#hiddenmichigan

Earlier this week, I shared a Cooper Shortcut memory of discovering Michigan’s covered bridges. As Grandma Cooper would often say—always leaning in just a bit, her eyes dancing—“Things were a lot different when I was a young lady.” She insisted it wasn’t proper to kiss in public, then followed that declaration by hinting at her favorite “kissing bridge,” a tease that always ended in a deep,…

Yes, Christmas, Michigan Is a Real Place Tucked deep in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, just west of Munising and minutes from Lake Superior, sits a tiny town with a name that stops travelers mid-scroll: Christmas, Michigan. It sounds like a novelty. A roadside joke. Maybe even something made up for postcards and bumper stickers. But Christmas, Michigan is very real—and for the right traveler, it’s…

When most people think of Michigan in the fall, their minds go straight to fiery red maples, apple orchards, and crisp days along the Great Lakes shoreline. But here’s the thing—beyond the popular pumpkin patches and Oktoberfests lies an entire calendar of events you may not even know exist. From quirky hometown celebrations to deeply rooted cultural traditions, Michigan’s fall lineup is far more…

When you think of Michigan, chances are Detroit comes to mind as the state’s largest and most bustling city. But have you ever wondered about the other end of the spectrum? What is the smallest city, village, or town in Michigan? Where is it tucked away, and more importantly—is it worth visiting? Surprisingly, the answer holds as much intrigue as the state’s largest metropolis, offering travelers…