Finally...Beautiful Summer Days!

     We finally have been able to enjoy summer the past few days. The horrible heat is gone (I hope for good) and the weather has been perfect. The sky has been a beautiful shade of blue all week long! We had this strange looking visitor a few days ago. We thought it was some unusual bird, but since have come to think it is a sick cardinal. The blue head is simply missing the feathers I guess.

On Sunday, we took a drive along the Great River Road.

It was the perfect day for a road trip.

Driving into Alton, IL you are greeted by this beautiful mural.

It always surprises me how we can drive for 2 hours

and see such a different landscape than we have where we live.  

     A trip to the Alton/Grafton area has to include a visit to Fast Eddies Bon Air for a few 29 cent shrimp, burgers and homemade brats for under $1 and tons of atmosphere!

We like to stop in Grafton to visit a few shops.

You never know what you might find on a side street somewhere!

(Click on this picture to enlarge it, please)

I am joining Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday and

Laura @ Decor to Adore for Wayfaring Wednesday.

Please visit our hostesses.

What's To Love?

     People often ask us why we keep going back again and again to Michigan. Those that know us in real life, know that we have always loved places with palm trees and grits. About 6 years ago we decided to take a few days and go the opposite direction. We haven't given up the palm trees, but we do try to fit in a trip or two to Michigan every year now. I thought I'd share a few of the reasons why from our recent trip. 

     Pond Hill Farm is a working farm that we have watched grow over the years. They sell fresh produce, canned goods just like your grandma made and now have a winery and restaurant. It is located in Harbor Springs, MI.

Pond Hill Farm

Pond Hill Farm

     History is all around. Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey was built in 1899 and has a wonderful view of Lake Michigan.

We love to look at all of the historic homes.

Cherries are found in everything. Cherry pie from

Jesperson's in Petoskey is well worth stopping for.

     Wineries are everywhere and they are all different. Some are elegant, some are rustic, some are commercial and all are very friendly with delicious wines.

Interesting small towns such as Elk Rapids where

 the water runs right through the middle of town.

Interesting pathways...

...this one leads to what was once called The Island House,

but is now a library.

 

Shopping!

Shopping!

And more shopping!

Ice cream that is so fresh...

...you can see the dairy farm while eating your cone.

Of course the main reason we love Michigan is because

we think it is so beautiful.

I am joining Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

Laura @ Decor to Adore for Wayfaring Wednesday

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays