Known for its lakes, beaches, forests and freezing winters, the Mitten State is often associated with people who love the great outdoors. The state is also popular among sports enthusiasts. What not many people realize is that foodies will have plenty to rave about too when they visit, with plenty of excellent Michigan restaurants that show off the tastes of the region.
Michigan got its nickname, the Mitten State, from the peculiar shape of one of the two peninsulas that make up the state. Its largest city is Detroit, also known as the Motor City. Lansing is the state capital and other significant cities are Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
With its lakes and fertile soils, the Mitten State is a prime agricultural region. The variety of crops grown here is astounding, with cherries, berries, apples, beans and beets just some of them. Fish is plentiful in the waterways and livestock farming is an important industry too. Pork products, poultry and dairy are among the most popular animal products produced here.
The people from Michigan are a diverse lot. Most Michiganders are of European descent, usually of German, English, Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, Dutch, Italian or Polish stock. There are important Hispanic and African American communities too and the state also has sizable populations of Hmong, Japanese or Middle Eastern descent.
The different people who settled in the area brought their culinary traditions with them, such as the pasties of the Upper Peninsula, brought to the region by miners from the Cornwall region in England. The existing traditions were combined with the plentiful produce available to create unique regional specialties. For example, Michiganders won't settle for a plain old chicken salad if they can add cherries to it. Mackinac Island is the place to go for the most delicious fudge and throughout the state you'll find wineries and breweries for quenching your thirst.
At different times of the year there are different festivals that celebrate the many agricultural products of Michigan. Keep an eye out for these when you visit. However, if the thought of going to a festival completely dedicated to something like cherries or pickles doesn't really appeal to you, you may prefer the restaurant weeks in cities like Ann Arbor or Detroit.
While Traverse City is the current foodie hot spot, no self-respecting food lover should visit without checking out the Detroit dining scene. Down-to-earth specialties in the city include the Coney Island hot dog and Detroit-style deep-dish pizza. Expand your horizons in ethnic neighborhoods such as Greektown or the Polish suburb of Hamtramck and if you prefer fine dining, you have plenty of options. There are more than 130 restaurants just in the downtown area.
No matter where you are in Michigan, you'll find a great restaurant, deli or farmer's market where you can try the tastes of the Mitten State. Ask around, check the local listings and browse food and travel websites for suggestions. Another option is to let a specialist travel company arrange a culinary tour for you so that you can enjoy the highlights of this gourmet paradise.
Michigan got its nickname, the Mitten State, from the peculiar shape of one of the two peninsulas that make up the state. Its largest city is Detroit, also known as the Motor City. Lansing is the state capital and other significant cities are Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.
With its lakes and fertile soils, the Mitten State is a prime agricultural region. The variety of crops grown here is astounding, with cherries, berries, apples, beans and beets just some of them. Fish is plentiful in the waterways and livestock farming is an important industry too. Pork products, poultry and dairy are among the most popular animal products produced here.
The people from Michigan are a diverse lot. Most Michiganders are of European descent, usually of German, English, Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, Dutch, Italian or Polish stock. There are important Hispanic and African American communities too and the state also has sizable populations of Hmong, Japanese or Middle Eastern descent.
The different people who settled in the area brought their culinary traditions with them, such as the pasties of the Upper Peninsula, brought to the region by miners from the Cornwall region in England. The existing traditions were combined with the plentiful produce available to create unique regional specialties. For example, Michiganders won't settle for a plain old chicken salad if they can add cherries to it. Mackinac Island is the place to go for the most delicious fudge and throughout the state you'll find wineries and breweries for quenching your thirst.
At different times of the year there are different festivals that celebrate the many agricultural products of Michigan. Keep an eye out for these when you visit. However, if the thought of going to a festival completely dedicated to something like cherries or pickles doesn't really appeal to you, you may prefer the restaurant weeks in cities like Ann Arbor or Detroit.
While Traverse City is the current foodie hot spot, no self-respecting food lover should visit without checking out the Detroit dining scene. Down-to-earth specialties in the city include the Coney Island hot dog and Detroit-style deep-dish pizza. Expand your horizons in ethnic neighborhoods such as Greektown or the Polish suburb of Hamtramck and if you prefer fine dining, you have plenty of options. There are more than 130 restaurants just in the downtown area.
No matter where you are in Michigan, you'll find a great restaurant, deli or farmer's market where you can try the tastes of the Mitten State. Ask around, check the local listings and browse food and travel websites for suggestions. Another option is to let a specialist travel company arrange a culinary tour for you so that you can enjoy the highlights of this gourmet paradise.
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