I have to say, those commercials featuring the voice of Tim Allen creating vivid images of an idyllic Michigan were right on the money.  In our stress-filled lives a little “Pure Michigan” can be just what the doctor ordered. 

When I mentioned on Facebook that my wife and I were about to leave for Michigan on vacation, two people from the Wolverine State immediately posted comments.  The first said, only half-kidding, “Please bring lots of money.”  The second had a similar request, “Bring along some friends and your wallets.”  Indeed, Michigan is one of the states hardest hit by the economic downtown. 

But you’d never know it, judging by the people we encountered in the towns we visited:  Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven.  Dropping by our favorite outlet mall in Holland, we were shocked to find nearly all the storefronts empty and deserted.  Out of over a hundred stores only four or five were left, giving the place the grim look of a shopping center one step away from the wrecking ball.  Yet, when we stopped in at one of the surviving stores, the Reebok outlet, the woman behind the counter was upbeat, telling us, “We’re gonna be here for as long as we possibly can.”   She rang us up cheerfully, gave us a coupon to return and sent us on our way with the same positive attitude that’s been welcoming us back to Michigan each summer since 1993.

My wife and I could write our own Michigan commercials based on what we get whenever we’re there.  Spectacular sunsets.  Incredible blueberries and cherries.  A restorative sense of quiet.  And there’s a list of things we know we won’t get when we’re there.  A rush hour.  Long lines for anything.  People in a constant hurry.  

I’ve got to hand it to Michigan.  Anyone can put on a happy face when things are good.  This summer, in what’s been the worst of times for them, the people we met in Michigan rose to the challenge and made us feel like nothing had changed.