Pure Michigan Travel - Holiday Highlights

Christmas at Cobo Hall

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:31:40 GMT

When I was a child long long ago, my family lived in Romulus and every year we looked forward to Christmas as usual for many reason, but one of the most was Cobo Hall. Our parents took us to Cobo Hall for Christmas every year and it was so wonderful. The giant snowman slide was so fun and most of all was seeing Santa at the north pole. The gingerbread houses and elfs and Santa's workshop made it all seem so real. All the wonderful decorations and things to do. It was so beautifully done up for Christmas. We moved away and all grew up, and now I am back and so is some of my family, and I was so hoping that you were still doing up Cobo Hall. I was looking on this site for something outstanding to do with my grandchildren this year...

(Editor's note: Cobo Hall no longer hosts a Christmas event, but you can search site for the other Holiday events going on in and around the metro Detroit area).

Mackinaw City; Place of History

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:08:30 GMT

I went to Mackinaw City for the historic 50th anniversary bridge walk, and discovered this area has a long and fascinating history, a destination for people since at least 650AD when Native Americans cane to the straits to fish and left remains of Hopwellian (mound builders) pottery. The story of the varied people and how they got there is told along the historical pathway that winds through the town and along the ever changing green-blue-gray waters of the straits, as well as at two better known destinations, the lighthouse and fort. The path tells tales of the first Europeans who paddled about 50 miles a day, sleeping under their canoes at night and living off lyed corn with pork and a soup of dried peas as they canoed from Montreal to the straits and beyond to obtain furs. Along the pathway you will also learn about Alexander Henry, the first Englishman in the area who awoke one morning to discover he had spent the night on a pile of human bones, and Chief WaWaTam, who befriended him because of a dream. Just west of the Mackinaw Bridge stands the restored fort, built in 1715 by the French to protect the fur trade. The fort has been occupied by the French, the British, and the Chippewa Indians. The British era of the fort is recreated today as the voices of men and a few women mix with the stomp of boots and the firing of muskets. Odors of gunpowder and open hearth cooking fill the air. British soldiers could be fugitives or convicts (but not Roman Catholics). They had to be at least 5’4”; however, sometimes shorter men were accepted if they promised to grow. They also had to have at least 4 teeth. Visitors have the chance to lie in the bunks soldiers slept in (minus the bedbugs and lice), try on a redcoat, and experience the “black hole” where prisoners were kept. There are restored quarters of officers, enlisted men (married and single), and fur traders. I was surprised to see a pink brocade sedan chair and a pool table in the commanding officers house, as well as copies of verses he wrote about his experiences. Outside, heritage plants fill the gardens. A reenactor gave us herbs to smell while she described their use. Wormwood (which stunk) was made into a tea to treat parasites, Bible leaf Plant was put in books to prevent bugs from chewing on the pages. The often turbulent water of the straits has claimed many ships, including the first steamship to try to cross the straits. Maritime history is told along the path and continued in the Mackinaw Point Lighthouse tour. Built in 1892 as a duplex, one side of the lighthouse is now furnished as it might have been around 1910, including a gramophone playing popular music of the day in the sitting room. The lighthouse keeper and his family were responsible for keeping the light lit and keeping up the property. “Utmost neatness” was demanded by the lighthouse service; there were prescribed duties for both the keeper and his wife. If all was not in order when inspectors arrived (unannounced), the keeper could be reprimanded or even dismissed. Another duty of the keeper was to be “courteous and polite” to visitors and to show them around the lighthouse. With its unusual location in a village, this lighthouse got more visitors than most. For many visitors today, the highlight of the tour is the four story, 51 step climb up the circular stairway to the top of the tower. The last eight feet of the climb are on an eleven rung ladder and through hatch. Until the light was electrified, the keeper had to carry 5 ½ oz. of kerosene up the ladder to light the 4th order Fresnel lens, which is still on display. From the tower, visitors look out to the Mackinaw Bridge who’s towers, 552 feet above the water, eliminated the need for the lighthouse. Visitors learn the impact of tourists to the area even before the bridge was built. In the 1880, Mackinaw City had nine passenger trains a day and a railroad hotel fit for the “most fastidious epicurean tourist”. During the early days of the automobile, it was a popular destination for private auto clubs. The need for a bridge over the nearly 5 miles of water between the upper and lower peninsulas existed for a long time. In the early days of automobiles, it cost $40 to one way for cars to take the railroad ferry across. By the early 1950s, during deer season there could be a ten hour wait for the auto ferries. Various ideas were put forth, including a floating tunnel and a set of causeways and bridges from Cheboygan to Bois Blanc, Round, and Mackinac Islands, ending in St. Ignace. In 1954, construction of the suspension bridge began. Using six million rivets, 750,000 tons of concrete and steel, and 42,000 miles of wire, the bridge was completed in 1957 just in time for deer season. Over 4.5 million vehicles use the bridge each year, along with cyclists during the Dal Mac ride just before Labor Day and pedestrians on the annual Labor Day walk.

ALL ABOARD

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:39:14 GMT

We used our granddaughter, Dellaunna, as an excuse to ride the Poplar Express. Leaving from the steam institute in Owosso we rode behind 1225, the steam engine which was the model for the Polar Express movie. Our destination was the North Pole, of course. This was not any staid train ride, it was a real adventure. Yes, they served hot chocolate on board, like they did in the movie. Well, ok, not exactly like they did in the movie. We were encouraged to walk through the train, visit the refreshment car and souvenir car, and even step out on the platform of the last passenger car. As we passed a couple of Michigan deer, we thought we must really be getting near the North Pole. Once at the North Pole there was entertainment, food, Santa Claus, and some amusement rides. My granddaughter is a girl after my own heart; other than a brief pause for pizza we spend our entire time in the amusement section. When we boarded the train to return to Owosso, we each found a bell on our seat; and we were all able to hear them ring. Back at the steam institute we enjoyed model trains and other railroading displays. I discovered one of the models had been donated by the family of a doctor with whom I once worked. This trip is so popular, tickets for next year will go on sale in January. Log onto www.mstrp.com for more information

My kids still talk about this trip

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:12:40 GMT

As a kid I went to the UP to visit family. Those relatives are gone now; however, I wanted to share the experience with my own kids. My grandmother and I took my kids to the Keeweenaw Penisula one 4th of July. Besides visiting the old family homestead outside of Baraga, we went to Copper Harbor, Brockway Mountain Drive, and Fort Wilkins. We took in the South Range 4th of July Parade, it was awesome! I'd never been to such an incredible parade. On the way back, we explored the Seul Choix Point lighthouse and the Cut River Bridge area. We stayed at the Harbour Pointe in St. Ignace, a fantastic place for families. Naturally, no visit would be complete without taking a trip to Mackinac Island. My kids still talk about all they saw and did on this trip. Can't wait to go back.

4th Of July

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:29 GMT

What a beautiful Display of Fireworks to help celebrate our nation's independence. "Grand Finale." This was at the Battle Creek National Air Festival in Battle Creek, MI. On the 4th of July in 2007. They have, By far, the most UNIQUE firework display I have seen so far.

Christmas in Allegan

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:55:27 GMT

Christmas in Allegan this year was such a pleasure. We had several experiences of pure pleasure in Downtown Allegan throughout the Holidays. The Holiday parade was the first event that lured us downtown with our Grand Children. The Parade is held in the evening so the lights twinkle as the parade winds through the streets. The Salvation Army Band plays Christmas music on the street throughout the evening. Just a very nice warm welcoming atmosphere. Next we visited The Downtown Bakery & Deli with Free Hot Chocolate every Friday night during the Festive Friday events all the way through Christmas. We enjoyed a free horse and buggy ride while in town as well. The Grand Children also enjoyed a very personable "Lunch with Santa" at the Deli. Santa comes around to each child and encourages pictures to be taken for no charge. We will be doing this again next year. Thanks Allegan.

Christmas 'Round the Town

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:38:32 GMT

Shopping house to house on Thanksgiving weekend. This is an annual event with many artists who open their homes to shoppers. The Lake Odessa and Woodland Communities are involved along with local merchants. It is a wonderful time to nibble your way from house to house and see the unique items that have been crafted. Maps of the homes that are invloved are available at Carl's Super Market in Lake Odessa.

What A Great State!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:01:07 GMT

When I first saw the tv advertisement about seeing Michigan, I asked my wife and kids if they wanted to check it out, am I glad they said yes. My family and I have been around the world, and nothing seems more friendly, relaxing and just down to earth than in good old Michigan. Last labour day weekend we got to experience the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge walk. We came up for a week and never felt like leaving. We went to Traverse City, and fell in love with the town. I even ended up becoming a member of the Mackinaw Brew Pub. If you ever get the chance, there is a store in Cheboygan that sells everything under the sun, I forget the name of it, but it is just off the main drag. We have met so many great people, it's sad to always leave and head home. We love it so much that my family and relatives plan to make it a yearly event going to Michigan and doing the famed bridge walk. As it turns out, my Mom told me that she and her father crossed the bridge 50 years ago when it first opened, and that it was a memorable moment crossing on foot 50 years later. There is not enough room on this page to talk about all the great places to go to, so my advice is to hope in your car, bus, train or plane and go see what an amazing place Michigan is, I know we will always come back every year.

Thanksgiving at The Main Street Stable Tavern

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:28:52 GMT

It was Thanksgiving 2005, when we decided to try something different for dinner! We had limited family to celebrate with, so we decided to drive from Temperance, MI to Blissfield, MI where we had the best Thanksgiving Dinner ever! It happened to snow that afternoon, which added to the unique ambiance of the location. The dinner buffet was so good, we still talk about it today! The selection was awesome and the food was superb! It was so good, we wish we could make it a tradition! We now live in sunny Southern California, so it'd be difficult to make the trip. But, sharing this wonderful experience with others...it's definitely worth the trip and hopefully, it will become a tradition for others!