The Best Ski Resorts in Michigan

Even though summer is just around the corner and the snowy season is probably the last thing on your mind, you might want to consider planning ahead to avoid the winter rush (and price hikes) that hits when everyone starts shopping for winter vacations at the same time. And although some people might not consider Michigan a hotspot for skiing, there are a handful of resorts that offer great winter getaways without forcing you to leave the state.

In fact, Michigan ranks second only after New York when it comes to ski areas. Currently, we have 49 ski areas, 50 terrain parks, 269 lifts and almost 1,000 runs. Michigan also houses the only hill for ski flying in the country!  Sky flying is more like ski jumping on a larger platform. What really sets Michigan apart from other states’ winter vacation offerings is the accessibility and cost available here.  Even better is that no matter where you might be in Michigan, you’re probably not more than two hours away from an excellent skiing experience.

That all being said, the following are some of the best ski resorts in Michigan.

 

Ski Brule

Ski Brule is usually the first ski resort to open in Michigan – they open their slopes as early as October and their ski season lasts for about six months. It is also the top choice in the Midwest as one of the best ski resorts. The location is the key to its popularity; it’s near the border of Wisconsin and there is a enormous and reliable snowfall in the area. In about 24 hours of snowing, the slopes in Brule can generate enough snow for you to head out on your skis. The resort has three terrain parks and the ever famous tubing park. They also offer fat bike trails, cross country, sleigh rides and acrobag. Kids of all ages will have a great time here and the resort also stays open for night skiers.

 

Big Snow Resort

As defined by its name, Big Snow Resort has a massive snowfall to fill its slopes. The ski resort receives no less than 17 feet of snow on an average each year. It’s more than enough to cover the two mountains in the area, the Blackjack, and the Indianhead. Skiers of all levels can choose different terrain parks from beginners to intermediate even those who consider themselves as experts. For beginners and intermediate, Blackjack can offer a lot of them which also open for night skiing. This side of the mountain offer tubing and yeti snow where you can climb and slide until the snow melts.  On the other hand, the Indianhead caters for the expert skiers which feature 270 acres of snow filled slopes.  Another great thing about the Big Snow is that they offer different events aside from skiing. They host various artists to perform live music every weekend.

 

Crystal Mountain

Placed as one of the best family ski resorts in Canada and in the US, Crystal Mountain can contend to other well-known ski resorts. Crystal Mountain has 58 trails, which 27 of those are designated for night skiing that is well lit. They also have other four terrain areas and four glade areas.  This ski resort offers luxurious facilities and amenities. They offer top notched cottages and the base of the mountain, campfires, family play area for the kids and an indoor pool. If you want a break from the skiing, they also offer activities such as snowcat biking, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Or you can just relax in their 18,500 square foot certified spa that is illuminated with LEED.

 

Shanty Creek Resorts

Families with smaller children opt to stay at Shanty Creek Resorts.  Beginners and level two skiers can easily navigate its slopes since 60% of the runs are made just for them. However, they still have advanced terrain for intermediate and expert skiers. The resort offers five terrain parks, which activities such as tubing and fat tire biking. Shanty Creek Resorts also has a reputation as one of the best ski resort in the Midwest.

 

Mount Bohemia

Located in the northern part of Michigan, Mount Bohemia has the longest vertical in the Midwest measuring up to 900 feet.  On an average year, Mount Bohemia receives more than 273 inches of snow because of the immense lake effect snow. It’s a top destination for expert skiers who do not mind rough trails and backcountry scenery. Chutes and a cliff drop mark some of the forested trails. The ski resort hostel contains 24 coed different rooms, an outdoor hot tub, and a sauna. All of the rooms are within the sloped sides so visitors can still get a glimpse of the beautiful mountain peak.

 

Pine Mountain

Another great ski resort tucked away in the northern part of Michigan, Pine Mountain has the reputation to house the best ski jump in the world. The United States still holds the record for the highest ski jump measuring up to 459 feet happened in the very slope of this mountain. More than 20,000 people gathered to see the spectacular event during the Jump Weekend event. The event which Kiwanis Ski Club host happens every February invites all top jumpers, where they set world records within the past years.  Pine Mountain boasts of 27 trails, a terrain park and slopes designated for night skiing.

 

Nub’s Nob

Beginner skiers flock the Nub’s Nob to practice their skills on one of its easy trails. The ski resorts labeled 30% of their trails as easiest while designating the other 50% for the intermediate skiers. This means Nub’s Nob only has designated a small area for the expert. However, they do have a 427-foot vertical drop which the intermediate skiers can tackle on their own. Another great thing about the resort is that they offer a free beginner area complete with a chairlift. This weighs in your ability whether you want more of the amazing adventure before going to its slopes.

 

Boyne Resorts

Last but definitely not the least, the Boyne Resorts, hailed as the most famous ski resort in Michigan. The ski resorts houses two mountains, the Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountains. Both are considered the largest ski resorts in the southern part of Michigan. Each mountain contains 400 acres of land with no less than 115 trails. It includes various mile-long runs similar to its counterparts in the West. Boyne Resorts also includes the country’s first ever high-speed six-place chairlift along with the first four-place chairlift in Michigan. For skiers who like speeds, the downhill 70-kilometers cross-country serves a perfect place to master those skills. The resorts even placed a free beginner and snowboard areas, so first timers will not get left behind.  The SnowSports Academy is also located within the resort that earns great compliments from visitors.

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/best-ski-resorts-michigan/

source http://livnfreshmichigan.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-best-ski-resorts-in-michigan.html

7 Activities for Kids Within a Quick Drive from Adrian, MI

Adrian is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Lenawee County. The population was 21,133 at the 2010 census. Adrian lies in Michigan’s 7th congressional district.

The Centre

Location: 1800 W US Highway 223, Adrian, MI
Great for: Kids and Young at hearts

This is a one-stop place if you have kids of different ages. They have water activities and outdoor attractions from toddlers to teenagers. They have this “Corner Park” kids will love, the outdoor splash pad, where they play on the bouncy mats and have a go in their zip lines. You don’t even have to worry about their safety, as all of their facilities are well maintained and clean. The adults can relax beside the outdoor pool on cozy lounge chairs. You don’t have to worry about bringing in foods because they have a concession bar that are reasonably priced. Despite their size, they offer great snacks and meals for kids and adults alike.

3&UP Game Lounge

Location: 630 S Main St Plymouth, MI
Great for: Kids Activities, Recreation Center, Events and to Sharpen those ‘witty’ minds

3&Up Game Lounge is a break from the ordinary, the concept and ingenuity at its finest. They take those old school ideas which everyone loves, put it in a same where every can go and try thousands (seriously thousands) of board games. It’s great not just for kids but for you to have some good times with your teenagers. The game lounge closes late at night for groups who wants to settle a score on particular board games. Their staff are all accommodating and know almost all of the board games available. They can recommend several if you can’t pick what you like. It’s like going to a museum of games, it’s awesome. There are several games that I used to play and forgotten about until I saw it from one of the shelves. Even if you can buy snacks from the lounge, you can also bring your food. How much more convenient can that be?

Jump Station

Location: 31514 Grand River Ave Farmington, MI
Great for: Kids Activities and Playground for toddlers

This one is great to let your kids put off some of their adrenaline rushes. It’s a harness jumping style where they can also hone in on their motor skills. What makes this place unique is that the owners are super friendly to the kids and what’s nice is that they also have packages for the kids to get free jumps. It’s a game ride where you can see how high your kids can go on a trampoline. You can see some of the kid’s faces lit up with a smile or a smirk whenever they do flips or a somersault.

Dudez & Dolls

Location: 433 W Dussel Dr. Maumee, OH
Great for: Kids Activities, Events (Planning and Services) and spa services (for those little ones who wants to be pampered just like Mom)

I am not actually a fan of spa services, but this one stands out. They cater for those girls who want to be pampered at a salon but just too young and too soon to go to a salon. Drop by this place to see how it works. I actually had fun looking at the adults rather than the kids. Sure those 7-year-old girls seem like they are having the best of times. Who doesn’t like to be pampered and get dressed up? The salon staff are great to their guests. They treat all the girls super nice like in a real salon.

Kidopolis

Location: 509 State Cir Ann Arbor, MI
Great for: Kids activities and Kids Parties (They are experts in Planning Events too!)

This place is made for birthdays and other big events. There are not many options in Ann Arbor for places like this. They can meet everything you need particularly for birthdays. You can choose from several rooms and a different room if your event calls for it. Another great thing about this place is they have several areas for toddlers to play with. For big events such as a 1st birthday or 7th birthday, you don’t have to  worry about the little things because they handle the rest. When you book, they close the whole place just for you. Everything is included as well from the napkins and other party preferences.

MJR Adrian Digital

Location: 3125 Birch Run, Adrian, MI
Great for: Subtle (more like subdued) Kids Activities and family bonding

There is nothing like the old days when going out on a movie spells fun. Don’t get me wrong, it still is but with tech around, it loses some of its valor. I can appreciate having a big movie house like MJR in Adrian. It’s clean and well-kept all these years. You don’t need to drive all the way to Ann Arbor to see a movie. You might want to come during the afternoon where they usually have a kid pack promo. Kids can have drinks and gummy bears along with the usual popcorn. In good old days, they had free popcorn and a dollar movie for the kids. Now, that’s a bargain.

Many fun and exciting activities to do in or around Adrian, Michigan with your loved ones. Make it a family day every day by purchasing multiple matching sets of Michigan fashions for the whole family!!!

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/7-activities-kids-within-quick-drive-adrian-mi/

source http://livnfreshmichigan.blogspot.com/2017/06/7-activities-for-kids-within-quick.html

Things To Do In Ada Township

Planning a trip to Ada? Here is a list of things to do for everyone who is planning a trip to Ada Michigan.

Ada Township Covered Bridge

Great For: Taking Pictures a landmark

When in Ada, you have to visit Ada Township Covered Bridge. This goes a long way back in history and serves as a landmark in town. There are only a handful of bridges like this scattered across the country, and whenever you encountered some, it’s always worth a visit. The covered bridge has been rebuilt several times to preserve its presence in town. Also, it becomes a tourist attraction and it’s great for selfies!. The Ada Township Covered Bridge has a natural beauty and unique appeal that attracts people. Locals will tell you to grab some ice cream just a few blocks away from the bridge and just have a nice stroll down the bridge.  If you have a fantastic knack for photography the bridge serves as a great subject. The Thornapple River that flows below the bridge has great picnic spots.  Families with smaller kids usually go around the bridge for a leisurely afternoon walk.

 

Seidman Park

Great for: Advance runners and hikers who want to train (Ironman or 21k all terrain race)

This is a great training ground for runners who want to train their legs on an all-terrain territory. The park has it all, elevation challenges, muddy areas, river bends, and rocky terrain. This course will surely fire up those muscles before the big race. The park is well marked and you may want to start in a paved section before hitting the ground, that will give your legs a good warm up.  Careful though, as many would hike along with you, bringing their dogs along with them.

But don’t worry they are required to put them on a leash. If you are not up to the challenge of running, a quick hike wouldn’t hurt. The park is lined with trees perfect for those hot summer day walks. Try to bring your pets along, as they can also use the fresh air. Don’t forget to bring bug spray as mosquitos can get a bit nosey in the marsh section.

 

Cascade Peace Park

Great for: Beginners to intermediate runners and bikers in training

For those who just want a leisurely stroll in the woods or a beginner runner then you can try to a round or two in Cascade Peace Park. You will not get lost since they have good maps along the trail. You can park on Grand River and start your course there, or just walk a few minutes to relish the wooded areas. There are also several benches strategically placed for you to sit on whenever you feel tired or just be alone with nature.

 

Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery & Supply

Great for: Awesome local brewed beers

I always appreciate the uniqueness of a local brewed wine or beer. So whenever I visit places new areas I typically go for places like this. It is where you can literally distinguish their particular taste of brewery. A trip to a local tavern is always worth a visit. One downside though, they don’t serve food but you can order from other restos and have it delivered in the bar. They have board games to choose from and you can even play it for free while you enjoy a glass or two. But what really sets this apart, is they frequently rotate the taps and you can get a different kind of beer every time you visit here. The staff is very friendly and well informed about their brews so you know you are served with only the best.

Ada, MI is a great place to visit. If you want to take your love of the mitten state with you in your travels this summer, then consider rocking of our Michigan apparel!

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/ada-township-things-to-do/

source http://livnfreshmichigan.blogspot.com/2017/06/things-to-do-in-ada-township.html

The Sights and Sounds of Traverse City

There are a thousand ways to spend time while in Michigan. To make the most out of your precious time in Traverse City, here are the famous tourist spots in the area.

1.    Grand Traverse Bay

Grand Traverse Bay (West Bay And East Bay) stretches 32 miles long, 10 miles wide and 620 feet deep. Be sure to check out these other little inlets as well-

• Northport Bay
• Suttons Bay
• Omena Bay
• Bowers Harbor
• Old Mission Bay

 Aside from cruising along the bay’s beautiful beaches, Grand Traverse Bay is also known as a boating and fishing destinations.

 

2.    Sleeping Bear Dunes

 

Sleeping Bear Dunes boasts 64-miles of beaches, islands, coves and dunes. A number of dunes peaked as high as 400 feet tall. You can enjoy the view from overlooking spots in the famous Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. But if you want to get a closer look, it is always best to walk on its beaches or hike on its several trails.

 

 

3.    The Grand Traverse Commons

 

A formal mental facility, the Grand Traverse Commons a distinct architectural landmark in TC. The castle-like buildings are now a great place to shop. You can walk in its antique sidewalks now filled with galleries, offices, and restaurants. What most people do not know is the sub layers beneath the shops. Also the amazing hiking in the hills that lie just above the commons. This is the perfect place to run, bike or just walk leisurely while enjoying the 480-acre forested campus.

 

4.    Chateau Grand Traverse  

 To thrill your taste buds, Traverse City boasts amazing wineries scattered around the area. But the Chateau Grand Traverse stands out from the rest. Located on Old Mission Peninsula, the winery is famous for their first large-scale planting of Vitis vinifera in Michigan. Edward O’Keefe Jr. founded the Chateau Grand Traverse.

 You can have a taste of their 1987 vintage Johannisberg Riesling ice wine that was served in George H.W. Bush inauguration.

 

6.    Slabtown

 No YouTube Video Exists!! Go there and upload one!

Slabtown is known for the preserved exterior homes from the Bohemian immigrants that came during the 19th century.  They came to Traverse City to work in the waterfront sawmills. The Bohemians people built their houses with scraps from the slabs of lumber millers, thus the name “Slabtown.” Let’s not forget the great burger place known as “Slabtown”. This place has amazing burgers!

 

7.    Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

 If you want more than the average tourist experience, you might want to visit the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum.  It is the oldest lighthouse built on the Great Lakes. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum was built over 150 years ago and still in service until today. You can also visit other lighthouses within the area, these include:

 

• Mission Point Light
• Little Traverse Light
• South Fox Island Light

 

8.    Beaches, and lots of it!

 The best part of Traverse City is the beaches. You cannot simply leave the city without a trip to Clinch Park, West End, Traverse City State Park, Bryant Park, Power Island and North Bar Lake. You can also check my other article for the best beach in Traverse City.

Check out our online store for the best Michigan gear. And if you are in Traverse City, make sure you visit our TC store!!

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/sights-sounds-traverse-city/

source http://livnfreshmichigan.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-sights-and-sounds-of-traverse-city.html

6 Amazing Places to Visit Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw, home of my old nemesis Saginaw Valley, GO GVSU!!! ARE YOU A LAKER??? Sorry Saginaw residents I just had to drop this…

• Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square

Kids love animals, and while in Saginaw why not visit the best little zoo in town? The Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square sits on 10-acres of land designed with different amazing gardens and animal exhibits. They even own the only hand-carved carousel in Michigan. Your kids will surely appreciate nature in their educational tour, an Underwater Viewing Cave and a playground. The best part in this destination is that it won’t dent your budget.

• Japanese Cultural Center

Have a taste of a different culture within an arm’s reach. The Japanese Cultural Center is a great place to learn new things from origami, bonsai plant to the fine art of calligraphy. For a great experience, try to go for one of their tea ceremonies. I’ll guarantee you its more than tea, it’s a real masterpiece handcrafted by artisans. Their grounds are sure worthy of social media selfies, you may even try to buffer up those photography skills while enjoying the very relaxing ambience.

 

• The Hoyt Library

I am a book lover myself, so a trip in a local library is a must for me. The Hoyt Library has the most extensive genealogy in the region.  The librarians are always helpful if you need to look for a specific book or topic. It’s perfect for some quiet time, crouch beside their common area near the restored fireplace. The interior of the library is made with polished marble and beautiful wood works. It all adds up to the vibe of an old country house which can literally takes you back in time. Of course you can get into the hauntings like the video above shows.

 

• Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

If you are into hiking, worry not, Saginaw has its own Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Wait… Saginaw has a wild life area? Yep, its true! This is far different from other hiking trails as this park lets nature take its own course. It a true wildlife area. As you walk through its trail you will be engulfed by Mother Nature herself. As you walk all you can hear and see is nature, pure nature; crickets, birds, peaceful sights and ground creatures unexpectedly show up. Sometimes you may run into bear tracks or bunny trails, it’s a true refuge for the wildlife.

• Castle Museum

The Castle Museum has a style of a French Chateau and was initially built as a post office in 1897. Families and couples will definitely enjoy trip to the Castle Museum as they explore the old Saginaw. Sports fans will enjoy looking at old memorabilia in the museum sports hall of fame. Everyone else will find the lumbering and automotive historical display educational.

•  Pride and Country Village

Sorry No Videos on YouTube… Please go create one!!!

The best time to go in this place is during the Christmas holidays. They offer great bargains for Christmas décor. And if you get hungry because of all that shopping then head on to the main barn to grab some of their delish food.

Check out our line up of Michigan apparel. Livnfresh has Fresh Coast, Original Michigan D, and hang loose apparel that you are looking for!

 

 

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/6-amazing-places-to-visit-saginaw-michigan/

source http://livnfreshmichigan.blogspot.com/2017/05/6-amazing-places-to-visit-saginaw.html

Everything You Wanted To Know About Lake Michigan When You Were Doing Research For School Papers

Lake Michigan belongs to the five Great Lakes. The third largest lake of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the only lake whose borders are contained within the United States. That pretty much makes Lake Michigan “America’s Great Lake”. The other four Great Lakes crossed boundaries between the US and Canada. The Great Lakes are often referred to as the “Third Coast” after the Pacific and the Atlantic. Livnfresh calls it the “Fresh Coast“. A great number of AMAZINGLY beautiful beaches run along Lake Michigan.

Who discovered Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan started its formation when two tectonic plates moved apart forming the Mid-Continent Rift. Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer sent his subordinate Jean Nicolett to search for the “Northwest Passage”. But Nicolette discovered Lake Michigan in 1634. He explored the southern part of the lake, Chicago’s present-day location.

Where is Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan flows across Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The straits of Mackinac connect Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the northern part.

How deep is Lake Michigan?

The average depth of Lake Michigan stands at approximately 279 feet. The lake has a depth of 922 feet at its deepest point.

How big is Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is the third largest Great Lake in North America and fifth-largest in the world. Its water surface covers 22,300 square miles.

How wide is Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is 118 miles wide, 307 miles long and covers 22,300 square miles.

 

How many gallons of water in Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is the second largest Great Lake when it comes to the volume of water. It has about 1,108 cubic miles of water or 6 quadrillion gallons of water. The lake also provides drinking water of over one billions gallons a day. Lake Michigan’s water can fill 24 trillion bathtubs or about 3,000 bathtubs every day worldwide.

What kind of fish are in Lake Michigan?

Fish thrive in the waters of Lake Michigan which has an estimated 15 million fish.  The lake serves as home to brown trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, multiple sunfish species, steelhead species, and yellow trout. Love to Fish? Check out this “Michigan Fishing T Shirt“!

Best time to catch fish in Lake Michigan

Each species of fish has certain seasons when you have the best chances to catch the best and the biggest fish in Lake Michigan. The best period to catch coho salmon falls in mid-February to May and from September to October. The coho salmon that dwells in the lake are about 2 to 3 pounds.

For Chinook salmon, the best time to catch this fish in in the months of May and mid-July until September. They are about 7 to 12 pounds in size.

The best time to reel in the steelhead fish from a pier or boat hits the highest in mid-June until August. When fishing from a stream, it peaks around July through February. The fish average size weighs in at 7 to 10 pounds.

Lastly, the lake trout population’s highest number of catch falls in mid-June until August and from the middle of October until the start of November. Lake trout weighs in around 8 to 12 pounds and best fished by boat.

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/everything-wanted-know-lake-michigan-research-school-papers/

source http://livnfreshmichigan.blogspot.com/2017/04/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about.html

The Top Places To Ski In Northern Michigan|Family Friendly To Steeps [Local Friday Feature]

source http://livnfreshmichigan.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-top-places-to-ski-in-northern.html