Summer vacation: Four must-do multigenerational trips

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Summer vacation: Four must-do multigenerational trips

summer vacation ideas

Now that we're well into March, planning summer trips tops the to-do list of many a mama, grand or otherwise.

For your consideration, here are four of my favorite trips of the past couple years — all ideal for enjoying with multiple generations. Meaning, they're perfect places to gather together loved ones young and not-so-young plus everyone in between for an unforgettable summertime celebration.

The following trips cover far-reaching regions of the country — California, Colorado, Michigan, Florida — so there's surely one...

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Fall in Michigan!

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Fall is sneaking its way into Colorado. The Aspens are changing in the high country, I've heard, and I hope Jim and I get a chance to traverse a mountain pass or two before a cold snap renders leaves of  brilliant golds, reds, and oranges instantly burned and browned.

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Wanted: Outdoor and history enthusiasts to experience Alpena

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History buffs seeking outdoor adventure will believe they've struck gold when visiting the city of Alpena on Michigan's east coast. Alpena is rich with both—many times in the same activity or attraction.

alpena michigan

The perfect description for this quaint community on the edge of Lake Huron comes by way of Mary Beth Stutzman, longtime resident and CVB president. "Alpena is that place where history and heritage collide with relaxed outdoor adventure," Mary Beth says. 

Such glowing words are to be expected from the gal charged with promoting...

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16 spots I want to take my grandkids on Michigan's sunrise coast

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16 spots I want to take my grandkids on Michigan's sunrise coast

michigan attractions for kids 

I live in the mountains and my grandsons live in the desert. Which means neither they nor I have much opportunity to enjoy natural water features—lakes, rivers, and so forth—and the outdoor adventures related to them. It's so very dry here, so very dry there.

Because of our similarly parched home states, when I recently toured gems of communities on the "sunrise coast" of Michigan—primarily the Tawases and Alpena (thanks, Pure Michigan!)—I couldn't help but consider how much my landlocked grandsons would be thrilled by ocean-like Lake Huron as well as...

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The weekend I fell in love... with Michigan

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My home state of Colorado is where my heart is. Though I love to travel and see places big and small, metropolitan and rural, historic or brand-spanking new, I've never visited a place that felt like home to me, a spot that made me say to myself or others, "Hey, I could live here!"

Until I visited Michigan.

alpena and tawas michigan

Pure Michigan, the mitten state's travel-marketing division, invited me to...

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Lake Huron waves, plus GRAND Social No. 177 link party for grandparents

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Lake Huron waves

I'd like to kick off the new week with a wee bit of peace and tranquility.

Middle Island Lighthouse Michigan
View of Middle Island Lighthouse from the keeper's house

While I was in Michigan, I couldn't get enough of the peaceful sound of waves hitting the various shorelines I had the opportunity to explore. My dusk visit to Middle Island Lighthouse...

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No movie review today thanks to #PureMichigan

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I typically publish a movie review on Saturdays but I've had no time to watch movies this week. Hence, no movie review this week.

Blame it on #PureMichigan, the folks who have kept me busy with things such as the following (which I've shared on social media the last couple days).

My Thursday...

tawas michigan 

And Friday...

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