[babigyrl5]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

What do you like about it? I have never understood their popularity (except perhaps amongst the over 70 crowd). They must have some appeal because they always seem to have very long waiting time. Because of that I have only eaten at one there times, but I found the food bland and the atmosphere to be raucous. Service was fair once we finally got a table (an hour one time and about 45 minutes another time - do not remember the third time). Maybe I just order the wrong things and go at the wrong times.

But Olive Garden is not a Michigan "gem." They are not unique to Michigan, they are pretty much everywhere (thus confirming their popularity).

Another great place is that Steakhouse in Jackson (same complex as Applebees). It is a chain, but I think that the chain is limited to Michigan. Really good food, rational prices, great service.

If they have any interest in Magic, take them to Colon (Yes there really is a city named Colon).

Did we mention an Amish town? (Most are in Ohio and Indiana not Michigan, but at least close to Michigan.

If they like victorian architecture, Marshall or Coldwater (Clearwater? - my brain is tired) are nice.

Also Cabellas the worlds largest sporting good store is in Dundee. It has an aquarium and a bunch of realistic models of game animals. there is also an indoor waterpark next door.

I just keep thinking of more neat places.

I love the food at OG, I always order an entree but take it home untouched because I get full off of the breadsticks and salad
For a transplant you sure know alot about Michigan! And didnt you just move there like a few years ago?
When you said an interest in Magic do you mean like magic shows? Is Colon a town of magicians? lol (sorry if thats a dumb question but Im serious lol)

[New_Horizon]

Favourite breakfast spot has to be the diner in Grand Marais Michigan, the best pancakes and home baked breads and muffins.

Fave dinner location has to be Legs Inn, Cross village, authentic Polish food and a bloody mary I renamed 'breakfast'

The pub downtown Petoskey does a great whitefish sammich.

Also have to mention the Woolly Bugger in Harbor Springs and Charlevoix for wonderful home roasted coffee.

[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by babigyrl5

I love the food at OG, I always order an entree but take it home untouched because I get full off of the breadsticks and salad
For a transplant you sure know alot about Michigan! And didnt you just move there like a few years ago?
When you said an interest in Magic do you mean like magic shows? Is Colon a town of magicians? lol (sorry if thats a dumb question but Im serious lol)

I grew up in Michigan. Attended university and law school here, then moved to Orange County. Lived in OC for 18 years and moved back. We visited every year and usually went on a couple of day trips while here. Before we moved back, we did a lot of research. We spent two years looking into and visiting various towns where we might live. We also looked into various places that we could visit to make certain that we would not be too bored. Growing up here helped, but not a whole lot. I did not become really aware of what was really outside our small town until I was about 16 and we left when I was 25. We have a lot of friends and family scattered all around the Detroit and Ann Arbor suburbs so we go to a lot of different places. We like to just randomly visit places that sound neat to us.

Colon is the magic capital of the world. It is the home of Abbotts magic factory and at least one other magic company. Abbots has stages and does shows and demonstrations at various times. They have a huge magic convention there in August. I went as a teen and got to meet Harry Blackstone Jr. It was really neat.

Next on my list is the Leelanau Penninsula. It looks really beautiful even if no one can spell it. Never been there. I also want to go see the painted rocks and take a week long canoe trip on the Taquamenon river (did that as a kid it was wonderful).

[Newtgirl]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Also Cabellas the worlds largest sporting good store is in Dundee. It has an aquarium and a bunch of realistic models of game animals. there is also an indoor waterpark next door.

There are also Cabela's stores in Hammond IN, near Chicago, in Southern Wisconsin and Wheeling WV, in addition to about 2 dozen other locations.

And their aquarium... I had to just shake my head the time I went in there and found a TERRESTRIAL salamander kept in about 3 inches of water with no where to climb out. I've never been tempted to steal anything in my life, but it took all my might to restrain myself from snatching that poor thing.

[babigyrl5]

Once I move you are my official state vacation planner lol

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

I grew up in Michigan. Attended university and law school here, then moved to Orange County. Lived in OC for 18 years and moved back. We visited every year and usually went on a couple of day trips while here. Before we moved back, we did a lot of research. We spent two years looking into and visiting various towns where we might live. We also looked into various places that we could visit to make certain that we would not be too bored. Growing up here helped, but not a whole lot. I did not become really aware of what was really outside our small town until I was about 16 and we left when I was 25. We have a lot of friends and family scattered all around the Detroit and Ann Arbor suburbs so we go to a lot of different places. We like to just randomly visit places that sound neat to us.

Colon is the magic capital of the world. It is the home of Abbotts magic factory and at least one other magic company. Abbots has stages and does shows and demonstrations at various times. They have a huge magic convention there in August. I went as a teen and got to meet Harry Blackstone Jr. It was really neat.

Next on my list is the Leelanau Penninsula. It looks really beautiful even if no one can spell it. Never been there. I also want to go see the painted rocks and take a week long canoe trip on the Taquamenon river (did that as a kid it was wonderful).

[Giesela]

Albion has Cascarelli's - just a local bar and pizza/food but its one of those places that has kept its old booths etc., still family owned, good food. Also down the street is Lopez's Taco House. Just a small place, family owned. Whitehall Nature Center on the Kalamazoo, owned by Albion College its back behind the football field and is a beautiful place to walk easy trails.
In Battle Creek is the Continental Deli. Run by a Dutch woman/baker (who bought from a German baker who retired) they have the best baked goods as well as sausage, cheese and now ice cream too.

[Dyenimator]

Sweetwater Tavern or Union Street in Detroit.

[Dyenimator]

Originally Posted by babigyrl5

I love the food at OG, I always order an entree but take it home untouched because I get full off of the breadsticks and salad
For a transplant you sure know alot about Michigan! And didnt you just move there like a few years ago?
When you said an interest in Magic do you mean like magic shows? Is Colon a town of magicians? lol (sorry if thats a dumb question but Im serious lol)

Eat some real Italian. I'd take you to Moro's in Allen Park.

[Newtgirl]

The Brown Trout in Indian River (a little expensive, but they've got a good beer selection). Goodale's Bakery in Grayling (I was heartbroken when I stopped on my way through from the Soo this weekend and it wasn't open! I was so craving some donuts! Maybe next time). Big Bear Deli (great for carry-out for a picnic), Timothy's Pub (never had a bad sandwich there), The Gobbler (a little kitschy, but not bad) in Gaylord.

[meadgrad]

If its Fall, the Dexter Cider Mill outside Ann Arbor for cider and donuts!..mmmmm...right on the Huron River. Neat spot.

Slows bbq again

Watch the ships go by in Port Huron. and yes, the oil refinery across in Canada is ugly, but i did find it kinda interesting to watch.

January Ice Sculpture festival in Plymouth. Plymouth is a neat town with reasturants to visit regardless.