Lexington Michigan is one of our favorite small town summer destinations. We made our first drive up for the season on Sunday, and Oh, what a day! The only way to get there is the scenic route of course, probably the best place to begin is New Baltimore. Located in the northeast corner of Macomb County the city rests on the coastline of Lake St Clair, specifically Anchor Bay. There is a small beach , a playground, and a dock for fishing or just staring off into the lake. They have a Sunday Farmers Market beginning July 17, fresh picked local vegetables and herbs, and lots of homemade goodies to choose from. 
From here get on M- 29, it will take you east, enjoy glimpses of the bay between cottages and restaurants, maybe stop in at a roadside vegetable stand, the road continues south through St John’s Marsh. Driving through the marsh is intriguing, there is water of some sort on each side of the road, look for wildlife in the marsh, swans and heron are a common sight. Finally you will head back north up the St Clair River. From here the scenery goes up a notch, the river is less obscured. Algonac is another little town on the water, it has a pretty riverside park where you can stop and stretch your legs. Marine City is the next teeny tiny little town, it has it’s own charm, and seems to be on the upswing. The historic downtown lies just east of M-29, paralleling the river. We stopped in at an old fashioned candy store called “The Sweet Tooth“, right on Water Street. It’s really cute inside, they have all the candies from my childhood; like giant Pixie Sticks, Zotz, Blow Pops, and those crazy Necco Candy Buttons; the little pastel candy dots that you end up eating as much paper as you do candy, yeah, those! It’s a place that brings a smile to your face everywhere you look. If it’s a nice day get a hand dipped Hudsonville Ice Cream cone and take it outside to Riverpark to enjoy. The view is as pretty as the ice cream is good. 
Bask in the scenery as you make your way, the river is a gorgeous bluish green, it was such a spectacular day for our drive the sunlight danced upon the water. Elegant Victorians, richly decorated Tudor homes and cottages are intermixed on the west side of the road, each looking like they belong, newly built mansions sit back in the distance. St Clair is next, this is a higher end town than the others, the residences here reflect money. Palmer Park is perfect for sitting and watching the freighters go by or taking a stroll along the boardwalk. The St Clair Inn has been around since 1926 and is on the National register of Historic Landmarks. All done up in it’s English Tudor style, it takes you back to a grander place in time. Stop in for a meal or stay for the weekend. 
Port Huron is the big city with the spectacular view, there’s just too much to list here, so look for a future post about it. I will say this, drive through the historic downtown, it is quite lovely, at its end veer right. Head back to the river and drive along taking in the sights of the Blue Water Bridge, sailboats, Canada, and of course Lake Huron. As you pass the Thomas Edison Inn follow Gratiot to continue the scenic path and avoid the malls and traffic of the everyday life. 
I believe it is 22 miles north on M-25 to Lexington, it is truly a one stoplight town, so don’t miss it! As you make your right turn at that light, you will suddenly feel like you are on vacation. In the distance is Lake Huron, all blue and picturesque, on the right are quaint shops, and restaurants. Lexington T-shirts and hoodies hang in doorways, tourists carrying double dip cones and sporting hats and sunscreen peruse the sidewalks. For all the years we have been coming here Sweetwater’s is where we eat, and what we eat is pizza, either a Sweetwater or a New York, and a Greek Market Salad, you can’t go wrong with an order like that. Sit outside and feel yourself relax, do some people watching as sun worshipers head to the beach. After you have eaten head to the lake yourself, there’s a extensive pier that takes you out in the lake, bordered by huge rocks floated down from Rogers City. It’s an excellent getaway that lets you enjoy one of our states most significant assets, our Great Lakes, and Lake Huron certainly is great. 
Roadtrip….M-29 to Lexington MI
26 MayShopping Pure Detroit, Midtown, West Willis
16 May
The day began with a trip to the Guardian Building, originally known as The Union Trust Company, it opened in 1929. Designed by Wirt Rowland and costing $12 million dollars this structure is a true work of art. With it’s combination of exotic marble, Pewabic and Rookwood tile, Monel metal and stone it is a true Art Deco Masterpiece. We stopped in at Pure Detroit to have a look around, we have been regular patrons since the opening of their very first store back in 1998. Owners Shawn and Kevin are dedicated to Detroit, and that is clearly reflected in their stores. The products they sell all represent the city, everything from T-shirts and hats to local food products, books and gifts. We then proceeded to have a coffee in the cafe, this is truly one of our favorite buildings, I never tire of staring at the intricate Aztec design, but more on that another time.
Our minds were set on lunch at Mid-town Shangri- La, a fabulous Chinese restaurant on Cass near Wayne State’s Old Main. We’ve had the Chinese, it is very good, but we come for the Dim Sum, you MUST try it sometime. I had never tried it before I had it here, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Basically it is small portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates, think appetizers, lots to choose from here. Depending on when you arrive, they may have the Dim Sum cart from which you can select the dishes you’d like, or they can be made to order. I would highly recommend the Shrimp Kau, fresh shrimp steamed in a soft noodle like wrapper, so simple, and so delicious. We also had the Curry Chicken Pastry, so good, I’ve never had such flaky pastry before, the Deep Fried Squid with Spicy Salt, I actually crave this dish, the most tender squid you will ever eat, and of course the Shiu Mai. A friend got this one day when we had lunch together, and it’s been a staple for us ever since. I can’t forget the Bubble Tea, it may look strange if you’ve not had it before, there are large dark colored Tapioca balls sitting in the bottom just waiting to be sucked up the oversized straw. Be sure to chew them! The Mango is my favorite.
There’s a great little up and coming district over on W Willis, also in Midtown, where Avalon International Breads resides. This is one of those places that once you discover it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Walk in the door and enjoy the scent of fresh baked goods, the industrial looking space is warmed up with walls painted the golden color of crusty bread. Large menu signs are suspended from the ceiling, and shelves of large chrome racks are filledwith items fresh from the oven; focaccia, loaves of Motown Multigrain, Poletown Rye, Greektown Olive and baguettes. The mouthwatering counter display of cookies, scones, Amazing Amazon Brownies, and Seriously Sticky Buns are all tempting, and make it nearly impossible to decide. Coffee, espresso drinks, hot chocolate, and smoothies are also available. Avalon has grown through the years, they also offer breakfast, homemade soup, grab and go sandwiches and salads. There are a few tables and limited counter space inside, when weather permits the patio offers multiple tables for outdoor dining. Everything is made with organic flour and tastes divine.
Joining Avalon on W Willis is Goodwells Natural Food Market, with fresh organic produce, pre-made salads and sandwiches, beverages, and supplements, it is a nice addition to the neighborhood. Next door is Flo Boutique offering womens clothing and accessories. On the corner is Spiral Collective, they sell works by local artists, and have a lovely selection of gifts, and books, Del Pryor gallery has a space inside too. I love to browse in this store, the selection of items is always changing, and is always top quality merchandise. Rounding out the district is the Willys Overland Loft project. The historic building has been converted to beautiful lofts, exposed brick and excellent views of the city come standard. We were lucky enough to get a personal tour of several different floor plans, 15 of the units have been sold so far. Right around the corner on Cass is the Curl Up & Dye Salon offering all types of hair and nail services, this part of Midtown continues to thrive, that’s good to see.
Mexicantown, Southwest Detroit, Honey Bee, La Gloria & Camino Real
18 Apr 
On Friday Kris and I headed downtown for the day. We were in the mood for some really good Mexican food, so there is only one destination, Southwest Detroit. There is no other neighborhood quite like southwest, brightly colored murals grace the walls of buildings, homeowners paint the fences surrounding their yards with cheerful scenes. People are always out and about, it is very active and has a vibrant feeling about it. In this part of town big american pick-ups and SUV’s wearing giant chrome rims are a common sight. Vehicles are often multi-colored either by custom paint jobs or the mismatched fenders and doors that adorn them. This is a great neighborhood for the adventurous to explore.
Driving down Vernor there is one restaurant after another, mercados (markets) of all kinds line the sidewalks, as do panaderias (bakeries), and of course there are the Taco Trucks. We have eaten at a couple of them, just stand at the window, the menu is usually pretty basic; Tacos, quesadillas etc. with your choice of meat. Sometimes there is a fold out counter and a couple of stools where you can sit and enjoy your food, we usually just stand on the spot. This is simple mexican food that is quick, delicious and inexpensive!
Taqueria Camino Real
We had already decided where we were going to eat, Taqueria Camino Real, located on the corner of Central & Lafayette, for those of you with a GPS, here’s the address: 1100 Central, Detroit, 48209. We love this place! We have eaten here many times and the food is always good, most of the places in Mexicantown we find to be quite similiar, but here it is a little different. I’m sure each place has their own recipes for everything, and this one suits us. Here is our usual order: 1 Chorizo Taco, spicy and delicious, 1 llomo Tostada, the best llomo (spicy shredded pork) I have had anywhere, and the lunch cheese enchiladas, which are very moist and served with rice and beans. As soon as you are seated they bring the traditional chips and salsa, we always ask for a cup of any other salsa they have that day, sometimes they have 4 different ones. The verde seems to be a staple, and you never know what else they may have, they are all good. Pop is served in cans along with a nice big glass of ice. Looks good doesn’t it?
Inside Camino Real
LUNCH!
The interior is quite charming and the waitresses very nice. Prices are reasonable, we got all this for $11.00
Next up Honeybee Market, one of my very favorite stores to shop in. As you walk in the door you are greeted by mariachi music playing in the background, bright colors and wonderful scents in the air. Immediately you are face to face with samples of their own homemade chips, salsa, and one of the best guacamole’s I have ever had. Do partake, you won’t be disappointed. Be sure and check out the produce section; cactus, yucca, tomatillos, and a huge variety of peppers are available, everything looks so fresh and colorful. Need tortillas? This is the place; Crunchy, soft, corn or flour, tacos or tostadas, they’ve got them. We usually walk up and down each aisle, it’s fun to see all of the different labels and types of foods, I cannot get out of there without a tub of guacamole, chips, and something new to try. Ever had a rice pudding ice cream bar? Look in the cooler by the registers, you want Arroz con leche, mmmmm, so good.
Produce Section
Honeybee Market
Notice the Pinatas on the shelf
Counter at La Gloria
La Gloria Bakery on Bagley
detroitdvotion 