Pure Michigan, Part One

This blog hasn't really been updated at all this summer because my job was insanely busy. Before the summer even began, I requested 10 days off at the end of August to unwind away from the place where I now both live and work. 

And what better vacation destination than Michigan? 

Reasons to go on vacation in Michigan, after living within a 90-mile radius of NYC for the past seven years:

1. People are friendly, both in person and on the road. Few (if any) New Jersey drivers.

2. Prices that others complain of as overpriced are actually similar to those where we live now.

3. Numerous state parks, national forests, national parks, etc. If you're a resident, you can buy a state park recreation pass for $11 per year, and then you can go to any state park any time! That alone makes me want to move there.
4. Less people in North Face or Marmot, and more people wearing flannel shirts and jeans. 

5. Michigan has microbreweries everywhere.
6. Most of the places we went to were dog friendly. Originally I had planned on bringing Bella with, but then decided to take Allison instead.

Allison and I spent some time there in 2008, on our way to her friend Dave's wedding. We spent one night at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and ever since then, it was my goal to go back.

The first few days I traveled around the Kalamazoo area

Tinky Winky and a Big Steer in Almont, MI

Kalamazoo Institute of Art

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Celery Flats Historical Area in Portage

Exploring this region of Michigan, I felt a bit like I was wasting my time and money. Desperate for something interesting to do, I decided to drive out to Hickory Corners and visit the Gilmore Car Museum, even though I don't particularly care about cars. It was a pleasant surprise! Numerous buildings were packed with all kinds of historical cars and memorabilia. I spent several hours there just walking around the grounds, but someone who actually knows about cars could easily spend an entire day at this place. 

Shiny.

Also shiny... And blue!

This place had over 300 cars, most in immaculate condition.

Bwck ;-)

'50s diner  that also functions as an actual diner.

Actual Shell station (not functional but filled with Shell memorabilia)

The rustiest thing I could find - a 1914 Harley Davidson

This was definitely the highlight of my first few days in Michigan.  The only other interesting thing that happened was seeing a black squirrel in Battle Creek.

Oh hai!

Next up: Travelling to the Upper Peninsula