Where to Travel in Michigan This Summer

BAY CITY, Mich. – Is your heart yearning for adventure? Want to get out of the house but hate long road trips? You're in luck: you can quell your hunger for exploration in your very own state! We at Graff Bay City have compiled a list of where to travel in Michigan this summer to help you plan your next vacation! Take a look at some of the best the Mitten has to offer with quick and easy getaways for the whole family! With destinations ranging from massive sand dunes to serene forests, you'll have plenty of options when you plan your next family trip!

The Sleeping Bear Dunes - Leelanau County

Voted "The Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America, it's clear that this breathtaking destination lives up to its title. As one of the most unique locations in the entire state, its miles of sand bluffs tower over Lake Michigan, giving visitors a one-of-a-kind view you can't get anywhere else. With attractions like a lighthouse, expansive park, and a center for the arts, the Sleeping Bear Dunes has something for everyone!

Porcupine Mountains - Ontonagon

Explore one of the Upper Peninsula's most unique hidden gems - the Porcupine Mountains. Earning its name from its silhouette at night, this mountain range carries with it several treasures. The Lake of the Clouds, a stunningly beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, is one of the most pleasant surprises the mountain range has to offer. The Porcupine Mountains are full of excursions and activities for any season: kayaking, fishing, and skiing are just a few of the unique opportunities this exciting getaway has to offer. 

Frankenmuth Village - Frankenmuth

Known as "Little Bavaria", this quaint little village in Saginaw County carries a lot of history with it. It's evolved into one of the top tourist destinations in the Mitten, best known for Zehnder's and its award-winning chicken. The center of the town carries a long district of shopping centers, each carrying Bavarian style and activities for the whole family. If you're on the lookout for some early holiday shopping, Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is open around the year with the over 50,000 ornaments and gifts! Check out Frankenmuth's calendar of events for parades, festivals, and more!

Mackinac Island - Mackinac

One of Michigan's most known travel destinations is the Mackinac Island. It's full of excitement, from world-renowned Mackinac fudge to historic sites and museums. Worried about the cost of staying on the island? Don't worry - every month, the island releases unique specials and discounts for activities. Make sure you plan your vacation to the Mackinac Island as soon as possible! Take a bike, ride a horse, and more on this one-of-a-kind island. This exclusive destination is a tourist hotspot, and you'll want to make sure you've got your spot reserved before lodging fills up!

Planning vacations can be extremely exciting, but they're even more exciting when you know it's only a short road trip! We hope our handy guide of where to travel in Michigan this summer keeps you and your family entertained throughout the year! Planning a road trip? Make sure you're keeping up on routine maintenance this summer to keep your vehicle in top shape to face those long drives!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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5 Fun Fall Activities For the Whole Family

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Apple cider, pumpkin patches, hayrides, bonfires, and caramel apples. What do these things all have in common? They're some of the best parts about the fall season! With the temperatures dropping and the colors changing, we've put together the 5 fun fall activities for the whole family you won't want to miss this season. From cider mills to caramel apples, make unforgettable memories with your family this fall!

Try the Gourmet Apple Cart

For a limited time in Bay City, the City market will host the Gourmet Apple Cart on Tuesdays and Thursdays this fall! The Gourmet Apple Cart, started in Flint, is renowned for their wide variety of unique candied apple flavors. People from around the Mitten gather to enjoy pistachio, Twix, and even s'more candied apples at the Flint Farmer's Market. The Gourmet Apple Cart is only in Bay City for a limited time, so get your hands on a Gourmet Apple from the City Market before it's too late!

Head Out to Uncle John's Cider Mill

Grab a doughnut, sip on a glass of cider, and enjoy a full cider mill experience at Uncle John's this year! During the fall season, you can purchase wristband packages that give you and your family full access to wagon rides, corn mazes, and much more! You can fire fruit from the Apple Cannon, catch a hayride, and play in the Kid's Corral this fall season. The best part is, Uncle John's is open 7 days a week from 9-8! Check up on their events calendar for detailed lists of seasonal specials and events that occur every week.

Explore a Haunted Shipwreck

During the fall season, the USS Edson becomes a haunted house! Michigan Haunted Houses calls the "Edson Incident" a not-so-scary haunted house, but visitors have to be at least 10 and up in order to enter. Explore five levels of terror in an abandoned Vietnam-era US Navy Destroyer, encountering scarier creatures as you make your way through the USS Edson. Find out for yourself what the Edson Incident has in store for you by exploring the haunted shipwreck this fall! 

Pick a Pumpkin at Warmbier Farms

Fall fun isn't complete without pumpkin picking! At Warmbier Farms, you can find pumpkins of any shape, size, and color in a huge, 12,000 square foot showroom! You can find flowers, statues, boutique jewelry, seasonal decor, and much more as well in their walk-in store in Auburn, Michigan. Warmbier's Fall Festivals in September and October feature discounts on mums, pumpkins, corn, and other fall produce. Stop by this fall season to find the perfect pumpkin to carve up this Halloween!

Try a Doughnut from Cops & Doughnuts

Every fall, the Cops and Doughnuts "precinct" in Bay City offers seasonal treats and delights for all of their customers to enjoy. Grab a cup of warm cider, give their "chief cake doughnut" a try, and stop by their Bay City precinct to check out their wide selection of doughnuts, cookies, breads, and cakes! Open 7 days a week from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Sutherland Precinct of Cops and Doughnuts in Bay City!

This fall, discover the best Bay City has to offer with these 5 fun fall activities for the whole family! If you are interested in applying for an auto loan, fill out our credit application form to get pre-approved. We are here to help you obtain the best interest rate you can on an auto loan! Worried about the price of a vehicle? You may be eligible to receive an exclusive discount! Take a look at our GM Discount Programs to find out if you qualify, and make sure to contact us if you have any questions!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Labor Day Desserts You Need to Try

BAY CITY, Mich.,–– Nothing beats an extra day of vacation, right? Labor Day is here, and to celebrate the accomplishments of American workers, everyone gets to celebrate the first Monday of September with their families. Unfortunately, Labor Day celebrations means that summer is coming to an end. Enjoy every second of the sunny weather while you can and give these Labor Day desserts you need to try a taste at your next cookout, dinner, or family gathering! Treat your taste buds with timeless classics and new recipes this Labor Day weekend!

Strawberry Shortcake Sundaes

Whatever day of the week it is, these strawberry shortcake sundaes are a must-try this season. This simple recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and serves up to 6 people! This tasty treat pairs perfectly with warm weather and cookout food.

S'mores Cupcakes

Just because the summer is ending doesn't mean that s'more season has to end! Satisfy your campfire cravings with this unique twist on a great summer treat. This recipe serves up to 24 people. It's a great dessert to bring along to potlucks, family gatherings, and get-togethers!

Red, White, & Blue Bark

Ever wonder what freedom tastes like? After taking a bite of red, white, & blue bark, you'll never wonder again. The recipe only calls for six ingredients and serves up to eight people, so you'll be able to spread the freedom around the family with this melting pot of sweetness!

Blackberry Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

If you're looking to make a brunch dessert that stands out for flavor and appearance, blackberry cake is your answer. This unusual take on a classic cake recipe combines the sweetness of blackberries with the tangy flavor of cream cheese, making one mouth-watering masterpiece.

American Pie

With flavor as bold as the iconic stars and stripes, show off your American pride with a great blend of strawberries and blueberries, topped off with an unbeatable design. Make your dessert the centerpiece of the get-together with an incredible American Pie.

Banana Split Lasagna

Combining the classic taste of a banana split with the size and shape of lasagna, banana split lasagna is bound to be one of the most surprising additions to the cookout this year! The best part is, this lasagna is no-bake, so you won't have to worry about an oven!

Banana Cream Pie in a Jar

Enjoy everything you love about banana cream pie in the portability of a jar! This easy-to-make dessert requires 5 ingredients and only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Take a spoon along for a quick on-the-go treat while you run errands!

Whether you're relaxing on the beach, catching up with the family at a cookout, or enjoying the company of your best friends, these Labor Day desserts you need to try will be the highlight of your Labor Day weekend. If you're planning to fire up the grill, give these mouthwatering cookout recipes a shot to prove you're the king or queen of the grill. Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out our family friendly Labor Day activities to find an event everyone can enjoy this holiday season, and if you need any maintenance done on your vehicle, utilize our coupons for affordable, quick, and efficient service at our Bay City Service Center!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.


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Fun in the Sun in Mid Michigan

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Check the weather: sunny days are here to stay! After a winter that lasted way too long, it's finally time to step outside and enjoy some fresh air. There's plenty going on during this next month that will give you plenty of time to enjoy fun in the sun in Mid Michigan and the surrounding area. Make this summer the best one yet with activities ranging from park trips to concerts!

Enjoy a Concert at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

This summer, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort has filled their calendar with some of the best shows around! There are concerts that anyone can enjoy, from Jason Aldean to Weezer, with plenty of fun for anyone of any age! If you aren't much of a concert-goer, there are tons of other events you can register for as well to make your day in Mt. Pleasant a fun and exciting time!

Take a Trip to the Children's Zoo

The Saginaw Children's Zoo at Celebration Square is open for the summer, and with admission rates of $5 per person, it offers a fun and affordable trip for the entire family! There are a lot of animals to see, from goofy penguins to spooky alligators. Learn more about some of Earth's coolest creatures this summer at the zoo!

Check Out the Chippewa Nature Center

Midland has a lot of hidden gems, but one of their best kept secrets is the Chippewa Nature Center. With over 50 years of history, the nature center features hundreds of acres to explore and a beautiful vista overlooking the Chippewa River. Additionally, the park hosts several events like film festivals and nighttime nature walks! Take a look around and get in touch with the incredible nature of mid Michigan!

Visit the Midland Centre for the Arts

While you're out enjoying the sights of Midland, make sure you visit the Midland Centre for the Arts! New events and exhibits pop up every week, from the intriguing Art of the Brick exhibit to the eye-opening Forgiveness Project. There are plenty of great opportunities to learn something new as you explore some of mid Michigan's finest art!

The best part about all of these events is that they take place through the remainder of the summer, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything the Mitten has to offer! Make the most of this beautiful weather with some fun in the sun in Mid Michigan! While you're out and about, consider making your car look just as cool as you do with some custom graphics! We offer quotes for any work that you'd like done, and we can answer any questions you have with our informative FAQs! 

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Sports Family Survival Kit for the Car

BAY CITY, Mich. – Summer has arrived and that means travel sports teams. When you are running the kids from the soccer field, to the baseball diamond, and then to the tennis courts, you want to make sure you are prepared for anything. At Graff Bay City we know the sports weekends can be busy, that is why we put together 10 items for a sports family survival kit for the car! Now you can be prepared for any accidents, inclement weather, and hungry kids. Take a look below at some of the items you could include in your survival kit:

• First Aid Kit – Be ready for any kind of accident. A proper first aid kit is good to have for scratches and cuts, but can also be helpful incase of an emergency. First Aid kit supplies could include: band aids, antiseptic, bandage wraps, and medical tape. 
• Wet Naps – Whether it is to wipe up dirt and grass stains, or to clean messy food hands, these will become an essential for your vehicle. Wet naps are a great universal tool to get a quick clean. 
• Sunscreen – Even if the sun is not shining, the UV rays can cause burns and damage to your skin on overcast days. Protect yourself and your athletes with the proper SPF number. 
• Paper Towels – Paper towels is another great universal tool that are helpful for cleaning up messy athletes. They can also be useful to hold food or clean the car. 
• Travel Snacks – Every athlete is hungry when they are done playing a game or tournament. Be prepared to feed hungry bellies with a few travel snacks. Trail mix, fruit, veggies, or granola bars are easy and portable options. 
• Bottled Water – Having bottled water on hand quenches thirsty kids, but it is also good to have for cleaning messes any time.
• Chap stick – Fight chapped lips by keeping a stick around. Chap sticks also come with UV protection so you can keep lips from getting burned as well. 
• Camping Folding Chairs/Blanket – While you worry about the athletes, don’t forget yourself! Keep a few chairs or a blanket in the car for when it’s time to sit back and watch the game. 
• Umbrella/Poncho – It is the summer season and rain happens, even when we least expect it. Always be ready with some rain protection gear!
• Sunglasses – Keeping an extra pair of sunglasses is great for the really sunny days. You never know who might forget their pair. 

With our sports family survival kit for the car you can be ready for what ever will come your way during the busy tournament weekends. If you are looking for a vehicle that will keep up with your busy summer then stop into Graff Bay City! We can get you behind the wheel of a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. You will love the cargo space, entertainment technologies, and top safety features in this family crossover vehicle. Contact our sales team to schedule a test-drive today!

If you are looking to get your current vehicle ready for the busy sports-filled summer then visit our Summer Car Care pages on our website. Our Summer Car Care will take you through the importance of getting your external lights, fuel system, and cooling and A/C system serviced. It will also discuss the different cosmetic repairs that can be done during the warmer months, and it offers different sun protection tips for your vehicle’s interior and exterior. Schedule your Summer Car Care appointment with the Graff Bay City Service Center and we will have you on the road in no time.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we can help you find the perfect vehicle for your weekend getaway! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Easter Sweets And Treats

BAY CITY, Mich. - March is flying by, and Easter is already here! Can you believe it? We can hardly wait to say goodbye to cold winter weather and welcome the warm spring with open arms. One of our favorite things about Easter, or any holiday for that matter, is tasty food! We scoured Pinterest to find some of the best Easter sweets and treats for you to whip up this holiday! Remember all of these recipes, and dozens of others, can be found on our Pinterest page!

Easter Sweets And Treats

Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars

Carrot Cake and Cheesecake together? Sign us up! 

Lemon Melt-a-way Cookies

Lemon cookies that will melt in your mouth are always a favorite! 

Bunny Butt Cookies

These cookies could double as a fun project to do with the kids! 

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

This would be a great ending to an Easter brunch! 

All of these Easter sweets and treats look egg-celent and any one of them would be a huge hit at your work, family gatherings, or for the kids' classrooms! Be sure to check out Pinterest page for more great recipes, including some great D.I.Y projects as well! 

Get ready for spring with the service experts at Graff Bay City! Take a look at our new and improved service FAQ page to learn about the routine maintenance your vehicle needs for its brakes, wiper blades, engine, and more. Schedule your spring service appointment with us online today. 

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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New Year Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

BAY CITY, Mich. – New year, new you right? Wrong! You don’t need to reinvent yourself, but nothing is wrong with an update. This year make a New Year’s resolution that you can actually keep. Make yourself a better person, not a different person!

New Year Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

1. Go back to school
2. Give back to charity
3. Cross one thing off your bucket list
4. Get organized
5. Learn a new skill
6. Pay off a loan
7. Plan a family vacation
8. Get a new gadget
9. Adopt a pet
10. Travel somewhere you’ve never been
11. Learn a new language
12. Make a garden
13. Start a blog
14. Read a new book
15. Start a fitness class
16. Eat more fruits & veggies
17. Master a new recipe
18. Update your closet
19. Start a savings account
20. Reconnect with an old friend
21. Mentor someone or get a mentor
22. See your favorite musician/band live
23. Recycle more
24. Make something for your home
25. Make a scrapbook of your year

We hope you have a great time ringing in the New Year with friends and family! Need to update your car this year too? Graff Bay City can help you with that! Check out our new Chevy cars and trucks today. We’ll find the perfect vehicle for you! Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your new family! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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15 Magical Facts About Christmas

BAY CITY, Mich. –Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We’re sparking up the Christmas cheer with delicious cookies, decorated trees, and festive music. But do we know where any of these holiday traditions come from? Take a look at our 15 magical facts about Christmas to learn all about the celebration of this holiday.

15 Magical Facts About Christmas:

1. Alabama was the first state in the US to recognized Christmas, in 1836, while Oklahoma was the last, in 1907.
2. In 1962, the very first Christmas postage stamp was issued in the U.S.
3. Edward Johnson invented Christmas lights in 1882.
4. Santa’s traditional red suit came from a 1930s advertisement by Coca Cola.
5. “Silent Night” the most recorded song ever, with over 730 different versions copyrighted since 1978.
6. “White Christmas,” which was released in 1942, is the best selling Christmas song.
7. Each year over 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in just the U.S.
8. Christmas purchases account for 1/6 of total retail sales in the U.S.
9. The tallest Christmas tree ever cut was a 221-ft Douglas fir that was displayed in Seattle, Washington at the Northgate Shopping Center in 1950.
10. Christmas trees have been sold in the U.S since 1850.
11. Trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold for Christmas.
12. About 30–35 million real Christmas tress are sold each year in the U.S.
13. The highest-grossing Christmas movie is How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carrey version).
14. Due to international time zones, Santa actually has 31 hours to deliver presents around the world.
15. Santa travels 4,796, 250 mph to deliver toys to all the kids around the world.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday weekend! If you need a vehicle to fit the whole family for your holiday travels check our Chevrolet SUVs and crossovers! They can fit you, the family, and all the presents with no problem at all. Come on over to Graff Bay City to take one for a test drive today. Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your new family! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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6 Suggestions for Traveling With Your Pet

BAY CITY, Mich. – The holidays are approaching, and it’s time to prepare for your holiday travels. While it’s essential to keep your family safe during your trip, remember it’s important to keep your furry friends safe, too. If you’re taking your pet with you to the festivities this holiday, here are 6 suggestions for traveling with your pet.

6 Suggestions for Traveling With Your Pet

1. Pets should not roam. Any animal roaming around the car can be a distraction to the driver. The safest way for your pet to travel is in a proper sized carrier that is anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or some other secure means. This will keep the carrier from bouncing around the car.
2. Leave the front seat for humans. We know your pet might be more comfortable sitting in the front with you, but if an airbag deploys your pet could get injured, even in a crate. Put them in the backseat to keep them safe.
3. Keep pets’ heads inside. If you choose not to have your pet in a crate make sure they’re not sticking their head out the window. While it may be funny to watch their tongues flap in the wind, it is unsafe. Animals can be injured by debris, especially in their eyes, and can get sick from having cold air forced into their lungs.
4. Rest stop, rest stop, rest stop. The key to road trips with animals is plenty of rest stops. Let them go to the bathroom and stretch out. Always make sure your animals leave the car wearing a collar, an ID tag, and leash.
5. Give your animal comfort. Some pets don’t like traveling. It’s important to give your animal lots of comfort throughout the ride. You can do this by petting them, giving them a treat, or letting them take their favorite toy. Switch off duties, too; not just one person should care for the pet the entire time.
6. Never leave your pet alone in a car. While stops may seem short to you, they don’t always feel that way to your animal. It’s very easy for your furry friend to get cold or lonely.

Follow these 6 suggestions for traveling with your pet and your trip will be much easier. Remember your pet is part of the family, too, so keeping them safe is just as important.

If you’re looking for a good family vehicle that will fit everyone and the pets check out one of our SUVS. We have plenty to offer at Graff Bay City, your Chevrolet dealer! Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your new family! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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6th Annual PJ's For Preemies Clothing Drive

BAY CITY, Mich. – This year at Graff Bay City we are officially designating the upcoming holiday months as the Season of Giving! We are so appreciative of all the support our community shows us throughout the year and we want to do what we can to give back, starting with the 6th Annual PJ's for Preemies Clothing Drive!

Every year this event is a smashing success and it is truly rewarding to see our friends, family, and neighbors come together to make a difference in the lives of families who are faced with premature births. Since no one expects their child to be born prematurely, these families are often not prepared with the clothing their child needs. Through the PJ's for Preemies Clothing Drive, we are able to provide the right sized clothing for these babies during their stay at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, since they are typically much smaller than full-term babies.

We want to invite you to join us in the 6th Annual PJ's for Preemies Clothing Drive to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, MI! Just stop by Graff Bay City to drop off your donation of new or like-new pjs with snap or button fronts in preemie through 3 month sizes! In particular, gowns and newborn sizes are needed this year! And, like last year, GRAFF BAY CITY WILL MATCH ALL DONATIONS!

Together we can all make a difference in our local community! Get more information on the PJ's for Preemies Foundation: http://pjsforpreemies.com/

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your new family! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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