Discover Enchantment: 10 More Spectacular Day Trips in Michigan’s Thumb Region – Part Two

May 1, 2020April 7, 2023

In Part One of our Michigan Day Trip Around the Thumb we traveled from Port Huron up the eastern shore of Lake Huron to the tip of the Thumb. Our starting point for the second half of our adventure is in Grindstone City. We will begin heading west along Saginaw Bay’s shore of sugar sand beaches and interesting coastal towns and villages. I hope you brought your bathing suit because this side of the Thumb offers some of the best swimming beaches in Michigan.

Emil Baur Gave Relief to the Indians at Ora Labora After 1871 Great Fire

April 30, 2020November 11, 2024

In October of 1871, a great forest fire swept across much of the Thumb region including the section of Michigan that included the lands of the former colony of Ora Labora. The colony was in the process of being disbanded and the lands sold off, but large holdings remained including some cabins and buildings. The colony’s benefactor and primary landowner, the Harmony Society immediately sent $200 for distribution among the needy.

A 12 Straw Bale Garden in Michigan’s Thumb

April 22, 2020March 26, 2022

The idea of straw bale gardening from a book by Joel Karsten. Joel comes to us from Minnesota where the growing season is incredibly short and the soil tough to cultivate.

Stuckey’s – A Familiar National Brand Expands for a New Generation of Travelers

April 17, 2020November 15, 2021

Stuckey’s blue teal roof has greeted travelers since 1937. We learn how Stephanie Stuckey, CEO, is working to bring Stuckey’s to a new generation of travelers.

New Web Site Helps Residents Get Their Federal Stimulus Payment

April 15, 2020November 15, 2022

The vast majority of Michigan residents are eligible for the stimulus checks made available by the federal Coronavirus Aid. However, according to U of M data, approximately $4.5 million is at risk in the Thumb area due to not meeting filing requirements required to obtain the stimulus checks.

Michigan Executive Order Bans Travel Between Residences

April 10, 2020November 15, 2021

Starting Saturday, April 11, Michigan residents will not be allowed to travel between their downstate home and northern cottage, cabin or trailer. This executive order comes with extended guidelines and extends the Stay Home, Stay Safe issued March 24th which was due to expire April 13th.

COVID-19 : Despite Stay Home Stay Safe Orders, Folks are Still on the Move

April 3, 2020November 15, 2021

On March 24th Gretchen Whitmer’s order to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” was a shutdown of the nonessential business due to the coronavirus outbreak. The data for the Michigan COVID-19 Mobility Report implies that there has been a drop of travel to retail stores, recreational centers, pharmacies, and grocery stores. However travel to parks and outdoor areas has increased since the executive order.

The Last Time A Michigan Governor Shutdown the State Due to a Pandemic

March 26, 2020November 15, 2021

Gretchen Whitmer’s order to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” is a Michigan shutdown of the nonessential business due to the coronavirus outbreak. This was done once before by Michigan governor Albert Sleeper in October 1918.