Michigan Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff

U.S. State Curiosities

by Colleen Burcar

Part zany Michigan guidebook and part Who's Who of odd and unsung heroes, this outlandish compendium of the state's quirks and characters will amuse Michigan residents and visitors alike.

· You'll marvel at the world's largest hairball, pucker up to a ninety-year-old moose, tour the Shipwreck Museum, and race to the finish line in the Outhouse Classic.
· You'll study at the world's oldest Santa school, learn the definition of a "Yooper," and feast on Trenary's famous six-month-old toast.
· You'll meet Detroit's Fast Freddy, the epitome of panache; Marshall's self-proclaimed "Cheese God"; and The Polish Muslims, kings of the "polka 'n' roll."

This book is a tribute to the late Gene Taylor, himself a Michigan curiosity par excellence and the beloved former writer and executive producer of WOMC's "Dick Purtan and Purtan's People" morning show.

Genres: Travel, Reference, Nonfiction

273 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Maddiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love learning more about my home state. Can't wait to visit some of these places!

[Terrie Meerschaert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very out of date, but a nice compilation of quirky things to see and do. I would definitely check each out online to see if they still exist/are available.

[Sue Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the unique places that are in Michigan and appreciate that the author tried to keep the topic light and entertaining. The book is not new so some of the places mentioned no longer exist but some were amusing and I'll check them out if I'm in that area. Colleen Burcar did a good job of selecting unusual things to see and places to go in the State of Michigan. She also fairly included places throughout the entire state of Michigan and not just the most heavily traveled areas.

The book is divided into sections so it would be possible to check them out (if you wanted) in a road trip. One trip could be tot he Upper Peninsula and another could be of the thumb. This is not a great book but puts a smile on my face and is filled with fun facts. It is nice to read about the oddities and uniqueness that is Michigan.

[Karen! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good idea, and cute enough, but the execution leaves something to be desired. It is not organized in a manner that lends itself to practical use.

[Melissa Monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guidebook to find fun stuff to do all year round. Its getting a four though because I wanted it to be more odd.