Book Review - 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die

About the Book
100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die
Take a ferry ride back in time to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, the car-free destination in the Straits of Mackinac where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. Here, the streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings, and getting around is by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or bicycle. Centuries ago, it was a gathering place to the Anishinaabek, a sacred place. By the late 1800s, the picturesque island had become a popular escape for city dwellers seeking fresh air, scenic beauty, recreation, and amusements, and that appeal continues today. Explore the island from the bustling shops and eateries of Main Street to the trails and natural wonders of the state park, like spectacular Arch Rock. Take a Mackinac Island Carriage Tour for an overview of the sights. Explore historic Fort Mackinac, and sit a spell on the world’s longest porch at Grand Hotel. Sample the fudge at the many candy shops, and be sure to take home a slab or two as a memento. In 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die, experienced travel writer and photographer Kath Usitalo helps you explore this historic island. This book will assist you to make the most of a day trip and introduce you to the many reasons you could easily spend a night or several at this captivating spot.
My Take on the Book
100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die instantly transported me back to one of the most charming places in Michigan. I’ve visited the island before, but this book gave me a whole new appreciation for just how much more there is to discover. From trails I hadn’t explored to spots I walked past without realizing their significance, it’s full of fresh ideas and little-known gems. Kath Usitalo’s insights helped me imagine new ways to experience the island beyond the fudge shops and Fort Mackinac (though both are still favorites!). The mix of historical context, scenic suggestions, and unique activities makes this book more than a checklist—it’s like a friend sharing insider tips. I’m already planning to return with this book in hand, especially to try a few of the guided tours I’ve never taken. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, this book will deepen your connection to the island.


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Book Review - 100 Things to Do in Michigan Before You Die

About the Book
In a NASA photo of North America, Michigan’s handprint on the earth, surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes—Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior—is a standout. Labeled as lakes, they are really freshwater seas. You have to see them to appreciate their size, might, and incredible beauty. The only state comprised of two peninsulas, Michigan’s motto is, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,” and each is distinctly different and worthy of exploration. Visit sites related to the first people who called this state home, such as the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways, and learn about the 17th and 18th centuries at Colonial Michilimackinac. Tour the Quincy Mine and other vestiges of the copper boom in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Learn about Detroit’s musical phenomenon at the Motown Museum. Travel through American history at The Henry Ford, an indoor/outdoor complex that’s truly one of a kind. Explore the natural beauty of the national parks, including Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior and Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan. In 100 Things to Do in Michigan Before You Die, experienced travel writer and photographer Kath Usitalo shares tips about this four-season destination. Take a road trip and discover the wonders of our pleasant peninsulas.

My Take on the Book
As someone who’s lived in Michigan most of my life, I didn’t expect to find much in this book that I hadn’t already done or at least heard about—but I was pleasantly surprised. 100 Things to Do in Michigan Before You Die is like having a travel-savvy friend whispering in your ear, urging you to revisit beloved destinations and venture off to new ones you’ve somehow missed. Kath Usitalo’s love for the state is clear, and her suggestions go beyond the typical tourist stops. From historic gems tucked away in the Upper Peninsula to flavorful food finds downstate, this guide offers a blend of culture, nature, nostalgia, and discovery. I especially appreciated the seasonal balance and the clear organization by category. It’s inspired me to plan a few new road trips and finally check out places I’ve always meant to visit. A perfect gift for Michigan fans and explorers alike.

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Book Review - Michigan Month-by-Month Gardening

About the Book
The when-to and how-to schedule for growing, caring for, and maintaining your Great Lakes State garden!

Never garden alone! The Month-by-Month Gardening series is the perfect companion to take the guesswork out of gardening. With this book, you'll know what to do each month to have gardening success all year, from January to December. It's full of the when-to and how-tos of gardening along with richly illustrated step-by-step instructions, so you can garden with confidence.

Reap the benefits of the gardening successes of author Melinda Myers, who has over thirty years of horticulture experience.

With a fresh look and updated information, Michigan Month-by-Month Gardening includes all the when-to and how-to information that has made these books so popular over the years, presented in a new, easier-to-use format with more full-color photography and the most current information available. Complete with specific advice on growing flowers (both annuals and perennials), bulbs, grasses, roses, groundcovers, shrubs, trees, and vines, this book is one no garden lover will want to miss! In the winter, certain tasks are needed to plan for and improve the next growing season. And once things really start growing in the spring and summer, you'll find advice on the best way to get the most beautiful flowers, the lushest lawns, and the sturdiest trees. From planting to watering and fertilizing, and from maintenance to problem solving, Michigan Month-by-Month Gardening shows all levels of gardeners the best practices to grow satisfying and rewarding results.



My Take on the Book
If you live in the state of Michigan and enjoy gardening, you will truly enjoy reading and using this detailed book by Melinda Myers. This book is written month by month. Each month is divided into sections for the gardener with specific information about your Michigan landscape. The author included color photographs, step by step how to's, information about composting and pruning bushes and trees, diagrams for plant hardiness, charts for planting vegetables, and how to order mulch and soil. 

Since this is April, let me give you some examples of the information the author included for this month in Michigan. We need to check the bulbs that are growing and make note of their location and if any will need to be separated later or if we need to plant more. Preparing our soil for planting is necessary for the healthy plants we will put into the ground soon. You could begin to plant lettuce and other cool temperature plants. Raking the lawn to remove dead grass and remove leaves or dead plants is a job for April. 

I think the Michigan gardener will find Melinda's book a great resource and check list each month for the year.

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The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Ice Palaces has arrived in Michigan!

The holiday motion picture, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER comes to life at Twelve Oaks Mall (Novi), Fairlane Town Center (Dearborn) and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets (Auburn Hills) with the Ice Palace offering a memorable Narnia experience for all!

Shoppers can experience the enchantment of the Ice Palace and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader at Twelve Oaks Mall, Fairlane Town Center and Great Lakes Crossing Outlets now through December 24. The exhibit, inspired by the magic of winter, features a color changing, 30-foot Ice Palace, encircled with a series of majestic arches and smaller globes that appear to be carved from ice and will immerse visitors with magical vignettes from the land of Narnia. As they walk through the dome, guests are greeted with falling snow, a captivating light show and exclusive movie footage integrated into an exciting video experience. The journey continues as guests are seated on the Ice Palace throne that’s cool to the touch, and leave their handprint behind on the interactive ice arch, which features the paw prints of famed Narnian creatures. Then the tour ends with photo opportunities with Santa for purchase!

The Ice Palace was designed and produced for Taubman by Global Experience Specialists (GES). The all-audience 3D movie unfolds on the high seas and on magical islands, as Lucy and her brother Edmond, along with their cousin Eustace embark on an incredible adventure aboard the ship the Dawn Treader. The movie opens nationwide on December 10.

In addition, next Friday, 11/26, all three malls will have opportunities for shoppers to enter win passes for the movie! For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/buzzbodet

THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER - Return to the hope and wonder of C.S. Lewis’ beloved world, via the fantastic Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader. In this new installment of the blockbuster “The Chronicles of Narnia” motion picture franchise, a stirring tale of empowerment and adventure, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace, their royal friend King Caspian, and the warrior mouse Reepicheep, find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to the Dawn Treader. During their mission – on which rests the fate of Narnia itself – they overcome their greatest temptations and shortcomings, as they travel to mysterious islands and a pool that turns anything it touches into gold; to confrontations with magical creatures; and to a reunion with their friend and protector, the “Great Lion” Aslan. 


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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