Why Michigan Summers Blow Sunshine Up California's Bikini

Michigan is known for spectacular views as the sun sets over its many lakes. (Photo via Flickr)

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If you’re a true Michigander and use your hand like a map to show others where you live in the Mitten, you probably already know this: No one spells summer quite like M-I-C-H-I-G-A-N.

But in case you really are new, Thrillist has come up with 16 Reasons Why Michigan Summers Destroy All Other Summers. You have to admit, it’s catchy, and nicer than our “Why Michigan Summers Blow Sunshine Up a California Bikini.” But what the heck? Michigan deserves some summer (cue native daughter Aretha Franklin) R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

In addition to “unabashed warm weather hysteria” that envelopes everything in a positively California-like aura, Michigan beats up all those other summers with lush, green countryside that looks like a shire in England. Lawn tennis, anyone?

Michigan is also drowning in fresh water perfect for fishing and water sports, and dusk is so spectacular and stunning that a boy might time a bittersweet farewell sail with his summer love to coincide with the exact moment the sun melts into the lake and turns the sky blaze orange and pink. (OK, we editorialized that because though Bell’s Oberon Ale – cited by Thrillist as a perfect sunset-viewing beverage – is truly worthy a Cheers! or two, romance wins).

Also on Patch:

• Top 29 Summer Festivals in Michigan - But What’s Missing?
• Want to Save a Lighthouse? Here’s Your Chance

Some other ways Michigan summers destroy all others:

Festivals and concerts in a place where “every day is a Bob Seger song” and where hysteria over warm weather is unabashed; Coney dogs and Detroit Tigers baseball games; and camping, bonfires and fireflies.

And then, it turns out, there’s this:

Michiganders are pretty much OK with farmer tans.

“Even on the most crowded beaches in the Mitten, you never have to be ashamed of your extra few pounds and your inevitable, permanent white T-shirt (for readers of the lighter skin variety),” Thrillist edifies. “... You can get away with beer guts, farmer tans, and K-Mart swimwear – and you still may be the sexiest person in sight.”

Well, who knew that?