Michigan Things
Woodward Dream Cruise
This might be the most American thing on earth.
Sure, a cowboy riding on a range is pretty iconic American, but how many of you have a horse? We pretty much all have cars (or an Uber account).
There are other events like it such as Hot August Nights in Reno or other motor vehicle gatherings like Sturgis or whatever, but this one is in the Motor City and it is also very egalitarian whereas some other events can be exclusionary.
I’d probably get my ass kicked riding my Ninja to a Harley event, but everyone is welcome here to cruise Woodward. It doesn’t need to be a fancy vintage car or some high end muscle car, just take your family minivan if you want and enjoy the ride.
There are areas like Mustang Alley to display certain cars but mostly it’s a reason for people to go hang out with friends and family outside and enjoy car watching and people watching.
This vintage police car was pulled over by a cop on the way to the cruise.
You don’t see a cop car pulling over another cop car everyday.
Pull Tabs
So, you can play lotteries in Michigan bars. Either the pull tab tickets like the above or some version of keno. The pull tabs are basically like scratchers but cleaner I guess since you don’t have all those silver scapings piling up on the counter.
It’s cheap entertainment and fun enough but I’m not sure if it’s the best idea as I can see people with addictive personalities having an issue. Gambling in dive bars - what could go wrong?
Michigan Dive Bartenders Work Hard
As far as I can tell, bartenders at the dive bars here in MIchigan have 3 jobs minimum. They have to pour drinks (duh), but they also often have to cook and serve food. There is usually a small kitchen with a grill and a fryer for your standard bar fare. On top of that, they have to manage the payouts on the pull tabs and keno lotteries. I could personally maybe handle one of those jobs. This also discounts the fact that they also need to do some bussing, cleaning, and occasionally tossing out the annoying drunk guy.
Sweetest Day (the worst Midwest thing ever)
Holidays created by corporations suck
I’d never heard of Sweetest Day until I went to Michigan. This is basically a Valentine’s Day in the fall so companies can sell more candy and cards. There is enough pressure to have one Valentine’s Day a year never mind having 2 of them. Screw you candy companies and Hallmark!
Dog Cart
Not really a Michigan thing. I just wanted a reason to show a picture of my dog in a store.
This hunting store in Northern Michigan had special dog carts for your pup while shopping.
Jay’s Sporting Goods: Ronin Approved Hangout!