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Heather Raulerson
Fun Night Out: Listening to Great Music at the Masonic Temple by Candlelight
Kalkaska String Quartet performing at the Masonic TempleHeather Raulerson. If you are looking for a unique date night idea, consider taking your special someone to the Masonic Temple to listen to wonderful music. Get dressed up and take your sweetie for a night on the town in Detroit and enjoy an intimate ambiance in a beautiful venue bathed in candlelight. By candlelight, listening to classical or jazz music is very romantic, especially in the beautiful Masonic Temple Crystal Ballroom setting. Here is what you need to know to set up your evening out at the Masonic Temple.
The Annual Highland Games in Michigan
Yep, that is right, in Michigan! The Annual Highland Games run by the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit are the oldest Highland Games in North America starting in 1849. Held every year on the first weekend of August at Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia. This year the games will be on August 6th and 7th. There are Scottish competitions in Highland Dancing, Tug O’ War, Heavy Athletics, and Piping and Drumming. You can also purchase all you can of Scottish food, Celtic jewelry, Scottish kilts, and many other crafts and festival food. There are also numerous clans represented here if you want to do a little genealogy search. Plus, fantastic Scottish musicians and live entertainment are throughout the park. Here is a quick look at an enjoyable August weekend in Detroit.
Festivals and Fairs around Michigan this coming week - July 30-Aug 5
For the last week of July, I have put together a wonderful selection of art fairs and festivals in Michigan for everyone to enjoy. There are a couple of festivals in the Upper Peninsula, some in Northern Michigan, one on the west side, and of course around Metro-Detroit. Wherever you live or want to road trip to this weekend, there is a festival for you and your family. You can enjoy festivals focused on potatoes, blueberries, and even Harry Potter. Here are some of the festivals and fairs around Michigan this coming week.
Enjoy a Live Performance on Stage at Detroit Music Hall
Watching a live performance on a stage has unfortunately become a dying pastime, even more so within the last two years due to the world's circumstances we have been in. But, times are changing for the better, and venues are opening and welcoming visitors to watch the arts again.
Weekend Travelers - Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky
Bluegrass horse farms, large amazingly beautiful hats worn at the Kentucky Derby, legendary baseball bats produced for American’s pastime are just a few things you can find in Louisville, Kentucky. If you are looking for a fun getaway for a weekend with friends or by yourself, consider visiting Louisville. Sitting right on the Ohio River and the border of Indiana, Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and is filled with so many activities for you to do. Here are some of my favorite things to do on a weekend in Louisville.
Weird Roadside Attraction - Giant Field of Corn
Let’s stop here and check out the Field of Corn! What? We’re in Ohio. There is corn everywhere you look. Oh, but not like this!…. Every year after going to visit my friend who lives in Columbus and partake in past Rock on the Range concerts there, my niece and I pick a place to visit along our way home. This particular year she chooses to visit the Field of Corn. I had no idea what to expect when we put the address 4995 Rings Rd, Dublin, OH into the GPS. She gave me no details only that this is a place she wants to see.
Chasing Waterfalls: Hayden Falls is a Hidden Gem in Dublin, Ohio
If you ever thought a waterfall couldn’t hide in the middle of a populated city, well think again. Hayden Falls does just that by being in the midst of the town of Dublin, Ohio. Hayden Falls is located within the Griggs Nature Preserve, on the West side of the Scioto River, just along Hayden Run Road. There is a very small parking lot along with a few picnic tables and there are easy-to-find stairs leading down to Hayden Falls.
Upcoming Michigan Festivals for July 23-July 30
As we are closing out July fast, there are still tons of fun, family activities for you this weekend and the following week around Michigan. Whether you pack up the kids to take a road trip to visit a new destination, county fair, or hang out in your backyard, make the most out of these warm, hot days in Michigan. Here are some of the fairs and festivals happening around Michigan during the July 23rd weekend and the week of July 26th.
Exploring Island Books & Crafts - Small Town Bookshop
Wherever I travel, I scope out local bookshops in that town. For me, the excitement of walking into a new and undiscovered bookstore is invigorating. I am always on the lookout for books that I haven’t read before. I love to read, although the numerous books on my bookshelves at home can attest that I tend to buy books faster than I read them. My latest find happens to be up north in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Island Books & Crafts is one of the friendliest, small local bookstores that I have walked in.
See Art Masterpieces Outside this Summer around Rochester - DIA's Inside|Out Program
You might be surprised to be walking or biking on the Paint Creek Trail and around Rochester and come across framed art paintings and wonder what is going on. The Detroit Institute of Arts’ Inside|Out Program is back this summer. You can experience these masterpieces from a world-class museum in your own backyard. Look for paintings from the DIA’s collection across outdoor venues in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. So get out there and start looking!
Let's Get Wet at the Splash Pads Around Metro-Detroit
The Dog Days of Summer are upon us, the oppressive heat that hits you as soon as you walk outside. But, there is a relief for families who live in Oakland County and the Metro-Detroit area. These Splash Pads are always busy on the hot days when I drive by them; however, if you don’t have a pool and need some aquatic fun time for the kiddos, check out these splash pads.
Festivals and Fairs Around Michigan this Weekend - July 16 to July 22
Can you believe that July is half over already? Where did the time go? At least there is plenty of fun activities for you and your family to enjoy this weekend all over Michigan. Some of the festivals are on their last weekend, and others are just getting started. Hopefully, you will find one that catches your interest, and you are willing to take a road trip to experience what makes summertime in Michigan so great. Here is a small snapshot of the festivals and fairs happening this weekend around Michigan for you to jump-start planning your weekend.
Immerse Yourself in Van Gogh's World at the Beyond Van Gogh Exhibit in Detroit
Calling all Art Lovers, there is still time to get tickets to experience the Beyond Van Gogh exhibit in Detroit. Due to the overwhelming demand and sell-out crowds, the exhibition will run through Sunday, October 3. If you haven’t heard about this Van Gogh exhibit, you are missing out. Here is everything you need to know about experiencing this creative and immersive art exhibit.
Upcoming Michigan Festivals for July 9 - July 15
Get ready for another fun, summer weekend in Michigan! And to help you plan the most out of your weekend, I have put together some of the upcoming festivals all around Michigan for you to enjoy with your family. Whether you are hanging around Southeast Michigan or road tripping up north, there is something for everyone here to enjoy. Have fun this weekend!
Chasing Waterfalls: Hidden Gem found on a I-70 Road Trip through Indiana - Cataract Falls
On a road trip to St. Louis, driving along I-70, I saw a sign for Cataract Falls. I love exploring waterfalls especially one that is designated the largest waterfall in Indiana. The falls located in Lieber State Recreation Area are about an hour west of Indianapolis off of State Road 42.
What is there to do This Weekend in Michigan? 4th of July Celebrations
It’s time to celebrate America’s Birthday! Whether you do that at your home with a barbeque with family and friends, or if you take your family out to one of these fabulous Michigan festivals, I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July holiday weekend! Let’s celebrate! Happy Birthday to America!
Did you grow up watching the Muppets? Experience the Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited
The Jim Henson Exhibit at the Henry Ford MuseumHeather Raulerson. Growing up in the 80s, you couldn’t miss sitting down with your family to watch The Muppet Show. Seeing all the antics of Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, and Animal made the show exciting for young kids, and who couldn’t help rooting for the Kermit/Miss Piddy romance. If you are looking for a fun summer activity for your family, consider visiting the Henry Ford Museum to explore the new Jim Henson exhibit going on until September 6th, 2021.
Get those cameras out and start taking pictures on National Camera Day
Do you love taking photos as much as I do? Are you a budding photographer who just got their first camera? Or a seasoned pro who has been capturing moments forever? Well, today is your day! Today, June 29th, is National Camera Day, when everything comes into focus.
Photo Antiquities Museum: The History Museum for Photo Enthusiasts
If you are the type of person, who likes to find unusual non-touristy places, the Photo Antiquities Museum in Pittsburgh is a great place to visit. This museum has everything related to photographs: their history, how they were developed, what was shot, and with what. With a highly knowledgeable guide, they will show you so much about photography history in a delightful and entertaining way.
A Tiny Shop Serving Up Tea and Dreams - Just A Bit Eclectic
This unassuming tea shop is more than what you would expect when you drive by the little green and brick building on West McNichols in Detroit. When you walk into Just A Bit Eclectic, it reminds you a little of Grandma’s house with vintage kitchen gear hanging on the walls and shelves filled with a rotary phone, vases, and old box radios. However, the collection of doilies aren’t on the tables; they’re on the ceiling. And just like at Grandma’s house, you can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack with great company in a warm and welcoming environment.
Heather Raulerson
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Freelance travel writer and photographer who loves sharing her adventures from around the world. It is never too late to pursue your dream!
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