Must-Visit Michigan Destinations This Summer

DURAND, Mich., –– Michigan is full of hidden gems. Whether it's enjoying fun campsites, breathtaking lake views, or bustling little towns up north, the Mitten has everything you could want in a state and more. While most people will be vacationing in popular areas, some of the most beautiful towns in Michigan are often left unvisited. The northern part of Michigan is full of these incredible destinations that will raise your expectations for vacations forever! Take a look at our list of must-visit Michigan destinations this summer to check out some of the Midwest's best kept secrets!

Houghton Lake

If you're looking for high quality fun, Houghton Lake is your answer! As one of Michigan's largest inland lakes, it's full of opportunities for tubing, skiing, water sports, and more! Plus, the surrounding area is full of parks and other lakes for you to enjoy.

Frankfort

Near the very top of the Lower Peninsula, Frankfort is one of Michigan's best hidden treasures. It's a welcome getaway from the hustle and bustle of tourist towns while also containing all the benefits of a northern Michigan tourist town. It's the best of both worlds!

Isle Royale

Located on a remote island cluster near the Canadian border, Isle Royale is the ultimate escape from civilization. It's a car-free paradise full of lush forests, beautiful lakes, and roaming moose and wolves. At 45 miles in length, it's the largest island in Lake Superior!

Caseville

Known for their annual "Cheeseburger Festival", this exciting destination provides a scenic drive that provides the perfect view of the Saginaw Bay and its islands! Throughout the year, there are events, festivals, and plenty of fun for groups of any age! It's worth the journey to make it to one of Michigan's best beaches!

Tawas

From Lake Huron to the Au Sable river, Tawas Bay is one of Michigan's most breathtaking destinations. Enjoy the water on the beautiful bay, shop around at the wide range of stores, and grab a bite at an fun lakeside restaurant! Tawas City, Bay, and East Tawas have everything you're looking for in a vacation spot and more!

Whitefish Township

Whitefish Township, located next to the Whitefish Bay, is a stone's throw away from Ontario. It's easy to navigate due to the Soo Locks, so you'll be able to get where you want very quickly. Plus, Whitefish Point's museum contains the bell from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, and provides scuba diving opportunities to explore some of the sunken ships underwater!

Port Austin

Sitting at the tip of the "thumb", Port Austin is renowned for the famous Turnip Rock. While many take advantage of the kayaking opportunities to get pictures of the rock formation, there are plenty of hiking trails, shops, beaches, and water sport activities for you to enjoy, too!

Old Mission

The Old Mission Peninsula contains spectacular and breathtaking landscapes and view of Lake Michigan. Lots of people make a trip up to Traverse City each summer, but most don't take the time to drive up the the peninsula. We highly recommend a sunset drive up this beautiful stretch of land.

Paradise

The name speaks for itself: this stunning getaway is a paradise in and of itself. Visit the Tahquamenon Falls, the Shipwreck Museum, and the wide variety of state parks and exciting activities on Lake Superior and the surrounding areas!

Glen Arbor

Northern Michigan's greatest treasure! Known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, Glen Arbor is home to the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes and offers some of the most incredible beachfront in the state. You can also spend a day floating down the Platte River on inner tubes, explore downtown Glen Arbor, and take a trip on the biking and hiking trails. Make this little paradise your second home this year.

Don't miss out the best kept secrets the Mitten has to offer. Check out these must-visit Michigan destinations this summer for first-class fun in your own state! If you're heading out on a road trip, consult our Summer Car Care tips to get your vehicle up to speed! Maximize your fun this summer in the Mitten with these hidden gems and secret destinations! You'll make plenty of memories, have amazing photo opportunities, and you'll be one step closer to fully exploring our beautiful state of Michigan!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! We proudly serve Durand and surrounding communities including Owosso, Flint, Swartz Creek, and Genesse Charter Township. Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website atwww.GraffChevyDurand.com!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram

Summer Car Care

DURAND, Mich., – Summer is finally here and we know that means travel plans for many families. With that in mind, we recommend consulting our Summer Car Care tips to get your vehicle ready for long drives and hot conditions. It’s easy to be more excited about vacation time than taking your vehicle into our service center, but it’s important to stay up-to-date on your vehicle maintenance this time of year. We’ve outlined some of the basic maintenance you should keep up on your car during the summer, including cooling and A/C systems, cosmetic damages, exterior lights, fuel system, and sun protection.We want to make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safely and comfortably. Read on to learn about some of the steps you can take to prepare your vehicle for the summer months.

Cooling and A/C Systems

The importance of your cooling and A/C systems working properly during the summer months cannot be overstated. Both of these systems are crucial during hot weather for the safety of your passengers and your engine. A car's cooling system keeps the engine from overheating and having internal damage, while your A/C system keeps everyone in your vehicle, including adults, children, and pets, cool and in no danger of getting heat stroke. Learn the warning signs that could tip you off to a dysfunctional cooling or A/C system, and may ultimately help you recognize a problem with your car. Don’t get stuck on the side of the road due to an unchecked cooling or A/C system.

Cosmetic Damage

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on and fix all of the cosmetic damages on your vehicle that occurred last winter and all of the inclement weather conditions. Learn about some basic cosmetic fixes and why they are important to the life of your car to get them fixed. Plus, some cosmetic damages can cause rust, which greatly decreases the value of your vehicle. So save yourself time and money in the long run by fixing cosmetic damages as soon as possible.

Exterior Lights

Long drives up north on Friday nights and the general increase in nighttime driving during the summer mean it's even more important that your exterior lights are in proper working order. Light maintenance often gets overlooked when it comes to routine vehicle care, but exterior lights are very important to your safety while driving. Learn about the different types of headlights and how you can change them yourself at home, as well as an easy test to make sure your exterior lights are working properly.

Fuel System

On this page, we explain what your fuel system does for your vehicle and about it's different components. You'll learn about some of the warning signs that mean your fuel system may be not working efficiently and why it’s important to maintain the fuel system in your vehicle. With all the driving you're likely to do this summer, you'll want your fuel system working as best it can so you can go farther between trips to the pump. If the fuel system isn’t working properly, you could also be causing expensive damage to your vehicle. If you notice the warning signs, don’t wait to get your fuel system serviced.

Sun Protection

On the Sun Protection page, we discuss a number of tips and tricks for protecting your vehicle from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Yes, they're not just harmful to your skin, they can also do damage to your vehicle. Learn about the types of damage that can be caused by the sun and what you can do to prevent them. You wouldn’t go out in the sun all day without sunscreen on your skin, so why would you want to leave your vehicle unprotected from the sun during the summer?

After you’ve read through all of our Summer Car Care pages, we hope you'll understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle during the hot summer months. We’d be more than happy to help you with your cooling and A/C system, cosmetic damages, exterior lights, fuel system, or sun protection to get your car in great working condition for all of the summer plans you have this season. Be sure to give us a call at (989) 288-2657 or make a service appointment online. If you have any other questions or concerns about your vehicle maintenance, you can check out our FAQ section on our service page.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! We proudly serve Durand and surrounding communities including Owosso, Flint, Swartz Creek, and Genesse Charter Township. Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website atwww.GraffChevyDurand.com!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram

Fun Summer Activities for Kids

DURAND, Mich., –– Summer is here and school is out! Don't let your kids sit inside all during their vacation playing on their electronics and watching tv. We've compiled a list of active and super awesome games to make this summer a memorable one. So get outside and enjoy the sunny weather with these fun summer activities for your kids! 

Bubble Party

Take your bubble party to the next level by making giant bubbles with help of a kiddy pool and a hula hoop!

Yard Scrabble

Cut up 100 of cardboard squares (or just use heavy card stock printer paper) to create a life-size version of Scrabble that you play on your lawn. Your kids will love creating the fun words and using the large letter tiles! Plus, it will keep them working on their spelling throughout the summer.

Mini Obstacle Course

Create your own obstacle course in your backyard for a fun exercise activity for your kids! Record their times and see who can hold the course record!

Lawn Twister

Everyone loves Twister, and now you can play it out in the backyard! Don't worry about painting your grass as it will be gone in one or two lawn mowing sessions.

Water Fight

Break out the sprinkler and the squirt guns for some cool fun in the sun! You can also substitute traditional water balloons for water sponges. Or, try a fun new game called Duck, Duck, Splash!

Giant Jenga

A super-sized version of normal Jenga that is fun for all ages. It's easy to make the blocks as well!

Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag

Make this classic game even more fun for your kids by lighting up the players at night with glow sticks! It will help you keep an eye on everyone at night too!

Frozen Banana Pops

Reward your kids for playing outside with a delicious frozen treat that's much healthier for them than popsicles and ice cream!

In addition to these games, there are plenty of other fun summer activities you can do with your kids like sidewalk chalk, catching fireflies at night, or a kickball game with all the neighborhood kids! Spend your summer outside with you children so that they're active and have the best summer ever! Additionally, take care of your vehicle this season with our Summer Car Care tips to get it ready for any long road trips and to deal with the heat. 

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram

Summer Fun in Michigan

DURAND, Mich., –– Michigan has plenty to do this season, and it's up to you to get as much fun out of the warm months as you can! With school finally coming to an end, sunny days and relaxation have taken over at long last. Keep an eye out for some summer fun in Michigan as you plan some things to do! From Mid Michigan to Lansing, there's always something to keep you entertained in the surrounding area.

Check out the Cranbrook Institute of Science

The Cranbrook Institute of Science keeps their exhibits up to date on a weekly basis, offering new events and things to learn about all the time. From the mummy exhibit to the massive T-Rex overlooking the lobby, you'll find plenty of mystery and education here! Also, the first Friday of every month in the summer is free after 5 PM! Take a trip out to Bloomfield Hills today!

See a Show at DTE Energy Music Theatre

The summer is the perfect time to catch some of your favorite bands performing outside! The DTE Energy Music Theatre has a fantastic lineup this summer, with acts that fit everyone's taste! Listen to the timeless sounds of Third Eye Blind or Zac Brown Band in a cool outdoor venue that's sure to appeal to any concert goer!

Enjoy a Play at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Featuring several Broadway acts and awesome shows for anyone, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts has been supplying the Lansing community with entertainment for years. See the incredible Lion King Live, the amusing anecdotes of David Sedaris, or even the exciting Cat in the Hat!

Attend a Golf Outing at Dutch Hollow

The Dutch Hollow golf course has tons of events this summer and lots of affordable opportunities to give you and your friends a great opportunity to hit the links! With 18 holes and a golf cart for only $24/person, you'll be able to make the most of your money while having a blast on this award winning course!

Watch a Lansing Lugnuts Game

Baseball season is in full swing, and the Lansing Lugnuts are beginning the long push towards the playoffs! With a very busy schedule ahead of them, the rising stars of Minor League Baseball are planning on making this season a memorable one. Make your way down to Cooley Law School Stadium for a fun day at the ballpark! 

Summer is widely regarded as the best season of the year, and with all of the fun activities the weather has to offer, it's not a surprise at all. Having some summer fun in Michigan is key to making the most of the sunshine and fresh air! One of the best parts about the summer is the introduction of our summer coupons, and keeping your car running in peak condition by scheduling an appointment is very important to ensure you have the most fun you can on these sunny days.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.


Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram

The Only Way to Enjoy Fall in Genesee County Without Missing Summer

DURAND, Mich. – It goes without saying that fall is nearly every Michigander’s favorite season. You get to witness the beautiful autumn foliage, plus participate in a number of autumnal activities that make it quite the festive season.

But the only way to enjoy fall in Genesee County without missing summer is to make sure you partake in some of these traditional Mid-Michigan autumn activities that are sure to lift your spirits while the leaves tumble.

1. Take a fall colors tour.

Whether you choose to take a long drive around Mid Michigan, gazing out your car window at the red, yellow, orange, and brown leaves, or if you prefer a scenic hike along a local trail, you can spot all of our state’s beauty in Genesee County Follow a readymade fall colors tour travel plan like this one, or be a maverick and map your own journey by foot or behind the wheel.

2. Make a trip (or many trips) to a local cider mill.

 

There’s a reason why the apple blossom is Michigan’s state flower, and cider mills are just another extension of the state’s pride for the fruit that helped Newton discover gravity. These are some of the top Genesee County cider mills whose cider and doughnuts are worth your overindulgence:

• Diehl’s Orchard: http://www.diehlsorchard.com
• Koan’s Orchard: http://www.almarorchards.com
• Meuller’s Orchard: http://www.muellersorchard.com
• Parshallville Cider Mill: http://www.parshallvillecidergristmill.com
• Porter’s Orchard: http://www.portersorchard.com
• Spicer Orchards: http://www.spicerorchards.com

3. Watch and play plenty of football.

This is a given, but it’s worth the reminder that football season fades faster than you anticipate. Before you know it, the Lions will be dominating the field –– fingers crossed –– against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving Day 2015. Until the big game that follows America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, relax in your favorite La-Z-Boy while you flip between college games, or get outside and toss around the old pigskin in one of our many Genesee County parks. 

4. Carve pumpkins with friends and family. 

It’s a family tradition to pick out the biggest pumpkins you can carry, mark them up with a Sharpie, and go to town with a carving knife. But this year, instead of etching a two-tooth smiling face on your gourd, try carving something a little more innovative, like your favorite car. Check out these Chevy pumpkin carving stencils to get started. You can pick up your pumpkins at one of these Genesee County pumpkin patches:

• Little Pumpkin Patch: http://www.littlepumpkinpatch.com
• Trim Pines Farm: http://www.trimpines.com
• Meuller’s Orchard: http://www.muellersorchard.com
• Porter’s Orchard: http://www.portersorchard.com

5. Get freaked out in a haunted house.

Not everyone is up for screaming like a child, or wetting their…you get the point. But some people love to have the daylights scared out of them (whatever that means), and if you’re one of them then you have to check out these Genesee County haunted houses:

• The Crypt at Chemco: http://thecrypthauntedhouse.com
• Saint Lucifer’s Scream Park: http://www.fearfest.net
• Exit 13: http://www.exit13hauntedhouse.com

This might be something you leave the kids out of, but if a person is mature and brave enough to step into the dark corners of these scare shops, we wish them all of the luck in the world.

Autumn is the perfect season to have fun with friends and family, but the only way to enjoy fall in Genesee County without missing summer is to plan out as many as possible moments that are sure to become lasting memories. Take time to follow through on these five fall activities and make the best of Michigan’s most colorful months.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency with our car repair, auto service, and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube 

5 Things for Families to Do in Flint this Summer

DURAND, Mich.– Vehicle City, Bedrock, Flint Town, the 810– each moniker gives a brief glimpse of the myriad cultures that fill the city limits of Flint, MI. Many people would consider this bastion of 20th century American industrial progress– the birthplace of General Motors, in fact– to be a once-great city. We’re here to show you why Flint is still a great city connected to all of the assets and intrigue that accommodate other cities, and you can experience all of it with these 5 things for families to do in Flint this summer:

Huckleberry Railroad

The Huckleberry Railroad began in 1857 and might be the most famous staple of Flint. The railroad line was named as such due to its reputation for chugging along at a rather slow pace– a person could jump off the train, pick some huckleberries and get back on with ease. Over a century later, you and your family can experience history and take a scenic 40-minute train ride on the Huckleberry Railroad along the shores of Mott Lake, down to the Pere Marquette roadbed and into historic Crossroads Village.

Museum District

Wait, Flint has a museum district? They certainly do, and if you haven’t visited yet you’re missing out on a variety of cultural experiences. Take the kids to see on of the engaging exhibits at the Flint Children’s Museum, feast your eyes on the many collections at the Flint Institute of Arts, learn about the auto industry at the Sloan Museum or see the stars at the Longway Planetarium.

Downtown and Dining

Are you an architecture buff, or looking to get a taste of the city? Head downtown and observe the variety of classic architecture, from Greek Revival to 19th Century Gothic buildings whose craftsmanship will immediately gain your respect. After feeding your artistic appreciation, get some food in your belly at one of the many restaurants along Saginaw St.

Flint River Trail

After you’ve had your fun downtown, walk off your meal with a stroll on the Flint River Trail that begins near downtown at the University of Michigan-Flint campus and continues for miles. We don’t recommend walking the entire length!

The Whiting

After a long day of exploring and experiencing, relax in a cozy theater seat while you enjoy a play, musical or concert at The Whiting, Flint’s 2,043-seat theater near downtown. Past performances include Chris Isaak, Bill Cosby, STOMP, Rock of Ages and a multitude of other entertaining performances.

Contrary to what many believe, there really are a number of fun things to do in this historic Michigan city just 66 miles northwest of Detroit. These 5 things for families to do in Flint this summer are just the beginning. Do some digging yourself and see what else Flint has to offer! Remember, without Flint we wouldn’t have General Motors, and who knows where Chevrolet would be then. In our eyes, every New Chevy Car and New Chevy Truck at our Flint Area Chevy Dealership has a dash of Flint built into it.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram

Road Trip Maintenance Tips

DURAND, Mich.– It’s almost summertime, a season when many families set out on a classic road trip to explore America. If you’re planning a road trip for your family, you’ll want to include certain items for your journey like snacks and an emergency kit. But it’s also important that your vehicle is fit for the long distances it will be transporting you to. On that note, here are some road trip maintenance tips to keep in mind before you hit the road:

Get your air conditioning recharged. If you notice that your vehicle isn’t cooling down as efficiently as it should, stop in to get your A/C recharged before you’re two states over with all of the windows down trying to avoid heat stroke.

Make sure your battery is fully functional. This is one most people don’t think about until it’s too late. Avoid breaking down in the middle of the night on a dark highway and make sure your battery functions correctly. Assuming your vehicle still starts, look for these signs of a dying battery:

• Lights are weak/dim when engine cranks
• Engine has trouble starting
• Engine cranks slowly

Have a technician inspect your brakes. Don’t fool yourself into thinking your brakes are good-to-go just because you’re stopping. You should get them checked every 10,000 miles, and especially before you travel long distances. Look for these signs to tell if your brakes are unsafe:

• Grinding/high-pitched squealing noises when stopping
• Steering wheel vibration when braking
• Increased braking distances
• Feeling the car pull left or right when stopping
• A burning smell when stopping
• A weak emergency brake

Keep your tires properly inflated and rotated. You should have your tires rotated every 3,000 to 7,000 miles or as recommended by your Vehicle Owner’s Manual. Along with regular rotation, your tires should never be under-inflated or over-inflated. You should also keep an eye out for tread loss or bald spots on your tires.

Get a good view with new wiper blades. It’s time to replace your wiper blades if they leave streaks on your windshield, don’t clear it completely or seem to be cracking and peeling. The last thing you want is for everything else on your vehicle to be in good working order, but then suddenly be forced to pull over when it starts raining because you can’t see out your windshield.

When it comes down to it, your safest option will always be to stop in at a vehicle service center where professionals can determine the quality of your vehicle, but these road trip maintenance tips are definitely major things to think about while you plan your journey this summer.

Our vehicle service technicians are some of the best, and would be happy to take a look for you. Schedule a vehicle service appointment online or call (989) 288-2657 and get a thumbs-up from us before heading out! You can also take a look at our New Chevy Cars and New Chevy Trucks, perfect for road trips, at our New Lothrup Area Chevy Dealership!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube and Instagram