Stop in at the Bronson Farm Market

We were traveling through Bronson last Saturday and couldn't pass up the farmer's market that was near downtown. There was a flea market, but my stomach was more inclined to peruse the Amish baked goods. I was rewarded quite nicely for stopping by finding a dozen delicious maple frosted sugar cookies (oh man, they were good!), tomatoes 10 for $1, and out of this world giant cinnamon rolls with gobs of rich frosting. My son picked up a small pumpkin for carving which got a big laugh out of the Amish couple running that particular booth. They (and his mother and I) tried to explain to him that we could make a yummy pie out of it, but it was entirely too tiny for carving. Besides, we have another road trip planned for our jack-o-lanterns.

Great prices and great food - it was a lot of fun. If you're passing through Bronson on a Saturday morning (8am to 12pm) from May through October, do yourself a favor and stop. You won't regret it ;).

Get Directions

Online resource to help navigate Michigan roads this weekend

Don't forget that the state of Michigan has a great resource to help you know about possible traffic delays due to construction. Michigan.gov/drive has updated information on lane closures, detours, and even lane speeds in Metro Detroit. This way, you can plan your Labor Day Weekend trips to avoid long delays and burning up expensive fuel while sitting in traffic. You can click on an area of construction (noted by little orange construction barrels) and it will tell you the work being done, how long the construction will last, and the time that will be added to your drive due to the delay. It's pretty slick.

As usual, MDOT has put a temporary stop on some of their projects for the Labor Day Weekend Holiday. Starting tomorrow, August 29, at 3 p.m. about 65 percent of roads with lane closures will have the lovely orange barrels removed for the weekend to cut down on drive time.

Article on driving Michigan's U.P.

It's nice to see Michigan's Upper Peninsula get some more love from the national media. The only downside? Where's the love from Michigan's media in the lower peninsula? We have such a treasure north of the Mackinac Bridge that (in my humble opinion) does not get touted enough. Anyway, back to the aforementioned article on the U.P. It's written from the perspective of a native Detroiter whose last visit was as a child and is now returning to look for nature and antiques. At least, that's what I took from the article.

It's a brief foray into the wonders (both the natural and those built by man) of the U.P. In fact, I would say that my biggest complaint about the article is that it is too brief. It only mentions traveling from the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on up to Copper Harbor and all in between. My second biggest complaint is that there seems to be a preset notion in the writer's mind that comes through in his writing. It's like he expects to find that the U.P. is some backwards locale with a garage sale economy.

However, with that said, my favorite quote from the article might have been meant as a jab, but I take it as a complement -

the U.P. is an out-of-the-way, out-of-the-past American preserve.

I like the fact that the U.P. has not yet (and hopefully never will) become part of the homogenized, cookie cutter, chunk of America that has Wal-Marted it's way across small towns rendering them nearly identical to the one you previously passed through.

The U.P. and it's residents are unique and I would never change that.

With all that said, if you want to read the article - click here.

Old Michigan State Maps

I have long collected bits and pieces of Michigan memorabilia through numerous travels across the state. One thing that I never fail to grab is the new map issued each year by MDOT. Probably the most popular cover in recent years is the 2007 map featuring the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge. Michigan maps issued by gas stations have become even more of a collector's item. Old Shell, Mobil, and other gas stations used to produce maps as an added benefit to travelers, but even more importantly as an advertising tool. The practice was discontinued just about the same time as Full Service due to increased production costs.

For more information on vintage Michigan maps you can purchase - Collecting Vintage Michigan Maps

Had a good time at the St. Joe Valley Engine Show

Over the weekend we visited the St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association Antique Tractor and Engine Show held on their show grounds at Boot Hill Ranch near Jones, Michigan. I grew up not far from Boot Hill Ranch and have fond memories of attending shows in my younger years. This year's show featured Case tractors as well as vintage Sears, Craftsman, and David Bradley garden tractors. They had an obstacle course set up for the garden tractors, a threshing demonstration, steam powered sawmill, and some great food.

Speaking of the sawmill - here is a brief clip of it in action. I didn't have my tripod with me so it wasn't the steadiest of videos.

I don't know what their attendance figures were, but we had to park quite a ways from the gate and it seemed to be well attended. One thing I've noticed this summer at different festivals and events in Michigan is that they seem to be better attended than in recent years. I wonder if high gas prices are encouraging folks to stick closer to home.

Free things to do in Michigan

Here are just a few ideas for great free things to do in Michigan (besides reading this blog of course ;) ) before summer is over. I picked these from this book, "What's Cheap & Free in Michigan." Deadman's Hill - a great view of the Jordan Valley from one of the higher spots in the lower peninsula. You can reach Deadman's Hill off of 131 11.5 miles north of Mancelona. Take Deadman's Hill road two miles up to the parking area.

Horton Bay General Store - Whether you are on an Ernest Hemingway pilgrimage or just passing through this is a great place to stop. Look over the photos of Ernest Hemingway while waiting for your ice cream cone to be served up from the vintage soda fountain counter. Then, take your ice cream outside and sit on one of the comfortable benches on the porch and watch the world go by.

Take U.S. - 31 north out of Charlevoix and turn onto Boyne City Road which takes you right into Horton Bay.

Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery - This is where the state of Michigan raises trout and salmon for distribution across the state. Here you can view main show pond, DNR Fisheries Lab, antique fishing tackle display, history of fishing here in Michigan, and more.

Located 8 miles west of Kalamazoo on M-43. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.