Pure Michigan

Just like I know a Home Depot ad, the moment the radio starts playing the catchy rhythms that make me want to week whack my lawn, bag the clippings and throw it to the curb, to the beat of course; I know there will be a promotion for my neighboring state the moment Tim Allen starts huskily reading poetry about the surprising beauty of Michigan.


The commercials lure you in. Both the ones for Home Depot and Michigan. But for the next five minutes or so, I'll focus on the latter.


If you haven't heard one of the ads, the campaign is called 'Pure Michigan.' In the Fall, the former star of Home Improvement talks about the foliage, wine tasting, and fishermen casting in the bubbling brooks. In the winter, it's the gateway to amateur sledding, skating, and skiing, just enough adventure for Midwesterners who are more comfortable flat footed. In the spring, it's the biking, breweries, and tours of Motor City. And in the summer, it's the shoreline and sunset - the other coast with sandy dunes, a crystal clear lake, thousands of boats, and spectacular vacation homes.


A year or so ago, Peter and I went to Traverse City in the Fall. It was my first time really exploring Tim's pure promise. And we loved it.


Last weekend, an invitation from my grandma in law, brought me to Holland, Michigan. Another dot on Michigan's map, made a little bigger in my mind by all that it had to offer. If Mr. Allen was to glorify it on the radio, it might go something like this.


'The perfect summer getaway weekend has a voice, and if we listen close enough, we can hear it.
It whispers, one more sunrise on the beach, one more cruise around Macatawa, just let me peak a little closer at the Devos compound. And that's their vacation home?


It whispers, pour me one more glass of Rose pleeeeease, grab one more New Holland brew for Peter, and everyone take another slice of Crust 54's pizza.






It talks about boats that are a little taller, and a super great Grandma who can find a way to climb all the way up to the top deck to watch her great grands take the helm.







It brings loved ones together, bunks them up, and wakes them with the glowing sunrise in the morning. Or in the middle of the night. Whichever comes first.






It begs you to pick another bucket of blueberries, come aboard the Hennebreeze, eat a Corn Dog at the County Fair, cheer for a 12 year old at the Demolition Derby, and experience a little bit of the Netherlands right here in the U.S.



It says, come run along my shoreline, swim in my fresh water, get a fish, fire up the grill, sit around the table, and lift a glass to Pure Michigan.






Even though I only got to spend two days in this beautiful spot, the experiences I had were wonderful. All made a little more pure and powerful by getting to spend that time with my extended family. Thank you Super Great Grandma Shirley.






Lo.