McGeady's Town Pub in Monroe

McGeady's has been around so long that even General Custer frequented the place! We were told he had his last drink here before heading out to his infamous last stand. We thoroughly enjoyed the rustic Irish surroundings and the friendly waitstaff and yes!--they serve Michigan local brews. Located on Monroe Street, they offer three levels for gatherings, parties and a dance floor as well as homemade soups, hamburgers and sandwiches, steaks and pasta, too. The hand-painted mural up above highlights the historical buildings downtown and of course, the statue of Custer, which we've mentioned before here.

Kalamazoo's Cathedral Church of St Augustine

St Augustine's is celebrating 155 years in Kalamazoo which began its existence in 1856, the same year that Abraham Lincoln spoke in nearby Bronson Park!  The small wooden church of 1856 was replaced by a larger brick edifice in 1869, followed by expansions that included a new rectory, school, convent, Borgess Hospital and then the present cathedral which was completed in 1951. It miraculously survived a tornado that slammed into it in 1980 and continues to serve 110,000 parishioners in the surrounding nine counties.

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak

Mark Ridley's in Royal Oak brings in some of the best comedians from around the country.  Tim Allen and Dave Coulier started --where else? --here at the Comedy Club which has been dishing out hilarious laughter since 1979. We recently saw Ken Rogerson who had just returned from entertaining the US troops in Afghanistan.  He was excellent.  Ben Kostatin and Martez Jackson also performed that night.  Showtimes are typically Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Call and ask them about the special for the week of your birthday. There are some great acts coming up.

Gem Theatre in Detroit

We love the intimacy of the Gem Theatre. Along with the Century Club next door, these two early 1900's historical playhouses were saved from the wrecking ball and moved in 1997 almost 2000 feet to make way for Comerica Park which looms behind them. We've enjoyed many a long-running play here like Escanaba in da Moonlight, Forever Plaid, Menopause and Forbidden Broadway. Performances of the comedy Till Death Do Us Part just began this week and will show through March 6. Excellent dining is available too before the play at the Century Grille.

Traverse City's French restaurant, Amical

Amical is a yummy French bistro sitting on West Grand Traverse Bay in the downtown area of Traverse City. It's been going strong since 1994 and open seven days a week! It's name means "friendly" in French and we certainly felt comfortable here. Tables are elbow to elbow the French way and it is pretty crowded in season. The display of food viewable in the glass case up front will immediately start you salivating.  Our meal was spot on fantastic.

International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit

The International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit (IIMD) was founded in 1919 by a group of YWCA volunteers who sought to help immigrants. It is now a United Way organization. It aims to serve immigrants and people who are interested in expressing their own ethnic heritage and learning about culture of other nations. Visit the International Doll Collection (over 35,000 dolls in ethnic dress) on the first floor and the international café on the lower level. You will not be disappointed.

Fort de Buade in St Ignace

There are many cool things to discover in St Ignace just the other side of mighty Mackinac Bridge.  The museum, Fort de Buade, on State Street downtown refers to the fort built in St Ignace by the French in 1681 to protect the fur-trading business. Today it is filled with interesting artifacts that depict the history and relics of that time. The collection above belonged to the last chief in the area: Santiago. He passed away at the age of 100 in the early 1900's. Culled from his log home in the UP it is a fascinating look into the Indian life melded with that of the White man.