Happy New Year! Throughout 2015, The Awesome Mitten continued to explore the many hidden gems of this beautiful state and began to venture out on numerous #MittenTrips to capture the essence that makes Michigan towns unforgettable. As always, we’ve had a blast bringing you all the awesomeness this state has to offer. Thank YOU to all who have contributed, read, and shared our articles. Below we’ve compiled a list of our most popular posts from this year for you to review and plan for an amazing adventure in 2016!

15. A #MittenTrip Guide to the City by the Bay: Marquette
Off again on another #MittenTrip, John Kalmar spent the weekend in Marquette discovering what the “Pleasant Peninsula” has to offer outside and in.

14. Michigan Bucket List: 6 Lighthouses Perfect for an Adventure
Join Shalee Blackmer for another Michigan Bucket List! This time, she tells adventurers about 6 of her favorite lighthouses and the fun to be had by each.

13. 5 Reasons to Fall in Love with Fennville
Fennville is a secret gem of Southwest Michigan. A visit to Fennville can be a great family outing, day date or even a weekend getaway. There are many reasons to fall in love with Fennville but here are just five to get you started.

12. 6 Michigan Beaches to Find Adventure During Off-Season
We love the beach as much as the next person, so here is a list of 6 Michigan beaches to find adventure during off-season so the fun never ends.

11. 14 Ways to Show Your Valentine a Good Time in Metro Detroit
February is the month of love and Metro Detroit offers tons of romantic and unique date options. Here are 14 suggestions for you and your Valentine!

10. Polish Holiday Traditions from a Michigander
Jennifer tells all about the most important Polish holiday traditions.

9. 3 Quirky, Budget-Friendly Michigan Road Trips
Michigan has some delightfully quirky destinations that can not only give you the experience of a lifetime in a single weekend, but are also wallet-friendly

8. Top 5 Grand Rapids Bands You Need to Know
Grand Rapids has its share of award-winning musical talent. It’s about time you get to know some of the best bands Beer City USA has been brewing up.

7. West Michigan’s newest brewery, Newaygo Brewing Co., is a true family affair
Forty-five minutes north of the bustling Grand Rapids beer scene, the fresh Newaygo Brewing Co. boasts 12 beers on tap, a full restaurant menu and more.

6. More than Meets the Eye: A Weekend Guide to Saginaw #MittenTrip
In the eighth of our 12 Mitten Trip guides, contributing writer Cassie Lovall shows Saginaw some love

5. Another Kind of “Up North” #MitttenTrip: A Guide to Port Austin
#TeamAwesome editor, Joanna Dueweke, heads to Port Austin to discover what the fuss is about the other “up north” in Michigan’s thumb.

4. The Ultimate Michigan Made Gift Guide
Look no further, this is the best of the best gifts for everything made in Michigan this year!

3. Michigan Bucket List: Best Stops on a Winter UP Road Trip
Next up on the Michigan Bucket List, Shalee Blackmer lists some of her favorite stops on a Winter UP Road Trip. Which natural wonders are your favorites?

2. 10 of the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Michigan
Ten Michigan based, gluten-free restaurants that are making inexpensive and delicious dishes for those living with food allergies or just looking to live a healthier lifestyle.
1. 4 Michigan Drives to Make the Most of Fall
As summer fades into fall, the adventures don’t have to stop! We’re off on road trips to 4 Michigan drives that will make the most of your fall.
What was your favorite Awesome Mitten article from 2015?