Believe it or not, summer is right around the corner.

I know, I know. I shouldn’t say that out loud for fear I’ll jinx it, but I think the rainy weather and warmer temperatures are a sign that Jack Frost has left us for a few months. (I’ll still knock on wood).

This time of year, businesses all over Michiana — Leader Publications included — begin gearing up for the summer tourist season that draws thousands to southwest Michigan and northern Indiana from May to September.

For the last several years, Leader has published Explore Michiana, a guide that showcases all the fun opportunities in the region. The publication has been such a hit that we are bringing it back as an even bigger and better project.

This summer, our paid subscribers and readers all over the region will receive three magazines just in time to plan their summer holidays: one right before Memorial Day, another in time for Independence Day and one more toward the end of August, just before Labor Day.

Each issue will have fresh new content — features on outdoor recreation, family fun, life on the lake and previews of upcoming events, among a long list of other stories.

The popular directory pages listing antique shops, sports complexes, parks, beaches, theaters, museums, and a number of other destinations will return as well, offering a go-to guide for residents and tourists alike planning their weekends.

We will also list an extensive calendar of not-for-profit summer events occurring all over Michiana. We would love submissions from organizations hosting such events. Calendar items may be submitted to news@leaderpub.com for review.

This is a great opportunity not only for the folks who read this publication, but also for businesses to get out in front of those people.

Even businesses that have been around for several decades and are well-known to the people who have lived here just as long will have a unique opportunity to reach thousands of summer vacationers, as well as people who have recently moved to the area.

Our team is well aware that the people reading this article know this area better than anyone, so we would love your input. If a friend was visiting from out of town for just one day, where would you take them? What are your favorite places to visit with family? Do you have a favorite watering hole? Let us know.

Summer will be here before we know it. We have not unrolled the pool covers yet, but our feet will be propped up in a lawn chair, cold drink in hand and the sun shining down on us soon enough.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.