I grew up in Kansas, and it wasn't until my senior year in high school that my family and I became Michiganders. If Kansas is the equator, then Michigan is the North Pole - total opposites. Nevertheless, we quickly developed an appreciation for Michigan's colorful autumns, white Christmases, and seagulls - all rare or nonexistent in Kansas! While Kansas quietly whispers her attractions, Michigan shouts hers from her treetops. We enthusiastically answered the call. We have encountered the delicious bakeries and quaint shops of Frankenmuth, viewed the sun setting over the Mackinac Bridge, trekked over Sleeping Bear Dunes, splashed in the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and sampled the famous Traverse City cherry products.

My favorite Michigan photo comes from our visit to Frankfort on Lake Michigan. We were instantly enchanted by the picturesque little town. We walked down the main street browsing the tourist shops till they dead-ended on this gorgeous beach of fine white sand, crystal blue water, seagulls, and a towering lighthouse to complete picture. We enjoyed the silky sensation of the sand between our toes and walked out to the lighthouse to watch the waves crash up against the rocks. On the way back to the beach, I determined that I was going to get a photo of a seagull flying. I was snapping random pictures at any seagull I saw and ended up with this beauty quite unintentionally.

Michigan is not just about cars and cereal. She has a natural beauty that anyone from any state can enjoy and explore through a vacation or even taking up permanent residence here like my family did. Michigan is not a state you happen to drive through on your way to another; people enter Michigan because she's their destination, so let's encourage others to make her their destination. While they enjoy Michigan, we can enjoy a thriving tourist economy.