Michigan Travel Tips and Resources: Great Getaways TV Series

The many lighthouses along the Great Lakes shorelines are popular destinations of the Great Getaways staff. Even though places in the Great Lake state are featured in most of the episodes, this showisn't just for Michigan travelers. The host, Tom O'Boyle, travels throughout the Midwest and Canada to parks, lakes, wineries, festivals, lighthouses and more. His enthusiasm for his work is contagious. Who wouldn't love his job?

Some of the places visited include Houghton Lake, Oscoda, and Manistique, all in Michigan. Bruce County, Ontario is a favorite spot as well as locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Episodes range from a winter wonderland theme to summer kayaking. Most include the host and company in outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and fishing.

Mr. O'Boyle is always game for trying new things. You won't find him shying away from trying his hand at one of the many outdoor sports featured. This isn't an extreme sports show however. Most if not all of the sites visited are family friendly and can include either a leisurely or more active vacation. Guests on the show are knowledgeable about their areas and provide insight into historic and natural landmarks.

The program isn't meant just to make you sit back jealously wishing you had the opportunity to travel to these beautiful places. Travel guides are offered to every site that is featured. Free DVDs of episodes are even sometimes given away. My husband and I have taken advantage of this and ordered free DVDs to places in Michigan we plan on traveling to.

Great Getaways is generally aired weekly on PBS stations as well as some non-PBS stations. For more info and a list of the stations and program schedule, visit the links below. Make sure to look at the listing of the shows archives. As you scroll through the listings, you will find there are still free DVDs available of some of the episodes as well as travel guides by filling out the form on the website. It sometimes takes a while for them to be sent out, but it's worth the wait.

Are you interested in sharing your experience and knowledge with others in hopes of getting paid? I earn cash writing about the things I care about at Squidoo and HubPages. Learn how you can too by visiting these links for the Squidoo and HubPages websites.

Photo credit: Opening: Little Sable Lighthouse in Michigan, James Deneen.