I have lived in Petoskey, Michigan for my entire life. Right on Lake Michigan. Right in one of the most beautiful towns of Northern Michigan. Petoskey, Michigan and all of Northern MI is the best place to visit and live; even Smithsonian Magazine named Petoskey one of the best small towns in America if you need to see more proof.

As I have gotten older, I have come to realize that growing up here has absolutely been a blessing.

1. Water.

Lake Michigan is the largest lake that is entirely in one country. You can get in the car and drive for 5 minutes and find yourself at water. There are plenty of waterside parks, beaches, or docks to watch a sunset. Lake Michigan has the world's largest freshwater dunes lining its lakeshore. The list of amazing things about Lake Mich is endless.

2. "Locally" grown.

Local businesses allow you to know the people behind the product, keep your community unique and whole, and improve the local economy. Farmer's markets within your town are also a way to connect with people and get personalized service

3. Fall colors.

Fall in No Mich is one of the most beautiful things on this planet. In Harbor Springs, a neighboring town of mine, there is something called "The Tunnel Of Trees" on M119. One of my favorite things to do on a fall day is get in the car with my favorite music playing and drive through the tunnel.

4. My children & grandchildren.

Knowing that my kids and grandkids one day will have the best place in the world to spend their summers is such a great feeling. My mom and grandparents started coming up to Northern Michigan when she was a young teenager and have been here every summer since. Once you travel up here and become a part of the lifestyle, it's something that will always stay with you.

5. So. Many. Activities.

No matter the season, there is always something to do. In the winter, there's snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, ice-fishing, etc. In the fall, there's going to an apple orchard, biking on a scenic fall road, fall kayaking, shopping in your local downtown, and fall hiking. In the spring, you can hunt for mushrooms when the snow melts and the temperature rises. You can also grab your bike and go for a cycling ride or hit up the beautiful Northern Michigan golf courses. Come the summertime, the activities are endless; whether it's grabbing a ferry up to Mackinac Island, taking a boat out on all of the inland lakes, outdoor activities and special celebrations such as the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix or the Mushroom Festival in Boyne City.

6. Fudge. Ice cream. Candy.

Northern Michigan locals call the tourists that come up for the summers "fudgies" for one particular reason: they buy tons and tons of fudge. The amount of fudge and sweet treats available at any time here is ridiculous. We are almost famous for our local ice cream shops and our Kilwin's chocolate factories.

7. Being able to adapt to any weather conditions.

The weather in Northern Michigan can change completely in a matter of minutes. You probably know that the winters up here can be harsh, and most schools up north have 8+ snow-days per year. We are able to survive the brutal winters and then be able to endure a summer where one moment there's a thunderstorm, and the next it's 80 degrees and sunny.

I encourage all of you to get in the car and take the scenic route up here and catch a No Mich sunset.