Janelle's Restaurant

In the quiet little town of Byron Michigan is a restaurant that deserves to be noticed. The restaurant is Janelle's. It may be in a small town, but it has big town flavor. You can get burgers or if your taste buds crave something more sophisticated try the crab legs. The food is made fresh daily and you can taste the homemade goodness. My husband had the liver and onions and he said it was so good he would definitely order it again. Accented by nostalgic brick walls and wood floors, this fully-restored old building has charm. You can gather around the stone fireplace that is from floor to ceiling. If you're ever in the Byron area or you want to take a road trip visit Janelle's. I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.



Janelle's Restaurant
110 S. Saginaw St.
Byron, MI 48148
810 370 1400

Fall at Spicer's Orchard

It's pumpkin time again. Happy Halloween! Spicers is a great place to take the family to pick out pumpkins for halloween. Enjoy a free hayride out to the pumpkin patch. They also have pumpkins out on the front lawn by the store to purchase if you don't want to take the journey into the pumpkin patch. There are a variety of animals for the children to pet and feed. Visit Giggles the horse that Spicers Orchard rescued. You can help her get back to being healthy by giving her an extra handful of grain. There is even a playground full of toys to play on. Enjoy fresh Spicer's cider and a hot donut. You can watch your donuts being made. For the adults you can take home a bottle of Spicer's wine or enjoy a glass while you're there. They have a winery tasting patio and what a beautiful view of fall colors to see while you're sitting on the patio. They have themed weekends at Spicer's, so call for more information on the schedule of activities. Take advantage of the crisp fall days at Spicers.

You can purchase fall decorations and antique heirloom pumpkins which would be perfect for decorating your fall table.


Spicers also has fresh apples you can pick off the tree or you can purchase them in the store. I'll tell you there is nothing like a fresh apple off the tree.

Enjoy Michigan at Spicers.


Spicer Orchards
www.spicerorchards.com
www.spicerswinery.com
(810) 632-7692
10411 Clyde Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430

Travel Adventures by Kathy

For travel adventures within Michigan or around the world,
I can design your vacation package.


From budget conscience to ultimate dream vacations,
I can provide all your travel needs.





Travel Adventures by Kathy
Kathy Lawson
517 518 6635
adventuresbykathy@gmail.com
adventuresbykat.blogspot.com

Blue Water Area Antique Show

Blue Water Antiques Dealers Association presents The Antique Show. Several antique dealers will have their treasures on display at the New Haven High School in
New Haven Michigan. If you don't want to drive to several antique stores looking for that perfect piece, then this is the show for you. The dealers will bring their antiques to you at the New Haven High School. Whether you are looking for a special item or just want to browse, plan on attending the show. They will be doing antique appraisals on Sat and Sun from 11am-2pm at the cost of $5.00 per item (limit two items and no weapons please). It will be a great day to enjoy what Michigan has to offer.



When: Nov. 6th & 7th, 2010

Where: New Haven High School

5770 Gratiot (M-19)

New Haven, MI


Admission: $4.00 on Sat. (10am-5pm)

Admission will be free on Sun (10am-4pm)



for more info contact:


Kathy Gleissner Denise Kelley

Show coordinator BWADA President

586 725-9480 810 648-4183



gleissner@hughes.net dkelley7@att.net



website: bluewaterantiquedealers.com


Travel Adventures by Kathy can arrange any of your travel arrangements in Michigan or throughout the country.
From budget conscience to ultimate dream vacations
can provide all of your travel needs.

517 518 6635
adventuresbykathy@gmail.com
adventuresbykat.blogspot.com

Trading Closets Consignment Boutique

A rare find is how I would describe "Trading Closets Consignment Boutique". If you like consignment stores, you'll love this store. There is furniture, jewelry, cloths, dishes, shoes, purses, glass wear and the list goes on and on. They have quality items at a reasonable price. You could furnish your whole house or just a room from the great items they have at this store. If you want to update your wardrobe, you'll find everything you need to do that at this consignment store.

The ladies who run the store are very friendly and willing to help. They have great customer service skills. I enjoyed looking at all they had to offer and I will return often. They only keep things for 60 days, so new stuff is coming in all the time. After 60 days if the unsold merchandise is not picked up by the owner, it is sold in their 80% off discount room. There were a lot of great bargains in the discount room.

Plan on spending at least an hour looking at all the great items. You'll even have to take a second look around to see what you missed the first time around.


Trading Closets Consignment Boutique
2120 Grand River Annex
Suite 600
Brighton, MI 48114
(810) 225-6130
Hours Mon.-Sat. 9am-7pm
Sun. 12pm-pm

Carriagetown Antique Center

If you like antiques check out Carriagetown Antique Center in Flint. It's in a two story old Art-Deco Warehouse. You'll browse two levels of antique furniture, dishes, vintage clothing, jewelry, period lighting, pottery, silver and my favorite tea sets. There is so much to see you will not be able to take it all in on your first glance around the store. You'll want to visit the store often because there are new items arriving everyday. They are even willing to make deals, so if you see something you like make an offer.


Carriagetown Antique Center is located at 503 GARLAND ST. FLINT MI.
The phone number is 810-238-1444.
Store hours are Monday - Sunday 11AM to 5PM.

If you get hungry after all your shopping there is a deli on site. It's called Hoffman's Deco Deli and Cafe!!! Choose from any of their gourmet style sandwiches or soups. You can also get a cup of coffee and one of their delicious baked goods. They serve breakfast too.

The owner of Carriagetown Antiques also does estate sales. You're sure to find just what you're looking for at an estate sale. You may even find something you didn't know you needed. For information on the estate sales call(810) 238-1444

Flint Farmers Market

Flint has a large farmers market. It is open year round. During the summer it is open May-Oct on Tues and Thurs from 8am-5pm on Sat 7am-5pm. During the winter
Nov-April on Tues and Thurs from 9am-5pm and on Sat 8am-5pm. The market is filled with unique vendors that offer hand made gifts, produce, fruit, wine, cheese, baked goods, meats and a restaurant. We ate at Charlie's Smokin Bar-B-Q. He has a huge smoke pit set up outside at the market. They have great bar-b-q. It's lip smacking good just but remember to bring lots of napkins to clean up with after you eat the messy, but delicious bar-b-q.

You can visit Charlie's website at charliessmokinbbq.com You'll want to get to Charlie's early because he may sell out and you wouldn't want to miss out on his great food.

Michael Conrad restores and sells Steamer Trunks. He sells his restored trunks at the market. The trailer that he hauls the trunks in is shaped like a Steamer Trunk. He does good work, so if you have a trunk that needs restored or know someone who does call Michael at 810-715-0222.

My husband ate a huge elephant ear from one of the bakeries at the market. The elephant ear was as big as a dinner plate. It was so good he ate the whole thing. They make fresh donuts on site. Stop by and check out their booth.


The farmers market is located at 420 Boulevard Drive Flint, MI
For information on the market you may call Dick Ramsdell at 810-232-1399

Garfield Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Garfield Inn located in Port Austin Michigan is an interesting place. President Garfield was a frequent guest in this house back in the 1860s. The house was owned by his longtime friend Charles Learned and his wife Maria who purchased the house in 1857.



Garfield became smitten with Learned's wife Maria and it is rumored that Garfiled had an affair with Maria. Maria Learned died in the home from tuberculosis.
That may be the reason the sign says Food and "Spirits". On our stay we didn't experience any "Spirits" or at least we thought. The bottom portion of the Inn is a restaurant and the guest rooms are on the second and third floor. After the restaurant closes the first floor is locked and you can only get into the guest rooms. The owners of the Inn do not stay in the home at night. We were told that there would be another guest staying in the Inn that night also. At least we wouldn't be the only guests in the Inn.







We had a great nights sleep, but we did hear the footsteps of the other couple during the night. We know it was the other couple because the restaurant had closed and all the employees left. We stayed in 'the Learned Room' it was very spacious. It was decorated in Victorian style. The bathroom had a claw foot bathtub-shower combination. There was a window seat that overlooked the beautiful gardens. The room even came with a complimentary bottle of wine.



















The next morning we went down for breakfast. We took our breakfast out to the garden area and enjoyed the beauty. We asked if the other guests had eaten. The attendant said the other guest canceled their reservation. I told the attendant that we heard footsteps in the middle of the night and we thought it was the other guest. She told us that the Inn was rumored to be haunted. There have been reports of other strange happenings in the Inn. Maybe that's why the sign says "Spirits". A little play on the words for humor. We were a bit shaken because we were the only ones in the Inn and then to hear footsteps. Would I recommend the Inn...definitely. You'll have a interesting story to tell.







8544 Lake Street
P.O. Box 291
Pt. Austin, MI 48467

800-373-5254
989-738-5254



http://www.thegarfieldinn.com/

Manor House Bed and Breakfast

We stayed at the Manor House bed and breakfast. It is a luxury beachfront inn. It's located in Oscoda Michigan. If you want a romantic getaway this is the place for you. The rooms have jacuzzi tubs so you can soak away all the tension of everyday life. You can enjoy a relaxing get away. The rooms are beautifully decorated. Each morning your breakfast is served in your room. You choose what you would like from their breakfast menu and what time you would like it served and it will be waiting for you at your door when you get up.
There is an outdoor deck facing Lake Huron where you can sit and enjoy the beauty or read a good book. You can take a walk along the beach. It is a semi private beach so you may be the only one on the beach. What could be better than that.
Call to make your reservation for a romantic escape, an anniversary celebration or a birthday gift for your loved one. You won't be disappointed.

Manor House Bed and Breakfast
399 N. US 23
Oscoda, MI 48750
(989) 739-1977


http://www.anighttorememberbandb.com/Rates.html

A Night To Remember Bed and Breakfast

Do you enjoy staying at Bed and Breakfasts? If you do this is one you won't want to miss. It is called "A Night To Remember" It's in Lexington Michigan. It is a beautiful Victorian inn. Nadine, the inn keeper, is a gracious host, she makes you feel welcome and as if she has known you forever.
The inn is elegant and filled with antiques. There is a theme to each room and it is decorated accordingly. The beds are comfortable they have pillow top mattresses, quality linens and down comforters.
You can enjoy a quiet moment sitting or walking in the beautiful outdoor gardens.
In the morning you will be served a buffet style breakfast in the main dining room. The table service is a set from Nadine's grandmother. The china is white with thick gold trimming. The food Nadine prepares is delicious. You will definitely want seconds.
On site there is a gift shop, antique store, ice cream parlor and a garden store. There is so much you can enjoy at this inn or you can sit back relax and do nothing at all.

A Night To Remember
5712 Main St.
Lexington, MI 48450
(810) 359-7134

Smoke On The Bay BBQ Rib Cook-Off

Do you have a delicious BBQ rib recipe and want to compete in a cook-off?

Enter in the "Smoke On The Bay" BBQ Rib Cook-off.

The Lions Club of New Baltimore MI is hosting its first Annual

"SMOKE ON THE BAY"

BBQ Rib Cook-Off.

The event will be held in downtown New Baltimore on Sat. Aug. 7th.

It will be located on Washington ST. between Main and Front St.

All entries must be registered by Wed. Aug. 4th.

Check in is at 9am on Sat. Aug 7th. and the official cooking time is 12:00.

Judging will be at 4pm sharp.

The winner will be awarded prize money.

For complete information contact Mary Rutledge (586) 716-3797 or (313) 610-5056.

Good luck to all the competitors.

HOWELL Mellon Festival

The Howell Mellon Festival is coming soon. August 20,21 & 22 with lots of fun. There will be Mellon eating contest, Mellon recipe contest, Mellons selling everywhere, Mellon Ice Cream, BBQ, Mellon wine tasting, Farmers Market, Mellon toss, Street Vendors and lots more.

Website: http://www.howellmelonfestival.com/

Grand Haven Salmon Festival

This will be the 7th annual Salmon festival starting September 17-19, 2010 in downtown Grand Haven. Features a fishing contest, Salmon cookoff, Wineries with grape stomping, arts and crafts vendors, and live music.

Website: http://www.visitgrandhaven.com/grand-haven-salmon-festival-21/

Michigan's 200 mile Yard Sale

Michigan's Blue Water Area has a 200 mile yard sale.

Follow M-25/M-29 from Sebewaing in the north to Algonac in the south you can follow the majestic shoreline of Lake Huron and yard sale at the same time.

Many of the communities have unique shops, antique stores and diners to enjoy as well. There are Bed and Breakfasts, campgrounds or hotels to stay at along the route.

Get out and enjoy all Michigan has to offer.

Dates: Aug. 13-15 2010

Hours: 8am-5pm

Contact person: Mary Teichow

Phone: 810-324-2895

Website: http://www.yardsaletrail.com/

Your Own Lake For The Weekend or Week

(Posted by Frank)

Just got back from this perfect Hideway in Hastings Michigan on 7-11-2010. It has a 65 acre semi-private lake that is all yours if you rent both the cabins available. This land use to be an old Girl Scout Camp Ground back in the 50's and 60's. It was closed down in the 70's and went to weeds. Most of the cabins the girls sayed in have fallen in or trees have fallen on them. There were 13 in all. You can go on a hike and check them out.

This place comes with a pontoon, paddle boat and row boat. Plus they have fishing poles and trust me we caught alot of fish. Mainly blue gills, bass and some catfish.

The houses come with washer and dryers,TV with DVD, stove and refrigerator, everything you would need for a comfortable stay.

This is our 5th year staying here. We always rent both cabins for us and our children and the grandkids. Down at the lake there is a large fire pit with a screened in little open room house. It has a long bench in it I guess for eating and looking at the lake. The picture is below. The fire pit is hard to see in the picture, I guess it was to bright out that day. There are trails all around the lake to go on. We always put the kids in life jackets and go out to the middle of the lake on the pontoon and jump off and swim. It really is alot of fun. The lake is very deep in the middle.

The kids love catching minnows up at the beach. The only thing is the beach is a little seaweedy but seems to be okay. The are real keen on keeping everything natural. The first year we stayed they had chickens in a little chicken coup and Heather (who runs the place) said we could have all the fresh eggs we wanted for breakfast. The kids really loved that. Heather will usually come out to check you in when you get there.




The blue cabin use to be the Girl Scout Store were the girls would buy thier candy and stuff. The green cabin is where the Scout Masters stayed and needed the least amount of work.



Well you get all this for only $125 per night for each cabin. We have thought about having a family reunion here. It would be the perfect place.

The cabin pictures aren't mine, I copyed them from the website. But the rest are mine.

This picture is looking from the blue house down to the lake.

This one is out in the pontoon looking back at the beach.

The website if you are interested in this hideaway is http://www.vrbo.com/98768