There’s something so special about exploring a new state. Everything is slightly different from your regular surroundings. And yet as tourists, we always seem to do the same thing as everyone else. Why not break the mold and do as the locals do? Learn about the Mitten at these non-touristy places and you’ll feel right at home in no time.
- Instead of the Detroit Institute of Art…
Quick fix/Flickr
Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
Girl.in.the.D/Flickr There’s no denying the treasures that can be found in the vast collections held at the DIA, but opt for the Charles Wright Museum and you’ll be exposed to the world’s largest and most respected institution that honors the many contributions of African Americans.
- Instead of Belle Isle…
Lauren/Flickr
Detroit Riverfront
Blue Skyz Studios/Flickr Honestly, anywhere near the river is spectacular, but if you visit the Riverfront, you’ll encounter pristine walkways that connect you to other Detroit treasures like Eastern Market.
- Instead of the crowded beaches along Lake Michigan…
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Lake Huron
Jeff Camilleri/Flickr Plenty of Michiganders opt for the no-less-picturesque, but more secluded Sunrise Coast on Lake Huron for the more reasonable prices on lodging and dining and the smaller crowds. Plus, once you witness the beauty of the morning sky, you’ll be hooked.
- Instead of Mackinac Island fudge…
Martha’s Original Mackinac Island Fudge/Facebook
Donckers, Marquette
Donckers/Facebook Well over a century old, this shop is great for breakfast, lunch and dessert. The specialty, though, is the handcrafted candies…yum.
- Instead of Sleeping Bear Dunes…
PicsofAB/Flickr
Arcadia Dunes
Walmart/Flickr Head to Arcadia Dunes instead, where you’ll find 15 miles of hiking and biking trails and incredible views of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Instead of touring wine country in Northern Michigan, like the Chateau Grand Traverse, pictured here…
ideowl/Flickr
SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail
SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail/Facebook Little did you know, there is an increasing number of wineries sprouting up closer to southeast Michigan. If you’re taking out-of-state guests around, this might be a more approachable alternative to trekking it up to the more saturated Northern Michigan wineries.
- Instead of fighting the traffic that comes out of the annual ArtPrize event…
Steven Depolo/Flickr
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Public Museum/Facebook Immerse yourself in the cultures of the world through the Grand Rapids lens. This will help you ingrain yourself into the local community.
Now that’s more like it. Tell us though, when you have guests in from out of town, where do you take them to give them an off-the-beaten-path, authentic Michigan experience?
Quick fix/Flickr
Girl.in.the.D/Flickr
There’s no denying the treasures that can be found in the vast collections held at the DIA, but opt for the Charles Wright Museum and you’ll be exposed to the world’s largest and most respected institution that honors the many contributions of African Americans.
Lauren/Flickr
Blue Skyz Studios/Flickr
Honestly, anywhere near the river is spectacular, but if you visit the Riverfront, you’ll encounter pristine walkways that connect you to other Detroit treasures like Eastern Market.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Jeff Camilleri/Flickr
Plenty of Michiganders opt for the no-less-picturesque, but more secluded Sunrise Coast on Lake Huron for the more reasonable prices on lodging and dining and the smaller crowds. Plus, once you witness the beauty of the morning sky, you’ll be hooked.
Martha’s Original Mackinac Island Fudge/Facebook
Donckers/Facebook
Well over a century old, this shop is great for breakfast, lunch and dessert. The specialty, though, is the handcrafted candies…yum.
PicsofAB/Flickr
Walmart/Flickr
Head to Arcadia Dunes instead, where you’ll find 15 miles of hiking and biking trails and incredible views of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
ideowl/Flickr
SE Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail/Facebook
Little did you know, there is an increasing number of wineries sprouting up closer to southeast Michigan. If you’re taking out-of-state guests around, this might be a more approachable alternative to trekking it up to the more saturated Northern Michigan wineries.
Steven Depolo/Flickr
Grand Rapids Public Museum/Facebook
Immerse yourself in the cultures of the world through the Grand Rapids lens. This will help you ingrain yourself into the local community.
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