As the new year begins, like just began, everyone has those New Year's resolutions that they will try and achieve but they will just end up forgetting about them. One of the resolutions that most people make is to travel more and that shouldn't be forgotten, especially if you live in Michigan. Michigan is full of underrated, yet surprisingly stunning places that even people who live here don't know about. I know that when people said traveling they probably didn't mean travel to Michigan but there are a ton of hidden gems in Michigan that aren't given the credit that they deserve. From the beautiful beaches to the cherry trees, Michigan has some great places that people just don't see as much as other popular places.

1. Pentwater, Michigan

Pentwater is a lovely small-ish town on Lake Michigan that is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. There are plenty of big beach towns that people flock to in the summer, but I happen to like going to this fun yet still big enough town when it comes to summer. They have it all, a fantastic sandwich place that I highly recommend called Good Stuffs and a great candy shop called Cosmic Candy that just makes you want to buy everything there. There are a bunch of little local shops that are charming and they each have their own unique style and taste, which is refreshing compared to having all the same stuff in every shop. Another great thing is the channel that they have. Obviously, you cant swim in it, but it is nice to just watch boats go through the channel and onto Lake Michigan. They have many places where you can rent boats and go out there yourself or they have tons of places where you can put your own boat in and go have a good time on the water. Pentwater also has an amazing state park nearby, Mears State Park. The state park is the perfect swimming spot because the campground is practically on the beach. All in all, Pentwater is definitely one place you should stop by if you like swimming and a great atmosphere in this adorable town.

2. Ludington State Park. Ludington, Michigan

Sticking to the theme of sand and beachy places, I give you Ludington State Park. Another one of my favorite places, as you might be able to tell why, the beaches of Ludington are by far one of the best in the state. Now I picked the state park because camping there is really how you get the best of both worlds. With the state park, you have access to all the beaches not just the public ones, plus Ludington has a another lake that connects to Lake Michigan so you have two places to swim in one great place. Now the city of Ludington is actually a fantastic place, a bit bigger than Pentwater, but both are equally great. Ludington, much like Pentwater, has some really cool and unique shops, and I love to go into town and do some shopping while I am there. One of the best things that Ludington has to offer besides fantastic beaches and nature is House of Flavors. House of Flavors is a restaurant/ice cream parlor. I go there each time I go to Ludington, it is just that good. They serve just about everything that a great hometown restaurant should, and people love it so much that the dinner time is busy but so worth it. So, whether you want to stay at the State Park, or not, Ludington should be your next stop for a really great time.

3. Zingerman's. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Zingerman's is an absolutely fantastic deli and eatery. My mom lived in Ann Arbor when she went to school there, and this is where she and my dad would go to eat because it is just so good. Zingerman's actually has two locations in Ann Arbor: there is this one and there is Zingerman's Roadhouse that is more downtown-ish. This Zingerman's is more like a small community of buildings that house different things. The main building has the deli where you can order a sandwich or buy some of their homemade bread. Then they have a ton of space for people to sit and eat, and last they have a building with more seating and a place to buy dessert-type things and coffee. This is only underrated for people who either don't live in Ann Arbor or who don't go anywhere near Ann Arbor. I have been there when the line is going out the door and down the street, that is how good their food is. I suggest to anyone in the Ann Arbor area to go and pick up a world class sandwich from Zingerman's, it would be in your best interest.

4. Muskegon, Michigan

Here is another beachy city that has more to offer than you think. If I were to go up to someone from Michigan and ask what is in or near Muskegon, they would say Michigan's Adventure and nothing else. Well I am here to tell you that there is much more than just a small amusement park. Don't get me wrong I love Michigan's Adventure, but there is more to Muskegon than that. Muskegon, much like the other two towns, has an amazing atmosphere and super sandy beaches. Not only does it have great, clean beaches but they also have a killer state park that is so beautiful. Another interesting thing about Muskegon is that is has a winter sports complex and a luge. A luge is the second picture where you slide on the ice while sitting on a weird sled. It is actually pretty cool in the winter. And in the summer, it looks really cool when you see it without the snow. Stop in Muskegon before heading straight to Michigan's Adventure, as this town has some great things to offer.

5. Meijer Gardens. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Clearly this place is so beautiful I had to put in three pictures just to show some of the stunning sculptures they have. This is the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, a place in Grand Rapids that everyone needs to see at least once in their lives. The sculptures are spread around the park to make it look less museum-like and more nature-like. They also have a beautiful butterfly house in the glass building, shown in the first picture. It is a great place to have a wedding, and many do get married here. It would also make the best backdrop for senior pictures if anyone needs an idea. I highly suggest going here because it is so calm and serene there, and just looking at the pictures makes me want to go back. Head to Meijer Gardens if you haven't seen the amazing sculptures and gardens that they have.

6. Whitehall/Montague, Michigan

Now these two towns kind of go hand in hand, mainly because they are so close together. Whitehall and Montague are the ideal place to retire because they have amazing houses and a great view of Lake Michigan. If you really like to be out on the water then this is the place to be because these towns are basically on the water wherever you look. The water is clean and the beach is huge, so there are no worries about having some family space. One of the hidden gems of these towns is the Dog n' Suds diner. It is one of those car hops and this one has been around for a while. It is one of 14 still out there today. The food is great and they really serve like the authentic carhops would, which is not something you see every day. They have a really good burger and their applesauce is actually really great, if you ever get to Whitehall/ Montague I recommend this place, for sure.

7. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Now I wouldn't exactly call Frankenmuth underrated but I would say that it could use some talking up to people outside of Michigan. If you have not heard about Frankenmuth, it is, as it says in the picture above, Michigan's Little Bavaria. Frankenmuth is actually a city, and people obviously live there, but they stick to their Frankish and German ancestry with this little village. They have fantastic authentic restaurants, fun activities, entertainment, and shopping. They have some really nice hotels that really embody the Little Bavaria feel. One of the coolest things that Frankenmuth has is Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the world. It is filled with so much Christmas spirit and sparkle and glitter you have to cover your eyes, but it is amazing. If you are in the area, stop at Frankenmuth, their fried chicken and Christmas shop are not something to miss.

8. Interlochen, Michigan

This one may seem odd, but stick with me here. This is Interlochen, which is said like interlock-en, Interlochen is a performing arts school and summer camp. It's also a town, but it is really known for this camp. My mom actually went here for a summer when they let her school use it for their band camp and she loved it. This camp is a fantastic place to go visit because it is not only gorgeous but if you go in the summer odds are you will get to see a performance and that is the best part. Now I know that it is not much but trust me going to Interlochen is a must because even if you don't go to the camp then go to the town itself and have a good time, plus it is practically on the water, so there is that little factor.

9. Sleeping Bear Dunes. Empire, Michigan

This lovely place is Sleeping Bear Dunes, just about the most beautiful spot in Michigan. You can swim just about anywhere around the dunes, and if you really want to you can climb the dunes and see these fantastic views and make other people jealous. I know that there have even been stories about Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Manitou islands, about how the islands are two baby bears that were separated from their mom and they became the islands and the mom bear became Sleeping Bear Dunes and her tears for her babies are supposed to be petoskey stones. It is a great story, but I definitely love the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and I think you all should come and check them out.

10. Pictured Rocks. Munising, Michigan

This last one is a little far but it is totally worth it, if you can't tell by the pictures alone. Pictured Rocks is in Munising, Michigan, which is actually in the Upper Peninsula. Now it may be quite a drive for some people but I guarantee it will be worth all that time spent in the car. These pictures don't do justice to the tons of rock formations that are around Pictured Rocks. Some you can walk to like the ones in the second and third pictures, others you may want to get a kayak and make your way around them that way. Now the third picture is actually a picture of Miners Castle in Pictured Rocks. You can't technically go onto Miners Castle but they do have a viewing platform which is actually pretty close to this rock formation. I know that not everyone is a nature person but how can you not want to go here and just dive right into this water (I wouldn't actually dive into that water, Lake Superior is actually really cold.) This is one natural place that is free and amazing.

There you have it, 10 fantastic yet underrated places in Michigan that are a must! If you are going to visit Michigan (which I suggest), then you should put these on your Michigan bucket list. Come to Michigan any time, but really come in the summer, the water will be warmer and there will be no snow (hopefully).