I'm going on vacation next week. This will be my first real vacation in about two years. I did go to Gulf Shores last year, but that was frightening. I understand that COVID is still fully out there too. I got my second booster and I still wear a mask at most indoor places. I'm not going to go full on and act like the pandemic is over, but I am overly excited about this vacation because it feels like a real one.

This feels like the first real vacation I have had since my wife and I went to Mexico for our tenth anniversary three years ago. Sure, my kids are coming with us this year, but they are older and more self reliant now. They can entertain themselves. They know when to let me be. They understand that my wife and I need time just the two of us. They get it.

I am stoked. I am pumped. We are going to Indianapolis for two days, Ann Arbor for a day, then we meet my oldest brother and his wife and daughters for a day in Traverse City and two days on Mackinac Island. I have gone to Michigan forever, but these are spots I've only been to a handful of times, and as for Traverse City and Mackinac, I've never been. It is going to be cool to see a different side of Michigan than what I am used to.

I'm interested to see how much changes from the UP. We have always gone to Bessemer and Wakefield. Hell, we spend time in Hurley, Wisconsin. But those are off the beaten path hidden gems. Seriously guys, if you haven't gone up that way, it rules. It's got some dope bluffs to climb, Lake Superior is right there, the groceries are cheap and the cabins at the chalets are divine. But this time our destination seems more touristy and I'm fully in for all that entails.

I haven't done the tourist thing since Mexico. I can't wait to go to Zingerman's and Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor. I will also be taking both of my kids to the M Den and going to The Big House to take too many pictures. In Traverse City my brother has rented a canoe for us to use the day we are there. I haven't been on a canoe since I was 19. I feel like I'm going to love it. We are staying in a fancy log cabin there as well. I'm sure it is going to be rad and we will be roasting marshmallows at nighttime. And then we have Mackinac. All I know is, we have to take a ferry to where we are staying, there are no cars allowed, you have to walk and bike everywhere and that we are staying in a dope spot on the island. My son learned how to ride a two wheel bike for this trip. My daughter is more than capable on a bike with training wheels. My wife and I will get to go on night walks after the kids are in bed. I plan on taking her on a date if I can get my nieces to watch my kids for a few hours. It is going to be great, and I'm sure I'll have plenty to write about when I get back.

I just wanted to leave you all with my excitement of what I believe to be my first real trip since 2019. I'm taking next week off from writing, since I will be traveling. But like I said, I plan on having plenty to say when I return. I will see you all in a little over a week. Enjoy your week off and I'll enjoy my vacation. See you soon. 

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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