How to have the perfect picnic

With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to have a picnic. Here's all the essentials that you will need to have a memorable picnic.

• The perfect picnic basket. The picnic basket pictured above includes everything you'll need to have your perfect picnic for two.
  
• A large, over-sized blanket to lay on the grass.
• A Frisbee or other easily portable games to play.
• An easy menu consisting of already prepared food. Check out Whole Foods for a large selection of artisanal cheeses. Make sure to get crackers or a loaf of french bread to go along with the cheese you choose. Also, pick up fruits such as apples, figs and grapes to pair with your cheese and crackers. Whole Foods also has a great olive bar, so be sure to check that out as well.
  
• A good bottle of wine. Don't forget a bottle opener

So, grab all of these picnic essentials and enjoy a summer breeze with your main squeeze.

Cherry Fest in Traverse City

This past Saturday started the week long, summer tradition of the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI. There are many things to do for all ages. The weekend started off with the Blue Angels show that only comes every other year, making for a big attraction this weekend. If you're not into the airshow, there was the arts and craft show, carnival rides and games, and plenty of vendors with great food... especially Traverse City's finest cherries.

The city was packed with visitors from all over the country. Not only was the Cherry Festival a big attraction for all of the non-local visitors, the fact that Traverse City was voted number 8 of the best beaches in the country, was another big target for the vacation weekend.

If you don't mind large crowds, spending a little bit of money, and you're looking for a weekend getaway, check out the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI.

--LK

It's officially summer!

Kickoff the summer!


Plan a getaway! Find a perfect summer vacation destination that fits your lifestyle! You deserve a break from work and/or summer classes!

Are you a...
Fashionista? Plan a trip to New York City, the Fashion Capital of the United States!

Camper? Plan a camping trip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Try a beautiful spot like Pictured Rocks (shown above):
http://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/index.htm


Fudgie? Drive across the Mackinac Bridge and take a ferry ride to Mackinac Island! It's known for its great fudge and has breathtaking views!

Beach Bum? Visit Traverse City, Mich., home to beautiful sandy beaches along Lake Michigan's shoreline, rated number 8 on AOL Travel's America's Best Beach Towns. Dine downtown or drive out on the peninsula for some wine tasting and cherry picking! The "Cherry Capital of the world" holds its annual Cherry Festival July 3-10.

Start planning and happy summer! 8-)


Lauren