Northern Michigan

Upper Michigan, or the land “above the Bridge” refers to the northern peninsula of Michigan. Other than the border with Wisconsin, the region is surrounded by the waters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Anchored in the east by the town of of Sault Ste Marie, sharing the border with its name sake sister city in Canada. Sault Ste Marie, proclaims itself the place where Michigan was born. Northwest on the peninsula sits the towns of Hancock and Houghton, on opposite sides of Lake Portage. To the south of the Peninsula, on the coast of Lake Michigan, towns like Escanaba offer travelers small-town charm amidst a wealth of outdoor recreation.

The Upper Peninsula is a winter fantasy land. Dominated by pristine forests and beautiful coastlines, and gifted with up to 200 inches of snow a year, it is paradise for active winter recreationists. Grab your skis or trailer up the snowmobiles to enjoy miles of winter trails or head up to one of the fun winter festivals.

Trenary, in the middle of the Upper Peninsula, holds the Outhouse Classic at the end February; a unique race now in its seventeenth year. The race has kids', big kids' and adult categories, so everyone can test their own outhouse building theories for a race down main street. The rules are simple; you just need to make sure a toilet seat and toilet paper are included. Surely not to be forgotten, bring the entire family for a day of fun. lighthearted competition.

Cross Country enthusiasts, put your skills to the test at the Great Bear Chase. The 30th  annual event in March features 50K and 26K freestyle events, along with a 26K classic. The course traverses gently rolling trails and finishes in Calumet. Dog sled racers and fans; don't miss the Copper Dog 150 also held in the Keweenaw peninsula area in March over a three day weekend. Experience the excitement of sled-dog racing with the start and finish in downtown Calumet.

For more traditional sportsmen, Mount Ripley Winter Resort in the Houghton and Hancock area offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. There are rentals and instructions offered on site, so no worries if you're new to the sports. This is a nice resort to learn the basics and have a good time.

Tired of Winter and itching for golf? St Ignace has just the event for you! The UP Ice Chip Golf Scramble, held in March, may be a better test of balance than putting - but either way is delightful fun. Create a sled to transport clubs and golf paraphernalia over the ice, dress warm and be ready for a good time. Men and Women have separate categories so bring the entire family and see who wins the bragging rites for the year.

The Northern Peninsula is where Michigan was born. A winter get-away to the region will rejuvenate and re-energize. Come stay at one of the area's comfortable Best Western hotel locations and you'll undoubtedly leave reborn, with a fresh perspective and memories for a lifetime.

St. Joseph Lighthouse
Benton Harbor, MI

Southern Michigan visitors are hoping for an early thaw after the heavy 2010 winter. New Buffalo, on the shores of lake Erie, and it's white sand beaches are sounding pretty good about now, Businesses in New Buffalo are already planning on the big Sidewalk Sales May 15th and 16th. No problem if you forget the bathing suit, but don't forget your wallet. The latest swimwear will be stocked along with the biggest sales of the season. Kick off summer at the Best Western Plaza Hotel in New Buffalo, along with the shopping, the indoor pool and spa are a sure bet for sporting your new swim suit. The casino is nearby to add some evening excitement.

Since 2010 is an even numbered year, western Michigan will be hosting the Gilmore 2010 Keyboard Festival, which is a biennial event. Scheduled in April and May, the festival is two weeks of amazing keyboard performances. Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and Lansing venues are scheduled with events showcasing professional and student musicians. The tenth event over 20 years, the Gilmore Keyboard Festival is a proud Michigan tradition. The Best Western Hospitality Hotel and Suites in Grand Rapids, two Best Western Hotels in Kalamazoo, the Best Western Executive in in Battle Creek and the Best Western American Heritage Inn in Portland are all convenient for travelers to the Festival. Come enjoy the talented performances, remember this will not happen again for two years.

Kindleberger Park, in Parchment, outside Kalamazoo, hosts The Stage at Kindleberger Summer Concert Series June through August. These are free concerts held on Sunday evenings for everyone to enjoy. Picnic dinners and lawn chairs are welcome, bring the family out for a nice summer evening. Parchment is a short drive north of Kalamazoo.

Battle Creek Michigan is the breakfast capital of the world, due in large part to W K Kellogg, founder of the cereal company bearing his name. Battle Creek celebrates the 150 anniversary of his birth in 2010, with a variety of events throughout the year. June brings the Cereal City Festival, held in downtown Battle Creek and Bailey Park. The day begins with the “World's Longest Breakfast Table” a city tradition, followed by a full day of exhibitions, activities and fun. The International SummerFest is early August, another fun family event featuring international theme food and events. Take the family on an international staycation!

Summer is not complete with out a trip to the beach. One of the favorites is the Saugatuck and the Venetian Festival is a great time to go. The three day festival, held the end of July and first of August opens will a kick off celebration with live entertainment and terrific food and drink. The weekend continues with an Art Fair, Kids Activities in Cooks Park, and a Dinghy Poker Run. The evening showcases the boat parade, followed by the Festival Fireworks. End the weekend with a nice brunch and a classic old boat show. The Best Western Plaza Hotel is a convenient location for the festival or any weekend at the beach, the friendly staff is ready to welcome you and your guests to a wonderful beach getaway.

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit visitors find the motor city alive and revitalized. Famous for automobile industries and Motown and their profound impact on American life. The largest city and metro area in the state there is a lot to enjoy and discover. Detroit, the City of Champions among its monikers, is winding up the Pistons Basketball regular season, and plans are in place for the 2010 Summer Basketball Youth Training Camps. The 14th season, brings 15 four day sessions to locations throughout Michigan. Under the direction of Coach Steve Moreland, get your young hoopsters signed up now for a great summer growth experience. More than just basketball, teamwork, character and leadership are some of the life-building fundamentals taught in the sessions.

It is time to Play Ball! That is baseball, the MLB Detroit Tigers open the regular season home games April 9th against the Cleveland Indians. The 2010 season marks the 110th opening day for the Tigers. Remember the Every Kid Every Sunday promotion, all kids received a foam paw and get to run the bases after the game. Get a jump on summer, take the family out to the ballpark this spring. The Red Wings sent nine players to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, representing six countries. Always a strong team, look for them as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup again this year.

West of Detroit near Westland, Hines Park will close six miles of the Park to traffic each Saturday. Walkers, runners, cyclists and anyone looking for a safe place to be active can take advantage beginning May 1 throughout the summer. May 1st the park will also host the High Flying Kite and Music Festival. Make a full day of fun with kite making, stunt kites and kids activities. Bring or make your own kite and fly it. Music and kid's activities make for a fun family day in the park.

Detroit's River Days Festival is a local favorite, held June 18-21, this fourth annual event has expanded along the riverfront and added new and exciting activities. With three miles of the riverfront completed there is plenty of room for fun. Enjoy live music, a kid's zone various water events and entertainment. The 52nd Annual Target Fireworks will end the festival on Monday, the first day of summer. A choreographed show, with over 10,000 pyrotechnic effects make this one of the works largest fireworks spectacular. A longstanding Detroit tradition, combine the River Days Festival with the Fireworks to kick off summer in a big way.

Best Western Hotels in the metro Detroit area are the perfect place for a family getaway or vacation. Locations like the Best Western Greenfield Inn or the Best Western Troy-Madison Inn are close to downtown Detroit and its attractions. With swimming pools and workout facilities, everyone can enjoy their time away. Many Best Western Hotels are pet friendly, so even the dog can come along.