By Natalie Prestegaard
While many foresee themselves as having a summer like no other, after a few weeks of freedom, some find themselves at a loss. With hours unfilled with school, homework, and other related activities, students may be caught sitting in bed, and binging watching movies on Netflix. However, with a little bit of searching, the summer slump can be beat. The kickoff of an adventure can make this summer like no other.
While many may only think of Michigan as the birthplace of automobiles and all things industry, there are many hidden wonders close by. Just 20 minutes away, canoes, kayaks, and tubes can be found floating down the river at the Argo Cascades. For free, anyone can parade themselves down the Cascades and enjoy time outdoors. Along with tubing and canoeing, other water sports include fishing, and paddle boarding. With the summer sun baking against one’s skin, a refreshing dip into the cool water is perfect.
If the Argo Cascades are too basic, an hour away sits Kensington Metropark. Disc golf courses, picnic areas, hiking trails, and beaches surround the dazzling Kent Lake. A great place for a date, or even just a dog walk, Kensington Metropark has many options. Natural trails connect with other parks and are great for experienced hikers and beginners. After walking, or swimming, head over to Alexander’s Land and Sea Grill for steak and seafood, and, of course, to satisfy the sweet tooth, Dairy Queen is the prime spot for an ice cream cone or slushy.
For a creepier expedition, visit the abandoned Belle Isle Zoo. The Belle Isle Zoo is a place which will give anyone the chills, with non-native plant life sprouting in eerie cages. Opened for over 107 years, the Zoo housed polar bears, kangaroos, elephants and more. Now the Zoo mostly resembles a jungle-like ruin, the perfect place for thrill seekers. Although it has seen no official visitors in the past decade, the Zoo has seen many explorers. An eerie adventure awaits at the Belle Isle Zoo.
Closer to home rests the Tiny Lions Cafe and Adoption Center. On Jackson Rd, people can go pet cats, do yoga, and adopt cats. Brought about by the Huron Valley Humane Society, this cat cafe is just a cafe with cats wandering around. Bring a coffee, a laptop, a book, and hang out with some cats. All the cats are up for adoption so those who bond with a particular cat, can even choose to take one home. For $7 an hour anyone can walk in, and hang out with some cats.
Anyone who enjoys fresh, hot food, can enjoy a visit to Roma Cafe. Opened in 1890, this old restaurant is known to have the best garlic bread ever. Located in Detroit, the restaurant originated when a small Italian woman was encouraged to open her own cafe. Lovers of her home cooked meals urged her to start her own business and Roma Cafe has been open and enjoyed ever since.
An adventure is always nearby, and with a few ideas to combat the summer slump, adventurers are bound to create memories that will last a lifetime. To make this summer the best one yet, explore the outdoors, taste some new foods, or visit thrilling locations.
While many may only think of Michigan as the birthplace of automobiles and all things industry, there are many hidden wonders close by. Just 20 minutes away, canoes, kayaks, and tubes can be found floating down the river at the Argo Cascades. For free, anyone can parade themselves down the Cascades and enjoy time outdoors. Along with tubing and canoeing, other water sports include fishing, and paddle boarding. With the summer sun baking against one’s skin, a refreshing dip into the cool water is perfect.
If the Argo Cascades are too basic, an hour away sits Kensington Metropark. Disc golf courses, picnic areas, hiking trails, and beaches surround the dazzling Kent Lake. A great place for a date, or even just a dog walk, Kensington Metropark has many options. Natural trails connect with other parks and are great for experienced hikers and beginners. After walking, or swimming, head over to Alexander’s Land and Sea Grill for steak and seafood, and, of course, to satisfy the sweet tooth, Dairy Queen is the prime spot for an ice cream cone or slushy.
For a creepier expedition, visit the abandoned Belle Isle Zoo. The Belle Isle Zoo is a place which will give anyone the chills, with non-native plant life sprouting in eerie cages. Opened for over 107 years, the Zoo housed polar bears, kangaroos, elephants and more. Now the Zoo mostly resembles a jungle-like ruin, the perfect place for thrill seekers. Although it has seen no official visitors in the past decade, the Zoo has seen many explorers. An eerie adventure awaits at the Belle Isle Zoo.
Closer to home rests the Tiny Lions Cafe and Adoption Center. On Jackson Rd, people can go pet cats, do yoga, and adopt cats. Brought about by the Huron Valley Humane Society, this cat cafe is just a cafe with cats wandering around. Bring a coffee, a laptop, a book, and hang out with some cats. All the cats are up for adoption so those who bond with a particular cat, can even choose to take one home. For $7 an hour anyone can walk in, and hang out with some cats.
Anyone who enjoys fresh, hot food, can enjoy a visit to Roma Cafe. Opened in 1890, this old restaurant is known to have the best garlic bread ever. Located in Detroit, the restaurant originated when a small Italian woman was encouraged to open her own cafe. Lovers of her home cooked meals urged her to start her own business and Roma Cafe has been open and enjoyed ever since.
An adventure is always nearby, and with a few ideas to combat the summer slump, adventurers are bound to create memories that will last a lifetime. To make this summer the best one yet, explore the outdoors, taste some new foods, or visit thrilling locations.