Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween Fun!


Ok, so the haunted houses have been going strong all month and Hallowe'en Nights at Greenfield Village is an awesome time, but for folks looking for events on the actual night of Halloween-where can you go? Here is a collection of links to check out for tomorrow night!

Of course, there's always good ol' trick or treating!

Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo
Halloween at Crossroads Village
Halloween Train-Walled Lake
Halloween Train-Coopersville
Brandywine Cemetary
Museum Mystery Tour at the DIA

Leave a comment and tell us your favorite activity in your community!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Farewell to a Legendary Detroiter

Soupy Sales has passed away at the age of 83. Soupy's show was a staple of lunchtime TV in the 1950's and he is credited with saving the American Broadcasting Company. His full obituary is here.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Having a Handmade (and Local!) Holiday


It's getting to be that time of year. The winter holidays are getting close and that means folks are going to be shopping for gifts! Let me suggest that you support the local economy, as well as hard-working local artists, by making the commitment to have a handmade holiday.

 It's not hard to find handmade gifts from right here in Michigan. Here are several ways to find them:
1) Visit a local craft show. Many schools and churches have them this time of year. There is probably at least one near you!
2) Check out Artfire's Michigan Artists Guild.
3) Check out Etsy and do a search for "Michigan Trolls". It's a group of Michigan artists. Or just search "Michigan".
4) Check out local boutiques and craft malls that bring together many handmade artists for convienent shopping. Try The Town Peddler in Livonia or Countryside Craft Mall in Sterling Heights.

If you're anything like me you're tired of buying a bunch of mass-produced items for holiday giving. This year, concentrate on spending the same money that you would've spent at the local department store at a craft fair, craft mall or an online artist venue. You may not be able to get as many items for each person for the same money, but I guarantee that the items you get will be of better quality and more cherished than anything you could find on a shelf full of identical, mass-produced "stuff". You will also be supporting the Michigan economy on the most basic level.

So get out there and start shopping!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Sidetrack Bar and Grill in Ypsilanti


Sidetrack has been one of my favorite restaurants since I live in Ypsi several years ago. Their burger has been rated as one of the best in the country by GQ magazine and their sweet potato fries are awesome! I have never had anything at Sidetrack that I didn't enjoy and they have a really nice selection of wine, beer and liquors. It's not a huge place, but it's cozy and fun, and the staff is friendly and efficient.

For a little under $20 (not including tip) you can get a cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, a drink (I had the hard cider on draught) and dessert.

Next time you're in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, I highly encourage a stop at Sidetrack!