Everyone needs a vacation, but it can be hard to get away. Going out of town is expensive, and even a trip Up North can require many hours of driving. Fortunately for us, Pure Southeast Michigan has countless opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy a wonderful “staycation.”
Walter and Mary Burke Park, City of New Baltimore
Earlier this week, I spent the day celebrating one of Southeast Michigan’s great natural assets at Lake St. Clair Appreciation Day; a real highlight was seeing waterfront improvements being implemented by local governments. This year, I have also enjoyed scenic rides on the Hines Park bicycle trail in Wayne County, a beautiful afternoon in June on the Indian Village Home and Garden Tour, and even SEMCOG General Assembly meetings at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Zoo, just to name a few.
Summer is flying by, but there are plenty more opportunities to take advantage of what our region offers at annual fairs and festivals. Many of these are supported by local governments as they work to maintain and enhance the sense of place we enjoy in Southeast Michigan communities.
Detroit Riverwalk
For comedy fans, there’s the Detroit Improv Festival in Ferndale. Cultural aficionados might enjoy the Brighton Fine Art and Acoustic Music Festival or the Michigan Shakespeare Festival in Canton. The Detroit Jazz Festival will showcase 100 acts over five stages and several blocks in Downtown Detroit. The Ann Arbor Nashbash will fill the Ann Arbor Farmers Market with the music of Nashville.
Howell Melon Festival
Image: http://www.howellmelonfestival.com/#/buy-melon-ice-cream/
At its annual Melon Festival, Howell will celebrate its agricultural history with loads of fun events and fresh-made melon ice cream. That’s just one of several events celebrating Southeast Michigan’s farming heritage.
The Saint Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair at Goodells County Park will feature the largest petting farm in the state. The Wayne County Fair will offer the Miracle of Life exhibit for the first time this year. For urban agriculture enthusiasts, the 18th Annual Tour of Detroit Urban Gardens and Farms can be done by bike or by bus.
A few festivals highlighting local pride include Marine City Maritime Days, Dearborn Homecoming Festival, and Milford Memories. The Mt. Brighton Spokes and Ale Fest will give visitors the chance to watch mountain bike races while enjoying barbecue and local craft beers.
Maritime Days
Image: http://www.maritimedays.com/
While these festivals all bring positive energy to our local economy, Northville’s Buy Michigan Now Festival takes it to the next level. This event celebrates Buy Michigan Week and will feature Michigan-based businesses and Michigan-made products. Speaking of Michigan-made products, the Woodward Dream Cruise will celebrate our hometown industry along one of our most significant regional corridors.
Woodward Dream Cruise
For history buffs, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe offers monuments and a museum where you can learn about how War of 1812 battles played out in Michigan. There are also trails for walking and biking, and the Rockin’ the Raisin celebration will feature a kayaking clinic, American Indian storytelling, games, activities, a cannon demonstration, and concerts.
Who could forget the Michigan Renaissance Festival? Not only will the event run for several weekends in Holly, there will be a Kick-Off Party at Detroit’s Eastern Market with festival entertainment, artisans, and food.
If you are looking for a quieter getaway, our region’s parks are second to none. You can test your high-tech treasure hunting ability with geocaching at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks or stop by Belle Isle to see the newest improvements to our region’s newest state park.
Belle Isle Improvements
Simply put, there are too many fun times in our region to name them all. Whether you are looking for music, entertainment, culture, exercise, or just some peace and quiet, look no further than Pure Southeast Michigan.
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