Photo Friday: Divinity by country_boy_shane

May 16, 2008 – 9:34 am

Divinity by country_boy_shane

Shane Gorski says that you should view this photo taken at St. Paul's Armenian Church in Southfield bigger, and while you're at it, have a look at this one too! He writes:

In every place there is a secret beauty waiting to be uncovered. As an emerging photographer, I seek to reveal distinctive angles, unique colors, and ways to take you, the observer, into a new reality.

He has some amazing realities for you to explore in his photostream including The Henry Ford, the Detroit Auto Show and Michigan Central Station.

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Blogs & Forums, Churches & Religious Organizations, Detroit, Media, Museums & Collections, Photo Friday, Photography & Film, The Michigan Pages | Comments (0)

Dig Michigan: The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

May 15, 2008 – 9:35 pm


Pictured Rocks Waterfall by ER Post

There's so much that I want to say about the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that I have no idea where to start. Maybe all I need to say is that it's my favorite place on earth, and that I really hope you get a chance to visit there soon. That would probably get me in trouble for unseemly minimalism, so here's more:

The Lakeshore is located on the southern shore of Lake Superior between Munising at the west and Grand Marais at the east in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Pictured Rocks was the nation's first national lakeshore:

During 1957-58, the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, conducted a survey of the Great Lakes shoreline to determine areas suitable for inclusion in the National Park System. Of the almost 5,500 miles of Great Lakes shoreline studied, the survey team identified 118 miles. “By virtue of its unique and spectacular scenery unmatched elsewhere on the Great Lakes, the Pictured Rocks area of Alger County, comprising 43 miles of shoreline."

The Lakeshore was authorized in 1966. It contains 73,325 acres that boast 111 miles of hiking trails, five lakes (Miners, Little Beaver, Beaver, Chapel, Grand Sable), several major waterfalls, countless smaller falls and rivers, public beaches, sixteen campgrounds (cool municipal campground in Grand Marais) shipwrecks, lighthouses and other maritime facilities and more opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, sightseeing and outdoor fun than can be imagined. The main attraction, of course, are the pictured rocks themselves: spectacular and towering sandstone cliffs (up to 200' tall) that are composed of 500 million year-old Cambrian Sandstone painted a variety of colors by water running down the cliffs with oxides of copper, manganese, iron, and organic minerals. The cliffs are shaped by wind, ice and pounding waves that scour them smooth and also can shear off massive portions of the face.

Without further delay, here are 5 things to do at Pictured Rocks (please add other suggestions in the comments!):

Mosquito Beach I by farlaneHike the trails. Although the NPS seems to be hiding the trails (PDFs with trail listing & trail map), there is no better way to see the Pictured Rocks than hiking along the park's woodland trails. My personal favorite is the Mosquito Falls Trail which leads past falls, through multi-leveled woodlands and down to the driftwood-strewn, sand & sandstone Mosquito Beach. Chapel Falls/Chapel Rock is another great hike.

Pictured Rocks by limegreen_kayakIf hiking isn't your game, consider a Pictured Rocks scenic cruise. The cruises are operated by Pictured Rocks Cruises and (especially on calm days) offer an incredible opportunity to see the rock formations. The price might seem a little expensive before the trip, but it probably won't after you've seen them. There are also airplane tours (scroll to the bottom for a cool aerial tour!)

waterfun by lonniec61It might seem strange to take a boat tour of shipwrecks, but the glass bottom boat tours of wrecks in the Alger Underwater Preserve don't view any glass bottom boat wrecks, so it's probably safe. There are tons of wrecks to see this way (such as the Herman H. Hettler), on guided diving tours or just walking the shoreline.

Au Sable Lighthouse by taterfallsYou can also connect with the maritime history of the region by visiting historical sites like the Au Sable Light Station. It's open for tours (check the times) in the summer and there are even bus transports on a few days for folks with mobility limitations. Other sites include the Munising Range Lights, the Munising & Grand Marais Coast Guard Stations and harbor and the Lighthouse Keepers House and Museum in Grand Marais. We promise not to tell if you take the extra jaunt to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point.

Miners Falls by JoslynanTo borrow a line from one of my favorite web sites, go waterfalling! You can learn all about Miners Falls and other falls in the area from gowaterfalling.com and the Park web site lists some of the larger waterfalls. While some of them require a hike, there are some like Sable Falls that are a short walk. If you take that trip above to the Shipwreck Museum, you can also check out Tahquamenon Falls. It's one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River and awe-inspiring, especially in the spring and early summer.

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By farlane | Posted in Area Information, Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Attractions, Boating, Diving & Beaches, Camping & RVs, Chambers of Commerce, Community, Destinations, Environment & Environmental Organizations, Government, Hiking & Biking, History & Libraries, Lodging & Travel, Media, Michigan, Parks, Photography & Film, Recreation & Sports, Technology & Internet Media, The Michigan Pages, UP | Comments (0)

Blogs We Dig: Big Binder

May 14, 2008 – 7:29 am


Wanna Blueberry? - Tahquamenon Falls State Park,
Paradise, Michigan by jfactor1

Big Binder is billed as a blog is for anyone who is looking for activities to do with young children in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. The author writes:

An almost frightening lack of ability in the crafting area forced me 'outsource' fun things to do with my kids. Fortunately, I live in a community with more than enough to keep my family busy.

I started keeping a big binder of things to do around town with my kids, and began sharing the information with my friends. In a single day, I was asked by six different people to start "a website or something" with this information. As "Finding Stuff" is an unusual talent and doesn’t look good on a resume, I decided it was time to do it.

Do it she has done. I don't have young kids (any more) but I know that if I did, I'd be a regular at this blog, which has a number of regulars that add their thoughtful comments. With everything from thoughts about eating in Menu Plan Mondays (don't serve snack foods for snacks, never refuse a request to buy fruit) to kid-friendly excursion ideas such as Donuts, Alpacas, and Dairy Cows (Krispy Kreme does tours!), you're sure to find something that makes it just a bit easier to be a parent whether you live in Grand Rapids or elsewhere.

By farlane | Posted in Animals, Articles, Attractions, Blogs & Forums, Community, Grand Rapids, Media, Michigan, Offbeat, Recreation & Sports, Schools & Education, The Michigan Pages | Comments (1)

Michigan Asparagus is Ready to Pick!

May 13, 2008 – 1:46 pm


YUCK/YUM - Pick a Side by Rudy Malmquist

Taste the Local Difference says that asparagus is ready to pick!

It's a member of the lily family and can grow as quickly as 10 inches in one day! Michigan ranks third in the nation for asparagus production (behind California and Washington) and the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board says that well cared for asparagus planting will generally produce for about 15 years without being replanted. Asparagus has no fat, cholesterol and is low in sodium. It's a nutrient-dense food which in high in folic acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin.

It's probably little wonder that the vegetable is the subject of a documentary film, Asparagus! Stalking the American Life. The film is set in Michigan and Filmmaker Magazine writes:

Anne de Mare and Kirsten Kelly's feature-length film Asparagus! "takes viewers to the small town of Oceana, Michigan, the self-proclaimed asparagus capital of the world. After 30 years, Oceana is facing the destruction of its farming base because of a little known provision in a trade bill resulting from the 'war on drugs' [which has inadvertently created a a strong Peruvian asparagus competitor]. Faced with economic ruin and the loss of their beloved vegetable, the community decides to fight back."

Visit asparagusthemovie.com to learn more about the movie and view a trailer, and if you happen to be up in Empire this weekend, catch a screening at the Empire Asparagus Festival.

Beauty, courtesy Michigan Asparagus Board
Beauty, courtesy Michigan Asparagus Board

Featured Recipe: Asparagus Frittata

1 small bunch asparagus, about 3/4 pound
1 large or 2 small leeks
2 Tbsp. butter
4-5 hen's eggs from family farm chickens
1/2 cup cream, half and half or whole milk, from a family dairy, if possible
Sea salt, to taste
Pepper, freshly ground
Nutmeg, a little grated fresh, or 1/8 tsp. ground
1/4 cup grated cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, or crumbed feta

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  2. Break off the tough ends of asparagus. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal.
  3. Slice leeks into thick rounds. Put them into a bowl of cold water and mix to get the dirt out.
  4. Melt the butter in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel). When it's hot, lift the leeks out of the water in handfuls, shaking off any excess water, and put into the pan. Saute over medium heat until just tender.
  5. Add asparagus pieces to the pan along with about a Tbsp. of water. Cover the pan and allow the asparagus to steam for 1 to 3 minutes, until just tender.
  6. Meanwhile, mix together the eggs with cream, milk or combination.
  7. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  8. Add asparagus to the pan and pour the egg mixture over, then add the cheese, pressing it gently into the eggs. Let this cook on the stovetop over low heat for a minute or two, and then transfer to the oven and bake until the eggs are just set-this may be as little as 5 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven, cool for a few minutes, and slice. Serve with salad, good bread, and maybe a few steamed new potatoes.

Submitted by: Full Moon Feast, Jessica Prentice, March 2006

More asparagus recipes over at Taste the Local Difference.

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Blogs & Forums, Food & Dining, Food, Health & Nutrition, Landscaping & Gardens, Media, Michigan, Michigan Grown, Recipes, Shopping, Television & Internet Video, The Michigan Pages, Traverse City, Video | Comments (0)

Mayapple

May 13, 2008 – 7:32 am


Mayapple by curlyson

The mayapple is a perennial plant in the barberry family which can be found in the woodlands here in Michigan. The plants grow up to 18 inches in height and grow in patches. Each plant has a single stalk that is topped with one to two broad, deeply divided leaves that resemble umbrellas.

In May (hence the name) a single, small white flower blooms from the fork in the stem. The flower then develops into a pulpy, lemon-yellow berry which ripens in late summer and is the only part of the plant that is not poisonous, and it is recommended that if you should eat the berries that it be done only in extreme moderation.

You can get a ton more information and photos about Podophyllum peltatum L. (mayapple) from USDA Plants, which shows that it grows from Florida all the way up into Canada.

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Homes & Real Estate, Landscaping & Gardens, Michigan, The Michigan Pages | Comments (0)

The Week for May 12-18, 2008

May 12, 2008 – 11:03 am


Untitled by flatgraphic (wren at Dodge Park)

Welcome to The Week!

Our Michigan May Event Calendar says that this weekend's fun includes the Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, the East Lansing Art Festival, Ann Arbor Book Festival, the Motor City Comic Con and the Annual Flower Fair & Home & Garden Marketplace in Lake Orion.

In the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr we're seeing photos of irises, trillium, apple blossoms and tadpoles.

Go Wings, Go Pistons and somebody wake up those Tigers!

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Blogs & Forums, Festivals, Attractions & Event Calendars, Media, Michigan, Newspapers, Photo, Photography & Film, The Michigan Pages, The Week | Comments (4)

Michigan travel incentives in response to gas prices

May 12, 2008 – 10:50 am


How Much?! by luna.nik

Gas is all over the news because it's apparently quite expensive, and never mind the fact that it has been pretty darn expensive for a couple of years now. Michigan hit another all time high of $3.84 per gallon last week and the numbers are rolling on at michigangasprices.com where they range from a low in Ludington at $3.63 to a high at Beaver Island of $4.99!

In Free gas offers may lure Michigan tourists, mLive reports on the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau and a list of many others who are offering gas cards to entice tourists to look beyond the numbers to the prospect of actually doing something fun as Memorial Day Weekend approaches. They also have a brief article about how some Michigan state campgrounds are offering RV storage between stays, allowing you to park that gas hungry motor home or trailer for up to 30 days between stays.

Somewhere on the newly redesigned michigan.org there is a list of businesses and chambers offering gas card promotions. I couldn't find it but did find out that 2008 is being billed as The Year of the Car.

With calls rising to cut the Federal gas tax and Michigan's state sales taxes on fuel, you can be sure that gas prices are going to remain in the minds of travelers and those who are relying on travel for their livelihoods will have to work even harder this year!

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Camping & RVs, Chambers of Commerce, Community, Destinations, Government, Lodging & Travel, Michigan, Parks, Recreation & Sports, The Michigan Pages | Comments (0)

Photo Friday: Tulip Festival - Holland Michigan 2008 by bmg5

May 9, 2008 – 10:13 am

Tulip Festival - Holland Michigan 2008 by bmg5

Brian Gudas took several photos at the Veldeer's Tulip Farm in Holland the other day.

He has some cool photos sets including this beautiful collection of spring flowers (slideshow), the Coast Guard Fest and the Grand Haven Coast Guard's 50th Anniversary fireworks show. In addition to the sets, he has photos of everything from this amazing shot of the car ferry in Manistee to extremely detailed photos of ketchup.

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Holland, Landscaping & Gardens, Michigan, Photo, Photo Friday, Photography & Film, The Michigan Pages | Comments (2)

Michigan History: Jammin' in Jackson

May 9, 2008 – 9:32 am


Goose Lake Rock Festival by edwards_sa

The headlines of the local newspaper read, "125,000 and Still Coming." The reporter of the story wrote, "Goose Lake Park's rock festival is no county fair, state fair or world's fair. It's a young people's fair."

Held in August 1970, the Goose Lake festival was similar to the more famous outdoor concert near Woodstock, New York, that took place a year earlier. Some reports said 200,000 people attended the three-day outdoor concert near Jackson, Michigan. The two dozen bands that played at Goose Lake included such big names as Chicago, Jethro Tull and Bob Seger.

But Goose Lake was not without controversy. Local residents opposed the festival, fearing the commotion that would result when thousands of young people gathered near their homes.

Despite the huge crowd of people, there were no reports of physical violence. A University of Michigan doctor, one of a dozen doctors at the festival providing free medical treatment, thought the absence of violence "was a credit to a generation."

While there was no violence at Goose Lake, the popular use of illegal drugs, especially marijuana, was a concern for authorities. To avoid sparking a "riot," the police only arrested drug users or dealers who were outside the park. After the concert, Governor William Milliken was outraged about drug use at Goose Lake. "Rock festivals are a great idea," the governor said, "but without the drugs." A doctor at the concert wondered if the reports of drug abuse "may have been exaggerated." At the festival's four hospital tents, 400 people were treated for an assortment of illnesses and injuries. But there were only a few drug overdose patients.

When the Goose Lake festival ended, local citizens expressed their thoughts about having hosted the biggest rock festival in Michigan history. Some complained of a lack of sleep because the music was so loud. One local resident found the concert "a nerve-racking deal," while another said he would fight future rock festivals "to the last ditch." Others disagreed. A Goose Lake farmer said all the noise and activity did not affect his cows who he said were "contented." A gas station attendant said the station was unusually busy during the weekend, but things went "smoothly . . . we had no problems at all."

To learn more about Michigan's music history, look for the current issue of Michigan History for Kids magazine. Call (800) 366-3703 or visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com for more information.

Here's a video of Mountain performing Mississippi Queen at the Goose Lake Festival. More cowbell. ;)

By farlane | Posted in Articles, Arts & Entertainment, Community, Festivals, Attractions & Event Calendars, History & Libraries, Jackson, Michigan, Television & Internet Video, The Michigan Pages: History | Comments (0)

Dig Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes

May 8, 2008 – 11:14 am


Sleeping Bear Dunes by StrudelMonkey

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore headlines itself "The best nature escape in the Midwest" and though I certainly have strong ties to the Dunes, I feel confident saying it's top 5 at the very least.

The October 21, 1970 Act of Congress that established the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore declared that "...the Congress finds that certain outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena, exist along the mainland shore of Lake Michigan and on certain nearby islands in Benzie and Leelanau Counties, Michigan, and that such features ought to be preserved in their natural setting and protected from developments and uses which would destroy the scenic beauty and natural character of the area."

That amazing beauty and natural character has indeed been preserved ... and then some. The Lakeshore has over 60 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline: 35 miles from Good Harbor Bay to just north of Point Betsie and almost 30 on North & South Manitou Islands. Much of this is wilderness and much more is very close to wilderness, accessed by a hundred miles of hiking trails and a large number of public beaches (if you can only go to one, try Otter Creek).

Visitors might be content to pick up a park map at the visitor center, climb the Dune Climb, cool off with a swim at Glen Haven, do some shopping in Glen Arbor or Empire and call it a day.

While that is no doubt a fun way to spend a day, the area offers so much more that it really makes sense to make it a weekend (or longer) affair. When asked, I usually spend 15 minutes sputtering "but don't forget-", but I will limit myself to 5 "must do" experiences.

Kayaking to South Manitou Island by cedarkayakThe Manitou Islands are an incredible hiking and camping experience. In season (May - October) the Mishe-Mokwa and Manitou Isle ferries will take you to South Manitou and North Manitou. Camping is permitted in campgrounds on South and backcountry on North, and both islands offer sandy beaches and hiking through great woodlands and the remains of the once thriving first European settlements in this area. (view Manitou Islands slideshow and check out the Manitou Islands photo group on Flickr)

Sleeping Bear Bay by corremadridA day along Sleeping Bear Bay would consist of (in some order) checking out the Glen Haven Cannery Boathouse with its collection of historic boats, the Blacksmith Shop and the US Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and spending time roaming the trails and shore of Sleeping Bear Point.

lonesome yaks by plattegalYou can have a great time in a canoe or kayak on the Platte River. The lower Platte River is a leisurely and family friendly paddle. While the river can be a bit crowded at the height of the season, it's a perfect place to while away a hot summer day with ample pullouts for picnicking and swimming. You can also paddle down the Crystal River or along the Lake Michigan shoreline. (Platte River slideshow in the Benzie County group)

Barn at the Eckhert Farm, Autumn View by John Clement HoweAn activity to fill a less than perfect day is to tour the cultural resources of the area. Within the park are the wide historic landscapes of farms and buildings on Port Oneida and smaller homesteads from the 1900s like Tweddle-Treat and others. In addition to the Park's museums and visitor center, if there's a "can't miss" rainy day activity, it has to be the Empire Area Museum. Check the hours on their web site and then trust me when I say "Just go."

In the Michigan Immense Public Park by Andy McFarlanePersonally, my dream is to hike the 30-something mile Lake Michigan shoreline from Good Harbor to Point Betsie. Mile upon mile of pristine, sandy coast are at the base of bluffs and coastal dunes for much of the journey and you can go for hours without seeing more signs of civilization than the occasional bit of recent or historic debris or fellow hikers. For those who want something a bit less strenuous, there's plenty of beaches that are perfect for a short walk, swimming or just lounging around.

More to say? Tons and tons I'm sure! Please add your observations, questions and links below!

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By farlane | Posted in Michigan | Comments (0)