This Georgia-native is embarrassed to admit I’ve overlooked Michigan as a vacation spot my whole life.

Until now.

We just got back from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island as well as Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula (also called the mitten’s little finger). I loved all three areas. But the Leelanau Peninsula wins in terms of utmost beauty.

Turns out: fresh coast, best coast.

Here’s what we did in Michigan and recommend:

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Upper Peninsula

Pictured Rocks Cruises Spray Falls Cruise on Lake Superior to see Pictured Rock National Seashore

Junior Ranger packet from @ Munising Falls Visitor Center and hit Sand Point Marsh Trail across from Sand Point Beach.

Hike Grand Sable Dunes Trail to access Grand Sable Dunes on Lake Superior.

Hike Log Slide Overlook Trail for views of Lake Superior, the Grand Sable Dunes, and Au Sable Lighthouse.

Hike Beaver Basin Wilderness Loop to look (unsuccessfully) for beavers.

Ride the self-guided observation raft in Michigan’s largest freshwater spring, Kitch-iti-kipi (which means “big cold water”) in Palms Book State Park.

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Mackinac Island

Ride Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island. Catch one of the few rides that goes under the “Mighty Mac” Mackinac Bridge –  the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere – en route to the island.

Rent basketed-bikes from Mackinac Cycle on Main Street on Mackinac Island and do the self-guided attractions tour to see Arch Rock, Skull Cave, Fort Mackinac, Grand Hotel.

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Leelanau Peninsula

If you, like me, have long wanted to stay in a yurt, you will love the magical yurt we stayed in on storybook-like Spruce Hill Farm in Maple City. It’s like a woodsy pantheon complete with windowed dome and loft. The farm includes an equally magical horse named Chief, pigs, goats, chickens and ducks plus miles of trails through meadows and handknit-sweatered-trees.

Outdoor dinner @ The Little Fleet in Traverse City

Spend as much time as possible @ Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore including The Dune Climb from the base of the dunes to beautiful blue Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor.

Junior Ranger packet from Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire.

Hike Empire Bluff Dune Trail in Empire for steep bluff views of dunes and Lake Michigan.

Outdoor dinner and maybe watch curling @ Broomstack in Maple City.

Hike Pyramid Point Trailhead in Maple City for an expansive northern view of dunes and Lake Michigan

Outdoor lunch @ Hop Lot Brewing Co in Suttons Bay with s’mores by a bonfire and cornhole

Cherry pit spitting contest outside @ Cherry Republic in adorable town of Glen Arbor.

Pizza to go from Pegtown Station in Maple City.
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Sidenote: We spent too short of time in the oh-so-retro Sagatuck along Lake Michigan and would love to return.

Performing Arts Summer Camp for rising 8th-12th graders, Savannah

On the stage and in the air! The Savannah Cultural Arts Center’s performing art camp for rising 8^th-12^th graders will take campers to new heights July 5-8^th 2022.

Teen actors will spend the week exploring all things theatre, developing skills in improv, script writing, stage production, choreography, and creative movement including an introduction to the aerial arts. The week will end with a mini showcase for friends and family.

This is a 4-day camp following the Fourth of July holiday. $120 ($80 City of Savannah resident rate).

Learn more and register online here.

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Pin Point Heritage Museum will host a 10^th Birthday celebration on Sat. June 25 2022.

Programming on Saturday will include presentations and activities from The Pin Point Betterment Society, Savannah African Art Museum, Ossabaw Island Foundation, and Pin Point Heritage Museum’s Legacy Education Specialists. Each partner will speak about their connection with the Pin Point community and the Gullah/Geechee culture.

Staff and attendees will celebrate with birthday treats at 1PM.

Pin Point Heritage Museum is at 9924 Pin Point Ave., Savannah, on the scenic Moon River.

Bethesda Academy in Savannah is hiring.

Bethesda — located at 9520 Ferguson Ave, Savannah, GA 31406 — is an all-boys private school. The school is hiring for the following positions:

Job Details: Paraprofessional Education Assistant, Full Time
Job Description: Bethesda is currently looking for one paraprofessional. The paraprofessional will work under the supervision of the Learning Specialist. The position entails working directly with students and teachers to aid in teaching and learning. 
Benefits: Medical Insurance, Paid Time Off Dental Insurance 401(K) Vision Insurance Paid Family and Medical Leave Employee Meals
Contact: karleen.brown@bethesdaacademy.org 912-351-2055

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Job Details: High School Science Teacher, Full Time
Job Description: Bethesda is currently looking for two science teachers. Teaching secondary science classes in high school. A combination of GA core science classes and STEAM electives.
Why Bethesda? Pay is competitive! Save more for retirement than TRS! FULL benefits. Teachers do not pay for breakfast and lunch (and it’s yummy!) No red tape. $1,000 debit card to spend in your classroom at your discretion. Another budget for additional classroom expenses.

Benefits: Medical Insurance Paid Time Off Dental Insurance 401(K) Vision Insurance Paid Family and Medical Leave Employee Meals
Contact: karleen.brown@bethesdaacademy.org 912-351-2055

About Bethesda Academy

An all-boys private school located in Savannah. Since 1740, Bethesda Academy has fostered faith, academics and leadership. Learn more here.

Bethesda Academy
9520 Ferguson Ave.
Savannah, GA 31406

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Full Day & Half Day Summer Camps for Middle School Students @ Advanced Academics

Advanced Academics Academy in Pooler has extended their middle grades program to include half day mornings for homeschoolers and full day for all subjects. 

Advanced Academics Academy in Pooler is offering a $25 discount on their weekly summer day camps for kids, tweens and teens. Use the promo code summercamp when registering for get the $25 discount.

Choose from fun learning themes, summer school, and SAT prep workshops. 

Class size is limited for a great experience. 

Shorter, smaller camps for busy families that want a fun, learning experience.

Register today here.

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FREE Waterpalooza @ all Compassion Christian campuses, Savannah, June 25 2022

Make a splash at this year’s Waterpalooza 1-4PM Sat. June 25 2022 @ all Compassion Christian campuses throughout the Savannah area.

For kids and adults of all ages.

Waterpalooza is a free family event that will be hosted across all campuses with waterslides and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Register online here.

Ocean-themed musical playdate for ages 0-7 with their caregivers.

Join Kindermusik with 88 Keys in Savannah on Saturday, June 18 2022 at 11AM for a pretend musical trip to the beach, where we’ll see dolphins, crabs, beach balls and more! Each child will take home an instrument and a coupon for future classes.

Spaces are limited – enroll today  at kindermusikwith88keys.com.  .  

Kindermusik also offers weekly classes for ages 0-7.  Mornings and afternoons available, M-W. Text “free trial” to 912-432-5885. 

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends. 

Learn more here.

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Juneteenth Free Family Day @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, 1-4PM Sat. June 18

Juneteenth Family Day at the Jepson Center returns with a libation ceremony, drumming and an appearance by the African Spirit at 1PM.

Artist demonstrations include Gullah/Geechee basket making by Gregory Grant and dollmaking by artist Theresa Martin. Storytelling by Jamal Toure, an African dance performance by Kwanzaa Collective 365, and a rousing musical performance by the Bailey Sounding Angels of Joy from the United House of Prayer will continue through 3PM in the Jepson Center’s Neises Auditorium.

Learn more here.

Juneteenth June 18 at the Jepson Center Schedule:

1:00-4:00pm:       Artist demonstrations and family art making activities

1:00pm                Libation Ceremony outdoors at Jepson Center entrance

1:30pm                Storytelling by Jamal Toure

1:45pm                African dance by Kwanzaa Collective 365

2:15pm                Musical performance by the Bailey Sounding Angels of Joy from the United House of Prayer

3:00pm                Curator’s tour of The Art of William O. Golding exhibition

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SouthCoast Health Guide to a Fun & Healthy Summer 2022

SouthCoast Health Family Medicine physician Dr. Troy Murphy (pictured) shares eight quick tips for a healthy and safe summer here.

To ensure you and your family stay on a healthy track this summer, Murphy focuses on four key areas to keep in mind: skin protection; water safety; healthy summer diet; safety while traveling. Read more here.

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SouthCoast Health is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

There are still spaces left in Kindermusik Savannah’s monthly musical playdate Sat. June 18 @ 11AM (the 10AM filled and a new class was added).

Come with your 0-7 year old to enjoy movement, singing, instruments, books and more!  Spaces are limited – enroll today at kindermusikwith88keys.com.  

New Wednesday class, too

Kindermusik is also adding a brand new weekly class starting in July:  Wednesdays at 11am, open for children ages 0-7!  Enrollment opens this week!  Text “NEW CLASS” 912-432-5885 to reserve your child a space.  

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends. 

Learn more here.

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Free weekly live music show @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is.

Join The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. on Mondays beginning June 13 2022, on the museum side steps for a free music show where your child is the star.

The fun begins at 6:30PM with juggling, ballon art, and games.

The music starts at 7PM with local children’s musician Rick Hubbard.

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The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Lowcountry Celebration Park

Pair your visit to The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. with a visit to the new Lowcountry Celebration Park, located next to the museum.

The new park off Pope Avenue near the Coligny Beach parking lot and Coligny Beach Park features:
*The Adventure Playground, named after the ship Captain William Hilton was on when he discovered Hilton Head Island. It features a reimagined design of the ship, playground, wading pool and more.
*An open pavilion and lawn for events.
*A perimeter walk
*Two fitness stations
*Wi-Fi
*The Sandbox Children’s Museum
*Public restrooms

Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Ave.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

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Volunteers needed @ Pegasus Riding Academy therapeutic riding program

Here is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer for horse summer camps in Savannah @ Pegasus Riding Academy Savannah.

 This great way for your teens to get in some volunteers hours and outside, too.

The Pegasus Riding Academy (Summer Adventure) sessions are looking for 14YO (and older) volunteers for week-long camps Mondays-Friday from 8:30AM-12:15PM. Peggi Noon is the contact for the camp. They are looking to fill four volunteer spots each week.

If your child ages 14+ is interested in volunteering, please call 912-547-6482. A volunteer orientation session will be Sat. June 4, 10:30AM @ Old Roberds Dairy, 2500 Tennessee Ave. Savannah

Pegasus Riding Academy is a therapeutic riding program providing equine assisted activities for individuals with physical, mental or emotional disabilities. Summers at PRA include equestrian instruction, ground lessons with horse and equestrian themed art projects. Sessions are conducted by Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors.

The equestrian center is located at The Old Roberds Dairy, 2500 Tennessee Ave., Savannah, GA 31404.

Clay Camps for Kids @ Clayer & Co. in Savannah

Sign up your budding potter for a week of clay this summer.

Clayer & Co. — a full service pottery studio in Savannah — is offering the following kids’ clay camps for Summer 2022. These weekly sessions are 9AM-1PM Mon-Fri:

Kiddo clay camp for ages 5-7. Starts June 13.

Super summer clay camp for ages 8-12. Starts June 27

Super summer clay camp for ages 8-12. Starts July 11

Super summer clay camp for ages 8-1. Starts July 18

Teen Clay Camp for ages 13-15. Starts July 25

Your child will clay the day away and use their imaginations to make funky and functional fun! Friday after class, grown-ups are invited in to see the weeks treasures and take a spin at the potters wheel. There will also be a special bonus day with a guest artist teaching their trade.

BOOK ONLINE HERE.

415 Bonaventure Road, (Around back), Savannah, GA 31404

clair@clayerco.com

Tel: (912) 274-2288 

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Second ocean-themed Kindermusik Savannah playdate added

Kindermusik Savannah’s Saturday June 18th 10AM Ocean playdate is full now, so they’ve added a 2nd playdate at 11AM.

Enrollment is now open for this second musical event for children ages 0-7 with their caregivers.

All enrollees receive an instrument to keep, and a special coupon for future classes!  Spaces are limited – enroll today at kindermusikwith88keys.com. Sibling discounts offered.  

Also, Kindermusik’s brand new June themes begin this Wed. June 1 for ages 0-7.  

If you’ve never attended a weekly studio class, your first one is FREE.  If you have a newborn ages 0-10 weeks, classes are ALWAYS completely free.

Text “FREE CLASS” to 912-432-5885 to schedule.

Kindermusik…a good beginning never ends. 

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Kindermusik Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Summer Soccer Camps with Tormenta FC Academy

Tormenta FC Academy summer camps are fantastic experiences for both veteran and new soccer players. Tormenta’s dynamic coaches will provide fun games that will promote soccer development, learning, character building, and exercise. 

Numerous locations available throughout the summer to work with your family members between the ages of 4 and 13. Register online here.

Soccer specialty camps include opportunities for goalkeepers and players between the ages of 13 and 19 preparing for their fall season.

Questions? Contact Brad at 912-257-3989 or bnein@tormentafc.com

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Savannah Children’s Museum to Celebrate 10^th Birthday, Sat. June 11

Coastal Heritage Society is pleased to announce the ten-year anniversary of Savannah Children’s Museum.

The entirely outdoor museum features over a dozen programs and exhibits designed to expand the imaginations of children, including an Exploration Maze, a Reading Nook and a Sensory Garden. It was unveiled in 2012 as an adaptive reuse project in the old Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop in downtown Savannah and has been a tremendous resource for families and educators in our community ever since.

Savannah Children’s Museum will host a 10th Birthday Celebration on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 10AM-noon. The event will take place at 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, GA 31401.

Museum educators will be celebrating with birthday activities throughout the day with treats at 11:30AM. Activities and treats are included in general admission and as always, is FREE for Coastal Heritage Society members. Find info on becoming a member here.

For those interested in supporting and celebrating the Museum’s impact in Savannah, consider purchasing a birthday gift for SCM from their Amazon Wish List here.

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Summer Solstice Celebration & free Tinkergarten trials, Savannah

You are invited to give Tinkergarten classes – which are outdoor classes where kids learn through play – a try for free.

Two free Tinkergarten trials and a Summer Solstice event are planned for June 2022. All will be held at Lake Mayer Park in Savannah.

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Free class trials are Mon. June 13 and Thurs. June 16, both 10-11AM. All are free, but registration is required. Register online here.

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Free Summer Solstice Celebration on Tues. June 21, 4-5PM.

Free & open to the public. Register online here.

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Summer Kids’ Weekday Morning Movies 2022

$2 Summer kids’ weekday movies are back this Summer 2022 @ both Pooler movie theaters.

$1.50 summer kids movies are back @ Cinemark theater in Bluffton SC.

See the movie schedules here.

WEALTHY HABITS SUMMER CAMP AT JA DISCOVERY CENTER @ GEORGIA SOUTHERN ARMSTRONG CAMPUS, SAVANNAH

Wealthy Habits Summer Camp in Savannah will pack a good amount of fun into rheir summer camps.

Here’s what Dylan had to say about his time at camp: “I enjoyed the teaching styles. The icebreakers, mini stories, and games were also fun. Overall, I really liked the class.”

Whether your child wants to be a firefighter or a doctor, understanding money is the first and most important step to future financial freedom.  Here’s a new summer camp option in Savannah that helps your child become financially savvy. It takes place at the new Colonial Group Junior Achievement Discovery Center on Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus.

The Wealthy Habits’ in-person money camps have always been a huge success with both kids and parents.The Wealthy Habits programs are sponsored by the Jonathan D. Rosen Family Foundation. a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Fun and engaging instructors teach kids to build good money habits NOW. Learning everything from budgeting to credit to investing in a way that makes kids want to learn mean the lessons last a lifetime. Make sure your child has the MONEY TOOLS that will create a more secure future.

Learn more and register online here.

Topics include:
Earning & Budgeting
Credit & Debt
Saving & Spending
Economics
Investing
& MORE

Camp cost: $299
Camp is 9AM-4PM
Camp age groups are 14-18 and 11-14
Date options are June 6-10, 2022 or July 18-22, 2022

Location:
Colonial Group Junior Achievement Discovery Center
Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419

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Summer 2022 Programs @ Royce Learning Center, Savannah

The Summer Programs at Royce provide supplemental, specialized educational and enrichment services to all families who request them regardless of income.
Royce instructors address the academic and social needs of students from Savannah-area schools who require additional, often specialized academic support, to be successful in school.

Summer School is a five-week morning program designed to strengthen academic skills and provide an opportunity for academic learning which prevents “Summer-Slide.”
It is an excellent opportunity to refresh skills and prepare for the new school year as small classes focus on reading, language arts, writing, math, and study skills.

Enrichment Camp is a five-week afternoon experience focusing on character building, communication and social skills along with time for summer reading lists, games, team building and more.

Study Skills is a program designed to help students in 6th – 12th grades learn to study efficiently and effectively, leading to greater success in school

Mon. June 13 – Thurs. July 14* 2022
*No Classes or Camp will be held Mon. July 4.

For more information, contact Sally Greenberg at 912-354-4047 or sgreenberg@roycelc.org.

Learn more about each of Royce Learning Center programs here .

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Royce Learning Center in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Bounces Houses & more @ Buckwalter Place Park, June 11, Bluffton

Free Community Event: Jump Into Summer @ Buckwalter Place Park in Bluffton.

Children can enjoy bounce houses and games, 10AM-1PM Sat. June 11 2022.

Concessions sold separately

Learn more here.

Hosted by People for Parks

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Free Friday Movie Nights @ parks in Bluffton SC

Move Nights @ various parks in Bluffton SC Fridays 5-8PM. Movies start @ 6PM

May 20 2022 – Space Jam: A New Legacy Movie Night (Buckwalter Place Park)
June 17 2022 – Encanto Movie Night (Field of Dreams)
July 15 2022 – Luca Movie Night (Martin Family Park)

Learn more here.

Hosted by People for Parks

Savannah Full-Day Summer Camp for Ages 5-14

The Mosaic Church & Preschool in Savannah will offer a six-week summer full-day camp for children ages 5-14.

Each week, your child will focus on a different aspect of  character development. 

Activities include arts & crafts, sports, indoor and outdoor games, field trips. Snacks and lunch will be provided.

$50 registration fee per family
$100 per week, 2nd sibling $90 per week

The Mosaic Character Camp will support children’s physical, social and  emotional well-being for multiple youth age groups. Children will be grouped  by age; 5-7, 8-10, 11-14. 

Mosaic Church & Preschool Character Camp 2022 

June 13-July 22 2022, 8AM-5PM

Learn more & register online here.

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St. Andrew’s School students won first place in the Gray’s Reef Regional MATE ROV 2022
competition, Navigator Class, in Savannah.

Students were tasked with designing, constructing, and piloting remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to complete a number of underwater challenges. Their winning design was created to benefit the
planet by performing underwater tasks such as gathering polutants, retrieving samples, and minor repairs.

Under the direction of St. Andrew’s faculty members, Maria Dixon and Dr. Kristin Peney, the students began designing their version of a ROV in the fall. After building three prototypes, the team continued to improve upon the final version until days before the competition.

Team members included freshmen Sierra Abbasi, Quentin Bronstein, Sterling Stephens, Erin Zimmerman and 8th grader Lorelei Downen.

St. Andrew’s is an International Baccalaureate World School inspiring young people age 3 through grade 12 in Savannah. For more information, visit saslions.com

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Saturday beach-themed June playdate June 18 at 10AM

Join Kindermusik Savannah for a beach-themed June playdate @ 10AM Sat. June 18 2022.

Parents and children together will engage with instruments, singing, moving, dancing, story time, and more activities in this one-time Kindermusik class. Limited spaces. Claim your child’s spot.

Every enrolled child will get…

• A 40-minute class packed with learning, love, and laughter
• A Kindermusik instrument/prop
• A $5 coupon for our weekly studio classes

Enroll online here.

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