If you’re from the Southeast Michigan/Northwest Ohio area, like me, then you probably find yourself to be bored quite often. You could go to the mall, the bowling ally, or walk around your local Kroger for four hours, but you can only take so much of any of those things before you’re ready to do something else. To be honest, there’s not really much to do around here. So here’s a list of some fun places/activities only a few hours away that you can look forward to this summer:

1. The Lake

If you truly are from Michigan, then odds are either you or one of your friends has a cottage on one of the many beautiful lakes Michigan is home to. A summer spent at the lake is the best kind of summer.

2. Faster Horses Festival

If you've never been to Faster Horses, you're really missing out. Even if you aren't a fan of country music, this three-day concert will be the best weekend of your life.

3. The Dunes

Michigan is famous for its sand dunes across the west coast of Lake Michigan. Silver Lake or the Sleeping Bear Dunes are filled with fun things to do like renting dune-buggies, jeeps for the hills, boating, tourist attractions, etc.

4. Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth is home of the world's largest Christmas store, Bronner's (yes, it's fun to go to in the summer, too). Famous chicken dinners, indoor water parks, riverboat cruises, zip-line adventures, aqua cycles, and petting farms are just a few of the best attractions at Frakenmuth. There's never a dull moment when you're here.

5. Ann Arbor

You don't have to be a U of M fan to love the city of Ann Arbor. With some of the best shopping centers and restaurants around, the city will keep you occupied for days! Not to mention, there's always something fun going on like a festival, art show or play.

6. Cedar Point/Soak City/Kalahari/Great Wolf Lodge (Ohio)

All within a short distance from each other, each of these amusement/water parks located in Sandusky, Ohio, will have you wishing you had one in your back yard. The commute from Michigan to Sandusky is well worth it when you get to spend your day at the roller coaster capital of the world or one of its surrounding water parks.

7. Comerica Park

If you can score some tickets to a Detroit Tigers game, you'll absolutely love Comerica Park. With a little sunshine and a great view of the city, sitting at the game results in a fun-filled day/night.

8. The Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum is an absolutely amazing place to visit. Filled with breathtaking masterpieces of history, this is something that you will want to see at least once in your life.

9. Michigan State Parks

Depending on your area, Michigan has tons of beautiful parks filled with wildlife. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing and observing nature are only a few of the many things that these parks enable you to do. Visiting a Michigan State Park is a great way to get out and spend your summer.

Michigan really is a beautiful state. With lakes, land and nature all around, there are tons of different things to do to appeal to your adventurous side, but there are also great places to stop and shop for when you're in a city mood. Tim Allen isn't exaggerating in his commercials; the perfect summer really is pure Michigan. There's no better place I'd rather call home.