Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with michigan

Cabins on Lake Mighigan

ztdavis — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:53:26 -0800

Looking for a cabin for two on Lake Michigan, preferably the Wisconsin side. Does anyone have any specific recommendations? We'll be coming from the Chicago area, but we're willing to drive three or four hours for a cozy place.

Pretty much the traditional criteria:
1. Warm with a fireplace.
2. On or near the lake.
3. Bonus points for being near a park, but that isn't necessary.
4. Near a small town or grocery (at least 30 minutes near, so that shouldn't be too hard at all.
5. Not super expensive (if that is possible?)

This past post was helpful: http://ask.metafilter.com/107436/Winter-weekend-cabin-near-Chicago

But I'm looking for more specific "I have stayed here and it was great" type suggestions.

Thanks

Can anyone recommend housing and car dealership in the Houghton/Hancock area of Michigan Upper Peninsula?

i2d2 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:56:42 -0800

Can anyone recommend housing and car dealership in the Houghton/Hancock area of Michigan Upper Peninsula? I am moving mid-December to the Houghton/Hancock area in the Upper Peninsula region of Michigan from Mississippi. Housing search has not been very fruitful so far. A lot of the apartment complexes or property management companies don't have information on the Internet, so I am stuck with very few posting that are online. I can see that there are a number of apartment complexes, but I don't know which one to begin with. Can anyone recommend any 1 bedroom apartments to rent for a single person?

Also, can anyone mention any car dealers to go to or to avoid for a good used car?

supersecret doubleunderground touchback rule?

ohio — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:06:58 -0800

Vaguely remembered football filter: I remember a game maybe 5 years ago, definitely Michigan, I think playing Michigan State (but could have been someone else). Something crazy happened in an end zone, and one of the teams (I think it was Michigan) was awarded 5 points, or some other strange number of points. What was this and why did it happen? I remember that it was an obscure rule, because the commentators didn't know what was going on for a while, and the referees took a long time to declare the score. It wasn't a safety or a two point conversion.

I hope I'm not misremembering this, and I may have some of the details wrong. Is this ringing a bell? Googling and wikipedia are not helping, probably because my memory is so vague.

Thanks!

East Lansing hotels?

rocket88 — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:16:41 -0800

MSU Football road trip advice: Where to stay in or near East Lansing, MI? I'm planning a trip to Michigan State this November for some football, and need advice on where to stay. Some of the prices I'm seeing make me suspect that local hotels/motels jack up their prices on home game weekends. Is this true? If so, how far away do we need to stay to avoid this? My group just wants a couple of nice clean rooms in a non-sketchy neighborhood but not too pricey. We're traveling from Southern Ontario.

A classic Michigan tee

Team of Scientists — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 22:50:08 -0800

I'm looking for a specific University of Michigan shirt, or another sharp looking one if you've got any recommendations. I'd like a classic-looking Michigan T-shirt. In particular, I'd like it to be:

-Blue
-With yellow details
-Sized medium

Specifically, I'd like this in a medium (or one that says alumni instead of football), or this. I actually bought the latter once before, but it was a lousy fit and uncomfortable to boot. I'd love to find the same shirt but made by a brand name. I think Russell used to produce them but I can't find one anywhere.

If anyone has any similar recommendations they would be welcome, or if you simply have a favorite college apparel web site then please let me know.

I'm spending a week in Tawas City, Mi - what should I see/do near there?

mikeo2 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:59:36 -0800

At the end of the month, I'm traveling to Tawas City, Michigan to meet some family. I've never been to Michigan before. I'm hoping some recommendations can be made on local, "must-see" places to hit up. I'm most interested in natural beauty, biking, fishing, and food. Any advice is appreciated!

Sadly, Sleeping Bear is too far north.

chesty_a_arthur — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:53:18 -0800

Looking for recommendations for lodging on the SW Michigan lake coast (Saugatuck, South Haven) on a budget for a couple of days. We're in Cleveland, meeting friends from Chicago. We're a small family on a tight budget; they're students on a tight budget. Rustic camping would be ideal, although an inexpensive hotel/motel would also be fine. Any recommendations? I've looked at michigan.org, saugatuck.com and so forth, but I'm having a hard time finding a non-RV campground, and would love Actual Lodging recommendations (cheap and safe is perfect.)

We're talking about the weekend of the 22nd.

Mawwiage. Can I get in trouble for performing a wedding without a license?

Matt Arnold — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:21:31 -0800

Can I get in trouble for performing a wedding without a wicense? I would not sign the wedding certificate or any other paperwork. Just "perform". I am a divorced atheist permanent-bachelor who dislikes the institution of marriage and is bored at weddings, but have been asked to perform a wedding tomorrow in the state of Michigan.

A friend of a friend of a friend is getting married tomorrow because the military is sending them overseas. They will get married at a Justice of the Peace at a courthouse. That will make them completely married.

Immediately after that in a private home, with a few guests present, they want a ceremony that looks and sounds traditionally religious in mainstream American culture. They are barely religious themselves. Unable to find a Christian minister on one day's notice who would work on the Fourth of July, they started asking around for anyone with "the barest superficial veneer of religiosity". My friend thought of me for the following reasons:

(1) I graduated from Bible college. Granted, it was with an art degree. That's good enough for them, because I memorized so much scripture when I was a Christian, so I can make sure the words are right. Whenever I talk about how much I dislike my religious background, I include copious references to actual scripture passages.

(2) I have an excellent voice and am good at public speaking. I can look very conservative, when I want to. I played Brad in a stage adaptation of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

I balked at first, but my friend said it's an acting job, like hiring a clown for a child's birthday party. "Performing a wedding" will have an emphasis on "perform".

If I do this, I will not include "by the power invested in me" because there isn't any. The bride, groom, and all guests know all the facts about me, so it is not deceptive in any way. I would not sign the marriage certificate or any other paperwork claiming to have any governmental validity. I've never heard of anything like this, and I only have one day to find out: Can I still get in trouble? Would I only get in trouble if I charge money for the "performance"?

How do we pick our wedding location?

mittenbex — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:17:26 -0800

We both live in New York. His family lives here and he was born/raised here. My family is in Michigan where I was born/raised. I've been here two years. We're talking about getting married. How do we pick where to get married? We'd like to get married in a Catholic church. Our concerns are that obviously one of our families is going to have to do some major traveling to get to the other's part of the country.

We don't want the wedding to be lopsided with a mess-load of people showing up from the family who lives by wherever we pick with like, five people showing up from the traveling side.

It would be quite a bit cheaper to marry in Michigan not only because prices are lower there but because I have connections with a photographer and DJ.

Also, having spent my first 23 years of life there... I am very familiar with venues and vendors near my hometown. Whereas I don't have any experience with any potential reception sites etc. around here.

BUT ... we do live in NY. So as far as meeting with vendors - we could do that at our leisure rather than try to cram everything into one trip back to Michigan. And it would definitely be easier to complete all of the requirements for marrying in a church close to home for us.

Thanks!

*Alternately... we HAVE thought about possibly trying to pull something off between our two hometowns. Somewhere in PA probably. That way no one's family has to make a huge trip but everyone would have to do a little traveling. But most people shot down this idea.

Need information on local-ish serial killer!

faintly macabre — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:21:16 -0800

I'm wondering how to find information regarding a serial killer case that happened about 40 years ago... Hi, my first post! I'm trying to find out information regarding a serial killer in my metro area named Ivy Tindell from Adrian, Michigan. Apparently he murdered numerous people and buried them under the floor boards, and all over the property. Everyone here knows the story, but I need solid information, not heresay.

I've tried googling, and cannot find any information. I believe the murders happened around the 1970s-1980s. The word is that the attention from the case would have been detrimental to the economy around the area, so I guess there wasn't a lot of media coverage. (That could be complete bullshit.)

Any help or leads in the right direction would be great!

Temporary move to Ann Arbor, what should I not miss?

stevechemist — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:29:29 -0800

I am moving to Ann Arbor, MI in a week and a half for a temporary summer assignment at U of Michigan. What are must see sights/places and must visit restaurants, bars, etc. that I should be sure not to miss?

Seeing a greening Detroit

ryanshepard — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:52:11 -0800

Detroit MeFites - help me watch Detroit rebuild/regreen, and also see the best of the "urban prairie" I'll probably be spending a week in Detroit in late June / early July and, after reading through the Detroit-tagged posts, still have some questions:

1. I'm interested in urban farming / gardening projects like Earthworks - what lesser-known projects should I look into visiting?

Are there particularly beautiful or impressive community gardens or farmers' markets that I shouldn't miss? Restaurants serving locally-grown food that I need to hit?

2. I'd like to see some of the much-hyped "urban prairie" - what spots / neighborhoods are especially worth checking out? Anything beyond the usual precautions that an out-of-towner blundering around in a rental car needs to be aware of?

3. Although it's not much to look at, 2126 Pierce Street caught my eye - are there other experiments with green / salvaged materials buildings or land re-use that I should check out?

Bookstore, Greek and vegetarian restaurant, coffee place, thrift/junk shop, gallery, and June/July event recommendations will also be gratefully accepted!

Are there any archery instructors in the Toledo/Detroit area?

biochemist — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:18:20 -0800

Are there any archery instructors in the Toledo/Detroit area? All I've been able to find is the YMCA, and I'm too old for their classes.

Mini Romantic/Relaxing Vacation Ideas for a Couple?

lwclec072 — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:47:19 -0800

Mini Vacation Ideas for a Couple? We've looking for a nice long weekend escape from the city. Something relaxing and serene away from the usual. My boyfriend and I are trying to plan a little mini vacation for us, like a long weekend, maybe 3-4 days. We currently live in Louisville, KY, and have a couple different states in mind, Michigan or Maine. We want something with a little history culture involved and something suited well for couples.

We currently have 500$ put back we're estimating about 100$ in gas for the trip (round trip) to MA and 60$ (round trip) MI, we might stay at least 1-2 nights in a hotel so we can make it an enjoyable stay in a nice hotel.

Anyone have any ideas? I really want some place near a nice lake or coast, but he wants something w/ a little more than a view but he is open to being on the water with activities around, we do not want something really hectic, no big city, maybe a little town or a city nearby so we could drive up one day, something relaxing and serene.

We're open to absolutely any suggestions outside of those two states though nowhere any further than 15 hrs from Louisville.

Any suggestions would be great!

SW Michigan economy, how bad?

Anonymous — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:41:19 -0800

I'm panicking about moving to southwestern Michigan. Just how bad is the economy there? My SO has a job offer in Kalamazoo, but I'm absolutely freaked out about the economy. Thanks in part to Any Moose In a Storm's previous question, I've calmed my nerves regarding the quality of life there, but I can't get my mind past the economy issue. The thought of living in such an economically depressed state is overwhelming. My greatest fear is a "brain drain," as everyone with any sense and mobility moves out.

For what it's worth, I work remotely and my job will go wherever I go, so finding work isn't a problem.

Sorry about being anon, but some co-workers know my mefi-name, and I haven't told them yet.

Obtaining Marijuana in Michigan

Drasher — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:53:25 -0800

In November of 2008 the voters of Michigan passed Proposal 1, a bill that "legalizes the use of medical marijuana by patients with 'debilitating medical conditions' when approved by a physician" but the rules are unclear. [WSJ article] As noted in this article, qualifying patients can register with the state and receive ID cards allowing them to legally acquire, possess, grow, transport and use a limited amount - no more than 2.5 ounces and 12 plants - of marijuana.

Assuming that one obtains an ID card from the state to legally possess the drug, how does one procure the drug?
California residents that have prescriptions for marijuana can get them filled at a number of dispensaries. This will not be the case in Michigan.

Is it easy enough to grow the allowed 12 plants in a protected environment? Will a basement grow "farm" be easy enough to maintain for personal use? Or will patients who use the marijuana be forced to obtain their drug illegally? In which case, how does a 50-somehting year old "cruise a college campus looking for dope"?

Growing up no one thinks they'll end up in Kalamazoo, do they?

Any Moose In a Storm — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:39:31 -0800

I have the option of moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan. What does Kalamazoo and Michigan have going for them? As a Liberal East Coaster I am totally prejudiced. I tend to think of the Midwest (Chicago excepted) as a vast cultural wasteland full of middle American ignorance and self-satisfaction only worth flying over en route to the West Coast.

The thing is there's a solid and provocative job opportunity there, so what does Southwestern Michigan have going for it in terms of Culture? Local Color? Public Schools? Diversity? Cost of Living? Etc?

Which law school for family?

Anonymous — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:50:07 -0800

Law School Filter: OK, so my numbers put me as likely in at Chicago or Michigan (according to hourumd), which are my first choices. But which is best for my family? I've got a wife and 7 month old who will be coming with me, and I want the best option for all of us. I love the U of C rigor, and their better clerkship placement, but I suspect the family would be more partial to Ann Arbor than to the south side of Chicago. I also am partial to the apparent collegiality of Michigan. Any thoughts on the family-friendliness of each?

For bonus points, we're thinking of eventually settling in Cleveland for work.

Bachelorette Party Fun in Paw Paw

eggerspretty — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:19:09 -0800

How do I do an inexpensive and not lame bachelorette party in a tiny town in West Michigan? I'm helping to host a bachelorette party in a very small town in West Michigan. The nearest city of any real size is 25 minutes away and the city with any real activity is 1 hour away. The bride has asked that all of the girls come in two days early, and this is the only thing they will have as an activity for the two days before the wedding so I want to make it fun.

Unfortunately, the maid of honor has given up planning or paying for the party so I am left trying to figure out what to do with ten late-20-something women who have all flown in to Michigan and driven three hours to the hotel that morning.

I am planning on having us trek to the city 25 minutes away for a nicer dinner and some bar hopping later in the evening, but I need something for us all to do from about 3pm-6pm that will not be hokey or expensive. It also will have to be in a Holiday Inn conference room. (woohoo!) I am also driving 13 hours the day before with two dogs so I can't bring a lot as far as supplies.

I have called yoga teachers, spas, cooking teachers, and caterers. They are all either too expensive or won't travel that far for a class. The bride has made it clear that we have to be "active" - she originally asked for the party to be from 11am-11pm, but I nixed the idea when it turned into me planning and paying for most/all of it. (Plus, I pity the fact that everyone would have to fly into MI an extra day earlier than they would expect just for a weekend wedding with little notice at this point.)

Thanks for the ideas. The wedding is in Paw Paw if that helps, and I have called the wineries in the area but am weary of adding daytime drinking/tasting onto nighttime events.

From Michigan To Florida, Where to Visit?

bleucube — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:54:06 -0800

We are driving from Michigan to Florida in October on our way to a Disney Cruise. Travelers consist of Me, Pregnant wife (will be 20 weeks in October) and our 3 year old daughter. We plan to take it easy and make a bunch of stops along the way. Any suggestions were to stop? Wife mentioned mammoth cave or a visit to a plantation in the south. We are on a budget so cheap and free would be ideal.

Last minute romantic getaway within three of SE Michigan?

GenTso — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:58:37 -0800

First year anniversary emergency! Help me find a last-minute booking on a one or two-day getaway where the accommodations are three star or better, there are beautiful nature views / things to do in the great outdoors (hiking or even driving through great scenery might work), and within three or so hours of SE Michigan. Does such a place exist? (Tripadvisor was of little help.)

If it looks and quacks like a CS Degree, then is it a genuine enough CS Degree???

JoeXIII007 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:15:25 -0800

Does it really matter where you get the Computer Science degree from? I am currently going to Washtenaw Community College to (of course) save money while getting the all important education. Currently majoring in Math and Science with a concentration in Computer Science.

At the moment I have pretty much put my future plans on going to the University of Michigan just a little further westward (which, if you have not heard, is a pretty reputable University other than being part of the Big Ten, as far as I have known).

MUCH closer (I live just barely east of downtown Ypsilanti, MI) to home is Eastern Michigan University. Going there would undeniably save money on not only tuition and supplies but also gas using the car. For either university, I would be commuting to them.

Now I make the following realizations no matter what the decision:
- The CS biz changes practically daily, so I know I will have to constantly learn new stuff.
- As far as I know, computer scientists are in high demand (at least according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- The education I get at college lays a foundation more than anything (doing a pretty deep google search confirmed this) and anything in industry will have to be picked up along the way.
- Having noted that, I already know people without CS degrees already in the industry (particularly with .NET).

Therefore, it really comes down to the money, quality of college education and risk with sacrificing either, and thus why I ask MeFi: does it really matter where I get the CS degree from??? I have done a lot of research into this decision and I am more than anything looking for the final factor (which I cannot seem to grasp) that will set the decision in stone.

Trivia: Currently 19 years old, holding a 3.97 GPA (only shy of a 4 thanks to an A- for some reason), and have put myself through two semesters (Fall 07/Winter 08) of 18 credit hour loads (for a total of 36 in the college career).

NCAA sheets and comforter?

lemonade — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:01:49 -0800

I'd like to buy a set of sheets and a comforter (queen size) with a University of Michigan design--but I can't find much that isn't made out of jersey, which would never stand up to the wear and tear of the dog. Any ideas where to find these (pref. online)? I actually did find one set of sheets here, but no comforter anywhere that isn't jersey.

An English Manor in Michigan?

skammer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:03:50 -0800

LocationScoutFilter: I'm looking for an historic home in Michigan that can stand in for a 19th Century English country manor (this is for a low-medium budget film.) Google has disappointed, but I thought there may be some MI historical-society types that could help out. The film is a period piece, so they should be places sitting on at least a couple acres.

Places to stay around Oxford, MI?

Riverine — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:21:54 -0800

I'm thinking of going to a herb conference in Oxford, Michigan, the first weekend of August. It's hard to get a grip on what sorts of accommodations are around there, since there are so many little towns. Does anyone know the area, who can point me to a decent place to stay? Under $100 a night is preferable. Dog friendly a plus but not imperative. Thanks.