Dexter Cider Mill
Dexter

In Michigan, August to November is apple-picking time, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the state's oldest continuously-operating cider mill. Dating back to the mid 1800s, the Dexter Cider Mill is "a pure piece of Midwest Americana" in a "riverside setting," turning whole apples into a "hot, delicious" beverage before your very eyes. Upon entering, you can "smell the wonderful aroma of the donuts," something that's sure to put you in a "great mood," even though you'll mostly likely have to wait in line to get "a gallon of the best apple cider." You can also buy apples for sale in a wide range of varieties. Overall, the experience is truly "authentic." Read more.

Au Sable River Canoe Marathon
Grayling to Oscoda

Each year in late July, a flotilla of canoes sets out to row, row, row its way gently down the stream from Grayling to Oscoda. This "unique sporting event" calls itself North America's largest non-stop canoe race, and it takes place along the "beautiful" Au Sable River. Longer than an actual marathon, the race covers over 120 miles and usually lasts 19 hours. Along the course, "spectators drive from bridge to bridge to cheer on the teams." There's always a great deal of "anticipation about who will arrive at the bridge first." In 2005, the race takes place from July 30 - 31. Read more.

Bowers Harbor Inn
Traverse City

Some believe that this old mansion is haunted by its former millionaire occupants, but it's still "one of the best places in Michigan." Set on the scenic Old Mission Peninsula, the restaurant is in the old hotel, and surrounded by cherry orchards. Be sure to arrive early to "wander through the gardens before dinner," then sit on deck with a liqueur while watching the sunset over Grand Traverse Bay. When time comes to dine, you can enjoy "excellent" food, wine, and service. Among the specialties is "fish in a bag." For dessert, the chocolate cherry cheesecake is "heaven," no surprise considering the restaurant's location.

ODPC Funfest
Evart

If you enjoy "non-electric musical instruments of all kinds," then don't miss a visit to the yearly ODPC Funfest in Evart. Many people arrive ahead of time to get a great spot to camp out, and you can "wander around listening to various groups play by their campsites." At the fairgrounds in the evenings, you can attend the "organized concerts" in all styles of music. Learn to play at a workshop, or lend your skills to an impromptu jam session. In 2004, the festival got as many as 275 dulcimers playing at one time (the record was 302 in 2001). Read more.

Sunday Brunch with Bach
Detroit

One Sunday every month at the "magnificent" Detroit Institute of Art, this event takes place in the "beautiful" Kresge Court, located "in the heart" of the museum. At each event, the music is different, and artists include singer Olivia Duval and Darkwood Consort (a viola and bass duo). The performances begin at 11am and the brunch consists of a main course, fruit, bread, coffee tea, and--of course--the concert. After the event, be sure to check out this "cultural center's" other interesting events, as well as the collections, including the "incredible" Diego Riviera murals. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Read more.

336 Main
Plymouth

If you're looking for a "cute little martini bar with a ton of martini options," then you've come to the right place. Some of the fun items on the menu are the Shagadelic (Bacardi light rum, creme de banana, half & half, drop of grenadine), the Diva-tini (Fris vodka, Diva liquor), and the Margatini (Sauza tequila, Grand Mariner, lime juice, powdered sugar).Although it offers over 100 original martinis, this place pleases more than just the martini set--there's also a "live" piano bar and cigar lounge. Find all this "great atmosphere" and more in the "cute downtown of Plymouth."

Grand Traverse Pie Company
Okemos

Just follow your nose to "the best homemade pies of anyplace around." In this branch of the Grand Traverse Pie Company, you can get a full view of the kitchen and watch the chefs at work making the pies. On the menu, you'll find "any kind you can think of." The "friendly" staff will be happy to point out the specials, which range from sweet to savory. And, if you can't make up your mind, just order the Lakeshore Berry, "which is several berries mixed in one pie." Have a piece of pie for dessert, then "buy a whole pie to go." Whether you get the strawberry-rhubarb, caramel-apple, or custard pie, you won't be sorry. Read more.

Bath City Bistro
Mount Clemens

Mount Clemens was once known as Bath City, USA for its mineral baths--hence the name of this restaurant. This "very unique establishment" offers a full menu of "excellent" food and drink, along with a game called "feather bowling," a Belgian sport that's a little like a mix of shuffleboard and bocce ball. Set in a "very old building that has been restored," the restaurant's "nice decor" includes three bowling lanes, and reservations are recommended ahead of time. After a dinner of mussels, steak, or calzones, it is "lots of fun to play with a large group." Read more.

Lark and Sons BBQ and Carwash
Benton Harbor

Experience a taste of Southern hospitality in the north. This could quite possibly be "the only combination BBQ and carwash in the world." While your car gets washed by hand, you get to enjoy authentic, Southern-style barbecue. The staff "does a great job at both." Get the roasted ribs with the special sauce while you watch your vehicle "get cleaned to a spot-shine." It's best to go on a sunny day, when you can follow your dining and car adventure with a trip to the beach. Read more.

Crane's Orchards and Pie Pantry
Fennville

How much do you like pie? At Crane's, you can count the ways: apple pie, cherry pie, blueberry pie, peach pie, red raspberry pie--the list goes on. For the past 35 years, pies have been made here in the "rolling countryside of scenic West Michigan," just four miles inland of Lake Michigan. The "classic fruit orchards" yield "fresh fruit" and "fabulous apple cider." There's a restaurant in the back of the barn cooking up home-style meals. After, be sure to leave room for dessert. Can't get enough? You can pick your own fruit, or take some to go. Or, you can join the pie of the month club for those "really special people" by picking twelve pies of your liking and sending it to yourself, your mom, or "anyone with a sweet tooth." Read more.