School’s out, Alpena strawberries are in, and the weather seems just about perfect outside.

Does it really get any better than this?

I was thinking about that the other day after having just returned home from a birthday party with one of my granddaughters.

And, while that was fun and enjoyable for all who celebrated with her, she and her sister are looking just as much forward to heading to Alpena in a few weeks to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Two other granddaughters are Up North right now with family, and they will return in a few weeks, as well. Swimming, enjoying the Rotary Splash Park, and walks along the shoreline are some of things those two enjoy most.

As you read this, isn’t it wonderful that I can even be writing those words today?! This past year, COVID-19 fears had throttled back all summer activities. There was no Fourth of July parade, no gathering of large groups of people, no concerts in the park. Most people wore masks and, when passing by another person, gave them a wide berth.

Not so this year.

More people are out and about. Most people no longer are donning masks, and people actually stop and have conversations with each other, these days.

There will be many familiar and fun Fourth of July activities in a few weeks, and today, the Summer Concerts in the Park return to Bayview Park. I am excited for this new freedom.

I often talk about the “vibe” of the community with people. What I mean by that is the “pulse” of the community, and how people perceive what is going on. And, from the feedback I have received in the past 10 days, I would say that vibe appears to be pretty strong and favorable right now.

Both my sons and their families were anxious to get back Up North as often as possible this summer. They were looking forward to enjoying some new restaurants and old favorites, to visit some of the recently opened new stores downtown, to introduce their children to some new adventures like kayaking, or taking those children to favorite stops, like the Splash Park.

And, of course, to a tee, every one of them talked about returning to Lee’s Miniature Golf Course, which offers a slice of Americana at its best. There are a thousand other more modern and glitzy miniature golf courses across the country, but few offer the vintage charm and atmosphere of Lee’s.

If summer were to end today, it already has been a great time, in my estimation. But, in truth summer doesn’t even begin until Monday, so we are just beginning this magnificent time of the year Up North.

It is a time for boating and tubing, for stargazing into the sky while sitting out at a campfire. It is enjoying a day with a family member and a fishing pole or watching yngling races in Thunder Bay on Wednesday evenings. It is a time to enjoy all the simple things that life has to offer you, and a time to count your blessings that you are the lucky one who can call this region home.

So, wiggle into those swimsuits, break out the sunglasses, and lather up with sunscreen.

In my estimation, the best of Northeast Michigan has arrived, so let’s all get outdoors and enjoy it while it’s here.