Shipwrecks, Nature and More to Visit in Alpena

Situated in northern Michigan, Alpena is a popular destination for tourists during summer. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary serves as one of the main attractions in town. The MidMichigan Health, a rural regional medical center employs more of the area’s residents than any other location.  Henry Schoolcraft named the town Alpena, which somewhat translates to “a good partridge country”. But the town is known as the “Sunrise Side” because of its location on the eastern shoreline of Michigan. Alpena was once a commercial fishing area and host to many related activities. Today, the town is famous for its limestone quarry, one of the biggest in the world.

People also come to Alpena to explore its rich history and its natural wonders through some of the points of interest discussed below. If you’re into outdoor adventures and love learning new things, Alpena should be part of your next trip to or through Michigan.

 

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

This 4000 square mile sanctuary protects the Great Lakes and its history. Their mission is to educate people about the rich history of the Great Lakes and how it helps form the society we know today. They worked hard to ensure that these underwater treasures will still be around for future generations to enjoy. Some 200 or more historic shipwrecks lied deep within Lake Huron’s fresh water and with the help of the community preserve these priceless treasures. The visitor center also shows different exhibits for visitors to take in and enjoy. Staffs at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary are equipped with the knowledge to educate visitors and they’re super friendly too. Visitors are always fascinated with the history of the shipwrecks and leave appreciating the Great Lakes that much more.

 

Alpena Bi-Path

This hidden gem is a great place to go for a romantic stroll or a family picnic. Its view of the river is very picturesque like those of a painting. The Alpena Bi-Path is well maintained and a safe place to ride a bike or just enjoy a leisure walk. It gives you an idea how healthy and happy the lifestyle is in the area. The best time to explore the place is early morning when you can see other bikers around or late in the afternoon.

 

Stoney Acres Winery

This winery offers some of the best soda and wines in town. It’s near the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary and best to drop by to this place before heading home. Servers will let you taste some of the homegrown brewed and even have several choices of sodas for your kids. They even have chutney samples to go along with their wine.

 

Island Park & Wildlife Sanctuary

Another great family destination around Alpena is the Island Park & Wildlife Sanctuary. They have different types of plants and trees with markers that educate visitors. The sanctuary also has many spots for family pictures or selfie opportunities. What makes this place great is the accessibility. They have easy trails for wheelchairs and walking paths, making the outdoors available to everyone. They have labels along to way to let you know that you can expect on a particular trail.

 

Besser Museum

Don’t let the exterior fool you, small as it is, Besser Museum has some great exhibits for your family. Their planetarium offers some interesting shows with a presenter that is well versed in the field. It is not too crowded, and perfect for little kids to explore some of their exhibits. The museum houses a refurbished boat and fossil pit which is great for your kids to dig their treasures. Overall, it’s a nice place to visit whenever in town.

 

If you plan on making your way through Alpena or anywhere in Michigan while the temperature is low, make sure to bring along your favorite hot beverage in one of our Michigan D Tumblers to help keep your drink (and you) warm.

 

Shop Our Michigan Store

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/learning-about-lake-huron-shipwrecks-and-adventure-through-alpena/

Why Haven’t You Visited Alma Yet?

Alma is the biggest city in Gratiot County in Michigan. Residents of Alma love their annual Highland Festival. The festival is full of fun with Scottish clans gathering for bagpipes, a lot of dancing, a celebration of friendship, caber tossing and, of course, kilts. But before it happens, there are some spots in Alma that you may want to try to get a real taste of the city’s hospitality, some excellent homegrown Michigan cuisine, and some wonderful outdoor activities.

 

Apple Barrel Cider Mill

If you like an alternative in the mainstream mills that’s always packed with people, Apple Barrel Cider Mill serves as a prime example. They make their cider with old school presses just beside a window where you can watch them do it. Locals will tell you to visit the place as it’s one of best destinations near Alma. The place has a unique homey décor with hand-hewn barn beams and different antiques hanging on the walls. They also serve great donuts paired with a free coffee. The Apple Barrel Cider Mill also has goodies like homemade pies, fudge, and cheese. It is one of the great places to buy Michigan-made products and you can’t beat their cider slush during the summer.

 

Fred Meijer Heartland Trail

This town gem brings out beautiful scenery for every season. The Heartland extends from Greenville to Edmore going through Alma. It’s a destination itself, where the bike trails are easy to navigate with within a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Don’t get too surprised if you meet deer, turkeys, and other migratory birds along the trail. Park benches and shady parts of the trail offers a great resting place for bikers and hikers alike. And if you do attempt to bike this lengthy trail sometime soon, make sure to keep warm with a Michigan bike crank hoody.

 

Great Wall

Once you get those hearts pumping, it might be time to refuel that lost energy. Great Wall is an excellent Chinese restaurant which offers great food choices for your tired body. There are several restaurants in town, but this one stands out from the rest. The restaurant is a local staple if you need comfort food along the way. They offer meals that everyone in the family will love, even those picky eaters. They only serve the fresh ingredients with great flavors on all their dishes. It’s a family-owned restaurant, very clean and the staff is friendly and trustworthy, so feel free to ask for their favorite plates. Great Wall is known for their fast service and consistently good food. If you can’t come to their restaurant, you can also grab one of their take-out meals and it never disappoints.

 

Alma Brewing Co

Whether you are on a casual date night or out with longtime friends, Alma Brewing Co can satisfy your cravings. They have good sliders, tasty burgers, and great salads. If you love beer, they also have an excellent selection of brews that are great any time of day. Their friendly staff can suggest what beer goes best with their menu. Staffs are trained to get your orders spot on and always quick to serve. Alma Brewing Co is a great place to relax, enjoy good food and chat with friends. Their micro-brewed ale and wine make a perfect getaway.

 

Shop Our Michigan Store

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/things-you-should-do-in-alma-michigan/

Why Livonia Should be a Stop on Your Michigan Vacation

Livonia is located at the northwest end of Wayne County in Michigan. It’s a large suburb with traditional American neighborhoods built in the 1950s and 1960s. The municipality is part of Metro Detroit with a population of 96,942, making it as the 9th largest municipality in Michigan.

Whether briefly stopping to stretch your legs after a long drive or taking in all of Michigan, here is a list of attractions to visit in Livonia.

 

Motor City Comic Con

Every year, children of all ages and young at hearts anticipate Motor City Comic Con in this part of the country. It’s a three-day event usually held in May at the Suburban Collection Showplace. People love to go here because of the wide array of vendors. Pop Funkos is a real thing here, from The Walking Dead, Alice in Wonderland to the ever popular Game of Thrones. Get the inner nerd out of you finding rare comics books in a sea of hundreds.

 

Firearms Exchange

Want to master your shooting skills? Head on to Firearms Exchange and let them show you how it’s done- properly and safely. Safety is their top priority as they will assists you in almost everything that you need, even if you are a pro. Most people recommend the place because of their professionalism and politeness. They even have a gun cleaning room loaded with free supplies. Their prices are relatively fair for their service and well worth checking out if you’re spending time in Livonia or have time to head there from Detroit.

 

Brightly Twisted

For a more artistic destination that everyone will love, try to get your hands dirty in a good way. Brightly Twisted offers dye sessions on their locally made scarf. Tie-dye was a popular fashion back in the 1990s. It now evolved into a modern work of art and some even made it in mass production like Brightly Twisted. It’s a perfect souvenir for the trip. In every scarf you dye, you are making a personalized memento to take home with you.

 

Roush Automotive Collection

Marvel in some of the most interesting cars built by man. The Roush Automotive Collection featured an all all-electric car from the 1900s. They also have a brand new Ford GT from the actual NASCAR race cars.  You can walk around the vicinity and take as many pictures as you like. Another helpful thing about the museum is they have signage with a brief description of every car. Smaller kids can learn a thing or two about automobiles while you can admire them as a great piece work of art.

 

Visit Farmer’s Markets

A trip to another place is not complete without loading your car with fresh produce from one of their farmer’s markets. It is a great way to enjoy local products while learning the authentic culture of a town. Farmer’s markets always offer great multicultural cuisines and the best delicacies you’ll find in the area. You can chat about how they grow their own products or how they started selling their amazing dishes, the possibilities are endless. Some of the best known in and around Livonia are Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market – Farmington, Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market, and City of Wayne Farmers Market.

 

Those of you from Livonia or Michigan who want to show some love for your place of origin ought to check out our Michigan Natve Unisex T-Shirt.

Shop Our Michigan Store

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/things-to-see-and-do-in-livonia-on-vacation/

More to Grosse Pointe Park than Meets the Eye

Located in Michigan, Grosse Pointe Park has a population of 11,555. It’s bordering towns are Detroit and Lake Saint Clair. Most people refer Grosse Pointe Park as GPP or The Park. But locals call the area from Alter Road to Nottingham the “Cabbage Patch” due to the area’s duplex style houses.

The unofficial colors of Grosse Pointe Park are Pink and Green which signifies the classy lifestyle of GPP residents. A film called “Grosse Pointe Blank” was set in town. But in reality, the town only gets 11 seconds of fame in the film’s footage. Grosse Pointe has 5 cities – namely Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Shores, and Grosse Pointe Woods. Each has its own Police and Fire Departments.

The town has some of the safest road conditions in the region. Likewise, students of Grosse Pointe public schools do not use school buses. They either walk or their parents drop them off. The famous Edsel Ford and his descendants still live in GPP. During the Great Depression, the town was very popular because of its closeness to the Canadian border.

Although GPP is a small town, it is packed with attractions worthy of a visit while on vacation in Michigan. Here are some them:

 

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Visit the well-known house of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. Spend the day walking around the beautiful grounds for a beautifully serene experience. There are tours that offer educated guides for visitors. These guides are well knowledgeable and entertain questions from visitors. They have an onsite restaurant that serves delicious food, meaning you won’t have to leave the grounds for a great meal. Aside from their lovely home, the home offers a beautiful garden that’s worth taking the time to explore. The location also shines during the Christmas season as they put up a great display that adorns the garden.

 

Saint Paul Catholic Church

Located at 157 Lake Shore Rd deep in the suburb of Grosse Pointe Farms, Saint Paul Catholic Church is a landmark you should not miss. Marvel at its architectural design and intricate interior. If you have any interest in architecture, historical locations or just like exploring Michigan, this is a stop you need to make.

 

Riverfront-Lakewood East Park

Riverfront-Lakewood East Park is a beloved park in Grosse Pointe Park because it’s peaceful and a perfect place to train dogs. The park is a nice place to enjoy an afternoon walk or jog to shake those calories off. You can also find a nice picnic spot for your family and let the kids experience the outdoors. There are no official recreational activities in the park, but fishing is really popular in there so be sure to bring your pole if you have one. Locals and tourists position themselves at the seawall in high hopes of getting the biggest catch of the day.

 

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

Before leaving town, make time to visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. The museum displays some of the most important historical moments of the Great Lakes. They also have exhibits that tackle the rich history of the shipping industry. For a small museum, you’ll be surprised to find out it has so much to offer. There are picnic spots and fishing ports nearby, which are an added bonus for you anglers out there.

And if you do end up fishing around Grosse Pointe Park, make sure to don your Michigan Fishing Hoodie to keep warm as the temps start to come come down.

 

Image By Andrew Jameson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15391526

Shop Our Michigan Store

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/where-to-visit-in-grosse-pointe-park-mi-on-vacation/

What’s Worth Checking Out in Escanaba

 Escanaba is a port city in Michigan’s Delta County and can be found on the banana belt of the Escanaba River in the Upper Peninsula. It is the third largest city in the region with 12,616 residents. Escanaba Township can also be found just north of the port city sharing the same name. Both are named after the Escanaba River, a name which was derived from the Ojibwa language.

 

Delta County Historical Museum

Make time to visit the Delta County Historical Museum to learn some interesting facts about the history of Escanaba. Back in the day, a WDBC radio station used the building but moved to a new location downtown during the 1950s. The city then acquired the building and let Delta County Historical Society leased it in 1956. The city government allowed the society to use the building as a museum for a total of one dollar a year.

 

Fayette Historic Townsite

Tourists often come to the Fayette Historic Townsite not because of its modern amenities but for its rich history. don’t miss your chance to experience the life of the pioneers back in the days. The town was once a thriving industrial community that is well known for its production of iron ore from 1867 to 1891.  However, when the industry fell because of the Great Depression, residents left the town.  It later became a ghost town. The city preserved the area and even introduced real life recreations of the 19th century. Actors wear era-inspired costumes and portray the daily life of the former residents. Visitors can get a real glimpse of Americana before modernization.

 

Sand Point Lighthouse

Located at the end of Ludington Street and Escanaba Municipal Marina is where Sand Point Lighthouse and Historical Complex stands. The lighthouse was fully restored and equipped with a Fresnel fourth class lens placed at the focal point of the tower. It has an interesting story, though.  According to urban legend, Mary Terry, one of the first women that served as a lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes would occasionally appear on the grounds. Several years after her death, she was still reported to show up at the lighthouse to check up on things.

 

Upper Hand Brewery

To end a great day at Escanaba, the Upper Hand Brewery offers a unique blend of beers to tired tourists. They have one of the best-crafted beers in the North, which celebrated the flavors of nature. They have an onsite brewery where visitors can taste their hand-crafted beers fresh from the barrels. Relax in their cozy tavern while waiting for the sun to set .

 

William Bonifas Fine Arts Center

The name of the center was derived from “Big Bill” Bonifas who came to the Upper Peninsula in the 1880s from Luxemburg. He focused on the timber industry where he made his fortune. Meanwhile, his wife Catherine had another purpose in life – making donations in the cultural and educational matters for the city. Tourists flock to the center because of its unique exhibitions and art displays. Due of its contributions, the center was given the prestigious “Governor’s Arts Award” in 1990 and in 2007.

 

When you’re out walking around Escanaba, stay comfortable in one a Great Lakes Girl pullover.

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/things-to-do-on-vacation-in-escanaba-on-vacation/

Everything You Forgot You Wanted to Know About Lake Michigan

The waters of Lake Michigan hide fascinating wonders that most of us can only imagine. Here are some questions about Lake Michigan we all ask ourselves but often don’t look up. Get a cup of your favorite beverage and join us as we tackle a number of  interesting questions about Lake Michigan.

 

Does Lake Michigan ever completely freeze over?

No, it has not, but it does occasionally come close to a complete freeze. According to the National Weather Service and Environment Canada, the closest Lake Michigan come to frozen solid is about 90 to 95 percent. The record which dates back more than a century ago reported that during the cold and harsh winters of 1903-04, 1976-77, 1978-79 and 2013-14 Lake Michigan was almost completely frozen over. Other Great Lakes like Superior, Erie, and Huron have had their time under the ice but not Lake Michigan or Lake Ontario.

Jump to about 2 minutes into this video to see our favorite lake in a fairly frozen state:

 

How much water is in Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is 3rd largest lake of the Great Lakes and the 5th largest lake in on earth. At its deepest, the lake goes 923 feet deep and stretches 307 miles long with 118 miles at its widest point.  It contains as much as 1,180 cubic miles (4,918 km³) of water. How massive is Lake Michigan? Every second, over 320,000 gallons evaporate off the lake and receives at least 400,000 gallons of rain or snow.

 

Why is the water in Lake Michigan so blue and pristine?

Strong winds bring particular sediments to the surface giving Lake Michigan its famous clear blue waters. In fact, Lake Michigan attracts thousands of visitors because of how surreal it seems compared to other natural lakes around the country. The lake probably has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, too, because of how nice our water looks. Nevertheless, Lake Michigan water can be treacherous because of rip currents, proving once again that although our nature can be beautiful that doesn’t mean to not be safe.

 

Is Lake Michigan saltwater or freshwater?

The Great Lakes – Superior, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Erie – make up the the largest freshwater system on the planet. They account for more than one-fifth of the freshwater surface on the planet with more than 6 quadrillion gallons.

 

How clean is Lake Michigan? Is it safe to swim in it?

Anyone that’s been on the lake can’t doubt its cleanliness. Because of it’s clarity and purity, Lake Michigan is a popular swimming destination for locals and tourists alike.

 

How big are the waves on Lake Michigan?

Currently, Lake Michigan has small waves from the usually 1 to 2 feet. However, recent years shows that Saugatuck’s Oval Beach had 4-foot waves. The height of the waves is important to ensure safety on the beach. Lifeguards carefully monitor these waves as one of the swimming conditions for beachgoers. Lake Michigan has the most popular beaches in the country and hundreds of people would go here to take a dip in its refreshing water during the summer season.

Just for fun, though, check out these insane Lake Michigan waves from when Hurricane Sandy was nearby:

A bit of a reminder for beachgoers: pay attention to flags on the beach. A green flag means it’s a perfect day for a swim. A yellow flag means that it is still okay to swim and urge swimmers to use caution. But stay away from the beach whenever you see a red flag hoisted up.

And the next time you’re heading to Lake Michigan to spend some time around the clear blue water, make sure to show your state and lake pride with some of our cool Fresh Coast gear.

 

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/the-waters-of-lake-michigan/

Don’t Overlook Allen Park – There’s More than Meets the Eye

Allen Park is part of Wayne County, Michigan which was famous for their tree-lined streets brick houses. The town is also part of several communities known as Downriver. The town houses two of the most prominent brands in the country, Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Lions. Several Ford Motor offices and facilities are located within the boundaries of Allen Park.

Just recently, Allen Park gathered much of the state’s attention as it hosted the Made in Michigan Festival. Hosting the much-awaited state festival proved that this small community has a lot to offer and makes up much of why Michigan is so awesome.  

 

Made in Michigan Festival

Because the kick-off event went really well last year, organizers of the festival have made it two days long now. The last weekend of September was dedicated to food, wine, shopping and music in Allen Park celebrating pure Michigan-made excellence. From September 29 to 30, visitors to Allen Park had all day fun for everyone in the family. The festival featured many food trucks and the best Michigan craft beers. To get more into the festivity, live music played all day. There is always something for everyone in this two-day event, an open-air market of all Michigan-made surely inspires everyone to love our state. This event will always draws  some serious crowds, so make sure to plan ahead once you’ve decided to go.

But if Made in Michigan makes you crave for something else, Allen Park has some great eats to discover when festivities aren’t going on.

 

Moro’s Dining

For a taste of authentic Italian dishes, Moro’s Dining has a lot to offer. They are well known for their flamboyant table-side food preparation to make sure to only get the freshest dishes. Their portions are really generous and the taste even better. They serve great steak options with a perfect balance of seasoning bringing out the natural flavor of the beef.  Don’t miss out on their Strawberry Romanov dessert which is made at your table complete with extravagant preparations.

 

Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant

If you’re craving for some salsa, head on to Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant. They serve homemade salsas, Mexican sodas, and offer a variety of lunch specials. People would often order the restaurant’s legendary rice and beans. Because of the popularity of the location, it can often get rather crowded, so make a reservation if you know you’ll be heading there. Angelinas has great pricing for their food with large portions. Like any other authentic Mexican restaurant, you will be greeted with the warmest smile and fresh from the stove food. Also worth a try since Allen Park has several parks with great picnic areas is to take the food with you and prepare an alfresco dining experience in the open with your family.

 

The Glass Onion Griddle

This place takes an ordinary breakfast food and put a unique twist that everyone loves. For a small place, you wouldn’t expect they’d serve such amazing comfort food, but you’ll be glad to be proven wrong. The Glass Onion Griddle is a cozy place to bring your family and friends for an energizing meal before visiting other hotspots around Allen Park. Protip: Their eggs benedict are a must if you’re coming here for the first time as is their Great Lakes coffee.

Whenever you are planning to go to Allen Park, whether for a festival or get a feel of Michigan life, make sure to taste some of their local cuisines. And while you’re at it, make sure to cozy up if you head there during the upcoming winter with one of these great Michigan hoodies.

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/things-to-do-in-allen-park-when-visiting-michigan/

Auburn Hills with the Family – What to See and Do

Auburn Hills is a city in Oakland County in Michigan that’s great to visit for a day trip or as part of a vacation in Michigan. It houses the world headquarters of Chrysler, Oakland University and the former home of Detroit Pistons. Back in 1908, the automobile genius, John Dodge bought a farmhouse in Auburn Hills and made it his retreat house. The city has a peculiar upside down “L” shaped which makes it one of the hardest to navigate through, so tourists may find themselves in and out of Auburn Hills depending on which way they travel. Nevertheless, the city houses a number of precious historic finds and natural wonders.

 

Oakland University

Tourists often pay homage to Oakland University which shares a border with Auburn Hills and Rochester. The university grounds hide a marvelous gem with scenic beauty. It also has an old yet very attractive clock tower, as well as landscapes with ponds and hammocks. Their food court even has a Chic-Fil-a, which is one of the few locations still left in Michigan and happens to be the first in the state. They have a different event going on throughout the year which makes it a bit more interesting for visitors.

 

Walter P. Chrysler Museum

The city is home to the Chrysler’s headquarters. It had its own building that used to be like Disneyland to car lovers. However, the museum is no longer available. Some visitors who visited the location described the museum as a precious place that brings back sweet memories. They had ‘one-off’ projects cars that a certified motorhead would appreciate. It’s worth a quick drive to this iconic place while planning your next stop in Auburn Hills.

 

Hawk Woods Nature Center

Camping is often seen as an integral part of father and son bonding moments. But for a fun activity, visitors come to the Hawk Woods Nature Center to experience a rustic kind of bonding for the whole family. The center offers a great family activity all year and everyone will find it enjoyable and interesting. People come here to teach their youngsters how to deal with the outdoors and spend some time away from all their gadgets. It is a great way to teach kids an old school way of living and tell camping stories they will hold dear in their hearts. The Hawk Woods Nature Center has well-groomed trails, boardwalks, and heated showers. All these amenities rest in the middle of 80 acres of scenic meadows and forested woodlands.

 

Sea Life Aquarium

Tourists come to the Great Lakes Crossing Mall not just to go shopping but to see the largest aquarium in Michigan. Sea Life Aquarium caters to families as their facilities are all child-friendly. It features over 5,000 sea creatures like sharks, octopus, turtles and much more. They have many interesting sea creatures swimming in their tanks that you won’t find in a regular aquarium.  They also have an aqua tunnel and an interacting area for some of the animals. For some, it’s a great diversion for kids to look through (with an older sibling)  while their parents do some serious shopping around the mall. Nevertheless, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon with the family. Sea Life Aquarium also offers educational tours discussing the ocean and the environment.

Does your kid love Michigan as much as you do? They’ll be more than happy to get a Michigan Antlers shirt.

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/things-to-do-in-auburn-hills-while-on-vacation/

What You Should Visit While in Bay City, Michigan

Bay City is situated near Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. Along with Midland and Saginaw, Bay City was formed in Central Michigan and the area was called the Great Lakes Bay Region. The city offers an array of tours, historic finds, and some interesting districts.

 

Sage Branch Library

Located in a historic building that has a matching Victorian, Gothic, and French Chateau interior design, the Sage Branch Library offers a large selection of books. The building was built in 1884 and the library lies on its second floor. It also offers some modern amenities like multimedia resources for the town.

 

Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum

Coming to Bay City, visitors are expected to drop in the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. Visitors can experience real life scenarios of the sailors navigating through the tight spaces on the ship. The museum features important events in navigation history and the Great Lakes. It is a huge ship and may take over an hour to go through its spaces. This is a great excuse to visit the town all year long.

 

Wenonah Park

Walking in this park will let you feel like a local and experience Bay City as it is. People often come here because of the events held in the park. Wenonah Park plays host to several festivals throughout the year and numerous wedding and private events. It offers a nice relaxing ambiance to walk through. The park is well maintained, lined with great restaurants and bars. The city even hosts free concerts within the park that people flock to and enjoy the music while watching a lovely sunset by the river.

 

Dobson Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum

This museum boasts a huge collection of antique toys and firehouse, with over 12,500 model cars and trucks. They have rooms dedicated solely for Tonka, Coca-cola, Betty Boop and NASCAR. They even showcase a 9/11 Memorial and Snap-on tools. Some of the permanent exhibits include real firetrucks like the New York Super Pumper, the largest fire truck in the world. Visitors of all ages will definitely find their own favorite collection the in the museum. Dobson Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum is very accessible to all visitors; they have handicapped accessibility and motorized carts for those who need them. The staff is friendly and will be happy to assist in navigating this mammoth size museum. On good days, the owner will give a tour to visitors, giving them a first-hand look at the stories and facts about his collections.

 

Center Avenue Historic District

One of the most photographed areas in Bay City is the Center Avenue Historic District, which is an iconic spot to visit in Bay City. It is just a short drive but most tourists choose to walk to this location. Some homes will even allow visitors to come inside and take a look at some remarkable, picturesque houses. People also enjoy cruising along this historic district, letting them feel like they’re going back in time. Some houses may need some fresh paint or minor repairs but most are still in good condition. The Christmas season is a special time to visit the Center Avenue Historic District as it offers enchanting displays of holiday lights.

The next time you’re in Bay City or out and about anywhere in Michigan, make sure to keep your cold drinks cold or your hot drinks hot with this Great Lakes Girl Tumbler.

from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/things-to-do-in-bay-city-mi-on-vacation/