It’s easy to complain about living in Michigan. The roads are always under construction, the winters are frigid cold, and it can be pretty hard to support some of the sports teams (Lions and Pistons, that’s you). I’m guilty of finding a way to complain about The Mitten every single time someone asks about my home state, but what most people don’t know (and I fail to mention) is that it’s unarguably the gem of the Midwest for a multitude of reasons.

Pop can refunds.

It’s basically a source of income for kids that are too young to work. Take the empty cans and bottles to the store for a 10 cent refund and it adds up quick, especially after throwing a big party.

Snow days.

Superstition says that if you wear your pajamas inside out or put a spoon under your pillow when there’s a winter storm coming, you’re bound to have a snow day and not have to go to school. If we were really lucky it meant we got up to a week off of school to spend sledding and skiing.

Awesome winter sports.

I love the south, especially states like Florida and Georgia. But where those states have plenty of sunshine, they’re lacking in snow. Sure it gets cold, but snow permits sledding, skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding, and once you get past the windburn, they’re all tons of fun.

Mackinac Island.

It’s a quaint, historic little island between Michigan’s two peninsulas. Cars are not allowed so you travel by horse, bike, or on foot and it’s the place where you’ll find the best fudge and some unforgettable views.

And a whole array of gorgeous places.

There’s the Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains, the Tunnel of Trees, and the many lighthouses around the state, just to name a few of the alluring places that can be found in Michigan.

The Michigan Left.

It’s a godsend and it taught me that U-turns are somewhat terrifying in comparison.

The most gorgeous fall scenery.

Is there a state that comes even close to matching up to the beautiful oranges, yellows, and reds that the fall brings?

The Great Lakes.

Some of the greatest childhood memories of mine come from the days and nights spent on our boat out on the Great Lakes. They’re like small, unsalted oceans that offer refuge to anyone who may love great fishing and plenty of room for water sports.

The Cheeseburger Festival.

Who doesn’t love cheeseburgers? Caseville will show you a good time with some camping, people watching, and delicious burgers, but you’ll probably leave with a food baby.

Food in general.

Coney dogs, Traverse City cherries, donuts from the cider mills, and pasties are only some of the delicious things that come from Michigan. It’s no wonder that we have a crazy high obesity rate, we’re well-fed.

Visit Michigan one time and you’ll soon realize that it’s actually kind of great and there’s no place that can come even close to comparing.