Christmas in July (well, May...)

I know it seems like the winter holidays are a long way off, but I have never been deterred from visiting some of my favorite Michigan landmarks just because it's spring (or summer...or fall). If you're in need of a day trip (or a weekend getaway-but more on Frankenmuth in another post) check out these great places!

The first, and probably the best known is Bronner's in Frankenmuth. This place is immense! They have thousands of ornaments, hundreds of wreaths and trees and who knows how many other decorations, books and toys. They also have a wonderful selection of Hummels and Christmas village houses and accessories. You can easily spend several hours here, so I suggest making Frankenmuth a day trip. Hit up Bronner's and then head over to either Zehnder's or Bavarian Inn for yummy chicken dinners. From either restaurant, you can easily walk the downtown area and check out some of the other local stores. Check the Frankenmuth website for deals and special events, like Oktoberfest and Snowfest.

The other Christmas shop is Always Christmas in Canterbury Village. Located in Lake Orion, Canterbury Village has a restaurant, an ice cream shop and several smaller shops that surround Always Christmas. Always Christmas is smaller than Bronner's, but still large, with two stories of trees, ornaments, and decorations.

If you need a little help getting in the holiday mood (or just want to cool off on a hot summer day), I suggest checking out one of these great places. It's impossible to leave either one without humming a carol!

Wordless Weekend: Frederik Meijer Gardens

Go See it Sunday: The Henry Ford

Billed as "America's Largest History Attraction" The Henry Ford lies in Dearborn, Michigan. It's actually several attractions and all are worth a visit.

The Henry Ford Museum is a vast space with 40 foot ceilings. The main floor area houses an amazing collection of cars, trains and technologies old and new. Special exhibits have included a history of chocolate and a display of some of Hollywood's most famous props and costumes. There is also an IMAX theater, a gift shop and a restaurant. Galleries along the outside edge of the museum contain jewelry and other smaller collections.



Next door to the Museum is Greenfield Village (which will reopen for the season in the spring), a living history area full of entertaining and educational sites. You can see Thomas Edison's workshop, the Wright Brothers' Bicycle Shop, one-room schoolhouses, stores, and numerous homes. You can watch craftspeople at work in the Libery Craftworks area, ride in a Model T, a 1931 Model AA Bus or an Omnibus pulled by a team of horses. Of course, no visit is complete without a ride on the Weiser Railroad. The Village also hosts many special events throughout the year including Civil War reenactments and Historical Baseball games. The Eagle Tavern hosts "Slow Food" evenings several times a year featuring locally produced food-some from the Village's working farm! There are plenty of other food options throughout the Village as well.



The final attraction is the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The Rouge Factory is not only a monument to Henry Ford's innovation of the past, but also to future innovation. One of the most impressive features is the 10.4 acre living roof, which helps manage storm water. The Rouge Plant is a leader in the area of green design.



For hours, rates, schedules and directions for all three attractions visit The Henry Ford's website. You can also purchase tickets and memberships online. Check the schedule for special free admission days.

Consider starting a new family tradition with Hallowe'en Nights and Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village!

Go See it Sunday: Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan

Situated along the Red Cedar River in Lansing, Michigan, Potter Park is a large park that avoids the lawn-like uniformity of many traditional green spaces. The park itself is full of trees and has several picnic pavillions and play structures. Within the park is Potter Park Zoo. The zoo began in 1915 when J.W. and Sarah Potter donated 58 acres to Lansing. This became Potter Park. In 1917, twenty-seven more acres were added and the first animals, elk, arrived in 1920. The zoo continued to grow throughout the 1950's but that growth slowed in the 60's and some people thought the zoo should be closed. In 1969, Jim Hough formed the Friends of the Zoo. Money raised by the society bought the zoo's first elephant in 1972 and the zoo railroad in 1974. In 1986, the Friends of the Zoo became the Potter Park Zoological Society.

Today, the zoo is open year round and is home to over 400 animals. Camel and pony rides, a petting area, big cats, primates, penguins and otters are just a part of all the things to see and do at the zoo! Members receive free admission to the Potter Park Zoo as well as other perks throughout the year. Members also receive free or discounted admission to over 100 other zoos and aquariums across the country.

Rates for parking and zoo admission vary based on age, membership and Ingham County residency status. Check the zoo's website for a complete listing of fees, hours and events. Use of the park outside the zoo is free except for the parking fee.

The Potter Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Go See it Sunday: Ocqueoc Falls

Nestled in an area of farmland and forest, Ocqueoc Falls is the only major waterfall in Michigan's lower peninsula, eleven miles inland from Rogers City, off of M-68, in Presque Isle County.

There is a a rustic camping area with permanent outhouses, picnic tables and parking. There are some beautiful hiking opportunities or you can simply explore the area immediately surrounding the falls. If you're a geology buff, examine the rocks for geologic features like the ripple marks that my son and I found.

This would be an excellent half-day trip for folks from the northeast lower peninsula, or even the thumb area. Take a picnic lunch and spend several hours exploring the falls, hiking and relaxing outside. It is truly a beautiful place.

Go See It Sunday: USS Silversides in Muskegon, Michigan

The USS Silversides is docked in Muskegon, Michigan and is open to the public for tours. There is also a nice museum and a Coast Guard Cutter on site for touring as well. Get out there and see our state!