Northwest Michigan is home to a wealth of authors including novelist Jim Harrison, children's author Gloria Whelan, romance novelist Terry Lawrence and poet Gwen Frostic. Even Ernest Hemingway had summer roots on Walloon Lake. Join the downtown community celebrations that fill the region's summer calendars. In Traverse City, Friday Night Live combines shopping with a huge block party on summer Fridays. Alden hosts its Evening Strolls with buskers and minstrels on summer Thursdays.
Many towns share music and summer sunsets at local park concerts.
Most Mackinac Island fudge purchases don't last as long as the boat ride back across the Straits. If you can resist the temptation of these wonderful sweets, you can keep your fudge fresh by freezing it. Gaylord's Alpen theme comes to life when the Alpine Village Glockenspiel plays atop Glen's Market grocery store. The glockenspiel plays every 15 minutes between 8 AM and 10 PM, accompanied by two dancing childlike dolls, Andre and Andrea. Inventory changes daily at resale stores.