A Michigander's Ultimate Spring Bucket List

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Hello Spring! After a long, cold and snowy winter, warmer weather is finally here. If you're ready to get out of the house and do some adventuring, you're in luck because few states do spring activities quite like Michigan. No matter what type of fun you're looking for, there's bound to be something on our bucket list you'll love. 

TULIP TIME FESTIVAL 

This time-honored Michigan tradition is perfect for flower lovers and shutterbugs alike. Roam through fields of over 5 million tulips, or enjoy the traditional Dutch market, parades, and fireworks. 

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ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK

Michigan's most remote national park lies uninhabited all winter long - save for the resident moose and wolf packs. But once April rolls around this hidden gem is alive with activity. Participate in wildflower hikes, paddling on Lake Superior, enjoy the rugged trails, or star gaze at the Rock Harbor Lodge. 

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EASTERN MARKET 

So much more than a farmer's market, this Detroit tradition is a destination in the heart of the city with a little something for everyone. Browse wares like plants, fresh foods, jewelry, natural beauty products, furniture and more! Or enjoy some live music and the district's amazing restaurants. 

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GAME DAY 

Spring means a new season for the Tigers. Come out and root for the team at Comerica Park, you might even get a special gift with the purchase of your tickets too! 

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MOVEMENT 

If you're an electronica lover then you HAVE to go to movement. This annual electronic dance music event celebrates the Techno heritage of Detroit and is sure to get that urge to groove out of your system! 

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SOO LOCKS OPENING DAY 

Michigan is home to the Soo Locks, one of the largest and busiest lock systems in the world. Head out to opening day in late March and watch the first freight of the season head out to the Great Lakes. 

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GREENFIELD VILLAGE TOURS

Tour the 80 acres of property full of historic homes and buildings that makes up Greenfield Village in an authentic Model T. Stop by Thomas Edison's laboratory, the Wright Brothers bicycle shop, a Cotswold Village and so much more! 

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NATIONAL MOREL FESTIVAL 

A festival entirely dedicated to the Morel mushroom? Is there anything more Michigan? Learn all about how to hunt, pick, and utilize these elusive fungi. Plus, browse mushroom-themed art, enjoy dishes created with these flavorful shrooms, and more! 

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ANN ARBOR FILM FESTIVAL 

One of the oldest avant-garde and absurdist film festivals in North America, this event has been a tradition since the 1960s. Spanning six days, it features over 40 submissions of all lengths and genres annually, so whether you love animation, documentaries, or performance-based works, there will be something for you. 

Get More Info: https://puremi.ch/2JJgFYQ

ZOO DE MACK 

This 51 mile bike bash is a Michigan rite of spring. It begins at Boyne Highlands Resort and ends at Mackinaw Island. Leisurely ride through some of the most scenic areas of our state and enjoy parties and events along the way. 

Get More Info: http://bit.ly/2JJelkq

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.

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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