Dog sledding through a snow-covered Michigan forest on a blue-sky day. Hitting the links with friends for a sunset round on an award-winning course. Hiking a new trail in the morning, then renting kayaks for an afternoon paddle.
In Michigan’s four-season playground, these are all mini trips you can put on your adventure list for the year ahead. But they’re not gifts that are easily wrapped to tuck under the tree.
And that’s OK, our friends at Pure Michigan suggest. If you’re ready to lean into the latest travel movement, then this might be the year you skip the traditional last-minute buying and wrapping frenzy and give the gift of experiences this holiday season.
Both of Michigan’s peninsulas are packed with options for adventures big and small. From camping by a winter waterfall in the Upper Peninsula to booking a wine-tasting trip or heading to one of the state’s charming downtowns for a little retail therapy, the gift of daytrips and minivacations are a fun choice.
It lets you plan a trip with your bestie and savor the anticipation, or gift a solo experience to someone you love.
“The gift of travel is truly a gift of opportunity,” said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Sharing a Michigan experience with family and friends creates lasting memories while supporting the local economy and helping Michigan workers and communities thrive.”
And while winter travel gifts are timely – think lift tickets at ski resorts, extreme snow tubing or fat-tire biking – experiences can be mapped out for any season in Michigan.
“One of the wonderful things about giving the gift of travel is that it lasts well beyond the holidays,” Wolgamott said. “Our state has adventures and experiences for everyone in every season – whether you’re shopping for the outdoor adventurer, the foodie, the golfer, or a family member seeking quality time together.”
The Pure Michigan team has put together some ideas to get you thinking about how you can gift real memory-making experiences this year. For more inspiration, you can check their website at michigan.org.
For Outdoor Adventurers
For Golfers
For Foodies
Want a package deal or to save a little on this gift of an experience? Check out the Pure Michigan Featured Deals here:
For shoppers seeking the best deals on curated packages and experiences across the state, visit michigan.org/deals.
View December’s featured deals and packages here.
December Featured Deals
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