Michigan – A Place I Love to Visit

Last week, I boarded a jet plane bound for one of my favorite states in the union – Michigan. I know its hard to believe, but it is true. That was trip number five and today, I am on a plane back to Michigan for trip number six.

Last week, I stayed in downtown Grand Rapids. I was in town to learn some new software, and this week I am meeting with my team of strategists from Haworth, Inc. We have spent the better part of a year researching a workgroup, and it is finally time to pull all the information together in a soon-to-be released case study.

Here are a few things that I love about Michigan:

1. Missing the snowy season – that's right – I only travel to Michigan between late Spring and early fall. I am from California, when it rains we run for cover, imagine if we got snow.
2. Simple life – most of trips land me in Holland (Michigan) and it has a great small town feel (maybe because it is a small town). The main street has a restored Mayberry feel and it is just a good place to raise a family.
3. Sunsets – you cannot go wrong with a sunset over Lake Michigan. Just a few minutes through Holland and you land at the waters edge. If you take time in the evening to stroll along its banks, you can see the sunlight dance across the water as it waves good night.
4. Dutch waffle cakes – now these are not good for any diet whatsoever, but when I come to the Grand Rapids / Holland area I always drop by the local Family Fare supermarket and head for the Dutch aisle. I pick me up some of those yummy waffle with molasses cakes and bring them home to enjoy. They are so good!

I brought my camera with me so that once the class wraps for the day, I can head out and take some pictures. Even driving around town, I found these old brick buildings – abandoned and boarded up – but full of history. I also happened upon some bridges, so the wheels are already turning!

I was also able to grab some pictures for my cemetery project. What I love about east coast cemeteries are the headstones. Most of the headstones are above ground and usually quite large, so that is was on the to-do list after the class.

Oh…Michigan…if you weren't so cold during the winter time, I might just think about moving out there.

What city or state do you like to visit?  You can leave a comment here.