Kick off BBQ Season with These Pitmaster-Worthy Recipes

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- BBQ season is here! We don't know about you, but we can't wait to fire up the grill. Whether you're planning a bomb Memorial Day feast or getting your Fourth of July menu ready, there's bound to be some dishes here that you'll want to include. Check out these fail-proof and fool-proof recipes that will turn you into the pitmaster you've always dreamed of being! 

CHILI-RUBBED RIBS 

You can't say "summer grilling" without immediately thinking of ribs. Check out this Asian-inspired recipe for a change from your typical all-American sauce. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2PDXb7b

GRILLED CUCUMBERS WITH FETA DIP 

If you're a pickle lover you have to give this fun dish a try, it's also a great option for your veg-based guests. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2vBEho9

GREEK BEEF KABOBS 

Tender beef infused with the flavors of Greece? What more could you ask for? This fun and easy dish is bound to become one of your favorites! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2JcN5Jv

GRILLED SMORE BANANA POCKETS 

Need a fun dessert to end your meal? This is it! Unique, fun, and delicious, we're sure this will become your go-to summer treat. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2XQMZLs

SWEET AND SPICY BBQ SAUCE

Not a fan of store-bought BBQ sauce? We feel you! Give this sauce with a twist a try. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2PBCHvK

BBQ BURGERS 

Can't decide between BBQ or Burgers? Who says you have to choose! With this awesome recipe you can have the best of both worlds! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2IRgKsj

FLANK STEAK WITH CILANTRO BUTTER & BLUE CHEESE

Who can say no to flank steak? Especially when it's dressed with citrus, cilantro and blue cheese! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2GT09ls

QUICK BBQ BEANS

Do you usually opt for a can of baked beans to avoid the long prep time involved in making them from scratch? Say goodbye to the Busch's because these quick bbq beans are easier than you think and so much more delicious than store-bought! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2V3MHUy

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.

8 Fun Spots for a Winter Weekend Getaway in Michigan

MT. PLEASANT, Mich., –– It may seem like December through March is just a dark and gloomy dead period in the Mitten State, where the sun sets way too early and the weather is frigid and snowy. When in fact, there is a lot of fun to be had around the state during the winter months! If you're looking to plan a trip to inject some fun into your life this time of year with your family or signifiant other you'e got plenty of options of where to visit. Check out these 8 fun spots for a winter weekend getaway in Michigan to enjoy yourself, make some memories, and make springtime come a little faster!

Traverse City

Northern Michigan's biggest city still has a lot to offer during the "off-season" including great dining options, shopping, and even the Great Wolf Lodge where you can experience the most incredible indoor waterpark you've ever seen. While maybe it doesn't quite compare to the summertime, the natural scenery around Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay is uniquely beautiful during the winter as well.

Grand Rapids

Visit Grand Rapids to admire their stunning selection of museums including the Gerald R Ford Presidential Library & Museum and world-renowned Frederick Meijer Gardens. Additionally, you'll find terrific options for food, and night life, while you can also take walks around town to admire Grand Rapids' architecture, or take in a concert at the Grand Rapids Symphony. A very family friendly town, Grand Rapids is a great place for a weekend getaway.

Detroit

You can visit the Motor City to catch a Detroit Redwings or Detroit Pistons game at the new state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena, which is worth the trip all by itself. Otherwise you can also take in a show, play, or concert at the famous Fox Theatre, Fillmore Theatre, or other great venues. You can also check out Campus Martius and all the fun to be had there including ice skating during the winter months. Or, visit the MoTown Museum to check out history of American music history, or the Belle Isle Aquarium to see incredible marine life. There is plenty to do and see in the revitalized Detroit, and incredible dining and nightlife options as well.

Boyne City

It's not just a skier's paradise but a perfect spot for a winter weekend getaway with the whole family. If skiing and snowboarding isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the multiple other amenities and activities that nearby Boyne Mountain has to offer including the Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, horseback trail riding, the tubing park, and a zip line course down the backside of the mountain. Also, you can find great food options in town such as the Red Mesa Grill.

Frankenmuth

Visit Michigan's little Bavaria for a fun winter weekend trip! Stop by the world-famous Bonner's Christmas Wonderland simply to check it out and stock up on next year's holiday decorations. Or, visit Zehnder's for a delicious chicken dinner or to have fun at their enormous indoor waterpark.

Petoskey

Another great choice for an up-north weekend during the wintertime. Petoskey boasts more than 140 miles of forested pathways for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, as well as cute small town shopping options, restaurants, and coffee shops. Plus, Boyne Highlands and Nub's Nob are 20 min away for some skiing and snowboarding fun!

Cadillac

Cadillac is know for their summertime golfing, but during the winter they have a vast snowmobile trail system that spans some 200 miles. You can also do some downhill skiing at Caberfae Peaks and check out the town's newly revitalized downtown area, complete with fun restaurant options.

Muskegon

For a great winter day trip, visit the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex to experience an Olympic-like luge course, ice skating, cross-country skiing, show shoeing, and sledding. They have practically everything you could want to do a on a beautiful winter day in one place!

So plan your trip today to any of these 8 fun spots for a winter weekend getaway in Michigan. You won't regret how good it will feel to get out of the house and explore somewhere new and exciting! Before you head out on your trip, make sure to complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components are up to the task and don't get worn down, broken, or disabled by the cold weather or poor road conditions.

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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Michigan Winter Bucket List

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– Winter in Michigan can be a particularly dreary, dark, and cold time of year, making you all the more likely to just curl up under a blanket at home and wait for spring to arrive. But you'd be missing out! There is so much to do during the winter in Michigan including the many events and festivals that are held this time of year to various outdoor activities you can enjoy such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, ice fishing, and more! So while we can't blame you for wanting to just sit winter out this year, we encourage you to use our Michigan Winter Bucket List to make the season a lot more fun and perhaps go more quickly!

North American International Auto Show

January 13th-28th - Detroit, MI
The North American International Auto Show, or the 'Detroit Auto Show' as most Michiganders call it, is the ultimate gear-head experience. Walk around the enormous showrooms at the COBO Center in downtown Detroit to see what your favorite foreign or domestic car brands are unveiling.

Meridian Winter Blast

January 26th-28th - Detroit, MI
This event really is a blast! Located in and around the beautiful Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit, this event has a unique combination of hip and fun winter events that including ice skating, zip-lining, the Meridian Winter Slide, marshmallow roasting as well as live music and a food truck rally.

Wild Winter at the Detroit Zoo

January 20th, February 3rd - Royal Oak, MI
Experience the magic of the Zoo during the winter! Visit your favorite indoor and outdoor habitats and special activities, zookeeper talks, crafts and much more. Especially their awesome Polar Bear exhibit!

Great Wolf Lodge

Traverse City, MI

If you want to escape the frigid weather of Michigan winters, we recommend heading to Traverse City to experience the most incredible indoor waterpark you've ever seen. With tons of slides, pools, lazy rivers, and hot tubs the Great Wolf Lodge is a perfect. 

See a Play

Mt. Pleasant, MI or Midland, MI
Don't just sit at home on your couch this whole winter, get out and see a show! You can take in a student production at the Central Michigan University Theatre or check out the professionals at the Midland Center for the Arts nearby. The MCFTA has fun and exciting plays on their schedule this winter such as Chicago and Disenchanted as well as comedy shows much more for your viewing pleasure.

See a Game/Event at Little Caesar's Arena

Detroit, MI
It's the inaugural season for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons at the new, state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. This building is truly remarkable and the new design, concourse, and amenities are worth the price of admission to experience a live event here, sporting or otherwise. We recommend purchasing tickets to the MSU vs. U of M hockey game on February 10th. Tickets are very reasonably priced, and it will give you a chance to show off your school spirit.

Traverse City Chili Cook-Off

January 13th - Traverse City, MI
Enjoy local restaurants competing in chili categories such as 1 Alarm, 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, White, Vegetarian, Ethnic, and Seafood. Attendees vote for their favorite in each category and their overall favorite for the People's Choice Award.

Zehnder's Snowfest

January 24th-29th - Frankenmuth, MI
Enjoy larger-than-life snow sculptures and beautifully detailed ice carvings with additional entertainment for the entire family in the warming tent, a fireworks display, petting zoo and children's activities.

Visit Boyne Mountain

Boyne City, MI
It's not just a skier's paradise but a perfect spot for a winter weekend getaway with the whole family. If skiing and snowboarding isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the multiple other amenities and activities that Boyne Mountain has to offer including the Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, horseback trail riding, the tubing park, and a zip line course down the backside of the mountain.

So make the most of the upcoming months by trying to check off as many items as you can on our Michigan Winter Bucket List! There's fun to be had for the whole family, and being active and getting out of your house this winter will make you much happier and healthier to boot! Before you head out on any adventures this season though, make sure your vehicle is up to the task. Complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to help protect your vehicle's internal components from being damaged or disabled by the cold weather and poor road conditions.

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

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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Fun and Patriotic 4th of July Crafts

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– In just a matter of weeks, the 4th of July will be rolling around! Cookouts, family fun, and eye-catching fireworks are a must. While you're preparing for this fun and exciting holiday to come around, you can decroate your house with some fun and patriotic 4th of July crafts! These quick and creative projects will give you and your family plenty of entertainment in the next coming weeks before the big day, so check a few of them out while you can!

Red White & Blue Yarn Lights

Bring festivity to your outdoor lights this year with these red, white, and blue yarn lights! With some string, balloons, and glue, you'll be able to give your regular string lights a much needed makeover! The best part is, you can use different colors to make holiday based themes year round!

4th of July Banner

Hosting a 4th of July themed party? Greet your guests at your cookout with this festive banner! This is a perfect way to unleash your creative side with different patterns of scrap paper! You can add drawings, lettering, and more to these cool and fun banners!

Patriotic Wreath

Bring out the best of the red white and blue this season with a patriotic wreath! Not only are they extremely easy to make, but you can teach your kids so they can make their own, too! Make this surprisingly festive wreath the centerpiece of your holiday decorations now!

Flag Balloon Dart Game

Looking for a fun game for a 4th of July themed party? This balloon dart game will be a hit! You can fill the balloons with candy and money for prizes and the flag game only takes a few cheap supplies! Give everyone a chance to show off their sharpshooting skills this holiday season!

Lollipop Centerpiece

If you need the perfect centerpiece that the kids are sure to love, consider putting together these lollipop centerpieces! Not only are they extremely colorful, but they also make a great candy to tide over the kids while you finish cooking up the food. Don't eat too many of them, though, because you don't want to have cookout on a full stomach!

Fireworks, family get-togethers, and cooking out are the best parts of this holiday season. You can make it even better and show off some pride with some fun and patriotic 4th of July crafts. Enjoy the sunny weather and make the most of your money this season by checking out a few of our coupons, too! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us and our Service Staff will be happy to assist you with whatever you need!

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

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube

How to Make the Most of Your Summer in Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,––The sun is out, the sky is blue, and you can finally drive on Mission street without worrying about traffic. It's summertime in Mt. Pleasant at long last! Now you'll have time for plenty of activities to fill up your free time. With the school year coming to an end, many businesses have opened for the summer and have great deals and activities you can enjoy. With that being said, we've created a go-to guide on how to make the most of your summer in Mt. Pleasant for your enjoyment!

Get Ice Cream from Doozie's

Doozie's only opens during the summer, and Mount Pleasant's best ice cream shop quickly crowds during the end of the school year. With a majority of students heading home to spend time with their families, the lines will be a lot shorter, which means you'll get to enjoy this local delicacy without having to wait too long for it!

Take a Trip to the Waterpark

Need to get away from the scorching sun for a little while? The Soaring Eagle Waterpark offers day passes for only $23.99. They last all day and you can bring all of your family to enjoy it! Kids under the age of 3 get to go for free!

Enjoy Nature at Deerfield Nature Park

Get in touch with the beautiful sights and sounds of nature at Deerfield Nature Park on a beautiful day. Plenty of sightseeing opportunities exist, from beavers swimming in the Chip River to the therapeutic sounds of the rapids crashing against the rocks. Entry to the park is free, and the winding trails and roads offer many opportunities for you to take in this hidden gem of Mt. Pleasant.

Treat Yourself to a Casino Night

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort offers a myriad of summer events and activities. With concerts, bingo specials, and comedy shows, the world is your oyster!

Enjoy the Golf Courses

Reservations have finally opened up and the golf course is open for business! With plenty of opportunities ranging from Buck's Run to Pohlcat, you'll have tons of opportunities to try out that new driver and show your friends what you're made of!

With all of these activities available, you'll be sure to make the most of your summer in Mt. Pleasant! Feel like treating yourself this summer? We have a few incentives to help you make the right decision and plenty of summer coupons for you to save big on maintenance!

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

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube