Sue and Esther's American Tea Room

Tea lovers will seek out Sue and Esther's American Tea Room in Frankenmuth which advertises good food, good friends and good conversation. With its charming décor and display of beautiful hats, patrons enjoy wonderful teas and finger foods, quiches, salads, sandwiches and/or desserts to go along with them. It is often used as a venue for bridal or baby showers and birthdays. They are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10-4.

Michigan's Own Military and Space Museum

Unique cell phone audio tours are available at Michigan's Own Military and Space Museum. Located in Frankenmuth across the street from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Campground, it is filled with memorabilia about our own state's veterans of the seven foreign wars in which our nation has fought as well as our space heroes. With about 400 exhibits, visitors get an appreciation for the passage of time and all the contributions our own men and women have provided that we might continue to enjoy the freedoms we have. They have the largest collection of Medals of Honor in the US.

Krzysiak's House Restaurant in Bay City

Have you been to the legendary Polish restaurant in Bay City called Krzysiak's House? Begun by Don and Lois Krzysiak, it's been doing a brisk business on Michigan Avenue since 1979 serving homecooked fare like pierogis and smoked sausages. Their special egg noodles are even sold by Gordon Food Service. It's a treat just to experience the beautiful original murals and listen to the polkas while eating. This family run restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Birmingham's Griffin Claw Brewery

If you haven't heard of Griffin Claw, you will soon. This two month old brewery on Eton St in Birmingham is a huge 12,000 square foot facility with an über cool biergarten next to the train tracks. So far, we've tried the chicken quesadillas and the haddock sandwich and found them both absolutely tantalizing along with very delicious beers called El Rojo and the Grand Trunk Pilsner. How interesting that a brewery so young is already on tap in Detroit at Rub BBQ Pub. The long adjoining picnic tables had a lovely family gathering just before our arrival, maybe celebrating an engagement or an anniversary with ages ranging from five to 75.  It was adorable--and in a brewery, no less! It felt very European and the service is top notch.

Fallasburg One Room School House

To celebrate the official back-to-school day for children, we found the Fallasburg one room school house covered in its traditional clapboard in what is now Lowell Michigan. That is a belfry on top. It was built in 1867 on land donated by John Wesley Fallass. Today, it is used as a museum, housing all kinds of interesting artifacts. May the 2013-14 school year be blessed for children, parents and teachers!

Turtle Pond Nature Trail in New Buffalo

What are you doing this fine Labor Day? New buffalo has built boardwalks through their two acre marshy wildlife preserve and made an interesting Turtle Pond Nature Trail. We zipped through it on mountain bikes and enjoyed the scenery and natural settings. It sidles along the railroad tracks and bridges a little pond.  It's dedicated to the property owner, Elizabeth McNeil, and is pretty serene with plenty of shade and wildflowers.

Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste Marie

One of the oldest and most elegant courthouses in Michigan is located in Sault Ste Marie. Designated a National Historic Site, the Chippewa County Courthouse was built in 1877. The beautiful three story building is considered Second Empire architectural style and was created by Detroit architect William Scott. It's charming cut stone design is a marvel to behold. We recently heard the complex is for sale.