michigan

Every year, usually in March or April, I have a moment. It is a moment that sounds, smells or feels like Leland, Michigan. It can be the way the clouds look, the way the warm sun plays with a cool breeze on my skin, or the smell of Fish Town (a bit yucky but inviting at the same time.) This moment reminds me that my northern Michigan vacation is getting close.

I did indeed have my Leland moment earlier this year-- as I rounded the corner from Clark Street to Henry Street. There was a strong wind (why is the wind always so strong on the west side of the Hotel St. George?!) but the sun was wonderfully warm. There was little humidity in the air and the clouds were billowy.

But the truth is that I have been smiling about Michigan a lot more lately, in fact almost every time I turn on the tv and see a "Pure Michigan" commercial. After years of getting the "Jersey shore is better" look and being asked "why on earth do you vacation in Michigan," the Pure Michigan commercials visually sum it up in 30 seconds. The speaker's voice (is that Michiganian Tim Allen??) is welcoming and has a hint of MI accent. The images are beautiful. And it reminds me that despite the perpetually negative stories about the auto industry coming out the Motor City, Michigan is a fantastic, highly under rated state.



So later this week I am off for a week to enjoy some Pure Michigan moments of my own-- year #30 at The Jolli Lodge! As another old Michigan commercial used to say, "Yes, Michigan, the feeling forever, Yes Michigan!"