Living Michigan Family: Sharing Our Love of Michigan!

Who: Vitale's Pizza, (616)530-8500,  www.vitalespizza.com When:  March 2013 Where:  They have several West Michigan Locations, but we tried the Kentwood location at 5380 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI 49548. Prices: Very decent prices, especially for such large portions! It should not surprise anyone that we have a love of pizza & Italian food.  However, when you walk into a pizza place and hear actual Italian being spoken, you know that they know what they are doing!!  We were waited on by a charming, hard working Italian gentleman.  This shop is small.  Nearly everyone who was ordering was getting it to go, but business was steady!  Steady traffic is always a good sign of delicious food. Looking at the menu, it is very diverse.  They offer many things including oven baked subs, calzones, pastas, focaccia, salads, and more!  (See menu here: Vitale's Pizza Menu PDF ) Today, we chose to try to split the 10" "personal" size ...

Where:  20 W. 8th Street, Holland, MI,  49423.  (616)392.5888   http://www.8thstreetgrille.com/ Cost:  High.  For 2 of us to eat out, getting a water, pop, 1 appetizer, 2 meals, and 2 desserts it was over $50 (before discount)...  (See any coupons available here:   http://www.8thstreetgrille.com/coupons.htm  or www.restaurant.com .) This is a classy, cozy little gourmet restaurant in the Heart of downtown Holland, Michigan, on 8th Street.  It has the feel of a small-town restaurant where it feels like upscale comfort.  Living in Holland, we can tell you that this place is always packed-- regardless of the high price tag.  This means two things:  Great food and wonderful service.  That is exactly what we received.  Even though it was a packed house when we went (as it always is), the server was polite, friendly, and seemed happy to be waiting on us.  If you want high quality food, and a real dining experie...

Who:  You and whoever else! What:  Maple Sugar Time Event. When:  THIS WEEKEND! Where:  1076 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423.  VanRaalte Farm              (One of the websites:   http://www.cityofholland.com/degraafnaturecenter/maple-sugar-time-van-raalte-farm ) ADMISSION:  $1 per person!  (BRING CASH!  They have lots of YUMMY snacks and sometimes even have ice cream that you can buy that has maple syrup and maple candies on it!) Some of the amazingly delicious, locally made goods you can purchase!  I think I would drink this if I could.   Volunteers teach you and the family all about how maple syrup used to be made, very slowly, by Native Americans. Gorgeous Michigan Sunshine and the world coming to life again.  Finally!! Did you know?? Collecting sap at VanRaalte Farm: There are activities for kids to try along the entire path! Where all of the m...

Who:  84th Street Pub & Grille.   www.84thstpub.com What:  Delicious Pub Faire. Where:  8282 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, Byron Center, MI  49315.  (616) 583.1650 We stopped in for a later-night dinner and thought we would try this local owned shop.  The service was fairly fast and very friendly.  The server gave great suggestions for food and drink.  They have a lot more great food here that we can't wait to try next time!  Check out some of the delicious foods we were able to try!  The atmosphere was very nice.  This is a modern restaurant, yet relaxing and classy, with a "homey" feel with lots of beautiful dark wood on the interior. Appetizer:  Homemade chips and cheese with a side of homemade salsa and sour cream. Main Dish #1:  Bacon Cheese Burger with homemade chips. Main Dish #2:  French Dip (no onions by request). Shot of the bar area on the interior of the restaurant. ...

Who:  Hogzilla BBQ ( http://www.hogzillabbq.com/ )  Phone:  (269)660-6225 What:  Delicious BBQ made, and SMOKED, in house using the best ingredients and a lot of time. Where:  889 West Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, Michigan In 2012 this place was voted #1 Smoked BBQ in Southwest Michigan for a reason! Homemade sauces and a stark attention to detail make this little BBQ joint a real treat.  It is a small shop, but with great personal attention.  When we stopped in, we were in BBQ heaven.  The owner has a REAL passion for BBQ.  He spends sincere time working his craft and making it as excellent, moist, and flavorful as possible. The garlic bread and the waffle cut fries were delicious and a fun surprise.  Everything was fresh.  You will not get your food in 2 minutes flat like other places-- here, you will wait for food of the highest quality and best craftsmanship.  You will NOT be disappointed. Pulled Pork Sandwich: ...

Official Website:   http://cranefest.org When:  *Every October*, but in 2013 it will be October 12 and 13th. Where:   Calhoun County, at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area at 22300 15 Mile Rd, Bellevue, Michigan, 49021. NOTE:  Bring binoculars and some CASH.  Some vendors take card, but to get in and to buy food, (and do some shopping), you will want to bring a little cash.  :-) Every year there is a little known, but very fun little festival, called "CraneFest".  This is a fun, family friend, and economically friendly event sure to please the whole family.  There are always fun activities such as:  nature chats, silent auction, non-profit displays, live birds of prey, kids crafts and events, and some food is available as well (but bring cash!). CraneFest is a dual-sponsored event ran with the help of Michigan Audubon and the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek.  Usually about 10,000 cranes can be seen flying in throughout the weekend,...