Summer in Michigan is what songs are written about—just ask Kid Rock. We spend our time outside by fires, inhaling ice cream, boating, and heading to all the local fairs to check out the races, rides, and elephant ears.
We’re holding on to summer as tightly as we can to remember all the sights, smells and colors of this too-short season.
Bonfires & S’mores
It’s the smell ingrained in our clothing. The orange, yellow and red hues crackle and pop at us as we roast marshmallows or hotdogs over the open flame. We prop our feet up on the fire pit to see how warm we can get them without melting the bottom of our shoes.
We stare up at the star-filled night sky as the smoke swirls around us and point out our favorite constellations, always mixing up the Little Dipper and the Big Dipper. As the evening goes on, we wrap ourselves in fleece blankets to hold onto the night just a little bit longer and stare mesmerized into the flickering bonfire.
Sweet Treats
It’s Saturdays spent riding our bikes down the White Pine Trail, past the LMCU Ball Park, through the woods and into downtown Rockford. We roll to a stop in front of the ice cream shop on the river. The bell jangles as we push the door open, and we’re met with the smell of warm, freshly made waffle cones. It’s a hard decision between the blue raspberry or the bright and mouthwatering Superman soft serve. Which will you choose?
We make our way to the bench by the river and try to savor the sweet treat before the dreaded 15 mile ride back home. Was it worth it? Most definitely.
Ferris Wheels & Dirt Bikes
It’s the week before school starts, and we’re making our way to the Hudsonville Fair to indulge in fried Elephant Ears, corndogs, ring toss, balloon blast and more. The stands are filled with spectators watching drag races, dirt bikes and smash derbies. The bright lights of the Ferris Wheel and brilliant red of the animal barn intertwine with the smells of exhaust, dirt, manure and fried deliciousness embodying the last days of summer.
Maybe, just maybe, we can stretch these last days of summer out just a bit longer. There really is nothing like summer in Michigan.
