Jill Halpin, founder of My Michigan Beach and Travel, brought a statewide gift guide to Live in the D, urging viewers to choose experiences and locally made treats this holiday season.
“Giving the gift of Michigan means, you know, sharing the spirit of Michigan through thoughtful, experiential gifts that create memories and support local businesses,” Halpin said. “And there’s so many options that we have.”
Halpin’s top three Michigan-centric experiences included Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in West Michigan, which she called “one of the top sculpture parks in the United States.” With its seasonal “enlightened holiday event” — “a mile pathway filled with twinkling lights, art installations,” she said — “it’s just a really gorgeous place.”
For wine lovers, Halpin highlighted Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula. “That is one of my favorite wineries,” she said. “You could do a wine dinner; you could do a gift card for an overnight stay at the inn… a tasting. That’s a really, really special place.”
Rounding out her picks: a night at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre. “Take in a show, give somebody some tickets,” Halpin said. “You can’t beat it.”
For tangible gifts, Halpin pointed to Cherry Republic — “These are all cherry based products. What’s more iconic…than cherries?” — and apparel from the Little Michigan Store’s Michigan Beach Club line. “This has been really popular this year,” she said of the retro-leaning hoodies, hats and lighthouse-themed designs.
Click on the video above to watch the segment.