Features

Just outside of Ann Arbor is the quaint town of Chelsea that is the home to actor Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre, which is one of the finest regional theaters in the nation.

Daniels, who is very involved in the productions, founded the theater in 1991. Daniels got his start in the business in off-Broadway productions and was inspired by that and wanted a similar theater experience in Chelsea, where he grew up and was raising his family.

“He’s like the godfather,” said Guy Sanville, artistic director of the theater. “He’s very involved. He’s working on a new play right now.”

The theater offers four shows a year, running 8 to 14 weeks each. The productions include new plays, American classics, Michigan premieres and playwrights with roots in the Midwest.

“We use work that uses humor as a window into the human heart; whether it’s a new play or an American classic,” Sanville said. “We want people to feel something. We create a one-of-a-kind experience. We do plays with a lot of heart and soul.”

A recent production was "Annapurna" by Sharr White. It’s a bittersweet, funny story about forgiveness. It evokes a range of emotions that will leave theater-goers laughing and crying. As in most great plays, it makes you examine your own life and you will long be remembering the characters and the struggles they dealt with.

The theater also offers an apprentice program with seven full-time apprentices who stay for one year. It’s great training for them as they are involved in all aspects of the theater and productions.

Upcoming productions at the Purple Rose Theatre include: Steel Magnolias, Jan. 15-March 14; Talley’s Folly, April 2-May 23; and 2AZ, June 11-Aug. 29.

For more information, check out the website at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

ALSO IN CHELSEA

Chelsea is home to the Waterloo Recreation Area, a large state park that also has a Discovery Center; tours of the Chelsea Milling Company’s Jiffy Mix plant; and the Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory.

For more information, check out www.chelseamich.com.

A trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan, isn’t complete without a visit to Zingerman’s Delicatessen (www.zingermansdeli.com), which first opened in 1982 and is much more than a typical deli. Zingerman’s offers specialty dry goods like rare olive oils and aged vinegars, as well as a large selection of bread, cheese and meats. It’s a treat to browse through the store and sample and purchase some of the items offered. Zingerman’s Deli was recently named one of the coolest grocery stores in the United States by Chef Andrew Zimmern and Delish.com.

Among the items offered at Zingerman’s are products from The Brinery, a Michigan based business that uses fermentation to produce some amazing items. Several varieties of sauerkraut are offered and all are very tasty. The Brinery is located at 2531 Jackson Avenue, and workshops are offered to learn basic fermentation techniques. For more information on The Brinery, check out the website at www.thebrinery.com.
[Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third part of a series on travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan).

Art galleries, unique shopping and fun live entertainment venues all make downtown Ann Arbor, Mich., the perfect destination. It’s also the perfect walking town giving visitors the chance to explore the entire downtown area on foot.

Start your shopping on Main Street, where you will find Cherry Republic, the M Den and Rock, Scissors, Paper, among other unique stores.

In Cherry Republic, located at 223 South Main Street, you will find an amazing assortment of Cherry products. Candy, preserves, salsa, sauces and hot chocolate are among the items I sampled and then purchased a few to bring back home. My family loved the cherry preserves and the chocolate cherries were also a big hit. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a series on travel to Ann Arbor. Shopping, and entertainment will also be featured in the series).

Traditional Ethiopian food, a Turkish café and an Irish Pub are just a few of the dining experiences awaiting visitors to Ann Arbor, Mich., one of the top food towns in the Midwest. You can taste food from around the world in the charming town of Ann Arbor.
With more than 300 restaurants, Ann Arbor offers something for everyone from friends looking for a fun spot to dinner to family gatherings to couples out for a romantic meal.

Midwest Living has recognized Ann Arbor as one of the best food towns in the MidWest. The city, which is home to the University of Michigan, is a food destination for food lovers from around the world. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

Riding along the lake and through the countryside surrounded by thousands of sparking lights and Christmas scenes. Stopping off along the way to enjoy the snow attractions, ice skate, get a photo made with Santa, hop on the carnival rides, roast marshmallows at the fire pits, shop and eat.

The annual Magical Night of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands, now known as Lanier Islands Christmas, is an annual tradition for North Georgia families but something new is in place this year. SnowWorld has added even more fun that families are delighting in.

The name SnowWorld really says it all, as a white and wintry flurry of fun is the main focus of the Islands’ newest attraction – which features nine thrilling speed slides, Polar Plummet - a 13-lane tube slide and four snow play zones. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first part of a series on travel to Ann Arbor and it features what makes the University of Michigan a travel destination. Shopping, dining and entertainment will also be featured in the series).

The largest football stadium in the United States, an art museum and the Gerald R. Ford Library are just a few of the reasons to visit the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The University of Michigan is home to the largest football stadium in the United States, Michigan Stadium, which was built in 1927 and can seat 109,901. Known as The Big House, the stadium is home to the University of Michigan football team which competes seven weekends each fall to sell out crowds. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY AND SHERRY LEWIS

Tea time at American Girl where you can dine and pick out the perfect doll for those little girls on your Christmas list…Designing your own special piece of jewelry at Kendra Scott in the amazing new Avalon complex…A relaxing time with the girls while you get the perfect hair-do at DryBar…A fun night of dinner and golf at TopGolf…These are just a few of the fun things that make a trip to Alpharetta the perfect destination for a girlfriend get-away.

We started a recent weekend trip to Alpharetta with tea time at the American Girl Bistro in North Point Mall. If you don’t have a doll of your own, you can borrow one for tea, which features delicious finger sandwiches and sweet pastries. The menu also includes pizza, chicken tenders, salmon and other entrees, as well as delectable desserts.

Afterwards, we looked around the retail shop at all of the dolls, accessories and books offered. We even picked out a doll to take home with us, with some of the ladies planning to give their doll as a gift and others planning to keep them. You’re never too old for a doll! [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

A visit to Townsend, Tenn., is a trip to the more peaceful side of the Smokies where the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, friendly folks and relaxation are all part of your get-away.

A recent trip included exploring Tuckaleechee Caverns, a scrumptious lunch at Smokin Joe’s BBQ, visiting with the artists at the Townsend Artisan Gallery, a stop at Cade’s Cove Cellars and dinner at Back Porch Restaurant.

TUCKALEECHEE CAVERNS

Tuckaleechee Caverns has been an East Tennessee attraction for more than 60 years. Two childhood friends, Bill Vananda and Harry Myers, first discovered the caverns when they were only 6-years-old and played in the caves. They used the creek as their highway and “hillbilly lanterns,” soft drink bottles with kerosene to guide them through the caverns. After being in World War II and returning to the area, they purchased 150 acres and opened the caverns to the public. It cost .50 cents back then to tour the caverns. The price is $16 now for adults and $7 for kids and more than 50,000 people pass through each year. [Full Story »] 

BY AMANDA MYLER

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. Everywhere you go. This is so true this time of year. If you need a little help getting in the Christmas mood, I would highly recommend a visit to the Smoky Mountain Opry in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. I took my two boys, ages 13 and 7, to the Opry on a recent trip to the mountains.

I was looking forward to a great show but my expectations were far exceeded. The outside entrance is decorated with lots of impressive lights and is sure to catch your eye. Once inside, you are sure to be filled with the Christmas spirit. The decorations are just stunning and you can even do some Christmas shopping while waiting to be seated. We were pleasantly surprised before we were seated as Santa was waiting for us to have our picture made with him! [Full Story »]