Month: March 2022

It’s no secret that Michigan is chock full of surprises, whether you’re fascinated by the great outdoors, man-made attractions, or some combination of the two. For geography buffs, there’s one unique community here in the Great Lakes State that’s well worth discovering – and those who aren’t aware of its existence are sure to be impressed. This delightful small town is home to a marker for the 45th parallel in Michigan, and you’ll want to experience it for yourself.

Kewadin, Michigan is situated approximately 20 miles north of Traverse City. This tiny yet utterly unique community houses a population of just over 2,000 residents, so it’s certainly a true small town.

It’s along US-31 in Kewadin that you’ll find a marker for the 45th parallel: a latitudinal line that designates the halfway spot between the equator and the North Pole. The spot sits just past Coleman Road.

Whether you’re here specifically to visit the marker or making a quick stop for a photo op on your Michigan road trip, there’s something exciting about recognizing this spot’s geographical significance.

While your visit to the 45h parallel marker might be brief, don’t be so quick to leave Kewadin as a whole. In addition to its geographic gem, the town offers plenty of excitement for guests from all walks of life.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy unwinding at Barnes County Park, which offers frontage along Grand Traverse Bay and an on-site campground that’s full of charm. You might just want to settle in and stay a while.

Other visitors appreciate sipping a few adult beverages from WaterFire Vineyards, an utterly enchanting winery that’s surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty. It’s tough to imagine a more peaceful locale.

Golfers will have a blast at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, while others will appreciate sitting down for a meal at Kewadin’s delightful Garden Cafe. It’s easy to see why this region is so beloved among travelers.

When you’re ready to check “stand along the 45th parallel” off your bucket list and enjoy a small town getaway, venture to Kewadin. This Michigan treasure is full to the brim with wonderful surprises.

Have you ever visited this small town, which marks a crossing of the 45th parallel in Michigan? We love hearing from our readers, so be sure to share your photos and experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment. If there’s another geographically significant place in Michigan that we should be aware of, be sure to fill out our official nomination form.

If you’re looking for another unique spot, read about this one-of-a-kind international wildlife refuge in Michigan.

The post Few People Know This Charming Small Town In Michigan Sits Exactly Halfway Between The Equator And The North Pole appeared first on Only In Your State.

When everyday life becomes overwhelming, many of us wish we could revert to childhood. After all, what could be better than a day of playing outside without a care or responsibility in the world? While returning to childhood is impossible, there’s one unique traveling event that allows guests of all ages to experience childlike glee while making lasting memories with loved ones. That’s right: this spring, you’ll find the world’s largest bounce house in Michigan, so start planning for a great adventure.

The Big Bounce America is a traveling event that brings vibrant inflatables to cities throughout the country. This incredible attraction features the world’s largest bounce house, an obstacle course, and more.

While an official date has yet to be announced, the Big Bounce is slated to visit Detroit, Michigan in spring 2022. For updates and additional information, you’ll want to check out the official event website.

<img width="700" height="467" src="https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/700x/cdn.onlyinyourstate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/275635494_1396840810787828_8319052283828959043_n-700×467.jpg" class=" gallery-image " alt="" loading="lazy" data-pin-description="While an official date has yet to be announced, the Big Bounce is slated to visit Detroit, Michigan in spring 2022. For updates and additional information, you’ll want to check out the official event website.” data-pin-url=”https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/states/michigan/feed/” />

The main attraction here is the world’s biggest bounce house, a 13,000 square-foot wonderland that’s full of inflatable fun for everyone. Slides, ball pits, inflatable seating areas, and more abound throughout.

Get involved in some healthy competition within the Sport Slam section, which features a variety of active games to keep your blood pumping. From basketball hoops to a “battle zone,” there’s much to love.

Challenge your friends and family to an incredible race in “The Giant,” a 900 foot-long obstacle course that’s filled with tunnels, slides, climbing walls, and more. There are 50 different obstacles to tackle within.

Finally, take a whimsical trip to space when you explore the “Air Space” section of the Big Bounce, a space-themed inflatable area that features smiling aliens, celestial craters, and everything in between.

For the best experience, plan to purchase an “Access All Area” pass. This ticket option provides a timed slot within the primary bounce house and unlimited access to the three other fantastic inflatable sections.

Regardless of your age, there’s magic to be discovered when you check out this wondrous traveling event. By the time you’re through at the Big Bounce America, you’ll truly feel like you’ve enjoyed a dose of childhood.

To stay up to date on when you’ll be able to visit the world’s largest bounce house in Michigan, check out the Big Bounce America website. Have you and your family explored this attraction in another city or during a previous year? Share your experiences and photos with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another awesome family day trip in Michigan by completing our nomination form.

In the mood for even more fun? Be sure to read about our ultimate pizza pilgrimage in Michigan.

The post The World’s Largest Bounce House Is Heading To Michigan This Spring appeared first on Only In Your State.

The past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it can provide. But homeownership has so much more to offer. Here’s a look at a few of the non-financial and financial benefits of owning a home. If you’re looking to buy a home today, think about all the ways homeownership can impact your life.

Homeownership Has Impactful Personal and Emotional Benefits

Owning your home gives you a significant sense of pride because it’s a space that is truly yours. And as a homeowner, you can customize your home to your heart’s desire. Having a space you’ve put your stamp on enhances the pride and sense of ownership you may feel.

And that sense of ownership can extend beyond your shelter to help create social, community, and civic benefits as well. That’s because the average homeowner stays in their home for longer than just a few years. That means you’ll naturally feel a stronger connection to the community around you the longer you live there. This can help you experience a greater sense of belonging and a greater stake in your community as a whole. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“Living in one place for a longer amount of time creates an obvious sense of community pride, which may lead to more investment in said community.”

Owning a Home Is a Significant Step Toward Financial Stability

In a financial sense, homeowners benefit from home price appreciation, equity gains, and having a shield against some of the effects of inflation. These benefits can have a big impact on your life. As you gain equity through home price appreciation and paying down your mortgage, you build your net worth. And in times of inflation, your 30-year fixed-rate mortgage can help you stabilize one of your largest monthly expenses for the duration of your loan.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, explains how you can start to see these lasting effects of homeownership as soon as you make your purchase:

“Owning a home continues to be a proven method for building long-term wealth. . . . Home values generally grow over time, so homeowners begin the wealth-building process as soon as they make a down payment and move to pay down their mortgage.”

Knowing you’ve made a good investment soon after your purchase is powerful. And that may give you confidence in your decision to buy a home.

Bottom Line

The benefits of owning a home are foundational. As a homeowner, you can feel proud of the space you call home and know you’ve made a sound financial investment. To learn how homeownership can help you, let’s connect to start the conversation today.

When it comes to charming shops and eateries, Michigan is absolutely overflowing. The Great Lakes State is chock full of locally owned and operated treasures, from tucked-away bakeries to country markets with all sorts of fresh goods. It would be impossible to explore each and every worthwhile establishment throughout both of our sprawling peninsulas, but there’s one tiny cafe and store in Michigan that deserves a spot on your bucket list. This shoreline spot will capture your heart in no time.

Jamsen’s Fish Market and Bakery is located off Brockway Avenue and 5th Street in Copper Harbor. The store is open seasonally during the spring, fall, and summer months – it remains closed during wintertime.

If you’ve ever explored this wonderful community, you know that it’s full of magic and natural beauty. Situated along the furthest tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, it’s a destination worth trekking to.

Jamsen’s is a standout establishment in beautiful Copper Harbor, offering delicious fare and friendly service in a compact, unassuming environment. No matter how many times you’ve visited, you’ll feel at home here.

The market and bakery literally sits along the shores of Lake Superior, so you’re guaranteed incredible waterfront views as you park, shop, and enjoy your fare. On a clear day, there’s nothing lovelier.

This family-owned gem has been around since 1954, rendering it a trustworthy and time-tested locale. Upon arriving at the small blue building, you’re sure to be greeted by welcoming faces and a colorful inventory.

Take time to admire a unique collection of handicrafts, trinkets, jewelry, and more in Jamsen’s shopping section. There’s no telling what sorts of treasures you might take home for yourself or a friend.

As you might imagine, the on-site eats are the main draw here. From coffee to tasty homemade baked goods to – of course – smoked and fresh fish straight from Lake Superior, there’s so much to love.

If you find yourself exploring the splendors of the Keweenaw Peninsula, keep Jamsen’s Fish Market and Bakery in mind. There’s no better place for a shopping and dining pit stop during your U.P. journey.

For additional information, head to the shop’s Facebook page. Have you and your family stopped in at this tiny cafe and store in Michigan during previous northward travels? What are some of your favorite baked goods or shop purchases from Jamsen’s? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another family-owned bakery in Michigan by completing our official nomination form.

Can’t get enough of our state’s shorelines? Read about these seven waterfront seafood restaurants in Michigan.

The post This Tiny Cafe And Store In Michigan Is Right On Lake Superior And Has Everything Your Heart Desires appeared first on Only In Your State.

If you’re on the lookout for an incredible place to make memories with the whole family, Metro Detroit is chock full of options. After all, our region is home to everything from natural attractions to man-made wonders, many of which are geared towards guests of all ages. The next time you’re seeking a day trip for the entire family, check out the most epic indoor playground near Detroit. This spot will capture your heart.

Yoyo’s Fun Center is located along North Middlebelt Road in the town of Westland. This unique spot can be accessed by car from Detroit in only 25 minutes, so it’s the perfect option for a day trip.

This colorful locale is undeniably geared toward kids, but there are attractions here that adults can enjoy. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or simply enjoying a day outing, you’ll have a total blast.

Yoyo’s is home to one of the most impressive indoor playgrounds imaginable. When you step inside, you’ll be greeted by vibrant jungle gyms, ball pits, trampolines, sports equipment, and everything in between.

A standard daily admission ticket includes a full two hours of playtime, so the kids are sure to run off their energy by the time your visit is through. There’s no better place to let young imaginations run wild.

Of course, kids aren’t the only ones who can have an epically awesome time at Yoyo’s Fun Center. There’s also an on-site pottery painting space that’s open to visitors of all ages who want to get creative.

While many visitors choose to stop in for fun with their immediate families only, others choose Yoyo’s as an awesome birthday party venue. There are multiple party packages to choose from, each packed with fun.

When you host a party here, you’ll have the chance to purchase plenty of delicious fare to keep the whole group fed and happy. Your birthday package will even include a bundle of festive helium balloons.

Whether you’re seeking the perfect place for your kiddo’s next party or simply seeking a family-friendly day trip, one thing is for sure: this indoor playground and fun center near Detroit is guaranteed to impress.

Visit the website for Yoyo’s Fun Center for additional information. Have you and your loved ones made memories at this exciting indoor playground near Detroit? We want to hear all about your experiences, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments. If you’ve got another family day trip in Detroit and the surrounding areas to recommend, complete our official nomination form.

If you’re still searching for fun outings, be sure to read about 11 of the best day trips in Detroit and its neighboring towns.

The post The Most Epic Indoor Playground Near Detroit Will Bring Out The Kid In Everyone appeared first on Only In Your State.

If you’re a current homeowner, you should know your net worth just got a big boost. It comes in the form of rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. Today, you’re building that equity far faster than you may expect – and this gain is great news for you.

Here’s how it happened. Home values are on the rise thanks to low housing supply and high buyer demand. Basically, there aren’t enough homes available to meet this high buyer interest,  so bidding wars are driving home prices up. When you own a home, the rising prices mean your home is worth more in today’s market. And as home values climb, your equity does too. As Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:

“Home prices rose 18% during 2021 in the CoreLogic Home Price Index, the largest annual gain recorded in its 45-year history, generating a big increase in home equity wealth.”

The latest Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic shed light on just how much rising home values have boosted homeowner equity. According to that report, the average homeowner’s equity has grown by $55,300 over the last 12 months.

Want to know what’s happening in your area? Here’s a breakdown of the average year-over-year equity growth for each state based on that data.

How Rising Equity Impacts You

In addition to building your overall net worth, equity can also help you achieve other goals like buying your next home. It works like this: when you sell your house, the equity you built up comes back to you in the sale.

In a market where you’re gaining so much equity, it may be just what you need to cover a large portion – if not all – of the down payment on your next home. So, if you’ve been holding off on selling and worried about being priced out of your next home because of today’s home price appreciation, rest assured your equity can help fuel your move.

Bottom Line

Equity can be a real game-changer if you’re planning to make a move. To find out just how much equity you have in your home and how you can use it to fuel your next purchase, let’s connect so you can get a professional equity assessment report on your house.

What’s better than spending time in the great outdoors? Spending time in the great outdoors without spending a single penny! While many of the top natural attractions in the Great Lakes State require a recreation passport or entry fee, there are plenty of completely cost-free destinations to explore. We’ve compiled a list of our seven favorite free natural wonders in Michigan, so read on to start planning your family’s next great adventure.

1. Laketown Beach

Lake Michigan as a whole is an incredible place to spend time, but there’s something special about Laketown Beach in Holland. This totally free destination combines so many of Michigan’s most marvelous natural features: dunes, a sandy shoreline, and waterfront views that seem to extend forever into the horizon. When you spend time here, be prepared to climb a significant number of stairs to get over the dune – but trust us when we say that the extra steps are well worth the beauty that awaits.

2. Arch Rock

If you find yourself on Mackinac Island, Arch Rock is a must-visit natural wonder that will both impress and intrigue you. This unique rock creation is approximately 50 feet wide and stands high above the surrounding shoreline. While there are boat tours and bikes available for those who want to spot the rock, it can also be experienced completely free of cost via a two-mile out and back trail. Don’t forget your camera!

3. Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary

Michigan’s forests are absolutely spectacular, no matter which region of the state you’re exploring. If you’re keen on lush greenery, wildlife, and gorgeous blooms, you absolutely must explore Dowagiac Woods by way of its stunning nature sanctuary. Admission is free, so you can take the whole family for a stroll through this 3840-acre wonderland without breaking the bank. Does it get much better than this?

4. Lexington State Harbor

Experience the rugged yet decidedly enchanting shores of Lake Huron at Lexington State Harbor, where you can easily explore both the beach and accompanying boardwalk on foot without spending a dime. During your visit, you’ll spot everything from boats dotting the water to fishermen reeling in their daily catches. When the weather is warm, this is an especially wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic or simply bask in the marvelous Michigan sunshine.

5. Galien River County Park

Head to New Buffalo and catch an unbeatable view of the sprawling New Buffalo Marsh, which is accessible via Galien River County Park. This awesome spot features a towering canopy walk and a boardwalk trail that winds through wondrous wetlands. Entry to the park is free, but you should bear in mind that it is open seasonally between early March and late fall – so plan your trip accordingly.

6. The Detroit River

Because of its location near such a bustling metropolis, the Detroit River is often overlooked when it comes to natural wonders. We’d like to correct this, though, as the river has long added beauty and charm to the Motor City and its neighbors across the shores in Ontario. Whether you’re gazing at freighters or simply appreciating the waterfront breeze, you can experience it all for free along the sprawling Detroit Riverfront.

7. The Straits of Mackinac

There’s something truly magical about venturing to Mackinaw City and experiencing the union of Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. One of the main draws of this area is the eye-catching Straits of Mackinac, which feature a glittering blue hue that perfectly complements the Mackinac Bridge. Check it out for free when you stroll at Wawatam Park in Mackinaw City, which offers complimentary on-site parking and the chance to bask in incredible vistas.

So, there you have it: seven of the best free natural wonders in Michigan. Have you and your loved ones spent time at these cost-conscious locales during previous adventures? Which of your favorites made (or didn’t make) the list? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another affordable outdoor destination in Michigan by completing our nomination form.

Searching for another great place to experience nature? Read about this serene lakefront campground in Michigan.

The post 7 Incredible Natural Wonders In Michigan That You Can Witness For Free appeared first on Only In Your State.

Some Highlights

• If you’re thinking about selling your house this spring, here are some things you’ll want to tackle before you list.
• Spend your time on tasks that make it feel inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal.
• To determine the full list of things you’ll want to tackle for your home, you need the opinion of a trusted expert. Let’s connect to help make sure your house shows well this season.

For the first time in a long time, the number of newly listed homes is beginning to rise. In their latest monthly release, realtor.com reveals the number of existing homes entering the market has increased for two months in a row (this comes after six months of declines). Here’s a graph showing the monthly new listings going back to January of last year. The green bars indicate the first gains since June.

However, buying demand is still outpacing housing supply.

Though the increase in homes coming to the market is great news for prospective homebuyers, the number of buyers is still outpacing the number of homes available for sale. As realtor.com explains in their latest report:

“During the final two weeks of the month, more new sellers entered the market than during the same time last year. . . . However, with 5.8 million new homes missing from the market and millions of millennials at first-time buying ages, housing supply faces a long road to catching up with demand.”

In fact, according to the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which tracks the average number of appointments received on active listings during the month, buyer demand was greater this January than any other January in the last five years (see graph below):

This prompted ShowingTime to say:

“The latest data from ShowingTime . . . shows a surge in home buyer demand in January. . . . This enormous activity occurred in a month when buyer activity typically slows and followed a historic 2021, where buyer demand across the country was extraordinarily strong.”

What does that mean for you?

Basically, as homes come to the market, they are quickly being purchased by eagerly awaiting buyers. So even though the number of newly listed homes is increasing, the number of active listings is still shrinking every month because buyers are purchasing homes almost as soon as they come up for sale. That means listings are coming on and off the market so fast that they don’t carry over to be counted in the active listing numbers the following month. Here’s a graph showing the number of active listings each month since last January using data released by realtor.com:

This graph shows that the number of active listings has decreased for each of the last five months even though the number of newly listed homes has increased over the last two months.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a home that will better suit your lifestyle or looking to purchase your first house, let’s connect so you can stay updated on what’s happening in your area. And be prepared to move immediately if a home fitting your needs hits the market. Your dream home may be one of those new listings that just became available, but if you don’t act quickly, it could be gone tomorrow.

Are you a fan of mystery, intrigue, history, and fantastic food? If so, we’ve got the perfect opportunity for you. While none of us would choose to be involved in a real-life murder mystery, there’s something utterly intriguing about participating in a make-believe “whodunnit” – especially when the investigation is entwined with a fantastic meal. One 1920s-inspired murder mystery dinner in Michigan is just waiting to be explored, so snag your tickets and get ready to step back in time.

Henderson Castle is located on Monroe Street in Kalamazoo. This unique spot, which operates as a bed and breakfast, restaurant, wedding venue, and more is beloved among locals and out-of-towners alike.

Whether you’re stopping by for a meal at the on-site steakhouse or checking in for an overnight stay, there’s so much to love here. After all, the castle has been around since 1895 – talk about long-standing.

While the building has undergone plenty of renovations and ownership changes throughout the years, it retains a sense of elegance and charm that will sweep you away to a different era as soon as you arrive.

If you’re seeking an especially unique outing, you’ll want to snag tickets to a Murder Mystery Dinner at Henderson Castle. This monthly event allows guests to enjoy tasty fare while solving a who-dunnit.

Guests are encouraged to come dressed in 1920s-era clothing to keep the theme alive. After all, there’s something wonderfully immersive about solving a murder among such history-rich surroundings.

Of course, food is another draw of the Murder Mystery Dinner event. Upon taking your seat within the castle, you’ll be treated to a delicious four-course meal: hors d’oeuvres, soup and salad, an entree, and dessert.

Whether you’re showing up for the food, the spooky mystery, the sense of history, or a combination of these, you’ll be absolutely enchanted by this one-of-a-kind Michigan event. Will you be able to solve the crime?

For additional information about this murder mystery dinner in Michigan, including ticket details, check out Henderson Castle’s website. Have you attended one of these intriguing gatherings in years past? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another fun-filled outing in Michigan with us by completing our nomination form.

Are you looking for another great dining adventure? Read about these seven spectacular seafood restaurants in Michigan.

The post Eat A 4-Course Meal While Solving A Murder At The Henderson Castle In Michigan appeared first on Only In Your State.