052126 ~ Summer Plans! - Nick Nerbonne

Nick Nerbonne, Media and Digital Director at Travel Michigan, drops a vibrant summer to-do list that turns vacation planning into a deeply personal journey across Michigan’s diverse landscapes. From camping with his dog Bubby at Port Crescent State Park—complete with a shark-fin life jacket and tick checks—to revisiting the peony gardens at the University of Michigan’s Arboretum in memory of his mother, Nick blends adventure with nostalgia. His list spans culinary exploration in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Traverse City (with James Beard semifinalist restaurants on the agenda), live music at Grand Rapids’ new Acrosure Amphitheater, and a pilgrimage to the newly accessible Taquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula. But the emotional heart of his summer? Mackinac Island, a place he once worked and still returns to for its car-free serenity and 80% state park wilderness. This isn’t just a travel itinerary—it’s a love letter to Michigan’s hidden gems and family legacy. The episode reveals how meaningful travel becomes when it’s rooted in memory, nature, and connection. Nick’s meticulous prep—collapsible dog bowls, pre-booked reservations, and a focus on accessible trails—shows that planning isn’t about ticking boxes, but about creating space for presence. His passion for supporting local fly shops and fly fishing in remote UP locations underscores a deeper ethos: authentic experiences come from community, not just scenery.