I grew up spending most summer weekends at my Grandparent’s home on Higgins Lake.  The 4th of July was spent swimsuit on, in the water all day long.  At night the sparklers would come out and the fireworks would start across the lake.

In Chicago, the 4th of July is one big BBQ, rooftop party, block party or fireworks show – and being decked out in your finest red, white & blue is a must.  I spent a few 4th of Julys in Chicago – once I even braved the tens of thousands of people to see the fireworks show in Grant Park when it coincided with the Taste of Chicago.  While great experiences, none of them were my favorite.

I’m happiest spending the 4th of July without the pomp and circumstance.  These days I frequent a different lake but I still spend my holiday in a swimsuit, on the dock with a book (my daughter is now the one in the lake from sun up till sun down).  Watching the fireworks from the dock, porch or hammock.  This is the “lake life” and this is what you find during the summer in Michigan.