Hart Plaza Phylon in Detroit

The twisting column on Detroit's riverfront plaza is a piece of work by renowned architect Isamu Noguchi. He was born in Los Angeles in 1904, but went to high school in rural Indiana where he changed his name to Sam Gilmour! He eventually changed his name back and became one of the 20th centuries most prominent sculptors. The pylon in Hart Plaza is made of stainless steel. Why does it twist towards the sky? Only the artist knows! Nogucki also designed the fountain in Hart Plaza.

Clifford's Hickory Hill Farm

Cousin Don and family farm the 80 acre Hickory Hill in Clifford, the center of Michigan's thumb. It's been in the Hobson family since 1888 and offers eggs, rhubarb, jams, maple syrup, strawberries, asparagus and other vegetables. Cousin Don is a character in his signature orange shirt and has been spotted on the Martha Stewart Show. We can buy his delicious produce at various local markets (Birmingham, Rochester) promoting going local.  Ask him about his bush hogging or his grandpa's elderberries.

Yelton Manor B&B in South Haven

The Yelton Manor says they are not just lodging, they are "life enhancement". And we agree!! It is a fabulous B&B in South Haven for people who just want to step back in time, get away and relax.  The owners, Elaine and Robert, have a passion for this innkeeping and their gardens and the delicious food they prepare. Even the rooms are named romantically: the jasmine, the forget-me-not, the snapdragon, etc. The Inn Traveler Magazine voted it the Best South Haven Bed and Breakfast. It's a treasure.

Red Baron Charter Fishing in South Haven

What floats your boat on the 4th of July? Docked on the Black River near the Dykman Bridge in South Haven, the Red Baron offers superb charter fishing trips on Lake Michigan. Their 30' boat is equipped with everything you need to catch your perch, salmon or lake trout. The boats are run by two brothers, Captains Jim and Chad Bard. Bring your own food and drink.

Detroit Zoo's Rackham Fountain Bears

The Horace Rackham Memorial Fountain was built in 1939 by Corrado Parducci. Horace was a philanthropist and the first president of the zoo back in 1924-1928. He donated the land for the zoo and the adjacent Rackham Golf Course (Michigan's first 18 hole golf course!). The two bronze bears are 10 feet tall and one of the most photographed sites at the zoo. It appears so refreshing during our hot, hot summer, doesn't it?

Wooden Quilt in Royal Oak Public Library

Three cheers for the Metro Carvers of Michigan who have created a uniquely carved wooden quilt which is displayed on the wall of the Royal Oak Public Library. Each of the 30 squares was created by a different member, except Jack Crifasi of Hazel Park, who has two designs, the State Capitol and the State seal. They are intricate carvings that show depth and beauty and some of the delightful highlights of Michigan. This artifact is now 19 years old.

St Joseph's Silver Beach

Louis Blériot was the person to fly over the English Channel back in 1909.  That was an incredible 20 mile feat. Well, did you know that the second flight over water was done above our own Lake Michigan? Logan "Jack" Vilas flew 60 miles in a Curtiss bi-plane flying boat on July 1, 1913 from Silver Beach in St Joseph to Chicago. The hull of this aircraft is in Washington DC's Smithsonian. Today mark's the 99th anniversary of that historic flight.