Wonder Michigan guest blogger Zak Walsh is a lifelong Michigan resident, father of two and Sr. Account Manager at Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

 I’ll be honest. The first thing that popped into my head when I was asked to blog about “Why I love Michigan” was beer.

I could have written an entire post on the state’s fantastic breweries and microbreweries and thrown out some plugs for East Side favorites like Kuhnenn  and Dragon Mead  or of course the unofficial choice of Western Michigan University, Bell’s. 

But, reducing this state to a few barrels and pint glasses wouldn’t do it justice…

 So, I asked myself, what do I really love about Michigan?

 My family is here now and always has been. That’s something I love about this state. But, it would be awkward to blog about why my family being here makes this state a great one. Not to mention my family is something not many of you can relate to.

But I digress…

When I look beyond the fact that my family is here as a reason why I love this state, I can see an underlying Michigan asset to which I think everyone can relate: the wealth of entertainment and recreation opportunities available to my family and yours, all within the confines of the pleasant peninsulas we call home.

In the spirit of reflection as we approach New Year’s Eve, here are a few of the (mostly free or darn close by the way) family-friendly adventures I’ve experienced in this great state just in the past year:

Within a quick walk from my home in Royal Oak, there are multiple public parks where I can set my two-year-old loose to traverse the same playground bridge and plummet down the same green tunnel slide over and over… and over.

This summer, my family took a day trip on a whim to a public beach in Lexington on the shores of Lake Huron. For a voluntary $3 donation inserted into a hollowed out gatepost, we were able to spend an entire day enjoying blue skies, cold water and the less than fine sand that only Michiganders can truly appreciate.

In Harrison Township, my son this year made multiple visits with grandparents in tow to the nature center and nature trails at Metro Beach, where he no doubt took great pleasure in shouting indecipherable commands to furry friends both stuffed and otherwise.

The 2010 Holiday Magic Parade in Royal Oak was a fun mix of small-town community pride and big city spectacle, with no expressway logjam or requirement to arrive hours in advance.

In November, my wife, two-year-old, then-six-week-old and I trekked to Petoskey and explored the site of the town’s nearly completed and already breathtaking river walk project in the midst of light snow. It’s a walk I’m sure many locals and travelers with truly enjoy in all seasons in the years to come.

And next year, I’ll continue a tradition I regret straying from a few years back, returning to Mackinac Island with my family to punish my calves on the island’s infamous hills and in doing so take a few steps back in my past, not to mention the state’s and our nation’s. By the way, next time you’re there, tell the folks at the Island Bookstore  that Zak sent you. They won’t give you a discount, but you’ll almost certainly get an entertaining confused glance.

I’m sure I’ve omitted far more Michigan family attractions than I’ve included. Feel free to point out what I’ve missed on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/zakwalsh or in the comments below.

Bottom line: Michigan is an outstanding place to raise a family and to enjoy having one. The beer isn’t bad either.

Bryan Fenster is a Detroiter living in Chicago. He’s an aspiring blogger and recent addition to the Social Media Club Editorial Team.   Bryan, along with Adam Babcock , are organizers in Chicago for Detroit Nation . ‘Respecting the Past and Embracing Tomorrow’s Promise in Detroit’ is nostalgic childhood recollections, coupled with his thoughts on current happenings in Detroit that are shaping it’s future. Ultimately, this is what he loves about Detroit.

Ahhhhh, Remember When…..
I can’t tell you exactly where this love, attachment, and undying devotion sprouted from. I must have been seven or eight years old, I remember my brother and I always buzzing with the anticipation of the trips we’d often take to the city with our parents and Uncle.

Trips to Buddy’s Pizza on the northeast side before heading to some type of festival on the campus of Wayne State, Hart Plaza, or jaunts to the bleachers at “The Corner“ ring in my mind.

 I remember an afternoon lunch with my family in Greektown in 1992, and my Dad nonchalantly prompting us to the People Mover, to take a lap (as youngsters, this was THE highlight of our trips to town). Even after exiting at the “Joe Louis Arena” station, my excitement blinded me to the fact that my Dad was surprising us to our first ever Red Wing game (which I was even more excited for since they were playing the Vancouver Canucks….I was absolutely obsessed with Pavel Bure at the time, as were all young hockey players my age). I will NEVER forget that Detroit energy I felt when witnessing my first ever NHL goal, live. The late Steve Chiasson scored on a one-timer from the point. Top-shelf. Seeing 20,000 faithful rise instantly in unison, fist raised, singing, has stayed with me. Any rock shows or sporting events I attend are now met with that standard.

I remember seeing “Topper” at the Old Redford Theatre.

I remember being a teenager and roaming the streets of Royal Oak with friends. Coffee houses filled with the haze of cigarette smoke, record stores, cafes, the punks, goths, protesters, and preachers converging on 4th and Main. Friday night gigs at St. Andy’s (pre LiveNation, of course) and “the Shelter”, checkerboard slip-ons, hipsters, and rudies (Definition 1). 

Entering and exiting Trappers Alley (may she rest in peace) to sincere and enlightening conversations with Travelin’ Blues. Russell Street Deli, and Turkey Trotters thumping up the ramp like gladiators into Cobo Hall. Thanksgiving Turkeys giveaways on behalf of Honest John’s Bar when they were anchored on E. Jefferson. School field trips to the Science Center, The Masonic Temple, Cranbrook, the DIA, Belle Isle, and Greenfield Village.

 For me, I always felt a responsibility to my city, and pride, that we made the best of what we had that kept us grounded, humbled, and content yet starved for the possibilities of tomorrow. I always knew Detroit was a jewel in the rough and on the cusp, but it wasn’t time for her to step up just yet.

 Detroits Promise: The Future
While I’m often struck with nostalgia for the childhood and “old” Detroit, that pride, devotion, and promise of tomorrow is as loud as it’s ever been in Detroit. With that, I (like so many of her own) try my best to honor the past, but more importantly, look to the future. Detroit is now filling over that cusp with the foundation of it’s creative minds, community leaders, and resources beyond it’s borders.

I am often starstruck by friends who have been doing important community work in Detroit. Mike Medow and Jenny Lee I’ve had the pleasure of knowing most of my life, and have been holding it down in Midtown for years, running the Allied Media Conference and AMP. This past June saw the annual Allied Media Conference in conjunction with the 2010 U.S. Social Forum in Detroit (kudos to Adrienne Maree Brown). The forum saw around 15,000 attendees from across the nation, rural and urban, and even hosted folks from other countries (South Africa, Palestine, Israel, and Nepal to name a few). Detroit was used as ground to unite the thousands to attend workshops, lectures, and community building in the realm of social and economic issues we face in Detroit and across the U.S., while aligning with the international community to learn from each others experiences and struggles.

Considering the depth of these issues, it’s quite something that the event was held in Detroit this year, with the collaboration of so much diversity and knowledge.

Down the street and over the Fisher Freeway, Roosevelt Park is showing promise thanks to so many residence, artists, and business owners in Corktown. One of those leading the way, Jeff DeBruyn: President of the Corktown Residence Council, and a partner and founder of the Imagination Station. Whether he’s drafting grant proposals, rallying volunteers, or meeting with fellow community and business leaders, he keeps himself accessible to anybody in the community, even an “expat” such as myself. Jeff is doing great things and works tirelessly to serve his community. It’s so nice to see his efforts (and results) recognized, as he is this years recipient of the 2011 Community Leadership Award.

I don’t have to tell you about the bustling of culture, art, and expression in Detroit. It’s great to see my good friend D.Allie making noise in a current project so timely, dubbed ‘Progress Report‘. D has been making music, writing, and performing for years, always staying true to his roots, speaking about his experiences in all his ups and downs. Whether he’s playing on the road, at a Detroit club, or gatherings at warehouses in the Eastern Market, his approach and work ethic never falters. If there’s a show on, he’s there, always a performance and a message, whether it be 15 guests, or 1,500. He leads a very eclectic life and opens himself to the possibilities of every new day. I have a deep respect for the man and his motto: “BE YOURSELF AND LET THE MUSIC BE THE MUSIC”. 

Detroit is a hot spot and has the resources for burgeoning creative, small business ventures, and social media enthusiasts. The social media seen in Detroit is one of the most active and loyal in the country. Social Media Club – Detroit (SMC) meets monthly, not to mention all the TweetUps, meetups, Tweetea, TedX, and #140Conf that 2010 was a banner year for.

SMC-Detroit fosters relationships with an array of professionals and individuals loyal to bettering Detroit. This is so important, and ultimately, it’s going to take the relationships that are harnessed in the region to create a more sustainable, self-reliant, happy, creative, and economically sound Detroit. The great thing is, it’s already happening! The social component is so important and so unstoppable, especially in Detroit.

The pride factor among Detroiters ranks amongst the highest in the nation. A ’2010 Soul of the Community’ study conducted by the Knight Foundation found that Detroit’s young people are consistently among the most attached age group in the community. Outside of the region this rings true for myself and the countless others who although are committed and happy in their current place, still have their hearts in Detroit and want to be active. Detroit Nation has given us an opportunity to have a support group of expats to meet with at events and to raise money to send to Detroit organizations. Most importantly, we can engage with the community in Detroit neighborhoods, volunteer, and collaborate to promote and have an impact on the economic development and cultural identity of our great city.

The future is so bright for Detroit, and NOW it’s her time to step up. There’s movement, there’s curiosity, there’s faith, love, optimism, and hard work being put in. That will never cease and no doubts, it won’t be easy, but it never was. That’s what makes us who we are.

It’s for this and so many more reasons that I love my city…OUR city. Let’s get to work!

Detroit does not have a good reputation in the national media.  Over the last four days it has not gotten any better.  Somehow an idiot gets through security in Holland, and tries to ignite a homemade bomb on a flight that just so happends to be landing in Detroit, and all the sudden all the media has to come to Detroit.  They show the security lines in Detroit, and talk about our policies.  Add this to Detroit leading the nation in unemployment, and Detroit just can’t get a break.  Look Detroit is not perfect  by any means, and this city has its work cut out for it.  But it does not deserve to have only the negative parts reported.  The state of Michigan has been very successful with their “Pure Michgian” campaign.  I think it is time for Detroit to start a positive campaign.  The first thing that comes to mind is the Channel 7 WXYZ TV commercials that touted “Stand up for Detroit”.  At least it is a good start.

As winter ascends on Michigan it is important to celebrate the Winter Wonderland that Michigan has to offer.  The range of things to do in Michigan span from events in different cities, to winter destinations that are like no other place in the country.  Michigan can offer some of the best outdoor winter activities, along with some great places to check out that are indoors.  It really does not matter what you do this winter, just get out and explore Michigan.  I would love hear what some of your favorite places and things to do are in Michigan.  If I get enough responses I will list the fan favorite’s responses. 

Detroit Winter Blast
A unique combination of hip and fun winter events that are centered around Campus Martius Park and fantastic indoor events throughout Detroit.  Events include Ice skating, Dine in the D, Wine Tasting, Electronic Music Festival, Arctic Blast Slide, Live Music, and Marshmallow Roasting.   Along with the fun there are some great deals available on dinning and hotels.  Blows into town Feb 12 -14

 Ski one of Michigan 47 Resorts
Green, blue and black diamond downhill skiing runs. All powder coated in winter white. With more than 40 downhill ski areas and resorts, the silvery slopes of Michigan offer the best Alpine skiing in the Midwest. Here run after amazing run paints us with a rush of emotion. The frosty air invigorates our spirits and leaves our cheeks a euphoric shade of rosy. So let’s head up the lift and get a little closer to the bright blue sky where the beauty of downhill skiing is Pure Michigan.

 Enjoy the Culture of Michigan
Celebrate the great cultural offerings that Michigan has to offer, from the Motown museum in Detroit, to the Kresge fine art museum in East Lansing.  Michigan has a rich history to share with the world, from early pioneer’s days up through the automotive industry, and beyond.  The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo is a fun place to learn about the aircraft history, along with fun amusement park rides.  If you happen to be in the Upper Peninsula check out the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Museum in Ishpeming, MI.  Where ever you turn in Michigan there is a warm museum to learn something from.

 Perchville USA, East Tawas, MI
This is one of my favorite weekends in February, as anyone who has ever lived in Tawas and surrounding areas, comeback for this fun filled weekend.  There are many events that  includes the Family Tent, Hospitality Tent, Softball game, Perchville Eve Kick-off Dinner, dog pull and much more.  Don’t forget the Polar Bear Swims on Saturday.  This year marks the 60^th anniversary of Perchville so should be a good one.  February 4-7. 

 Trek through the woods on your Snow Mobile
Michigan has 61,000 maintained interconnected trail systems for pure enjoyment of the Michigan Winter Wonderland in the Lower and Upper Peninsula.  Sharing the snowmobiling vacations and trips experience with our families and friends. It’s what snowmobiling is all about.  What a great way to enjoy the natural undisturbed beauty of Michigan all covered with soft white snow.

Nothing Beats Sledding and Hot Chocolate
When I was a little kid, there was nothing better to do on a weekend or snow day from school than putting on a million layers of clothes, big puffy jacket, hat and gloves and going sledding at a park for hours.  No matter how many times I went down the same hill, each time was a new adventure.  Plus the knowledge that after the sledding was done, a steaming cup of hot chocolate was waiting for me to start the thawing process.  What a great way to get outside and enjoy the Michigan Winter, in a rather in expensive way. 

 Shopping is not just for the Holidays
Shopping may not be as fun for some as playing outside skiing, sledding, or snowmobiling.  But it is important to help support Michigan companies.  Whether going to small independent stores, or supporting the big malls that are owned by Michigan based companies such as Taubman company. Michigan needs our support.

Cross Country Skiing
Let’s leave the drone of engines behind. Let’s distance ourselves from the noisy crowds. And let’s enjoy the quiet beauty of a glistening white Michigan winter on our cross country skis. With over 3,000 miles of cross country skiing trails, the hush of snow-covered scenery sets the stage for an invigorating wintertime adventure. So let’s click in our bindings and hit the trails, because cross country skiing on a brilliant winter day is Pure Michigan.

Stay In; Get Under a Blanket and Cook Michigan Food
Michigan companies produce some of the best food in the country.  Michiganders but on a cold day nothing is better than hot Vernors Ginger Ale.  Have a bit of a sweet tooth; get some Michigan Cherries, Sanders hot fudge to top off some Guernsey ice cream.  It is not even very difficult find Michigan made products at your local grocery store, many now to go great lengths to point out the products that are produced in Michigan.  Spending just $10 on Michigan products could really make a difference in the Michigan Economy.

Wild Winter at the Detroit Zoo
Beat the winter blues this season during the Wild Winter Weekends at the Detroit Zoo.  Wild Winter is a unique, fun way to experience the magic of the Zoo in winter.  Enjoy your favorite habitats indoors and out, along with special activities including children’s music, zookeeper talks, crafts, and much more.  The Wild Winter festivities will be on select weekends in January, February and March from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. These events are free with your zoo admission.

The Detroit Blog on Assignment Detroit had a realy nice blog post, looking at Detroit through the eyes of a visitor.  He takes a journey with his friend through downtown Detroit.  He travels through the city to some of the great places, along with some of the past beutiful places.  Yet he still sees and photographs what Detroit can and will be.  The pictures are great, but he may even give you some ideas of what to do this weekend.  http://detroit.blogs.time.com/2009/11/13/36-hours-in-detroit/attachment/49/

Friday night I had the opportunity to dine are Roastby Micheal Symon.  This is one of two restaurants very nice restaurants in the Book Cadilac Hotelon the corner of Michigan and Washington.  The appearance of the restaurant is very nice, it is a great place for a special dinner.  My only warning is that the menu is entirely meat, it would be very hard for a vegetarian to find something to eat.  The food is rich, but that is what you go the this place for.  There is always a daily surprise with the Beast of the day.  The food was amazing, unfortunately I ate a little too much for dinner and did not have the chance to try any of their desserts which looked very good.  The table next to me had the Guinness ice cream with chocolate covered pretzels, and the brownie with ice cream it look fabulous.  The night was very good, and it was topped off my a Wesley Snipes sighting after dinner.  I guess he is in Detroit shooting a movie.

Here is a list of the top ten things to do in Michigan in the Fall.  They are in no particular order, just my thoughts are some fun ideas to enjoy the Fall in Michigan.

1. Visit an Apple Orchard- Michigan has well over 150 apple orchards.  The fresh apple cider and donuts are great, along with the fresh picked Michigan apples, this trip is well worth it.  List of Apple Orchards in Michigan
2. Detroit Zoo- This is a great place to visit any time of the year, but in the fall it is not as hot and crowded as the summer.  They also have a Halloween night for the kids to safely trick-or-treat, and see the animals.  www.detroitzoo.org
3. College Football Tailgate- A great way to enjoy the comradery of fellow fans of a team.  Outside enjoying the weather and great football.  Michigan has great football teams to follow, 5 division 1 teams, and many other colleges that have great football to watch on a Saturday.
4. Haunted House- If you are one that likes a little scare, Michigan has some great haunted houses and corn mazes to explore your spooky side.  Michigan Haunted Houses
5. Michigan Fall Color Tour- Enjoy the change in colors on one of Michigan’s many color tours.  There is no better place to see the dynamic colors of a trillion trees aflame than along our highways, country roads, and coastlines.  Go to Pure Michigan to find one close to you.
6. Visit a Museum- Not everything has to be outside, some days are inside days.  Michigan has great museums through out the state, that can fill many different curiosities, Art, History, Science.  Michigan Museums
7. Michigan Wine Tour- Many of Michigan’s wineries are harvesting their grapes right now.  Besides great wine this is another great way to some of Michigan’s beauty between the color change, and the scenic views around the vineyards this is a can’t miss.  Michigan Wineries
8. Go To State Park- Take a hike or a walk through a one of Michigan’s state park.  The weather is perfect for a some outdoor activity, see nature get ready for the winter.  Michigan State Parks
9. Play Golf – Michigan has some of the best golf course in the country, not only are the course not as busy in the fall, many also reduce their price for the fall.  This gives the opportunity to play the better courses for less.  I know some golfers who will play until the first snow, so enjoy.
10. Drink Beer- Michigan’s micro brewers have some great fall beers.  I am a big fan of Pumpkin beer this time of year, but the other fall flavors are great also.  CHEERS!!!

A little known fact that I learned a few years ago was that some of the best wine in the world is produced on the 45^th

map of all wineries in Michigan

parallel.  To my surprise Michigan has a very active wine industry, with some of my favorite’s right around the 45^th parallel.  The Leelanau peninsula has some of my favorite Michigan Wineries, not only do they produce extremely good wine, but beauty of the area also is hard to beat .  Michigan wineries grow over 50 kinds of grapes producing such wines as Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztramier.  Of course many of the wineries also have their selection of cherry wines.  The wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula can offer a great weekend vacation; many of the wineries are within 15-20 minute drive of each other, allowing the ability to see many different wineries.  Whether staying at one of the bed and breakfasts to a motel there is no bad way to experience the wine that Michigan has to offer.  Just pace yourself because those small glasses of wine can catch up with you.  Most offer tastings for five dollars or less, but it is dangerous, because I usually never walk out without a bottle or two.  Over the next few weeks check back because I will be reviewing some of my favorites, along with some of the locations that you can find these Michigan gems.