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Is Riding A Horse Cheaper Than Driving A Car?

There’s no ignoring the fact that gas prices are through the roof. With the national average for a gallon of regular gas nearing $5, some people are thinking of other…

Exeter Races

(Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

There's no ignoring the fact that gas prices are through the roof. With the national average for a gallon of regular gas nearing $5, some people are thinking of other ways to get around that don't require gasoline. So, in lieu of high gas prices, would you consider swapping your vehicle for a horse?

The crew at NewsNationNow.com did a study to determine the average yearly cost of a car vs. the annual average cost of a horse.

According to the outlet, on average, with a car, drivers are spending roughly $5,000 a year in gas. In addition to that, the average yearly cost for insurance is roughly $1,000. In comparison, for a horse, a rider is likely to spend about $3,000 to buy the horse. In addition to that, a rider will pay more than $4,000 to stable the horse. On top of that, if you're a newbie rider, it will run about $700 to take lessons to learn how to ride. Finally, expect to pay more than $1,800 to feed the horse. That's one hungry horse.

Judging by those numbers, it would cost about $7,000 or more to drive a car for a year. In comparison, it would cost about $10,000 or more to ride a horse for a year. So, you're better off sticking with your motorized vehicle, but it's a cool thought, nonetheless. But if you are looking for another travel option, you might want to consider a bicycle.

Michigan has some great restaurants and fantastic views, so it makes sense that many establishments combine both. With the Great Lakes and so many inland lakes, there are plenty of Michigan restaurants that overlook water, making that dining experience extra special.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, it's an even better time to explores this state and find some eateries with incredible views. The crew at Michigan.org recently put together a list of 12 Michigan restaurants with beautiful views, and we're sharing it below.

One of the restaurants, The Cudahy Chophouse Restaurant on Mackinac Island, has sadly closed since their article published. In place of that spot, I picked my own favorite Michigan restaurant with a view, which is The Butler in downtown Saugatuck. The Butler has been situated on the water in Saugatuck for more than 60 years and offers fresh seafood, classic American cuisine and more. It's a casual dining restaurant, so no need to get fancy.

One of the spots that made Michigan.org's list is very familiar to me: The English Inn in Eaton Rapids. That was the best spot to go for prom when I was in high school, so I ate at The English Inn at least twice in high school on prom night. "Cozy is the hallmark of this restaurant and inn, where you can warm yourself by a crackling fire while gazing over what feels like the grounds of your private castle estate," Michigan.org states of The English Inn. "The 15-acre property was developed just 30 minutes from Lansing for auto baron Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet, and the view still includes their pergola, swimming pool and gazebo. After a formal meal upstairs, retire to the lower level English pub for a nightcap." Read the full list below and try to visit at least one of these delightful spots this season.

12 Michigan Restaurants with Incredible Views

This list is via the fine folks at Michigan.org.

1. Fitzgerald's Hotel and Restaurant – Eagle River

2. Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant – Buchanan

3. Aerie Restaurant and Lounge at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa – Acme

4. English Inn, Restaurant and Pub – Eaton Rapids

5. Iridescence – Detroit

6. Rose's on Reeds Lake Restaurant – Grand Rapids

7. Gates Au Sable Lodge Restaurant – Grayling

8. Arcadia Bluffs – Arcadia

9. Boyne Highlands Resort – Harbor Springs

10. Noto's at the Bil-Mar – Grand Haven

http://gh.notosoldworld.com/

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11. The Lakeview Restaurant – Bellaire

12. The Butler | Waterfront Restaurant in Downtown Saugatuck

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.