Going Up North, it's what we do.
Editor’s Note: John Hiner, vice president of content for MLive Media Group, is on vacation. Tanda Gmiter, who directs our statewide travel coverage, is stepping in to share details about Up North stories on tap for our readers this summer. A few days before the ferries became packed with people heading to Mackinac Island for Memorial Day weekend, our MLive video team was already there. They started working before sunrise, flying drones to get views of iconic landmarks like Arch Rock, Sugarloaf and Fort Mackinac. They pedaled through the streets, their bikes hauling Burleys crammed with video gear, tripods and cameras. Through their lenses, MLive readers will get to go behind the scenes to learn fudge-making secrets at one of the island’s most popular shops. There will be inside peeks at some of Mackinac’s newest restaurants. Videos of its most colorful drink concoctions. And if you love the island’s horses, we’ll have a story and video on one special steed that will give you all the feels. The video team’s recent work is just one example of the big buffet of Michigan travel and adventure stories we have lined up for you this season. While we love to give you quick getaway and big vacation ideas all year long, summer is when the travel floodgates really open on both of our wonderful peninsulas. And it’s no secret that Northern Michigan holds a special place for many of us. When we’re not there, we wish we were. |
If that sounds like you, then you’ll love our new newsletter. It’s called “Before you drive Up North.” It can be emailed to you every Thursday, and it’s got just what you need to know before you hop on I-75 or U.S. 131 and head toward your happy place. You’ll find a boat and beach forecast and a special Up North weekend weather outlook. It will also feature a hand-picked story on new adventures to try, insider tips on places to visit, or restaurants to scope out while you’re on the road. It's an extension of our Lovable Michigan newsletter, which is full of statewide travel stories. If you already receive Lovable Michigan, you probably have seen the Before you drive Up North newsletter land in your inbox. If not, click the link below to sign up and join the Up North fan club. Let us know what you think of the new newsletter. You can share your thoughts at editor@mlive.com Who inspired this new collection of Northern Michigan stories? That hat-tip goes to you, our readers. Whenever we write about Up North vacation spots, cool trails, lake life or waterfront restaurants, our readers really connect with those stories. They share them. They send thank-you emails – and offer more suggestions. We love this because our job is to make exploring Michigan easier for you. We believe vacation planning should be fun. Compiling a list of things to do and places to visit is the kind of trip anticipation we all need. Here’s a first look at some of the Up North travel ideas we’ll have for you this summer: Where you can pair outdoor live music and a hilltop restaurant with the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge (We’re looking at you, SkyBridge Michigan). Rock hunting tips at some of our favorite beaches Day-trip boat cruises you’ll love Summer stargazing guides for dark skies Up North Check your calendar and find more days to squeeze in some Michigan vacation goodness. There’s always a new stretch of beach to stroll, a trail to hike or a winery to savor. And if you’re driving off without a plan, don’t worry. Sign up here and then just check your inbox “Before you drive Up North” and get ready to build your own adventure. We’ve got you covered. Before you Drive Up North is free to sign up for here: Sign up. ###
John Hiner is the vice president of content for MLive Media Group. If you have questions you’d like him to answer, or topics to explore, share your thoughts at editor@mlive.com. |
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Editor's note: I value your feedback to my columns, story tips and your suggestions on how to improve our coverage. Let me know how MLive helps you, and how we can do better. Please feel free to reach out by emailing me at editor@mlive.com. |
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John Hiner Vice President of Content Mlive Media Group |
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| 169 Monroe Ave NW #100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
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