Turkey by Vaughan

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and over a million Michiganians will soon be hitting the road to attend family get-togethers and enjoying annual traditions. To help get ready for the upcoming holiday we have compiled a bunch of informative and entertaining Thanksgiving related links for you to enjoy.

Thanksgiving Food & Drink

Thanksgiving starts with turkey, and the folks at Michigan Turkey are getting ready. An article from Whole Foods notes that Michigan Turkey  is not a large conglomerate - they work strictly with farms in west Michigan within 25 miles of the plant. Check out the video below The Traverse City Record-Eagle has a great feature with tips & recipes for making it a local Thanksgiving and mLive's Thanksgiving Page has some excellent info (with more coming) including a recipe for cherry wood smoked turkey that looks absolutely delicious! They note that Thanksgiving is expected to cost about 13% more in 2011, but also offer a few tips for a simpler and lower stress holiday.

You can get lots of great Thanksgiving recipes and dinner ideas on the Food Network's website and go to Michigan-based Kitchen Chick for a ton of Thanksgiving recipes including cranberry pie!

Michigan Master Sommelier Claudia Tyagi told us:

I always like Riesling with turkey, although with poultry Chardonnay would be beautiful. You have a lot of versatility and a lot of possibility with turkey. You could use a white wine or an aromatic wine. Those tend to go well with turkey, too.

Speaking of wine & recipes, there's a post on Leelanau.com today that pairs recipes from Traverse magazine with wines. Last year Claudia sent us Sylvia Rector's article Give Michigan wines a second look on Thanksgiving. She calls out some more Michigan wines that you'll want to put on your wine shop radar! MyNorth.com suggest a few Rieslings on the sweeter side and they also list some great dry Rieslings (which are awesome if you haven't tried them).

The Centennial Cranberry Farm in Paradise was established in 1876 and has online ordering of all kinds of cranberry products. Absolute Michigan has more about Michigan Cranberries, and lots more Turkey Day food ideas & articles at absolutemichigan.com/Thanksgiving and in our Michigan Grown section in Food & Dining!

Parades & Football!

2011 marks the 85th birthday of America's Thanksgiving Parade, and the parade is one of the country's oldest and most celebrated parades. It kicks off at 9:20 AM on Woodward Avenue and Mack and end at Woodward Avenue and Congress in downtown Detroit on Thursday, November 24, 2011.

If you Motown is off your radar on Thanksgiving, how about a nice set of parade photos from the our Flickr pool, a clickondetroit.com article - "Thousands Cheered As America's Thanksgiving Parade Rolled Down Woodward " (with video), a historical look at Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade and a TV tuned to WDIV-TV Local 4 at 9 AM (also on for an hour nationally). If you're the prudent type, you might consider building up a calorie credit balance at the Annual Detroit Turkey Trot.

Thanksgiving Day by Dave Hogg

The Detroit Lions 72nd Thanksgiving Day Classic pits the Lions against the NFL leading and currently undefeated Green Bay Packers. We'll have details next week on Absolute Michigan.

Amaze your family, friends with what you learn about the origins and history of Thanksgiving on Wikipedia.

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Detroit Gargoyles by The Whistling Monkey
part of a set of detroit Gargoyles

Among all the impish offspring of the Stone God, wizards and witches, that made Detroit feared by the early settlers, none were more dreaded than the Nain Rouge (Red Dwarf), or Demon of the Strait, for it appeared only when there was to be trouble. In that it delighted. It was a shambling, red-faced creature, with a cold, glittering eye and teeth protruding from a grinning mouth. Cadillac, founder of Detroit, having struck at it, presently lost his seigniory and his fortunes. It was seen scampering along the shore on the night before the attack on Bloody Run, when the brook that afterward bore this name turned red with the blood of soldiers. People saw it in the smoky streets when the city was burned in 1805, and on the morning of Hull's surrender it was found grinning in the fog. It rubbed its bony knuckles expectantly when David Fisher paddled across the strait to see his love, Soulange Gaudet, in the only boat he could find--a wheel-barrow, namely--but was sobered when David made a safe landing.

It chuckled when the youthful bloods set off on Christmas day to race the frozen strait for the hand of buffer Beauvais's daughter Claire, but when her lover's horse, a wiry Indian nag, came pacing in it fled before their happiness. It was twice seen on the roof of the stable where that sour-faced, evil-eyed old mumbler, Jean Beaugrand, kept his horse, Sans Souci--a beast that, spite of its hundred years or more, could and did leap every wall in Detroit, even the twelve-foot stockade of the fort, to steal corn and watermelons, and that had been seen in the same barn, sitting at a table, playing seven-up with his master, and drinking a liquor that looked like melted brass. The dwarf whispered at the sleeping ear of the old chief who slew Friar Constantine, chaplain of the fort, in anger at the teachings that had parted a white lover from his daughter and led her to drown herself--a killing that the red man afterward confessed, because he could no longer endure the tolling of a mass bell in his ears and the friar's voice in the wind.

The Nain Rouge it was who claimed half of the old mill, on Presque Isle, that the sick and irritable Josette swore that she would leave to the devil when her brother Jean pestered her to make her will in his favor, giving him complete ownership. On the night of her death the mill was wrecked by a thunder-bolt, and a red-faced imp was often seen among the ruins, trying to patch the machinery so as to grind the devil's grist. It directed the dance of black cats in the mill at Pont Rouge, after the widow's curse had fallen on Louis Robert, her brother-in-law. This man, succeeding her husband as director of the property, had developed such miserly traits that she and her children were literally starved to death, but her dying curse threw such ill luck on the place and set afloat such evil report about it that he took himself away. The Nain Rouge may have been the Lutin that took Jacques L'Esperance's ponies from the stable at Grosse Pointe, and, leaving no tracks in sand or snow, rode them through the air all night, restoring them at dawn quivering with fatigue, covered with foam, bloody with the lash of a thorn-bush. It stopped that exercise on the night that Jacques hurled a font of holy water at it, but to keep it away the people of Grosse Pointe still mark their houses with the sign of a cross.

It was lurking in the wood on the day that Captain Dalzell went against Pontiac, only to perish in an ambush, to the secret relief of his superior, Major Gladwyn, for the major hoped to win the betrothed of Dalzell; but when the girl heard that her lover had been killed at Bloody Run, and his head had been carried on a pike, she sank to the ground never to rise again in health, and in a few days she had followed the victims of the massacre. There was a suspicion that the Nain Rouge had power to change his shape for one not less offensive. The brothers Tremblay had no luck in fishing through the straits and lakes until one of them agreed to share his catch with St. Patrick, the saint's half to be sold at the church-door for the benefit of the poor and for buying masses to relieve souls in purgatory. His brother doubted if this benefit would last, and feared that they might be lured into the water and turned into fish, for had not St. Patrick eaten pork chops on a Friday, after dipping them into holy water and turning them into trout? But his good brother kept on and prospered and the bad one kept on grumbling. Now, at Grosse Isle was a strange thing called the rolling muff, that all were afraid of, since to meet it was a warning of trouble; but, like the feu follet, it could be driven off by holding a cross toward it or by asking it on what day of the month came Christmas. The worse of the Tremblays encountered this creature and it filled him with dismay. When he returned his neighbors observed an odor--not of sanctity--on his garments, and their view of the matter was that he had met a skunk. The graceless man felt convinced, however, that he had received a devil's baptism from the Nain Rouge, and St. Patrick had no stancher allies than both the Tremblays, after that.

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Expanse by g. s. george

You don't have to travel far when you live in Michigan to find a whole lot of fun. We encourage you to support the festivals, events, cities and businesses that are making all the cool things happen around the state. So get out this summer and have some fun and create some great memories in the process. Carpe diem!!

As usual we by no means have listed all the events happening around Michigan. Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

July Quotes

"Many public-school children seem to know only two dates: 1492 and 4th of July; and as a rule they don't know what happened on either occasion. - Mark Twain

"Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels." - Mark Twain

"Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit." Henry David Thoreau

"You know, when you get your first asparagus, or your first acorn squash, or your first really good tomato of the season, those are the moments that define the cook's year. I get more excited by that than anything else." - Mario Batali

"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard

Fast Facts - via Wikipedia's July entry

• The second half of the year commences in July
• The birthstone for July is a red ruby
• July was renamed for Julius Caesar... Previously, it was called Quintilis...

Also be sure to check out Pure Michigan's July Event Round-up and our Absolute Michigan Event Calendar for more great Michigan events!

July 2 - 9
National Cherry Festival Traverse City
The National Cherry Festival features over 150 events including free air shows over the Bay, colorful parades & marching bands, music shows, sporting events, rides & carnival games on the midway, pie-eating contests, clean blue skies, warm sunshine, crowds of smiling faces, and loads of luscious cherries prepared every way you can imagine!

July 8 - 9
Michigan Elvisfest Ypsilanti
The world-renowned Michigan Elvisfest began in 2000 in Ypsilanti, Michigan's Historic Depot Town. Beautiful Riverside Park is the place where Elvis fans flock by the thousands every July to pay homage to the King of Rock & Roll and to hear the most award-winning professional Elvis Tribute Artists in North America, as well as other talented Legend Tribute Artists.

July 8 - 10
Blissfest Cross Village
The 30th Blissfest Music Festival will be a celebration of music, culture, art and community featuring a world of diverse and innovative folk and roots music and dance at the Festival Farm in picturesque rural northern Michigan. It is truly a blissful musical weekend to be shared with families, friends and music-lovers of all ages. The annual event is a showcase of the many musical styles that define American roots and world music. Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Folk, Jazz, Latin, Ethnic, World music and dance all share the stage.

July 9 - Aug 7
Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire Battle Creek
Neither heat, rain nor scary beast will shut their gates that hold jousting and performances and all manner of medieval fun. The Faire is also West Michigan's premier Artisan Marketplace with over 100 vendors selling their wares and crafts, you will find everything from turkey legs to wood-carving, leather to silks, and blacksmiths to fairy wings.

July 14 - Aug 7
The Michigan Shakespeare Festival Jackson
The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has been presenting the timeless themes and glorious language of William Shakespeare since 1995, growing each year into a premier regional event that draws respected actors from across the nation, and satisfied audiences from throughout the Midwest.

July 14 - 17
Venetian Festival St. Joseph
The name implies gracious glides on a glowing river and the gentle sounds of water rippling as gondoliers pole their slender boats and sing soft love songs to couples snuggled in the bows. Such were the hot days and long nights in Venice, Italy, where Venetian Festivals started so many years ago. In St. Joseph, they still celebrate hot July days and long summer nights with boat rides and love songs and couples holding hands. The Venetian Festival on the St. Joseph River is all of that plus music, fine food and fun for all ages!

July 14 - 17
Concert of Colors Detroit
The Concert of Colors is metro Detroit's free annual diversity music festival. It is presented by ACCESS/Arab American National Museum, New Detroit Inc. and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) with the goal of bringing together metro Detroit's diverse communities and ethnic groups by presenting musical acts from around the world. Over its 17-year history, the festival has become a beloved highlight of metro Detroit's summer festival season.

July 15 - 16
Michigan Storytellers Festival Flint
It’s free fun for all INSIDE the Flint Public Library. Don’t miss our master storytellers who bring the oral tradition to life. As always there will be several workshops and storytelling concerts during the day on Saturday with storytellers in concert beginning at 7PM on Friday and Saturday.

July 16 - 17
Quake on the Lake Waterford
Over the past 10 years, the "Quake" has become on of Oakland County's must-attend events and is the North American Inboard Hydroplane Championship. The event is the proud holder of 17 American Power Boat Association (APBA) world speed records being set in 5 different racing classes making Pontiac Lake one of the fastest one-mile race courses in the country! There's also music from Rare Earth, the Verve Pipe and others.

July 16 - 17
Ragtime Street Fair Dearborn
Savor an American original -Ragtime music. You'll hear Scott Joplin rags like "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer" along with  much, much more as scores of other musicians travel from all over the country to perform on nearly a dozen stages throughout Greenfield Village. It's syncopated, jazzy, hot and live. Fresh summer food, too, and dancing in the streets!

July 20 - 23
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Ann Arbor
Established in 1960, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the Original of the now four award-winning Ann Arbor Art Fairs: The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, The State Street Area Art Fair, The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and the Ann Arbor's South University Art Fair. Together, the fairs attract over a half a million attendees from across the nation. The Original Fair was named the Number One Art Fair in the country by AmericanStyle magazine readers survey (October 2004) and has made the Top Ten Fairs and Festivals list every year since.

July 22 - 23
Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival Ypsilanti
The Summer Beer Festival is the Michigan Brewers Guild's oldest and largest of our four annual festivals. The festival takes place outside in a lovely riverside setting and will feature more than 300 different beers from more than 50 different Michigan breweries. A variety of tasty food items are available for purchase from independent food vendors inside the festival and there will be a diverse selection live music from a variety of local bands.

July 26 - 31
Traverse City Film Festival Traverse City
The Traverse City Film Festival has grown to become one of the largest film festivals in the Midwest, and one of the most respected in the country. Last year, there were over 80,000 admissions to nearly 100 screenings, a number of them U.S. or world premieres. A special emphasis is given to foreign films, American independents, documentaries, and films which have been overlooked but deserve the attention of a public starved to see a good movie.

July 29 - 31
Yale Bologna Festival Yale
Every July Yale plays host to the Yale Bologna Festival, a 3 day weekend event that closes the streets and transforms this small community of just under 2,000 to a gathering of over 20,000 Bologna starved party-goers! A tradition in Yale since 1989, this festival has grown considerably since its humble beginnings. The festival draws people from all around Michigan as well as other states, eager to see who will be the next King and Queen of Bologna. The Bologna Festival includes such events as the famed outhouses races, a street dance, fireworks and a parade down Main Street that continues to grow each year.

July 29 - Aug 7
Coast Guard Festival Grand Haven
The United States Coast Guard has a long and prestigious history in Grand Haven and around the world. Celebrate the Coasties with activities, events, and attractions for all ages. Many are free, and you will find plenty of fun and choices from Kid's Day to the Street Dance and Cruise-In Car Show, to carnival rides, picnics, parades, fireworks and ship tours.

July 30 - 31
Art On The Rocks Marquette
Located in a beautiful wooded area on the shore of Lake Superior in north Marquette, the annual Art On The Rocks at Presque Isle Park features a huge variety of artwork in all media for show & sale.

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Arts, Beats & Eats will still feature The HealthPlus Art Fair, one of the top art shows in the US, incredible food, more than 125 bands on six stages, and dynamic and interactive fun for the kids

Arts, Beats & Eats was founded to celebrate the quality of life in Oakland County by offering a culturally unique presentation of artists, musicians and food exhibits, from the Metro Detroit area, and throughout the United States.

The festival was designed to provide outstanding family entertainment at a very low cost, and will add a $2 admission fee to the festival and all concerts, but will balance the extra fee by offering lower costs for parking, food and beverages items, and other value incentives throughout the weekend including free admission on Friday. See their great values page.

Proceeds from the admission fee at Arts, Beats & Eats will be distributed among several key Metro-Detroit charities by the Arts, Beats & Eats Foundation. For a list of non-profit partners that will share their admission fee, click here. To date, over $2 million raised by Arts, Beats & Eats has been donated to charity.

This years festival will feature new cultural programs including the Oakland County Summer Arts Project, performances by Detroit Chamber Winds and Eisenhower Dance, and interactive Arts & Crafts from Metro Parent Magazine.

Arts, Beats & Eats is also excited about a new partnership with DPTV and PBS as sponsor of their kids zone, and the return of their partnership with ITC and their greenways initiative.

Now entering its twelfth year, Arts, Beats and Eats has celebrated many successes, including attracting large crowds each year, earning top rankings for its juried fine arts show, securing top national entertainment, and providing unique interactive programs for the family. Past music performers at Arts, Beats & Eats have included Brian McKnight, Montgomery Gentry, Live, The B52's, Collective Soul, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Martina McBride, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Jodee Messina, Blues Traveler, 38 Special, Rick Springfield, and many more. The festival has something to offer to everyone, in a child-friendly, safe and secure environment.

Location and Directions

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Pics 126, photo by m7k7k7.

The annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest takes place this weekend - June 26-28, 2009. It's the state championship of hot-air ballooning and in addition to a sky full of balloons, offerings include three entertainment venues, a carnival, classic car show, medieval village and skydiving shows. 2009 is the 25th anniversary:

"Twenty-five years ago, the Michigan Challenge started with a whimper and a little burner noise," said Competition Director Dick Rudlaff. "There were only a couple handfuls of balloons that first year, all good friends who flew together often. But we managed to elbow our way into the Howell community with the help of the chamber of commerce and all their volunteers who make this a true community event to be proud of."

Of course, the highlight of the Michigan Challenge weekend is the five scheduled balloon launches Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 6 and 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday mornings between 6 and 8 a.m. Site host is Howell Public Schools.

Here's more of m7k7k7's Howell Balloonfest photos (slideshow). For more, check out the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest slideshow on Flickr and also this set and this one.

Here's a cool time lapse video:

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Weird Wednesday already? Nope. Huge piles of ice were pushed by NE winds into homes along Linwood Beach (just north of Bay City), forcing evacuations and causing damage. Linwood Beach residents return to find ice piled around, inside and atop their homes from the Bay City Times begins:

"I was making a grocery list in the kitchen and the next thing you know, we had this," said Angie Hughes, nodding at the ice resting inside her kitchen.

"Once we saw the first two piles of ice coming over the seawall, we just ran," Steve Hughes said Monday, returning to assess the damage. "I just remember hearing the kitchen window explode and the kitchen table getting thrown back.

"It was just incredible to see. It's got to be about 50 tons of ice that came up here in less than a few minutes."

It has some great photos from this latest ice incursion from Saginaw Bay and also from a similar incident in 1946 when Lake Huron ice devastated homes along the bay.

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Ice Rink by Allan M

The event started in 2005 as a tuneup to Super Bowl XL and was called the Motown Winter Blast. It's now called Detroit's Winter Blast and it happens February 6-8, 2009.

In what has become typical Michigan media fashion, the Detroit News fills the glass half full, dwelling on what you won't get. They grudgingly allow that 40 musical acts, 60 restaurants and three downtown hotels (including the newly-renovated Book Cadillac) offering discounted rates to families just might make it worth the trip. Not to be out-glummed, the Freep leads with the 2 of clubs as well but does finish nicely:

"We could have taken the philosophy, if you can't do it the way you did it in the past, then you shouldn't do it," (Festival organizer John) Witz said. "We took the different philosophy. We tried to create as much magic as we can for as little cost as possible ... "We are featuring more made in Michigan products this year. The wine tasting is going to be with Michigan wines," Witz said. "The ice sculptures will have a Michigan theme."

The festival will include ice-skating exhibitions, marshmallow roasting, ice sculptures, and an arts and crafts area. Festival-goers can skate in Campus Martius Park for free, courtesy of michigan.org.

The MetroPCS Dine in the D program is back. The program offers diners a 15% discount at some of Detroit's finest restaurants. This year, the participating restaurants will each donate up to 10% of their sales (before tax) to Michigan's Children's Center.

MSNBC adds that a major attraction will be the ice slide at Campus Martius Park. It's called the Arctic Blast and it opened last Friday and you can get a live look-in at it on the Campus Martius Park webcam.

More information and full schedule of performances are on the official site for the Detroit Winter Blast. If you want to see more photos, check out Detroit Winter Blast by Rohn Photos and Motown Winter Blast by Pasque.

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Snowshoeing by nasunto

Billed as a blog about camping, hiking, nature and Michigan with occasional sarcasm and embellishment, Black Coffee At Sunrise was recently recognized at Backpacker Magazine in their Daily Dirt section online. We think the recognition is well deserved.

Blogger Nina describes her blog:

Despite the unstable times we are facing, there is a lot to love about Michigan. Those of us who enjoy the outdoors and are fortunate enough to live in the Great Lakes State have beautiful landscapes, fascinating natural history, and four wonderful seasons to enjoy. My blog, Black Coffee At Sunrise, is an attempt to acknowledge my experiences and show appreciation for my home state and the things I love about Michigan outdoors.

As dog lovers we also dig her blog 'Crooked Ear Chronicles'. Check out her blogs and then get on out and enjoy what the 'Great Lakes State' has to offer. No matter what time of year it is Michigan is a 'one stop funspot' for it's residents and visitors!

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Zombie Walk Detroit by Wigwam Jones

If you happen to suddenly find yourself surrounded by hordes of flesh eating zombies don't be alarmed. October 26 is 'World Zombie Day' and around 50 cities including Ferndale and Ann Arbor will be participating in zombie walks. Why you may ask? First of all to have fun but better yet is to help those in need. Zombies as social activists? Thats right, the walks also serve as food drives with participants and spectators being encouraged to bring non-perishable food that will be donated. Food collected from the Ferndale walk will benefit the Ferndale Food Bank and Gleaners and food from the Ann Arbor walk will benefit Food Gatherers a local food bank. Can you feel the zombie love? The third goal to the event is to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest organized walk. Whatever, why not, go for it, def encourages participation...

To get more information on the Ferndale zombie walk visit Zombie Walk Detroit

To get more information on the Ann Arbor zombie walk visit Zombie Walk A2

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Bethany (riot jane) says she's a vegetarian, romantic, explorer, singer, voyager, wonderer, crossword puzzler extraordinaire and young at heart.

She's also a talented photographer and photo processor, bringing a unique view of life in rural Michigan through photo sets like love is a river raisin battlefield, maybee, michigan and her great photos of her favorite place within 50 miles of her house, Crosswinds Marsh (slideshow).

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world's largest stove by detroit am

August 22 - September 1
Michigan State Fair Detroit
The Nation's Oldest State Fair was officially first held in 1849, only twelve years after Michigan attained statehood. At the onset it was customary, in fact, for the fair to be held one year in one city, the next year in another, and there was always a hot contest to be the city selected. The Michigan State Fair settled down at the present fairgrounds in 1905.

Popular attractions include the FREE Concerts under the stars in the Band Shell, daily parades, competitions, horse shows, agricultural displays, arts & crafts, racing pigs, rabbits & poultry, dairy exhibits, carnival midway rides & games and the world's largest stove.

Ring around the Milk Jug by kudzuplanet

August 28 - September 1
Michigan Peach Festival Romeo
The five-day festival includes an art exhibit, crafts shows, children's day in the park, numerous family activities, nightly entertainment, amusement rides, delicious food, Harley-Davidson raffle, multiple parades, 5k run, antique car show, bike night, semi-pro wrestling, baby photo contest, Texas Hold'Em tournament, beers around the world tent, annual used book sale, peach pie stations, fly-in breakfast and end of summer sales at many local merchants.

Throughout the entire weekend visitors can enjoy many varieties of food such as BBQ specialties, pulled pork dinners and sandwiches, spaghetti dinners, ice cream stands, steak dinners, farmers breakfast and of course peach pie, peach cobbler, peach ice-cream, peach tea and many more peachy treats. The variety of food that will be available from the local restaurants, food vendors and charitable organizations is sure to delight the senses.

Mr. Brubeck by Maia C

August 29 - September 1
Detroit International Jazz Fest Detroit
For more than a quarter century, the Detroit Jazz Fest has entertained millions of fans with jazz legends ranging from Herbie Hancock to Yusef Lateef and Ron Carter. Today, it ROARS on six stages over four days, with blues, gospel, R&B, and one of the finest jazz lineups on the planet. The festival also offers educational events, daily second-line parades, fire works, and rare opportunities to meet the artists. And it's all FREE!

~~ Little Mermaid ~~ by suesue2

August 29 - September 1
Arts, Beats & Eats Pontiac
Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats plays host to a hot line-up of national and local musical acts on Labor Day weekend, August 29 through September 1, 2008. In its eleventh year, Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats promises the 'beats' will reflect the true heart of the metro Detroit area with sounds from nearly every musical genre. With more than 150 local bands and entertainers performing for crowds free of charge on six stages, and well-known acts taking to the Million Dollar Madness Stage, the 2008 musical line-up caters to festival attendees of all ages and musical tastes.

The Million Dollar Madness features high-profile, up-and-coming national acts as well as established international stars. Located again this year on Pontiac ¹s Phoenix Plaza, the official list of confirmed national acts includes headliners Blues Traveler, Rusted Root and Hard Lessons on Friday; Hunter Brucks, Marcel, Stephen Cochran, Billy Currington, Tim Bowman, and Boney James on Saturday; Leighton with special guest Steve Kostan, Beatlemania Live, Loverboy, Back in the Day Band and Chaka Khan on Sunday; and Critical Bill, Rev Theory and Puddle of Mudd on Monday.

Kowality neon! by loungelistener

August 29 - September 1
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival 2008 Hamtramck
Throughout the years, visiting historic Hamtramck, Michigan has become a tradition for many during Labor Day weekend. The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival has welcomed more than 500,000 guests yearly as it continually provides the attractions many have come to anticipate during the holiday weekend, including live music, samplings of ethnic food, cultural dancers, carnival rides, and children's activities. While keeping the traditions alive, the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival anticipates incorporating new features this year.

Held in the heart of the Hamtramck business district – on Jos Campau between Caniff and Carpenter– this year's festival will be open:

• Friday, August 29: 6-10 p.m.
• Saturday, August 30: noon-10 p.m.
• Sunday, August 31: noon-10 p.m.
• Monday, September 1: noon-10 p.m.

Proud Handler by Dean S

August 16 - September 28
Michigan Renaissance Festival Holly
Festival is held on weekends and Labor Day, rain or shine. "visitors may also partake in games of skill or enjoy non-stop entertainment where belly dancers, sword swallowers, musicians, comedians and sword fighters provide merriment for all ages. The Festival is best known for it's awe-inspiring full-contact armored jousting tournaments where gallant knights defend their honor until the last man is standing!"

Labor Day weekend enjoy the Buccaneer Beer Fest and BBQ Competition!

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Michigan's Most Enduring Settlement

Wikipedia's Flint, Michigan page says that some scholars consider the Saginaw Valley, particularly the vicinity of Flint, to be the oldest continually inhabited part of Michigan. The Flint River had several convenient fords which became points of contention among rival tribes, as attested by the presence of arrowheads and burial mounds near Flushing. The region is a microcosm for the development of Michigan, transition from lumbering in the 19th century to carriages at the dawn of the 20th and on to a prominent role in the auto industry where it became the birthplace of the UAW.

Photos from the Region

The photo above is Old Flint HDR by hemicuda8. It's one of a number of photos that can be explored in the Flint, MI group on Flickr. Other groups from the region include Tri-cities Michigan, Saginaw, Michigan and Bay City MI. Some searches you might enjoy include Flint Michigan, Saginaw (and Saginaw River), Midland Michigan and Port Huron.

Sugar & Wind

While the beleaguered auto industry gets much of the regional press, there are a lot of other industries in the region. One of the oldest is sugar. The Michigan Sugar Company's history page says that after loggers had cleared the pine forests in the area, the land was virtually unusable due to the massive expanse of tree stumps left behind and (eventually) sugar beets became the solution. Fast forward 125 years and once again the resourcefulness of folks in the region is being demonstrated. Michigan's Thumb has become the seat

What is there to DO in Flint/Tri-cities?

With its enduring history and a number of wealthy patrons of arts & culture, all kinds of cool cultural attractions have been established in the region. Some of our favorites include the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum in University Center - home to the greatest collection of work from this longtime Michigan resident, the The Castle Museum of Saginaw, the Port Huron Museum and the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. The Flint Institute of Arts features work by Renoir, Cassatt & Wyeth and the Saginaw Art Museum boasts a collection of art and artifacts in excess of 2,500 pieces that 4,500 years of art history. If you never have, a walk through the Dow Gardens is not to be missed.

Hay on the water by Alanna St. Laurent

There's of course plenty of auto & vehicle history at sites like Junction Valley Railroad (Bridgeport - very cool) and Michigan's Own Military & Space Museum. Children (of all ages) will enjoy the Antique Toy & Firehouse Museum in Bay City, Crossroads Village in Flint, Mid-Michigan Children's Museum (Saginaw) and the Saginaw Children's Zoo.

Where do I go for more?

To explore the region, check out the county pages for Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Gladwin, Huron, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St Clair, Tuscola Counties. You'll also want to see visitflint.org
Visit Saginaw County, Tour Bay City, The Midland CVB and Blue Water CVB (Port Huron).

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Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds by Amy Loo Who

Established in 1960, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the Original of the now four award winning art fairs together attracting over 500,000 attendees from across the nation. Among the many accolades received by the fair is the Number One Art Fair rating in the country (October 2004) and Top Ten Art Fair (October 2005, 2006 and 2007) by the AmericanStyle readers survey.

The 49th annual Fair will take place July 16-19, 2008 on the Ingalls Mall Lawn by the Burton Memorial Tower, North University, and the Diag on the Central Campus at the University of Michigan. The Fair will feature 170 juried artists, five New Artists from local universities and colleges, the Potters Guild and an array of free art activities and performances for the whole family to enjoy.

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Grown in Detroit by ellievanhoutte

Since our 'Michigan History' article featured the Detroit Zoo today, it made sense (at least to me) that while there you take advantage of another one of Detroit's great attractions. It seems it would be easy to spend an entire day at the Eastern Market and it's surround area, so between the two it could be one heck of a fun weekend. Be sure to pack a cooler so you can take home some of the wonderful bounty at the market!

Detroit Eastern Market is the largest
historic public market district in the United
States.

Every Saturday, Michigan's largest and
most colorful market is host to more than
150 farmers and vendors from Michigan,
Ohio, and Canada offering a cornucopia of
fruits, vegetables, breads, baked goods,
jellies, jams, honey, apple cider, cheeses,
spices, herbs, plants and flowers.

Since 1891, Detroit's Eastern Market has
been home to an amazing community of
farmers, merchants, restaurants, unique
shops, food lovers and residents. On any
given Saturday, more than 26,000
Detroiters, suburbanites and tourists shop
elbow to elbow, sharing experiences from
generation to generation.

Here is an interesting video on the restoration efforts going on within and around the market - via Model D.

Directions:

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Rainbow of Color by Patti

Summer has officially arrived and festival season is kicking into full gear! Events for this week include the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival, the Muskegon Summer Celebration kicks off with 11 days of concerts, events, fireworks, arts & crafts and carnival rides, the Alpena Blues Festival, now in it's 5th year is looking like a premiere blues event in Michigan and the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell offers entertainment for the whole family.

Our featured event this week is the Michigan Energy Fair.

The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) is presenting the 3rd Annual Michigan Energy Fair. This three-day event will unite people from throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region to learn about energy issues and sustainable living. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops; meet vendors offering valuable goods, services, and information; eat local food; and hear great live music.

< The Week for June 16-22, 2008 | The Week for June 30 - July 6, 2008 >

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Detroit River Days by paulhitz

Starting June 20th and continuing through the 23rd, Detroit hosts it's annual International River Days, featuring carnival rides, a nautical parade, gigantic fireworks and a wide range of musical performances. River Days is the perfect time to enjoy all the fun that the new Detroit International Riverfront has to offer. Other events include the DTE Parade of Lights, Tall Ship Highlander Sea, Coast Guard Days, Lake Guardian EPA Boat Tours, Diamond Jack's Boat Tours, Detroit River Cruise, Gold Cup Boat Races Exhibitions, Jet Ski demonstrations, the Detroit Open Bass Fishing tournament and much more!

Don't miss the 50th Annual Target Fireworks, on Monday June 23rd along the Detroit International Riverfront. Hundreds of thousands of people line the Riverfront to view one of the nations largest fireworks displays.

It takes 5 days for dozens of specialists to load 3 barges with 250,000 lbs. of fiberglass mortars, 100 miles of wire, 500 tons of sand and more than 10,000 fireworks shells for the annual fireworks display.

International River Days is free to the public.

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In the days when stagecoaches stopped regularly, Walker Tavern offered travelers a welcome break from the road. It still does. But today instead of food, drink and lodging, the tavern serves up a dose of Michigan history. Located at the crossroads of US 12 and M-50 in the green and rolling Irish Hills, Walker Tavern has been a wayside inn, a roadside tourist attraction and a state historic park.

After the Erie Canal opened in 1825, thousands of settlers flocked to the Michigan Territory. Two roads moved pioneers west from Lake Erie: the Monroe Pike, running from Monroe to Jackson, and the Chicago Road (present-day US 12). These two roads met at Cambridge Junction, which made it a great location for a tavern. However, travel was arduous. Roads were full of ruts, bogs and tree stumps. A stagecoach driver's goal was to travel fifty miles in a day, but oftentimes there were complications. As one traveler in the 1830s pointed out, "As soon as we had entered the woods, the roads became as bad as, I suppose, roads ever are. Something snapped, and the driver cried out that we were 'broke to bits.'"

Named after owners Sylvester and Lucy Walker, the tavern became a prosperous business and a thriving community hub. Two stages stopped there each day and at any one time there might be ten to twenty wagons lined up waiting for accommodations. Stagecoach driver Francis A. Dewey recorded, "Men of every class and condition of life from the earliest times would stretch out their day's drive to reach the hospitable roof of the Walker's hotel ... People flocked in each evening to receive their mail and hear the news brought in from the east and from the west ... Sometimes the crowd numbered 50 or 75 and oftentimes their drunken shouts resounded far into the night." By the 1860s trains replaced stagecoaches as the fast and fashionable way to travel and the railroad line bypassed Cambridge Junction. Stagecoach driver Francis Dewey purchased the tavern and he and his family farmed the land for over fifty years.

Today, Walker Tavern Historic Complex is part of the Michigan Historical Museum system, and offers a variety of summer events-everything from Civil War re-enactments to vintage auto shows (that link has a lot more history, events, info and here's a map).

You can check out a set of photos from the 2007 Civil War Weekend at the Walker Tavern Historic Site and (if you'd like to snap some pictures of your own) how about this:

The community is invited to come and enjoy a Farmers and Friends Picnic at Walker Tavern Historic Site Sunday, June 29. The full day of free family events is modeled after a community picnic held in the Irish Hills in 1908. There will be vintage baseball, old-time games, a farmers' market and a potluck lunch. The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. at Walker Tavern, located at the crossroads of U.S.12 and M-50. Just like in 1908, admission is free and worth twice the price. (read more)

For more on summer destinations see the current issue of Michigan History magazine.   For information call (800) 366-3703 or visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.

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Frankenmuth by Tony Tanoury

Wilkommen to Frankenmuth's 50th Annual Bavarian Festival It's not just an event... it's a feeling of "Gemütlichkeit", combined with the warmth and friendship of Michigan's charming Bavarian Village.

It all started in 1959 with a Grand Opening Celebration of the Bavarian style addition to Fischer's Hotel on Main Street. Back then "Tiny" & Dorothy Zehnder gambled on "Bavarianizing" their restaurant and re-naming it Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. Several years later the event out-grew the parking lots of the restaurants. The Civic Events Council of Frankenmuth took over the operation of what has become an annual Bavarian Festival!

Come and enjoy the Gemütlichkeit of Old Bavaria blended with hospitality of Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, "Michigan's Little Bavaria", delights over 3 million visitors annually. Come Experience Another World with unique attractions, shopping, restaurants, hotels & camping, festivals, and family fun! Information on what is happening next in Frankenmuth is only a click away.

.

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Mike says that box turtles are relatively uncommon. Here's what Wikipedia and the Michigan DNR have to say about box turtles.

The photo is part of his Cass Lake set (slideshow). Some of his other sets include outside birds and Josephine the Friendly Squirrel. As you might imagine, Mike also has a number of storm photos.

Over on his YouTube channel, he has some storm videos like this one of a fall storm in Port Austin, MI.

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Over the years, the best vintners in the Old World discovered that the finest wines were produced from grapes grown on south-facing hillsides. These hillsides provided the best sun exposure for the entire growing season and cold air drainage for natural frost protection. They knew that grapes thrived in sandy, gravelly soil that allowed for good water drainage. Our region faces harsh winters, which means we must take extra precautions to protect our vines. When selecting vineyard land, we choose what fine winemakers have known for years –vineyard conditions with all the components needed to grow great grapes to produce world-class wines. The tops of our hills are warmer because cold air is heavier than warm air. This means that the old air drains downward, drawing warm air down over the hilltops allowing our big reds to ripen fully, producing full-bodied wines.

The winemakers of our region proudly produce fine wines and invite you to compare them to any similarly priced fine wines from around the world.

-Kip Barber, Winemaker, Lone Oak Vineyard Estate

Visit the Pioneer Wine Trail web site and check the comments for information about their Michigan Wine Celebration this weekend (Apr 19-20).

From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries is a must-have for wine enthusiasts, first-time tasters and travel buffs alike. Authors Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway capture the personalities of the hardworking families behind the wines and the exceptional experiences awaiting you at 51 Michigan wineries.

The 192-page hardcover book, honored as a 2008 Michigan Notable Book, begins with an insightful foreword by Governor Jennifer Granholm and wraps up with a handy wine glossary. The book is organized by four designated wine trails and “beyond the trails,” providing a sneak peek at Michigan's wine trail destinations. Interesting tidbits on wine topics including Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris, Syrah vs. Shiraz, Sparkling Wine: Why Can't We Call It Champagne? and Ice Wine provide basic answers to lingering questions; and delicious side stories on local chocolate and cheese artisans tempt your taste buds.

Grab a glass of your favorite Michigan wine and let the beautiful photographs and intriguing stories take you on a journey through Michigan wine country. Order autographed copies of From the Vine at www.michiganvine.com during the month of April and get a $5 discount and free wine journal.

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Trillium by farlane

In Michigan, the number of native plants being buried under bulldozers is decreasing, thanks to the efforts of the Cranbrook Wildflower Rescue Committee in southern Michigan and the Leland Wildflower Rescue in northern Michigan. The Cranbrook committee has been in operation for over 25 years, the Leland committee for over 15. Both of these groups are formed of dedicated volunteers who have saved thousands of Michigan woodland plants each year, digging up native species before their habitats are razed for development. These folks have learned a lot and offer these tips for people wishing to start similar rescue programs in their areas.

A couple things to do if you're interested in starting a program, remember that you have to get signed permission from the developers or the property owner to take plants from the property. You should also have a plan for where to plant the rescued plants. They could be transplanted to a community garden, and some end up in private gardens as well. For example, every Memorial Weekend the Leland Wildflower hosts a sale of all of their plants with the proceeds going to the Leelanau Conservancy.

Here's an interesting article about wildflower rescue in Michigan and elsewhere from USA Weekend.

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The Gardens Of Cranbrook by suesue2

Cranbrook House and Gardens stands as a centerpiece of Cranbrook's 319-acre National Historic Landmark campus. From May through October, visitors can experience the grandeur of both the House and the Gardens with guided and self-guided tours.

The house was designed by the famous Detroit architect Albert Kahn for the founders of Cranbrook George Booth and his wife Ellen Scripps Booth and is now the oldest surviving manor home in the metro Detroit area. It is crafted in the English Arts and Crafts style and the Booths had the finest artists and craftsman of the time do the tiles, handcrafted furniture and other works of fine and decorative art.

Guided and self-guided tours are a wonderful way to get to know Cranbrook House and the 40 acres of breathtaking gardens that surround it. There is a Sunken Garden along with herabaceous gardens, perennial flower beds to the casual beauty of the bog garden. Tended by hundred by hundreds of volunteers through out the year, the gardens are filled with colorful blooms, spacious lawns side by side with exquisite fountains and sculpture.

Annual Spring Plant Sale
Tuesday, May 13th 10am-7pm
Wednesday, May 14th 10am-2pm

You won't want to miss this exciting event that draws avid gardeners from throughout the area. Volunteers have put together a wide variety of plants for your garden along with gardening items including pots and tools. Click here for more information.

View a slideshow of the Cranbrook House and Gardens over at Flickr.

If you want even more information check out the Wikipedia entry for the Cranbrook Educational Community which consists of the Cranbrook Kingswood School, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Cranbrook House and Gardens, and Christ Church Cranbrook.

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Plumeria by IShutterToThink

Named after former Michigan regent Frederick C. Matthaei, Sr. and his wife Mildred, who donated 200 acres of land, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens are operated by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Spring is a great time to visit and watch the Gardens come to life. Here is a downloadable Visitor Guide to help you enjoy your time there.

Exploration of the Gardens begins at the Visitor Center where you will find trails which all start and eventually loop back to the building. A visit to the unique Alden B. Dow commissioned Conservatory includes the Tropical House, Warm Temperate House, Bonsai & Penjing Collection and the Arid House.

Besides the beautiful plant life, onsite artwork, both visual and performance is important to the overall experience. The integration of the art with plant life is a interesting way to view the works and take in their messages.

The library and resource center, with over 3,200 cataloged books provides visitors a chance to learn all about plants and the issues surrounding them.

Here is a list of all of the trails, display gardens, natural areas and other exhibits throughout Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

You may be interested in their 28th Annual Spring Plant Sale being held May 2-4 or in checking out the calendar of events.

Enjoy an August, 2007 video sldeshow by videoexchange over at YouTube.

Check out a collection of 360 ° virtual tours of some of the gardens and natural areas.

The Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has created podcasts to accompany a walking tour of Ann Arbor. Included is a Matthaei Botanical Gardens podcast. There is also a downloadable 'Ann Arbor Guide to Architecture' which includes a map and description of each entry.

Here are a ton of pics from Flickr to entice you to visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

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Bucky's Folly by Maia C

Buckminster Fuller, famous for his geodesic domes, sought to solve the post World War II housing crisis by designing a home that would address what he perceived as questionable home construction methods. In turn the factories previously used to manufacture war planes could be kept active. The homes were designed to be energy efficient, low-cost, light weight, easily shipped and assembled onsite. Fuller's design of the home, once assembled, was extremely strong and able to withstand earthquakes and strong storms. The homes were heated and cooled by natural means and needed no ongoing maintenance. In fact the downward draft ventilation pulled particulates towards the baseboards and through filters eliminating the need to dust or vacuum.

From the must see Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village's online exhibit:

In 1991, the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village acquired the parts to the only surviving prototype. For over the next eight years, staff researched the house, cleaning and restoring its 3,000 components. In October 1999, construction began on the house inside of the museum. The process of restoring and erecting the building became exhibition unto itself. On October 24, 2001, restoration was complete and the Dymaxion House was opened for public viewing.

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Opening Day by Tanguay

Established in 1963, this internationally-renowned festival showcases independent and experimental film and video and is the oldest of its kind in North America. Each year the festival attracts entries from artists worldwide and screens more than 100 films. Every year they select a four-hour program of awarded and highlighted films for the Ann Arbor Film Festival Tour that travels around the country from March through December to college classrooms and auditoriums, art theaters, and museums.

Thousands of influential filmmakers have showcased early work at the AAFF, including luminaries such as Kenneth Anger, Agnes Varda, Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, Gus Van Sant, Barbara Hammer, Lawrence Kasdan, and George Lucas.

The Festival came under fire in 2006 and was used as a mechanism to end all state funding for the arts. The AAFF fought back and won in December 2007. Read all about the 'Censorship Controversy'. While you're there read about the the cultural and economic impact that the film festival has on Michigan. As a result of the cuts in funding and censorship attempts the festival nearly went belly up but thanks to the creative folks that work to keep the festival going it survived.

"As part of the Endangered campaign, the volunteers and staff of the Ann Arbor Film Festival performed several Acts of Audacity, which can be viewed here. The acts were chosen by donors, who voted each time they made a contribution."

ArtFilmTalk.com has an audio interview with Christen McArdle that is worth a listen.

"Christen McArdle is the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the oldest festival of its kind in North America showcasing avant-garde, documentary and independent films from around the world. We talk about the festival's fundraising campaign and the censorship controversy the festival has been involved with."

This year's festival will feature special programs and guest speakers including Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, cinematographer-filmmaker Ellen Kuras, and artist Steve Kurtz. Larry Flynt will join producer-director Joan Brooker-Marks for the screening of her documentary Larry Flynt: The Right to be Left Alone, which plays on Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm at the Michigan Theater.

Sunday the festival presents "Made in Michigan" which features 8 films by Michigan based filmmakers.

"The State of Michigan is home to a rich tradition of not just talented artists, but also an incredible breadth and diversity of styles. The films in this program present some of the most creative and colorful voices from the festival's home state."

For your viewing pleasure watch part 1 of 6 "2004 Michigan Television Highlight of Ann Arbor Film Festival" produced and directed by Christopher McElroy. Wander over to the AAFF YouTube page for the rest of this show and many other AAFF vids.

For much more on the AAFF, check out aafilmfest.org, the AAFF MySpace Page, the AAFF on Flickr as well as this great set on Flickr by William Couch. You may also want to register on the AAFF B-Side Community Home where you can track the festival buzz, create your personal calendar, rate and review films, and get recommendations for great films at the festival. Registration is not required to view the schedule or film list.. Another site of interest for Michigan film fanatics is MichiganFilm.org, a web site that highlights independent films from Michigan filmmakers and seeks to network those filmmakers and actors together. If you'd like to check out previous years award winners click on over to IMDB for a run down.

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One Way by soleilani

Marwil Bookstore, Detroit
Marwil Bookstore offers an incredible variety of books and other items in a down-to-earth, friendly neighborhood bookstore. We are proud to provide something for everyone, and with their special order policy, you're guaranteed to get exactly what you want! So whatever your reading tastes, come in today and find something you'll enjoy!

Detroit Book Center, Detroit
Their vision for the business is to be an on-line provider of African-American books and books on community development, education, and entertainment activity. Their business is an INFORMATION STORE for individuals, community development organizations, religious organizations and others institutions in the community development and education market. They assist customers varying from the human service professional looking for books on grant writing to individuals looking for books on African American fiction and history.

John K. King Used and Rare Books, Detroit
They have been named best independent book store 2007 by the Detroit metro times (once again!) If you don't find what you're looking for on their website, please email us the title and author and they'll check their store shelves. The search engine open their site is for the rare book stock only. They have about 750,000 other titles not online.

Book Beat, Oak Park
The Book Beat is an independent bookstore open since 1982. When in the Detroit area visit us at: 26010 Greenfield, Oak Park, Michigan 48237 or call: 248.968.1190. Their (brick store) hours are Mon-Fri 10 AM-9 PM, Sat 10 AM-7 PM and Sun 12-5 PM.

Chosen Books of Michigan, Royal Oak
Welcome to the Chosen Books of Michigan web site. We stock thousands of books in a wide variety of subject areas. Their inventory is always changing. Their capable customer service department and experienced sales staff are well informed when it comes to product knowledge and are available to assist you.

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, Ann Arbor
Crazy Wisdom is a full service bookstore specializing in Spirituality, Psychology, & Integrative Medicine. They have a friendly & knowledgeable staff. Browse 200 book categories, from Acupuncture to Zen, Affirmations to Yoga.

Garrett Scott, Bookseller, Ann Arbor
Specialist since 1998 in first editions of out-of-the-way 18th & 19th century books and ephemera. Member: Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA) and International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).

Aunt Agatha's, Ann Arbor
New & Used Mysteries, Detection & True Crime Books

Motte and Bailey, Ann Arbor
They are a used and rare book firm with an open bookshop in Ann Arbor Michigan. They focus on pre-1900 American and European history, Books About Books, and scholarly titles. They have 10,000 books in all subjects, with over 2,800 catalogued on their site in over 60 catalogs.

Extraordinary Book LLC, Ann Arbor
Welcome to the online home of Extraordinary Books LLC. Please search or browse their inventory of hard to find, out of print, used, and rare books. If you can't find what you like fill out their book search form and they will explore their off-line inventory, other bookstores and book search services for you.

Shaman Drum Bookshop, Ann Arbor
Since 1980, Shaman Drum has happily served the Ann Arbor community, offering a wide selection of literature, poetry, and graphic novels for the discerning reader. The bookshop continues to offer the widest selection of academic and scholarly titles in Michigan.

Ann Arbor Books / Books by Chance, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Books / Books by Chance sells used books, CDs, and DVDs on consignment for clients in the Ann Arbor area. Their proprietary software allows us to inventory, track, and sell thousands of individual items and then pay a percentage to clients like you. Whether you have 1 book or thousands, there is no better choice than Books by Chance if you like great service and good money.

Dawn Treader Book Shop, Ann Arbor
The Dawn Treader Book Shop is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they have been selling used and rare books for twenty-two years. In that time they have grown from a tiny basement shop to a spacious storefront offering over seventy thousand titles. The Booklover's Guide to the Midwest describes the Dawn Treader as "An absolutely fabulous book shop, with something for everyone," which was their highest praise for any shop.

West Side Book Shop, Ann Arbor
West Side Book Shop, Located in downtown Ann Arbor, it was established in 1975 by Jay Platt and offers a wide selection of used and rare books.

Nicola's Books, Ann Arbor
Nicola's Books is Ann Arbor's premier independent bookstore, dedicated to your reading pleasure.

The Book Blues, Marine City
What you see today is the result of their love for books and their desire to share quality, inexpensive, gently-used books in a warm atmosphere with great views. They're not talkin' just any moldy-smelling, run-of-the mill used bookstore. This is a unique experience, different from other, stereotypical used bookstores. They hope you'll come see for yourself.

Squirreled Away Books, Armada
At Squirreled Away Books they're all about the books! They love books. New, used and rare books, audio books and even comic books.

Book Nook, Monroe
They are a bricks & mortar storefront in a 135 year old building filled with books. They have been in business since 1969 and now they're giving the 21st century a try and tackling internet sales. Conservatively speaking, they have over 60,000 new books and over 12,000 used books and counting. Please let them know what you're looking for! Many titles are not in their database yet. Sometimes they even surprise themselves.

The Book Exchange, Jackson
Wherever you live, you are moving through something strange and beautiful. You can learn from novels how to see the richness, how to become more, in your home, your community, your state. They teach you what to expect from life. You will have an educated heart, all social poise stems from the understanding heart.

The Book House, Jonesville
The Book House is the ANY BOOK IN PRINT vendor, with over 100,000 different "publishing sources". Their particular strength is in the acquisition of trade, scientific, technical, university press, and business publications from North American distribution channels. They are also experienced in obtaining both print and non-print products, materials from small or obscure presses, and materials published outside of North America.

Little Professor Book Center, Fenton
Their bookselling staff know and love books. Their book knowledge goes beyond the popular to offer unique books that nourish the particular interests of Book Lovers. The Little Professor Book Center offers a complete selection of hardcover and paperback books, as well as a complete selection of periodicals and newspapers. They pride themselves on offering an inventory selection for all ages in interests for our community.

Cranesbill Books and Toys, Chelsea
Cranesbill Books is proud to be an independently owned small business. They pride themselves on offering personalized service to their customers and contributing to the success of our community. Cranesbill Books & Toys is dedicated to helping customers to find the right item. Whether you need to locate an out-of-print book, or an upcoming release, or a great new toy, they can help you find it.

Rereadables Used Books, Hartland
They have the books you want to read at prices as low as 50 cents! Murder, Mystery, Science Fiction, Romance and more - over 30 categories and over 30,000 titles. All previously read, but still containing the same wonderful stories and information. A great way to stock up for that long trip or evenings in front of the fireplace. Orders are shipped within 48 hours to your doorstep.

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Upper Tahquanemon Falls by JohnnyRR

A sampling of Michigan festivals & events for the month of October. As usual, there's no way we'll get them all, so please add links and information about those we've missed (or reviews of ones we have here) in the comments below.

October 6
The Red Flannel Festival - Cedar Springs
This will is our 68th Annual Celebration of Red Flannel Day since 1939. Our festival is held each year on the First Saturday of October. Located just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan...Cedar Springs is a city with small-town charm and home-grown characteristics.

October 11 - 14
Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival - Alpena
Now in it's 12th year, the four day event provides activities for the young and old including lighthouse tours (aerial, boat or personal vehicle), entertainment, and vendors. The festival boasts over 100 maritime related vendors including lighthouse preservation groups, artists, authors and more.

October 19 - 20
The Michigan Story Festival - Mt. Pleasant
The two-day Michigan Story Festival offers a complete showcase of the power of storytelling in all its art forms. Michigan Story Festival is one of the only storytelling festivals to integrate the stories of many cultures and traditions. With the exception of the opening and closing performances, there is no charge to experience the magic of Michigan Story Festival events and presentations.

October 26 - November 26
C. S. Lewis Festival - Petoskey
The Northern Michigan C. S. Lewis Festival welcomes you to our annual month-long celebration. Events take place from late October to mid-November in the Petoskey area on Little Traverse Bay, including music & theater performances, school & library programs, scholarly lectures, community discussion groups, and more.

October 1 - 31
October "GO Get Outdoors" Events - Statewide
GO-Get Outdoors celebrates outdoor recreation and the role it plays with improving the quality of life in Michigan. Whether biking, hiking, trail running, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting or simply exploring nature, park and recreation facilities provide opportunities for every one of all ages and all backgrounds to enjoy the state's diverse natural resources. Participants can improve their health while supporting recreation opportunities.

October 1 - 31
Colorfall - Grand Rapids
This October, you're guaranteed to fall under our spell, because there's a magic to Meijer Gardens this time of year. Enchantments of scarlet and yellow and gold. Trees so brilliant they can seem to have burst into flames--wonders of light and energy. We offer one of the largest mum displays in Michigan, with vivid colors everywhere.

October 12-14, 19-21 & 26-28
Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village - Dearborn
It's Frightfully Fun for the Whole Family!
Step back in time to a turn-of-the-20th century Hallowe'en. Follow an endless path of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and meet colorful characters along the way. Feel the whoosh as the headless horseman rides by, banter with a clever witch, and make stops at several treat stations spread throughout Greenfield Village.

October 1 - 31
Michigan's Upper Peninsula Calendar of Events - UP
Comprehensive listing of events in the Upper Peninsula provided via the Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association.

October 26
Food, Wine and All That Jazz - Grand Rapids
West Michigan's premier wine tasting event at The Public Museum in Grand Rapids. During the evening, choose from more than 35 tables filled with over 300 domestic wine and beer selections from throughout North America, as well as over 25 tables of select gourmet foods. Enjoy these tastes against a backdrop of live jazz by The Steve Talaga Trio and Edye Evans Hyde.

October 21
Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon - Detroit
Get down to Motown for the 2007 Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon! We're celebrating our 30th anniversary with an exhilarating, world-class, international marathon. With a unique course crossing the U.S./Canadian border twice and great musical entertainment along the way, there's no end to the excitement of running this race!

October 27
International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum Induction and Awards - Detroit
Mark your calendars! Do not miss the 11th Annual Induction and Awards Celebration for the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Also be sure to check out this feature on Michigan wine harvest events from Michigan in Pictures and Absolute Michigan keywords "haunted", "maze", "apple" and "harvest"!

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tour de two by various artists

Next Saturday (September 15, 2007) Michigan hosts two very different bike tours. The annual tour de troit is billed as a leisurely 40-mile ride through the streets of Detroit that begins at 10 AM explores the city's historic areas and sights. I'm not sure if I'd use "leisurely" and "40-mile ride" in the same sentence, but it looks like a great ride! You can get more information about biking the Motor City from Beat the Train - check your volume before clicking through 'cause Andy likes his music loud!

Also on Saturday is the annual Tour de Leelanau, a point to point open road race in the tradition of a classic European road race for the top male and female racers in the country. This year's Tour de Leelanau is sanctioned by USA Cycling and held under permit by the United States Cycling Federation making it one of the nation's premier road biking races! You can check out their site for all the details and view photos at the tour de leelanau tag on Flickr (view slideshow) and also in the Tour de Leelanau group on Flickr. If you're thinking of heading up to Leelanau, check out our Leelanau.com web site for all the details on things to do, places to stay and where to eat!

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pig races by radiospike

A sampling of Michigan festivals & events for the month of September. As usual, there's no way we'll get them all, so please add links and information about those we've missed (or reviews of ones we have here) in the comments below.

August 18 - September 30

Michigan Renaissance Festival- Holly (Open Weekends and Labor Day)
Inside the turreted gates of Hollygrove you are free to roam the festive marketplace featuring friendly village merchants lining every path. In addition to the fantastic selection of handcrafted wares, Hollygroave visitors may also partake in games of skill or enjoy non-stop entertainment where belly dancers, sword swallowers, musicians, comedians, and sword fighters provide merriment for all ages. The Festival is best known for its awe-inspiring full-contact armored jousting tournaments where gallant knights defend their honor until the last man is standing.

August 22 - September 3

Michigan State Fair - Detroit
Celebrating 101 years, the Michigan State Fair includes many different events. Some of which are: a circus, daily parades, 60+ rides, a livestock pavilion & show, farm exhibits and live farm animal births, a petting zoo, pony rides, free concerts featuring national & local acts, a lumberjacks timber show, all kinds of contests and competitions, food, arts & crafts and more.

August 31 - September 3

Detroit International Jazz Festival - Detroit
For 28 years, the Detroit International Jazz Festival has attracted visitors and locals to an end of summer ritual on Labor Day Weekend that celebrates one of America's most important art forms. The festival boasts six stages and one hundred acts over four days in a city well known for its musical legacy.

Arts, Beats, & Eats - Pontiac
Celebrating art, cuisine, music and humanity throughout downtown Pontiac, with 50 restaurants, 200 music performers, and 155 art exhibitors.

September 3

The 50th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk - Mackinaw City
The Mackinac Bridge Walk is an annual walk in which people may walk the length of the Mackinac Bridge. Walkers are led across by the governor of Michigan, currently Jennifer M. Granholm.

September 7 - 8

Hopps of Fun Beer & Wine Festival - Mackinaw City
Sampling of more than 50 award winning Michigan microbrewed beers and over 40 wines from Michigan's four internationally recognized wine regions. Brewmasters and winemakers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the brewing and winemaking process.

September 7 - 9

Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival - Paw Paw
The Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival lets visitors enjoy wine tasting, tours at area wineries and vineyards and a grape stomping competition. There will also be a classic car show, craft fair, polka and jazz music, a bicycle tour and fireworks.

September 13 - 15

Traverse Epicurean Classic - Traverse City
Experience the defining character of the Traverse Epicurean Classic: a comfortable approach and fresh ideas for pairings in Food, Wine, Cookbooks and Culinary Literature – where culinary meets literary. A place where the artisans are eager to share their time, talents and experience with you, the attendee.

September 14 - 15

Michigan Irish Music Festival - Muskegon
The Michigan Irish Music Festival features all things Irish, an outstanding line-up of music on 2 stages, an Irish Pub, Market vendors, cultural activities and much more.

September 14 - 16

Victorian Festival - Northville
Northville turns back the clock and transform itself into a Victorian Village complete with period costumes, free trackless train and horse and carriage rides, storytellers, magicians, musical entertainment and demonstrations. Ryde Park features rides for kids and the Victorian Saloon offers entertainment for adults.

September 15

Tour de Leelanau - Leelanau County
The Tour de Leelanau is an international event hosting cycling's premier teams and athletes. During the week before the race, team members from all over the country will quietly arrive and scope out the layout of "The County" and the course to begin preparing themselves for Saturday's test. By Friday, a strong undercurrent of tension will be in the air at Leelanau Sands Casino, the site of the finish line and a new event, the Expo. Saturday will explode with excitement as spectators crane their necks to catch a glimpse of and/or collect some autographs from their favorite riders.

September 21 - 23

Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association Harvest Stompede - Leelanau County
The Harvest Stompede includes several events. Participants may choose just the wine tasting package that includes special pours and food pairings at the wineries, or the wine tasting may be combined with one of several different in the vineyard experiences. "The Harvester" is a three mine recreational hike through the vineyards, the "Stinger" is a 5 K walk or run. "The Grape Stomper" is a seven mile challenging run through three vineyards and an orchard blended with some breathtaking views of West Grand Traverse Bay and the scenic vistas of the Leelanau Peninsula. Participants may choose solely to enter one of the runs or the walk or combine with one of the wine tasting packages.

Photo: Pig Races by Radiospike

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