Michigan Has One Of America’s Best Small Town Art Spots
Small towns can hold endless possibilities for discovering gems, from fantastic shops and restaurants to recreational gold mines and art spots. USA Today, 10Best compiled a list of the ten best small towns for art lovers. They were selected by an expert panel and voted by their readers. “Because what each of these towns lacks in size, they make up for with museums, art galleries, performing arts, and busy event calendars,” they said.
Best Art Spot in Michigan
According to their list, Saugatuck is one of the best spots for art lovers. This town snagged spot number 5 on their list. “Sitting on the shore of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck welcomes art lovers to tour the many local galleries, attend the annual art festivals, and check out the public art,” they said. They also highlighted some of Saugatuck’s public installations. These include the “Smile! You’re in Saugatuck” mural on Water Street, the “Family of Man IV” sculpture in Coghlin Park, and the “Girl With Puppet” statue in Village Square Park.
Interestingly, Saugatuck is home to many art schools. Many of the art schools in the area are open to visitors and offer workshops and private lessons to the public. Some of these art schools include Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Ox-Bow School, and James Brandess Studio.
Number one on their list is Lucas, Kansas, or what they referred to as the “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas.” USA Today pointed out that visitors can start at the Grassroots Arts Center for an introduction before wandering through the “funky sculpture garden” known as the Garden of Eden. Additionally, they mention other points of interest in Lucas. These include Fork Art Park, Bowl Plaza, and Miller’s Park.
Other towns on their list include Tubac, Arizona; Abingdon, Virginia; and Homer, Alaska. Look at the list of the best small cities for art lovers here.
6 Michigan Islands To Explore Other Than Mackinac
You don’t have to travel far for an island getaway when you live in Michigan. Tucked away in the waters of Michigan’s Great Lakes are some of the most beautiful islands you’ll ever see.
If you’re familiar with Michigan or even if you’ve never set foot in the Great Lakes State, chances are you’ve heard of Mackinac Island. This tiny 4.35 square mile paradise is home to around 500 residents, but its annual visitors exceed one million. However, Michigan is not limited to just Mackinac Island. If you’re itching to discover other islands in the state, we’ve got a few recommendations for you to explore.
These islands are simply gorgeous.
People absolutely love the islands in Michigan, and it’s not hard to see why. These islands are simply gorgeous. The natural beauty found there is off the charts. From pristine beaches and lush forests to sparkling waters and stunning views, the scenery is straight out of a postcard. But it’s not just about the looks. These islands offer an escape from the daily grind. You can leave behind the honking horns and crowded streets and embrace a more relaxed pace of life. And some of these islands don’t even allow cars.
Whether you’re into hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or even off-roading, you’ll find your fix here. Of course, you can’t forget the amount of history each island holds. They’ve witnessed the passage of time, seen settlers come and go, and have their own unique cultures. You can dive into the past by visiting historical sites, checking out museums, or chatting with the locals.
One of the best things about these islands is the chance to have one-of-a-kind experiences. Where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride like you’re in a fairytale. Or spot majestic gray wolves in their natural habitat.
In Michigan, there are islands waiting to be discovered. Here are five islands you should check out.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
