We at Absolute Michigan are very pleased to have businesses and organizations that sponsor our site. Due to their support we like to give them a proper introduction to our readers as a thank you.

One of these sponsors is Weekend Warrior Golfer, a new web site that features reviews of Michigan golf courses like Arcadia Bluffs (pictured above).

After losing his job in the pharmaceutical industry some months ago, Brent Newhouse decided that he couldn't sit at a desk again. Brent explains:

"I worked with brilliant and committed colleagues for over 14 years creating medicines that help millions of people every day. I will always be proud of that, though sitting behind a desk was foreign to my personality and tough on my overall health. In the almost year since I was fired, I have traveled all around Michigan and have been able to meet the most wonderful people from all walks of life. Some of the best golf courses in the world are in Michigan. I am truly living the golfers dream!"

If you enjoy golf, check out Weekend Warrior Golfer for great articles, regular contests, product reviews and forums.

In cooperation with ShowSpan, Absolute Michigan is giving away 10 pair of tickets to the Ultimate Sport Show on March 19-22, 2009 at Devos Place in Grand Rapids, MI. Check out all of the Features & Attractions and Speakers & Events that await you!

About the Ultimate Sport Show
Michigan's finest tradition for the avid fisherman, hunter or outdoor loving family! Over 350 exhibitors will be at the show with the latest outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats.

The Features are Famous
World Class Taxidermy, Antique Lures, Trout Pond, Woodcarvers, Pellet Range, Fishing Simulator, Rock Wall and Fly Casting Instruction. Nearly 100 fishing and hunting seminars will be held on 4 stages, including "Lake Ultimate," the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. Michigan sportsmen never miss it!

Spring means a lot of things
to me by Apocaplops

The annual Michigan Golf Show takes place this weekend (March 6-8, 2009) at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi. It's the largest consumer golf show in the nation, offering a chance to see the latest and greatest from over 400 exhibitors including retailers, manufacturers, resorts and representatives from over 100 Michigan golf courses!

There's also a variety of "hands-on" activities including free pro instruction, seminars, hitting nets, and putting greens will help get your game ready for the spring. Retailers will be offering everything from golf tees to a full set of clubs at unbelievable prices.

There's also a sister show, the Lansing Golf Show that happens March 20 & 21 at the Lansing Center.

You can also take a swing at Absolute Michigan keyword golf and check out the golf slideshow in the Absolute Michigan pool!

The Mirror Image of March by PLskell

Our Michigan event calendar for the month of March features all kinds of signs that spring is just around the corner with some reminders that objects around the corner may be further off than they appear.

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party! - Robin Williams

Fast Facts
March's birthstone is Aquamarine and Bloodstone. They symbolize courage.

It's birth flower is the Daffodil and Jonquil.

Daylight-Savings time occurs at 12AM March 8th. Time to spring ahead!

Think spring! The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, 2009 at 7:44 AM EDT.

February 27 - March 1
U.P. Youth Pond Hockey Tournament - St. Ignace
Come to St. Ignace, in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, for three upcoming youth hockey tournaments! Two of the tournaments will be played indoors at the Little Bear East Ice Arena, while the third tournament will be played on the Wild Ice of Moran Bay! Winter in St. Ignace is a wonderful time to visit - in your spare time you can go tubing at the Silver Mountain Ski/Tubing Hill, and snowmobiling, cross country skiing or snowshoeing on our many trails throughout the area.

February 28 - March 1
Detroit Kennel Club Benched Dog Shows - Detroit
The DKC is one of just six American Kennel Club benched shows in the United States. The overwhelming majority of dog shows are unbenched, at which dogs are judged at an appointed time, then are free to leave the show grounds. At a benched show such as the DKC, dogs stay on the bench with their owners for the entire day when they are not in the ring. This means that the public has a rare opportunity to meet with just about every breed of dog, chat with the owners, and consult with breeders to discover which breed is right for them. Since almost everyone loves to talk about his or her dog, breeders are more than happy to share information with those interested in their particular breed. And almost all of the dogs enjoy the extra attention they receive from the spectators.

March 1 - April 30
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Grand Rapids
Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming is Meijer Gardens most popular annual exhibition and the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation. March 1–April 30, visitors can escape the Michigan winter and mingle with more than 6,000 tropical butterflies flying free in the 15,000-square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

March 4-7
Metro Times Blowout 2008 - Hamtramck
Metro Times presents the 12th annual BLOWOUT music festival. BLOWOUT showcases over 200 of metro Detroit's most influential, unique and celebrated bands, djs and solo artists. These 200 acts perform at 15 venues over 4 nights creating the largest local music festival in the U.S. Past performers include: Eminem, The White Stripes, The Von Bondies, The Hard Lessons, The Sights, The Go, His Name is Alive, Obie Trice, The Dirtbombs, Detroit Grand Pubahs, Howling Diablos, Paradime, Motor City R&B Pioneers, Blanche, The Detroit Cobras and many more.

March 5 - 8
West Michigan Home & Garden Show - Grand Rapids
West Michigan's largest Home & Garden show is back for its 30th season and better than ever! Over a dozen gardens, three free seminar stages, floral arrangement classes and a standard flower show, plus tons of other attractions you can't miss! With over 350 exhibitors featuring every product and service you'll ever need for your home, garden or landscaping, all under one roof, this is the show to attend!

March 6 - 8
The Michigan Golf Show - Novi
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the largest consumer golf show in the nation. Come experience the best golf deals in the Midwest. The Michigan Golf Show kicks off the golf season highlighting over 400 exhibitors with great deals on every aspect of the golf game!R etailers! Resorts! Travel Destinations! Over 100 Michigan Golf Courses! And a variety of "hands-on" activities will get you ready for this season.

March 6 - 8
Detroit Autorama - Detroit
"America's Greatest Hot Rod Show", is held at Cobo Center.

March 7
Quiet Water Symposium - East Lansing
The Quiet Water Symposium celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for our Great Lakes Environment. At the Symposium visitors will find presentations by world famous authors, photographers, and expedition travelers. Other presentations may cover skills, safety, local and distant destinations. There may be presentations on bicycling, sailing, diving, and history.

March 8
29th Annual Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon - Calumet
A laid-back, skier-oriented weekend in Calumet on the beautiful Keewanau Peninsula. You can choose between 26-km and 50km distances including a separate category for 26-km classic skiers. The Junior Bear Chase is a youth Nordic ski race for skiiers up to 16-years-old.

March 13 - 15
Flushing Walleye Festival - Flushing
The event features:

• Outdoor Show Exhibits

• Fish Fry
• Trout Pond
• Outdoor Show
• Firefighter’s Pancake Breakfast
• Guest Speakers
• Texas Hold’em Tournament/Poker Night
• Youth Group
• Chili Cook-off

March 19 - 22
Lansing Home & Garden Show - East Lansing
The strongest Home & Garden show in the Mid-Michigan area fills the MSU Pavilion on the campus of Michigan State University. Incredible gardens, extensive landscaping projects, a Standard Flower Show and three free seminar stages surround hundreds of exhibits featuring construction, remodeling, kitchens & baths, retail garden centers, pools and spas and home services.

March 19 - 22
Ultimate Sport and RV Show - Grand Rapids
Michigan's finest tradition for the avid fisherman, hunter or outdoor loving family! Over 350 exhibitors will be at the show with the latest outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. The features are famous: World Class Taxidermy, Antique Lures, Trout Pond, Woodcarvers, Pellet Range, Fishing Simulator, Rock Wall and Fly Casting Instruction. Nearly 100 fishing and hunting semainrs will be held on 4 stages, including "Lake Ultimate," the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. Michigan sportsmen never miss it!

March 20 - 22
Carnival Weekend at Boyne - Boyne Falls
It's party time once again. Boyne Mountain pulls out all the stops as Mardi Gras moves north for the weekend. How can I get some of those beads you ask, come to Boyne Mountain and find out. Bands, costume competitions, the slush cup and parties all over the resort make this a weekend to remember. You might want to plan on using a sick day for Monday.

March 21
Krazy Daze at Boyne - Harbor Springs
Fun for the whole family awaits during this spring tradition. Kid's events include a Silly Slalom, costume judging, Nastar and more. Is it true they build a pond and let people ski and snowboard across? You bet it's true. So dress up or dress down, just make sure to be a part of the fun.

March 21 - 22
Kalamazoo Living History Show - Kalamazoo
The largest, nationally recognized, juried show in the Midwest devoted to pre-1890 original or reproduction living history supplies, accouterments and related crafts. More than 10,000 historical re-enactors from pre-Revolutionary through the Civil War, history buffs, collectors, and the general public from 18 states and Canada come together for a festive weekend to buy, sell and trade. The event attracts over 270 of the finest craftsman and dealers of living history supplies and related crafts from throughout the United States.

March 15
St. Patrick's Day Parade - Detroit
Sponsored by the United Irish Societies in metro Detroit, the parade runs along Michigan Avenue in the area known as "Corktown", so called because of the many immigrants that came and settled here from County Cork. The parade travels down a dozen or so blocks passing by historic Tiger Stadium and the Gaelic League/Irish American Club.

March 20 - 21
The Lansing Golf Show - Lansing
The Lansing Show will be celebrating its ninth year at the Lansing Center and continues to draw golfers from Mid-Michigan looking for great deals and a chance to beat the winter blahs. Free pro instruction, seminars, hitting nets, and putting greens will help get your game ready for the spring. Retailers will be offering everything from golf tees to a full set of clubs at unbelievable prices.

March 24 - 29
Ann Arbor Film Festival - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is internationally recognized as a premiere showcase for creative, inspiring, and influential films of all types: avant-garde and experimental, story-based narratives, documentaries, and animation. As the longest-running film festival of its kind in North America, the AAFF is steeped in a rich tradition of ground-breaking cinema.

Did we get them all? Not likely!! Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

The Big Bright Light Show by suesue2

Think Globally, Shop Locally with our Michigan Holiday Gift Guide, designed to help you find the perfect Michigan gifts online or off. Feel free to add your Michigan based gift suggestions in the comments section below!

Art, Books & Music
Fire Center Studio - Ishpeming, MI
Savu has owned Fire Center Studio in Ishpeming, Michigan since 1987. While her painting and illustration is done out of her studio, her work sells in galleries and gift stores throughout northern Michigan and the midwest. Her primary gallery retailer is Michigamme Moonshine Gallery in Michigamme, Michigan. Savu's 'Colours of Home' annual collectible calendar series is available at bookstores and gift shops throughout the midwest as well as on website.

Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Craft - East Lansing
Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Craft, a gallery of fine craft located in East Lansing, Michigan. Owners Tom and Linda Dufelmeier created a format for the Gallery that includes an exhibit space featuring individual artists in shows that last for approximately two months. The works of art are presented in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere allowing people from all backgrounds an opportunity to experience thought-provoking imagery by a single artist. The larger portion of the Gallery includes an eclectic selection of paper products, blown glass, jewelry, fiber, ceramics, garden accessories, fine woodworking, furniture, and lighting chosen for excellence in design and function.

Brian Vander Ark Music - Grand Rapids, MI
The lead singer of the Verve Pipe and author of the hit song "The Freshmen", Brian has just released his debut solo CD "Resurrection".

Fork in the Road by Eric Villegas
The new cookbook Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas (Huron River Press) is a companion to Chef Eric's award-winning national PBS cooking show of the same title. The 192-page, hard cover, book is filled with gorgeous food & other photography that sweeps you across the magical mitten, the great state of Michigan. From north to south and east to west Chef Villegas covers the great agricultural heritage of the state in his sumptuous recipes.

Pewabic Pottery - Detroit, MI
Pewabic Pottery is a living treasure and offers visitors an exciting glimpse of a little known part of American history. Founded in 1903 during the Arts & Crafts Movement, Pewabic is nationally renowned for its tile and pottery in unique glazes. Today it is a non profit ceramic art education center which welcomes 70,000 visitors annually.

Ducksicle - Detroit, MI
Detroit's only Chilled Poultry Rock quartet starring Tony, Helmut, Erica and the fantastischen Erik Jensen.

Elderly Instruments - Lansing, MI
The best music is the kind you make yourself and Michigan's largest instrument seller has a wide range of instruments and accessories for the accomplished or novice musician.

Heritage Guitar Inc. - Kalamazoo, MI
Heritage manufacturers Custom Carved Hollow Body Guitars, Semi Hollow Body Guitars, and Solid Body Guitars. This is to say nothing of the countless number of custom instruments made in each of the groups previously mentioned. Banjos, Mandolins, Flat Tops, and Basses, are no longer being produced because of the demand for the guitars mentioned in the above 3 categories.

From the Wine - Exploring Michigan Wineries
Get the only book that celebrates Michigan wine country, wines and winemakers with intriguing behind-the-scene stories, beautiful photographs and interesting side features (192 page, hard-cover book).

Harry Goldson - Suttons Bay, MI
Harry says that music is now more fun than ever, because now he is playing what he wants to play in a way he thinks it should sound, and what a sound it is! Harry's eighth album Flirtations is now available.

Earthwork Music
The Earthwork Music collective believes in the intrinsic and historical power of music to raise both community and self-awareness and serves to facilitate and encourage original music in the state of Michigan and beyond. Give Michigan music!

Glenn Wolff Studio - Traverse City, MI
Welcome to the Glenn Wolff Studio Store. The shelves are stocked with prints, original art, and music by Glenn and a few friends. Come on in and look around. We never close, and we are offering free shipping for the month of December.

Log Art Inc - Boyne City, MI
Welcome to Log Art Inc.'s Gallery which features samples of our line of fine-crafted rustic furniture and accessories. This sampling will give you a sense of the impeccable quality and craftsmanship that have come to be our trademark, "Lodge Look of Northern Michigan." Our design and building skills are of heirloom quality and the finest made in Michigan. We welcome custom orders and enjoy working with our clients to help build their dreams.

The Art of Karen M Smith - Lapeer, MI
Original paintings are available on this website, and listed for auction on Ebay. Many paintings available at Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer.

Michigan History for Kids Magazine - Lansing, MI
Michigan History for Kids is a colorful, award-winning magazine produced by the staff of Michigan History magazine. Written at a fourth-grade reading level, the topics align with those covered on the fifth-grade MEAP test. Designed to make history fun for young readers, each magazine is filled with interesting stories, activities and travel suggestions. Michigan History for Kids can be purchased as an individual, gift or classroom subscription.

Hollander's - Ann Arbor, MI
Since 1991, when the store first opened, Hollander's has become one of the leading and largest sources in the country for unique decorative papers and bookbinding supplies. It is also well known for its outstanding offerings in book and paper arts workshops. In addition, Hollander's has grown as a retail store, specializing in stationery items ranging from journals and photo albums to cards and unique gifts.

Nature's Way Woodworking - Alberta, MI
We design beautiful furniture and gifts made with rare birdseye maple wood. Our fine hand crafted items are locally made in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, by our very own wood turning and wood designer expert: Dave Stimac. One look at our quality wooden gifts and accessories will bring you back again and again to see what's new in our latest line of weather instruments, barometers, clocks, dining room sets and kitchen items. Each item is a one-of-a kind work of art that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Clothing & Jewelry
Yooper Steez - Marquette, MI
Steez: Style with ease! We believe everyone who lives in the U.P., or loves the U.P., should have a cool U.P. t-shirt. The way we see it, it doesn’t need words. Take the Nike logo for example, they don’t have “Just do it” under the swoosh. And the U.P. is the same. It has enough presence to stand on it’s own. In our opinion we expect people to recognize it, we shouldn’t have to tell them, they should know!

Aurora Borealis Designs - Leland, MI
Aurora Borealis Designs of Leland, Michigan hand crafts unique jewelry from beach glass, beach stones and silver.

Kathy Fagan Handbags - Okemos, MI
Welcome to Kathy Fagan Handbags—chic and charming bags for every occasion. Individually designed and handcrafted, each handbag exudes elegance and a touch of cheeky charm. Indulge in the chillier seasons' most crucial and decadent accessory, the fur handbag. Made from vintage and new fur pieces, each bag is one-of-a-kind—they are true collectors’ items.

baabaaZuzu - Lake Leelanau, MI
Hats, mittens, scarves, jackets, purses and bags, posy pins, christmas stockings and more are handcrafted in beautiful recycled wool... each a work of art.

BigLoveDetroit - Detroit, MI
BigLoveDetroit is all about givin' the Motor City some love. Our clothes are designed by local artists. We don't just slap any tired thing down and call it a day. We actually think. Even art snobs wear our stuff. By the way, a large portion of our profits are donated to Detroit-based charities. So what's wrong with a cool frock and helpin' out your neighbor? Nothing. Show your support by showin' some love.

Catherine Doll - Sawyer, MI
Located in the popular Harbor Country of southwest Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Catherine Doll is 80 miles from downtown Chicago. Sustainable fashion created from repurposed clothing - overdyed, pieced, crushed, tied, clamped, taken apart and put back together again. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.

Food, Dining & Drink
Zingerman's - Ann Arbor, MI
Send great food anywhere in America. Gift boxes of bread, cheese, pastry, olive oil, vinegar and more. You really can taste the difference.

Jampot - Eagle River, MI
Jampot is closed for the season. However, they currently have a full selection of jams,jellies, fruitcakes and truffles available for immediate shipping and the Christmas mail order season.

Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry - Dewitt, MI
Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry is a charming bakery cafe located in downtown DeWitt, Michigan. The vintage ambiance paired with delicious, old-fashioned food makes for a perfect dining or take-out experience. Our fare is created by infusing the best vintage recipes along with the latest taste sensations. All of our foods are homemade, made with only fresh and quality ingredients - no preservatives are ever added. We specialize in retro baked goods, but we have an amazing lunch and dinner menu as well. Simply put, everything we make is truly unique and yummy.

Vintage Michigan Club
Join the Vintage Michigan Club and discover Michigan's best-kept secret! Enjoy your favorite Michigan wines and reward yourself with special savings. With your lifetime membership you will receive these terrific benefits:

• Discounts at participating wineries, wine retailers, and restaurants across the state. View the list of participating businesses (PDF).
• Complimentary Michigan Wines Corkscrew or Etched Michigan Bottle Stopper.
• Michigan Wine Country magazine, an annual publication with maps to Michigan's wineries, interesting articles, and all the information you need to enjoy Michigan's wine country.
• Monthly email newsletter with the latest Michigan wine-related information.
• Discounts for selected Michigan wine festivals and events.

Cherry Republic - Glen Arbor & Traverse City, MI
Welcome to Cherry Republic, the land of Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie! Over 141 gourmet food products made from Michigan cherries to sample, purchase and send as gifts. Cherry Bakery, Cherry Winery, Cherry Cafe and Retail Store. Free gift-boxing.

Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company - Glen Arbor, MI
Leelanau Coffee Roasting has wonderful gifts for all of the special people in your life... Coffee beans! French Presses! Logo Mugs! Grinders! Leelanau Coffee sells all the exciting coffee accessories to make your coffee drinking a true "up north" experience. 2008 marks our Fifteenth Year, and we are proud of our heritage, and excited about the future!

Rafal Spice Company - Detroit, MI
Visiting Rafal's is like taking a world tour. You smell Rafal's before you see it. The spices waft through the air and lure you into the exotic world of spice import. Brightly labeled bottles, boxes, and bags, each containing an elixir to perk up any concoction, line the shelves. Glass jars are filled with every spice and herb imaginable, from adobo and asafetida to xanthan and za'atar. To the left of the spice area, canisters of teas and kegs of coffee beans lend their fragrances.

Higher Grounds Trading Company - Traverse City, MI
Roasting 100% Fair Trade and Organic Handcrafted Coffees. Check out our great coffee, gifts and gear this holiday season!

Rudy Baggs - Lansing, MI
Rudy Baggs Coffee Roasting Company roasts only world class Arabica coffee and specializes in weekly home delivery.

Pasty Central - Calumet, MI
Order Delicious U.P. Pasties and see why Pasty Central has become a primary starting point for many visitors to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Fresh from the U.P. to you! Great gifts!

Stone House Bread - Traverse City, MI
Our promise is the freshest bread in the North, made every morning with the finest organic flour—fragrant, crusty loaves with the sweet tang of sourdough. The baguettes and boules that emerge from our venerable Matador oven (built in Stuttgart when John Kennedy was president) will prompt memories of morning walks in Paris and Rome. We believe you'll say, with celebration: Now that's an honest loaf of bread!

Eden Foods - Clinton, MI
The finest locally grown and organic foods since 1968. Michigan organic beans, processed fruits and juices, pastas, whole grains, Edensoy, vegetable oils, vinegars, soy sauces, misos, snack mixes, teas, dried fruits, popcorn, etc. Buy on-line.

Grocers Daughter Chocolates - Empire, MI
Our artisan, hand-made chocolates and hand-dipped truffles are made with many locally grown/blended products such as herbs, spices, berries, spirits, coffees, teas and nuts. We use no artificial flavors or preservatives, and we buy locally when it is possible.

The Great American Pretzel Company - Howell, MI
At The Great American Pretzel Company® we make the best gourmet Chocolate Covered Pretzels in America. Our products are made using only the finest milk, dark and white chocolates, the freshest pretzels and highest quality ingredients. Our beautifully packaged, made-to-order pretzels make a perfectly decedent gift for someone special or an indulgent treat for oneself. 1-866-889-5778

Leelanau Peninsula Vinter's Association - Leelanau county
The mission of the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (LPVA) is to help spread the word about all the good things happening here in our corner of paradise. Our cool-climate, Michigan wines have been winning more national and international awards and praise each and every year. Leelanau County wines and vineyard tours make the perfect gift.

Pioneer Wine Trail - Southeast MI
Southeastern Michigan's Pioneer wine making region is a great place to spend a few hours...or a few days! The beautiful rolling Irish Hills, many lakes and Hidden Lake Gardens are right along the trail. Relax, savor our wines, stop for some antiquing and perhaps stay in one of the many Bed and Breakfast inns in the area.

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail - Southwest MI
Discover the world of wine in your own backyard by visiting our tasting rooms nestled among the rolling hills and inland lakes. We are a short ride from our harbor towns of New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven, and Saugatuck. Enjoy award winning Michigan wines as spectacular as our sunsets on the beach.

Home & Garden
Ciao Bella - Petoskey, MI
Garden and home products and services personally chosen to appeal to one's pursuit of the well-lived life, no matter how great your dream or how small our product.

Spa & Pampering
The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company - Canton, MI
The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company is a Michigan-based producer of top quality natural soap. All of our soaps are handcrafted, in small batches, using premium ingredients and exceptional quality control. No two soaps will ever be exactly alike. Great for gifts!

Little Black Book of Beauty - Detroit, MI
Looking for a new Michigan salon or spa? Or a great skin care provider or personal trainer? Or any other hair, make up and beauty related therapy? Our guide to beauty services will help you find whatever products and treatments you're after.

Two Bees Candles
100% Beeswax, all natural candles. Free of fragrances, chemicals, paraffin. Great Lakes area beeswax, with the natural aroma of honey from the hive.

Sports & Recreation
Old AuSable Fly Shop & Old AuSable Outdoors - Grayling, MI
Old AuSable Fly shop has Scott, St.Croix, Keystone & TFO Rods Ross, SA, TFO and Bailey Reels. Fish Pond, Pacific Fly, Logo shirts & hats, Dan Bailey Waders, Fly tying materials. Any gizmo or accessory you need! Old AuSable Outdoors is a full service fly fishing pro shop, a complete paddlesports center and a sundries shop with unique items including art, books and gifts with a Northern Michigan flair. We are located on the banks of the beautiful AuSable River.

Lee's Adventure Sports - Portage, MI
Lee's Adventure Sports is a family owned Southwest Michigan outdoor sports gear business that was started in December of 1954 by Bill and Evelyn Lee. Lee's is presently located at 311 West Kilgore Road and being run by Skip and Chris Lee, the next generation. We offer outdoor sports gear product mix of camping, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, skis, snowboards, xc skis, snowshoes, canoes, kayaks, footwear, travel gear, luggage and the clothing to do it all in. Performance and quality is in all of our products.

Bay de Noc Lure Company - Gladstone, MI
Ice fishing and saltwater fishing may not have much in common, but the fishing lures found at the Swedish Pimple website can be used for both ice fishing and saltwater fishing. Ideal lures for saltwater fishing include the Swedish Pimple, Swedish Pimple Ice, Do-Jigger, Laker Taker and the Flutter Laker Taker. On your next excursion, include some of our fishing lures in your saltwater fishing tackle. You'll be surprised at how many limit catches they produce.

Indian Country Sports - L'Anse - MI
Indian Country Sports is a family owned and operated retail sporting goods business located on the shores of Lake Superior in beautiful downtown L’Anse serving fishing, hunting, and outdoor enthusiasts since 1968.

Toys & Hobbies
Treehouse Toys & Books - Lansing, MI
Based on the belief that the right playthings give children a gateway to physical, emotional and cognitive development Treehouse Toys & Books provides toys and books in an atmosphere that is both active and interactive. Its unique aesthetic approach is vibrant yet warm, exciting yet comforting and exploratory yet safe. From rich colors and woods to low sightlines and custom fixtures the Brilliant Sky sensory experience is unlike any other.

Down to Earth Toys - Ortonville, MI
Why Down To Earth Toys? Over 90% of our toys are Made in USA! Offering top quality Wooden and Natural toys made in the USA.We feel that protecting your child, while also supporting America’s economy, are of utmost importance. Whether you are looking for baby toys made in USA, toddler toys, or outdoor toys… know that you have found a store who is dedicated to offering you toys that you will feel great about giving!

Enerdyne Science & Nature Store - Suttons Bay, MI
Gifts for all ages! Enerdyne's website exists to introduce you to our science and nature store and its products. We also provide interesting information about various science/nature topics. We'd love to have you stop in and visit Enerdyne for your gifting needs!

Drueke - Ludington, MI
The Drueke Company is America's oldest manufacturer of traditional board games. The chess boards and chess accessories that we offer are second-to-none. Our reputation for quality chess sets inspired us to produce a variety of classic games for our customers to enjoy. Our product line includes action games, backgammon, cribbage, dominos, checkers, game boxes, chess tables and wooden accessories.

Old Downtown by cmu chem prof

Of course Absolute Michigan is all about buying what gifts you can through the web sites of Michigan's shops, stores and manufacturers. However, as the clock ticks down, shipping times mean you're probably going to have to finish up offline.

Our Michigan shopping section can help there too with hundreds of listings from all over the state for antiques, beauty & clothing, beer, wine & beverages, books, music & video, hobbies, toys & games, home & garden, jewelry & gifts and sporting goods in towns all across Michigan. even listings from elsewhere might help you think up a gift for that especially difficult special someone.

Keep the drive short and shop within Michigan's communities and you'll also be helping your community and state. As Think Dexter First explains:

A locally owned, independent business returns approximately 80 percent of each dollar spent back to the community. Local, independent businesses assist the community through a "multiplier effect": one dollar spent at a locally owned business will return five times that amount within the community through city taxes, employee wages and purchase of materials and supplies at other independent businesses. In addition, these businesses will return that dollar to the community through school funding, social services and contributions to local nonprofit organizations.

So get out, share a smile with your neighbors and actually enjoy gift giving. More thoughts? Share them in the comments!

Alpine Vally Ski Resort by 老六

Michigan is home to some of the best cross-country & downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest. All month on Absolute Michigan, we'll be featuring all aspects of Michigan skiing with profiles of regions, resorts and trails along with a mountain of photos, video and information about the history and present day skiing experience in Michigan. As always, if you have a link to add, post it in the comments or send us an email!

The OFFICIAL Directory of Skiing in Michigan offers a comprehensive list of the places to ski, snowboard and otherwise get from the top of the hill to the bottom. The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association is dedicated to increasing awareness of snowsports in Michigan and introducing new individuals to skiing and snowboarding, and has some great deals to check out. Weather Underground Ski Michigan offers up-to-date snow conditions for all the resorts in Michigan. Michigan Skier can give you all the latest news on skiing in Michigan, as well as info on everything you need to know about skiing in Michigan. You'll also want to drop by SkiMichigan.com.

If Nordic Skiing is your thing, Michigan Nordic Racer offers regularly updated trail reports from all over the state. The Great Lakes Nordic Council has some more info for Michigan. If you're feeling competitive, how about training for the Michigan Cup Series, the Michigan Tech Christmas Classic (Dec 15-16, 2007 in Houghton), White Pine Stampede (Feb 2, 2008 in Mancelona), the North American VASA (Feb 9, 2008 in Traverse City).

Of course, you don't need to compete to enjoy cross country skiing. In fact, you don't even need snow for Nordic Walking from Michigan-based SkiWalking.com. In addition to great opportunities at Michigan's national, state and local parks, check out the cross country skiing guide from Travel Michigan. You don't even need to let challenges stand in your way of enjoying to snow: Michigan Ski for Light is a non-profit organization promoting cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities for the visually- and mobility-impaired.

If you want to keep on eye on the conditions at the slopes, check out this list of Michigan ski resort webcams from SkiCentral and another at Snow Eye. While we don't have too many photos of skiing in the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr, we're hoping to see a lot more as people get out and enjoy the skiing. Michigan in Pictures has a few ski photos including this feature on Boyne founder Everett Kircher. On the Snow offers a few photos from Michigan ski resorts and Lars Jensen has some great photos from cross-country skiing at the Pictured Rocks and other locations.

Buck on the run by oakwood

Opening day of deer season probably ranks pretty high in the list of Michigan holidays. I know a lot of businesses that will be closed for the next few days in recognition that their employees would just be out sick with deer fever. As I write this, the light rain is changing to snow, something that is inexplicably making thousands of folks dressed in orange a lot happier.

The Michigan DNR has all the details on deer hunting in Michigan, including a reminder that much public land is open to hunting - be aware! An estimated 750,000 hunters will purchase licenses for the November 15-30 firearm deer season. According to Doug Reeves, acting DNR Wildlife Division chief:

"Hunters will spend more than 10 million days enjoying deer hunting recreation during the archery, firearm, and muzzleloading seasons combined. This is more days spent deer hunting than in any other state or Canadian province. Deer hunters will contribute more than $500 million to the Michigan economy through the purchase of such items as food, lodging, transportation, and equipment."

The DNR is forecasting one of the finest hunting seasons in recent years due to a mild winter, something that Michigan Sportsman magazine's 2007 whitetail deer outlook concurs with. If you are headed out, be sure to look in on our Sporting Goods section.

If you don't get a deer, you can still read some of the Lansing State Journal's collected Michigan deer hunters' memories including this one titled A hunter born in the mist. In addition to collecting deer camp stories, the Freep plans to post photos of buck poles, something that makes me almost happy their screwy register-to-read software won't let my Mac in.

Meanwhile, the Detroit News reports that more Michiganians (7.7%) are hunting for jobs right now than any time since 1992. In her column, Laura Berman remarks that there isn't a whole lot of sense in the Legislature's 18 day hunting break, especially with only nine of the 148 legislators applying for hunting licenses. She says that:

...the once-benign tradition of taking an extended recess for hunting and Thanksgiving is a particular affront to voters this year, when the state's in crisis, and the Legislature has yet to resolve it.

Lana Pollack, the former state senator who now heads the Michigan Environmental Council, points to the "level of incompetence by people in office." (Political analyst Bill) Ballenger notes "they've been so inept you almost cheer when they take a break."

Happy hunting...

Big Surf in Grand Haven

The Grand Haven Tribune has a feature on meteorologist Will Beaton, who has realized his life-long dream of surfing and reporting weather at the new web site surfgrandhaven.com developed by Masana, LLC of Grand Haven. The site features a live beachcam of Grand Haven Pier and the state park beach, wind, rip current and wave forecasts - all geared to how it will affect the surfing. This morning they were touting today as "Big Wednesday" with 8'+ waves expected. Yow!! The developers hope to eventually spread along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Big Mining Rush is On, Deadline Looms

Michigan's first sulfide mine (Kennecott Eagle Mine, proposed near Lake Superior) has yet to be permitted, but companies are already stampeding to catalog and plunder Michigan's mineral wealth, this time on Lake Michigan near Menominee in what is being called "The Back Forty Project". An Aquila Resources spokesman pledged "a focus on the environment and noting the economic benefits that will accrue to the local community and the State of Michigan." And then there's the little matter of billions of dollars of revenue for the company and a pesky problem with the atrocious safety record of these sulfide mines (100% failure rate). Please take a moment to consider the safety record, read this editorial in the Capital Times by the author of Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula and comment to the DEQ before the October 17 deadline - for 100 jobs the State of Michigan is prepared to permit the first case - and far from the last - of a dangerous process that has polluted 40% of all the watersheds in the West.

Wine Grape Harvest Should Yield Big Reds

A pair of articles: Great Grapes: Harvest should yield fine wines in the Traverse City Record-Eagle and Heat Helps West Michigan Wine from WZZM TV-13 say that Michigan's vineyards are reporting a slightly smaller but very high quality crop, especially for red wines. There is talk that it might rival the 2005 vintage (considered Michigan's finest) and Bruce Simpson of Good Harbor Vineyards & Winery near Leland said "The fruit quality is superlative."(I have to quote Bruce - he's my neighbor!). Be sure to check out the video on the WZZM feature!

Migrant Workers Play Big Role in Harvest

I took the photo on Monday at Shady Lane Cellars in Leelanau County on Monday. There are more photos, and you can view them all right here. I was inspired to get out there by this great feature on migrant workers harvesting grapes the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Big Bay, Michigan

Big Bay has been in the news a lot as it's near the proposed Kennecott Eagle Mine, and many also know it as the setting for the 1959 classic Anatomy of a Murder. Wikipedia's entry on Big Bay says that as of 2000, the population was 265. Exploring the North says that the town of Big Bay is located 23 miles north of Marquette on Lake Independence, with Lake Superior to the north and east and the McCormick Wilderness Tract and the Huron Mountains to the west. Since I'm calling out friends & neighbors today, I will say that Bill & Kristi of Big Bay Outfitters are great folks and their site has some of the best info on the area (along with Big Bay Online). More links at Absolute Michigan keyword Big Bay. Like everywhere else in Michigan, Big Bay is gonna be COLD today! Windy & rainy too!!

Moosejaw is a Michigan company supplying high quality gear from the best brands out there. Not only does Moosejaw have sweet clothes from other companies, they also have their own with cool logos on them. And they love you.

Love the Madness.

Surfing Michigan by farlane

We've pulled together a great collection of Great Lakes surfing videos on our Michigan Station at chime.tv including:

• The best of the bunch is what appears to be a TV special on Grand Haven filmmaker Vince Deur's movie Unsalted. the 7 minute short introduces you to the history and present day of Great Lakes surfing. There's also a couple of outtakes that take you to surfing hot spots like Michigan's Lake Superior shore in winter! Last December we ran Michigan Film: Unsalted: A Great Lakes Experience that has all the details (including where to get it!) and tons of clips from the definitive work on riding the freshwater wave.
• The Roxy Get Outside Tour recently visited Grand Haven, Michigan with a couple pro female surfers. They also answered the "Michigan question" and visited the Great Lakes Surf Association (more Michigan footage including waterskiing at the Roxy blog)
• Surfing isn't just for lakes any more, there's also the Grand River Surf!
• If surfing isn't fast enough (or the waves aren't big enough) there's always kiteboarding. Boarding Lake Michigan Waves from South Beach in South Haven shows you highlights of surfers, kiteboarders and windsurfers. Every September, the King of the Great Lakes Kiteboarding Competition is held in Grand Haven and Chris Simmons' video gives you highlights of what looks like a great time for participants and spectators. You can visit Mackinac Kites for information on the event.
• There's a Grand Haven surfing photo on Michigan in Pictures today that is part of an awesome Great Lakes Surfing slideshow!
• Check out Absolute Michigan keyword surf for surfing articles and surfing-related businesses! Might as well try Absolute Michigan keyword kiteboard too!

Did we miss something? Of course we did!! Tell us and/or add a link in the comments.

The current version of Introduce Your Michigan Business or Organization is right there.

Leslie, Michigan by Joanne

The Detroit News has a guide to Black Friday shopping in the metro Detroit area - "Black Friday" being about time of year when store owners began to turn a profit and operate in the black. They also have a shopping blog ... or at least renamed their usual blog. The Lansing State Journal reminds you not to forget about Cyber Monday.

After reading the above articles - which are heavy on the Wal-Marts and the Crate and Barrels - I'd like to further remind you not to forget about your neighbors. Online and off, check out your downtowns and those of neighboring cities and towns. You'll probably find some nice deals and also gifts that look like you worked a little harder to find something special. Beyond that, studies demonstrate that dollars spent at locally owned businesses generate substantially more economic impact in communities:

Economic Impact Analysis: A Case Study, Local Merchants vs. Chain Retailers (pdf) The study indicated that for every $100 in consumer spending at Borders, the total local economic impact (LEI) is only $13. Conversely, the same amount spent at BookPeople, for example, yields $45 in LEI, more than three times as much.

To connect with the local and statewide shopping scene in Michigan, parking the car downtown and walking around is a great start. You might want to check out Absolute Michigan's shopping section or our list of Michigan Chambers of Commerce. You can also try a search for whatever you're looking for in the box at the top right (antiques, jewelry, toys). So many Michigan-owned stores have online outlets as well, so checking out sites all over the state may yield good results! You can also keep an eye out for cool holiday art/craft fairs like the Ypsi Shadow Art Fair.

In fact, there are so darn many communities, stores and gifts that there's no way we could list them all here. We can (and will) ask you all to post a comment with a gift or shopping experience that YOU recommend. If you own a store or sell something over the internet, we invite you to post it here. Also, if you have any more articles on the benefits of local shopping, post those too! We do ask, however, that your links be to Michigan-made products - we have this "All Michigan, All the Time" policy...