Lions, tigers, and… giraffes? Not yet, but soon. John Ball Zoo, the beloved West Michigan attraction nestled in the rolling hills just west of downtown Grand Rapids, is preparing for a bold new chapter. Thanks to a record-setting $15 million donation from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, the zoo will welcome giraffes to Grand Rapids for the first time in its 133-year history. This historic gift, the single largest philanthropic contribution John Ball Zoo has ever received, is earmarked to fund a state-of-the-art giraffe habitat and marks a major leap forward in the zoo’s ongoing African expansion project.

For a broader look at Michigan’s unmissable attractions, see our full guide to Michigan Bucket List: Top Destinations You Need to See

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Whether you’re living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, nothing kick-starts the day quite like a perfectly crafted breakfast sandwich. These morning handhelds blend free-range eggs, artisan breads, and chef-driven ingredients into crave-worthy creations that fuel commuters, families, and food lovers alike. From bold, globally inspired riffs to elevated takes on timeless classics, each bite showcases the region’s commitment to quality, innovation, and generous portions. Scattered across urban neighborhoods and burgeoning suburbs, this roundup proves that Detroit’s most important meal is also its most delicious.

For a wider tour of morning favorites, see our full guide to Detroit’s Best Breakfast Spots.

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Lake Michigan’s sheer size and beauty belie its danger. Stretching 300 miles long and 100 miles wide, it behaves more like an ocean than an inland lake. Statistics show Lake Michigan has claimed more lives through drowning than any other lake in the country in recent years. In fact, over the last 15 years, more than 640 people have drowned in Lake Michigan, a grim tally higher than in Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, or Ontario. Nearly half of all drownings in the five Great Lakes happen on Lake Michigan alone. This deadly pattern has earned it titles like “the deadliest” and “most dangerous” lake in America from safety organizations and news outlets.

What makes Lake Michigan so hazardous? Part of the answer lies in its powerful currents and waves. The…

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In a quiet Lenawee County neighborhood about an hour outside Detroit, an unusual greeting has become the norm: “How’s it smelling down by your house?” For residents of Adrian’s east side, this isn’t a joke. It’s a reality born of a persistent “rotten egg” stench that has plagued their town for years. Neighbors swap stories of dashing from car to front door to escape the foul odor, likening the smell to “organic death” or “a dead animal carcass” in the yard. It sounds almost comical, but for families who’ve lived here for generations, the situation is anything but funny.

This long-running odor saga centers on a local factory that turns bad eggs into pet food. Yes, you read that right, powdered eggs destined for Fido’s kibble. The smell has gotten so bad…

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It’s getting harder for Michigan renters to keep a roof overhead. In fact, a new report finds you’d have to earn about $24.46 per hour while working full-time to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in Michigan. That figure, almost $25 an hour, far outpaces what many Michiganders actually earn. For families and young workers across Metro Detroit and beyond, this growing gap between rent and wages is becoming impossible to ignore.

What does a “$25 housing wage” really mean, and why are so many of our neighbors feeling the squeeze? This article breaks down the numbers and local insights behind Michigan’s rental affordability crunch. Written in the voice of a lifelong Michigander and Metro Detroit real estate expert, it’s a friendly deep-dive into why…

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Metro Detroit’s culinary landscape has quietly become a haven for pasta aficionados, where artisanal craftsmanship meets inventive flavor. Whether one is living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, the region’s restaurants showcase everything from wood-rolled pastas and bronze-die extrusions bathed in rich ragùs to seasonal agnolotti bursting with sweet-corn and local produce. Coastal-inspired bowls pair fresh-caught seafood with hand-cut linguine, while wood-fired kitchens offer pillowy gnocchi and truffle-kissed bucatini alongside naturally leavened pizzas. Intimate family-run trattorias share neighborhood streets with chef-driven hotspots milling their own flours and curating chef’s-table tasting menus. Each spot invites guests to savor classic…

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Which Michigan communities boast the highest home values? From Metro Detroit’s upscale enclaves to idyllic lakeside hamlets up north, the Great Lakes State has its share of million-dollar neighborhoods. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the 10 most expensive home markets in Michigan, highlighting what makes each place special. A lifelong Michigander and real estate expert perspective guides you through these communities, with local flavor, real data, and an engaging, trustworthy voice. Let’s find out where home prices are sky-high, and why.

Home Values Surging in the Great Lakes State

Michigan might not be the first place you think of for luxury real estate, but locals know the state hides some surprisingly pricey pockets. In fact, while the typical…

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Whether you’re living in Ann Arbor or considering moving to Ann Arbor, these vibrant restaurant and bar patios offer an unbeatable blend of atmosphere, cuisine, and community spirit. From leafy garden enclaves and rustic beer gardens to chic rooftop terraces overlooking downtown streets, these outdoor dining destinations transform warm-weather evenings into memorable gatherings. Embrace the city’s innovative culinary scene al fresco style, where craft cocktails, locally sourced menus, and inviting seating areas await under string lights and open skies, making every patio visit an essential part of the Ann Arbor experience.

See the season’s hottest patio openings in Ann Arbor with our What’s New in Ann Arbor’s Food Scene guide.

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Why are Michigan’s cities falling behind when it comes to “family-friendly” rankings? A recent national study has raised eyebrows by placing Michigan near the bottom of the pack. In WalletHub’s latest “Best & Worst Places to Raise a Family” report, Michigan ranked No. 38 out of 50 states, making it the worst in the Midwest for families. Even more startling: among 182 U.S. cities compared, Detroit came in at 181st (second from last). Only Memphis, TN scored lower, while Grand Rapids, Michigan’s other entrant landed around the middle at 100th. These findings have left many locals puzzled, especially those who’ve experienced Michigan as a great place to raise kids. In this deep dive, we’ll explore what’s behind these rankings, how they square with…

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Ask ten Michiganders where "Up North" begins, and you’ll get twelve different answers. Some point to a highway exit. Others name a favorite lake town. A few insist it doesn’t start until you cross the Mackinac Bridge.

But that's what makes the idea of "Up North" so special: it's both a destination and a feeling.

It’s the first time you see more pine trees than power lines. It’s the moment traffic clears and the air smells like wood smoke and water. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, pulling up to a lakeside cabin, or just passing a handmade pasty sign on the side of the road, the experience is universal: you’ve left the grind behind and entered the best version of Michigan.

Still, there are some clear turning points. If you’ve ever driven north…

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