Punkin,
For us to give you some ideas (and you will get many, many good suggestions) it would be helpful to know when you plan to visit and where you plan to visit. I know you asked us when was a good time, but what part of summer are you thinking about? Are you driving up from FL, or flying in? If flying, where to?

There are 5 Great Lakes with several hundred lights, both US and Canadian, all around them. Are you planning on spending the entire summer lighthousing the Great Lakes? (if so, many of us will be very jealous).

Dave