After living in Northern Michigan (NoMI) for 18 years and moving to Chicago, I learned that everyone has educated guesses as to what life is like up in the "pinky" area of the mitten state. And let me tell you, I've heard it all! From condos and resort talk to crazy weather that people think defines NoMI, here is a list of things you hear being from Northern Michigan and living in a different state.
1. "Oh, so you're from Detroit?"
If you call five hours north of Detroit "from Detroit," then yes. But no, I am not from Detroit. Northern Michigan is exactly what it sounds like, Northern Michigan, aka towards the top of the Lower Peninsula.
2. "You're from Traverse City? That's where my summer house/cottage/condo is!"
3. "Like, the top of Michigan? By Canada?!"
No, I'm not practically Canadian, eh -- that would be considered the Upper Peninsula. I'm from Northern, Lower Peninsula. I know, two landmasses for one state is a wild concept. I wish good luck to the people confused about Michigan's geography if they ever venture to Hawaii -- they will really be thrown for a loop.
4. "My grandparents vacation there."
5. "I love the Cherry Festival! It's so fun!"
You're right, it is fun ... for the first few seconds you think about it. And then it goes downhill -- fast. From the traffic to the "fudgies," our little town begins to bust at the seams with an overload of people and activities. But, I will admit, there are some nights I enjoy a stroll through the Open Space, people-watching, and, of course, the fireworks on the last night. It is nice to have a festival so unique to my little hometown.
6. "Have you ever been to [names popular tourist attraction and acts like he or she and I are the only ones who know about it]?"
When you are in elementary school, you go on lots of field trips. When you grow up in Northern Michigan, you go on field trips to a lot of "destinations." Yes, I have been to the Sand Dunes. Yes, I have been to Mackinaw Island. Yes, I have been camping to state parks. Yes, I have been down the Platte River canoeing and tubing. I have done it all. That's called being from Northern Michigan.
7. "It's always so cold and snowy there. Yuck, how do you handle that?"
Well, because we do cool events like the one featured in the photo above, Family Fun Weekend, and several other fun winter activities. Not to mention, our winter fashion is superb because it is cold half the year so we have to get cold-weather items we actually will wear all of the time. And don't forget about skiing and snowboarding resorts somewhat comparable to those in Colorado ... just saying.
8. "I've never heard of that town. It must be super small!"
Well, yes. It is particularly small; however, it is not tiny. At around 87,000 people, Grand Traverse County is actually a poppin' small town! But being that we're small, the friends we grow up with remain our close friends for a long time after we leave our hometown.
9. "It's so beautiful up there!"
Though I focused on Traverse City and the surrounding landmarks, Northern Michigan is inclusive of several other small towns: Elk Rapids, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and Ludington. Check out a small town in NoMI and enjoy a beautiful escape!
