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Michigan

Michigan (pronounced "Mish-ih-gan") is an American state in the upper Midwest and the heart of the Great Lakes region. It has many attractions, famous landmarks, and scenic state and national parks and forests. In addition to the great ones, it has about 12,000 inland lakes, 38 deep-water ports, more miles of coastline than any state but Alaska, and more lighthouses than any other U.S. state. Its agriculture features tourist-friendly fare such as cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples, and wine. Its cities include a major metropolis, university towns, and countless rustic villages.

The state is geographically unique and consists of two major peninsulas which can be further divided into five distinct areas. They are the Upper Peninsula, (known to Michiganders as "The U.P."), Northern Michigan (Big Rapids and northwards), West Michigan (along the sandy coast of Lake Michigan), Central Michigan or "Mid-Michigan" and the Southeast or "Downstate".

Cities
Nine of the major tourism destinations in Michigan include:

 * – State capital, home to Michigan State University
 * – home to the University of Michigan, and a major destination for football, festivals, and the arts
 * – Michigan's first and largest city, the Motor City
 * – Second largest city in Michigan, a conservative, pleasant town
 * – Beaches and Tulip Time
 * – Home of Western Michigan University
 * – Largest city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and a gem in its own right
 * – Artsy beach resort
 * – Upper Peninsula border town, "The Soo" is home to the Soo Locks.

Other destinations

 * – Former copper mining region, known for history, bird migrations, rock collecting, winter sports.
 * – Near Munising in the Upper Peninsula.
 * – Near Munising in the Upper Peninsula.
 * – Near Munising in the Upper Peninsula.

Understand

The Lower Peninsula has the majority of the population (primarily in the south), while the Upper Peninsula, separated from it by Lake Michigan and a bit of Lake Huron, is mostly rural. Until 1957, the only way to drive from one to the other was to go all the way around Lake Michigan, or take your car onto a ferry.

Each Michigander carries a map of the state at all times. Stick out your right hand (palm toward you) and you have a map of the Lower Peninsula. Stick out your left hand (again with your palm facing you, fingers pointing to the right) and you have an approximate map of the Upper Peninsula. Don't be surprised if a resident tells you where a city is by pointing at their hand. And, don't be surprised to hear the Lower Peninsula referred to as "the Mitten", or the Upper Peninsula shortened to "the U.P.". Residents of the U.P. refer to residents of the Lower Peninsula, usually jokingly, as "Trolls," because they live under (south of) the (Mackinac) Bridge. Residents of both peninsulas refer to U.P. residents as "Yoopers," a tag many U.P. residents wear with pride.

While Michigan's economy is most well known for its auto industry, it also has a long history of logging and copper- and iron ore-mining. The Michigan economy has diversified somewhat as the automotive industry and suppliers have moved their facilities elsewhere. Michigan agricultural output includes cherries, apples, blueberries, navy beans, and petunias, plus a wide variety of other crops. Outdoor sports are an important part of the tourism industry in Michigan, with skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in winter, and fishing, swimming, camping, and bicycling in summer. Visitors also enjoy photography, birdwatching, and hiking throughout the year, especially in or near the state's extensive forests, beaches, lakes, and rivers. Hunting, fishing, camping, and sailing are also popular outdoor activities.

The vast majority of Michiganders tend to be very friendly, with a few exceptions. If you are identified as a tourist in certain areas (especially small, lakeside towns), you may be met with resentment. This is more common among Michigan residents who live in formerly unspoiled regions of immense natural beauty which have been overtaken with condominium developments, large hotels, and other commercial buildings meant to capitalize on tourism.

Language
Michiganders (the feverishly defended demonym) have a variety of local dialects or accents, depending on the region. Letters or syllables are sometimes removed from longer words ("probably" is almost always shortened to "probly" and sometimes "prolly"; "mirror" sounds like "meer"). Unnecessary prepositions may be added to the end of sentences. When the letter T appears in the middle of a word, it is sometimes pronounced with a D sound, a pronunciation more common in the western U.P. than elsewhere. Michiganders of the U.P. can sound like their Canadian neighbors in Ontario. Context awareness is very important to fully understand some Michiganders in these regions.

When in the middle and southern regions of the Lower Peninsula, you will often hear references to "Up North". When Michiganders in these areas speak of getting away for the weekend, they often say "I'm heading Up North." Most frequently, they're referring to the mostly-rural, wooded areas and scenic shoreline somewhere in the northern areas of the Lower Peninsula. Sometimes, they're referring to the U.P., but more often you'll hear "I'm heading up to the U.P."

State highways are referred to as the letter M followed by the highway number. For example, Michigan State Highway 43 becomes M-43. Interstate highways and US highways are usually referred to with the highway number alone. For example, Interstate Highway 94 becomes 94 in conversation. Many counties and cities also employ a number-based naming scheme for local roads and they may be referred to by their number alone as well; however, local road numbers and highway numbers rarely overlap. If you'll be spending time in a small area of Michigan, take a few minutes to study a map of the area when possible to avoid confusion.

Carbonated soft drinks are most commonly referred to as pop. Coke is a specific kind of pop (regular Coca-Cola), unlike some other areas of the United States. The term "soda" is usually acceptable. The term "soda pop" is nearly unheard of.

Tourist information

 * Michigan tourism website

By plane
Michigan has several airports, but most international or cross-country travelers will fly into Detroit Metro Airport just west of the city, or transfer there to a smaller airport elsewhere in the state. Grand Rapids' Gerald R. Ford International also has daily flights from various parts of the country. Regional airports (which also have direct flights from cities in nearby states, such as Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati) include Flint's Bishop, Lansing's Capital City , Kalamazoo/Battle Creek , Muskegon , Midland/Bay City/Saginaw , Traverse City's Cherry Capital , and Marquette's Sawyer.

By car
Driving into Michigan can be accomplished by one of the highways that enter and extend through Michigan. From Ohio, I-75 goes through Detroit, Flint, and Bay City, and Mackinaw City, ending in the U.P. city of Sault Ste. Marie. From Indiana and Illinois, I-94 passes through Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Detroit, and ends in Port Huron in the thumb of Michigan. I-196 branches from I-94 and continues up the lakeshore to Grand Rapids. I-69 enters from east Indiana and Indianapolis, crossing I-94, and passing through Lansing, Flint, and Port Huron. US-131 stretches from I-80/90 in northern Indiana through Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, Cadillac, and northward. The Upper Peninsula can be entered from Wisconsin via US-2 from Duluth, and US-41 from Green Bay or Milwaukee. Michigan has major bridge/tunnel border crossings from Ontario, Canada, in Detroit (from Windsor) and Port Huron (from Sarnia), with a less heavily used crossing at the northern twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie.

By train
Amtrak provides daily rail service on three routes to Michigan, out of its hub in Chicago. The Pere Marquette travels through St. Joseph and Holland to Grand Rapids. The Wolverine travels through Kalamazoo, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Detroit, to Pontiac. The Blue Water passes through Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Flint, on the way to Port Huron. A connecting bus also runs from Kalamazoo north on US-131 to St. Ignace.

By bus
Intercity bus service is offered by Greyhound and Megabus.

By boat
Car/passenger ferries from Milwaukee and Manitowoc, Wisconsin operate during warm months, crossing Lake Michigan to Muskegon and Ludington, respectively. There were two ferry lines crossing the St Clair River from Canada; the truck ferry in Windsor-Detroit carries hazardous materials which can't use the bridge or tunnel, while a car ferry between Marine City-Sonra (midway between Detroit and Port Huron) is permanently out of service. (See List of ferries in Michigan).

Get around
As the historic base of the U.S. auto industry, Michigan's intrastate travel system is almost entirely dependent on the internal combustion engine. The personal automobile remains the best way to get around within Michigan. Interstate, US, and state highways permeate southeast Michigan, crisscross the rest of southern Michigan, stretch up into northern Michigan, and trickle across the Upper Peninsula.

By train
Amtrak's three daily rail routes from Chicago connect certain cities in southern Michigan (see "Get in").

By bus
The most extensive intrastate public transit system is the Indian Trails bus network and with Michigan Flyer (East Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport), which reaches most population centers in much of the state. Several of the larger cities have local bus services (Detroit also has light rail), transit information can be found here.

By plane
Most intrastate air service is out of Detroit Metro; there is no regular service between the state's small regional airports.

See
Michigan is blessed with many natural beauties. Primary on that list are its Great Lakes (much of Superior, Michigan, and Huron, and a little bit of Erie), the waters of which are even depicted on official maps of the state. The Upper Peninsula region contains many of Michigan's natural wonders, including the Pictured Rocks, Mackinac Island, Isle Royale, Tahquamenon Falls, the Porcupine Mountains, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The Lower Peninsula has expansive forests, rivers, and inland lakes in the north (such as Huron and Manistee National Forests), humongous sand dunes (such as at Sleeping Bear Dunes), and countless miles of beautiful shoreline. In the autumn, "color tours" of the changing leaves in northern Michigan are popular.

Buy
Michigan has a draw to shopping based on the many unique coastal towns and the look and feel of its tourist areas and attractions. Michigan has a fixed 6% sales tax which is rarely included in the advertised price (like the rest of the United States). Most groceries and many personal items are not taxed.

Antiques Markets, Shops and Shows are a big attraction in the Great Lakes Area. Below is a list of events, in alphabetical order:

Markets & shows(regularly recurring large events)

 * Allegan Antiques Market. Six Shows every season.  Last Sunday of every month, April through September.  Visit the web site for exact dates each season, directions and contact information.

Do
If it can be done on or in the water, Michigan probably offers at least a little of it, somewhere in the state. Fishing, sailing, and motorboating are popular on both the Great Lakes and inland lakes. The Great Lakes are a bit cool for some tastes, even in the summer, but are still very popular beach destinations, along with swimming in the warmer lakes inland. Canoeing is also popular on the rivers snaking through protected forests. Some people do surf, mostly the often-substantial waves coming across Lake Michigan, but it won't impress the dudes back home at Hermosa Beach or Waimea.

In winter, replace water with snow and ice. Hardcore anglers keep fishing through the ice. Although serious alpine skiers might find the idea of skiing in glacier-smoothed Michigan laughable, there are many downhill ski areas, with the most popular resorts in the still-textured Charlevoix/Grand Traverse region of the state, in the Lower Peninsula. Don't forget the western U.P, which has more mountainous terrain. There you'll find Indianhead Resort in Wakefield, and Big Powderhorn in Bessemer. Some great cross-country skiing can be found in both peninsulas, and any incline with a population of kids nearby becomes a sledding hill.

The city of Detroit hosts four major professional sports teams: the Tigers (baseball), the Lions (American football), the Red Wings (hockey), and the Pistons (basketball). The Lions and Tigers play in stadiums in downtown; the Red Wings and Pistons share an arena a few blocks away in Midtown. Detroit also hosts the North American International Auto Show each January. Big-city casino gambling with four major casinos (supplementing the several Native American casinos in more remote areas of the state) is Detroit's latest addition. Detroit serves as the cultural and entertainment hub of the metropolitan region, with major concert venues, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Institute of Art, an active theatre scene, and many jazz venues.

In Lansing, you can visit the State Capitol Building, which was renovated in 1992. Many other state government and historical buildings are in Lansing and East Lansing.

There are many small towns of interest in Michigan. Frankenmuth in Mid-Michigan, was settled by German immigrants and features many Germany-inspired shops and restaurants. Zehnder's, the Bavarian Inn, and Bronner's are, respectively, its two most well-known restaurants and its most famous shop. Zehnder's is known for its family-style fried chicken dinners. The Bavarian Inn is known for its menu of German favorites and its glockenspiel. At Bronner's, it's Christmas all year 'round, with a wide selection of gifts, ornaments, and cards, many of them German imports. Frankenmuth has a variety of smaller, charming shops, a beautiful river bank along the Cass River, and a covered bridge.

If travelling between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas, visit Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island. Fort Michilimackinac and an old lumber mill are on the latter, and these are both open to the public. In order to get to the Island, you must take a ferry. Three different services are available. Mackinac Island is home to Fort Mackinac, and the Grand Hotel, and many other points of interest. Rent bicycles, ride horses, or stroll; no cars are allowed on the island.

Eat
If you're planning a trip into Michigan and you want to check off the "must-eat" local specialties, then there are four things you really should be sure to try while you're here. Interestingly, they're all centered around the northern parts of the state, so if you want to try them in their homeland, you'll want to be sure to visit the area from Traverse City to the UP.

Specialties

 * The pasty (which rhymes with "nasty", not "hasty") is a traditional food in the Upper Peninsula, made with meat (usually beef), potato, onion, and sometimes rutabaga (a must, for some Yoopers), wrapped in a sturdy dough with a crimped edge. They originated from Cornwall, in southwestern England, and were brought to the area by Cornish miners who emigrated to the UP. The miners' wives would take everything that was left from the Sunday dinner, chop it up and wrap it in a semicircular pastry case, for their husbands to warm on their shovels and eat for lunch. These days, you can find pasty shops along highways in the UP, some with limited hours of operation, and others with their own websites.  There are a number of ways to go about eating a pasty: cold, held in the hand, with or without ketchup, or hot, with ketchup or brown gravy.
 * Several of the more popular tourist towns on Michigan's shores produce rich, creamy fudge, made from milk, sugar and usually chocolate, although you can find vanilla, peanut butter, mint, praline, cranberry, and many more flavors. The most famous fudge in the state has been made on Mackinac Island since 1887, still by hand, shaping and cooling it on marble slabs, right there at the shop.
 * Not surprisingly, lake fish is popular in Michigan, particularly walleye, rainbow trout, whitefish and lake perch. Most restaurants in Michigan that offer seafood will have at least one of the two somewhere on their menu; you can find it broiled, fried, smoked, made into salad, or planked on cedar with whipped mashed potatoes piped around the edge. Lake fish are most commonly associated with Lake Superior, so you'll find it more prominent on menus in the Upper Peninsula.
 * Michigan produces over 70 percent of the tart cherries grown in the US, as well as around 20 percent of the sweet cherries. The main cherry-growing region in the state is around Traverse City, where you'll find a cherry festival every July. Cherries, particularly dried ones, get added to some dishes to give them local flair; you may see restaurants offering a "Michigan salad" that includes dried cherries.

But although these four foods are most commonly associated with Michigan, they're by no means the state's only specialities.

 * Cudighi ("COO-duh-ghee"), is an Italian sausage, sometimes served as a sausage-patty hoagie served with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, and is popular in the Upper Peninsula. It was brought to the area by immigrants from northern Italy who moved into the Iron Mountain region, the Copper Country, and around Ishpeming and Negaunee. Cudighi is flavored with sweet spices like paprika, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
 * In southeastern Michigan, a popular treat to celebrate Fat Tuesday and the beginning of Lent is pączki ("poonch-key"), which are baked annually in the Polish village of Hamtramck in metro Detroit. The version made in Hamtramck are like large fried jelly doughnuts, covered in powdered sugar or glazed, and most commonly filled with custard, fruit or chocolate, with plum being a particularly popular flavor.  Many grocers in southeastern Michigan carry pączki in the days and weeks prior to Ash Wednesday each February.

Agritourism

Aside from cherries, Michigan is a surprisingly prominent agricultural region, well known for a variety of products:

 * Michigan ranks third in the nation's production of apples, which fill the grocery stores to overflowing when they're in season.
 * The western side of the state, near the shore of Lake Michigan, is a prolific region for blueberries, growing 45 percent of the nation's total. They're not as ubiquitous on menus as cherries, but if you're in the region during the blueberry season (July through October) watch for roadside stands and "U-pick" farms in rural areas.
 * Michigan's morel mushrooms grow wild throughout the state, but are particularly common in the northern Lower Peninsula. Locals often go mushroom-hunting, and Michigan morels are sought by chefs statewide. There's a morel festival every May in Boyne City and Mesick.
 * The growing season for the small, sweet Michigan strawberries is short, but worth taking advantage of. There's a national strawberry festival every year in Belleville.
 * Perhaps less enticing, Michigan ranks second in the nation's production of celery, mainly around Kalamazoo. There's even a celery interpretive center in the area, where you can learn about the region's celery farming heritage.

Drink
Although not as prestigious as Californian or overseas varieties, Michigan wines are growing in respectability, with significant vineyards in the southwest (e.g. St. Julian, Tabor Hill, Fenn Valley) and northwest Lower Peninsula (e.g. Leelanau Cellars, Good Harbor, Chateau Grand Traverse).

Stroh's was one of the last of the great traditional Michigan breweries and a Detroit-area staple, but is now made out of state. However, local breweries can now be found throughout Michigan. Some of the more widely available Michigan beers are Bell's, Arcadia, Atwater, Michigan Brewing, and Founder's.

Two native brands of soft drinks (called "pop" by the locals) are Faygo (perhaps best known for strawberry-flavored "Redpop" and the 1970s top-10 single based on their TV jingle), and Vernor's ginger ale (with its distinctive tangy taste and gnome mascot). The national brands own the restaurant and vending-machine business, but these are available in stores.

Michigan's bountiful apple harvest is often used to make fresh apple cider, and cider mills are abundant in the apple-growing region. They are only open during the harvesting season in autumn, but, if you stop by, you can get cider by the gallon (not "hard" cider) or just a cup of it, hot or cold. In Michigan, cider is traditionally drunk with cake doughnuts; most cider mills make their own doughnuts fresh on the premises, so you can get them piping hot, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Most also sell other apple products, like baked goods, apple jellies and butters, and apple-related products like cookbooks and mulling spices.

Stay safe
The majority of Michigan is very safe. While violent crime occurs everywhere, parts of Detroit, Flint, Saginaw and other cities fare worse. Even there, most places are completely safe during the day and important main entertainment and cultural centers are heavily policed after dark. Use common sense traveling in and through urban areas, especially after dark.

If you choose to explore Michigan by car, be aware of local road conditions, especially during winter. Western Lower Michigan and the UP are subject to lake effect snow which can accumulate quickly.

There are quite a few lumber roads in the U.P., some of which are still in use. Don't be tempted to travel these roads, unless a) you're with a local who can keep you from getting lost, and b) you have an emergency kit (including food, water, and first aid) with you. Such roads are frequently one lane wide, and lumber trucks travel faster than you'd expect. Explorer beware.

Go next

 * Ohio - to the southeast of Michigan, Cedar Point amusement park and the Lake Erie Islands are an easy day-trip.
 * Indiana - Michigan's southern neighbor is home to the football tradition of Notre Dame and the Indianapolis 500.
 * Illinois - Chicago, the bustling unofficial capital of the Midwest, lies just beyond the state's southwest corner.
 * Wisconsin - west of Michigan, Upper Peninsula residents traditionally think of Green Bay as the nearest big city shopping and professional football center.
 * Minnesota - Northeastern Minnesota offers wilderness areas similar to those found in the Upper Peninsula and can be reached by heading west across Lake Superior.
 * Ontario - Although the border crossing has become more tedious due to security concerns, Windsor and the rest of Southern Ontario are just across the river from Detroit.

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Michigan City

Michigan City is in Northwestern Indiana on the shore of Lake Michigan.

By train

 * South Shore Line. The South Shore Line is an interurban commuter line running from Chicago to South Bend that serves much of northern Indiana and has two stations in Michigan City, and . The former is in the city's historic downtown. Its original station house is closed, so riders have to make do with a small passenger shelter at the tip of the adjacent parking lot. The later station is near Michigan City's southern border, in the railroad's depot and repair facilities. Late at night and early in the morning, South Shore Line trains only run between this station and South Bend. South Shore Line runs on a single track embedded in the middle of the street as it travels though Michigan City. When the train stops at 11th Street station, it literally stops in the middle of the street. The city designed special traffic lights that signal the cars not to travel on this section of the street when the train is picking up and dropping off passengers.
 * Amtrak. In addition to South Shore Line, the city is served by Amtrak's Wolverine Service, which stops in Michigan City twice a day. Amtrak uses the tracks along the lake shore, north of downtown but close to Washington Park, the Old Lighthouse Museum and the beach. The is at 100 Washington St and has a rudimentary passenger shelter.

By plane
The closest commercial airport is the South Bend International Airport, which is in South Bend, Indiana.

Get around
The city is served by Michigan Transit, a municipal bus network that operates Mondays-Saturdays. The buses run once every hour. The network is made up of four one-directional routes that begin and end at Michigan City Public Library. Every route also stops at Marquette Mall at some point. Route 1 serves the city center, as well as the southern neighborhoods and the Washington Park area. Route 2 serves serves the center, southern and south-eastern neighborhoods. Route 3 passes though eastern and southern neighborhoods. Finally, Route 4 passes though the city's West Side before connecting to the southern neighborhoods.

See
The Indiana Dunes National Park begins on the western edge of Michigan City. The largest dune in the National Lakeshore, Mount Baldy, lies just inside the park. Access to the dune's summit (126 feet above Lake Michigan) is provided by a marked trail from the parking lot off the US-12.

Do

 * The large Blue Chip Casino is on a docked riverboat in Michigan City.

Buy
Michigan City is home to Lighthouse Place shopping mall, an outdoor mall best known for a variety of high-end jewelry stores. The Franklin Street Art District in the city's North End section contains several art galleries.

Go next

 * Indiana Dunes National Park – beaches, dunes, and a variety of plants and animals on the shores of Lake Michigan

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Michigan City


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Michoacan

Michoacan is a state in western Mexico known for its lush coastline, rugged mountains, and vibrant culture. It is home to the Purépecha people, one of Mexico's oldest and most influential indigenous cultures. The state is abundant in natural beauty, with spectacular lakes, forests, and beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists. It is also home to Mexico’s largest natural lake, Lake Chapala. The capital of Michoacan is Morelia, a charming colonial city with cobblestone streets, colourful plazas, and ornate churches. The city is also known for its vibrant festivals, traditional cuisine, and folk music. Michoacan is an essential centre for culture, art, and education, and it is considered one of Mexico’s most beautiful and culturally rich states.

Cities

 * — one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, state capital of Michoacan
 * — "the Soul of Michoacan"
 * — a deepwater seaport that handles container, dry bulk, and liquid cargo
 * — a Nahuat indigenous town that has an international backpacker beach scene in Turtle preserve
 * — it is known for guitar-making and is full of shops selling handmade guitars and other string instruments
 * — an enchanting, colonial mountain town in Mexico's lake region
 * — Purhepecha town with local waterparks and a swimming hole in a volcanic crater, a Pueblo Magico
 * - colonial town with historical sites and a perpetual love of Christmas

 * — famous for its avocados
 * — it has many historic buildings from colonial times

Other destinations

 * — a popular vacation area with a mild climate
 * — Volcano eats church
 * — home to the archeological site of Tzintzuntzán and the former monastery complex of San Francisco
 * — Known for its thermal water springs.
 * - winter home of migratory monarch butterflies, a

Understand
Michoacan is sometimes called "Mexico's breadbasket" in recognition of its large agrarian economy. The state grows grains, raises cattle and pigs to supply the nation's meat markets, and has large citrus orchards where limes are grown, but it's avocados that are the state's biggest export crop. Mexico is the world's largest producer of avocados, and Michoacan is the number one avocado growing region in the country. Holy guacamole, that's got to be a lot of avocados! (It is.)

Aside from tasty green stuff, Michoacan is best known around the world as the place where millions of Monarch butterflies migrate each year to nest in the heavily forested hills. Several butterfly sanctuaries protect the forest habitat of these gentle flitting insects and tourists come from around the world to see trees ablaze with the orange and black colors of clouds of butterflies.

Michoacan lies along Mexico's Volcano Belt, a region where many of the country's most active volcanoes are found. Two young volcanoes are close to the city of Uruapan. El Jorulla first erupted in 1759 and lava flowed down its slopes for 15 years. A bigger draw for volcano fans is the Paricutin volcano which first erupted in 1943, continued erupting continuously for 9 years, then went dormant --- the first time geologists of the modern era could witness first-hand the complete lifecycle of a volcano.

Travelers who love history will find much to love in the city of Morelia with its amazingly picturesque colonial center and in the region around Lake Patzcuaro, which was the historic stronghold of the Purhepech indigenous culture. The Purhepecha (also known as the Tarascans) are unique among the peoples of Mesoamerica because they're not related to either the Aztec/Mexica or to the Maya. Based on how closely their language is to the Quecha language spoken by the Inca, anthropologists think that the Purhepecha came from Peru, perhaps migrating north around the 12th century. The town of Patzcuaro was the first major Purhepecha settlement but they later established their capital city at Tzintzuntzán (which could probably net you an amazing score if you could spell it while playing Scrabble).

By plane

 * Morelia International Airport approximately 25 km northeast of Morelia. It receives flights from Dallas, Monterrey, Mexico City and other destinations.
 * Uruapan International Airport is in the city of Uruapan Uruapan. It receives flights from Tijuana.
 * Guadalajara International Airport - About a 4-hour rive to the Jalisco/Michoacan border. From the airport take the 44 south, then merge to the 35 toward Ocotlan.

By bus
The vast majority of large cities have a bus terminal which is where buses arrive from various places in Mexico, making it one of the best ways to get there. Small towns have a bus stop which is where the buses of smaller lines and in worse condition arrive, but it is the only way to get there.

By car
Highway 15-D goes from Mexico City to Guadalajara, but crosses the north of the state and in addition to that some roads to tourist centers intersect with it.

Highway 37 goes from León to Playa Azul, crosses places such as Uruapan, Paracho, La Piedad and Tierra Caliente until it reaches the Michoacan coast region.

Highway 14D runs from Morelia to Lázaro Cárdenas, passing near several tourist towns such as Patzcuaro and Uruapan.

Get around
Many of the sights and activities in Michoacan are in remote areas that are off the beaten path. A car is the most convenient way to visit these places, though caution should be used when choosing routes and destinations since parts of Michoacan have experienced drug cartel violence and are not considered safe for travelers.

Buses can be used to travel between cities, particularly along the route from Guanajuato to Morelia and Patzcuaro, which remain generally safe for tourists. Major bus stations in the region are in Morelia and Uruapan. Second-class local bus lines are commonly used by locals to reach more remote destinations in Michoacan.

See

 * Patzcuaro: it is a magical town in the Purépecha area with many places to visit
 * Janitzio Island: it is the most famous island in Lake Pátzcuaro and it is 20 minutes from the pier. On the island there is a 40-meter-high monument of the hero of the Independence of Mexico, Don José María Morelos y Pavón.
 * Paricutin Volcano: (in Purépecha Parhikutini Place on the other side) it is an extremely young volcano born on February 20, 1943, the church that was buried by lava is visible, except for the left tower.
 * Paricutin Volcano: (in Purépecha Parhikutini Place on the other side) it is an extremely young volcano born on February 20, 1943, the church that was buried by lava is visible, except for the left tower.

Do
Michoacan is a large state with mountains, coastal areas, colonial villages and unique folk traditions and crafts that reflect the area's Purhepecha (Tarascan) heritage. Two of most "Michoacan" travel experiences are celebrating the Day of the Dead, and exploring beautiful remote beaches.

Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is celebrated in different ways throughout Mexico. Michoacan has some of the most famous celebrations with deep traditions in pre-Hispanic ritual. Celebrations center on the island of Janitzio where thousands of tourists join locals in processions to the cemetery at the top of the island's hill for an overnight vigil to welcome departed spirits. Local fishermen line the steep cobblestone street from the lakeshore to the cemetery, waving their huge butterfly-shaped fishing nets to help guide the spirits from the lake to the cemetery where their living friends await with good food, good drink, and good cheer.

Beaches
Michoacan is blessed with more than 200 km of sandy and rocky Pacific shoreline. While Mexico is famous for its spectacular beaches, developers have generally passed by Michoacan in favor of other states when looking for beaches to turn into mega resorts and timeshares. The water is just as wet in Michoacan as in other states and the evening sunsets just as brilliantly purple and bright, yet there are no towns much larger than a fishing village. On many of the beaches you will never meet another foreign visitor (try that trick in Cancun!) Sea turtles nest on Playa Ixtapilla while surfers ride the tasty waves at Playa Ticta. Other beaches you might want to explore are:
 * Playa Maruata
 * Playa Tortuga
 * Playz Azul
 * Playa Nexpa
 * Playa Las Brisas
 * Playa El Faro

Buy
Michoacan is one of Mexico's best-known regions for artesanal handcrafts and folk art. Many towns and villages in the Lake Patzcuaro area are famous for specializing in specific crafts and techniques. One village may have dozens of craftsmen making colorful hand-carved masks, while the next village might have 100 weavers producing unique textiles.

Two of the most interesting things to buy in Michoacán are the guitars from Paracho and the copper pots and vessels (cazos) from Santa Clara De Cobre, although there are also beautiful hats, pottery, jewelry and furniture. If you enjoy unique shopping opportunities in your travels, the Patzcuaro area should not be missed.

Eat
Michoacan gastronomy has a wide variety of characteristic dishes, thanks to the wide range of resources and its agricultural, livestock and fishing activity. Among the examples in its ethnic gastronomy are:
 * The corundas, which are corn-based tamales in the shape of small triangles, which can include meat, sauce, cheese or some vegetables inside. They are generally served covered in sauce and sweet cream; They are also part of the churipo, a beef broth with guajillo chili in which they are dipped.
 * The huchepos are corn tamales, larger than corundas and smaller and less sweet than their counterparts in the metropolitan area of the country. They can be found, similar to corundas, bathed in sweet cream and generally green tomato sauce, also accompanied by cheese.
 * The carnitas, pork meat fried in lard, which can be seasoned with different ingredients depending on the region, which is usually eaten in the form of a taco with a corn tortilla. They can be served with beans, salsa, pickled peppers, lemon, among other additions.
 * White Fish and Trout, used in various dishes for centuries thanks to the fishing heritage of Michoacán, which is revealed in the meaning of its name, the place of those who own fish. Different dishes can be found in most of the state, thanks to the extensive use of hatcheries and the still common traditional fishing in rivers and lakes.
 * Michoacán has a wide range of traditional sweets, in such a way that even in its capital, Morelia, you can find a museum dedicated to them.
 * Chongos zamoranos, which are made from milk.
 * The ate moreliano is a kind of fruit jelly.
 * The nieve de pasta made from milk.

Stay safe
Michoacan is a dangerous place because of drug-fueled violence. Crime is not restricted to major cities but can also be found in rural areas. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs advises not to travel to Michoacán (April 2021). During the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Mexican government was occupied, cartels took advantage as an opportunity to gain more power.

Travelers should exercise caution at all times.

Go next

 * Jalisco
 * Colima
 * Guanajuato
 * Queretaro

title: Michoacan


text:
Micronesia

Micronesia, in northwest Oceania, is the home of tropical and subtropical islands in the Pacific Ocean. With the exceptions of Kiribati and Nauru, most of Micronesia is associated with the United States.

Cities

 * – the capital of Guam
 * – the former Federated States of Micronesian capital
 * – Palau's largest city is an excellent location for snorkelling
 * – the capital of the Marshall Islands
 * – Palau's minuscule capital resembles more like a hamlet, but its capitol building is impressive from an architectural standpoint
 * , Kiribati

Other destinations

 * — a ruined city, sometimes called the Venice of the Pacific, in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
 * — in Guam, some of the best preserved WWII sights in the Pacific can be found here
 * – a marine United States national monument that includes many random islands and atolls lying in the middle of the Pacific

Understand
Micronesia is a vast area that mainly consists of water. Transport can be a major issue because of the lack of an organized highway or byway, found in larger countries. Due to the lack of space on the islands, most activities are nautical, scuba diving etc.

Talk
English is an official language of all countries and territories here. Indigenous languages such as Chamorro, Palauan and Marshallese are also official in their respective countries and territories.

Get in
Palau and Guam have the best connections from outside Micronesia. The US territories, insomuch that civilians are allowed to enter, are connected to the US. As the airports often aren't large enough to accommodate large airplanes, expect flights to be of the island-to-island type which often means several landings and takeoffs before you're at your destination.

See
There are three world heritage sites in Micronesia:
 * The Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site, Ralik, Marshall Islands
 * The Rock Islands outside Koror, Palau
 * The site of Nan Madol outside Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Buy
There are only two currencies used in Micronesia: the Australian dollar and the United States dollar. Nauru and Kiribati use the Australian dollar, while all other countries and territories use the US dollar.

Cope
Micronesia does not host many foreign embassies.

Go next
There are regular flights from some of the islands to East and Southeast Asia.

 * Australia
 * Fiji
 * Hawaii

title: Micronesia


text:
Micronesia (disambiguation)

Micronesia can be used to refer to the

 * Federated States of Micronesia

Micronesia can also be used to refer to the northwestern region of Oceania, containing the following countries and territories:

 * Federated States of Micronesia
 * Guam
 * Kiribati
 * Marshall Islands
 * Midway Islands
 * Nauru
 * Northern Mariana Islands
 * Palau
 * Wake Island

title: Micronesia (disambiguation)


text:
Mid-Atlantic

The bright lights of the big city; the tranquil beauty of the rolling countryside; the bustling boardwalks of the seashore; and the soaring heights of the unspoiled wilderness—everything that people love about the eastern United States can be found in the heartland of the East Coast, the Mid-Atlantic.

This region of the U.S.A. comprises five states and a federal district in the northeastern part of the country. While the region is dominated by the enormous megalopolis running from Washington, D.C., to New York City, the large areas of more rural character to the north and west also possess their share of the east's most spectacular sights.

It's in the Mid-Atlantic where you'll find the unfathomable urban landscape of New York City, the indescribable power of Niagara Falls, the unspeakable gravity of the Gettysburg battlefield, and the uncompromising resolve of the nation's capital. The region's diverse cities are filled with cultural attractions, and the rural highways lead to undiscovered gems of scenic beauty and country living.

States
Sometimes, Virginia and West Virginia are included in the region, but they are more closely associated with the South.

Cities

 * — a small and charming colonial port city known as the "sailing capital of the U.S."
 * — the "Las Vegas of the East", with nine casinos, nightlife, and beaches to boot
 * — a large port city with a thriving arts scene, edgy character, and some great Italian food
 * — the largest city in upstate New York, gateway to Niagara Falls, and home of the Buffalo wing
 * — one of the world's greatest cities, the financial and artistic center of the U.S.
 * — the birthplace of American independence and the nation's first capital, with countless historic buildings and far and away the rowdiest sports fans in the country
 * — the Steel City, full of magnificent bridges over the Three Rivers, interesting neighborhoods, and great food
 * — an old industrial city with a rich history of innovation and progress, home to several universities and film and jazz festivals
 * — the capital of the United States, with the country's most important museums and monuments nestled in the center of a diverse and vibrant city

Other destinations

 * — a mountain range in upstate New York and the biggest protected parkland in the country, with countless outdoor recreation opportunities
 * — most famous for its wild ponies, but deserves equal fame for outstanding natural beauty and great beach camping
 * — an old canal, turned into a park popular with runners and joggers, as well as admirers of the awesome Great Falls on the Potomac River
 * — dotted with popular resort towns, the 30-mile (48 km) stretch of sandy coastline between Cape Henlopen and the state line is Delaware's main tourist destination
 * — the East Coast answer to California's Napa Valley, with a hundred vineyards overlooking eleven long, thin lakes
 * — the site of the most important battle ever fought on American soil, very well maintained and exhibited
 * — a powerful and awe-inspiring set of waterfalls on the Canadian border, and the "honeymoon capital of the world"
 * — a popular Pennsylvania mountain "get-away-from-it-all" destination, home to some of the largest ski resorts in the Mid-Atlantic
 * — see where the rich and famous vacationed decades ago, along this chain of picturesque islands on the Canadian border

Understand
The Mid-Atlantic as a cultural region is largely a blending of the best of the cultural regions it borders: New England, the Midwest, the South, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec. Accordingly, individual states and especially cities have strong individual identities and locals are more likely to identify with a major subregion like the New York City tri-state area, the D.C. metropolitan area, rural Pennsylvania, Downstate New Jersey, etc., than to identify with the Mid-Atlantic as a whole.

Because of the Mid-Atlantic region's significance and large urban centers that draw not only upon the regional populations, but across the nation as well, there is a higher population density (see the Get around section). Three of the nation's top ten metropolitan areas are located here: New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., spaced apart from each other by only about one and a half hour drives. These metro areas consist of immense urban sprawl radiating out from the city centers, covering a significant fraction of the region's land area. Their huge populations ensure that the roads remain congested, beaches well attended, and paths well-beaten.

This is a real East Coast region, with all the associated stereotypes of huge immigrant communities from all over the world, leftist politics aplenty, good food, and a vaguely arrogant (and ignorant) attitude towards the rest of the country, especially the "fly-over" states in the middle. The long Atlantic Coast also means that the region has strong ties, in terms of travel, culture, and commerce, with Europe.

The areas outside these megacities are far less frequently visited by international tourists, but there is nonetheless much more to be seen: the Chesapeake Bay is a true world treasure and should not be missed by anyone interested in ecology, sailing, or seafood; the beautiful and wild Adirondacks comprise the largest park area in the continental U.S.; the region includes some of the most important Civil War battlegrounds like Gettysburg and Antietam; and Niagara Falls is one of the great natural wonders of the world; and the Appalachian Trail is a hiker's dream.

Talk
As with the majority of the United States, all official signs in the Mid-Atlantic are in English and travelers speaking English should have little difficulty communicating their needs wherever they go. Spanish is widely spoken, mostly by immigrants from Latin America and their families, although many native-born residents are also taught Spanish in school (but not necessarily well). Yiddish is widely spoken among Chasidic Jews, while Pennsylvania Dutch is the primary language in Amish communities.

Because these five states lie on the East Coast, they were the initial point of entry for most English-speaking immigrants and as such, have retained a much greater degree of diversity in terms of regional accents than the rest of the country (accents tended to converge as settlers went west). While you are likely to just encounter General American pronunciation pretty much wherever you go, you may be treated to a New York accent in Brooklyn, Long Island, or northern New Jersey; the Inland North dialect (think the "Da Bears" guys from Saturday Night Live) in Upstate New York from Buffalo east to Syracuse and Binghamton, "Bawlmorese" in Baltimore, the baffling-to-linguists "Picksburg" accent that just keeps diverging ever farther from surrounding accents, a South Philly accent, or southern accents on Maryland's Eastern Shore. People from the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania and New York state speak with an accent that is similar to a Southern accent. You can even find 17th-century English accents if you look for them among the isolated island communities of the Chesapeake Bay! That said, most of these accents are gradually dying out, and most younger white locals speak with a general American accent.

By plane
The principal points of entry are the region's airports, and the super hubs are in the New York and Baltimore-Washington metro areas. The former is served primarily by John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport , and LaGuardia Airport , while the latter is served by Washington Dulles International Airport , Reagan Washington National Airport , and Baltimore Washington International Airport. Philadelphia is served mainly by just one airport, Philadelphia International Airport, which is accordingly the largest in the area. Other cities in the area will often have their own airports, but direct flights may be harder to come by.

By train
Amtrak operates several routes in and out of this region including the popular Acela express that goes from Boston to DC via New York. Unlike other parts of the country, Amtrak is often the fastest and best way to get somewhere, owing to higher train speeds along the Boston-Washington Northeast Corridor as well as congestion on roads and airports. Prices tend to reflect that, so shop around what best fits your time and financial needs. Even travelers from Japan whose trains tend to be much more expensive than in Europe tend to be flabbergasted at the high prices of the Acela and even the Northeast Regional - a slightly slower service with more stops - is more expensive than some European high-speed rail services.

By boat
New York City is still served by a regular ocean liner run by Cunard Lines.

By bus
Greyhound is unfortunately the main intercity bus operator, unfortunately because it is an inefficient and expensive way of getting around. Fortunately it is seeing low-cost competition from a peculiar set of Chinatown bus routes. These no frills point A to point B services arose organically from the needs of Chinese-Americans to visit their relatives in the various Chinatowns across the region. The service caught on when the general public realized they could travel round trip from D.C. to New York for $30. There is no central internet site for these services, so you are best off doing a general internet search. Be aware that the Chinatown buses do occasionally terminate and originate in unsavory urban neighborhoods.

A new wave in intercity coach transportation is large corporations trying to emulate Chinatown buses but with better services. Megabus was the first to embrace the new business model, offering heavily discounted fares from its New York hub to Boston, Toronto, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Atlantic City and Washington. Bolt Bus is a division of Greyhound but is significantly cheaper and more comfortable than their regular services, as they provide newer coaches with more legroom, electric sockets at every seat and free wireless internet. Bolt Bus covers the Northeast Corridor with routes almost identical to Megabus.

By train
While train service is very limited in the rest of the United States, the Northeast has by far the best rail service in the country. The high-speed Acela express runs frequently along the Washington-Baltimore-Philadelphia-New York-Boston corridor. Amtrak also serves upstate NY, and western PA. Unfortunately, Amtrak is a very expensive option, often more so even than flying or renting a car! Also, Acela is only relatively fast by American standards, not comparable in speed to actual high-speed rail in Europe and East Asia, and the difference in price between it and the regular Northeast Regional trains is likely to make the latter a better value for you unless you are on an expense account.

In addition to frequent Amtrak service, there are a number of much cheaper regional (commuter) rail lines including: MTA Metro North and Long Island Railroad around New York City, NJ Transit in New Jersey, SEPTA for the Philadelphia area (also connecting to Wilmington and Newark in Delaware), and MARC for Maryland (especially the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. corridor).

It is possible to travel much of the coast using only regional rail, and although it will probably be slower than the Amtrak or Acela Express, it will also cost a fraction of the price, and may take you through towns you might not otherwise see. Making the trip from New York City to D.C. is relatively straightforward, with only one rail gap between Philadelphia and Baltimore: take New Jersey Transit from Penn Station to Trenton Amtrak Station, connect to SEPTA R7 Regional Rail to Philly's 30th Street Station, get from Philly to Baltimore by other means (Greyhound bus or car rental being the most simple way), then connect to the Marc Train at Baltimore's Penn Station to D.C.'s Union Station. Note, though, Marc Train service may be limited to fewer lines and times during the weekend.

By thumb
All states in this region maintain convenient service plazas along the major highways, which are probably your best bet for hitchhiking as the freeway itself is closed to pedestrians.

By car
When in Rome, do as the Romans do; drive in the USA. Driving is the only practical way to tour the Mid-Atlantic if you intend to visit anything beyond the major cities. That said, the Mid-Atlantic is the least pleasant place to drive in the entire country. Traffic, both inter-city and intra-city, can be horrendous—the D.C. area regularly tops the lists of the nation's most congested cities, and Metro New York is never far behind. But above all, Mid-Atlantic drivers are rude. Aggressive and often puzzling driving is commonplace along the interstates and in more populous areas.

I-95 is the coastal super highway, at times encompassing a whopping eighteen lanes, and connects D.C. to New York through Baltimore, Philadelphia (optional), and pretty much everything in between in New Jersey and Delaware. It is the fastest way to drive between these cities, but it is unpleasant and ridden with expensive tolls (especially in Delaware!) and very bad traffic on weekends and around local rush hours. Avoiding I-95, such as by taking U.S. Highway 1, requires a bit of creativity and slightly longer trips through Pennsylvania west of Philadelphia, but such trips can be rewarding in terms of scenery, fewer tolls (you may still pay for a bridge or two), little traffic, and just easier traveling generally.

Upstate New York and rural Pennsylvania may have some unmaintained roads, so be wary of where the GPS is taking you. In Upstate New York and Pennsylvania as well, snowfall is not always dealt with immediately. Many regions will not plow secondary roads unless several inches of snow fall. Driving can be treacherous in winter storm conditions, so it is best to avoid it all together.

Finally, a direct warning is in order: Driving into D.C. and New York is really not advisable. Doable, certainly; fun, not likely. According to a popular (but alas untrue) urban legend, Washington D.C.'s street layout was designed to confuse invading armies. New York is extremely congested, and its drivers are the most aggressive in all of North America (though Bostonians may dispute that claim). Philadelphia is also filled with extremely reckless and fast drivers, but at least the city is laid out in a grid. If you are driving into D.C., get good directions and don't do it anywhere around rush hour. If driving into New York, save yourself by parking in a less congested borough (like Queens or Brooklyn), where you might actually find free on-street parking, and take a subway line from there into Manhattan. Overall, it is almost always better to take a train in and use mass transit (Mid-Atlantic cities have some of the best systems in North America) than to drive in and pay astronomical parking expenses.

By contrast, navigating urban traffic in the more off-the-beaten-path areas of the Mid-Atlantic, such as Upstate New York, can be a breeze: the populations of many cities such as Buffalo and Rochester have shrunk considerably since the 1950s, when their highway systems were constructed. This means that roads are uncongested the vast majority of the time—it's even relatively easy going at rush hour.

By plane
Although there are lots of budget flight options between cities on the Mid-Atlantic, due to the hassles and delays associated with increased security precautions, especially in the New York City area, short flights are usually best avoided. All major cities are connected by regional and commuter rail options with stations in the central business districts of these destinations. Moreover, most inter-city planes travel between suburban airports fairly far out from the city center. When the distances are long enough, though, flights can indeed be cheap and convenient, from, say, Washington, D.C. to Albany, or New York to rather far-flung Pittsburgh.

A rule of thumb is that flying is not worth it time-wise if you would spend less than three and a half to four hours on your alternative transport mode (car, train or bus) from city center to city center.

Itineraries
If visiting the Mid-Atlantic, you may want to take a look at the following itineraries:

 * The Appalachian Trail runs along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains through Western Maryland on through Pennsylvania and New York.
 * The Braddock Expedition traces the French-Indian War route of British General Edward Braddock (and a younger George Washington) from Alexandria, Virginia through the Cumberland Gap to the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
 * The Jazz Track contains excellent information about visiting jazz-related sites in New York.
 * Touring Shaker country takes you through several historic Shaker villages in New York State.

Do
Much of the Mid-Atlantic is afflicted by so much suburban sprawl that there isn't much to do other than go to the movies. But peer a bit further into the region, and there are magnificent outdoor opportunities in the west and north. For hikers, the longest trail in the world runs from Georgia to Maine, passing through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. Pennsylvania between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, is beautiful and largely wild. Drives through pastoral Amish country or hikes through thickly forested hills are a great way to get away from the huge urban centers of the region. Way up in the northern section of New York is the enormous Adirondack State Park—the largest state park in the country, spanning an area larger than next door Vermont. Possibilities there for kayaking, boating, hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing are pretty much endless. The most popular escapes, however, are to the region's beaches in the summer, in the Jersey Shore and in Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland, where you can get a good tan, go swimming, gamble in some places, and eat boardwalk fries to your heart's content.

Sporting events are another huge draw to the region, with at least one major national team in each major city for each major league as well as several large universities with enormous sports programs.. The region also hosts minor league teams, such as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AAA-level Philadelphia Phillies team, based in Allentown. Several tourist railroads and preservation groups offer (in season) Santa Train Rides and Easter Bunny Train Rides.

Eat
If you know where to go, the Mid-Atlantic is a food-lovers paradise. New York City has the world's best upmarket dining scene hands down. The D.C. area has an unlimited supply of cheap, delicious, immigrant-run restaurants featuring cuisines from every corner of the world. Philadelphia takes its fast food seriously and is an excellent place to try American street food including, of course, the Philly Cheesesteak. New Jersey's diners are iconic, Baltimore's are funky as they come. And the coastal areas of Delaware and Maryland are rightly famous for their magnificent crab feasts.

Drink
Few parts of the world can boast the nightlife to be found in the urban areas of the Mid-Atlantic. New York City's nightlife probably needs no introduction. From the diviest dives to the swankiest wine bars, as well as the best jazz in the world, New York's really got it all in this category. Philadelphia, Allentown, and Baltimore offer quirky, rougher-edged, and less accessible, but very lively bar and clubbing scenes. Pittsburgh defies post-industrial-city expectations with a lively and surprisingly classy nightlife scene. Washington, D.C., has long since shaken its buttoned up reputation and is now a popular destination for young people from across the U.S. and beyond. Along with New York, it is the nation's most international town, with an array of options to match. This city is also renowned for its large and longstanding African American population and no true visit to the city is complete without experiencing the city's black nightlife scene, particularly its lounges and go-go clubs.

Local drinks are many, mostly in the beer category. One of the most notable is Yuengling brand (pronounced ying-ling), America's oldest brewery. In most of Pennsylvania, ordering a 'lager' will net you a Yuengling lager.

Stay safe
As is true for much of the United States, crime is a problem in the inner cities, while city outskirts, suburbs, and the countryside are almost always quite safe. Philadelphia, and Baltimore are particularly risky for travelers—they all are worth visiting, but have rough neighborhoods near many popular tourist sites, so it is best to do your research ahead of time and avoid straying off the beaten path. New York, despite what you may have seen in the movies, is actually one of the safest big cities in the country, and you may rest easy knowing that violent crime has become rare in areas frequented by tourists. Equally, crime in Washington, D.C., has declined dramatically since the eighties, and much of the city is very safe for visitors (if increasingly gentrified). That said rough neighborhoods still exist especially east of the Anacostia River. The main cities of New Jersey are less of a concern, as they are not at all major travel destinations. Bear in mind, however, that Camden and Trenton in particular are non-destinations because of their high levels of violent crime. Newark, although marred with a negative reputation and still somewhat suffering from certain issues, is experiencing a massive decline in crime and most tourists should not experience any major issues as long as vigilance is applied, as one would in any other major city.

Mid-Atlantic cities all have their share of gang and drug-related crime. Gangs have moved away from cities like New York City and Philadelphia to mid-sized New Jersey and Pennsylvania cities like Allentown, Reading, York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Chester, Camden, Trenton, Atlantic City, and Newark. Just be sure to know what neighborhood you're in and be cautious of suspicious activity.

The climate in the Mid-Atlantic part of the United States is not as extreme as in some other parts of the country, but does present perils depending on the time of year. In the southern parts of the region, wintertime can bring ice and snow to inland areas, but only for short periods of time. In contrast, Upstate New York is famous for its long and brutal winters. Several cities there routinely receive the highest snow totals of any place in the entire country. Summers are often quite humid and steamy, especially in and around the Washington, D.C. area. Fall can bring the occasional hurricane or tropical storm, but these are rare and plenty of advance notice is given.

The upside to staying safe in the Mid-Atlantic is that there is no better place in the country to develop a brain tumor, or crash your car—it is home to the best hospitals in the world in the Baltimore (Johns Hopkins), New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. metro areas. Indeed, the hospitals get visits from the elite of the world. If they can't repair you, nobody can, though if you don't have insurance that covers this care, expect to be charged a tremendous price for any hospital visit.

title: Mid-Atlantic


text:
Mid Cape

The Mid Cape is the Central region of Cape Cod.

Towns

 * was the first town to be settled on Cape Cod, on the north side of the region, and has a working harbor and several beaches, including Sandy Neck, one of the Cape’s largest.
 * on the south side is mostly residential and has many popular beaches.
 * on the southwest side is residential, with a charming town center and a coast that includes inlets and harbors for boating and fishing.
 * is the Cape’s largest commercial hub, home to several shopping malls and a mile-long Main Street corridor. Hyannis has a mid-sized waterfront area, which provides ferry access to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket islands, and has several restaurants and beaches. The regional airport and bus terminal are also here.
 * is primarily residential, on Route 28.
 * is tucked on a peninsula in the extreme southwest corner of the area, with several small beaches.
 * (includes the village of Dennis Port)
 * (includes the village of Yarmouth Port (includes Bass River)

Understand
The village of Hyannis in Barnstable is the commercial center of Cape Cod and is home to the most transportation options, the largest hospital, and the largest mall. Many see the villages of Barnstable as separate towns, with Hyannis as the largest "city" on the Cape.

Get in
Please see village of Hyannis guide.

title: Mid Cape


text:
Mid Coast (Maine)

The Mid Coast region of Maine encompasses the counties of Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo. Its beaches are a popular summertime destination for tourists.

Get in
Public transportation outside of Portland is very scarce. However, Concord Coach Lines operates two daily buses from Portland through all coastal towns along Route 1 from Portland through Bangor. All Concord buses serve the Portland Transportation Center at Thompson's Point Road.

See

 * Popham Beach, south of Bath is gorgeous - just get there before 10AM or after 3PM and be ready for sudden fogs.
 * The classic lighthouse at Pemaquid Point with some good lobster eating nearby.
 * Boothbay Harbor is really pretty but like many towns on the coast, parking is at a premium in the summer.
 * For scenic ocean grandeur you can't go wrong with anything north of Camden/Rockport.
 * Bar Harbor's nice - don't miss Acadia National Park's Cadillac Mountain. The view is incredible. Good camping & whale watching available nearby, too.

Itineraries
Boothbay Harbor is a working fishing village, with several world class boat builders and is host to the Annual Shipyard Cup - American Cup racing. There are scenic drives to take to enjoy ocean views, lighthouses, boating or park and talk a walk or swim. The Land Trust properties present hiking opportunities with many scenic vistas, a couple require a boat to reach but are worth the trip. Our Botanical Gardens are growing daily and could be classified as world class. The area is rich in culture with many art galleries, a musical dinner theatre, the restored Opera House hosts many note worthy events throughout the year. The 18 hole golf course presents a challenge to all good golfers.

Greater Camden Area. Artisanal Tour - Travel the roads of midcoast Maine and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality of the goods created by local craftspeople. Just five miles north of Camden, on Route 1, follow Route 173 to the junction of the Youngtown Road, where you'll find Cellardoor Vineyard. Visitors are treated to wine tastings along the u-shaped bar overlook the valley dotted with grape vines. Later, carry your picnic down to fields and relax among the grapes. Back on Route 1, just about 1/8 mile past Lincolnville Beach, Jim Brown has been creating custom furniture at Windsor Chairmakers for over twenty years. The circa-1800 farmhouse is home to fourteen rooms of custom made and hand crafted furniture. Jim and his wife Nance have made Windsor Chairmakers a local institution where visitors receive a warm welcome and a chance to see artisans at work. Just 2 miles north of Windsor Chairmakers sits Swans Island Blankets. For nearly a quarter century, Swans Island has been hand weaving blankets and throws. The exquisite colors in their products come from the natural color of the local fleeces they use and from their own dye house where they color with all natural plant dyes. The showroom is in a renovated 1780s farmhouse. You are welcome to wander into the production area and watch the weavers and dyers at work.

Stay safe
Be prepared to deal with mosquitoes inland, especially in spring.

title: Mid Coast (Maine)


text:
Middelburg

There is more than one place called Middelburg. You could be looking for:

Belgium

 * Middelburg (Belgium) - A village near Maldegem, Belgium.

Netherlands

 * Middelburg (South Holland) - A small village near Reeuwijk, Netherlands.
 * Middelburg (Zeeland) - The capital city of the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands. The most famous city known as Middelburg.

South Africa

 * Middelburg (Eastern Cape) - A town in Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
 * Middelburg (Mpumalanga) - A town in Mpumalanga province of South Africa.

Tonga

 * 'Eua - An island in Tonga formerly known as Middelburg.

title: Middelburg


text:
Middelburg (Zeeland)

Middelburg is in the capital of Zeeland. In colonial times, this was one of the most important cities in the country, and still today Middelburg is packed with monuments reminding of those golden times. A good part of the centre is still surrounded by the old, star shaped canal ring. Lined with boats and cycleways, this part of town is both attractive and typically Dutch. The centre is dominated by a large square, still regularly used as a market square and overlooked by the beautifully ornamented former town hall. Around there, you'll find a mostly pedestrianised shopping area.

Slightly further out from the centre is the shipping canal connecting Veerse Meer to Vlissingen. The train station is also located on the far side of this.

Get in
By rail, Middelburg is one of the stops on the so-called Zeeuwse lijn or Line F, running from Vlissingen via Middelburg to Goes, Bergen op Zoom and Roosendaal.

As for roads, the N57 originates here, passing four of the Delta Works dams, ending near Brielle and Rozenburg. From there, it connects further to the A15. The A58 passes Middelburg on its way from Flushing to Goes and on to the A4. There's a clearly marked exit for Middelburg.

Rotterdam is the closest airport, served mostly by discount carriers. Brussels Zaventem is the nearest large international airport (1.15h drive), and Amsterdam Schiphol is about 2 hours from Middelburg.

Get around
The centre of the city is well navigable on foot and very approachable by bike. Despite the pedestrian zones, much of the centre is accessible by car. Like in many Dutch cities, parking can be hard though and is typically paid (up to €2 per hour), with very few options in the old centre. There are several parking garages just out of the centre, which are well indicated when approaching the city centre.

See
Hundreds of Middelburg's monuments were damaged or completely destroyed in WWII, but in the decades that followed, the city worked hard to rebuild its centre and restore the cultural heritage that remains. And with success, as over 1100 national monuments make Middelburg a top ten Dutch heritage site. There's a clearly historic feel to the old town, which is encircled by a pretty pattern of canals, once part of the 1595 Sea Beggars fortifications.

To see the best of town, stroll along the canals and through the old streets around the charming Market Square. There, you'll see the beautiful former City Hall, now in use by the university. Right in the city centre also stands the impressive Middelburg Abbey, built in the 12th century by Norbertine monks. The massive complex has a more or less round shape with a pretty square in the middle. It has 3 churches, 5 towers and a number of gates. The tallest abbey tower is called Lange Jan Long John, and is the most famous landmark in the Middelburg skyline. It's accessible for visitors and offers a great view over town. After the 2 year siege of Middelburg in 1572-1574, the abbey life was ended by force and the buildings were used for local and regional government. Today, the abbey complex is (among other things) home to the Zeeuws Museum.

Do

 * Explore Middelburg and the Walcheren peninsula by bike: Middleburg Cycle Route
 * Hire a bike and cycle along the canals and out to the town of Veere which is approximately 5 km away.
 * You can climb the big church tower, called De Lange Jan - The Long John. From the top you have a magnificent view over the whole of Walcheren.

Buy
Middelburg is one of the cities in the Netherlands with the most varied range of shops. Of course, there are also the big department store chains here in Lange Delft. Specialty shops, boutiques, curio and antique shops, antique shops and galleries are mainly located in the Eighth Pedestrian Zone of Langeviele and its side streets. Also Spiegelstraat, Nieuwe Burg and Grote Markt offer many nice shops.

Opening times
The opening hours of the stores (there are exceptions) are: Mon 1pm - 6pm, Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6pm, Sat 9am / 10am - 5pm.

Most banks are open M-F 09:30-17:30. Some banks are open until 18:00 or even 20:00 in the respective Koopavond.

Shopping night and open on Sundays

The weekly "Koopavond" is in town on Thursday. In Arnemuiden and Nieuw- in St. Joosland this is Friday. Department stores and most stores open until 21:00. Open Sunday in Middelburg takes place on the first Sunday of the month, except January. The shops are then open from 13:00 to 17:00.

Markets
At the market in front of the town hall:

General market of goods. Open: Thursday 08:30-16:00.

 * Fruit and vegetable market. Open: Sa 08:30-16:00.
 * Market of books and curiosities. Open: Easter - autumn holidays Monday 08:30-16:00.

In the fish market:

 * Flea Market. Open: February to December every 1st Saturday of the month from 09:00-16:00.
 * Antiques and curiosities market. Open: mid-June to late August Thursdays from 09:00-16:00.

Eat
There are plenty of large and small eateries, serving to all tastes. The Market Square, Plein 1940, the Vlasmarkt and the Dam are good places to look for bars and restaurants.

Drink
Especially on weekends, the city centre has plenty of bar activity in the evenings. The main areas are roughly the same as the ones where the restaurants are, including the Market Square and the Vlasmarkt. Popular places include café Brooklyn and Seventy Seven (Market Square), and Schuttershof on the Vlasmarkt. The last one is open later than most others, until about 04:00. For real clubbing you'd have to go out of town though, and the best option then is perhaps 'De Hooizolder' in Westcapelle. A taxi there from the Plein 1940 will cost around €40.

If you like beer, De Mug on the Vlasmarkt is your best bet, as it serves a wide selection, including many Belgian brands.

Sleep
There's a good selection of hotels in the city, but, as in many Dutch cities, few of them really lie in the low budget range. There's no youth hostel in town, but if you're travelling on a budget you might consider the one in nearby Vlissingen, as that's only a few km away. Alternatively, bring a tent and go camping, as several camp grounds are available in the area.

Go next

 * Veere - a charming village with cobblestoned streets and a boat filled canal.
 * Vlissingen - the large boulevard here is a sweep spot for maritime aficionados, with large ships pass by super close.
 * Rotterdam - large, modern city famous for its harbour and contemporary architecture.

title: Middelburg (Zeeland)


text:
Middelfart

Middelfart is a city on the island of Funen in Denmark, just before the highway and train line passes the little belt bridges to Jutland. In 2022, there were over 16,000 Middelfarters.

Get in
Serviced by the highway and the main train line, Middelfart is easily accessible. Billund Lufthavn is the nearest airport, and a car rental can be found there. Driving to Middelfart from Billund takes roughly an hour, and the same can be done by bus with transfer in Vejle.

Get around
Middelfart is not a large city, so transport in Middelfart is mainly by foot. Walking around in the forests west of Middelfart, on the newly renovated waterfront (with a view of both bridges) with the Cultural Island ("Kulturøen" - housing the tourist information) or in the narrow streets of the old town is nice in the summertime.

See
Middelfart does not have famous sights to see, but the beautiful nature and the old buildings in the town are not to be missed.

 * Den gamle og nye lillebæltsbro (the old and the new Little Belt bridges) are two bridges, one carrying the highway and the other a road and the rail.
 * The old town is an area in central Middelfart. It consists of narrow streets with old row houses where a few galleries and smaller shops are to be found.
 * Den gamle og nye lillebæltsbro (the old and the new Little Belt bridges) are two bridges, one carrying the highway and the other a road and the rail.
 * The old town is an area in central Middelfart. It consists of narrow streets with old row houses where a few galleries and smaller shops are to be found.

Do

 * Run With the large forests and many marked paths, Middelfart is a runner's paradise. There are routes for everyone (2½ km to half marathon distance) and most of them have a beautiful view of the surrounding sound Fænøsund and the Little Belt. A large field with public cows (seriously) is also to be found by the routes, and the cows will follow you as soon as you open the gate and run through. They are very friendly and curious. Also, participate in Middelfart Half Marathon - an open race in the spring with 4-5000 runners crossing the bridges.
 * Visit small galleries and museums Small galeries are to be found throughout the city and are often interesting to visit. There are a few museums in the old town on Algade.
 * Jazzfestival There is an annual jazz festival in Middelfart with lots of both local, national and international artists. The festival lasts for 3–4 days and the city is vibrant due to the events all over the city centre and a few places outside. All concerts are outdoor, but the weather gods always shows to be fair for these days. Cheap beer is sold throughout the town.

title: Middelfart


text:
Middle Atlas

The Middle Atlas region of Morocco covers the mountain range as well as nearby cities such as Fez and Meknes.

Cities

 * — a mid-sized city south of Fez and Ifrane in the Ifrane National Park
 * — Fez is the former capital of Morocco and one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world
 * — a sleepy and scenic mountain town, home to the prestigious Al-Akhawayn University
 * — Itzer, a small Berber town southeast of Azrou, overlooks a plateau and the Middle and High Atlas Mountains
 * — a modern, laid-back city that offers a welcome break from the tourist crush of nearby Fez
 * — the holiest city in Morocco and a good place for exploring Volubilis
 * — a town halfway between Fez and the Sahara, in the high mountains
 * — a sleepy and extremely scenic Berber village nestled into the Mid-Atlas
 * — a sleepy and extremely scenic Berber village nestled into the Mid-Atlas
 * — a sleepy and extremely scenic Berber village nestled into the Mid-Atlas

Other destinations

 * — mountain slopes with cedar trees around Azrou and Ifrane populated by Barbary macaques
 * — a spa resort and takes its name from a 12th-century ruler, who reigned as caliph of the Almohad Caliphate

Understand
The Middle Atlas is part of the Atlas mountain range. Its peaks aren't of the same height as the High Atlas and its valleys aren't as secluded. The Middle Atlas is known for its cedar forests and Barbary macaques. To the north of the Middle Atlas lies a vast plain. Morocco has been ruled from this plain for quite some time, first from the roman city of Volubilis, later from Fez, founded in the 8th century as their capital by the Arab Idrissid dynasty and in the 17th century from Meknes, which was also founded as a capital.

See
Volubilis, 3 km NW of Moulay Idriss, is one of the main tourist sites to visit in Morocco. It's a partly excavated Roman city with UNESCO World Heritage status, listed for being "an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire".

title: Middle Atlas


text:
Middle Bass Island

Middle Bass Island is part of the Lake Erie Islands system. It is located in the center of Lake Erie, a couple of miles north of South Bass Island.

By boat
Ferries from the mainland originate from Catawba Island and arrive at. During the summer, ferries operate several times per day. There are also some scheduled trips during the spring and fall, as weather allows.

Middle Bass may be reached by pleasure boats, but it lacks the fine natural harbor found at South Bass. A new marina with more than 300 slips is planned to open soon, and 50 slips are available at the State Park.

A small ferry, the, takes passengers to/from nearby Put-in-Bay, a town on a nearby island with a grocery store and a few other services.

Get around
Given the small size of the island, Golf carts are popular as transportation. Cars are permitted on island roads, though speed limits are low. Bikes are a common means of transportation and the island can easily be walked as well.

Do
There are few scheduled activities on the small island.

Drink
Middle Bass Island is much less "touristy" than South Bass/Put-in-Bay, and has far fewer drinking establishments.

Go next
A small ferry (Sonny S ) travels to Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island. This ferry only runs until 7PM on weekdays and Midnight on weekends.

title: Middle Bass Island


text:
Middleborough

Middleborough is a largely rural town of 24,000 (2020) in Massachusetts. The name is sometimes seen as "Middleboro".

Lakeville is a rural town with a population of 12,000 (2020). Lakeville is named after its numerous bodies of water, boasting over 4,000 acres of lakes spread across almost 30 square miles.

Understand
Lakeville was once part of Middleborough before it was incorporated in 1853 and is sometimes referred to as "Pink Eye Village" by locals because of a highly populated area of albinos.

Get in
Easily accessible by car from I-495. A large rotary just off the highway intersects with the east/west US-44, the southerly MA-18, and MA-28 which heads north and southeast.

The MBTA Middleborough/Lakeville line ends at the terminal of the same name just across the border in Lakeville.

Get around
Driving is by far the fastest and most convenient, but some cycling and pedestrian infrastructure does exist.

See

 * Wareham Street Herring Run, Wareham St., east of the town center about 1/4 mile.
 * Wareham Street Herring Run, Wareham St., east of the town center about 1/4 mile.

Offering boating, fishing, swimming, and a life guard on duty; the major lakes of Lakeville are:, , and. There are additionally many dozens of smaller conservation areas, ponds, brooks, and swamps for you to explore.

Golf
These courses are open to the public:

Go next
Plymouth, Cape Cod and Boston are great next stops.

title: Middleborough


text:
Middleburg

Middleburg is a town of 800 people (2019) in Virginia known as the capital of horse country. This quaint town features historic architecture, tree-lined streets, charming and unique shops, and a variety of dining establishments. Middleburg is also home to The Red Fox Inn, touted as the oldest original inn in the country.

Middleburg is a popular place for celebrities to reside or start a second home. Local celebrity residents include Robert Duvall and Willard Scott. Past residents have included President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, and Pamela Harriman. Olympic equestrian riders, Fortune 500, and heirs are included in the towns prestigious list of residents.

The Civil War features prominently in the town's history, as troops from both Union and Confederate armies camped and skirmished here on their way to Gettysburg. Confederate Colonel John S. Mosby used Middleburg as a base camp from which to raid nearby Union outposts. Self-guided driving tour brochures, audio tapes, and CDs on the Mosby Heritage Area are available for purchase at the Loudoun County Visitors Center in Leesburg.

Annual Middleburg events include the Hunt County Stable Tour held on Memorial Day weekend when more than a dozen major horse estates and equine facilities open their doors to the public, and the annual Christmas Parade on the first Saturday in December which is led by the hounds of the local hunt followed by riders on horseback in their traditional hunting attire.

Get in
Getting to Middleburg requires a car, and it is on US-50. Coming from D.C., it is best to pick up US-50 from I-66 W. Once you are here, the village is delightfully walkable.

Buy

title: Middleburg


text:
Middleburg (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Middleburg:

United States of America

 * Middleburg (Florida) - a town in Clay County (Florida)
 * Middleburg (New York) - a town in Schoharie County
 * Middleburg (Logan County) - a town in the Miami - Scioto basins of Ohio
 * Middleburg (Noble County) - a town in Noble County, Ohio
 * Middleburg (Pennsylvania) - a town in the Susquehanna Valley
 * Middleburg - a town in Loudoun County (Virginia)

title: Middleburg (disambiguation)


text:
Middleburg Heights

Middleburg Heights a city and a quiet suburb of Cleveland in Cuyahoga County. It had a population of about 16,000 people in 2019. It has a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in the city.

History
Middleburg Heights is part of the historic Connecticut Western Reserve, which the State of Connecticut "reserved" for its own purposes when in 1786 Connecticut relinquished claim to some of its western lands and ceded them to the new Federal Government. The first European settlers to the area that became Middleburg Township were Jared Hickcox and his family. They came from Waterbury, Connecticut.

The Village of Middleburg Heights was established in 1928.

By car
Middleburg Heights is in the southwesterly portion of the Cleveland metropolitan area along US Route 42 approximately 11 miles (18 km) southwest of downtown Cleveland.

I71 passes through Middleburg Heights.

title: Middleburg Heights


text:
Middlebury (Vermont)

Middlebury is a college town in Vermont's Champlain Valley.

By bus
There is bus service with connections to Montreal and Burlington to the north and Rutland, Bennington, Boston and New York City to the south. See

the Greyhound and Vermont Transit websites for schedules.

By train

 * Route stopping at Middlebury:
 * Ethan Allen Express operating daily between Burlington and New York City including in Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.
 * Ethan Allen Express operating daily between Burlington and New York City including in Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.

Get around
Middlebury is compact, but it's worth having a car to see the nearby countryside.

See

 * Middlebury College has a picturesque campus just outside of the town center. There is a waterfall and bridge in the Frog Hollow area downtown with numerous restaurants and galleries.

Sleep
The Middlebury Inn is a good upscale choice. There are numerous B&Bs and motels nearby to fit all budgets. Check the Middlebury College schedule before visiting, as area hotels are completely booked for graduation and other major events. Book well ahead if coming during leaf season (late September - early November).

title: Middlebury (Vermont)