The dog days of summer are upon us. It might be hot and hazy, but you won’t hear me complaining. All I have to do is think of last winter’s brutal cold and how often I daydreamed about a hot, August day. You can always find a way to cool off at the many beautiful lakes and parks we have right here in Genesee County. One of my favorite things to do is pack a picnic basket filled with snacks and icy cold drinks, head for Seven Lakes State Park in Holly and spend a day on the beach with the grandkids.
The month is filled with festivals and events to be enjoyed by young and old alike. Everyone looks forward to the third Saturday in August for the HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races. It’s so exciting to see thousands and thousands of people descend upon Downtown Flint for this world-class event. You can just feel the energy pulsating from the runners and the cheering fans. It’s always fun to attend the summer concerts performed in the parks in Fenton and Linden – there’s just something about great music and a beautiful, late summer sunset.
I think what I enjoy most are the bountiful vegetable and fruit harvests for sale at all of the local farm stands and farmers’ markets. I love to cook, especially with fresh, local fruits and veggies. So, you can imagine how excited I was to see the “sweet corn” sign at Eichelberg Farms in Linden. I swear, they have the most delicious sweet corn I’ve ever eaten. Someone told me their corn is so good because there is an underground lake on the farmland. And there is nothing better than homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers. I also enjoy visiting Rich’s Farm Market in Flint Township because they have a great fruit selection. You can always find local strawberries and blueberries when they’re in season, and sweet cantaloupe and peaches. The watermelon is always juicy, crisp and delicious.
I have a few favorite things to cook when the local produce is at its peak, like homemade spaghetti sauce made with luscious, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and oregano; stuffed cabbage rolls, and corn chowder made with freshly picked sweet corn off the cob. I love picking blueberries to freeze – there is nothing like freshly baked blueberry muffins to bring a little taste of summer to a cold, winter day.
As summer winds down in the final month before the kids go back to school, it’s time to take that last vacation or weekend trip to one of the many beautiful places right here in Michigan. I love taking day trips to Port Huron or a nearby water park. But sometimes, the best vacation is right outside my own back door – a lawn chair, a good book and a sunny day. Whatever you choose to do, stay cool and enjoy the rest of our beautiful Michigan summer!
