Top 10 Surprising Facts When Living in Michigan
Top 10 Surprising Facts When Living in Michigan.
I moved with my family from the Deep South to Michigan six years ago. I was surprised to discover that different regions of the US can be pretty unique, each with its own culture. After moving back to the South, I had time to reflect on what I had learned. And came up with a list of my Top 10 Surprising Facts When Living in Michigan
Depending on where they live, people who live in Michigan are called Michiganders (us at the time), Yoopers, or Trolls.
Never tell a Michigander they might as well be Canadian. That is an insult. Ian Asbury of the Cult said that before a concert, many cups of beer were hurled toward him.
You can do anything in Michigan during the winter if you have the proper gear. When the temperature dropped to -17, vehicles with heated seats and a heated steering wheel became a priority. Most Michiganders probably don't consider that cold, and Yoopers don't. I learned what a salt truck is.
Did you know that Michigan is often called the Mitten State because of its shape? It's a fun way for people to show where they live on their hands. However, a unique region in Michigan called the Upper Peninsula (UP) is above the mitten. It's a beautiful part of Michigan that is home to Yoopers.
I called our third-grader's teacher in a panic, wondering how to dress for the cold, snowy, and windy weather. She said to make sure he brings a sled for recess.
Lake Michigan is amazing. The fish are freshwater, and the waves sound like a lake, but they never stop when you look at the horizon.
There is a fierce rivalry between the University of Michigan and Ohio State. I don't care because they aren't in the SEC, so they don't count.
Many Michiganders will tell you exactly what they think immediately after meeting you. Seriously.
Some native Michiganders have a Midwestern accent, and some don't. All of them commented on my Southern accent. People were amused by the way I said bread. Apparently, I stretch it to three syllables /br-AEH-deh/. They say "Pop" to refer to any soft drink. I refused to go that far.
A man told me he moved South from the Upper Peninsula (UP) but couldn't take the severe heat and generally didn't like it, so he returned home. I was thrilled to meet someone who had lived anywhere in the South, even if he didn't care for it. I asked, thinking maybe it was Atlanta or Birmingham. He responded, "Kalamazoo." I'll let that sink in.
Want to see what Michigan has to offer? Visit Pure Michigan.
My favorite things to see near where we lived are the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park with the butterfly garden, The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Fish Ladder Park, Rockford Dam and overlook, Rogue River trail, and a short drive to Lake Michigan to see the water from the docks (fresh water fish, strange!), lighthouses, and the Kite Festival.
Michigan is still in my 💚🤍.
My son and his wife graduated from Michigan State University 💚🤍 and have begun their lives in Michigan. We are so proud to see them establish careers and buy a home. However, I miss them terribly. I miss all of my Northern friends, whether they are Michiganders, Yoopers, or Trolls.
Where the butterflies play,
Hippie Chick 🦋
