trio by worth a few words

The 36th Annual Wheatland Music Festival will be held September 11-13, 2010 at the 160 acre Wheatland Music Organization (WMO) property near Remus (Mecosta County midway between Big Rapids and Mt. Pleasant). The goal of the WMO is to serve as a resource center for the preservation and presentation of traditional music and arts, an idea that began with the First Wheatland Bluegrass Festival as a benefit for the Mt. Pleasant Food Co-Op, August 24, 1974.

The 2009 festival lineup features nationally known performers like The Steel Drivers, Red Stick Ramblers, Ruthie Foster, Aubrey Ghent and the The Wilders along with Michigan favorites including Detour Bluegrass and Robin & Linda Williams.

Wheatland limits ticket sales to maintain a environment conducive to enjoying the great music, so you need to get weekend tickets in advance. You may purchase online or call 989-967-8561 for availability. You can buy Sunday-only tickets at gate beginning at 8 AM on Sunday, September 7 for $25.

Photo credit: 2005 Wheatland Music Festival by Peggy Brisbane. Peggy has been photographing the musicians at the Wheatland Festival in 1983 and has photographed most of the festivals since then. View more photos in the Wheatland Music Organization photo gallery and also in the Wheatland Photos group on Flickr.

Here's a cool video from 2007 capturing the feel of this classic Michigan festival.

Tasting Tent II by farlane

The 2009 Epicurean Classic takes place St. Joseph August 28 - 30, 2009. It's one of the premier annual celebrations of culinary artisanship, drawing big name chefs from around the nation and world who lead classes & cooking presentations and mingle in a relaxed and unimaginably tasty setting. Add in wines and wineries from all over the world and food & kitchen supply vendors sampling their wares and you will see why many people count this as one of Michigan's signature events.

Enjoy a taste of the Epicurean Classic in this video from Scott Allman Productions and be sure to attend - you will not be sorry!

The festival encourages cross-cultural understanding of our diverse society through the presentation of musicians, dancers, cooks, storytellers and craftspeople whose traditions are rooted in their communities.

The festival includes nearly 100 musicians or dancers in groups, who perform at least twice and sometimes as many as four times over the weekend. Also featured are traditional and other food vendors, craft vendors and many other individual artists/demonstrators. There are five performance stages (including one with a 2,400 sq. ft. dance floor), a children's hands-on activity area, crafts demonstrations, and crafts marketplace. In addition there are special programs every year, which feature some aspect of traditional culture.

Observes GLFF founding director Marsha MacDowell, "The folk festival is a unique celebration of the histories, traditions, and cultures of the many peoples of the world, and while we have a focus on Michigan and the Great Lakes, we also present artists from around the nation and world. This is one of the few venues in the country to regularly showcase award-winning state and national artists, including recipients of the Michigan Heritage Awards and the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship Awardees. "

This award-winning event is one of the region's premiere arts programs and a summer-time high note -- and is expected to draw more than 90,000 visitors throughout the weekend to celebrate culture, tradition and community. GLFF was named the state's top public humanities program by the Michigan Humanities Council and the event received an artistic excellence grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to help produce this year's activities.

Festival hours are: Friday, Aug. 7, 6 - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 8, noon - 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 9, noon - 6 p.m. For more information, call the MSU Museum at (517) 432-GLFF (4533) or learn more at http://www.greatlakesfolkfest.net and on Facebook and Twitter.

Admission to the MSU Museum's Great Lakes Folk Festival is free (donations are encouraged).

Get a feel for what the festival is like by checking out this flickr slideshow!

View Larger Map

Bubble and Droplet. by G0Da

It seems that many media outlets are preaching the "staycation" this year. We say cut some corners, pack a lunch, brew your own coffee, just do what you have to do and support the festivals, events, cities and businesses that are making things happen. You might just have some fun and create some great memories in the process.

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 - Wikipedia

• 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...

Stuff To Do!

June 12 - July 5
Ann Arbor Summer Festival Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an exhilarating celebration of performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. Each year, this three-and-a-half-week cultural and social event offers dozens of performances, activities, screenings, and more, with eclectic music, dance, comedy, film, visual arts, and family fun.

Now celebrating its 26th season, the festival has invigorated the cultural life of the community for over two and a half decades. It brings the world to Ann Arbor: innovative artists, enthusiastic audiences, eager students, curious visitors, and anyone looking to be inspired and entertained on a Michigan summer evening.

July 1 - 5
Comerica Cityfest Detroit
Comerica Cityfest is a five-day outdoor food and culture rich entertainment street festival in Detroit’s historic New Center over each Fourth of July weekend. The event exemplifies city life, (what it is and what it could be), in one of Detroit’s fastest growing 24-hour districts.

A diverse and family friendly crowd looks forward each year to our free national and local talent on four stages, over 40 Michigan restaurants selling “tastes” of their specialties, free stage shows, activities for children, and a marketplace of unique Detroit products and memorabilia. Comerica Cityfest is free and open to the public.

July 1 - 5
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival Battle Creek
Twenty Six Years and Counting...The US Air Force Thunderbirds and Over 60 Hot-Air Balloons Headline Acts at the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival.

Appearing for the 26th time in Battle Creeks Field of Flight and Air Show history, will be the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Featured as one of America’s top-precision aerial demonstration teams, the Thunderbirds, over 60 hot-air balloons and an array of aerial demonstration teams will color the skies over W.K. Kellogg Airport during the 2009 event that will be held the week of July 1 - July 5.

As one of Michigan’s largest family festivals, the event began in 1980 with only hot-air balloons and has grown to become one of the largest air shows in the country. "The hot-air balloons will always have a special place at our event, said Barbara Haluszka, Executive Director. "But adding the air shows has definitely put us on the map in the aviation world."

July 2 - 5
Rothbury Rothbury
This year the Rothbury Music Festival takes place July 2-5, 2009 in Rothbury, Michigan (near Muskegon). RothburyFour days of music on six stages feature some of the biggest musical acts around.

The Rothbury Think Tank will be focused on finding energy independence and feature the innovators, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, celebs, and rabble rousers who – in this time of economic, energy and climate crisis – are offering a green path to a brighter future.

July 4
MichiganFireworks.com - Independence Day Michigan
Currently listing 372 Fireworks displays in Michigan for 2009!

July 4 - 12
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 6 - 12
Common Ground Lansing
Common Ground is situated in downtown Lansing along the banks of the Grand River in Adado Riverfront Park. Common Ground is an event for all your senses. This annual celebration features an outstanding line-up of musical acts, focusing on top-level, national, contemporary music performers, scores of food vendors, and a dynamic display of outdoor interactive activities for kids. With an attractive, intimate venue, state-of-art production and a comprehensive array of patron amenities, the festival is the premier special event of the summer in the greater Lansing region.

July 10 - 11
Idlewild Music Fest Idlewild
In its heyday, the Idlewild Resort area was the place to perform for musicians and other entertainers who had already "arrived" and for those that were hoping to get noticed. The Idlewild Music Fest recognizes these musical roots with a three-day celebration. Coordinated and supported by business leaders, the nonprofit community and faith community of Lake County, the Idlewild Music Fest brings an unmistakable beat back to echo across Idlewild Lake and Williams Island, if just for awhile.

July 10 - 11
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 10 - 12
Blissfest Cross Village
he 29th Blissfest Music Festival will present a world of innovative folk and roots music and dance at the Festival Farm in unique and picturesque northern Michigan. It is truly a blissful musical weekend to be shared with families, friends and music-lovers of all ages. This year's 29th Celebration will feature Jamband, Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Folk, Jazz, Latin, Ethnic and World music and dance. Follow the links above for all the details of the 29th annual festival. Remember, Life is Bliss so follow your Bliss to the Blissfest!

July 11 - Aug 9
Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire Battle Creek
Neither heat, rain nor scary beast will shut our gates. They will open at 10:00 am to the Queen's delight and close at 7:00 pm with the children's sighs. Come spend your day with us.

Welcome to the Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire - West Michigan 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. Silver Leaf offers vendors that will appeal to both men and women and the young and the young at heart. Shop ‘til you drop at the Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire.

July 14 - Aug 2
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.

Check out their Face Book page!

July 15 - 18
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
* Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair

Together, the fairs attract over 500,000 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 16 - 19
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 and so much more.

July 16 - 19
Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium Grand Marais
The oldest kayaking symposium on the Great Lakes welcomes paddlers of all ages and abilities for a weekend packed with fun and learning opportunities. Grand Marais has a protected harbor that is ideal for class sessions and skills practice while offering a perfect starting point for unforgettable trips along the scenic lakeshore.

July 18 - 19
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 16-year history, the festival has become a beloved highlight of metro Detroit’s summer festival season.

July 17 - 19
Michigan Storytellers Festival Flint
See website for details...

July 17 - 19
Hiawatha Music Festival Marquette
The Hiawatha Festival is the only event of its size and scope in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Without Hiawatha, local performers and fans would have to travel between four and six hours to the nearest festivals of its size and type.

Each year's event features traditional-music styles that include bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk - including singer/songwriters - and dance. Mainstage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites.

July 17 - 19
Quake on the Lake Waterford
Over the past 9 years, “Quake on the Lake” has gained a reputation as one of the premier summertime events in/around Oakland County, Michigan. It has become a “must attend” event for North American Inboard Hydroplane owners and drivers; and since its inception, nearly 300,000 people have witnessed world-record racing performances from the top teams in the business. The event is the proud recipient of 15 American Power Boat Association (APBA) records being set in 5 different racing classes making Pontiac Lake one of the fastest one-mile race courses in the country!

July 18 - 19
Ragtime Street Fair Dearborn
Come dance, enjoy and celebrate Ragtime in Greenfield Village all weekend long. Our popular new signature event focuses on the early “jazz age” of 20th century America’s first decades. The unique, ragged rhythms of this hugely popular genre present the background for two days of dancing, music, drama, parades and fantastic food. Ragtime Street Fair is free to members and free with Greenfield Village admission.

July 24 - 25
Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival Ypsilanti
The Michigan Brewers Guild’s Summer Beer Festival is a showcase event featuring well over 200 beers from more than 30 Michigan breweries.

July 24 - 26
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 25 - 26
Art On The Rocks Marquette
Located in a beautiful wooded area on the shore of Lake Superior in north Marquette. Enjoy the 51st annual Art On The Rocks at Presque Isle Park.

July 24 - Aug 2
Coast Guard Festival Grand Haven
As we celebrate the 219th birthday of the United States Coast Guard and the 84th anniversary of the founding of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, as we know it today, they welcome you and thank you for your support of these gallant men and women who serve us all year long...the members of the United States Coast Guard!

Enjoy your visit...There is only one COAST GUARD CITY USA and we're ready to show you a wonderful time!

July 28 - Aug 2
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 30 - Aug 2
Woodtick Music Festival Hermansville
The Woodtick Music Festival is a home-grown, Upper Peninsula style shindig featuring a variety of regional and not so regional bands who all have one thing in common....they're damn good!

The June 10th, 2009 kickoff of the four-day festival will feature the documentary "Surfing 50 States". Actress Yeardley Smith, better known as the voice of Lisa Simpson, will be there, as will Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund and world renowned street artist Ron English. The opening-night party will also include a musical performance by South Florida rock band, Fallbrooke.

The festival itself will run June 11th-14th. Michigan's own Jeff Daniels will be there for the Midwest Premiere of his film, "Answer Man", and Daryl Hannah is scheduled to attend to promote her film, "Fierce Light".

Check out Absolute Michigan keyword Saugatuck for more about the festival and Saugatuck links and visit our Michigan Film Festivals page for many more film experiences!

Meghan (mlephotos) says she loves xerox transfers, ttv's, toy cameras, pin hole camera, etc.

Her sets include tiger stadium, bokeh, roosevelt book depository and my favorites (slideshow).

Dive into her Flickriver and have a groovy, groovy weekend!

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1832, Elijah Myers studied law, then carpentry, before apprenticing with a friend who was an architect. Myers started his own architectural firm in Springfield, Illinois, after serving in the Union army as an engineer during the Civil War. His first
important commission was an Illinois county courthouse. In 1872, Myers’ life changed dramatically when he won the commission to design the new Michigan State Capitol.

Myers based his design for the Michigan Capitol on the U.S. Capitol in Washington by adopting two important features─a tall dome and balanced wings. When the Michigan Capitol opened in 1879, it set the standard for state capitols and similar public buildings. Myers went on to design capitol buildings in Texas, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. He also designed many other buildings in Michigan. Some have been demolished (1875, Lansing High School, 1878, Eastern Michigan Asylum for the Insane and
1888, Grand Rapids City Hall), while others survive (1888, Central United Methodist Church in Lansing, 1892, Stockbridge Town Hall and 1902, Howell Carnegie District Library). By the time of his death in
1909 (and subsequent burial in Detroit), Elijah Myers had become one of the most successful and important architects of public buildings in America.

A century after the Michigan Capitol opened it needed a makeover. The walls and ceilings, which had been carefully hand-painted to create detailed designs, needed repainting. From 1989 to 1992, the Capitol underwent a complete restoration. It was returned it to its former beauty and ready to serve Michiganians for many more years.

Each year, thousands of people visit the Michigan Capitol. Recently, a fourth-grader who visited the Capitol said, “Our class had a great time on the tour, thank you for the best time of my life.”

The Capitol is open for free tours five days a week. Guides answer questions about the restored Capitol and state government. Tours include the building’s public areas and the House of Representatives and Senate galleries.

The Michigan State Capitol is one of many great Michigan attractions featured in Michigan History magazine. For information call (800) 366-3703 or visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.

Photo credit: Senate Chambers, taken by Balthazar Korab.

For more photos check out this flickr slideshow!

In keeping with Absolute Michigan's 'Weird Wednesday', we present 'White Pine Trail Mascot' as captured by photoshoparama. His flickr page adds:

Or is it an idol?
I don't see any sacrifices or burnt candles so I think it is more like a trail mascot.

Between southern trail head and West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball Stadium.

Want to see the details?
This defintely belongs in my "Between the Streets" pool.

Taken a while back, just cleaning off my laptop. Yes, it looks different this week.

The mascot is quite the Blair Witch meets skate punk mashup...

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 >

Collins Caviar is the only processor of hand-made American freshwater caviars. Salmon caviars are still made fresh every week. They offer a complete line of caviars, including their flavor infused and smoked caviars. Exquisite, low salt Hackleback Sturgeon, Paddlefish, and American Golden Whitefish.

Fork in the Road is a Michigan based food show that celebrates the diverse food heritage of the Great Lakes region.

Recipe:
Check out Chef Eric's recipe: Freshwater Caviar Risotto at forkintheroadtv.com.

Family Trips by brandonjb

Michigan's Adventure, the state's largest amusement park was originally founded as the 'Deer Park', a petting zoo in 1956. It eventually was renamed 'Deer Park Funland' and then in 1988 after a coaster, the 'Wolverine Wildcat' was added, it obtain it's current moniker of 'Michigan's Adventure'. The park was bought by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. (Cedar Point plus 11 other parks) in 2001 and has become a major Michigan attraction.

Michigan's Adventure is the only surviving thrill park in the state of Michigan boasting over 30 rides with more to come. In fact 2008 will see the addition of Michigan's first and only suspended coaster 'Thunderhawk'. Riders sit suspended below the track ski-lift style and start with an 86 foot drop before racing at up to 50 mph through over 2,000 feet of twists and turns, including 5 inversions.

Water Park
In 1991 WildWater Adventure opened after absorbing the nearby Pleasure Island water park. Soon after, advertising boasted "2 parks for the price of 1" as a single admission price got you into both parks making a great day better, especially on those really hot summer days. Currently the water park has over 23 attractions and slides with more to be added in 2008 and beyond.

Additional Info
Here is a break down of rides at both parks that offers great information as to the degree of 'thrill' and height requirements that must be met in order to ride. You may want to check out the following tips to help you plan your day before heading over to Michigan's Adventure.

You can get a look at the park through these YouTube videos or check out this slideshow via the Michigan's Adventure pool at flickr.com.

How to Get There

View Larger Map

You can get a higher quality version from the official web site Asparagus: Stalking the American Life (where you can also buy the DVD which supports family farmers) and also at Media That Matters, where you can also read an explanation of this interesting project from director/poducers Kirsten Kelly and Anne de Mare, who write:

Three years ago, we set out to make a film about the self-proclaimed Asparagus Capital of the Nation, the tiny rural community in western Michigan where Kirsten grew up in the 1970s and 80s. As the daughter of an asparagus farmer, Kirsten spent her childhood working on the farm and was a proud member of the pre-teen asparagus dance troupe The Oceana Stalkers. There was no question that asparagus was huge in Oceana County. Hailed as Green Gold, it was exactly what this poor rural community needed - a spring cash crop at the end of a long cold winter.

Asparagus was king in Oceana County ... until the War on Drugs eliminated import tariffs on South American asparagus and kicked the bottom out of the market. This film is the story of the reaction of folks in Oceana County and one look at how broad US policies can have devastating and unintended impacts.

The annual National Asparagus Festival will be held June 13-15, 2008. In addition to a showing of the film at on Friday, June 13 at 7 PM at the Hart Middle School Auditorium, events include the Joan Glover Royale Parade (Saturday, 2 PM in Hart), an Asparagus Food Show and an Asparagus Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at the Oceana County Airport.

Photo courtesy Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board. Hungry? Dig into Absolute Michigan keyword Asparagus!

(Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville AVAs)

The Lake Michigan Shore viticultural area, with its blend of northern continental and maritime climates, produces distinctive fruit forward wines of unparalleled quality. The region hugs the southeast shore of Lake Michigan, extending from the Michigan-Indiana border north 70 miles to the Kalamazoo River at Saugatuck. Wines grown at the southern end have a noticeably lower acidity than the more minerally wines from the northern extreme, and the ability to ripen long season reds tends to diminish as one progresses from south to north.

Overall, the long growing season, with its cool ripening period during the last 60 days, results in wines having an intense fruit character not found in very many wine growing regions. Even the flagship red wines, like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, have a distinctive fruit-forward character that is not commonly found in warmer areas. The firm acidity of the white wines and the mild-mannered tannins of the red wines along, with the distinctive fruit character make Lake Michigan Shore wines very "food friendly" and "European" in character.

-- Doug Welsh, Winemaker, Fenn Valley Vineyards

Get information about the wineries & winemakers of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail including their upcoming Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival (June 21).

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.

Born in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1878, Sandburg left school in eighth grade. For the next decade, he worked a variety of jobs. Following a stint in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War, Sandburg entered Lombard College, located in his hometown. He worked on his writing, publishing several poems. This success led him to tackle his state's favorite son - Abraham Lincoln. In 1926, the first volume of Sandburg's two-volume biography of Lincoln was published. Although his poetic style and the book's lack of footnotes led some historians to criticize it, other reviewers admired Sandburg's approach. The Prairie Years became a nationwide bestseller.

Exhausted by his many writings, Sandburg and his family left Chicago and spent the summer of 1926 in a cottage overlooking Lake Michigan near Harbert, a small town in Berrien County. Rather than return to Chicago at the end of the summer, the family stayed in Harbert, and soon built a rambling year-round cottage. It became their home for nearly two decades.

Swimming and long walks on the beach were part of the family's daily routine. Working in a third-floor study, Sandburg continued his writing. Surrounded by hundreds of books and aided by his wife and daughters, Sandburg completed the second volume of his Lincoln biography. The War Years won Sandburg the 1940 Pulitzer Prize for history.

While the Sandburgs were happy in Harbert, the winters became too much. In 1945 the Sandburgs headed south, settling in North Carolina. In an interview before moving, Sandburg conceded, "I love it here. I love to skip stones. I'm going to miss it all."

For more great stories on Michigan's past, look to Michigan History and Michigan History for Kids magazines. For more information or a free trial issue, call (800) 366-3703 or visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com.

You can get the scoop on Sandberg from Wikipedia and find out more about Harbert through these Harbert web sites on Absolute Michigan. I found a great site with some poems of Carl Sandberg. Here's one with a Michigan feel:

ON THE BREAKWATER

ON the breakwater in the summer dark, a man and a
girl are sitting,
She across his knee and they are looking face into face
Talking to each other without words, singing rythms in
silence to each other.

A funnel of white ranges the blue dusk from an out-
going boat,
Playing its searchlight, puzzled, abrupt, over a streak of
green,
And two on the breakwater keep their silence, she on his
knee.

Photo credit: Office of War Information. Courtesy Library of Congress: LC-USE6-D-001429.

Argos Book Shop, Grand Rapids
Argos has been located in the same Eastown neighborhood location since 1975, at the corner of Lake Drive and Robinson Road. They are a seller of antiquarian, vintage, and gently used books, magazines, and comic books.

Mystery House Book Shoppe, Grand Rapids
Mystery House sells used books. They comb the thrift stores, stop at all garage sales, stand in line at estate sales and bid at auctions - so they can offer you a wide selection of paperback and hard cover books in good condition at 'readable' prices.

Literary Life Bookstore & More, Grand Rapids
A local physician with a love of the literary life and a journeyman bookseller have teamed up to provide Wealthy Street and the surrounding neighborhood with a place to celebrate all aspects of the literary life, whether the focus is books, writing in all its forms, good movies (based on great books, of course), or the promotion of literary endeavors.

Pooh’s Corner, Grand Rapids
Established in 1976, Pooh’s Corner in the Breton Village Shopping Center is the largest independent children’s bookstore in West Michigan. Locally owned and operated, the store offers a comprehensive selection of children’s books, music, and related games, puzzles, puppets, toys, and gifts with a knowledgeable staff ready to help you select exactly the right books for the young people in your life.

Redux Books, Grand Rapids
Though they specialize in rare, out of print and antiquarian books, they also have a large and eclectic selection of more common books ranging from best seller paperbacks to textbooks. They also buy all different kinds of books: hardcovers, paperbacks, textbooks, new books, used books, religious books.

Kazoo Books, Kalamazoo
Kazoo Books is an independent bookstore offering a wide selection of quality used books, select new titles, and book ordering services that has been serving the greater Kalamazoo area from their Clarendon location since 1988 and their Oakwood neighborhood location since 2003.

The Friends Bookstore, Kalamazoo
The Friends Bookstore is located on the lower level of Central Library. You can drop in and browse the shelves or buy online.

Michigan News Agency, Kalamazoo
Besides the many marvelous magazines, they have newspapers, 15,000 paperbacks, including New York Times best sellers and an outstanding collection of children’s books, graphic novels, Michigan souvenirs, books by local authors, maps, greeting cards, cold drinks, candy, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and a full line of Arturo Fuente cigars. From 6 am to 8 pm every day of the year, they work to create a community of informed readers who care about the world of Kalamazoo and beyond.

Everybody Reads, Lansing
Everybody Reads exists to empower the underrepresented individuals and families in the tri-county area through a comprehensive community bookstore and neighborhood resource center. Their vision is to be known as a neighborhood resource center where individuals and families find a heart of social vitality, kinship and belonging.

Curious Book Shop, East Lansing
Curious Books is a used & rare book store located in downtown East Lansing. Originally started in a basement in 1969, the store has since expanded to three floors of well-organized books, magazines, and other paper items.

Schuler Books Grand Rapids, Okemos, Lansing, Walker
The husband and wife team of Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld share a passion for reading and community involvement. These shared interests led them to open the first Schuler Books in Grand Rapids in 1982. Since then, their business has blossomed into Schuler Books & Music, four of the nations largest independent bookstores. Each location now also boasts a large selection of music, DVDs, unique gift items, as well as a full-service, gourmet café. Remaining independent and locally-owned, Bill and Cecile continue connecting writers and readers throughout Michigan.

Archives Book Shop, East Lansing
The Archives Book Shop is an oasis in time, with material from the 16th Century to the 21st Century. This is an antiquarian store, located a few blocks from picturesque Michigan State University and the Red Cedar River. They specialize in both modern and old-and-rare items for the collector and pleasure reader, as well as the scholar, with over 30,000 volumes and 75,000 vintage postcards: leather bindings, hardcovers and paperbacks, books that have been read and loved, the books that make one's heart sing; wonderful-to-hold-in-your-hand volumes. On any day, you may find signed documents, a letter from W. H. Auden, a leatherbound first edition of Johnson's Tour, a paperback Faulkner, vintage catalogs and automotive ephemera, etchings, atlases, bookends, original bookcover paintings, or real-photo postcards and photographs.

Readers World Bookstore, Holland
Over 30 years in downtown Holland. Always 20% off past & present hardcover bestsellers. Hours: Monday - Friday 9am-9pm Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 8am-5pm

Bestsellers Bookstore & Coffee Co., Mason
They stock 10,000 general interest and children's titles, with quick order access to over 2 million books through their national wholesale supplier. They even research and find rare & out of print titles.

Triple Goddess Bookstore, Okemos
Located in a historic old house in downtown Okemos with a wonderful and warm feeling, Triple Goddess is a full service bookstore, and also offers used book searches, mailing, readings, classes, and will special order books, decks, incense, oils and statuary - everything from "Aromatherapy to Zodiacs".

The Bookman, Grand Haven
The Bookman is a locally owned, full service bookstore offering over 10,000 new books and thousands of used paperbacks. They stock a great selection of magazines newspapers and greeting cards and are happy to order books for their customers.

The Book Nook and Java Shop, Montague
New York Times bestsellers, most popular, used books and discounted titles. The children's section is outstanding as is their young adult selection while the java shop offers a full service fresh juice bar, bakery items along with soups, bagels and coffee concoctions of all sorts.

Lowry's Books and More, Three Rivers
Lowry's Books is your locally-owned full-service bookstore and toystore. They have over 18,000 new books, over 100,000 used and rare books, will get any book that is in print for you - usually within 1-3 days,- and they'll conduct a search for those hard-to-find and out-of-print books.

Paperback Book Exchange, Mt. Pleasant
Central Michigan's largest selection of used paperback books! Thousands to choose from! They offer a wide variety of used paperback books for sale or trade, a large selection of audio books (for trade only), and selected hard cover books. They also have jigsaw puzzles.

Taylor's Books and More, Coldwater
Taylor's Books and More is a locally owned, independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books and specializing in children's titles. Their staff enjoys selling books because they enjoy reading them and they take great pleasure in helping you select the perfect book for an evening of relaxing reading or helping you choose a gift for a friend or special child.

Photo courtesy The Book Nook and Java Shop, Montague.

Explore more of Michigan's great books, bookstores, authors and publishers at Absolute Michigan keyword Michigan Books!

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"!

Seth & May at Dunegrass by Andy McFarlane

The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun is sending blogger Eric Baerren and photographer Lisa Yanick to this year's Wheatland Music Festival. They'll be sending us updates as we have them and we'll try to pass them along to you from this page. You can also check the Morning Sun's blog and at the newspaper's web site.

This should of course NOT be considered a substitute for heisting yourself and loved ones to one of Michigan's finest music festivals!

I didn't have any photos from Wheatland, so I cheated. Seth Bernard & Daisy May ARE playing at Wheatland though!

Eric wrote a couple articles on the Festival including one about the dance pavilion at the festival and another on Oceana County's  Happy Farmers Coop, who serve up lots of food every festival including 1500 pounds of their famous potatos!

Lisa posted a couple videos including this one of a few musicians picking their way through the day:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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

Train to Kalamazoo by P4T

We've been slacking a bit in stocking our Absolute Michigan station on chime.tv, but our video team has just unveiled a veritable videographic Kalamazooapalooza (see also Kalamazoo, Michigan photos on Michigan in Pictures).

We have an EDC style tour of Kalamazoo from Southwest Michigan First, Katie Couric looking at the Kalamazoo Promise, a promo for the Air Zoo (airzoo.com), a trip to Whitford and Lawler Lakes (one of MANY available from kzoolakes.com) and the Glenn Miller Band doing I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.

And finally, to those who say there's nothing new under the sun, I point to the video short This Is Kalamazoo by Angeletti Pictures and featuring the dancers of the Ballet Arts Ensemble of Kalamazoo. It's currently featured on our Absolute Michigan channel on chime.tv and I have to say that after watching this, I'm ready for a road trip!

You can find information on all this and lots more at Absolute Michigan keyword Kalamazoo.

Surfing Michigan by farlane

We've pulled together a great collection of Great Lakes surfing videos on our Michigan Station at chime.tv including:

• The best of the bunch is what appears to be a TV special on Grand Haven filmmaker Vince Deur's movie Unsalted. the 7 minute short introduces you to the history and present day of Great Lakes surfing. There's also a couple of outtakes that take you to surfing hot spots like Michigan's Lake Superior shore in winter! Last December we ran Michigan Film: Unsalted: A Great Lakes Experience that has all the details (including where to get it!) and tons of clips from the definitive work on riding the freshwater wave.
• The Roxy Get Outside Tour recently visited Grand Haven, Michigan with a couple pro female surfers. They also answered the "Michigan question" and visited the Great Lakes Surf Association (more Michigan footage including waterskiing at the Roxy blog)
• Surfing isn't just for lakes any more, there's also the Grand River Surf!
• If surfing isn't fast enough (or the waves aren't big enough) there's always kiteboarding. Boarding Lake Michigan Waves from South Beach in South Haven shows you highlights of surfers, kiteboarders and windsurfers. Every September, the King of the Great Lakes Kiteboarding Competition is held in Grand Haven and Chris Simmons' video gives you highlights of what looks like a great time for participants and spectators. You can visit Mackinac Kites for information on the event.
• There's a Grand Haven surfing photo on Michigan in Pictures today that is part of an awesome Great Lakes Surfing slideshow!
• Check out Absolute Michigan keyword surf for surfing articles and surfing-related businesses! Might as well try Absolute Michigan keyword kiteboard too!

Did we miss something? Of course we did!! Tell us and/or add a link in the comments.

There's an interesting speech by Sen. Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) wondering if now is a good time for members of the Senate to take a summer recess, pointing out (quite rightly) that schools, local government and others are waiting for hard numbers for the upcoming budget year. To see it, go to the Michigan Senate Democrats page and click on Mark Schauer on current budget crisis (far right). Here's a better link to Mark Schauer's comments and Senator Gretchen Whitmer's even more pointed comments on the recess. I tried to look for something to balance this ... couldn't find anything.

Canoing the Grand River

Over there Among the Trees, Eric Baerren has a great piece titled Riverside Scars about a recent canoe jaunt down the Grand River. He says that while the renovation of old buildings hide the scars of change from the street, from the river you can get a glimpse of the city through time. Go there and check it out, it's well worth your time.

Looking for Bigfoot in the U.P.

The Escanaba Daily Press reports that researchers from the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) are expected to visit Marquette County July 12-15 to collect evidence of the man-like creature known as Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, The Abominable Snowman and The Missing Link. (also see LSJ's Bigfoot article). Apparently Marquette County has logged the most Bigfoot sightings with four, and in January of 2007 possible Bigfoot tracks were reported in the Gwinn area. Since we love Bigfoot here at Absolute Michigan, we had to let you know about it.

Sunrise on the Grand

Today's photo is Sunrise by koojoe2220, and he has several more photos of the Grand River in Lansing, including one of Moores Park Dam. That's probably the dam that stopped our intrepid canoeists, and it's mentioned in a very nice article about fishing on the Grand River and its tributaries.

Eaton Rapids, Michigan

In Eaton Rapids they are expecting highs in the mid 80s with rain likely. Thunderstorms are possible too, fitting as this week is Michigan Lightning Awareness week. Eaton Rapids bills itself as "the only Eaton Rapids on earth," and is located at the juncture of the Grand River and Spring Brook. The Official Eaton Rapids website claims that Eaton Rapids is also know as the "island city." Absolute Michigan keyword Eaton Rapids is pretty sure that The English Inn is a great place to stay - and eat!! Man, do we love the food at the English Inn!. Wikipedia's Eaton Rapids entry can tell you all about the demographics and geographics of Eaton Rapids, but only the Eaton Rapids live Webcam can show you the town of Eaton Rapids. Every year they hold the Dam Festival, and it will be joining up with 4th of July celebrations this year.

History from Southwest Michigan Directory

Steamer on the Black River (LC-D4-42466)
Library of Congress American Memory

The Pottawatomie Indians lived in the Van Buren area for many hundred of years until they were forced out by the white settlers. The first of these were Virginians Dolphin and Nancy Morris in 1829. A few years later, Dutch immigrant Peter Gremps moved to present-day Paw Paw and started the town. Friends and family followed, and much of the county was settled by Dutch Americans. In 1937, Van Buren officially became a county.

The county is named after the U.S. Secretary of State Martin Van Buren (who later went on to become Vice President and then President). It's one of Michigan's "Cabinet counties," those named after President Andrew Jackson and his members of Cabinet. The county seat of Van Buren is Paw Paw, which derives its name from the pawpaw tree. The largest city in the county is South Haven, which started as a lumber town but became popular as a tourist destination for steam boats carrying travelers from Chicago and Milwaukee.

Van Buren Today

Almost good enough to eat by norjam8

Van Buren is known as the fruit basket of Michigan. South Haven is the Blueberry Capital of the world, and the rest of the county produces apples, grapes, peaches, and tart cherries (check out this awesome Paw Paw barn on Michigan in Pictures and also this cool pic of the Van Buren County Courthouse by Marjorie O'Brien). Van Buren has many wineries, two of which are on the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail. The Lake Michigan shoreline of the county remains a popular tourist destination.

County/City Information

• Van Buren County links from Absolute Michigan - also see our South Haven, Paw Paw and Bangor pages!
  
• South Haven History at Michigan in Pictures
• Van Buren County Community Center
• South Haven Visitors Bureau
• The City of South Haven
• Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce
• The Village of Paw Paw
• Wikipedia entry for Van Buren County
• History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With ... biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers - eBook from Michigan County Histories at UM Library
• Van Buren County, Michigan photo map - from flickr

Things to do in Van Buren County

• Michigan Maritime Museum
• South Haven tag at Michigan in Pictures Be sure to check out the Van Buren State Park
• South Haven Pier Light
• Southwest Michigan Wine Trail
• Events including Hartford Strawberry Festival early June, The National Blueberry Festival early August, Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival early September and the Bangor Apple Festival mid October.

July 4-8

The Comerica CityFest - Detroit

The Comerica CityFest is an impressive mix of restaurants, stellar local and national musical acts, boutique retail, fun for kids, extreme park and social gathering spots, Comerica CityFest is a celebration of city life and a fantastic way to spend five days in Detroit’s historic New Center. Comerica CityFest is free and open to the public.

July 7-14

The National Cherry Festival - Traverse City

The National Cherry Festival is seven days of fun, with everything from cherry pie eating competitions to a Cherry Queen. Listen to some great concerts, ride as many carnival rides as you can stomach, and watch the Blue Angels as they tear up the sky.

July 8-15

Common Ground Festival - Lansing

The Common Ground Festival is "the event of the summer" with over 30 bands on 3 stages in just 7 days!

July 12-14

Meijer Taylor Summer Festival - Taylor

The Meijer Taylor Summer Festival represents one of southeast Michigan's most popular summer family events and celebrations of American music. This year, the festival's headlining performers include some of the hottest country artists in America on Friday, classic rock-n-roll on Saturday, and Disney acts on Sunday

July 13-14

The Michgian Elvisfest - Ypsilanti

The Michigan Elvisfest is officially sanctioned by Graceland. The Elvisfest is one of the Largest Elvisfest Concerts in North America. The fest has spectacular performances by the best professional Elvis Tribute Artists in North America.

July 14

Shadow Art Fair - Ypsilanti

The Shadow Art Fair is just one day of fun with more than 40 artists and 9000 gallons of beer. The fair allows folks doing under-the-radar creative work to network and show off. And drink beer.

July 18-24

Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair - Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair transforms Ann Arbor into an impressive outdoor art festival showcasing the best in fine art and fine crafts. This award-winning, juried fair features ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, photography, glass, wood, fiber and much more!

July 27-28

Summer Beer Festival - Ypsilanti

The Summer Beer Festival features tons of Michigan breweries for a celebration of the local art of beer brewing featuring a chance to talk with brewery personnel and learn about the art of beer making; home brewing, tasting of over one hundred different great local beers, delicious food, and excellent live entertainment.

July 31 - August 5

The Traverse City Film Festival - Traverse City

The Traverse City Film Festival is committed to showing "Just Great Movies" and helping to save one of America's few indigenous art forms — the cinema. The Traverse City Film Festival presents the best of independent, foreign, and documentary films. It also presents classic movies free of charge on a giant, inflatable outdoor screen overlooking Grand Traverse Bay in the Open Space Park at dusk.

Third Coast Surf Shop is "The Great Lakes' Premier Surf and Beach Lifestyle Shop." Their mission is "to spread the joy of the surfing in the Great Lakes." The shop is owned and operated by Great Lakes surfers, it offers rentals, lessons, repair, and a full line of surf and skate gear, clothing, and accessories—everything needed to experience the surfing lifestyle!

You can click on the picture for lessons, check out their website, or even check out their shop.

Shop Michigan will be a regular feature on Absolute Michigan, designed to help you support Michigan businesses. If you have suggestions for a product to feature, send an email to absolutemichigan@gmail.com - we'll check it out!

St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights
Courtest Archives of Michigan

Berrien County History

The area that is now Berrien County was first inhabited by Paleo-Indians whose settlements can still be found along high ridges. After the Paleo-Indians came the Potawatomi and the Miami who inhabited the area until they were pushed out by white settlers.

Jacques Marquette was the first European to visit the region but according to The History of Berrien County from the Southwest Michigan Directory, it was French explorer Rene' Robert Cavelier Sieur de la Salle who built Fort Miami in 1679 at the present site of St. Joseph (at the mouth of the St. Joseph River). The fort became the base for explorations into the Mississippi River Valley. The French built Fort St. Joseph upriver at Niles and controlled the area until 1763 when the British moved in. In 1781 the Spanish briefly took over Ft. St. Joseph, allowing Niles to be the only Michigan town to claim four flags - France, England, Spain, and the U.S.A.

The county was named after US. Attorney General John M. Berrien, who served under President Andrew Jackson. The county seat of Berrien is St. Joseph, which is also the largest shoreline city.

Blurs any ties to the beginning by sgsteffens_83
(Vineyard in Berrien Springs MI)

Berrien County Today

Berrien County boasts 50 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline county and is among the leading producers of peaches, pears, apples, plums and cherries in Michigan. Berrien is also home to several wineries on the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail.
More County/City Information

• Berrien County links from Absolute Michigan - a bunch of them!
• Berrien County Government - information about the local government and community.
• History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With ... biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers - ebook from Michigan County Histories at UM Library
• Berrien County, Michigan photo map - from Flickr
• Wikipedia entry for Berrien County
• City of St. Joseph
• St. Joseph Today

First Light by Brian H.

Things to do

• Grand Mere State Park - Michigan Shoreline Tour: Grand Mere State Park on Michigan in Pictures
• Warren Dunes State Park - also see Michigan Shoreline Tour: Warren Dunes on Michigan in Pictures
• Berrien County Parks - beaches and more!
• Southwest Michigan Wine Trail - 10,000+ acres of grapes and a number of wineries
• Events including the Blossomtime Festival (late May, multi-community), Venetian Festival (mid-July, St. Joseph), Antiques on the Bluff (first Sunday every month May - Oct, St. Joseph) and the Berrien County Youth Fair (Late August, Berrien Springs)

Your Turn

Obviously, we've only scratched the surface of what Berrien County has to offer. If you know of a Berrien County shop, beach, trail, event or web site that folks should know about, add a link or a note in the comments below!

Festival by One Foot Over The Moon

June 8-10

The Detroit Festival of the Arts - Detroit
From hot Latin rhythms to the comic antics of international street theatre or a 75-ton sand sculpture, the Detroit Festival of the Arts will delight the whole family. Now in its 21st year, the Detroit Festival of the Arts presents outstanding visual and performing artists from around the world, while showcasing the City's premier cultural institutions clustered within its boundaries.

Bay City YWCA Riverside Art Festival - Bay City
Over 130 exhibitors will be featured and the weekend will include live music, entertainment for the whole family, and plenty of food vendors to make the festival an all day excursion!

June 9-24

The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival - South-east Michigan
Experience the artistry of world-class musicians performing classic and contemporary chamber works in beautiful venues this summer. This season the Great Lakes Festival is highlighting the music of two composers roughly two centuries apart: Ludwig van Beethoven and Leon Kirchner.

June 15-17

Riverbank Traditional Pow-Wow - Lansing
The Riverbank Traditional Pow Wow is a place where people come together and celebrate life, it is about the Native American community and respectfully sharing their cultures with others.

June 21-24

Mountain Country Music Festival - Farwell
The Mountain Country Music Festival is hosting many big name preformers this year; LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Darryl Worley, and Sawer Brown. Bring a tent and camp while you enjoy the four days of music fun.

June 22-23

Kalamazoo Island Festival - Kalamazoo
The Island Festival is the largest celebration of Caribbean Culture in Michigan. Food vendors sell Caribbean cuisine and beverages, arts and crafts vendors sell handmade drums, woodcarvings, jewelry and more. Enjoy the music of international Reggae musicians, Winston Jarrett, Zion Lion, Gypsi Fari Trio, and many others.

June 22

Festival of the Moon - Lansing
Like its sister festival, The Festival of the Sun, the Festival of the Moon is a great community gathering from 6pm-11pm. Enjoy some fantastic music, try beer from Michigan's best microbreweries and wine from around the world, and eat food from some of Lansing;s finest restaurants.

June 23

Festival of the Sun - Lansing
The Festival of the Sun is a great place to listen to music, sample some of Michigan's best microbrewery beer and wine from around the world, and enjoy a few of Lansing's finest restaurants.

KITES! by yerffej9

(updated April 9, 2008!) The annual Great Lakes Kite Festival will be held May 16-18, 2008 at Grand Haven State Park in Grand Haven, Michigan. The event benefits the Children's Leukemia Foundation and features:

• Giant kites including the Giant Octopus and Trilobite kites (over 90 feet long)
• Demonstration field featuring kite ballets, performances and stunt kite exhibitions from some of the nation's finest kite teams
• Kiteboarding exhibition by the Naish Kiteboarding Team and Joe Bidawid
• Test flights of the latest and greatest kites and free kite seminars
• Indoor kite flying friday night and a night flight on Saturday
• Fighter Kite Competiton
• Moonwalk and obstacle course in the family fun tent

You can get the complete scoop on the Great Lakes Kite Festival from Mackinaw Kites. For more about Grand Haven, check out Absolute Michigan keyword Grand Haven. You can also visit the Grand Haven State Park page and click for a map to Grand Haven SP from Google.

Last Barn at Mentha by John Clement Howe

John Clement Howe went to the ghost town of Mentha and also dug up the fascinating story of Michigan's now vanished mint industry. As the very detailed article about Mint in Michigan from Michigan History Magazine explains:

Peppermint (Mentha piperita, named for its pepper-like taste) and spearmint (Mentha spicata, named for its arrow-shaped flower spires) are related plants (Labiatae) that are rich in volatile oils called terpenes. These ethereal, complex organic compounds--mainly menthol and carvone--give mint the taste and aroma that make it a favorite for chewing gum, toothpaste, candy and medicine...

Following the Civil War, mint cultivation spread from St. Joseph, first west into Cass and Berrien, then north into Van Buren, Allegan and Kalamazoo Counties. By the turn of the century, 90 percent of the world's supply of mint oil came from an area within a ninety-mile radius of Kalamazoo. Despite the productivity of Michigan's mint fields, Michigan mint growers at first had difficulty selling their harvests because of unscrupulous farmers who adulterated the oil with turpentine, alcohol or fireweed.

A farmer by the name of Albert Todd developed scientific methods of testing and grading mint oil. He established two plantations, Mentha in northeastern Van Buren County and Campania in central Allegan County and by 1900 was the largest producer of peppermint oil in the world and owner of the world's most extensive mint acreage.

Michigan remained a strong producer of mint through World War II, but by the 1970s, verticillium wilt had pretty much ended the commercial growth of peppermint in the state. Today most peppermint is grown in the Pacific Northwest but since some spearmint is resistant to verticillium wilt, Michigan still grows that and is ranked fifth among spearmint-growing states. Be sure to head over to Michigan History, Arts & Libraries for more on Michigan's mint heritage and current efforts to develop resistant mint.

View the entire set of photos by John Clement Howe

Bring Back Rail Transit by B. Rizzo

As Grand Rapids enjoys a bit of an economic boom, the city is looking to continue to grow and attract by revitalizing the face of public transportation, with streetcars.

Andy Guy of the Michigan Land Use Institute explains in his recent article Agency Endorses Grand Rapids Streetcar.

Emboldened by rave reviews from a delegation sent to Portland, Ore., to study the economic effects of that city’s highly popular streetcar system, the board of directors of Grand Rapids’ regional public transit agency has voted to approve accelerating the study and design of a similar system of its own.At the same meeting, held two days ago, the board that directs the regional system, known as The Rapid, also took two other steps: It decided to ask local voters to approve a property tax increase to improve existing bus service, and directed its staff to pursue federal funding for constructing a new “rapid bus” system.

The three decisions are meant to enhance urban mobility, unleash another wave of private downtown investment, and boost economic competitiveness in this rapidly de-industrializing Midwestern city, which is working to transform itself into a major player in the burgeoning global knowledge economy.

The board’s action is another step forward in a long, arduous effort that could eventually lead to the construction of a proposed 2.4-mile streetcar system that would circulate throughout the central city. The currently proposed route would link commuters to a convention center, an arena, numerous bars and clubs, new hotels and residences, and several other popular destinations in the city's central business district.

The project, estimated to cost approximately $69 million, is strikingly similar in terms of scale and cost to a number of streetcar systems already built or underway in cities across the United States. Portland’s, for example, cost $54 million, is 4.8 miles long, and in 10 years stimulated nearly $3 billion in new downtown investment, including the largest economic development project in that city’s history.

"Wherever the track goes down becomes ground zero for massive development," said former Grand Rapids Mayor John Logie, one of the local leaders who went to Portland to study the streetcars and their effect on that city. "But private investment ripples about four blocks away on either side of the streetcar line. So you want to go where development has yet to occur.

Read the full story, and then check out Guy's special series Growing Grand Rapids.

Article reprinted with permission from the Michigan Land Use Institute.

Winter Beer Festival

Mock Winter. Celebrate Beer! The Michigan Brewers Guild is holding their second annual Michigan Winter Beer Festival, an outdoor celebration of barrel-aged, cask and big beers from Michigan's craft brewers on the streets of Old Town this Saturday, February 24th from noon to 5 PM. It's a chance to sample over 150 brews from 32 different Michigan breweries Dress for winter weather and let each pint warm your soul. Hot food and live music, snow, rain or shine.

For more Michigan beer information, check out The Beer Festival Calendar and the newly released book, Michigan Breweries by Michigan authors Paul Ruschmann and Maryanne Nasiatka.

Tune in this Friday morning when we will release Absolute Michigan's Michigan Beer List - read responsibly!