Argh.....Tall Ships!

We had the awesome opportunity to see the Tall Ships in Bay City, MI this year.  They are some pretty cool working ships.  It was a hot day; but it was still good fun!  Yummy food, wonderful music, funny characters, fun crafts, and big boats were everywhere. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for bringing us along!

They were really super cool boats if I do say so myself!

Ahoy Matey,

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What a day in Grand Marais!

 Why I love Michigan....along the shore of Lake Superior is the little town of Grand Marias.  It may be smaller than most; but is lives up to its name, GRAND!  We happened to stay there quite by accident.  We were planning to stay in Munising; but it didn't work out.  Thank goodness!  We were blessed to spend two nights in this wonderful place.  It is such a quaint town, perfect for really getting away for some real peace.

 They have this really quirky historical site and it is this pickle barrel cabin. I was so excited to go in and buy some pickles...sadly no pickles.  However, it is a great story about a cartoonist and his love for his characters.  If you can believe it, they stayed in this fun place.  There is a living area, upstairs bedroom and kitchen off the back.  They have a fun game for kids to play.  It is open from noon to 4pm.  I told the lady that they should sell pickles on the side....they would probably make a killing.  LOL  F.Y.I most of the stores do not open until noon....I love that.  These people know how to live!

 We checked out Sable Falls just up the road...so awesome!  It is a little bit of hike; but not too bad.  There are like 168 steps down to the base of the falls; however it is soooo worth it.  Here is a fun site I found that shows these falls and other great Michigan waterfalls. 

 

http://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm

 My sister rented a paddle board from Grand Marais Outfitters. They had a bunch of toys to rent, LOL. The girls tried it for the first time in the very calm bay.  If you want they will even take the heavy paddle board down to the beach for you.  She rented it for 2hrs for only $15.00.  What a great deal and a fun activity.

 You can then go look for the very cool agate at Agate Beach.  If you are lucky you will find this precious rock.  If you don't know what an agate is check it out here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agate

I think we found one. I was so excited.  Please, wear water shoes!  It is a rocky beach and it will hurt your feet and flip flops don't cut it.  Trust me we learned the hard way!  Do stop at the Agate Museum...very cool.  And if you don't find an agate on the beach you can buy one there.

There are three places to eat and we ate at the Lake Superior Brewing Co.  They brew their own homemade Root Beer and Cream Soda.  Oh, my goodness there are no words to describe this yummy goodness as it washes down there fantastic pizza.  I think there will be rivers of this stuff in heaven...hey, let me dream please. 

 After our tummies were deliciously full, we went back to agate beach to look for more rocks and to watch the sun sink into Lake Superior.  We took some really great silhouette photos!

When we were done at the beach we stayed at this great Bed & Breakfast, Agate Cross B&B.  It is owned by the nicest couple, Jamey and Lois.  It was clean, inviting, and peaceful.  They have three rooms available and they all have their own bathroom.  I love that in a B&B, your own bathroom.  Our room was the Superior Room, we loved, loved, loved staying there.  If you get a chance to stay, tell them I sent you! 

Oh, and did I mention the hot tub with fun lights!  Heaven on earth!

We had such a fabulous time in Grand Marais.  Make it a stop on your next trip to the Upper Peninsula!

 

GET JOY!

 

Lois and Jamey served us a most wonderful home cooked breakfast each morning.  Thank you for a wonderful stay at Agate Cross B&B!

Yes Please, Tahquamenon Falls!



Why I love Michigan.... Tahquamenon Falls!
Last week on our road trip to the upper peninsula, we saw some pretty, beautiful waterfalls.  Did you know Michigan could be so awesome?   Parents, this would be a great family trip.  The falls are located in the state park.  It is a great state park!  I am not a camper and even I would consider camping at this park...and that is saying a lot! 

Check out these sites for further information.

Michigan.org
http://www.michigan.org/property/detail.aspx?p=G13076

Paradise Chamber of Commerce
http://www.paradisemichigan.org/

There are two sections of waterfalls.  These are the breathtaking upper falls!



 At the upper falls there is a great restaurant, gift shop and snack bar.  There are plenty of places to have a great picnic as well. 

 These are the fun lower falls.  I have heard that people like each falls for different reasons.  I could not pick a favorite.  The upper falls are just beautiful and the lower falls you can get up close and inner act with them.  Both are just fabulous.  If you have ever been, what are your favorite falls? 

 Mom and Dad, keep in mind there is some walking involved.  If you have babies or toddlers don't forget the stroller.  Grandma and Grandpa there is some walking involved so wear your good walking shoes.  The upper falls is a good 5min walk at least and there are three great viewing spots.  The last is 94 steps down to get up close and personal with the falls.  Don't forget you have to walk back up those 94 steps.  Bring some water along if it is hot.  And there is a very clean bathroom at the beginning of the path. 

 At the lower falls, you can rent boats to row to an island that is surrounded by the falls.  It is pretty inexpensive.  I think it was $15.00 for our family.  Just to let you know, that if you have a lot of kids you may need to have enough adult rowers.  If you don't want to take a boat over there still is a great path to see the falls.

We took the boat over.  We also brought a picnic lunch, which was a great idea.  We sat right along the falls and ate our lunch.  I do not think I have ever eaten my lunch in such a beautiful spot in my life.  Take a potty break before you go to the island; because there are no bathrooms over there.   Well, there is the river I guess.  LOL

 We got some AMAZING photos over at the lower falls.  It was so much fun.  We all had wished we had planned more time to stay there.  It really was a perfect day!

 

There are picnic tables at the beginning of the path to the lower falls.  You can also go into the nice gift and snack shop there as well.

 

 Tahquamenon Falls is definitely a new family favorite for sure.  We hope to go back someday and bring the boys along with us next time.  This was such a great family getaway and it is in our own backyard of this great state!

 

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The Amazing Pictured Rocks!

Why I love Michigan, Pictured Rocks!

Have you ever been to Pictured Rocks along the coast of the Upper Peninsula?  Please, plan to take a trip there it is worth every mile you have to drive to see it.  Once there, then you can cruise on over to these beautiful rocky cliffs from Munising, MI.  My sister, my girls and I took a trip there this week.  I will stop writing now...the pictures say it all.

And once you are done viewing the sights, walk on over to Johnny Dogs for a bite to eat.  Their hot dogs were fantastic.  Bring your appetite because these bad boys are wonderfully filling!

 This was my hot dog with potato skins, cheese, onion, sour cream and bacon on top....SAY WHAT!  Are you kidding me!  We died and went to hot dog heaven!

 My girls got a hot dog with pulled pork on top. 

 My sister got the summer special, a hot dog with a corn salsa and bacon.  It was fabulous!

Girl getaways to Pictured Rocks are too much fun!

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