Michigan Has One of the Best Honeymoon Destinations in America

It's certainly the season for weddings and lots of them. Summer brings plenty of weddings followed by plenty of honeymoons. So, what are the best honeymoon destinations in the U.S.? As it turns out, one Michigan spot made a new national list.

Worldwidehoneymoon.com has put together a list of the the best honeymoon destinations in America. "Planning the honeymoon is easily one of the most exciting and fun parts of wedding planning in general," they exclaim in the story. "As no two honeymoon spots in the USA, or honeymooners for that matter, are alike, we’re breaking the list down even further into categories that best fit your needs including best beach destinations, cities, national parks, and truly beautiful destinations you can't miss."

Before we get to our state, let's look at the No. 1 spot. It's Key West, Florida. "If you're looking for beautiful clearwater beaches and Caribbean vibes, then Key West is your answer for a gorgeous US honeymoon spot," Worldwidehoneymoon.com states. "Beaches that you’ll want to visit during your time in Key West include the lovely Smathers Beach with almost 2 miles of white sand, Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park where you’ll find plenty of opportunities for water sports, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, which is part of a state park and the beach is great for snorkeling or diving!"

So, which Michigan spot made the list of the best areas for honeymooning in America? It's not just a spot; it's an experience. "Northern Michigan Road Trip" made the cut at No. 26. "The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a stunning place for honeymooners," the article states. "Another popular place for a fall honeymoon destination, the Upper Peninsula offers crystal clear waters, stunning views, and sleepy towns to enjoy!" They also suggest a fall road trip, which is always lovely. Find the full list of the best honeymoon destinations in the US here.

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy America's beautiful lakes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a pristine lake. Whether I just hang out on the beach or take a ride in a pontoon, it's always a summer highlight. So, what are some fun things to do at the lake this summer?

Before we get to that, did you know that there's actually a Lakes Appreciation Month? It's true. The North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) has named July the official Lakes Appreciation Month. The designation is to "focus attention on the value of lakes and reservoirs to society and the threats they face." NALMS also states that their mission is to "forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs...for today and tomorrow."

One fun fact about lakes is that the lowest lake in the world is the Dead Sea, on the edge of Israel and Jordan. The surface level is 418 m below sea level. That's incredible. Also, the Great Lakes, which are shared between the U.S. and Canada, contain roughly 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

So, what are some engaging activities that you can do on the lake this year? Read on for a list of 10 fun things to do on the lake this summer.

I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it's too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.

Water often attracts special wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you're camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn't catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.

If you're looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you'll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.

One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It's always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I'm not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don't even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.

It's always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That's a must.

Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don't find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.

Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don't get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Here's my top choice, even though you'll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you're just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.

Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.