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Life Made In Layers

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July 11, 2024

The Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer Travel City Guide From A Locals Perspective

The Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer City Guide

Discover the Beauty and Charm of Northern Michigan with The Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer City Guide

As I write this, I am looking out of our family lake house, to the above view! Northern Michigan holds a special place in my heart, and I believe everyone should experience its magic at least once in their lifetime. Its natural beauty, freshwater lakes, and charming small towns create a unique and unforgettable experience. Every time I come up here, I can never take enough photos, the beauty never gets old! Because I cherish and enjoy Northern Michigan so much, I am incredibly happy to share it with others, so they too can fall in love with this remarkable place. So, it only made sense to create The Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer City Guide for your next trip you plan this way!

A Family Legacy in Glen Arbor

My family has deep ties to Glen Arbor, Michigan, going back to before my grandfather was born. Glen Arbor is not just beautiful; it’s a place filled with so many memories from the years I have been going up here. One of my fondest memories is of my late grandfather, Howie. He was a quiet, kind, and observant man. He loved his family dearly and always made our safety a priority. Whether we were playing at the beach, out on the boat, or riding the jet ski, his familiar calls to “BE CAREFUL, SLOW DOWN, DON’T FLIP THAT OVER” were a constant reminder of his love and care. He would often dash from his office on the second floor to the beach, into the water, fully dressed, to make sure we didn’t crash the boat or jetski while docking them, or get hurt along the way!

Left to Right: Uncle Greg, my Grandpa Howie, and Uncle Bill

The Allure of Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is a summer paradise, boasting stunning natural landscapes, a rich history, and a vibrant array of activities. Over the past 30 years, tourism has flourished, bringing new attractions, restaurants, and adventures. From the pristine beaches of Lake Michigan to the quaint, charming towns like Glen Arbor, this region offers something for everyone.

Why Northern Michigan is a Must-Visit Destination in the Summer

  • Its Natural Beauty: Home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the country. You won’t want to miss it!
  • Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking/canoeing, golf, and swimming in some of the most scenic spots.
  • Cultural Experiences: Explore local art galleries, museums, and historical sites.
  • Food and Drink: Savor local cuisine, pick up fresh produce at the many farmer’s markets, sip on craft beers, and wines at charming restaurants and wineries.
  • Family-Friendly: With a wide range of activities and events, Northern Michigan is perfect for family vacations.

Get Your Free Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer City Guide

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Northern Michigan always has something new to offer. Sign up to receive my free Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer Travel City Guide, packed with insider tips, must-visit spots, and local recommendations. Discover the best activities, hidden gems, and local favorites from someone with deep ties to Glen Arbor.

Please comment below, or reach out to me on Instagram with any questions, what you enjoyed, or to share any of YOUR recommendations, I would love to hear from you!

Happy Traveling!

Posted In: LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL · Tagged: City Guide, Northern Michigan, Travel, Travel guide

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athomewithlauren312

It’s mornings like this, up with the sun, where th It’s mornings like this, up with the sun, where the air is a perfect 70 degrees, and the smell of fresh-cut grass fills the air. The sun is peeking through beautiful cloud formations, lawnmowers humming in the distance, birds chirping, and the world slowly comes to life around me, filling me with so much gratitude! 🙏🏻 

What simple morning moments fill you with gratitude? Comment below 👇🏻 
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#gratefulheart #dailyinspiration #summermorning #morningroutine #gratitude
Discover the Beauty and Charm of Northern Michigan Discover the Beauty and Charm of Northern Michigan with The Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer Travel City Guide. Get local tips on must-visit spots, activities, and favorites from someone with deep ties to Glen Arbor. 🌅

Free download available to help you plan your next trip! 🚤 Link in bio 

#glenarbor #leelanau #leelanaucounty #m22wine #michigan #puremichigan #travelusa #northernmichigan #traversecitymichigan #travelguide #cityguide
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I live in the suburbs outside of Chicago with houses all around. I have a raised double barrel compost tumbler that is insulated for the colder temperatures, and animal proof.
If you are new to composting, picking up from last year, looking to revisit what you do & don’t put into your compost, this is for you!

Here are my do’s & don’ts I follow for my compost:

**What Goes In?**
1. **Fruit and Vegetable Scraps**: Peels, cores, rinds – you name it! These nutrient-rich scraps are compost gold.
2. **Coffee Grounds and Filters**: Give your morning brew a second life by adding these to your compost mix.
3. **Eggshells**: Calcium-packed shells break down beautifully, adding nutrients to your compost.
4. **Tea Bags (without staples)**: After steeping, toss those tea bags into the compost for a natural boost.
5. **Grains and Pasta**: Leftover cooked grains or pasta can go into your compost – just skip the sauces, oils, and butter!
6. **Paper Towels and Napkins**: If they’re not too greasy, these can be composted, reducing paper waste.
7. **Non-Coated Paper Products**: Think cardboard egg cartons, toilet paper rolls – anything without glossy coatings.
8. **Yard Waste**: Trimmed grass, leaves, and small branches make excellent additions.

**What Stays Out?**
1. **Meat and Dairy**: These items can attract pests and create odors, so it’s best to keep them out of your kitchen compost.
2. **Oils and Fats**: Grease and oils can disrupt the composting process, so save these for proper disposal. 
3. **Diseased Plants**: Avoid adding plants that are diseased or infested to prevent spreading issues to your compost. 💀 
4. **Pet Waste**: While it might seem organic, pet waste can contain harmful pathogens, so it’s a no-go for composting.
5. **Coal or Charcoal Ash**: These substances can contain toxins that harm your compost and soil. 💨 
6. **Plastics and Synthetics**: Never add plastic bags, wrappers, or synthetic materials to your compost – keep it natural! 

Head over to the link in my bio for more information about composting! ♻️ Plus an added trick I use to give my compost a boost! #compost #gardening #adulthood101 #composting
Hosting guests can be a fun and rewarding experien Hosting guests can be a fun and rewarding experience, whether you’re throwing a dinner party, hosting a BBQ, or celebrating a special occasion. The key to successful hosting lies in thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This most recent time I hosted, I decided the day of-last minute, so I didn’t have much time to prepare, but it all worked out just fine! Here are some tips and tricks that I know will help you for the next time you play host:

Plan Ahead: A last-minute decision to have people over, doesn’t work for everyone. This time it worked well for me, because there was only going to be 5 of us, and we were grilling, so it was naturally more casual. BUT, if you are planning something with more people, and maybe more formal- Start by planning well in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly. Create a guest list, decide on a theme or menu, and make a timeline (THIS ONE IS KEY TO LESS OR NO STRESS DAY OF) for preparations. ⏰ 

‼️ head over to the link in my profile for the rest of the tips, tricks, and hosting hacks to help you kick a⭐️⭐️ the next time you host! 
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Today I was updating my written calendar (I live b Today I was updating my written calendar (I live by this thing!) today, and planning some summer trips. I have a few planned that I am looking forward to, including heading up to our family lake house in a couple of weeks to open it up for the season! 

Opening up the lake house become a fun tradition I look forward to each spring. Usually over Memorial Day weekend, two of my aunts their husbands, and I head up for a long weekend to get the houses opened up for the season! 🚤

Some of the tasks included:

-cleaning out and laying compost in the flower beds
-buying the flowers & plants for the window boxes and planters
-Power washing the decks, porches, and walkways
-Rake, a d blow the beach 
-Paint touch-ups on the outside porches
-Minor repairs to the windows, handrails, and screen doors
-Pulling out and setting up the outdoor furniture
-Of course, frequent the local eateries as many times as possible in the short trip & we always keep track of how many trips to the hardware store we will make as a group! Not kidding when I say it’s probably min 3x a day… 🤷‍♀️

This has become a fun tradition for the 5 of us. We all know what needs to be done, over the years we have naturally fallen into each of our responsibilities, and we all just get to work as soon as we arrive. It’s an honor to be able to spend time with some of my family and as a group work to get the houses open and ready for the season for the rest of the family. It’s such a special place that we all have been coming to since we were born, even my grandparents!! 
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#lakehouse #lakehouserepairs #m22 #glenlake #northernmichigan #housemaintenance #lakehouseprepforsummer #glenarbor #glenlakemichigan #familytraditions #flowersboxes #sobriety

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