Summer's in Michigan are unlike any other. Whether you're vacationing up north, or relaxing at one of the many festivals the mitten has throughout the summer, check out some of these spots you won't want to miss.

1. Oswald's Bear Ranch, Newberry, MI (UP)

Okay, so honestly I cannot contain my excitement. You can go to Oswald's Bear Ranch and walk through a safari of twenty-nine rescued black bears...you also get an opportunity to PET a cub. Oswald's educates it's visitors on the black bear population in the region as well as rescuing black bears.

2. Grand Hotel, Mackinaw Island, MI (UP)

A common tourist location, the Grand Hotel has been the hot-spot of Northern Michigan since it was built in 1887. Overlooking the straights of Mackinac, the Grand Hotel has a spectacular view that is like no other. This is definitely a must-see for any Michigan native.

3. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, WI (UP)

Okay...so technically this is in Wisconsin waters but pretty dang close to the tip of our upper penninsula. These sea caves will make you think you are in the Carribean. Towering over Lake Superior, the 29 islands are a sight that you can kayak your way through; just make sure not to tip, the waters of Lake Superior average at 40 degrees F.

4. Tunnel of Trees, Harbor Springs, MI

The tunnel of trees is a stretch of road on highway M-119 near Harbor Springs. The tunnel is a common photo-op spot, especially in the fall while the leaves change and fall.

5. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor, MI

If you want to feel like you're on the East coast, the Sleeping Bear Dunes will make you forget you are in the mitten. With crystal clear water and white sandy beaches, the dunes are a family getaway close to home.

6. Belt Alley, Detroit, MI

Full of graffiti and street art, the Belt Alley in the heart of Detroit's Greek Town. With whimsical modern and contemporary art scattered through the bars and boutiques along the alleyway, this is a popular spot for local photographers to get some street inspired shots.

7. Northern Lights, Keweenaw Penninsula, MI (UP)

This is definitely at the top of my to-do list this year. The northern lights tend to be pretty unpredicatable however there are a few online northern light predictors that forecast the lights in Northern Michigan. The most heigtened time for seeing the northern lights is typically August-December.

8. The Ledges, Grand Ledge, MI

The Ledges are a home-town hotspot for me personally. I grew up climbing through them, adventuring in Fitzgerald park and even spending some time at the Quarry at Lincoln Brick Park. The ledges will make you think you are out west in the mountains, yet you are comfortably close to home in Central Michigan!

9. Dark Sky Preserve, Alpena, MI

Along with the Keweenaw Penninsula, the Dark Sky Preserve is a must-see. However, this is not nearly as far as the Northern Light Hotspot. Located in lower Michigan, the Alpena tourist attraction bans light pollution in the area so you can see the entire night sky.

10. Madcap Coffee Co., Grand Rapids, MI

And finally, if any of my fellow coffee connoisseurs are ever in Grand Rapids, Madcap is a minimalist meets modern cafe where latte art is created. Madcap will not only make you a latte instagram worthy, but provides a cool cucumber atmosphere that anyone can enjoy.