US 12 Heritage Trail

US 12    The Sauk Trail   Chicago Road   Michigan Avenue, whatever name it has gone by, the "path" has been here for many years. Originally used by animals, then Native Americans, settlers on foot and horseback, then Stagecoaches, and of course, automobiles. In 1825, settlers could leave their boats in Detroit and travel overland to Chicago. And, in 1825, the US government appropriated $3000 for a federal highway, the second in the nation, and it was laid out along an ancient Indian trail, the Sauk Trail. This road begins at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit  and traverses the state to Chicago.
During the summer, many things happen along US 12, but my main interest is in the Irish Hills area, because I live here. Walker Tavern-at the intersection of 12 & 50- has Vintage Baseball Games, Picnic in the park music events, and a Farmers Market every Sunday (except NASCAR Sundays).
And, the Brick Walker Tavern, just across the road , is taking reservations for events, weddings etc.
And, of course, Michigan International Speedway is on US12. They not only have NASCAR, they host a Beer & Wine Fest in May ,an SAE competition also in May, and the country Music Festival in July. There is also the Tough Mudder event in September.
A little farther West on Michigan Ave, is McCourtie Park.There are 17 bridges , one of which is shown below. They are made of sculpted concrete, carved to look like logs, planks, and ropes. There is a stream that runs thru the area-a great place to walk and picnic. There are even weddings held there.  

Below is an historic schoolhouse which houses Cherry Creek Winery. They do wine tastings, light refreshments, and entertainment on selected weekends. It is also on US12. For more info www.cherrycreekwine.com. For Speedway info www.mispeedway.com. For Walker Tavern www.michigan.gov/walkertavern. And, check www.us12heritagetrail.org, to learn lots more about this great road! And, remember the Longest Garage sale in August.

 

 

DONUT DAY???

Did you know that today was national Donut Day? Who knew! The first Friday of June, which is today.

Dunkin Donuts was giving a free one if you bought a drink.
Did you get yours?  I didn't -maybe next year.

Blarney Time!

Happy St Patrick Day! It will soon be here. The Irish Hills area is having their third TASTE OF THE HILLS this weekend March 14 & 15. This year there are 20 restaurants/coffee houses participating. A ticket is $25 and it also lets you go to the AFTER TASTE party at the Brooklyn Moose Lodge and there are FIREWORKS after. Check www.IrishHills.com for more info. And Dewey Lake B&B is offering a 10% discount on a overnight stay. http://www.IrishHills.com">

Goodbye 2014 from the Irish Hills of Southern Michigan

Here we are, writing this on the very last day of 2014. The sun is shining here at Dewey Lake Manor, making the lake look much like the picture, only it is frozen and the willow tree has no leaves. But there is no snow so the grass is like the picture; quite different than last year.  

I have never really written about the Irish Hills, and we live in the middle of them. The Irish Hills have no formal boundaries or unified government structure. The name designates an informal area that to many, straddles four counties, while to others it is a small historical area along US Route 12.The area is characterized by scattered lakes-52 with names-and rolling hills. There are several historic sites on US12-The Towers(which unfortunately are closed now), St. Joseph Shrine-the beautiful little church- and Brick Walker Tavern-which has just been restored.            The area was settled by the Irish, who came to America during the potato famine, and there is a very large rock- brought over from Ireland -near St Joseph Church commemorating those who came and those who died. 
The corner where US12 and M50 cross was known as Cambridge Junction, or" The Junction", and Brick Walker Tavern, located on that corner, was "the place" to meet and have parties.
A few miles east of the Junction on M50 is Hidden Lake Gardens, MSU's Botanical Gardens, a place you don't want to miss if in the area. To find out more you can check www.IrishHillsRecreation.com, and www.otih.org.                       Goodbye  2014         Hello 2015!  

Thanksgiving-the First

Since we just finished Thanksgiving, it's interesting to think about November 1621,when the Pilgrims gathered with the Indians to celebrate the autumn harvest. Their day was quite different from ours. They had to go out and hunt for their turkey and pick their vegetables from what they had grown. They had pumpkins to use as a side dish, but no flour or butter to make a pie, and no sweet potatoes as they wouldn't grow where they lived. And as for cooking dinner-they didn't have ovens so cooked over an open fire. That would have been quite uncomfortable for us on Thursday, as here at Dewey Lake we had a good 1/2inch of snow in the afternoon-beautiful but a little chilly!