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!!

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!

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.

I am spending the next few days on a Circle Michigan FAM tour on behalf of Battle Creek. The FAM tour, also known as a familiarization tour, is throughout Southern Michigan, and today is day one.

This has been a phenomenal trip so far! And I can't wait to tell you! First, we started at McCamly Plaza Hotel in Battle Creek. The staff was so friendly and they had a great reception room for us waiting until we could board our bus.

Once boarded, we met our driver, Dezzi - amazing guy! And, we headed out to the Kellogg Manor House. Kellogg Manor House, sits on Gull Lake and has such an amazing history. W.K. Kellogg used that as his summer home and it is absolutely incredible! The inctricate details, all the rook tile and the 400 year old tapestries that lined the wall would have anyone stunned! The House prepared lunch for us, and we sat overlooking Gull Lake; could not have asked for a better day with the temperatures in the 80's and the sun shining!

From there, we headed to Gilmore Car Museum. It doesn't matter if you know cars or not to be fascinated by this place. Set on a large piece of land, different barns house different period cars; there is everything from 1930's luxury cars, to race cars to miniature cars! It is outside, and with the sun beating down on us, it was getting roasty. So... we headed over to the diner and enjoyed some soft serve custard! It was definitly the perfect treat!

As the afternoon progressed, we went to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. Now, this was my first experience and I can say I was highly impressed. When you walk in, you walk through this hallway of clouds and it gives the illusion of walking into space, then, you enter a large room with a hand painted mural covering the wall! The planes placed throughout the room are so unique and have their own stories, but we didn't have much time to hear everything. My kids would love it! And, they are doing free general admission all summer. However, my favorite part, was when we sat in a movie-theatre like room, and had a 4-D experience... the story of the 'Kalamazoo Gal'; an aircraft in World War II. You felt your chair move, the screen jump out at you and even air blew at you! Quite the experience!

Then, to finish the evening we headed out to Marina Grand Resort in New Buffalo MI. It is beautiful! The rooms are very welcoming and, to my great pleasure, they had chocolate waiting to greet me... definitly a great start to the evening.

Come to find out, they rent out bikes for free as a compimentary service. So, of course, I had to test it out. They have the old-school bikes that don't have handle breaks (only back pedal breaks) and I rode out to Lake Michigan. The sky was the clearest of blues, the temperature was perfect and the sun was setting over the waters. Now, if you have never experienced a Lake Michigan sunset, it is definitly something you need to do. To finish off the evening, I enjoyed a glass of wine at the hotel's restaurant overlooking the harbor. I miss my kids, but today was quite the experience. I look forward to part 2 tomorrow!

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!

Schuler’s Has Brewed Up A Sentimental, Centennial “Mug Night”

I am not sure about you, but I am tired of all of the focus being, (particularly on Michigan) about how bad the economy is or how bad business is or how manufacturing is suffering etc… we all know this. Isn’t it time to focus on some good news? Adjust our thinking perhaps? Focus on some of the good ideas? I think Michigan still has a few tricks up its sleeve……..

What a tradition the beer and hospitality industries have had. A real marriage. We all know the names of some of the oldest breweries, the most recognizable brands that have been around a very long time, many born right here in the Midwest. It is wonderful to see the micro-brewing industry take off in Michigan, in our own backyard, and begin to thrive. What if we had the next Budweiser, to evolve, in our “land of lakes”? Many of the big brewing and beverage producing dynasties were created during the depression, (after prohibition) or at and around the turn of the century when time were hard, but formulas and traditions were created, handed down and success was born despite the hard times. It is also true that we are seeing an evolving, thriving Michigan business turn the corner on a century of doing fine hospitality, at Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub. What a milestone!

Schuler’s in its Centennial year has decided to bring back a blast from the past with the celebration of Mug Night. This is a sentimental journey, bringing back an event that took place in the 80’s where many loyal locals remember bringing in their original mugs faithfully for a weekly gathering with good friends and neighbors and to enjoy their favorite brew. Well, what goes around comes around, so they say, and what better way to celebrate 100 years of great hospitality than with a great mug of beer!

Now, during the “100 Days of Summer Celebration” you can come in on Tuesdays to enjoy this faithful festivity! Schuler’s has created a Centennial Pewter Mug that you can purchase for $35.00 filled with your draft beer of choice. Return each and every Tuesday thereafter and receive $1.00 off all draft beer refills.

You can now, once again, be a part of this special, although informal, Schuler club! And guess what? If you were wondering and are lucky enough to still own one of the original mugs from the past, you can bring it in and Schuler’s will honor it with the promotional beer price!

As the weather gets warmer, the days get longer and people gather, Mug Night is a great option for fun times and great memories born into the next century….cheers!

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!

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?

So we survived the floods of 2008! After raining for days upon days, my family and I are ready to spend every minute we can outdoors. Thankfully this coming weekend poses the perfect opportunity to be out and about and even enjoy a piece of Michigan heritage.

Albion's Festival of the Forks will take place in Downtown Albion Friday thru Saturday (September 19-20th).

There's SO much to and so much going on that I won't have to worry about finding something else for the kids this weekend. The festival kicks off with a spaghetti supper (and I don't have to cook!) a 5k run/walk and a Lobster Bash among other scheduled events. Then, on Saturday, the parade will entertain, the food will stuff, and the ballets and concerts will excite. Summer may officially be over, but the variety of things to do in the area are still going strong. Hope to see you in Albion this weekend! Post for more information!

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...