Spend an Hour...Spend a Day!

Sticking with my love for parks this week, I will write about another park to visit in Detroit: Belle Isle, located at E Jefferson at East Grand Boulevard. No visit to Detroit is too short to enjoy this historic crown jewel of Detroit's public park system.

Image from: http://www.aerialpics.com/H/greatlakesshoreline.html

Belle Isle has it all: a children's zoo, golf, maritime museum, a nature center, and a beach. And why shouldn't a park like this that is located on 983 acres? Park lovers will not be disappointed when they visit Belle Isle.

The 983-acre island was purchased in 1879 by Detroit's city fathers, who agreed to retain the name Belle Isle (which means beautiful island), which the property was already popularly known. Frederick Law Olmstead, the designer of New York City's Central Park, created the master plan for Belle Isle in 1883. Visitors could enjoy Belle Isle via the island's first wooden bridge in 1889, and has been toured and enjoyed by people ever since.

Whether you are interested in nature, athletics, history, or architecture, Belle Isle will never cease to amaze you. 

Admission, and most of the park's attractions are FREE!

Stoney Creek Metropark

Parks are my favorite places go visit this time of year. The weather has finally cooled down enough to wear a hoodie and jeans, but has not turned cold enough to keep everyone indoors. The huge green trees turn into beautiful autumn rainbows, while crunch crunch crunch can be heard with every step you take. Today I'm going to talk about Stoney Creek Metropark. I've been going to Stoney Creek ever since I was a baby. While it was always a tradition in my Italian family to have picnics frequently throughout the summer vacation, both my parents were very active and encouraged day trips at the park.

Image from: http://www.metroparks.com/parks/index_all.aspx?ID=11

Stoney Creek Metropark extends across Oakland and Macomb counties and is located at 4300 Main Park Road in Shelby Township. The annual motorvehicle permit is $25, which I definitely believe is worth the cost because daily passes cost $5. What's cool about this permit is that it allows you to visit all 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks. So if you are someone who enjoys visiting different parks and plans to be active all summer, the annual permit is more than worth it.

What is great about Stoney Creek is that it is open all year. So whether you're looking for a place to swim,  kayak, canoe, rollerblade, or run, or whether you are looking for a place to sled, cross-country ski, or walk the trails, this place is a fabulous park to become familiar with!

Stoney Creek Rental Facility allows people to rent  different types of water crafts such as rowboats, paddleboats  canoes, and kayaks. There are also numerous picnic tables spread around the park, as well as a lake for people to swim and fish in, several sand volleyball courts, a golf course, as well as a disc golf course.

Images from: http://www.metroparks.com/parks/index_all.aspx?ID=11

For park hours and more information on Stoney Creek Metropark, Click Here

For anyone who enjoys being in the great outdoors and is looking for a great place to spend their time being active, 

Stoney Creek is the place to visit. 

Science! Science! Science!

Are you a teacher who is having a hard time getting your students to get excited about learning science? Are you a parent with children who show no interest in science concepts? Or are you playing host for your out-of-town cousins for long weekend and you are trying to find neat places to go to spend family time together? A wonderful place to get children excited about science concepts and for family fun is the Detroit Science Center. The Detroit Science Center is located at 5020 John R Street.

The operating hours are Wednesday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Genera admission rates for the Detroit Science Center are $18.95 for adults (thirteen years and up) who want to experience the Dinosaurs Unearthed AND the Museum Admission PLUS 1 IMAX. For adults who just want to be admitted into the Museum (which includes 1 IMAX), tickets will cost $13.95. For children ages 2-12, admission rates are $16.95 for Dinosaurs Unearthed and the Museum Admission (plus 1 IMAX) and admission rates for those who are only interested in the museum, as well as 1 IMAX, will be charged $11.95. Children under the age of 2 will be admitted FREE.

Group pricing can be found at Detroit Science Center Admission Rates

Image from: http://www.sciencedetroit.org/pressroom.html

*Note: Due to financial hardship, the Detroit Science Center will be closed until October 26, 2011. The closure of this museum became essential after a review of financial operations. This review made it clear that the museums could not function at their finest ability. The closure will allow the museum to keep expenses down, conserve operating cash, and work towards developing a tactical plan to make certain that the long-term capability of the Detroit Science Center is ensured to those devoted to it.

To learn more about the exhibits and programs at the Detroit Science Center, and to stay updated on the opening dates of the Science Center, please visit: Detroit Science Center

Take Me Out To The Ball Game...

The Detroit Tigers may not have made it to the 2011 World Series, but they deserve some recognition!

The Detroit Tigers currently play at Comerica Park, located at 2100 Woodwood Avenue. Comerica Park is an open-air ballpark and replaced the historic Tigers Stadium in 2000. The ballpark was named after the corporate sponsor, Comerica Bank, which was based in Detroit when the park opened and paid for the naming rights. The stadium seats 41,255 fans and the park’s record attendance was 45,010.

The first time I ever visited Comerica Park was actually in the fifth grade for an NSYNC concert with my mom, Katie (my best friend at the time), and Katie’s mom instead of for a Tigers game. That was the first time I had ever been to a ballpark (even if it was for a music concert). I remember being amazed at how unbelievably huge the stadium was, and thinking how hard it would be to see my boy band lovers (good thing the stadium had a big screen to magnify the teenage heart-throbs).

Since the fifth grade, I have only visited the stadium once. This one occasion was in the summer of 2009 to finally go see a Tigers Game. I do not know why I have not gone to Comerica Park to watch more Tigers games, seeing as how I love to watch baseball and I love the Tigers.  Being a broke college student may have a lot to do with my lack of attendance at Tigers games but I hope to see more in the future. The reason I went in the summer of 2009 is because my boyfriend found it appalling that I had never been to a Tigers game and bought us tickets. 

If you find yourself in Metro Detroit during baseball season, 

come check out a Tigers game!

Fox Theatre Detroit!

Looking for different types of entertainment? Ready for some entertainment that does not involve going to the movies or eating at an expensive restaurant? How about getting tickets to watch a play at the Fox Theatre Detroit??

Image from: http://experiencedetroit.com/theatres.htm

The Detroit Fox Theatre is located at 2211 Woodward Avenue and is one of the five dazzling Fox Theatres built by William Fox in the late 1920s. Other Fox Theatre locations include Brooklyn, Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Francisco. There are three levels of seating at the Detroit Fox and the interior was designed with Burmese, Chinese, Persian, and Indian motifs in mind when architect C. Howard Crane designed the theatre.

Image from: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/history/index.php?id=63

Three years ago I had the pleasure of seeing a play at the Fox Theatre during the month of December. White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie EVER and Fox Theatre decided to grace me with the opportunity to see the play live! I traveled down town with my mom, my best friend, Chelsea, and Chelsea's mom. It was a wonderful experience - the theatre definitely met my expectations. It was the first time I had ever been to the Fox Theatre seeing as the only theatre I had ever been to before was the Fisher, to see Beauty and the Beast with my mom and grandma, and my own high school theatre at Troy Athens.

I actually really enjoy going to see plays. I like the idea of knowing that no two plays will ever be acted out the exact same way. I like seeing the actors do improv if they mess up a line or something goes wrong. I think that this is a wonderful characteristic of theatre.

Upcoming plays at the Detroit Fox Theatre include My Fair Lady, Scream Tour, and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. For a complete list of upcoming plays at the Fox Theatre, and show times and dates, please visit: Detroit Fox Theatre

QDOBA!!

Find yourself in Metro Detroit looking for a delicious restaurant healthier than a fast food place like McDonald's but cheaper than an uppity restaurant like Maggiano's? Ok all you food lovers - I have decided to share with all of you my ALL TIME favorite Mexican food chain restaurant... QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL!!

Image from: http://www.ifranchisenet.com/qdoba-mexican-grill.html

From the moment I walked into this restaurant five years ago, I was sold. As I said, Qdoba is a fast food Mexican restaurant. After visiting several Qdoba's across Metro Detroit over the last five years, I can honestly say that this chain restaurant has never disappointed me. The food is always hot, the meat is always cooked to perfection, and the service in every Qdoba restaurant that I have been to has been absolutely phenomenal.

My regular order at Qdoba is the chicken gumbo with black beans, extra verde sauce, extra pico de gallo, sour cream, and tortilla strips. What makes the gumbo so delicious is the zesty tortilla soup that is poured over delicious cilantro and lime cooked rice. I also highly recommend the chicken burrito (or the naked chicken burrito with the tortilla on the side), the chicken and cheese quesadilla with pico de gallo, or the nachos.

Here is a photo of most of Qdoba's menu:

Image from: http://www.gogreenmenus.com/Menu.aspx?RID=MTEyMw%3D%3D&N=UWRvYmE%3D&DID=OQ%3D%3D&AT=OA%3D%3D&AC=MTc%3D&URL=&CC=

If you have not already been to a Qdoba, I highly recommend visiting one of the many Qdoba locations around Metro Detroit - You will not be disappointed. 

Embrace America's History!...Part II

After focusing and informing you all on the Henry Ford Museum, we can now take a look at a neighboring outdoor museum, Greenfield Village!

Greenfield Village is "right next door" to the  Henry Ford. However, unlike the Henry Ford, Greenfield Village is an outside historic museum. Visiting Greenfield Village is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to revisit some of America's most exciting sights, sounds, and sensations of the  past. According to the website of Greenfield Village, there are 83 authentic, historic structures ranging from Noah Webster's home where he wrote the first American dicationary, to the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, as well as civil war reenactments! Greenfield Village is located on 80 acres so these buildings and things to see are just the tip of the iceberg; at Greenfield Village there is plenty of other great historic sights to see!

Not only does Greenfield Village capture historical structures, but there are also fun things to do there, too! You can watch 1867 baseball, ride a train with a 19th century steam engine, or even ride in a genuine Model T! Greenfield village is a reminder of how people came to define modern-day America.

Here is an image of a steam locomotive from Greenfield Village:

Image from: http://picasaweb.google.com/116512474184071531500/HenryFordMuseumGreenfieldVillage

Although the Henry Ford Museum is open all year, Greenfield Village is only open April through November, due to the fact that the Michigan winter season can get a bit rough. When Greenfield Village is open, admission tickets for adults cost $22, while youth tickets (ages 5-12) cost $16, and children under 5 years are free. Like the Henry Ford Museum, those serving in the military are granted free admission.

For more information about Greenfield Village, click here Greenfield Village

Until Next Time...

Embrace America's History!

Okay, so, today I have decided to focus on the Henry Ford Museum as a Metro Detroit attraction that EVERYONE who lives or comes to Metro Detroit should visit :)

The Henry Ford Museum is located in Dearborn, on 20900 Oakwood Boulevard and is open all year around, seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. General admission tickets are $15, kids ages 5-12 are $11, and children under 4 years at FREE! Military is offered free admission all year.

What is the Henry Ford Museum? The Henry Ford Museum is a collection full of rich American history and learning opportunities...without the bordum! It documents America's history of resourcefulness and innovation over the generations. Founded by Henry Ford in 1929, his hopes for the Henry Ford Museum were that it would "give us a sense of unity...through the generations, and to convey the inspiration of American genius to our youth."

 Visiting the Henry Ford will take you back to explore the tremendous impact the automobile had on American society (with exhibits and all). Visitors will be able to see the exact limousine John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was shot, and the same historic rocking chair that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in. You will be able to explore the history of American society and lifestyle, as well as the famous Rosa Parks bus and the Wienermobile.

For much more information on the history and exhibits at Henry Ford Museum, please visit:

 The Henry Ford

Images from: http://www.hipstertravelguide.com/archives/5042

Stayed Tuned...More exciting Metro Detroit Attractions to Come!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for...Apple Cider and Donuts!!

Hello!

So... I am a little behind on my blogging BUT this just means that for this week you get three blog entries from me instead of two! I hope you all enjoy this weeks suggested activities :)

Without further ado, what a PERFECT morning for me to spend with my older brother, Billy, and his fiancee, Robyn at Yates Cider Mill. Located at 1990 E. Avon Road in Rochester, Yates is a great place to visit no matter how old or young you may be.

I've been going to Yates Cider Mill every fall for as long as I can remember. It started out as an outing with my mom, brother, and family friends every fall. Every October, us kids were rounded up and thrown in the big van to be taken to dunk some most appetizing donuts in the most delicious cider. Not only are the donuts and cider a reason to go to Yates, but there is a beautiful path to stride along, complete with a river to walk next to!

Yates Cider Mill is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm. This cider mill is known for the donuts and apple cider but it also has fudge and ice cream, as well as a petting zoo and pony rides!

For those of you who have taken my advice and have gone shopping at Great Lakes Crossing, you may want to note that Yates Cider Mill has become so popular to Metro Detroit Michiganders that there is now a Yates Cider Mill outpost station in the food court at Great Lakes Crossing! So, in case the rain has ruined your plans to spend the morning or afternoon at the cider mill, go check out the outpost at Great Lakes and eat some delicious donuts as you leisurely walk around the biggest outlet mall in Michigan!

Enjoy Your Wonderful Fall Afternoon