Interlochen, Michigan – When I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, everybody used to go Up North in the summer. Up North is the generic term for Northern Michigan, where everybody seemed to have a vacation…
Buddy’s Pizza
Detroit, Michigan – Let’s talk about “Detroit-style pizza.” This is the square pizza that I grew up eating, although we never ever called it “Detroit-style pizza” (and I’m still not sure that is actually a thing). The iconic Detroit restaurant…
Helicopter over Detroit
Detroit, Michigan – Here we are, back in the Motor City! As a special surprise, the grandparents treated us to a flight in a helicopter over Detroit! It was actually cloudy and rainy as we drove to Detroit City Airport,…
#PureMichigan
St Clair Shores, Michigan – The twins are kicking off their summer in Michigan this year. We usually come in August, which is prime Michigan summer. But this year the grandparents are going to be away in August. Plus we…
Life is Good
St Clair Shores, Michigan – Life is good when you spend your summer on Lake St Clair.
Last Hurrah
St Clair Shores, Michigan – Our annual trip to Michigan is always the last hurrah of summer. For two weeks, we escape from the city and bask in the attentions of the grandparents. There’s always a trip to the Henry…
Heidelberg Project
Detroit, Michigan – Sometimes, out of poverty and desperation comes creativity and inspiration. This idea is at the foundation of the revitalization of Detroit. And no place embodies it more than Heidelberg, a devastated street on the city’s east side.…
Dequindre Cut
Detroit, Michigan – In case you haven’t heard, Detroit is experiencing something of a revival. This is my hometown, and I feel like Detroit’s imminent comeback was supposed to happen throughout my entire childhood. (Ie, since the construction of the…
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Detroit, Michigan – You probably thought America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was in New York, didn’t you? Well, you were wrong, it’s right here in the Motor City. The Thanksgiving Day parade in Detroit started in 1924 — the same year…
A Day at the Henry Ford
Detroit, Michigan – We have the luxury of spending a whole week with the grandparents in Michigan during Thanksgiving week. Sounds nice, right? It also means we have the burden of entertaining two rambunctious six-year-olds for a whole week – with no school or…