Legendary Music, Sleeping Dunes and Great Lakes: Michigan, America’s Summer Secret

03/28/24 • 51 min

In this episode, we’re going to run down giant sand dunes, listen to Motown in Detroit, explore an island that’s trapped in time (you must take a horse and cart to your hotel), hear stories from a Native American elder, and lots more.
Today, we’re going to one of America’s undiscovered corners. This is where legendary music meets small town vibes, and quiet moments together are framed by endless Great Lake blue. We’re going to Michigan. Pure Family Fun.

Behind the Page

Family Travel YouTube star David Reilly (@lifeofreillytv) takes us behind the scenes on a week-long road trip with his family up the Lake Michigan coast. From the epic beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes, just a short drive from Traverse City the Cherry Capital of the world, and the quiet bliss of Mackinac Island, to mushroom houses, Indiana Jones bridges, fossil hunting and more.

“This is for those families that want something a bit different,” David says. "You will have so many unique experiences. So many stories you can tell.”

Don’t Take Our Word For It

Detroit is where Motown was born. The Temptations, Aretha Franklyn, Smoky Robinson, and dozens more all got their start here. Northern Soul DJ and Detroit music obsessive Phillip Lancaster (@we_are_them_images) tells us how to get the most out of one of America’s great musical cities. “There’s so much musical history and innovation in Detroit,” He says. “Take your kids, they’ll thank you for it later”.

Mama Knows Best

Local mum Nikki Donald gives us the lowdown on everything she loves about her hometown city of Detroit, from where to get the best Detroit style pizza to the museums, attractions, festivals and fun you can’t miss. If you want to plan the perfect long weekend in Motor City this is your ultimate insider resource. How would she describe Detroit in three words? “Resilient, Unexpected, and Amazing”

Bedtime Story

We finish with Anishinaabe Elder Hank Bailey talking to us about the culture and history of his people, and how you can discover some it for yourself. He also tells us about the Legend of Sleeping Bear, a geographical feature in the Sleeping Bear National lakeshore and just a short drive from Traverse City.

The Lowdown
For more information on everything discussed in this show go to Michigan.org. Follow on social @puremichigan – Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Tik Tok / Pinterest / Twitter(X)

Thank you to VisitTheUSA.co.uk for supporting this episode. Visit The USA are America’s official travel and tourism organization and a top-notch resource for all things US travel. Follow them on social @visittheusa – Instagram / Facebook / You Tube / Tik Tok

Brought to you by Family Traveller magazine, the global voice of authority on family travel.
This show was produced, hosted and written by Aaron Millar, award-winning travel writer and not very award-winning dad of two. Find more of his work at armchair-productions.com

Behind the Page

“This is for those families that want something a bit different,” David says. "You will have so many unique experiences. So many stories you can tell.”

Don’t Take Our Word For It

Mama Knows Best

Bedtime Story

The Lowdown
For more information on everything discussed in this show go to Michigan.org. Follow on social @puremichigan – Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Tik Tok / Pinterest / Twitter(X)

Previous Episode

Austria: the Home of Family Skiing

We are going skiing! The Austrian Alps are arguably the best place in Europe for family skiing. It’s less expensive than many other countries, the ski schools are excellent and many resorts have been built specifically with families in mind. If you’re thinking about booking a ski trip this year, or maybe just dreaming of some winter fun, this episode is for you. Behind The Page
Award-winning ski writer Mike MacEacheran takes his family skiing to Austria just about every year. He fills us in on what makes it so special from Kinder Hotels and kid spas to his favorite resorts and more. @MikeMacEacheran
Meet the Expert
Austrian ski instructor Alice Reeves gives us the lowdown on ski school and shares her top tips for teaching your little ones. Book Alice for your next trip at Ski School Alpendorf – just request her by name!
20 Questions
We play a version of the infamous family car game with James Cove, the founder of Planet Ski. He tells us his favorite Austrian resorts for little kids, big kids, the best views, the best après ski, and more.

Don’t Take Our Word For it
Cute alarm! 11-year-old Elise tells us what she loves about ski holidays, from candy bribes and hot chocolates to nailing her first expert runs.
Bedtime Story
Host Aaron Millar reads you a bedtime story from one of our favorite Family Traveller articles. Written by Nicola Venning, it describes a recent trip to Sankt Lambrecht with her family ... guaranteed to send you off to a blissful winter dream!

The Lowdown
Find out everything you need to know about skiing in Austria at www.austria.info
The resorts featured in this episode are:
Tyrolean resorts:

Resorts in SalzburgerLand

The adventure doesn't stop when you have kids; it's just the beginning.

Brought to you by Family Traveller magazine, the global voice of authority on family travel, each episode offers in-depth expert advice and all the know-how family travellers like you need to make the most of your time away.
Find out more: www.familytraveller.com @familytraveller
Produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Written and hosted by Aaron Millar. Produced by Brian Thacker. Audio editing and sound design by Charles Tyrie. www.armchair-productions.com

Next Episode

Peppa Pig, Vikings, and Bridgewalking: Learning Through Play at LEGOLAND Billund Resort (And Beyond!)

In this episode we're going to Billund, a charming town in Denmark which truly has something for all ages. From playing with futuristic robots and designing your own toys at LEGOLAND Billund Resort, to lounging on sandy beaches and cycling through ancient forests, you'll be anything but bored in Billund.

Behind the Page

Jenny Eaves, mum of two and writer of the popular Monkey and Mouse blog, reminisces on her trip to Billund and LEGOLAND Billund Resort with her sons. Did you know you can find rollercoasters, robotic arms, and pirate ships at LEGOLAND Billund Resort? And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Find Jenny on Instagram @JennySEaves or online at MonkeyAndMouse.co.uk.

20 Questions: Top 5 Edition

Hear from mum of five and seasoned traveller Laura Dove as she breaks down the Top Five must-see sights of LEGOLAND Billund Resort. As a sneak peek, the list includes one of the largest slides in Denmark...and maybe even some cheeky monkeys! You can find her on Instagram @FiveLittleDoves or online at FiveLittleDoves.com.

Then, hear from expert travel writer and mum Laura Hall as she shares the Top Five attractions to do in the greater Billund Area. This list includes multiple Viking cultural sites (yes, there is dress-up involved!) as well as something called a Seaweed Safari. You'll have to listen to find out! Find Laura's work on her website at HelloLauraHall.com.

Mama Knows Best...Live!
We catch up with mum Joanna Peñaranda - in a special live recording during her visit to LEGOLAND Billund Resort! - for on-the-ground thoughts, tricks, and tips from somebody who's close to the action. Listen closely and you'll also hear from her adorable four-year-old twins, Sylvia and Oriol...they particularly love the new Peppa Pig play area.

Bedtime Story

We finish with a sweet, playful fairytale, inspired by the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. Close your eyes and listen as Aaron whisks you away to a faraway land full of delightful sunny afternoons and starlit summer nights spent laughing together.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

For more information on visiting LEGOLAND Billund Resort, go to Legoland.dk.

Thank you to Visit Denmark for supporting this episode. Go to VisitDenmark.com for more information about planning your next Denmark trip to Billund and beyond.

CREDITS

This show was written and produced by Jenny Allison. It was hosted by Aaron Millar, award-winning travel writer and not very award-winning dad of two. Find more of their work at armchair-productions.com.

Brought to you by Family Traveller magazine, the global voice of authority on family travel.