Thumb Area Summertime Swing
Summertime is in full swing in Michigan’s Thumb Area! Our big, natural pool (a.k.a. Lake Huron/Saginaw Bay) is open for boaters, fisherman, beach lovers and swimmers. The campgrounds are abuzz with vacationers cooking their hot dogs and s’mores over a campfire. Golfers are practicing their swing. Thumb Area farmers are selling their home-grown produce at roadside stands and local farmers markets. And we’ve got plenty of festivals going on throughout the area. Check out our calendar of events for a list of current Thumb Area happenings.
As you prepare for your visit, we invite you to check out a few of our TATC friends …
Wind turbines at the first commercial wind farm in Elkton, Michigan.
Sights and sounds of farm life in the early 1900’s at the Thumb Octagon Barn
Then consider hitting the waterways. Along the Saginaw Bay shoreline, you’ll discover Lindy’s Landing Marina in Quanicassee as the perfect spot to launch your boat.
Prefer land over water? Take your swing at a hole-in-one when you visit the #1 choice for golf in Tuscola County – Arrowhead Golf Club. Rent a power cart for a game of 9 or 18 holes.
At the end of the day, you’ll need to fill your tummies and quench your thirst. Enjoy a stop at Windows 2 the Past Café and The Broken Teapot gift shop in downtown Mayville. The café features homemade specialties from grandma’s kitchen; as well as, a variety of coffees and teas. The gift shop offers a variety of gourmet food and beverage items; plus, one-of-a-kind gift items made by local artisans from across Michigan.
Now with the day's fun and adventure done, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head and rest as you prepare for another day of fun in Michigan’s Thumb Area.
Looking for a quaint place to stay, try the Captain’s Quarters Inn of Lexington. This famous bed-n-breakfast (once a vacation home for Michigan Governor Albert Sleeper) sits slightly off M-25, but is within walking distance to the beach, marina and shopping district.
Maybe you prefer the old-fashioned way of vacationing … camping. Take a look at Vanderbilt County Park & Campground nestled into a wooded area along the Saginaw Bay shoreline.
And, speaking of camping, did you know it’s one of the most fun and affordable means of vacationing for families. Plus, the State of Michigan will soon offer you even more savings. Beginning Oct. 1, 2010, the Recreation Passport will be available to Michigan residents for just $10 per registered vehicle and $5 per registered motorcycle. It provides you with unlimited access to Michigan’s state parks and boating access sites. Click here to learn more.
While you’re camping, how about trying a family-fun recipe for Mac ‘n Cheese from the Family Fun Magazine.
Campfire Mac ‘n Cheese
- 1 (4 3/8 inch) disposable aluminum pie pan or aluminum foil packets
- 1/2 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12- by 16-inch piece of foil
1. Combine the ingredients. Then seal it in foil (double layer if you’re cooking over an open flame) folding over the extra foil at the top to make a sturdy handle to poke a stick or tongs through.
2. Hold the packet over a campfire or set it directly on a grill to melt the cheese, about 7 minutes.
3. Remove from campfire/grill, let the packet cool briefly, then open it carefully.
4. Stir mac ‘n cheese.
5. Enjoy!
As you travel across Michigan’s Thumb Area, you’ll discover so much more about the area than we can share in one What’s New update. Just remember to pack your sunscreen, bug spray and to have safe travels!
Make planning your Thumb Area visit easy. Start by checking on the links below to build your road less traveled roadmap to Michigan’s Thumb Area.
Want to speak to a person or request a Thumb Area travel packet, contact Kris at (989) 672-0323 during normal business hours or (810) 569-6856 anytime.
Thanks for visiting Michigan’s Thumb Area. Be sure to come again … you’re always welcomed!