Michigan Maple Weekends Celebrate Sweet Agricultural Heritage

The Michigan Maple Syrup Association is planning three weekends of celebrations focused on the state’s oldest agricultural activity during the 2nd Annual Michigan Maple Weekend. Overall, more than 25 sugar makers are participating in the festivities; a list is available here.

Due to the state’s diverse weather and geographical elements, events are first held in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula (south of US10), March 15-16, followed by events in the upper half of the Lower Peninsula (north of US10), March 22-23 and throughout the Upper Peninsula, March 29-30.

“The weekend provides the people of Michigan and surrounding states a chance to see how our oldest crop is produced,” says Joe Woods, event coordinator. “For many people it is a chance for them to experience firsthand where their food comes from and the work and expense that goes into bringing a crop to market. For the producer it is a chance to meet new customers, educate consumers and display the workings of a sugar bush. Together this brings awareness of the maple syrup industry to the public.”

The family-friendly events held around the state are a great time for people to get out and get a firsthand look at how maple sap is collected, boiled down and turned into sweet maple syrup and other maple treats. Many of the farms will offer tours of their operation including tree tapping demonstrations, samples of their products, recipes for the use of maple syrup and local maple syrup products available to purchase.

Visitors to a local farm will have a chance to meet the farmers and their families that produce maple syrup and to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s early spring weather. Attendees are reminded to wear boots as mud and snow will still be abundant at this time of the year.

Michigan Maple Syrup Facts:
• Michigan ranks 5th in maple syrup production in the United States.
• Average maple syrup production in Michigan is about 90,000 gallons per year.
• Economic contributions of the pure maple syrup industry to Michigan are nearly $2.5 million annually.
• Maple syrup is a Michigan tourist benefit. It is a "thing" to buy.
• Maple syrup, as an agricultural commodity, benefits Michigan farm markets.
• There are an estimated 500 commercial maple syrup producers in Michigan with some 2,000 additional hobby or home use producers.
• Michigan law requires that processor of maple syrup must be licensed.
• The production of pure maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States.
• Maple syrup is one of the few agricultural crops in which demand exceeds supply.
• Only about 1 percent of Michigan’s maple forest resource is used in maple syrup production.
• In an average year, each tap-hole will produce about 10 gallons of maple sap, enough for about a quart of pure Michigan maple syrup.
• Maple sap is a slightly sweet, colorless liquid.
• It takes approximately 40 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
• A gallon of standard maple syrup weighs 11 pounds and has a sugar content of 66 percent.
• Maple syrup is the first farm crop to be harvested in Michigan each year.
• Maple syrup is not the recipient of any crop support or subsidy programs.
• A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and have a diameter of 10 inches before tapping is recommended.
• The maple season in Michigan starts in February in the southern counties and runs well into April in the Upper Peninsula.
• Warm sunny days and freezing nights determine the length of the maple season.
• The budding of maple trees makes the maple syrup taste bitter. Thus, production ceases.
• Freezing and thawing temperatures create pressure and force the sap out of the tree.
• A very rapid rise in temperature (25 to 45 degrees) will enhance the sap flow.
• While the sugaring season may last 6 to 10 weeks, but during this period, the heavy sap may run only 10-20 days.
• Average sugar concentration of maple sap is about 2.5 percent.
• Maple sap is boiled to remove the water and concentrate the sugars in a process called evaporation.
• In a conventional evaporator one cord of hard wood is required for every 25 gallons of syrup produced.
• Tubing collection systems with vacuum can increase average sap yields approximately 50 percent.
• Maple sap becomes maple syrup when boiled to 219 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 degrees above the boiling point of water.
• Pure Michigan maple syrup has 50 calories per tablespoon and is fat-free. It has no additives, no added coloring and no preservatives.
• Maple syrup has many minerals per tablespoon: 20 milligrams of calcium, 2 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.2 milligrams of iron, 2 milligrams of sodium, 35 milligrams of potassium.
• Maple syrup is classified as one of nature's most healthful foods.
• Michigan has a Maple Syrup Week held in March of each year.
• March 22 is Michigan Maple Syrup Day at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling and Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Upper Peninsula.
• Michigan is noted for having two maple syrup festivals – the 74th Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, April 25-27 and the 56th Annual Shepard Maple Sugar Festival, April 24-27. Several Michigan State Parks also offer maple sugaring activities during the spring months.

Information about the farms participating in the Michigan Maple Weekend can be found on the Michigan Maple Syrup Association web site www.Mi-MapleSyrup.com (Michigan Maple Syrup Association Facebook) or by contacting members of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association. Information can also be found at Michigan Welcome Centers.

Founded in 1962, the Michigan Maple Syrup Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of maple sugaring in Michigan and the promotion of Michigan pure maple products. If you have more than just a passing interest in the science, industry, commerce, or enjoyment of maple products anywhere in the world, please consider becoming a member of our organization.

Food Dance welcomes local forager Andy Davis for spring "From the Wild" Dinner - Thursday, May 17

Join Saveur magazine’s “Local Forager of the Year” Andy Davis for an exclusive spring-themed dinner at Food Dance in downtown Kalamazoo, on Thursday, May 17. Foodies are invited to savor the bounty of Davis’ ways during the “From the Wild” Dinner. The dinner runs from 6-8pm and cost $49 per person, plus tax/gratuity.

Among the items that Chef Robb Hammond will be crafting into the four-course dinner are ramps, morels and fiddleheads. The exact menu will be a surprise, based on the harvest in the days leading up to the dinner.

Andy and his family – wife, Michelle and their three children – collectively love the outdoors and have found foraging a joyous recreational activity that they can all take part in.

“Foraging gives us powerful tools for teaching our kids about the world and helps to satisfy our need to be in the wild,” Andy says. “ Foraging encourages the kids’ curiousity and interest in nature, while providing a template for introducing them to economics and planning, as well as the importance of good stewardship and respect for others.”

Andy – a builder, geologist and field naturalist, and Michelle – a geographer and experiential/environmental educator – share a passion for living close to the earth and have a small piece of land outside of Kalamazoo where they keep a large organic garden, raise heritage meat chickens, make maple syrup and landscape for biodiversity.

“We both have a lifelong interest in all things edible and collectively have years of experience finding, tasting, testing and tracking down wild edibles to set on our table,” says Andy. “In doing so, we have developed an intimate relationship with the habits, habitats and haunts of our local flora and fauna.”

To make reservations for the Food Dance “From the Wild” dinner with Andy Davis, call 269-382-1888.

Food Dance is a locally-owned company committed to growing profitability through positive relationships between suppliers, staff and guests. As one of the original West Michigan farm-to-fork restaurants dedicated to using locally-produced food, the culinary team at Food Dance works to provide a positive environmental impact and educates its staff and guests on the importance that this mindset has to the culture and community in which we live. Food Dance also supports the belief that we are all mutually-accountable to obtain excellence, by providing opportunities that create community engagement through great food and great service.

FOOD DANCE
401 E. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo MI 49007

www.FoodDance.net
www.facebook.com/FoodDanceRestaurant
www.twitter.com/Food_Dance

Discover Spring Camping in Michigan

Although camping is a year-round activity in Michigan, spring signals the onset of the warm-weather camping season in Michigan. By early May, a large number of the privately owned campgrounds in Michigan are welcoming guests looking to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the great outdoors. The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds – Michigan offers up 10 great reasons to head out to your favorite Michigan campground this spring:

1. Wildflowers. April showers bring May flowers, like the trillium that blanket the forest floor. Spring also brings the blossoms on the apple and cherry trees, making this one of the most fragrant times of the year to get out and travel the Great Lakes State.

2. Woodland Edibles. Morel mushrooms, wild ramps, leeks and fiddleheads are all delicacies that can be found by foraging through the woodlands of Michigan. After a successful “hunt” you can savor these mouth-watering finds, paired with a fine Michigan beer or wine.

3. Fishing. Whether you enjoy fly fishing on the rivers and streams, heading out on a charter on the big lake or casting a line for pan fish in an inland lake, you’re sure to catch something while spring fishing in Michigan. From walleye, trout, steelhead and salmon to perch, bass and bluegills, this is a fisherman’s paradise.

4. Wine Tasting. While the more than 80 wineries throughout the state of Michigan are open year round, spring is the ideal time to visit as this is when the new releases are available for tasting. Be sure to purchase a bottle or two, to pair with those woodland edibles and fresh catches! For more in Michigan wines: www.MichiganWines.com

5. Bird Watching. Nature centers, sanctuaries and wildlife viewing areas are thriving with opportunities for spring bird watching. For more about birding, visit the Michigan Audubon Society website: www.michiganaudubon.org

6. Paddling. With thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not to mention the inland and Great Lakes, spring is the perfect time to get out in your canoe or kayak and head out on the water for some peace and quiet. For more information, check out the website for the Michigan Association of Paddlesport Providers: www.michigancanoe.com

7. Peddling. Michigan is home to some of the most scenic biking trails, ranging in distance and level of difficulty. Whether you’re taking a short family trip along a paved trail or are heading out for an off-road mountain bike adventure, you’ll find plenty of opportunities around the state – including special events geared toward cyclists. For more information on biking trails and events around the state, check out the website for the League of Michigan Bicyclists at www.lmb.org

8. Hiking. From nature centers to city, county and state parks, you’ll find countless trails waiting to be explored. In Michigan, you can hike more than 200 miles on the Shore-to-Shore Trail that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Or, take a day hike on any breathtaking section of the North Country National Scenic Trail which operates is national offices from Lowell, Michigan. www.northcountrytrail.org

9. Golfing. Michigan is home to more than 800 golf courses and during the spring season, the rates are often lower, there are fewer people (and bugs) and the temperatures are pleasant. For a detailed list of courses throughout the state, visit the Golf Association of Michigan online at www.gam.org

10. Driving. Michigan Highways offer a state-wide listing of Heritage Routes – in three specific categories: Scenic, Recreational and Historic routes online at www.MichiganHighways.org.

No matter which spring activity accompanies your camping trip, be sure to travel with camera in hand to capture the awakening of all around you. To learn more about how to enjoy Michigan’s “Springtime Splendor” and cure your cabin fever, visit www.SpringtimeSplendor.com.

The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds – Michigan represents nearly 200 member campgrounds with more than 30,000 sites available throughout the state. The new Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC-Michigan, is now available at various locations statewide, including all state Welcome Centers. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation.

For an online directory of ARVC member campgrounds, log onto www.michcampgrounds.com.

Forecast for Warm Temperatures Means Michiganders Are Making Reservations for Spring & Summer Camping

Mild temperatures in the 60s, 70s and even 80s across Michigan this week means that campers will be picking up their phones or jumping online to make campground reservations for the upcoming warm-weather season. According to the Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) – Michigan, this is just another indicator of what is expected to be a great summer travel season.

“This year’s RV, outdoor and consumer shows have been a huge success,” says Tom Briggs – owner of Grand Rogue Campground & Paddlesports in Grand Rapids and President of ARVC-Michigan. “So far, we have distributed more than 50,000 copies of our 2010 directory at these shows, which is an increase over last year.”

During the winter months, ARVC-Michigan attended 10 RV shows throughout the Midwest, in addition to partnering with West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) for distribution at nine additional shows and Anderson’s Brochure distribution Service which attended four shows around the country. The annual guide is available at all Michigan welcome centers, member campgrounds, and is online in PDF format at www.Michgacampgrounds.com.

According to Jim Wolfe from Leisure Time Campground in Irons, reservations thus far this year are already ahead of schedule. “We’re already seeing a large number of reservations for Memorial Day Weekend…two to three weeks ahead of this time last year.”

Although camping is a year-round activity in Michigan, spring signals the onset of the warm-weather camping season in Michigan. By mid-April, a large number of the privately owned campgrounds in Michigan are welcoming guests looking to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the great outdoors.

Here are 10 great reasons to head out to your favorite Michigan campground this spring:

1. Wildflowers. April showers bring May flowers, like the trillium that blanket the forest floor. Spring also brings the blossoms on the apple and cherry trees, making this one of the most fragrant times of the year to get out and travel the Great Lakes State. The Blossomtime Festival (April 30-May 7) in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and Blossom Days on Old Mission Peninsula (May 15-16) are two events not to be missed. Of course when it comes to spring flowers, one can’t forget the annual Tulip Time Festival in Holland (May 1-8), it’s a sure sign of spring!

2. Woodland Edibles. Morel mushrooms, wild ramps, leeks and fiddleheads are all delicacies that can be found by foraging through the woodlands of Michigan. After a successful “hunt” you can savor these mouth-watering finds, paired with a fine Michigan beer or wine. Several cities throughout the state – including Mesick (May 7-9), Lewiston (May 7-8) and Boyne City (May 13-16) – have been hosting festivals celebrate the “mighty morel” for more than 40 years. For recipes and other ideas on how to savor these scrumptious selections, check out Earthy Delights online at www.earthy.com

3. Fishing. Whether you enjoy fly fishing on the rivers and streams, heading out on a charter on the big lake or casting a line for pan fish in an inland lake, you’re sure to catch something while spring fishing in Michigan. From walleye, trout, steelhead and salmon to perch, bass and bluegills, this is a fisherman’s paradise.

Spring is also a great to visit one of the state’s six fish hatcheries or the famed Fish Ladder in Grand Rapids. The 74th Annual National Trout Festival (April 21-25) in Kalkaska, the Freeland Walleye Festival (April 23-25) and the Mancelona Bass Festival (June 3-6) are among the many opportunities to enjoy spring fishing celebrations in Michigan. June 12-13 is also a “Michigan Free Fishing Weekend,” sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources & Environment.

4. Wine Tasting. While the nearly 70 wineries throughout the state of Michigan are open year round, spring is the ideal time to visit as this is when the new releases are available for tasting. Be sure to purchase a bottle or two, to pair with those woodland edibles and fresh catches! April, after all, is Michigan Wine Month…so celebrate! For a list of the state’s award-winning wineries, visit the Michigan Wine Council’s website at www.michiganwines.com

5. Bird Watching. Nature centers, sanctuaries and wildlife viewing areas are thriving with opportunities for spring bird watching. The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory Annual Spring Fling (April 23-25) in Paradise, the Tawas Point Birding Festival (May 14-16) in Tawas, the Kirtland Warbler Festival (May 15) in Roscommon County and the Cerulean Warbler Weekend (4-6) at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings, are among the many spring birding events that you may want to check out this season. For more about birding, visit the Michigan Audubon Society website: www.michiganaudubon.org

6. Paddling. With thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not to mention the inland and Great Lakes, spring is the perfect time to get out in your canoe or kayak and head out on the water for some peace and quite. For more information, check out the website for the Michigan Association of Paddlesport Providers: www.michigancanoe.com

7. Peddling. Michigan is home to some of the most scenic biking trails, ranging in distance and level of difficulty. Whether you’re taking a short family trip along a paved trail or are heading out for an off-road mountain bike adventure, you’ll find plenty of opportunities around the state – including special events geared toward cyclists.

Michigan boasts five official State Park linear trails, including Kal-Haven Trail, White Pine Trail, Van Buren Trail, Hart-Montague Trail and Lakelands Trail. Converted from abandoned railroad corridors, these are the only State Parks that do not require a motor vehicle permit; entrance is free.
For more information on biking trails and events around the state, check out the website for the League of Michigan Bicyclists at www.lmb.org

8. Hiking. From nature centers to city, county and state parks, you’ll find countless trails waiting to be explored. In Michigan, you can hike more than 200 miles on the Shore-to-Shore Trail that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Or, take a day hike on any breathtaking section of the North Country National Scenic Trail which operates is national offices from Lowell, Michigan. www.northcountrytrail.org


9. Golfing. Michigan is home to more than 800 golf courses and during the spring season, the rates are often lower, there are fewer people (and bugs) and the temperatures are pleasant. For a detailed list of courses throughout the state, visit the Golf Association of Michigan online at www.gam.org

10. Driving. Michigan Highways offer a state-wide listing of Heritage Routes – in three specific categories: Scenic, Recreational and Historic routes online at www.MichiganHighways.org. Among some of the more noted routes are the M-119 “Tunnel of Trees” which hugs the coastline of Lake Michigan from Harbor Springs north through Good Hart to Cross Village; The US-23 “Sunrise Side Coastal Highway” which skirts the Lake Huron shoreline from Mackinaw City south to Standish for 193 miles; US-12, known as the Sauk Trail, which travels from New Buffalo to Detroit and was once a route for early travelers, Native Americans and slaves traveling along the Underground Railroad; the Allegan County Heritage Trail which travels 122 miles throughout the county, stopping at 28 historic sites including a former POW camp; and the “West Michigan Pike” which extends from the Indiana-Michigan state line north to Mackinaw City and is part of the former Dixie Highway system.

While on the road, be on the lookout for the handful of covered bridges which allow automobile traffic including Pierce Stocking Bridge (on the famed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive) in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the 282-foot Langley Covered Bridge in Centerville (the longest in the state of Michigan), Zehnder’s Holz Brucke (wooden bridge) leading to Bavarian Village in Frankenmuth, and Fallasburg Covered Bridge spanning the Flat River in Lowell and the historic community of Fallasburg. Details on all the state’s covered bridges are online at www.Michigan.org

No matter which spring activity accompanies your camping trip, be sure to travel with camera in hand to capture the awakening of all around you. To learn more about how to enjoy Michigan’s “Springtime Splendor” and cure your cabin fever, visit www.SpringtimeSplendor.com.

The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds – Michigan represents 200+ member campgrounds with more than 30,000 sites available throughout the state. The new Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC-Michigan, is now available at various locations statewide, including all state Welcome Centers. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. For an online directory of ARVC member campgrounds, log onto www.michcampgrounds.com.

Great Food & Fine Wine Featured at Northern Michigan Morels & More Outings

(Walloon Lake, Mich) – Hunting morel mushrooms among wild flowers while birds celebrate their return north, with the odors of the forest coming to life makes Spring especially stimulating to all the senses.

To experience it all, a MORELS & MORE weekend at Springbrook Hills near Walloon Lake is an interesting, informative outing that guarantees a lot of fun, fine wine and good food. The weekend includes guided morel hunting, wild mushroom lore, and making new friends that also enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Outings are set for May 1-3, May 8-10 & May 15-17. Cost is $197 per person and includes two nights lodging in convenient vacation homes, morel information & guided hunt, all meals including Leelanau & other Michigan wines and our special mushroom dinner. Groups of 6 or more, $185. If no lodging is required, $145 complete. Extra nights lodging available at $25 per person.

For a complete vacation, stay extra days and enjoy world-class golf at great rates, fantastic fishing in nearby streams, rivers and lakes, or for added thrills try canoeing, kayaking or rafting. Experience a perfect Spring Tonic with us!

Contact:
Morels & More
P.O. Box 219
Walloon Lake, MI 49796
(231) 535-2227
info@springtimesplendor.com
www.springtmesplendor.com

10 Reasons to Love Spring Camping in Michigan

Although camping is a year-round activity in Michigan, spring signals the onset of the warm-weather season. By mid-April, a large number of the privately owned campgrounds in Michigan are welcoming guests looking to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the great outdoors.

Here are 10 great reasons to head out to your favorite Michigan campground this spring:

1) Wildflowers. April showers bring May flowers, like the trillium that blanket the forest floor. Spring also brings the blossoms on the apple and cherry trees, making this one of the most fragrant times of the year to get out and travel the Great Lakes State. The Blossomtime Festival (April 26-May 2) in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and Blossom Days on Old Mission Peninsula (May 16-17) are two events not to be missed. Of course when it comes to spring flowers, one can’t forget the annual Tulip Time Festival in Holland (May 2-9), it’s a sure sign of spring!

2) Woodland Edibles. Morel mushrooms, wild ramps, leeks and fiddleheads are all delicacies that can be found by foraging through the woodlands of Michigan. After a successful “hunt” you can savor these mouth-watering finds, paired with a fine Michigan beer or wine.

Several cities throughout the state – including Mesick (May 8-10) and Boyne City (May 14-17) – have been hosting festivals celebrate the “mighty morel” for more than 40 years. For recipes and other ideas on how to savor these scrumptious selections, check out Earthy Delights online at www.earthy.com

3) Fishing. Whether you enjoy fly fishing on the rivers and streams, heading out on a charter on the big lake or casting a line for pan fish in an inland lake, you’re sure to catch something while spring fishing in Michigan. From walleye, trout, steelhead and salmon to perch, bass and bluegills, this is a fisherman’s paradise.

Spring is also a great to visit one of the state’s six fish hatcheries or the famed Fish Ladder in Grand Rapids. The National Trout Festival (April 22-26) in Kalkaska, the Freeland Walleye Festival (April 25-26) and the Mancelona Bass Festival (June 3-7) are among the many opportunities to enjoy spring fishing celebrations in Michigan. The year 2009 is also the 50th Anniversary of Trout Unlimited, which was founded in the Crawford County community of Grayling www.mctu.org

4) Wine Tasting. While the 60+ wineries throughout the state of Michigan are open year round, spring is the ideal time to visit as this is when the new releases are available for tasting. Be sure to purchase a bottle or two, to pair with those woodland edibles and fresh catches! For a list of the state’s award-winning wineries, visit the Michigan Wine Council’s website at www.michiganwines.com

5) Bird Watching. Nature centers, sanctuaries and wildlife viewing areas are thriving with opportunities for spring bird watching. The Whitefish Point Bird Observatory Annual Spring Fling (April 24-26) in Paradise, the Tawas Point Birding Festival (May 15-17) in Tawas and the Kirtland Warbler Festival (May 16) in Roscommon County are among the many spring birding events that you may want to check out this season. For more about birding, visit the Michigan Audubon Society website: www.michiganaudubon.org

6) Paddling. With thousands of miles of rivers and streams, not to mention the inland and Great Lakes, spring is the perfect time to get out in your canoe or kayak and head out on the water for some peace and quite. For more information, check out the website for the Michigan Association of Paddlesport Providers: www.michigancanoe.com

7) Peddling. Michigan is home to some of the most scenic biking trails, ranging in distance and level of difficulty. Whether you’re taking a short family trip along a paved trail or are heading out for an off-road mountain bike adventure, you’ll find plenty of opportunities around the state – including special events geared toward cyclists. For more information, check out the website for the League of Michigan Bicyclists at www.lmb.org

8) Hiking. From nature centers to city, county and state parks, you’ll find countless trails waiting to be explored. In Michigan, you can hike more than 200 miles on the Shore-to-Shore Trail that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Or, take a day hike on any breathtaking section of the North Country National Scenic Trail which operates is national offices from Lowell, Michigan. www.northcountrytrail.org

Local author Jim Dufresne has published several exceptional books including “50 Hikes in Michigan: The Best Walks, Hikes and Backpacks in the Lower Peninsula” and “Best Hikes with Children – Michigan” which all offer great insight into the trails and scenic sites throughout the state. These, and other titles, are available at bookstores and libraries throughout Michigan.

9) Golfing. Michigan is home to more than 800 golf courses and during the spring season, the rates are often lower, there are fewer people (and bugs) and the temperatures are pleasant. For a detailed list of courses throughout the state, visit the Golf Association of Michigan online at www.gam.org

10) Driving. There are a handful of designated scenic routes throughout the state, including the M-119 “Tunnel of Trees” which hugs the coastline of Lake Michigan from Harbor Springs north through Good Hart to Cross Village. The US-23 “Sunrise Side Coastal Highway” skirts the Lake Huron shoreline from Mackinaw City south to Standish for 193 miles. US-12, known as the Sauk Trail, travels from New Buffalo to Detroit and was once a route for early travelers, Native Americans and slaves traveling along the Underground Railroad. The Allegan County Heritage Trail travels 122 miles throughout the county, stopping at 28 historic sites including a former POW camp. These sites are even included in a high-tech geocaching “scavenger hunt” online at www.geocaching.com.

While on the road, be on the lookout for the handful of covered bridges which allow automobile traffic including Pierce Stocking Bridge (on the famed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive) in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the 282-foot Langley Covered Bridge in Centerville (the longest in the state of Michigan), Zehnder’s Holz Brucke (wooden bridge) leading to Bavarian Village in Frankenmuth, and Fallasburg Covered Bridge spanning the Flat River in Lowell and the historic community of Fallasburg. Details on all the state’s covered bridges are community of Fallasburg. Details on all the state’s covered bridges are online at www.Michigan.org

Michigan Highways offer a state-wide listing of Heritage Routes – in three specific categories: Scenic, Recreational and Historic routes online at www.MichiganHighways.org

No matter which spring activity accompanies your camping trip, be sure to travel with camera in hand to capture the awakening of all around you. To learn more about how to enjoy Michigan’s “Springtime Splendor” and cure your cabin fever, visit www.SpringtimeSplendor.com.

The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds – Michigan represents 225 member campgrounds with nearly 32,000 sites available throughout the state. Whether pitching a tent, parking an RV or reserving a rustic or modern cabin, Michigan campgrounds offer a great way to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with families. Campers in Michigan enjoy the great outdoors while fishing or canoeing on the countless lakes, rivers and streams or hiking, biking and riding on the miles of trails that wind throughout the state. There’s definitely no shortage of activities, no matter where the campground is located.

The new Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC-Michigan, is now available at various locations statewide, including all state Welcome Centers. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. A PDF version is also available for viewing online at www.michcampgrounds.com.