Restaurant Archives - from Michigan with Love Blog

A First Timer’s Guide to Things to do in the Brighton Howell Area

As a born and raised Michigander, I’ve traveled across the mitten state countless times, but somehow, the charming towns of Brighton, Howell and Pinckney eluded me.

Intrigued by the earlier two’s reputation for walkable downtowns, unique shops, and vibrant local culture, I decided it’s time to explore this uncharted territory (for us!).

Join us as I share my first-timer’s impressions of these three gems, nestled in a region steeped in history and natural beauty. From exploring the bustling streets of Howell’s National Historic District to discovering the hidden treasures of Brighton’s Mill Pond, I’ll uncover the distinct character of each town and offer tips for fellow Michiganders seeking a fresh adventure.

Spring Getaway to Mackinac Island

I’ve always been a little hesitant about traveling to Mackinac Island. As someone who writes about hidden gems within Michigan, what is “hidden” about Michigan’s number one tourist destination? Everyone in Michigan knows about it. Most people in the Midwest know about it. And it gets a lot of national recognition as well. So why bother?

Well, when I finally let my guard down about it, I discovered there’s a lot of history on Mackinac Island. And there’s a lot of unique places to visit that aren’t as well known!

So much so, that unless you live on Mackinac Island or visit every year, it’s hard to fully experience everything on Mackinac Island within one visit. Plus, there are certain times of the year where the island is less busy – like at the end of the season in fall or early in the season – such as our spring getaway to Mackinac Island!

A Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City

We’re taking you through a hidden gem tour of Traverse City!

Traverse City and its surrounding communities are some of the most popular destinations for people (including myself) to visit in Michigan, particularly in summer.

But for a long while now, the vision of going on an unconventional weekend getaway started brewing. I craved diving a little deeper into this picturesque region’s history. At the same time, we didn’t want to sacrifice fun, family friendly activities.

Check out our travel plan for some unique sights and attractions to include in your next visit!

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