Exploring Charlevoix!

Today's it...The last and final day to register for the Destination Prize Package to Charlevoix! We had a lot of fun this week...Visiting Castle Farms, Earl Young Home, Downtown Charlevoix, and even taking a Cruise with Keweenaw Excursions!

As we wrap up the week and the contest, we'll say one more thing about Charlevoix:

"Charlevoix is a unique harbor town with an incredible yacht basin, lighthouse, boutique shopping, Victorian summer home associations, quality restaurants, and breath‐taking sunsets. Main street even has a drawbridge!"

One note about the drawbridge...It's cool...but can be the cause of some slower traffic if you happen to catch it when it goes up at the Top & Bottom of every hour! Time it just right, and you'll have smooth 'sailing' through downtown Charlevoix.

That's about all we have for Charlevoix this week. If you'd like to read through the fun we had in August, click through each of the following:

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

That's it! Good luck to all how registered!

Exploring Charlevoix!

Cruise anyone? Sure! Why not!?

Keweenaw Excursions!

Come join the Keweenaw staff on an enjoyable sight‐seeing cruise along the scenic shorelines of Lake Michigan and/or Lake Charlevoix aboard the Keweenaw Star. Enjoy soft music, friendly staff, quiet drifting waters, and informative dialogue, as you take in the beauty of the area.

Keweenaw Excursions offer a variety of cruises to meet your needs, including eye catching fall color tours, dinner cruises, appetizers cruises, and wine tasting tours featuring local vineyards. Join them for a journey aboard the Keweenaw Star, a 110’ dinner cruise boat capable of carrying 149 passengers. Amenities include heated/air conditioned cabins, wide open upper deck, and more. Let them help you make your tour one to remember. Call today 906.482.0884 or online at www.keweenawexcursions.com

Cruise with a Local "Flavor"!

Enjoy a savory entrée catered by Charlevoix’s own, A Matter of Taste, while aboard the Keweenaw Star. Specializing in culinary baked goods and cuisine using only the freshest ingredients, A Matter of Taste and Keweenaw Star have partnered to bring you only the most delicious taste of Charlevoix.

Tomorrow's the last day to register...We'll also wrap things up!

Exploring Charlevoix!

Well..We're halfway through the week, and it's Day 3 of highlighting different places to visit in Charlevoix. It's also another day for you to register, if you haven't already. So hit the link above and get registering!

As promised yesterday, today we'll be visiting Downtown Charlevoix!

A setting of natural beauty, a charm that makes people smile. A visit to Charlevoix will convince you that water and land truly couldn’t have picked a finer place to meet. Live
a memory you’ll cherish forever...Compliments of Downtown Charlevoix.

Family Farm Market

”A Bushel of Family Fun!” awaits you at this family owned market. From your first step inside as the aroma from the bakery takes you back to grandma’s kitchen, your senses will be delighted by the many offerings Friske’s provides. Sample a wide variety of our products and shop our old style General Store and the converted Country Haus. All this and the finest quality fruits in season! 888.968.3554.

Little hint for tomorrow's visit to Charlevoix...We'll just be 'cruisin' around!

Exploring Charlevoix!

Yesterday we spent a little time in Charlevoix at Castle Farms, today we'll be heading over to the Earl Young Home!

Earl Young was a dreamer, designer, and builder of unique and fascinating stone houses that accommodate each building site with unusual stone fireplaces, chimneys, cedar shake roofs, and rooms with flowing curves. Step on guides are available for groups by contacting the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce at 231.547.2101 or www.Charlevoix.org.

On a personal note: No offense Earl, this is coming from a child of the 80's, but the house in the picture totally looks like a house the Smurfs would have lived in! :) Sorry Earl...Couldn't resist!

Anyway...Moving on and wrapping up...Tomorrow we'll head to Downtown Charlevoix!

Exploring Charlevoix!

Last week we gave away a Destination Prize Package to Sault Ste. Marie, and this week we're headed back to the lower peninsula to Charlevoix!

We visited Charlevoix back in August for the first round of Exploring Magnificent Michigan, but since we enjoyed it some much...we wanted to head there again.

So...for the next couple of days...not only can you register to win the Charlevoix prize package, but you can also catch a new update each morning, informing you of another exciting place you can visit if you happen to win, or make it up to Charlevoix any time soon!

Today...We're going to highlight one of our favorite places from our first trip...Castle Farms!

This Renaissance Castle is complete with magnificent soaring towers, stone archways, English gardens, and cobblestone courtyards–the perfect place to get a taste of Old‐World European charm. Your self-guided tour will delight you with the rich history of Castle Farms from its original construction in 1918 as a model farm through the art/studio and music concert eras into the present period which has won it an honored place on both the National and Historic Registers among numerous other awards.

Learn more about Castle Farms at CastleFarms.com

Exploring Sault Ste. Marie!

Well...Here we are. Friday...last day of the week. Last day to register for Sault Ste. Marie's Prize Package. So don't forget to register.

Before we close out for the week...We'll share one more thing about Sault Ste. Marie.

"The Place Where Michigan Was Born"

There are magical places on this planet that still speak to something in our hearts, places so gorgeous and diverse that they allow us to know exhilaration and peace, awe, and understanding. The Sault Ste. Marie region is one such place. Rushing waterfalls give way to majestic forests, rocky coastlines lead to picturesque lighthouses, and engineering feats of man stand side-by-side with small fishing skiffs and buckets of bait.

There you have it...just one more reason to visit Sault Ste. Marie!

Good luck...Next week, we're headed to Charlevoix!

Exploring Sault Ste. Marie!

We're still talking shipwrecks today. Yesterday, we mentioned the "Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum" and gave you a lot of detail about what you can expect to see. However...There's one thing we failed to mention...

"Explore the Haunting World of Shipwrecks"!

Lake Superior. Deceivingly beautiful, yet the big lake's unrelenting fury has earned her the reputation of being the most treacherous of the Great Lakes. Throughout the museum gallery, visitors see dramatic shipwreck legends come to life. Artifacts and exhibits tell stories of sailors and ships who braved the waters of Superior and those who were lost to her menacing waves. The bell of the famous Edmund Fitzgerald is displayed in the museum as a memorial to her lost crew. Whitefish Point marks the critical turning point for all ships entering or leaving the lake. The waters that extend west from Whitefish Point along the 80-mile stretch of rugged shoreline have earned the ominous title, "Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast".

Don't forget to register again today. The link is up top. One more day of registering tomorrow, and we'll wrap things up talking just a little bit more about Sault Ste. Marie.

Exploring Sault Ste. Marie!

Wow! We're halfway through the week already! Have you registered for this week's Destination Prize Package to Sault Ste. Marie? Hope so...If not, the link is at the top of this page...CLICK IT! :)

Anyway...Yesterday we talked about the "Museum Ship Valley Camp", "River of History Museum", and the "Tower of History". Today we'll turn our focus to shipwrecks!

"The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum"!

Visit the "Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum" at Historic Whitefish Point. The "Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum" is the only one of its kind, dedicated to the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes. It is fittingly located at Whitefish Point, site of the oldest active lighthouse on Lake Superior!

You'll experience a self-guided tour, with exhibits about Lake Superior's Shipwrecks, history of Whitefish Point, U.S. Lighthouse Service, and the Edmund Fitzgerald. Exhibits display actual artifacts, interpreted through paintings, descriptive narratives, and ship models. Also catch a 15-minute video, "Shipwreck: The Mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald" and enjoy a guided tour of the 1861 Lightkeepers Quarters Building. There's even a new Underwater Research exhibit featuring new artwork in the Theatre Building.

For more information...Visit ShipWreckMuseum.com!

Exploring Sault Ste. Marie!

Alright...So yesterday we highlighted the "Soo Locks Boat Tours" as an attraction in the great historic city of Sault Ste. Marie! Today...We've got a couple of attractions to bring to your attention.

First..."Museum Ship Valley Camp"!

"Museum Ship Valley Camp"...isn't a camp....it's a ship! A museum ship to be exact, and it's not one of those museum ships that only offers a tour of the deck. Housed inside "Valley Camp's" massive cargo hold, is a 20,000 square foot museum with over 100 exhibits, including aquariums!

For more information about "Museum Ship Valley Camp" Museum...Click HERE!

Second...We'll be heading to the "River of History Museum"!

The "River of History Museum" was opened by the Sault Foundation for Culture and History in 1992 with the mission of preserving and promoting the history of the St. Mary's River system. This well appointed and modern museum will relate the complete history of the St. Mary's River from its formation by the glaciers through the 20th Century.

More information can be found...HERE!

Finally...Let's talk about the "Tower of History"!

Soaring 210 feet about Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Locks, the tower has observation platforms for visitors to get spectacular views and photos of the world's busiest inland shipping channel. In the view below from the "Tower of History", one can see several historic houses, and the "Museum Ship Valley Camp".

Check HERE for more information!

Tomorrow...Shipwrecks!

Exploring Sault Ste. Marie!

Well...Here we are...Week 3 in our Fall: Explore Magnificent Michigan promotion! Last week we awarded a Destination Prize Package for a visit to the Ludington Area...This week, we're sending you to Sault Ste. Marie!

For the next couple of days, we'll be highlighting some fun things you can do in Sault Ste. Marie, whether you're this week's winner, or if you just happen to make it a weekend trip in the next couple of weeks!

The first thing we'd like to highlight is the "Soo Locks Boat Tours"!

The Soo Locks have been referred to as one of the great wonders of the world and it is still the largest waterway traffic system on earth! On the tour...Your boat will travel along the international shoreline of the Lower Harbor, letting you experience all the sights, sounds, and excitement of Michigan's Oldest City! Also...The 2-hour tour...No Gilligan's Island jokes please...will also be narrated live!

Your tour boat will ride the water as it is raised 21 feet, straight up, to the level of Lake Superior. You'll also cruise under the International Bridge and Railroad Bridge as you cross into Canadian waters, where you'll see one of Canada's largest operational steel plants!

The tour will then have you return to the lower harbor through the historic, and "Newly Restored", Candian Lock and cruise past the St. Mary's Rapids.

For more information about the "Soo Locks Boat Tour"...Head HERE!

Today, we just focused on one attraction..but Tomorrow...We'll talk about three!

Explore Ludington Area!

Well yesterday we wrapped up the 4 fun-filled weekends of the Ludington area's "Bushel of Fall Fun"! Today we'll highlight some extra fall festivities that are just too good to pass up!
Scarecrows on Parade! - Sept. 26th - October 31st

• Enjoy scarecrows in Mason County!

Fall Color Tours! - Sept. - November?

• Road Side Markets, Antique Shops, Miles of Decorated Downtowns!
• Click here to download a PDF of the driving tours!

Downtown Scottville Farmer's Market! - Now through October 10th

• Each Saturday between now and October 10th from 9am - 1pm.

Downtown Ludington Farmer's Market! - Now through October 30th

• Each Friday between now and October 30th from 3pm - 8pm.

And...Just in case you can't make it at all this fall:

Downtown Ludington New Year's Eve Ball Drop! - December 31st

• Ring in the new year in Ludington.

Well...That's it! If after today you can't find one fun thing to do in the Ludington area, you need to go re-read all of this week's posts! That's a TON of stuff to do and ALL great family things!

If you'd like more information about the Ludington area's "Bushel of Fall Fun", or about the Ludington area in general, visit: LudingtonCVB.com

Thanks! Next week we head to Sault Ste. Marie!

Explore Ludington Area!

Okay...for three days, we've been sharing some fun things you can do for the next 3 weekends as part of the Ludington area's "Bushel of Fall Fun". It's time to wrap it up with the final weekend!

Today, we'll cover the weekend of October 16th - 18th!
Gallery Walk! - October 17th

• Over 20 artist Studios and Galleries will be open to the public, some with artist demonstrations. Please join us for a wonderful celebration and tour of our unique art scene. Maps will be at various locations to help find your way along the walk.

Apple Jam! - October 17th

• Enjoy Food, Fun, and Folk Music!

Major's Pumpkin Patch! - October 17th & 18th

• Get spooked in the haunted hall and lose yourself in the corn maze. Pomp in the covered hay fort or enjoy a leisurely fall hayride. Fall decorations and pumpkins for the picking all about.

There you have it. That completes the 4 fun filled weekends the Ludington area's "Bushel of Fall Fun" can bring you and your family! We hope you get a chance to enjoy one of them! Check back tomorrow when we bring you details about a couple of extra fall festivities!

Explore Ludington Area!

Let's keep moving through the month of October in the Ludington area's "Bushel of Fall Fun"!

Today's post will cover activities you can enjoy the weekend of October 9th - 11th!
Community Shopping Night on the S.S. Badger! - October 9th & 10th

• Enjoy tours of the Historic Lake Michigan Carferry. Employee discount on all purchases, refreshments, and a drawing for 2 round trip tickets on 2010 Sailing Season.

Barns & Byways! - October 10th

• Tour 8 barns of Mason County. Some barns will have cultural activities including: Horse & Plowing Demos, Quilter’s Guild Displays, Antique Tractor Pull, Petting Zoo, and Line-Dancing Performances.

Scottville BBQ Cook-off! - October 10th

• A local grilling competition where spectators will be able to enjoy the end products.

Major's Pumpkin Patch! - October 10th & 11th

• Get spooked in the haunted hall and lose yourself in the corn maze. Pomp in the covered hay fort or enjoy a leisurely fall hayride. Fall decorations and pumpkins for the picking all about.

2009 Driving Tour Barns & Byways! - October 11th

• An extended driving tour featuring Mason County’s Centennial Farms on Sunday.

That closes out that weekend...one more left, we'll share more tomorrow!

Explore Ludington Area!

Alright...So yesterday we highlighted the "Bushel of Fall Fun" events for this coming weekend, but what if you can get to the Ludington area this weekend? Well...There are plenty of fun packed weekends left!

The next "Bushel of Fall Fun" weekend we'll be highlighting will be for October 2nd - 4th.
Autumn Days! - October 2nd & 3rd

• Watch apples being pressed into cider, enjoy a hayride, and reminisce over farm machinery display and more. Interpreters will be found in many of the village’s buildings to answer questions and provide a nostalgic look at the past.

Applefest! - October 3rd

• Homemade goods & crafts booths, hot pork dinner with all the trimmings, and a large bake sale with apple dumplings and apple squares.

Michigan Horsemanship Competition! - October 3rd & 4th

• Team sport with horse & riders from 16 high schools.

Scottville Barn Dance! - October 3rd

• The Scottville Barn Dance is held at the Riverside Park Campground in Scottville. This family friendly event has live music, concessions, children’s events, and an entire evening of dancing.

Oktoberfest! - October 3rd

• Oktoberfest includes activities of music, food, games, and a craft fair.

That's it for today...we'll hit another fun filled weekend tomorrow!

Explore Ludington Area!

It's a new week in JQ99 and Pure Michigan's Fall Explore Magnificent Michigan adventure! Last week we gave away a Destination Prize Package to Mackinaw City...This week, we're headed to the Ludington area!

Even though summer is over, the fun doesn't have to be! That's why the Ludington area is excited to share "Bushel of Fall Fun" with you!
Today, we're going to highlight what fall fun is going on this weekend, September 25th - 26th. It all starts with:
The Scottville Harvest Festival! - Sept. 25th - 26th

• Thursday, Sept. 24th: Ox Roast & Carnival!
• Friday, Sept. 25th - Carnival, Kids Parade, Princess Presentation, Queens Contest and Entertainment Tent!
• Saturday, Sept. 26th - Farmers Market, Carnival, Grand Parade, Horseshoe Tournament, Garden & Antique Tractor Pull, Kids Pedal Pull, Clown Band Performance, Haystack Maize, Pumpkin Bowling, and Entertainment Tent!

Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship District Competition! - Sept. 26th & 27th

• Held 9a - 6p each day and will feature Horses and Riders from 12 high schools!

Picture Perfect Weekend Workshops! - Sept. 25th - 27th

• Weekend long workshop that will teach you the 20 artistic elements to use while you are in the field of "making" photographs.

More fun is coming, so check back as we highlight another weekend tomorrow!

Be a "Biggest Loser" and Run the Mighty Mac!

1st Annual Fall Colors Bridge Race!
Saturday, October 10th

Helen & Shannon Phillips along with Ron & Mike Morelli will be joining Mackinaw City for the First Annual Fall Foot Race across the Mighty Mackinac Bridge!
Helen is from Sterling Heights and was this year's winner of the "Biggest Loser 7". Helen and her daughter Shannon love Northern Michigan and enjoy spending time with family at their cabin in Carp Lake.

Ron and Mike are father and son from South Lyon and were part of the 4 finalists in this years show. Mike was one of the youngest competitors on the show and actually made it to the final 3.

Mackinaw City will be doing a "Meet & Greet" Friday night at Registration/Packet Pick-up, so sign up now to enjoy the beautiful fall colors of the Straits of Mackinac while getting a chance to run the Beautiful Mighty Mac and meet some very inspirational people at the same time!

Another thing to do in Mackinaw City!

14th Annual Big Truck Show & Parade of Lights!
September 18th & 19th
See these awesome semi-trucks with customized cabs, extradordinary paint/art work and neon light displays. Come see the spectacular view of the lighted big trucks as the parade through South Huron Avenue and Central Avenue on Saturday night.

Friday, September 18th
Semi-Trucks on Display.

Saturday, September 19th
Mackinac Bridge "Parade of Lights" at dusk starting in St. Ignace and ending in Mackinaw City.

Saturday, September 19th & Sunday, September 20th
Semi-Trucks on Display and Awards Ceremony.

Things to do in Mackinaw City!

2nd Annual Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing!

September 18th
Come watch HUNDREDS of unique tractors in this year's Owosso Tractor Parts Antique Tractor Parade and Show!

Thursday, September 17th
4:00pm-8:00pm: Public can view the Tractors at the Historical Village in Mackinaw City.

Friday, September 18th
10:30am: Parade through Mackinaw City.
11:00am: Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing.
11:30am: Parade through St. Ignace.

Saturday, September 19th & Sunday, September 20th
Tractor Show at Kewadin Shores Casino, St. Ignace

(All times are approximate)

Explore Magnificent Michigan... Historical Manistee Trolly Tour

Our weekend experience in Manistee was a glorious experience. We learned so much regarding the history of Manistee County. The trolly ride was quite the education experience. Check out the video from our trolley ride.

Lunch & Dessert in Manistee County

We had a great lunch at Stefano's in Manistee, and we had to hit the candy store after. The candy store is situated downtown in the middle of all the action, and was a huge hit with our kids. Check out the video and you will see how big of a hit it was!

Exploring Magnificent Michigan Returns!

Okay...So...JQ99 and Pure Michigan spent the entire summer Exploring Magnificent Michigan and giving away Destination Packages away so you you could explore our great state as well, but...That ended last week, however...All of our recaps are still here, so feel free to peruse the blog to read about our Summer Adventures in Michigan!

Also...Don't be too sad...Fall is just around the corner, if not already here, and that means it's time for COLOR TOURS! So...JQ99 and Pure Michigan will be teaming up for 5 weeks this fall to Explore Magnificent Michigan once again!

Check back for more details...It kicks off next week! (Monday, September 14th!)

Jeremy

Exploring Magnificent Michigan - Manistee County

This is the first video of our trip to Manistee County. The older girls and my husband took an exciting airplane ride over downtown Manistee and Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful day for an airplane ride, and the girls had a blast. This was our first trip to Manistee County and we were amazed by all there was to do there.

Exploring Manistee County! - Tour Package Contents!

Manistee County is the FINAL Destination Package JQ99 & Pure Michigan have to give away for Explore Magnificent Michigan, and it's a big one!

Manistee County's prize package contains:

• 2 Nights lodging for Two
• 2 Dinners for Two
• A $50 Gas Card
• A Manistee County Gift Basket
• and your choice of: The Outdoor Tour Package, Haunted Mystery Tour Package, or Cultural Experience Tour Package!

However...Would you like to know what the Tour Packages contain? Here you go!

Outdoor Tour Package:

• 2 hour Canoe Trip on the Manistee or Platte River OR 20 minute Scenic Airplane Ride!
• Color Tour map with stops at: Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary, Apple Valley Orchards, Douglas Valley Organic Vineyard for tasting, Gwen Frostic Print Shop, and Arcadia Overlook (Gravity Hill)!
• Color Tour maps for Hiking and Biking, plus map of outdoor attractions!
• Maps for self-guided tours including Macabre Manistee County!
• AND...Your own Remembrance Photo of the two of you!

Haunted Mystery Tour Package:

• Haunted Hats to wear!
• 2 Tickets to Ghost Ship on the SS City of Milwaukee or Ramsdell Theatre Production!
• Color Tour map with stops at: Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary, Apple Valley Orchards, Douglas Valley Organic Vineyard for tasting, Gwen Frostic Print Shop, and Arcadia Overlook (Gravity Hill)!
• Color Tour maps for Hiking and Biking!
• Maps for self-guided tours including Macabre Manistee County, Cemetery Tours, Halloween house Decorations, Scarecrow Displays, and County-wide Museum Tour!
• AND...Your own Remembrance Photo of the two of you!

Cultural Experience Tour Package:

• Salt City of the Inland Seas Book!
  
• 2 Tickets to Ramsdell Theatre Production!
• Color Tour map with stops at: Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary, Apple Valley Orchards, Douglas Valley Organic Vineyard for tasting, Gwen Frostic Print Shop, and Arcadia Overlook (Gravity Hill)!
• Color Tour maps highlighting museums, art attractions and galleries, PLUS Michigan Legacy Art Park!
• Maps for self-guided tours including Macabre Manistee County and Historical Walking/Building Tour!
• AND...Your own Remembrance Photo of the two of you!

There you go! Check back all this week for Ceci's updates about her family's experience in Manistee County!

Jeremy

Exploring Charlevoix! - Day 5 (Final)

Alright...Last day of recapping my family's trip to Charlevoix!

We've had a lot of fun already; Shopping, Running around in the rain, Driving around the beautiful area of Charlevoix, and Dinner in a fancy restaurant.

To finish things off, we went and had fun at "Castle Farms"!

(By the way...Side note...On the way to "Castle Farms" is a cool candle factory outlet that everyone talked about, but we didn't have a chance to visit. "Bullfrog Light Co." their candles are special because the WHOLE candle glows, not just the top of the wick.)

Upon arrival, this is what we saw:

NEAT!

We walked in a little rain soak, and caught the introductory video just as they were starting it. So we sat through that and learned the history of "Castle Farms", at one point it was used as a concert venue!

Once the video finished, we were released to go start our self-guided tour. First stop...Butterfly Garden:

Next up...The Pond!

Oh...and they gave us fish food, check out what it did:

Here's the back of the castle:

We were able to do a majority of the tour, but since Emerson was in a stroller, it was a little more difficult to get around since there are many stairs and steps. (FYI)

Here's a cool shot of the side building:

And one of the big giant chess games on the grounds:

Here's part of the front of the castle:

Here's the upper banquet hall:

Oh...Did I forget to mention. This place is so large that they were set up to accommodate 4 separate weddings all at the same time that very day? Ha! Neat!

Well...That wraps up my family's recap of our trip to Charlevoix. It may have been a little on the chilly side and maybe a little rainy, but it didn't stop us from finding fun things that Charlevoix had to offer.

We plan to return at some point, because we'd really like to go on the Sunshine Charters Sailboat Tour.

Thanks so much for following along with me. You have the rest of the day today to get your 1 Point-Free entry into the Charlevoix Giveaway Contest on JQ Family Rewards. So make sure you go grab that.

Ceci and her family are gone today...Gone in Manistee! She'll recap her family's adventure next week as we wrap up Explore Magnificent Michigan with our last giveaway!

As I close, I want to thank the city of Charlevoix for showing us a good time, and I'd like to thank Lauren Brumley. She's the Executive Directore at the Charlevoix CVB. She was amazingly organized and helpful. If you have any questions about a trip to Charlevoix, I suggest you get in contact with her:

Lauren Brumley
info@charlevoixlodging.com
800.367.8558

The last thing I'd like to say is this...Don't forget how cool Michigan is. It's easy to get wrapped up in the news and talk of how poor our state is doing, but you know what...At some point someone told me, "Life is what you make of it." Well...They were right.

If all I take in and surround myself with is garbage and doom & gloom about where our state is at (or heading), that's what I'm going to believe. However...If I can shield myself from those things and actually shift my focus to the good...Michigan's an awesome state with a TON to offer!

So...That said. Go somewhere. Anywhere. Go show Michigan how much you love it by spending time with it. Even if that means going down to the local park and playing with the kids.

Enjoy.

Jeremy

Exploring Charlevoix! - Day 4

Dinner time!

After arriving...Finding the hotel and unpacking...Meeting up at the CVB...A little shopping...A Drive and some Naps...We finally make it to dinner time! Dinner at:

"THE GREY GABLES INN RESTAURANT"

We showed up, personally I was expecting a restaurant building, and we came face to face with a house! Yes, a house...a nice house, but still...a house!

So there we sat, Emerson in the back seat, my wife and I looking at each other in the front seat, wondering..."Do you suppose they accommodate little kids? You want to go in and ask? No...Why don't you, I'll stay in the car with Emerson." And so on.

Well...Annie made her way in and came back with good news, they allow children, in fact, when we strolled in, the hostess took one look at our daughter and said, "They're (babies) especially welcome when they're that cute!" Looks like we were good to go!

So we sat down and took in our surroundings. Yep...The outside of the house didn't lie...it was a house inside too! You know...modified to accommodate a large number of dinner guests.

We sat next to a cute old couple out to dinner for one of their birthdays. It was one of those situations where you look at your spouse and silently say to one another..."That's going to be us someday." And it may very well be, because the food was delicious!

I ordered Fish & Chips, Annie ordered some Whitefish, and Emerson had Cheerios, Bread, Turkey w. Squash (in a jar of course), and a bottle of milk.

Now...much like our encounter at "The Roadhouse" in Benzie County, in which you can recall my thoughts by checking the previous post, there were some shouts and screams, maybe a little breakdown here and there, but all and all...We made it through. For all you Veteran parents out there, we know you you do these types of outings blindfolded, but we're still working on it.

Oh...and we arrived at the right time. When we got there, there was only a handful of people, when we left, the entire restaurant was packed full!

"The Grey Gables Inn Restaurant" is included in this week's giveaway, so if you're the winner, you'll no doubt be going to dinner here, however...If you don't win, but still make your way to Charlevoix...stop by. The atmosphere is fun, the food is delicious, and it's overall, just a nice pleasant experience. Not something you get too often these days.

After dinner we contemplated ice cream, but bowed out due to being extremely full. It's back to the hotel to play for a while, then bed time!

Tomorrow's post is going to be heavy on the photos since the last part of my family's recap of Charlevoix finishes up a "Castle Farms".

Jeremy

Exploring Charlevoix! - Day 3

Hey! Welcome to the Day 3 recap. It's going to be a little shorted than yesterday, because mostly I'm going to show off some of the neat things we saw on our drive around before dinner.

See...With a 10/11 month old, we need to take pauses in our day for a nap. So after some shopping we decided to pack up and head back to "AmericInn" to get the kiddo a nap and recharge ourselves. After all...It was raining and we were a little soaked! Here's my soaked wife:

And a pretty wet daughter:

I didn't take a picture of myself, but I sacrificed my dryness to run to the car and come back and pick up my family who was huddled under an overhang.

Successfully back in the car we made our way back to home base, on the way, I got side tracked because out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of these two:

They were chillin' at the playground of the Church across the street, and let me get pretty close.

All rested and dried off, Emerson and I were ready to head back out:

More specifically, head out for dinner. On the way we drove down to one of the boat launches and snapped this pic Lake Charlevoix:

Might look a little gloomy, and maybe it was, but still...It was an extremely awesome view that the image can't do justice.

Like I said...Shorter post today. I'll wrap up and we'll have dinner tomorrow.

Jeremy

Exploring Charlevoix! - Day 2

Alright...Here's Day 2 of my recap of the family trip to Charlevoix.

Yesterday I left off saying that weather bumped our plans to take a sailboat tour. It did and instead, we decided to check out the downtown shops!

After walking away from "Sunshine" the sailboat, we walked towards the water and under the drawbridge. See...

Here's a cool shot of the red lighthouse from under the drawbridge.

The ladies of the "Henry" family smiling, with Lake Michigan in the background!

(This is after carrying the stroller up a flight of stairs.)

First memorable stop on our shopping trip...

THE TAFFY BARREL!

This place is seriously THE coolest candy store I've been to in quite a while. Focusing on taffy and hard to find candy, this place is a must see if you stop into Charlevoix. Check this shot out...Just a sample of the over 90 flavors they carry!

(That's Annie and Emerson at the end over there.)

Tip: If you are planning on getting married in the near future and need a party favor on the tables at the reception, might I suggest taffy? Comes in many colors and flavors!

Here's a part of the list of flavors; Candy Apple, Cinnamon Swirl, Egg Nog, Key Lime, Molasses Cookies, Cherry Cola, Root Beer Float, Watermelon, and MORE!

Visit "The Taffy Barrel" online at: www.TheTaffyBarrel.com

Next notable stop..."American Spoon"!

"American Spoon" has lots of fun flavors of Salsa, Jellies, Jam, and Butters! Also...3 words..."TASTE TESTING TABLES!" Yes...you can taste a lot of what "American Spoon" has to offer. Swing by when in Charlevoix, even if just for a snack!

That's about it for today...Tomorrow, I'll recap our drive around the area, leading up to dinner at the "Grey Gable Restaurant!"

Exploring Charlevoix! - Day 1

Ha! Two trips in a row, how fun!

Yes...It's me Jeremy, the overnight/web guy here at JQ99. My wife, daughter, and I went to the lovely city of Charlevoix (for the first time ever) this weekend, so that I could come to you all this week and recap the great time we had.

It was our first time to Charlevoix, and we weren't sure what to expect. Let me preface by saying that the next statement is of my own opinion and not that of the station, or anyone else. That said...Charlevoix is everything Holland (where I live and have grown up) should be.

Let me explain...Upon arrival we were in the familiar surrounding of a downtown area, similar to Downtown Holland. Only difference...It's right on the water! Here's a tip/idea for Holland...Move Padnos somewhere else and build a Boardwalk area with shopping, condos, boat tours, beautiful parks, etc. That's the secret to success...at least in my experience to Charlevoix.

*I don't mean to 'put down' Holland, I just see some room for improvement.

Moving on...Part of the prize package for Charlevoix is a 2 night stay at this place:

The "AmericInn" of Charlevoix!

Great accommodations! Close enough to town, but still a good distance away to avoid most of the traffic. After all...US-31 goes right through the city! Oh F.Y.I...The drawbridge seen below, goes up at the Top and Bottom of every hour.

Drawbridge down.

Drawbridge up!

We got to the "AmericInn", checked in and entered our room to set up and here's what we first saw...

Our welcome package!

The "AmericInn" also has a pool, but for whatever reason...um...We forgot our swimsuits. Ah well. Let that be a reminder to you if you are the winner, or decide to go up there.

Two sad ladies, wishing they had their suits.

After leaving the "AmericInn" we were supposed to head out on a Sailboat Tour, but unfortunately, with the winds, cold, and rain this past weekend, it got bumped. Here's a picture of the boat we could have been on...Too bad...Next time though!

"Sunshine"

Emerson in front of the boat.

I think today's post is long enough...So I'll end here. Check back tomorrow, when I share what we did instead of the Sailboat Tour!