Wow, it has been a while since I have sat at the computer! I have been on quite the "writing hiatus" for the past few months! So much has been going on, but I am back and ready to share exciting adventures and experiences.

I woke up this morning to the window open, the birds chirping, and 60 degrees at 6:00 a.m. Oh how I love Michigan. It may be the first day of spring break for my kids, but that does not mean that I get to sleep in.

In the past, spring break has been cold and rainy... however, today is 80 and sunny! Easter is this weekend so there are a variety of things on our crazy schedule that we will be doing. However, the challenge comes next week. Next week when I am ready to send the kids back to school and they are ready to get out of the house and DO something.

I came across Kingman Museum's previews for their new planetarium shows and I cannot wait to take my kids... because I can't wait to see them myself! The first one, the Future is Wild, is imagining what the world will look like in millions of years to come! It's quite interesting! The second one, Violent Universe, looks to be another great show! Check them out!

Also, for a complete list of things going on during spring break this week, be sure to check out Battle Creek/Calhoun County events!

It is no secret that I absolutely love doing anything that pertains to the holidays. So, when I heard about Binder Park Zoo offering dinner with Santa and their Holiday Lights program, I knew I had to manage it into our crazy-busy family schedule.

So, last Friday, the kids, my husband and I, headed to the Zoo. Dinner was catered by Fazoli's and, I'm not sure if it was the good food, the promise of an excellent dessert, or Santa watching from a few feet away, but both kids cleaned their plates and had an excellent time!

I'm sure the highlight of the evening for my kids was to see the man-in-red himself, Santa Claus. I'm sure Mr. Claus was highly entertained when my son asked him where his reindeer were; he didn't see them on the way in. Santa responded, "the nice folks at Binder Park Zoo let me stable the reindeer in the warm barn with the giraffes." It turns out that Santa's reindeer and giraffes have a great time together! That had the kids wondering if Rudolph got to play with the new baby giraffes.

After dinner, we took a stroll through the Zoo and very much enjoyed the beautiful light displays. We all got a kick out of the winter animals roaming and playing in the snow! They act totally different than during the hot summer days!

So many other exciting activities had my children, and my husband and I, enchanted with the Holidays that night. I think one of the best parts for me, was when the kids rode the carousel, and my husband and I joined them on one of the benches; it was the perfect family moment.

If you haven't been out to Holiday Nights at the Zoo, the Zoo is open now through December 23 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Admission is just $5 per person ($4 for members) and children 2 and under are free...

We are already planning to go again next year. Since the kids are growing up so fast, it was wonderful to have an evening of family time where we all had fun together. This is definitely a Christmas tradition we want to continue!

Today, being Thursday, means I have already been looking forward to the weekend for a couple of days now. With so many events and activities going on during this time of year, it is always difficult to decide what to do. There is 'this' Holiday party, and 'that' holiday party, and the one of a 'friend of a friend,' and it goes on and on.

When I realized that this weekend is Arcadia Brewing Co.'s Highland Christmas: 13Th Anniversary Party, I realized other plans could be rescheduled. It's this Saturday (as in two days away). Arcadia, specializing in handcrafted British-style ales, makes one of my favorite beers, the Hopmouth Double IPA (mmmm, mmm good!). I love taking people there who've never experienced it; because it is an experience! From the second you walk in the door, you smell the hops and know you are in for a treat. The food is great too... ok... anyway... back to the Christmas event...

Tim Surprise, Arcadia Founder & President, kicks off the event at 5:00 p.m. with the 'Address to the Haggis.' The night will get interesting as Arcadia's Brew Crew & Tavern team kilt up with members of the Kalamazoo Pipe Band. You don't have to go to the hills of Scotland to hear Highland Bagpipe music and the Celtic ensemble Fonn Mor (8:00 p.m.), just head to downtown Battle Creek!

So, here's the deal. There will be a cover charge of $5 for this event; $2 from that, and $1 from every glass of beer poured, will be donated to a great cause; the Food Bank of South Central Michigan. Guests are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items (so take a look in your cupboards and see what you can spare.)

And, to put the plaid on the kilt, or so-to-speak, Arcadia will also debut their 13th Anniversary Ale Cereal City Beer along side a delicious menu of Arcadia and Scotland's best.

So, if you can't afford a trip to Scotland this Christmas, check out Arcadia's 'Highland Christmas.' Support a great cause and hang out with new friends and old!

"Walkin' in a winter wonderland..."

The sights may not be a Winter Wonderland in Battle Creek quite yet; however the holidays kick off this weekend! Driving down Michigan Avenue this morning I noticed the variety of lights and garland lining the way and can hardly contain my excitement.

However, I do not have to wait long! The International Festival of Lights (IFOL)kicks off Saturday with the Battle Creek Holiday Parade. The parade, beginning at 5:40 p.m.,will take place along Michigan Avenue downtown.

This year, the IFOL will have a Warming House located at 12 West Michigan Avenue (formerly Godfrey's Jewelers).The warming house will be every Friday - Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

All of this reminded me of the importance of updating the CVB's holiday page on our web site. So, of course, I had to begin playing Christmas music on Pandora to bring in the holiday spirit.

There are so many exciting things going on! I can just imagine all the amazing photos that will be taken! (I think I love photos of an event almost as much as I love experiencing it!)

Be sure to check out the holiday page and see why I am so thrilled for the season to begin!

Fall is here and Halloween is only days away! There are so many things going on and so much to do on the ‘to-do’ list. Already completed? The great pumpkin ‘search and carve’. Sunday provided a beautiful fall afternoon so we loaded the family and headed to pick our pumkins.

The search for the perfect pumpkin ensued, and once discovered, we went home to carve them By the time piles and piles of newspapers were covered in pumpkin guts and the seeds were baking in the oven, we had the pumpkins lit to show our dazzling creative abilities.

As for a costume… that is still in the works. I only have a few days left and need to work on my creativity; especially if I join the walk on Wednesday. If you haven’t heard, Wednesday, from 1130 am to 100 pm, the 5th Annual Downtown Halloween Walk will be taking place along Michigan Avenue. I’ll have to take photos!

So, besides my costume, I believe we are all set and ready for this weekend. I could always decorate my house a little creepier….

Have a safe and happy Halloween!!

You know the stories: the one where the red-caped girl goes to grandmothers house to find a surprise and the one where three innocent little pigs had a house blown down and many, many more tales; all focused on the wolf.

Binder Park Zoo kicks off Wolf Awareness Week beginning Saturday with Howl-a-Palooza. We took the family last year and the kids absolutely loved it! Visitors travel through the Zoo to the Mexican Wolf exhibit and listen to the Keepers as they educate the public on the most endangered wolf-species. They also give a free wolf poster to attendees (while supplies last).

Its the perfect time of the year to take the family to Binder Park Zoo. I love walking through the forest as the leaves begin to change and re-discovering all the zoo has to offer. To save you trouble,I looked up the phone number 269 979 1351.

Get those motors running… for this weekend in Battle Creek! With so much to do, the calendar is already full! Saturday morning, the Farmers Market will be Downtown… and I am hoping to pick up some deliciously red tomatoes and spicy ingredients for salsa; the perfect summer treat!

Speaking of salsa and spices, the International Summerfest takes place Downtown at Mill Race Park. This festival celebrates Battle Creeks diversity with tasty ethnic food and entertainment. Food is served until 5pm, with children’s activities until 4pm.

But don’t be ready to pack up just yet, be sure to stay downtown for Cruise the Gut; an old fashioned cruise in for vehicles vintage 1972 or earlier. The cruise route runs along Michigan Avenue between Division and Carlyle Streets with vehicle entry points for qualifying cars along the route. The Cruise goes from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

And don't forget, GREASE, will be playing in the Semco parking lot (next to Mill Race Park) at 930 pm; bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show!

To complete the perfect day, be sure to stay Downtown and socialize with everyone at one of the many establishments. My husband and I will probably stop by the new Cricket Club or walk from place to place catching up with neighbors and friends!

Open for Business

“Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya?” Then head out to FireKeepers Casino, now open in Emmett Township.

I received an invitation for one of the private opening sessions. Thrilled at the opportunity, my husband and I ventured to the casino for the evening.

FireKeepers is completely astonishing and masterfully designed. We couldn’t help but stare around at the intricate designs straight out of a Las Vegas or Atlantic City style casino. Designed with one theme in mind, the casino displays earth, wind, water and fire throughout the entire complex.

Being the food lover that I am, we first embarked on one of the many dining establishments; Café 24/7. I was quite impressed! The service was great and the food was far better than we expected! The menu, catered to tastes of all kind, had something for everyone with an extra… flair… to each item.

So, on to the gambling portion of the evening… we aren’t big gamblers but definitely tested our hand at the machines! We played a few dollars and walked away a few dollars more than what we had started with. However, it was so excited walking around to see all the people playing live table games and the impressive variety of additional games.

My final conclusion: I’ll be back. Whether a gambler or not, it is quite the establishment offering entertainment and dining for all. Just to see the architecture and design is a reason to stop by!

It’s no secret that I love summer; especially here in Michigan. One of my favorite things to do is cook with fresh produce. I scour cookbooks and the web for new tasty recipes.

So, of course, I love going to the Farmers Markets. I am supporting local growers and feeding my family healthy meals. Usually I will go on Wednesdays or Saturdays, and have a map planned out to hit all the local markets.

Albion, Athens, Battle Creek, Homer, Marshall and Springfield all have a weekly farmers market. I go to each place with a list of items I need, and always leave with more than intended. So that you too can enjoy these markets, check out the times and days below!

Albion – June – September:
Wednesdays – 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturdays – 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Homer – June – October 17th:
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Athens – June – October
Fridays: 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Battle Creek – June – October
Wednesdays – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Marshall – May – October
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Springfield – May – October
Wednesdays: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

It’s the middle of June; the sun is shining and my kids are out of school for the summer. I had to drive down Michigan Avenue this morning and saw tables lining the sides of the street and realized it is once again that time of year: Cereal Festival.

The Festival runs along Michigan Avenue and begins tomorrow (Saturday June 13) from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, activities and entertainment will run until noon. The World's Longest Breakfast Table, 150 tables long, will be set up from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend and I, for one, look forward to this event every year. It is great to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones…. Not to mention the kids loving the breakfast and all the “happenings” downtown.

Hope to see everyone out there tomorrow!

As the engines roared, the smell of gasoline wafted through the air, and my kids stared in awe at the trucks, I had to smile.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved going to drag races and going to everything my dad would let me tag along on. So, when I heard that Monster Trucks were coming to the Kellogg Arena, my husband and I decided it would be the perfect family event; and it was. We bought Pit Passes to go and check out the trucks before the event and my kids had a blast. They were amazed that the tires were bigger than Daddy! My son seemed to be nervous before everything got started, and I was worried we wouldn’t be making it through the entire event. However, the drivers put on an excellent program and by the time the event was over, my husband and I were pretty much dragging our kids away!

In anticipation of another family event, I discovered that the American Strongman “Live” is coming to the Arena on May 16 at 7:00 p.m. I have seen them on T.V., but to watch the athletes show their strength in person (as they rep 300 pound car axles, battle 360 pound Atlas Stones) I can’t wait for it! If you are looking for something new and fun for everyone, and something that fits in your budget, be sure to get tickets! (Contact Kellogg Arena for those). After the Monster Trucks, I anxiously await this event and the opportunity for my kids to see something different! (And for my own entertainment as well, but we won’t let them know that…)

So, my younger sister was complaining to me the other day that she didn't have anything new to do on a date with her boyfriend. And, it got me to thinking, that I am sure there are other people looking for new and different ideas. So, I compiled a couple of my ideas and think that people can mix and match for themselves what to do... whether single and trying out the whole dating scene, or married and just needing a night out, I think these are a great stepping stone.

Gary Fields Comedy Club and dinner downtown
Picnic at one of the beatiful local parks
"Picture the Moment" - walk together around town/parks taking favorite pictures and put in an album
Sports events - no matter the season - Battle Creek Knights, Revlolution/ Bombers
Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall - walk around town, get some icecream, sit and watch the beautiful fountain
Go bowling! Or minature golf! Or the Arcade! Be a kid again for a night
Enjoy dinner at Schuler's in Marshall then attend a performance at the Franke Center for the Arts.
Or, why not try dinner and an evening at teh Waterfront Seaside Sports Bar, especially once the weather stays warm, it would be great to sit on the lake and enjoy the winter FINALLY being over.
Stay a night at local hotel; perhaps one with a pool or hot tub, and enjoy dinner and a little relaxation away from the normal stresses of life.

There is so much to do in Calhoun County! This is just the start of my list! I will have to post another one soon on this same topic and share my favorite date my husband took me on! I'd love to hear any of your favorite local dates!

Winter… when it first begins is associated with beautiful snow falls, skiing and snowboarding and the holiday season. However, months in, it becomes associated with bitterly frigid temperatures, ugly brown snow and days that are far too short… leading us to Cabin Fever.

As many of you probably are experiencing similar situations, my children are in desperate need of things to do (as am I).

So, I am compiling a list of fun activities for the family to do locally. With the economy suffering as it is, and family budgets doing just the same, I am definitely incorporating those thoughts into these plans. If I leave anything out, PLEASE add to it…

Go bowling! – Places are offering deals with food/shows and rental equipment
Open skate – the Rink offers a variety of hours to get out and get moving
Check out the Digistar Planetarium at Kingman Museum – only a few dollars admission
Go swimming – Battle Creek Family YMCA – get moving and get ready for summer
Hands on fun for the kids – Kids ‘n Stuff in Albion
Watch a game – The Battle Creek Knights play at Kellogg Arena – fun for an entire evening
Hit ‘em Here Golf Driving Range and Riverview Recreation – mini golf, batting cages

Another great idea, that my husband and I will be doing this weekend… is renting a local hotel room for the night. The kids can swim in the pool; we can order a pizza, rent some movies, play games and enjoy a mini vacation right in town. No need to spend hundreds of dollars to get those quality memories… and it gives me a break from having to clean up from everyone.

I’d be interested in hearing other suggestions!

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day is only one day away! My husband says he has the evening all planned, we'll see what he does! Blues artist, Clifford Babcock is playing at McCamly Plaza Hotel... I would love to hear live music!

Have you heard, Binder Park Zoo's, Zoorotica, has been all over the news lately! What a topic! I turned the TV on last night, and it made CNN! I wish my husband and I would have signed up for it. What a great concept! You can tour the zoo and learn of the animal's love lives... and enjoy hors d’oeuvres with a DVD presentation. The event is only for participants 21 and older. Hopefully with this year's success, it will be back again next year.

Side note: a star was born out of the wildfires in Australia; Sam the Koala. She was the one the firefighter fed the water bottle... and out of it comes a love story, which I find perfect for Valentine's Day. She met boyfriend Bob, when he too, was hurt from the fires! Just another way proving we all meet our match one way or the other! Read the story here

Doing anything special this Valentine's Day? Did you go to McCamly or Binder Park Zoo?

Welcome to 2009! After the difficulities of 2008, everyone is surely anticipating, and hoping, for an upswing in the coming year! This New Year's Eve, my family and I went to some friends of ours. We enjoyed appetizers and games as the children played together. Staying up to midnight was quite the challenge for me, but I was glad to welcome 2009. Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, it's time to look ahead of what to do to avoid the 'winter blues.' With money tight, and the temperatures bitter cold, there are still things to do in the area! Try glow bowling at Nottke's, or head over to Kingman Museum to see the all new planetarium. I would also suggest going to a Battle Creek Knight's game at the Kellogg Arena, or the Revolution Ice hockey team at the Rink! No need to stay in and suffer the blues, get out and about and enjoy these great ideas perfect for any budget!

It looks like winter is here! The official first day of winter is December 21 but if you were to look outside, you would know it's winter! The cold temperatures and all the snow predicted ensures us a Bing Crosby style Christmas. I know my kids are thoroughly excited to play in the snow and I, for one, will enjoy this winter blast...for now. Our tree is fully decorated, I am continually trying to sneak moments to wrap presents and baking between it all! I love Christmas and am looking forward to spending time with the family. With all of the excitement for the day, my very favorite time is at the end of the night; the kids are laying on the floor watching a Christmas movie, my husband and I relaxed on the couch and all just seems right with the world. So, a week from today I will be doing just this. I am curious as to everyone else's favorite holiday moment... No matter the holiday that you celebrate, I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

My, oh my, 2008 has flown by! The holiday season is here and I find myself trying to cram everything on my calendar into a few short weeks. Shopping, wrapping, baking and decorating added to my already busy life.

However, one thing I make time to do is spend time with my family. My kids, as much as they may be a pain, are the loves of my life. So, when all the fun and festive events come around during the holidays, I make it a point to make a family outing.

This weekend is the Holiday Balloon Fest and I know my kids are anxiously awaiting the celebration…as am I! This is the 10th year of the festival that will take place at Kellogg Community College. To celebrate, there will be a great fireworks display on Saturday!

I’ll be bundling up the kids and taking them to experience one of my favorite holiday events and hope to see you there! Please be sure to take pictures and upload them to the CVB site! You will remain as anonymous as you want so don’t be afraid to share! www.battlecreekvisitors.org/photo_submit.cfm

It's been all over the news the past couple of days and it has people talking... the $85 million dollar downtown revitalization. This is so exciting! Because it is all over the news, no need for me to go into details on it. Just that, I can't wait to see what Downtown looks like ten years from now! Hopefully it will be live and vibrant with businesses and people!

Especially in this economy and to have a project of this magnitude in the plans for the near future, it is very promising. I would love to hear your opinions on this one...

I love the holidays; any holiday! So, it is no surprise that I love Thanksgiving, Christmas and this whole time of year. Next week I will take a break from writing this blog because I will be in the kitchen cooking up a storm! And as much as I will want to, I’ll have to refrain because my computer will most likely get something spilled on it!

This weekend I will probably see all of you in the grocery store, stocking up! It’s going to be quite the adventure at Meijer’s and I’m certain I’ll be leaving my little ones at home. However, Saturday night is the Holiday Parade Downtown. The parade begins at 5:40 along Michigan Avenue. I look forward to it every year and can’t wait to see it this time around. The season is just beginning and I can’t wait to experience it with my family.

What’s your favorite holiday pastime?

The world moved around me so fast that all I could do was stare in amazement. Traveling through the ancient Roman ruins to following the Christmas Star, I was worlds away; yet still in Battle Creek.

Kingman Museum hosted an-invite only reception last week celebrating the new planetarium. During the event guests were invited to see sneak-peeks of the shows to come! And let me tell you, I was fascinated! I know it’s something my children will love and I cannot wait to take them to Mystery of the Christmas star! I myself am looking forward to seeing it!

To see for yourself be sure to catch one of the regularly scheduled shows and visit www.kingmanmuseum.org for more information.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

The ghouls and goblins will be making their way through the shadowy streets this evening. Halloween in Michigan is never a time to depend on the weather. Hail, snow, sleet or rain; we’ve had it all. This year, however, will be perfect! Temperatures in the sixties and bright, sunny, skies (until dark that is)!

My kids are so excited and can hardly contain themselves. We have a Halloween tradition of going to some family friends of ours. About four families get together and we order pizza, get the kids dressed and then take them out into the neighborhood. Every year we rotate who passes out candy and who takes the kids. This year, the dads are the ones roaming the streets!

If you haven’t quite finalized your plans yet, be sure to check out the CVB’s events Web site. What is your favorite Halloween tradition? I’d love to know!!

Do you ever find yourself being impatient? I do. Earlier this week I was driving home only to find myself behind a bulky tractor that seemed to be winning its own 5mph race. So, I did want any logical driver would do, I turned down the next street and knew that I would eventually find my way back to my original route.

The second I turned the corner I was in awe of the fall colors around me. I’ve never been down that road and I was stunned at how gorgeous the afternoon sun looked on the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges that decorated my site. The windows were down, I turned the music up and it was a simple, perfect moment.

So next time you feel a little impatient, don’t forget to take that other route because you never know the sights you’ll find!

There are many wonders of this world; some are man-made, while others are nature-made. Once a year THOUSANDS of Sandhill Cranes flock to one location in Calhoun County; the Michigan Audubon Baker Sanctuary. It is a spectacular sight to see! From my knowledge, there is no particular reason why they do! I have to watch in awe of the natural beauty of them, and my kids, they love it too! Not only do they love all the birds flying in, they also love all of the events that go along with it. They have an art show, guided nature trails, book singings,live raptors (birds of prey,) hay rides, and food! It's definitely a great weekend activity for everyone! With the Indian summer that's predicted for the next few days, I for one, know I'll want to be outside!! If you’d like to meet me down there be sure to check out www.bakersanctuary.org for more information.

Some things in my life are so unconsistent that I don't know which way is up; especially with kids. One thing though, that is a staple in our household is Kellogg's Fruitloops. The cereal is always on the shopping list and it is always a great snack with, or without, milk.

The other morning, taking the kids to school, I smiled as I smelled the familiar scent in the Battle Creek air. Something that I've grown accustomed to from living here for all these years. Sometimes I think we ignore it, but you have to stop and smell the Fruit Loops sometimes... or the Cocoa Crispies, or whatever the cereal companies have baking.

Interesting fact - did you know that Fruit Loops are part of the diet for a variety of animals at the zoo? Yup. Sure is.

So, when you get up tomorrow morning, or drive home this evening, remember to stop and smell the Fruit Loops.... or whatever delicious goodies are being baked.

As Cassie is on one last vacation before school starts, Karen Hagerty from the Marshall Chamber of Commerce remarks on one exciting upcoming event!

The 45^th Annual Historic Marshall Home Tour will be Saturday and Sunday, September 6-7 in 2008. This Grand-daddy of home tours is sure to delight visitors with some never before seen homes. Ticketholders can enter seven private residences, seven museums, a church and the Madison Green Art Faire. New evening activities are sure to prove fun with the Kalamazoo Big Band playing Saturday evening from 6-8 PM and from 9-11 PM a Dueling Pianos concert right out front of the Honolulu House Museum by the Brooks Memorial Fountain. Other activities that weekend include the 7^th Annual Civil War Ball held downtown next to the GAR Hall Museum and Carver Park, the Calhoun County Quilters Show held at the Marshall Activities Center, KRMY Brook's Field Airport’s 77^th Anniversary Fly and Drive-In, Zion Lutheran Church's 23^rd Annual Taste of Germany Dinner, Trinity Episcopal Church's Salad Smorgasbord, a Needlework Show at the Marshall Distric Library, and a wonderful Evening Gallery Tour with the Blue Hour Gallery, Gallery 105, EastEnd Sudio & Gallery, and the Eclectic Gallery. All these events have a website on the Marshall Area Chamber's www.marshallmi.org so if you need times, places, cost, details, etc., you can find it all there under our "events" tab. Or, you can call the Marshall Area Chamber at 800.877.5163 and we'll be glad to answer your questions on these events or others happening in the Marshall area.

This moring, as I sat and sipped my morning coffee, I continue with my daily routine. This begins with skimming the news and, today, I was quite excited when I noticed an article about the new Kingman Museum Planetarium. According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, the museum recieved grants for a new "Digistar 3 SP2HD high-defintiion planetarium system with dual speakers and full dome projection." So do you know what this means?

This means looking into the sky and seeing billions of stars at any time of the day! What a great thing to take my kids to! Please note, the article said that the planetarium won't be open until the Spooky Science Fair on October 25. However, be sure to plan to attend! I, for one, am looking forward to it myself.

This proves good reason for me to continue on the daily news...

Cruise the Gut is coming to Downtown Battle Creek in T-minus 3 days. It will be this Saturday August 9, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and will take place along Michigan Avenue.

Every year, it's marked on the calendar! I love seeing all the people Downtown! Everyone is checking out cars, socializing and enjoying summer in Michigan! I am always so impressed with the amount of people that come out.

While you're here, don't miss the chance to look into the local shops and stop for a bite to eat.

My husband and I are always looking for new cruises to go to, if you know of any, please tell!

Summer is always a popular time for my kids to want to go swimming. However, with these scorching temperatures and the humidity high enough to drink from the air, the water seems to be even more of a draw.

So if you are in my position and are looking for a way to cool off (basically everyone in this region) then I would suggest a few great places in the area. First, Full Blast. What a great outdoor water park! My kids love it and I do as well - because I can sit and work on that tan I've been wanting for the past six years.
If you are more of a natural water fan, then be sure to head out to Willard Beach or Eagle Lake.

Have fun this weekend, and be sure to stay cool!

We took the family to Binder Park Zoo over the long holiday weekend. I was very impressed - as were my children! We have been to the zoo on a variety of occasions and my children never get sick of it (and neither do I!) They keep adding different exhibits and attractions. My daughter loves the carousel ride and I love the picture opportunities it gives me.

My neices and nephews, who are a few years older than my children, still love the zoo. I think their favorite part is feeding the giraffes. I'll have to admit that's probably my favorite too.

After we left the zoo we went home and had a BBQ feast of kings! It was great to have the whole family together and enjoy the beautiful weather! Quite the change from the storms we had last Wednesday. Hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July usually brings three ‘Fs’ to mind: fireworks, food and friends.

I just got back from a trip out east to visit my sister. She lives in an historic area so our time was filled with visiting museums and national landmarks. On my trip I began thinking about what all of this means and, with the upcoming holiday, the real importance of the Fourth of July.

The most important ‘F’ came to mind: Freedom.

I want to make sure that my children and family don’t forget the real reason we are celebrating the Fourth this year. As we go to the parades, cookouts and our family tradition at the Field of Flight, I’ll make sure to remind them why we shoot off fireworks and time spent with family and friends.

I wish everyone a very happy and safe Fourth of July!

Cassie has been out of town for the past few weeks exploring other parts of the country.

I am the e-Marketing Manager for the Convention and Visitors Bureau and thought that I would take this opporunity to share some of the exciting additions we have added to our web site.

We have a new photo upload system. This allows you to go in and add your own photos from your adventures around Calhoun County. Be sure to leave a brief description of what you are doing!

We also added our County Videos! This is where I go around the county to show you what is really going on. You can check out everything from Cornwell's Turkeyville USA to the Battle Creek Field of Flight!

Our online store is also a hit! Be sure to check out some items you can buy and use on a daily basis - all from Battle Creek!

So if you have any questions - please visit our site at www.battlecreekvisitors.org and check it all out! Feel free to contact as well at info@battlecreekvisitors.org!

This community has many hidden treasures and today, I was able to discover one of them. One of the organizations I work with rented a motor coach and we went on a historical city tour of Battle Creek.

I had no idea the extent of the history in this town. We learned everything from the Seventh Day Adventists, how it affected the creation of cereal and cereal moguls Kellogg and Post, as well as Battle Creek being a stop on the Underground Railroad.

For example, did you know that that there’s an old building by the Federal Center (which was formally the Percy Jones Army Hospital and before that the Battle Creek Sanitarium) where guests of the Sanitarium used to sneak out to? The Sanitarium was basically a health spa so any unhealthy acts were prohibited. This building was an escape for these patients where they would smoke their cigars, play poker and indulge in adult beverages. Dr. Kellogg quickly caught on to them and referred to them and the building as the ‘Sinners Club.’

There is so much unique history in this community that I urge you to take yourself, or your friends and family, to discover how this town came to be. The CVB has a variety of brochures on this history and even a walking tour that provides some information.

This week guest blogger, Karen Hagerty, from the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce provided another look into Calhoun County...


With gas prices soaring, we are all looking for more things to do closer to home. One of the best things you can do as a computer user is subscribe to newsletters from areas that can provide you with information sent right to your in-box about all kinds of things going on. The Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce is wrapping up a recent promotion called "Tourist In Your Own Town" which encouraged both locals and visitors alike to see what is in their own backyard. Sure - we have all seen the Brook's Memorial Fountain as we drive around it, but in a town of about 7,500, how many from the area have actually been through the Honolulu House? How many have seen our Post Office Museum second only to the Smithsonian in Postal artifacts? How many check the schedule at the Franke Center for the Arts for continuous, high-caliber entertainment?

All of us that working in Calhoun County tourism encourage you to be a "Tourist In Your Own Town" and subscribe to communication services that tell you what is going on in your own community. You might be shocked at the variety and large volume of activities taking place. To subscribe to the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter, please visit www.marshallmi.org and visit the "NEWSLETTER" tab. To subscribe to the CVB visit the homepage, www.battlecreekvisitors.org and click the tab on the left of your browser.

Memorial Day Weekend is here! The unofficial start of summer that everyone has been greatly anticipating! Even though this weekend is generally full of lounging on the lake, enjoying a tasty BBQ and hanging out with friends and family, we shouldn’t forget the true meaning.

Memorial Day is on Monday; a day set aside to remember all of those who have fought for our country and for our rights as Americans. It is an interesting time in our government and economy right now and despite differences in opinions, let’s set them aside this weekend and respect and honor those who have unselfishly fought for us.

Fort Custer National Cemetery, located at 15501 Dickman Road in Augusta, will put on a memorable ceremony. With keynote speakers, reenactments, music, flag placement and much more, this will be the sixth year Fort Custer is selected as the nation’s best Memorial Day Ceremony. The event begins on Sunday at 2 p.m.

So this weekend, before you enjoy your tasty food, take a moment to remember those who gave you the freedoms and the rights that you have today. I hope to see you out there.

Tyler here – Cassie is running around crazy. I started reading her blog and wanted to add my thoughts. I took our boy down to see Grandpa perform at the Barbershoppers convention last weekend.

The barbershoppers stayed at the McCamly Plaza Hotel so we met Cassie’s dad there. Unlike my wife, I need my coffee; every morning. First stop: Starbucks.

Anyway, Kyle, my son, soon discovered the “treats” in Starbucks as we waited in line. Being the ham that I raised him to be, he started attracting attention from all the females. The girl behind the counter offered him the ‘biggest, most-special cookie,’ in the cabinet. He was pleased.

Then we went to watch Grandpa perform. I had seen barbershop performances before but it still astounds me each time; they are very talented people. Kyle and I even got to experience a warm up session as we ventured to our seats.

He sat still the entire time and watched patiently. He was in awe of the singers, but I have to thank the lady at Starbucks for kind giving my son, the best cookie in the bunch.