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Growing up in Brazil as the daughter of an environmental engineer and a psychiatrist who often prescribed “the great outdoors” to her patients, Flavia
has always been drawn to nature. “A connection with nature has healing
properties, and I learned this at an early age,” she says.
That’s why she often seeks out small trails, woods with hidden springs, and
beaches that aren’t filled with crowds — three things she found in abundance
in Michigan. Here, she spends summers ATVing in the sand dunes of Silver Lake
and kite surfing, tubing, and swimming in the freshwater lakes around the
state. There are also waterfalls to chase, trails to hike, and lighthouses to visit.
Winter, Flavia adds, is also a good time to explore the state’s lakes, despite
the cold temperatures. “You can be in close contact with nature all year
round,” she says. "We have our famous Lake Superior surfers that catch our
lake’s waves in the winter. Ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, eat s’mores to your
heart’s content, and go ice fishing."
When Ana Flavia first visited Michigan, it was peak fall. The trees were bursting
with gold, yellow, orange, and red, which couldn’t be found in her then-home of California. “We tried fall color tours, apple-picking farms, and other fun activities,” she remembers. “Being from Brazil, that was the first time I had experienced fall
in such an intense way.”
As a nature-lover, Flavia knew the Great Lakes State would be the perfect place for her family to call home. So she embarked on a mission: to share Michigan’s beauty with the world and to turn her new home state into a top international destination. That’s why she started sharing her statewide travels, highlighting local businesses, and sharing hidden gems throughout the state on her blog, Michigan Travelist.
Beyond her blog, Flavia is also a Michigan State Parks Photo Ambassador —
so she has a wealth of knowledge about the lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and
more that can be found within Michigan’s borders. “I truly believe Michigan is the United States’ best-kept secret,” Flavia says. “People are often surprised when I
post some pictures of places they didn’t imagine existed here.”
PARADISE
Winter, Flavia adds, is also a good time to explore the state’s lakes, despite the cold temperatures. “You can be in close contact with nature all year round,” she says.
Flavia calls Oxford, MI, home today; it’s not far from the “thumb” region (the state
is shaped like a mitten, hence the nickname of The Mitten State). The thumb is close to big cities like Detroit and filled with hidden gems. “If you’re a lighthouse chaser
like me, you’re going to love it here,” Flavia says. “From Port Huron to Saginaw Bay
and beyond, there’s plenty to see and do.” In Port Huron, she recommends checking out Fort Gratiot, Michigan’s oldest lighthouse. Built in 1814, it’s great for watching
big ships sail by and close enough to Canada that you can almost wave to those
on the other side.
Port Austin, on the other hand, is home to two of Flavia’s favorite state parks: Albert E. Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park. Both are great for camping, but in Sleeper, you can rent a very Instagramable safari-style tent with a queen-size cot. At Port Crescent, the bird watching is second to none. It's also a dark-sky preserve, so you might just catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
“I feel most are not aware of how richly diverse Michigan nature is and how many activities you can do here, any time of the year,” Flavia says.
HIDDEN GEMS
RIGHT AT HOME
I feel most are not aware of how richly diverse Michigan nature is and how many activities you can do here, any time of the year.
CREDITS
Senior Editor: Christie Rotondo
Senior Designer: Kelly Millington
Photography & Talent: Ana Flavia
Ana
tip
Ana's Long Weekend Adventure
A NATURE-
Bring a trash bag with
you as you hike so you can clean up after yourself — and pick up any other trash you see along the way.
LOVER'S
Ana
tip
Don't forget to pack snacks and water for any outdoor adventure, but especially longer treks.
CLICK TO EXPLORE
CLICK TO EXPLORE
CLICK TO EXPLORE
Head to Caseville, and spend the morning having fun in the sun at the Caseville County Park. The large, sandy beach has a park, beach-volleyball nets, and a pet-friendly area.
Grab breakfast in Port
Austin – the tiny and un-
pretentious Lighthouse
Cafe serves hearty portions.
Stop for lunch in Port Austin at Pak’s Backyard.
Drive north, making stops at
Port Sanilac, Harbor Beach, and Pointe Aux Barques to visit lighthouses and see more beaches. You can even rent jet skis!
Rent a kayak next door, and paddle out to see Turnip Rock. Bring snacks and water, since it’s seven miles round-trip.
If you have more time, hit
one of the Port Austin-area
beaches for some relaxation.
Have dinner at The Farm.
End the day at the 3 North Vines winery.
Visit the Thomas Edison Depot Museum.
Take a stroll along the
Blue Water River Walk.
Drive north to Lexington, then grab lunch at The Windjammer.
Stop by Crazy Joe’s Beach Shop for beachwear and toys.
Hit the Lexington beach – play
some volleyball, or relax a little.
Head north to Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, and spend some
lazy time at the beach.
day one
PORT HURON
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
PORT AUSTIN
CASEVILLE
PORT HURON
day one
PORT AUSTIN
DAY TWO
CASEVILLE
DAY THREE
Why This Park Ambassador Thinks Michigan Is the Country’s Best-Kept Secret
Have a late lunch or early dinner at Thumb Brewery or Beachy’s.
CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE ANA'S itinerary
Sleeper State Park
Port Austin
Port Sanilac
Sleeper State Park
Point Aux Barques Lighthouse
Paid For By
CREDITS
Senior Editor: Christie Rotondo
Senior Designer: Kelly Millington
Photography & Talent: Liz McGuffin
CREDITS
Senior Editor: Christie Rotondo
Senior Designer: Kelly Millington
Photography & Talent: Ana Flavia
CREDITS
Senior Editor: Christie Rotondo
Senior Designer: Kelly Millington
Photography & Talent: Ana Flavia
CREDITS
Senior Editor: Christie Rotondo
Senior Designer: Kelly Millington
Photography & Talent: Ana Flavia
Spend the night in a geodesic dome at Port Crescent State Park. The geodesic domes offer skylights and views of Lake Huron. Port Crescent is a designated dark sky preserve and with luck you may even get a peek at the aurora.
Sign up for a Kiteboarding lesson at Thumbs Up Kiteboarding.
Head to Albert E. Sleeper State Park for the evening. Enjoy some of the quiet trails and watch the beautiful sunset. End your day glamping
in a safari tent at the park.
Have dinner at The Farm.
Have a late lunch or early dinner at Thumb Brewery or Beachy’s.
Have a late lunch or early dinner at Thumb Brewery or Beachy’s.
Sign up for a Kiteboarding lesson at Thumbs Up Kiteboarding.