Mackinaw CityMackinaw City, situated in
Michigan's
Cheboygan County at the top of the state's Lower Peninsula, is linked to the Upper Peninsula by one of the world's longest suspension bridges. The city has become Michigan's most popular vacation destination, offering many attractions and acting as a gateway to the scenic Upper Peninsula with its hiking trails, state parks and recreation areas, and sandy beaches. The city itself has a rich history, having been first settled after French explorer Jean Nicolet negotiated with the local tribes in 1634. It became a fur-trading post and later
the site of a busy fort and trading store. By 1882 the settlement had become a flourishing town; today it is a shopping
Mecca offering many unique stores and restaurants lining its main street and boasting more than 50 hotels and holiday resorts. Regular ferry services connect the city with historic
Mackinac Island just offshore.
Getting Around: Visitors to
Mackinaw City can make use of the
Mackinaw Trolley Company, which offers 2,5 hour tours of the city, pointing out attractions and narrating its history. There are many charter buses all over the city as well as Shepler's ferry, which carries passengers to and from Mackinac Island in a little over a quarter of an hour. Rental cars are available for hire and drivers require a valid driver's license. Travelers are advised to mind Mackinac Island's prohibition of the use of vehicles on its land.
Climate: The climate of Mackinaw City is influenced by the lakes, with cool breezes moderating the summer heat, and winter bringing a snowy, icy winter wonderland. Spring and summer are the best time to visit for outdoor activities, although there may be occasional thunderstorms. Autumn is also a lovely season, with mild days and cool nights, ideal for exploring the countryside. In winter the area is blanketed in deep snow.
DetroitThe sprawling industrial city of
Detroit, the oldest city in
America's mid-west, began life as a trading post when French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landed on the banks of the
Detroit River in 1701 and established a fort. He was later removed because of bad conduct, but unlike its outpost commander, the settlement of Detroit was flourishing. In 1796 Detroit became American, and by the early 19th century had already earned a reputation as a center for the manufacturing industry, particularly kitchen ranges. As most people now know, however, Detroit did not go on to become the stove-making capital of the world. Today it is renowned as being the automotive center of the globe, birthplace of the motorcar and home to some of the nation's top brands. Originally automobile empires were established by Detroit families like
Ford, Olds, Chevrolet and Dodge, which have become household names, thanks to the invention and perfection of the motor vehicle production assembly line, which all began in Detroit.
It is not only hard work and industrial enterprise that drives Detroit, however. The city in southeast Michigan is also famous for the Motown record label, founded by former autoworker
Berry Gordy Jr, which has introduced the world to stars such as
Stevie Wonder,
Michael Jackson,
the Temptations and
Diana Ross, to name but a few.
Modern 'Motown' Detroit is a little decayed and shabby, but efforts are being made to increase the city's appeal as a tourist destination, and there are several attractions worth seeing. In the downtown area new hotels and restaurants are appearing to complement a new sports stadium, and there is a focus on the arts, particularly in the city's historic theater district.
Getting Around: There is not much in the way of public transport in Detroit, and the Motor City is still geared resolutely towards the car. Driving is not too challenging and parking is relatively easy to find, but rush hours should be avoided. To hire a car drivers must be 21 years old and have a valid driver's license; sometimes an International Driving Permit is also required. However, should one choose to rely on public transport, the People Mover is an elevated monorail that provides a quick and easy way to get around most of the downtown area, while DOT buses operate a meagre inner-city service and the SMART buses serve the suburbs, but service is sparse on weekends. Taxis are a convenient form of transport and can easily be found or ordered by phone.
Climate: Detroit has a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and very cold winters. Mid-summer temperatures can rise as high as 90°F (32°C), while in the coldest month, January, the mercury usually stays well below freezing point. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly over the year with a few inches being recorded each month. Snow usually falls between November and April.
