Guide to the Ultimate Brighton Howell Area Summer Vacation

June 10, 2025

The Brighton Howell Area is an all-season destination that peaks during the summertime. The area offers a variety of delicious restaurants, lakes to dive into, ice cream to eat, and boutique shopping. There are many things to do it can be hard to know where to start. Follow this guide to the Ultimate Brighton Howell Area Summer Vacation to plan out your next getaway.

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Attend a Summer Event

There are several fun summer events in the Brighton Howell Area to plan your trip around. Locals and visitors rave about the Fowlerville Family Fair in late July, where you can enjoy carnival rides, food, games, and more. You’ll also be able to experience the Howell Melon Festival in August, where you can enjoy melon-flavored treats, participate in the famous melon roll, and enjoy live music along with plenty of other family-friendly activities! Find all upcoming events at the button below.

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Explore the Farmers’ Markets 

Several farmers’ Markets are spread across the Brighton Howell Area. On Saturdays, visit the Brighton Farmers’ Market, Pinckney Farmers’ Market, Fowlerville Farmers’ Market, and Hartland Farmers’ Market to indulge in locally grown produce, plants, baked goods, and crafts! Then, on Sundays, make a day out of exploring the Whitmore Lake Farmer’s Market or the famous Howell Farmers’ Market right downtown and visiting local shops and restaurants.

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Grab Some Ice Cream

What’s a summer vacation without a sweet, cold treat? The Brighton Howell Area offers visitors a variety of places to enjoy their favorite treat, from snow cones to custard to good old-fashioned, hard-packed ice cream. Find over 70 flavors of snow cones at Southern Shaved Ice or visit Jackie’s Frozen Custard for scoops, sundaes, avalanches, and more. While in the area, stopping at Cap’n Frosty’s is a must. Located near the Mike Levine Lakeland Trail in Pinckney, visitors can grab an ice cream and take a scenic stroll.

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Go Camping

Known as giving “Up North” vibes in Southeast Michigan without the long drive, the Brighton Howell Area is a haven for camping enthusiasts. Visitors will love staying in the Brighton Recreation Area at either Bishop Lake or Appleton Campgrounds for the beaches, miles of trails, and close proximity to downtown Brighton. Hell Creek Campground offers a serene and quiet atmosphere that is perfect for unplugging and for the ultimate camping getaway.

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Jump in the Water

Over 100 lakes are located in the Brighton Howell Area, creating countless opportunities for people looking to cool off this summer. The Spring Mill Pond in Island Lake Recreation Area is a pristine man-made lake with a sandy shore, picnic tables, restrooms, and beach volleyball courts. Kensington Metropark’s Splash ‘n’ Blast area is perfect for the whole family, with two 240-foot water slides and a 2,500-foot splash pad. 

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Dine at an Outdoor Patio

Enjoy the warm summertime weather by visiting an outdoor patio in the Brighton Howell Area on your getaway. The wide variety of outdoor dining options in the area gives visitors the opportunity to choose from a vast range of cuisine types. Pair your delicious meal with a craft cocktail to cool you off on the hottest summer days.

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Live it up this summer by enjoying these activities in the Brighton Howell Area. Don’t forget to grab your Visitor’s Guide and sign up for our newsletter before planning your summer vacation! While you’re here, be sure to tag @explorebrightonhowellarea and use #ExploreBHA for a chance to see your photos featured on our page. 

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Attractions Family Fun Food & Drink Summer