Dear Crabby, Where is the Best Place to See Michigan’s Beautiful Fall Colors?

Dear Crabby, Lately, the weather has been wacky. Are there still places where I can drive to see the leaves changing or have I missed my chance?Thanks!Greta GreeneryDear Greta Greenery, Good news - you’re in luck! Typically, toward the end of September is when the trees start to turn, but the warmer weather has delayed the process a bit. So, while there is still time to catch the color-changing happening around our beautiful state, I wouldn’t wait too long, though. Especially, if you plan … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What is Statehood Day?

Dear Crabby, What is Statehood Day? Sincerely, Robin Bird   Dear Robin, In short, Happy Birthday to Michigan! Our beautiful state celebrates turning 180 today, which is Michigan's Statehood Day. I'm sure other states have these celebrations, but none is more important than the one in which you live. Michigan, founded on January 26, 1837, is the 26th state in our union - putting us roughly at the halfway point of reaching a total of 50 marvelous states - Michigan being the … [Read more...]

Live from Mackinac Island – It’s ‘Under the Radar Michigan!’

The folks at Pure Michigan got their hands on a brand new camera technology called Georama. It streams a feed directly to the Internet and allows viewers to communicate with the person wearing the camera and Michigan is the first state in the U.S. to use one! So, naturally they turned it over to Under the Radar Michigan (UTR). Today, from noon to 4 p.m. (EDT) Tom Daldin, the host of UTR, is going to be wandering around Mackinac Island talking to people, exploring the shops and hotels, and … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What’s So Great About Michigan?

Dear Crabby, I’m planning my summer vacation and want to visit some new places. A friend suggested I look at Michigan, but I recently heard Madonna badmouth her former home state. Is visiting Michigan worth spending my hard-earned money and vacation time? Thanks, Wendy Wanderer Dear Wendy Wanderer, Yep. It’s true. Madonna probably won’t be starring in any Pure Michigan ads in the near future… or ever… but that’s her loss because Michigan is definitely worth visiting. Our state motto … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why are there so many Michigan License Plates?

Dear Crabby, Why does Michigan have so many different kinds of License Plates? Sincerely, Art O’Revenue Dear Art O’Revenue, The job of government is to make things more complicated and more confusing; and to generate more money. We had it easy back in the day. The State of Michigan started requiring license plates in 1910. Each year you would go to the Secretary of State, wait in line for hours, and get a new aluminum plate. Well, you’d get two, one for the front and one for the … [Read more...]

Learning to Ski and Snowboard

Do you want to learn to ski or snowboard? Ski clubs, high school race teams, and recreational skiers and boarders from around Southeast Michigan have been skiing for over a month now. Pine Knob (Clarkston), Mt. Holly (Holly), Alpine Valley (White Lake) and Mt. Brighton (Brighton) are the four ski and snowboard resorts in or near Oakland County. The four resorts offer a multitude of programs so anyone, at any age, can learn to ski and snowboard. Skiing is generally easier to learn than … [Read more...]

Ice Cream Returns to Rochester College

The Ice Cream Olympics are Sunday, August 24, at 7:00 p.m. The Scoop Last year, Rochester College held the Ice Cream Olympics in conjunction with welcoming in their new president, Dr. Tyson. John Tyson replaced Dr. Rubel Shelly, who had served as the institution’s president from 2008 until 2013. Seven local ice cream companies provided the cool treats as alumni, students and guests sampled and voted for the best. It was a beautiful evening of lights, music and ice cream. Kilwin’s … [Read more...]

Snowshoe to the Eben Ice Caves

Snowshoe to the Eben Ice Caves By Michael Dwyer This winter has provided Michigan a plentiful amount of snow to keep enthusiasts eager to engage the outdoors. While cold weather and weekend snowstorms slow down the tourist action, those looking to brave the weather will find pure Michigan enjoyment all around them. A trip to the Upper Peninsula before the white stuff melts may be just the thing one needs. The Eben Ice Caves in the Rock River Wilderness area of the Hiawatha National … [Read more...]

Where to Go in 2013

Travel in 2013 Now that we’re past the world ending, Christmas and New Year’s, we can seriously look at our travel plans for 2013. There’s the winter getaway, spring fling, summer vacation and various other weekend trips looming in the New Year. Have you started planning yet? Winter Getaways If you’re the type of person that needs a warm destination in the middle of a Michigan winter and haven’t made plans yet, you better hop online or visit a travel agent soon. You might be stuck with … [Read more...]

Celebrate Trails Week with ride

The eighth annual Clinton River Trail Fall Classic will be held Saturday, September 29. The purpose of this family-friendly, non-competitive ride (walk option available) is to introduce participants to the exceptional natural beauty and amenities found along the Clinton River Trail. The event is one of the many Pure Michigan events celebrating Michigan’s vast and varied network of trails during Michigan Trails Week, September 23-29. The Fall Classic is coordinated by the Friends of the … [Read more...]