Must-See Michigan Summer Destinations

MT. PLEASANT, Mich., – Bustling cities, the largest concentration of freshwater in the world, and a seemingly endless expanse of wilderness are just a few reasons why Michigan is one of the best states to not only live in, but vacation in, too! From the top of the UP to the heart of Detroit, the Great Lake State has everything a vacationer could want and more. Find out why Michigan is considered the best state in the country, according to Thrillist, and explore these must-see Michigan summer destinations that we know are full of fun and excitement for the vacationer of any kind.

Traverse City

Renowned as the Cherry Capital of Michigan, Traverse City is the perfect summer destination for couples, families, and friends. Visit local attractions, kayak in the Traverse City Bay, eat out at one-of-a-kind restaurants, and take home souvenirs filled with Michigan grown cherries. Enjoy the sunny weather, beautiful freshwater beaches, and unforgettable views of the Cherry Capital this summer!

Grand Rapids

West Michigan's crown jewel, Grand Rapids, contains some of the Mitten's best kept secrets. Interesting museums, stunning beaches in the area, and countless summer activities, Grand Rapids is the gift that keeps on giving. Whether you're visiting with a group of your friends or taking your kids out to the city for the weekend, Grand Rapids has fun activities for people of any age. 

Detroit

Visit America's greatest comeback city, Detroit, this season. The Motor City is just a few hours away from Mount Pleasant, and it's got plenty of summer excitement for everybody! From Tigers games to award winning restaurants, the possibilities are endless in the D! Walk on the boardwalk, check out the renovated Midtown, and learn about Detroit's elaborate history.

Mackinac Island

Just a short ferry ride from St. Ignace, Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's most popular tourist destinations, and when you visit, you'll see why! The island is known for its around-the-clock fun, and its beauty is just one of its many incredible features. Explore the island on horseback or bike, try their world renowned fudge, and take in the vast and expansive downtown shopping area. History is just a few hours away at Mackinac Island!

Ann Arbor

Known around the world for the iconic college football team, Ann Arbor has been consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in the country for decades. While Ann Arbor is famous for its college atmosphere, the city is full of family fun, too. Check out the wide range of summer activities, world-class restaurants, and discover this one-of-a-kind city just by strolling through the downtown streets. 

There are plenty of reasons why these must-see Michigan destinations are at the top of everyone's list to visit. Even if you're a Michigander and have been to these locations, don't hesitate to go back and discover something new! With activities for people of all ages, top-notch restaurants, and unforgettable experiences, why wouldn't you visit these Mitten state staples? If you're heading on a road trip this summer, consider using our coupons to save some extra money on any routine maintenance you have to perform this year. Or if you're looking for a new Chevy to explore the Mitten state in, check out our new inventory online to get started on your search. Make sure to also check out our Summer Car Care tips so you can protect your vehicle and keep it running well throughout all your season's travels.

At Graff Buick GMC Cadillac, we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Summer Road Trip Tips

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.–– The warm weather and packed gas stations can only mean one thing: road trip season is underway! If you're heading on a road trip this year, you can save money and enjoy the journey with these summer road trip tips! Not only will you save money, but you'll also be able to maximize the fun of your vacation! Whether you're taking a cross-country trip or are simply heading up north for a getaway, these go-to tips will give you the fuel you need to make any inconveniences you encounter simply a bump in the road!

• Charge Your Phone: Before you leave, make sure your phone has a full battery! You won't want to leave without it, and in case you encounter an emergency like a flat tire, having a fully charged phone will allow you to call for help if you need it.
• Play the Alphabet Game: If your kids get bored and you need to entertain them, play the Alphabet Game! While you drive, look for a word that starts with the letter A, then from there, go down the alphabet until you reach Z! It's a great way to distract the family, especially when you reach that pesky letter Q!
• Burn a CD: Go a little retro on your trip and burn a 12-track playlist on a good old-fashioned CD! That way, if you hear those songs in the future, it'll be a great reminder of the fun times you had on your vacation. If you have the whole family collaborate, you can create a special memory that everyone can share!
• Pack a Lot of Snacks: Keeping a steady supply of snacks for everyone will eliminate or reduce the chances of time consuming stops and keep everyone occupied. Pack a wide range of snacks, from string cheese to trail mix to keep everyone full and satisfied!
• Check on Your Spare Tire: You never know what kind of situation you may run into! Make sure your spare tire is full of air and has good tread in case you encounter a flat tire and need to get to an auto shop. If you have the space in your vehicle, swapping out the "doughnut" for a full sized spare tire will make a huge difference!
• Do a Full Vehicle Check-Up: From fluid levels to tire tread, every part of your vehicle plays a huge part in making sure you end up at your destination! If you bring your vehicle into our service center, we can inspect it to make sure it's good to handle your adventure!
• Clean Your Car Before Your Trip: Doing this will open up more space for packing and make everyone's experience more enjoyable. You can even eliminate the chaos of messiness that will build up on the trip by regularly cleaning your vehicle during your vacation!
• Bring Lots of Loose Change: Toll booths can pop up out of nowhere and some can be surprisingly costly. Make sure you have loose change available to you to cover the costs so you won't have to pay the bill at a later date!
• Ask a Local Where to Eat: When you make stops on your trip, try asking around where you should grab a bite to eat. Chances are, they know the area a little better than a guidebook would, and can point you to a cheaper and tastier restaurant!
• Keep an Open Plan: The best advice we can give to people looking to go on road trips is to not have a very rigid plan. You may surprise yourself at the amount of fun you run into by just going with the flow! There are plenty of hidden gems in the United States and other parts of the world that can only be found if you stumble across them, so keep an open mind and schedule!

In our opinion, even the best road trips seldom go according to plan! So make sure you're ready for any situation this year with some summer road trip tips to maximize your fun this season! This summer, enjoy every second of your journey with some amazing memories and great tricks to enjoy the adventure ahead. If you want your vehicle looked at before you leave or need maintenance done, schedule an appointment with us and we'll be more than happy to help! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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The 2016 GMC Yukon Won Best Family SUV

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – With new technologies, a spacious and comfortable interior, and ultimate versatility, it was no surprise when U.S. News & World Report announced that the 2016 GMC Yukon won best family SUV. The bold design and capabilities make this SUV a perfect family-friendly vehicle.

The GMC Yukon’s 4g Wi-Fi helps keep your car and family connected no matter where you are going. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, IntelliLink, and customizable driver displays make this SUV just as unique as your family. Now everyone can be entertained all in one spot. The spacious interior is meant a family that has room to grow. You can seat up to 8 with second row bench seating or even seat up to 9 with front row bench seating! Additionally the second and third row seats can be lowered to provide you more cargo area, which means you can transport more of your families’ needs.

The 2016 GMC Yukon has the ultimate versatility. It provides large storage compartments for all the gadgets your kids can’t live without. The center console is expanded and includes power outlets so you can recharge on the go. This SUV also comes with a hands-free, foot-activated power lift gate. So when you need to get the heavy sports gear or bulky camping supplies in the back, you can do so easy and efficiently.

Now that you know more about how the 2016 GMC Yukon won best family SUV, stop in for a test drive today! We can get you a first hand look at all of the amazing features this SUV holds. To learn more information on the new 2016 GMC Yukon you can also visit our website.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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New Year Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – New year, new you right? Wrong! There’s no need for a whole new you, but a little change for the better never hurt. This year make a New Year’s resolution that you can actually keep. Make yourself a better person, not a different person!

New Year Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

1. Go back to school
2. Give back to charity
3. Cross one thing off your bucket list
4. Get organized
5. Learn a new skill
6. Pay off a loan
7. Plan a family vacation
8. Get a new gadget
9. Adopt a pet
10. Travel somewhere you’ve never been
11. Learn a new language
12. Make a garden
13. Start a blog
14. Read a new book
15. Start a fitness class
16. Eat more fruits & veggies
17. Master a new recipe
18. Update your closet
19. Start a savings account
20. Reconnect with an old friend
21. Mentor someone or get a mentor
22. See your favorite musician/ band live
23. Recycle more
24. Make something for your home
25. Make a scrapbook of your year 

We hope you have a great time ringing in the New Year with friends and family! Are you looking for a better vehicle this New Year as well? Come to Graff Mt. Pleasant and we’ll find a great new Chevy car or truck for you to take home. At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Can you smell that? It's the deliciously warming scent of holiday baked goods in the air! Tis the season to bust out the sugar n' spice and everything nice to get in the Christmas spirit and spread holiday cheer! Whether you've got cookie exchanges to participate in, holiday potlucks to attend, or little ones around the house looking for a sweet treat these Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas are sure to impress.

Of course there is endless holiday cookie inspiration on Pinterest, but let's be honest, sometimes that can end up taking more time than it does to even bake the cookies. So to save you some time during this busy season, we've gathered up some of the best Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas for your holiday enjoyment!

Christmas Cookie Recipe Ideas

Cranberry Bliss Cookies

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Homemade Peppermint Patties

Reindeer Pop Treats

Christmas Tree Peanut Butter Blossoms

Candy Bar Pretzel Bites

Have so many Christmas cookies you want to make that you're not sure how you're going to fit them all in your car? Worry not! Tis the season to indulge, and why not upgrade to a new Chevy car or truck? Whatever you many need this holiday season, we're here to help!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com
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Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipe Ideas

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – It's time to gobble til you wobble! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we'd be willing to bet that for most people it's the most exciting day of the month! Whether your loyalty lies with the mashed potatoes, turkey, or stuffing, no one likes 'hangry' guests so make sure to consider these Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipe Ideas before finalizing your turkey day menu!

With these pre-feast snack ideas we've served up a little something for everyone. Whether you're into savory, sweet, crunchy, cheesy, or a bit healthy, one of these autumn-themed recipes is sure to strike your fancy! Take a look and let us know what you think!

Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipe Ideas

Cranberry is the perfect flavorful fruit to accompany your Thanksgiving meal and it's delicious in this pre-feast Cranberry Pomegranate Bruschetta recipe that is complimented by a bit of cream cheese! YUM!

Thanksgiving appetizers don't get any easier or tasty than this Carmel Apple Cream Cheese Spread! Cream Cheese, Carmel, Apples, and you're done!

If you're looking for something that's a little more savory to serve up before the big feast, check out these Caramelized Onion, Mushroom, Apple, and Gruyere Bites!

Trying to keep it healthy this holiday season? You can still enjoy the flavors of the season without the holiday weight gain with this incredible Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad! How great does this look?!

Wherever your turkey day travels may take you, we want to wish our entire Mt. Pleasant community a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are very thankful for your continued support and truly love being a part of this community.

If you're spending your weekend getting prepared for the colder months ahead, we can help you find a great winter vehicle from our Isabella County GMC, Chevy, or Buick dealer. At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com
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Halloween Safety Tips For Trick or Treating

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Have you carved your pumpkin, stocked up on candy, and finalized your costume yet? Halloween is almost here and with it brings the excitement of endless sweet treats for little trick or treaters everywhere! However, the holiday also poses the threat for some frightening situations. Make sure your kids stay safe this year with a few simple, but extremely important Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating:

• Be seen and heard! Choose bright, flame-retardant costumes that have reflective material, or add reflective tape, so that your trick or treater can be seen in the dark. Make sure they also have a flashlight or glow stick before the sun sets.
• Always stick with a trick or treating route that is in a familiar area with neighbors you trust! Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, isolated streets, and houses that are not well lit.
• Even if you are familiar with the neighborhood, never allow young children to go out alone! Always make sure they are accompanied by a parent or other trusted adult, and that you walk them up to the door, never letting them go inside unless you are there.
• While older children probably don't want you to go out with them, make sure they understand the importance of traveling in groups.
• You'll likely see a lot of cars out on Halloween, but never let your children approach a vehicle, whether it's occupied or not, unless you are right there with them.
• Basic pedestrian safety rules are also important since trick or treating involves walking from house to house and crossing many streets, especially in the dark.
• A great alternative to trick or treating that still celebrates the fun in Halloween, would be to organize a neighborhood or community party where everyone can gather in a safe and supervised environment.
• In any situation, it is important that children know their home phone number, address, and how to dial 911 in an emergency if they do become separated.
• Before children head out on Halloween, or anywhere for that matter, make sure they understand the importance of being aware of their surroundings, and that they need to report any suspicious activity to their parents or law enforcement.
• Should they ever get into a dangerous situation where someone tries to get them to go somewhere or leave with them, make sure they understand that they should shout "NO!" or "This is not my mother/father!" and to make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.

Every year kids set out on Halloween to collect as much candy as they possibly can, it's just important that we educate our children on how to stay safe with a few simple tips. Remember that with your OnStar subscription in any new Chevy cars or new Chevy trucks from Graff Mt. Pleasant, all you have to do is push the red emergency button at any time to report information regarding an AMBER alert or lost child.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com
Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube