Ahhh..... Ludington

My mother grew up near Ludington and with all the times that I actually was up in that area, I had never hiked out to the lighthouse at the State Park.  Well this past weekend, my husband and I, decided to actually do it; it was perfect, beautiful and not busy at all.  I admit, though the weather at times can be cold, viewing some of these places during their "off" season is so much better than there really busy season..... though it can be a little cold.

This lighthouse has a lot to off during their season; you can climb up to the top (for a fee), look through their giftshop and also have a picnic out there..... too perfect!

Oh My Burgers and Fries! ~ Mount Pleasant, Michigan

My husband and I have a "date night" every Wednesday night, at least we try to..... because of our situation we meet up in Mount Pleasant, which is either known for the Casino or for CMU, but for us - it is known as one of the BEST milkshake and burger places around.

We have both experienced the unforgettable "In 'N Out Burger" on the West Coast, everyone talks about it and mentions if you are out West got to that Burger place..... so we both know how delicious it is, but while we were in Mount Pleasant we had the opportunity of seeing an old "Hot N Now" (I remember these :)) turn into a fun drive thru called Oh MY.......

Yes, our curiosity got the best of us, as we tried it, but first just for a milkshake – which my husband has a fascination with milkshakes – he has a “code” that he goes by – deals with taste, texture, consistency, thickness, the straw etc…… All I can say – it is delicious…. They have multiple flavors, but we’ve stuck with just the plain vanilla.  The are accompanied with a huge straw – which is so much better than some places where you get those small straws and can barely suck the milkshake….. you have a large straw, a little whip cream and a dash of nutmeg…. YUMMY!!!!  It has now become our tradition of stopping there on date night to finish with desert – which is always their milk shake.

Not only is there food delicious – it is all made on the spot for you, plus their service is extremely friendly!!!
I can’t say enough about this place, we learned that it is not a franchise, though someday they hope it would grow to that and this is the first drive thru for them….. so they’ve started out great – just hoping that more people get to know about the place!  Another local business you can support!!!!

http://www.ohmyburgers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oh-My-Burgers-and-Fries/154567181240765

Check it out – if you are ever in Mount Pleasant and you love “In ‘N Out Burger” you’ve got to try this place!!!!

A kind thank you....

I had written to the owner of Moon Dance Cafe in Fremont, thanking her for allowing me the opportunity to photograph her businesses for my facebook and blog page.

I received this very kind response - which thrilled me!!!!

"These are beautiful.  I will keep your address I may need to hire you
sometime.  Thank you for the free advertising next time your in say Hi and I
will buy you lunch.  So nice meeting you.

Love and Light,
Tina"

So glad I could show her lovely businesses on my facebook page and blog....   hoping I can do the same for many more :)

http://www.moondancecafe.org/

Good 'Ole America ~ part of the past

An older gas station, though I don't know the history.  I pass by this everytime I go up to visit my parents and I can't help but think; I wonder what it was like when it opened, how excited everyone was.  I wonder what it was like when it closed if it was a celebration for the owner or heart break?  I wonder....

Moon Dance Cafe ~ another hidden treasure

Moon Dance Cafe
If you can find the Walmart in Fremont, MI; you can easily find the Moon Dance Cafe.  It is located in the strip mall right in front of Walmart and it is worth the stop.  Extremely friendly service and delicious food. 
They have distinctive breakfast items served all day, and they offer a diverse menu of homemade appetizers, soups, salads, paninis, hand packed burgers, Mexican cuisine and unique dinner entrees, along with a full espresso bar!  Yummm!!!
Locally owned and run; it is filled with local people who know about this treasure within Fremont.  It is decorated in a adorable manner with different detail sprinkled throughout, so as you are looking around you find fun different things.  From the silverware wrapped in real napkins, to the coffee signs!
I had the Greek Salad and was not at all disappointed, so if you are in the area give it a shot :) (they also cater too!)

http://www.moondancecafe.org/
231-924-9748

just a little preview - but yummy!

Tasty Cakery ~ definitely sweet!

I had the opportunity of visiting Tasty Cakery due to my mom telling me once again; “oh there is this cute shop you need to see”.  She had told me ahead of time how adorable it was; with a bunch of chocolate, pies and candy.  And yes, it was adorable and fun!  You feel as if you are walking into Willy Wonka land!  The back portion of the shop is decorated with paintings of candy, ice cream and cakes.  Once you enter the lovely shop, you pass by the ice cream area, the bakery area and then to the candy :o)

I had the opportunity of meeting the owner, in which she was very kind and friendly.  She graciously allowed me to walk around and take some fun pictures and even brought out a cake for me to photograph, one that she had just decorated.

I truly felt like a kid in the candy shop, fun candies to photograph, all the old candies I remembered and plus there was even an ice cream area! What could be better.

It is a very spacious area, where you aren’t afraid to walk around and there is a large assortment of candies for kids and even for adults.

Tasty Cakery has been opened for three years and is located in downtown Fremont.  Fremont is filled with old buildings and fun stores to browse around; you can park either in front of the shops or in the back….. But if you are in the area definitely stop by and try some of Tasty Cakery’s goodies… you won’t be disappointed and then you’ll feel like that kid in the candy store :o)

http://www.tastycakery.com/

231-924-3842

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tasty-Cakery-and-Sweets/135865092011

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse ~ off the beaten path

"Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is located five miles north of Harrisville on Lake Huron and was completed in November 1870. The tower is 70 feet, 9 inches tall and is 16 feet in diameter at its base. The light is 3.5 order Fresnel lens made in Paris, France. The light is still maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The keeper's house is now a maritime museum which is open to the public from Memorial Day to mid-September. The lighthouse tower is open to the public. The grounds are open all year."
- http://www.michigan.org/

Hours of Operation
Open 7 days a week mid-June through Labor Day
Open Weekends, Memorial Day through the end of September
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lighthouse Tower
Open
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m

For information on the Historical Society that works with Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
http://www.alconahistoricalsociety.com/

My husband and I visited this lighthouse on a little adventure trip up towards Alpena.  We had passed by a side road and read on a sign - Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.  It, of course, got our attention as we've been trying to complete a goal we made on our honeymoon (which will take years! :)), we didn't stop that moment, but on another trip towards Alpena, we decided to stop and were surprised and so very pleased.  There was a lovely lighthouse that actually had an old school house on the property too.  I, of course, was thrilled with the beauty and location, especially for photographing.  Though the sun was setting, we took some time to look around and thought - too bad we didn't have a picnic dinner with us, it would have been fun to sit on the water with the lighthouse behind us.  Oh well - next time.

Great place to visit, beautiful and worth it - especially if you love lighthouses.
The parking is very easy, though it isn't necessarily tricky getting to the lighthouses, there aren't many signs, so you might want to take a map.  There is no entrance fee (that I know of) to visit the grounds, but I believe a donation box.  I once read online that you could climb to the top of the lighthouse, but whenever we have been there it was locked up - though we are hoping to sometime this summer!

Enjoy!

Amish Store ~ Simple and full of surprises

Amish Store ~ Simple and full of surprises

My mom and I were introduced to this fun little store almost by accident.  Someone once had mentioned to us that there was a store near my parent’s house that was an Amish Store, of course, my mom and I were curious, but had no clue where it really was located.  So we never got around to checking it out, then one day as I was visiting my parents, my mom told me about this fun store she had been to that was really close to a gas station we usually stop at; her words were – you have to come with me next time, you’ll love it.  I was very excited, not knowing really what to expect because it owned by some Amish families and what exactly would they have there that I would be interested in, but still it would be an experience.

I was happily surprised, they had everything.  I felt like a little kid in the candy store as I looked at all the fun items from baking soda, cinnamon sticks, basil, herbs, candy, pretzels and even delicious cheese.  Also, down some other isles, they have these gorgeous rolling pins that are made with different woods; I feel in love with them always telling myself that one day I would actually purchase one (which my mom blessed me with a few as wedding gifts J).

I can say from experience; this is a very fun store to walk through; purchase a few extra baking goods that you might need, some delicious cheese or just to see everything they have at a reasonable price…. A lot cheaper than some grocery stores.

It is located near Fremont, Michigan.

Whispering Pines

8153 E. Skeels RD

Fremont, MI

More fun pictures to come of the actual store!

Reed's on the River ~ a delicious place!

What I love about these places….

I admit, I am no food critic. I am actually a very picky eater, but Reed’s on the River has an amazing assortment of sandwiches and soups.  They are all unique and I admit, the ones that I’ve had are delicious.  My husband took me there, raving how delicious the food was; me being the picky eater was excited to try something new but reluctant too.

Once I entered the small building, I was enchanted.  I love places like this, which take such detail into certain elements such as decoration or just setup.  They had an assortment of tables, not all alike and they each had a different table cloth.  It was decorated with pleasurable things such as pictures from a local photographer, lanterns, bottles and even a some fresh produce.  The ceiling was lovely, not just the normal white paint and you could see that they loved creating good tasting food.

I only had the opportunity of meeting one of the owners, as it is a married couple that runs this sandwich shop.  She was extremely friendly, kind and was even very suggestive about what food we should try since my husband and I were both getting over the flu.

Though, I admit, I can one of those quick pace people, run to McDonalds and get a cheeseburger; but if you are in the mood for some delicious food, a fun atmosphere and friendly service – go to Reed’s on the River.

They are located in Tawas City, Michigan.  They cater and deliver too!!!  If you are in the area to visit, see the lighthouses or just driving through – this is one place I would take you!
http://reedsontheriver.weebly.com/

Plus they are on facebook too
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reeds-on-the-River/46601954406?ref=ts

Letting others know ~ Contest :)

North South Escapes decided it would be fun to have a type of facebook contest..... (isn't everybody :))

The logic:

-     does there have to be logic? J

-    why a contest?  just so people can become more aware of north south escapes and some of the lovely sights we have seen and are about to see

-    am I trying to sell anything to my “fans”? Nope, just want to tell them about cool places and show them fun pictures J

-    hopes and dreams: that people will enjoy the site and desire to go to some of these fun places and spend time with their families!

-    would have loved to offer a gift certificate to a quaint shop, but hoped that others outside of the “grand rapids, Michigan” realm would get involved too, so I desired to just make it generic – how generic can you go with visa J

-    the ultimate fun would to get a bed and breakfast involved and have a “stay at the bed and breakfast” giveaway - *sigh* someday J

Here is the information

https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-South-Escapes/152121944844094?ref=ts

So lets see if we can get others to know about all these fun places :)  Enjoy!



Bowens Mills ~ walking into history

I had the opportunity of photographing a wedding at this Mill; I was astonished how close it was to Grand Rapids and that I had never heard of it.  It was so exciting, a photographers dream, so many fun locations, sites and even a Victorian House.... I couldn't wait to capture this place "on film" (though really not film :))  After the wedding, I began to research the location and found out that it was family owned and operated..... all the buildings were adorable and in the summer, their gardens were beautiful too - as you can see in the pictures.

It is a perfect place for a wedding, family reunion or just to visit.  Plus if you area photographer, just a great place to capture!!!!
Here are some of the things they list on their website that you can see
-
1864 Grist & Cider Mill (I believe l active today during Cider time)
1840's two story Plank House
1860's 11 Room Bowens House - A Victorian House - gorgeous inside and such character
A Post & Beam Barn
A Quaint Covered Bridge
17 Foot Water Wheel
"Ye Ole Craft Shoppe"
Log Cabin

So if you are try to think of places to visit in the spring, summer or fall, I would definately put this on your list and it isn't far from Grand Rapids.

55 Briggs Rd
Middleville, MI

www.bowensmills.com

Enjoy!

Newaygo - cute little town on the edge of a river

I have drive through this town since I was a little girl, I remember always passing by this one house that had lions on the front of it - I thought for sure it must be a castle.  Since then I've always seemed to once again just pass through this town thinking, that would be a fun place to stop.  Well I did with my mom and eventually  my husband too and we had a wonderful time!  I always seem a little tense when I don't know where to park or go, but while I was there, it was very easy to navigate and find parking too.  We stopped at this adorable cafe that was once a bank, then we did a little bit of antique shopping too.  The town is filled with fun little shops, a beautiful bed and breakfast, fishing, good food and coffee and I have to say a cool house that has lions on it :)

Enjoy!

What we are all about.....

Tawas Point Lighthouse - "Cape Cod of the Midwest"

 When my husband and I first saw this lighthouse, it was on the verge of raining and we weren't able to spend as much time as we would have liked, but we both realized that we found a fun lighthouse to visit.  It is located within a state park, so if you purchase one of those Michgian Park annual passes and want to see a fun location; I would definately suggest Tawas Point.  It has a fun gift shop next to it and you are also able to climb to the top (for a small fee), which many lighthouses don't allow you to do!  Also because it is located in a state park there are many locations for a picnic, hike or even camping!

Here is a  quote from the DNR Michigan website:

"Tawas Point has been referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." The campground is located on Tawas Bay where the water is shallow and warm for swimming. In the park is the Tawas Point Lighthouse which serves as the sole representative of a true Victorian-era style station on the Great Lakes."
www.dnr.state.mi.us

or if you'd like more information concerning the surrounding area
www.tawas.com

Enjoy!

cute little shop... what a find!

My husband and I had the opportunity of visiting this adorable shop off of Maple Island Street near Fremont, Michigan.  We went there with my parents and were surprised by how quaint and adorable the place was!  Owned by a family that farms the surrounding land, it would not be the first place you'd stop on your way to either Fremont or the Lake, but it is worth it.  They are currently closed for the Season, but once they reopen, I'm going to try and photograph it to show everyone that it is definately a well needed "stop and shop" moment.  They had antiques, seasonal decorations, etc..... we found these sweet mugs that we bought for our Christmas Season and I was able to use them as a decoration, though they would have been perfect for hot chocolate.  But this is just one of the many finds at this adorable shop.

It is located at the corner of Maple Island Road at 104th Street, north of Nunica off of I-96.  It is also a perfect setting for some pictures too!  The Store owners are very welcoming and are a joy to meet - hope you'll take the time to stop at this great "find".

Here are the mugs we were able snatch up!

Presque Isle Michigan

If one has the opportunity of visiting this lovely location, I would highly suggest it.  It is a beautiful lighthouse with a lovely setting.  My husband and I visited there in the summer and then returned again in the fall with our family members, the view from the top of the Lighthouse is breathtaking, being able to take in the beauty of the water, trees and beach.  If you are able to make it up the 138 stairs, I would highly suggest it.  There is a small fee, but worth every penny.

More to come of this amazing location