Breath of Fresh Air

Surely you were out and enjoying that sunshine yesterday on March first. Spring is definitely in the air! If Old Man Winter has gotten you down, then take a welcome break from the bleak cold inside the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle, designed by Albert Kahn. On our visit yesterday we found it peaceful, immaculate and filled with colorful blooms. A popular place for weddings, you can't appreciate the 13 acres of gardens that surround it yet, but it won't be long! It's open every day until 5 and it's free.

Gazing up.....in Grand Rapids

The Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids is a year-round facility with some awesome Christmas displays, sing-along-trolleys and horse and buggy rides available until January 10th. This 132 acre complex was named in 2009 as one of the the top 30 "Must-See Museums" in the world! The Meijer Corporation donated financial support, the land and their entire collection of sculptures for this magnificent park. There is a large conservatory and indoor as well as outdoor gardens. There are over 170 sculptures including works by Marshall Fredericks, Rodin, Chihuly, Calder, Henry Moore and so many more. But the 300,000 Christmas lights and the international theme and decoration of the trees make it a definite draw for a wintertime destination right now. Put it on your calendar! More info here.