Ready for the best bike ride ever!? Do you like wine, or awesome scenery, or indulging in a perfect day? Well, this is it, and then some. Grand Traverse Bike Tours offers fabulous self-guided, or private-guided tours around the paved Leelanau Wine Trail, which includes personalized route planning, numerous winery stops, Aventon e-bikes, and a yummy picnic lunch overlooking the vineyards. They also provide a wine pickup service for any of your purchases, and a support vehicle is on hand for anything you might need. Or, if E-bikes aren’t your thing, consider renting another type of bike from their huge selection, and begin an adventure that can take you on your own truly unique wine country experience in beautiful Northern Michigan.
Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids, June 7,8,9
If you're a Grand Rapidian then surely you’ve heard of the Festival of the Arts. And if you're not, well, then it’s time to find out, because this dynamic celebration has been around for over 50 years! Spanning over three days and featuring hundreds of volunteers, thousands of families, and top local performers and artists. Enjoy amazing ethnic food, BBQ, and sweet treats while watching live entertainment on four main stages. Explore the regional art exhibition, youth art show, and unique creations in the Artisan Village. This festival is a feast for the senses and a delight for people-watching.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, June 6 thru June 16
Who doesn’t love lilacs? Every shade of purple and white and fragrance to die for. This year’s Lilac Festival theme is pretty perfect - PETALS AND PEDALS. Plan your trip now for anytime between June 6th to June 16th to enjoy the colorful and fragrant lilacs that adorn every picturesque nook, cranny and corner of the island. And when you’re not sniffing lilacs, snapping pictures, or exploring by bicycle, you can participate in the 10K Walk/Run or the Michigan cornhole tournament. Then enjoy the live music, view the Grand Parade, or even attend a lilac planting seminar. Visit WMTA.org to find lots of suggestions for great lodging on the island, or in Mackinaw City and then book your ticket at the Mackinac Island Ferry or Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry. And who could forget the most famous island sweet of all? The Original Mudick’s Fudge Company or Joann’s Fudge will send you home with all your favorite combinations. I wonder if there is a purple lilac flavor?
Bronco The Mac - June 7, 8:00 a.m. to June 9, 9:00 p.m.
Ok, so you're already up north for the Lilac Festival, so plan an extra day and venture over to St. Ignace, by car or island ferry, and view a cool event called, Bronco the Mac, where Mighty Broncos of every color and vintage cross over the Mighty Mac together. Registration has closed to enter your own vehicle in the crossing, but there is still lots to see and do in beautiful St. Ignace. Grab some famous pasties, lunch at an area restaurant, or stroll the historical boardwalk and view one of the picturesque lighthouses in the straits. At dusk on June 8th take in the Bronco Parade and then view the awesome fireworks over the bay at 10:00 p.m. I guess it’s officially summer!
