Views from the Roostertail

Everyone's heard of the Roostertail on the Detroit River. They've been hosting classy proms and weddings for over 50 years. The name comes from the spray of water left behind a speed boat, but the views from this banquet facility are what we all swoon over. They hold corporate and charity events as well as seminars. It has been the backdrop, too, for some well known performers like Aretha Franklin and even the Rolling Stones.

Black Lotus Brewery in Clawson

Clawson's unique brewery, The Black Lotus, is a laid back restaurant with some awesome beers. The food is great, the ambiance is brew pub chic and we saw a group of young 30 somethings enjoying the establishment for their wedding shower. We classified the beer tastings as mighty fine. Investigate for yourselves at 14 Mile & Main.

Seven Lakes in Holly

Serene yet shocking, that was our first impression of Seven Lakes State Park in Fenton. That's a rattlesnake on the sign! What? Yes, the Massasauga is our state's only venomous snake. We don't see too many of them and they are in danger of extinction. The DNR wants us to learn to co-exist with these wetland-loving slithering creatures. Be careful not to provoke! Really, they say it is rare to sight them. They've been tracking several of their whereabouts by inserting GPS devices in them. With 1400 acres and seven beautiful lakes, the park also has numerous trails for hiking and biking. It's not overcrowded!

Covered Bridge in Fallasburg

As far as historic covered bridges go, Michigan has only a few left and the one in Fallasburg dates way back to 1871. Located in Kent County east of Grand Rapids, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's an eerie experience, walking across this one lane 100 foot structure and especially driving over it! It is rare to be able to drive over one. Dare you to do it!

Lighthouse at Ludington Beach

One of the coolest lighthouses to visit is the North Breakwater Light in Ludington --a mile walk roundtrip using the breakwater. The white pyramid-shaped light is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday until Sept 5. It is located in Stearns Park at the end of Ludington Avenue. Built in 1924, it tilts 4 degrees due to settling. Perhaps they should call it the Leaning Lighthouse of Ludington?

Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick

Michigan is so blessed to have this very special Milford couple reside and work in our state: Carl R Sams II and Jean Stoick. They have taken wildlife photography to its highest levels. For more than 30 years, they have snapped countless pictures of white-tailed deer, loons and other critters. They have published many books including the NY Times #1 best-seller pictured here: Stranger in the Woods. The movie made from it has won numerous awards. Surely you have seen their art out and about like in the Madison Heights Nature Center on 13 Mile west of Dequindre.

Blueberry Picking in South Haven

Are you coming to the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven this year? This 47th annual affair runs from Aug 12-15. Besides the traditional blueberry pancakes and bake-offs, there is a fish boil, a 5k run, an art show, lots of free concerts and gorgeous sunsets out by the lighthouse pier. The blueberries are ripe for picking now. The DeGrandchamp Farm with its 130 acres has been family operated since 1958. It opens at 8am and you can pick your own for a dollar fifty a pound. Heavenly! Michigan is the nation's leader in highbush blueberry production, producing nearly 500 million pounds a year. That's a lot of blueberries, baby!