4th of July Independence Day Special Deal in Jonesville Michigan

People are going away this weekend for the 4th of July holiday. Many are heading for the lake, hosting a picnic, or just going "up north".

We are staying home and inviting people to getaway to Southern Michigan for a quiet weekend. The people who will come here will be getting away from the crowds that are sure to flock to places like Saugatuck, Traverse City, and Mackinac.

To get folks to slow down, we are offering an affordable alternative. In the spirit of our purchase of the inn back in '99, we are offering bed and breakfast for 2 nights during the Independence Day holiday week for just $99 per night. We are calling it our "Proud to Be an American" Special. Just show your drivers license to identify yourself as an American to get the special deal through July 6. We are making it fun by telling guests that the secret word is "FIREWORKS". Say the word--get the discount.

Canadians are welcome, too. They are part of North America and will qualify for the promotion.

We've got a great old house to relax in. Neighboring towns will be celebrating with parades, picnics, and fireworks. The antique malls in Allen, "the antique capital of Michigan" will be open all weekend. Johnny Depp's new movie "Public Enemies" about American Gangster, John Dillinger, will be playing at Premiere Theater.

This weekend, Jonesville could be a nice alternative to the the hectic paces in other parts of the Midwest. Give us a call at the Munro House and be sure to mention "FIREWORKS".

You'll save up to 54% in cash on your lodging and you could save 61% or more in time by coming to Jonesville instead of going to the bridge.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

U.S. Army Comes to Jonesville Michigan

There is a NASCAR race in Brooklyn, Michigan, every year around Fathers Day weekend. There are not a lot of hotels and motels near Michigan International Speedway (MIS), so communities within a 50 mile radius provide lodging and other services for over 100,000 fans.

Typically, the same people come to the Munro House B&B in Jonesville every year for the races. We are about a half hour west of the track on highway U.S.-12. We contact previous race fans around the first of the year to confirm their plans to come back to stay with us again during the next race weekend. This year, we had no repeat guests. They had all made other plans or decided to forego the race until their economic conditions turned around.

We took a few reservations, but the phone was not ringing every day. It did not seem that people were looking for lodging during the race weekend like it had in years past. We sat by, patiently waiting for the opportunity to sell our rooms.

Several months before the race, we received a call from a company affiliated with the U.S. Army. They were looking for several rooms for a full week before the race. Apparently they had something to do with the event and were having trouble finding lodging for all of their workers.

I told them I had 3 rooms available for the entire period and would be happy to reserve them for part of the group. We agreed on a long term rate, blocked off the days, and were happy that we had filled up for the event at MIS.

The day of arrival came--a Saturday, and we were home waiting for our guests. When they had not arrived by 8:00 p.m., we called the phone number on file to get an estimated time of arrival. That number was for their office--which was apparently closed for the weekend. We waited up until after midnight and decided to leave them a note to call us when they arrived. They didn't.

Now it's Sunday. Another call to the number on file would produce the same results, so we decided to hang around the house all day because the group had obviously been detained. Another night of waiting up until midnight with the same results.

Now we are in a quandry. Are they coming or are they not coming? Was the arrival date somehow miscommunicated? Should I sell the rooms I had reserved for them, when they were already 2 days late for their scheduled arrival?

I decided to wait until Monday at noon to give them the benefit of the doubt. Meanwhile, I was turning down requests for their rooms for the upcoming weekend. I had a feeling that things would work out, but they weren't working out as swiftly as I wanted.

I finally got a call from the reservationist on Monday. Yes, there was a delay. Yes, they were sorry for not calling us. Yes, they would arrive today. Everybody was happy.

The guys arrived, late afternoon, in 3 semi tractor-trailers with U.S. Army murals emblazoned on the sides. I greeted them and made an arrangement for them to park their vehicles in a vacant loading dock at the end of the block. These guys were neatly dressed, well-groomed, and extremely polite. I knew it was going to be a good week.

A bunch of neighbors came out to watch them park their vehicles in an otherwise quiet neighborhood. The guys spent some time talking and showing off their vehicles to anyone who was interested. This was the most excitement we had had in a while.

Edgar, the lead guy, explained that they had contracted with the U.S. Army to set up what is basically a recruiting booth--a huge one. The set was complete with Hummer, Helicopter, and Jet Fighter simulators. They were also carrying tents, tables, and equipment along with a rock climbing wall. Their booth is designed to be interactive, interesting, and fun. It would take a full day to set up. After the set was built, it needed to be secured--early and late--for the rest of the week. It was apparent that the guys would be out for most of the day. They would basically be mystery guests--only being at the Munro House to sleep.

As it turned out, they worked long, but reasonable hours. They were up pretty early but were home before dark. They made themselves at home, enjoyed our local restaurants, and took advantage of our free wireless internet.

One day, their supervisor came to town, stayed one night, and compensated us for the entire length of their reservation. I had thought I had already met the nicest people in the world until these guys showed up.


Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Murder Mystery Dinner for Women Only

A couple of months ago, a group of ladies called us at the Munro House B&B and enquired about having us host a Murder Mystery Dinner for women only at our house. We agreed and scheduled it for a Saturday night. We added some girls who were not part of the original group and filled the table.

The original 6 ladies ranged in age from about 50 to 80. They wanted to really let their hair hang down and they wanted to have a bawdy theme. It just so happens that we have a murder mystery designed for 'women only' that incorporates extreme characters--there is a pole dancer, a centerfold girl, and a biker babe just to name a few.

The ladies quickly got into their characters with the aid of some items from our costume closet. The pole dancer got the feather boa, the biker got a dew rag and tattoo sleeves--you get the picture. We keep the costumes simple, and the ladies quickly transformed into their new personalities, complete with spice, innuendo, and attitude. They were dressed simply, yet comfortable and iconic.

We judge the success of the event by how much laughter is coming out of the dining room. These ladies were having a really good time. When my buddy called the oldest lady who was playing the part of a phone sex operator and she talked to him seductively over the speaker phone, the table went crazy.

We finished a 5 course meal and discussed who might be the murderess. No one got it right. However, when it was explained who actually did the deed and all of the clues leading up to her guilt were divulged, it became obvious who the killer was. The ladies remarked that they were having so much fun being somebody else, it didn't really matter who did it. What did matter was that everyone had a good time with good friends while enjoying a good meal.

We host Murder Mystery Dinners all the time. We have held hundreds of them over the past 9 years in Jonesville, Michigan. Most have been on predetermined dates of our choosing and some, like this one, were scheduled on a date chosen by a guest. A date can be reserved with 8 weeks notice and at least 4 players to start. That will give us time to fill the table--we need 8 people to play, 14 maximum players. We always get enough guests to play the game.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Ocean to Ocean Model T Automobile Rally through Jonesville Michigan

On Sunday morning, a friend alerted me to a convoy of Model T Fords driving toward Jonesville. I had no idea what was going on, so I went downtown to the park to watch them go by. Several cars had stopped to rest and I went to visit with some interesting people from across the country. They told me about the month long trip that 55 antique car drivers were taking.

2009 marks the centennial of the 1909 Ocean to Ocean Endurance Contest. A 1909 Model T Ford was the first to cross the finish line in the historic New York to Seattle race. The competition lasted 22 days of indescribable driving conditions noting that there were not a significant amount of passable roads at that time in the United States. Highly creative and ingenious ideas needed to be incorporated to overcome the many challenges that they encountered. Heat, rain, and snow were some of Mother Nature's obstacles. Mud, quicksand, and streams were natural hazards. Deserts and badlands caused the drivers to easily get lost in a world before Global Positioning Satellites (GPS). The original race required the occupants to be drivers, mechanics, and problem-solvers.

In memory of the centennial of that feat in automobiling, fifty-five Model T’s, ranging in vintage from 1909 to 1927, are following the original route of the 1909 racers. The participants will be stopping nightly in towns in which the early racers stopped a century ago. Only in a few instances, in which the old roads have disappeared, will the 2009 racers run on interstate highways, minimizing the amount of deviation from the original route.

Fifty Model T's from the United States represent each of the fifty states, with five additional vehicles coming from overseas. The 2009 Centennial Run started at New York City Hall on Sunday, June 14 and will end on Sunday, July 12 at the Drumheller Fountain in Seattle, Washington. On this leg of the journey, three days were spent in the Detroit area, most at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. The cars trekked along Highway U.S.-12 through Jonesville on Fathers Day on their way to South Bend, Indiana. Future stops on the itinerary include Hannibal, Missouri, and Fort Collins, Colorado. To repair, man, and maintain the antique vehicles, every fourth day is a free day.

Given the ever-increasing danger of modern traffic, this may be the last time such an event will be able to be held to recognize the beginning of the Model T era, which put the world on wheels. The cars have been averaging about 200 miles a day. At a top speed of around 40 miles per hour, these vehicles are on the move 5-6 hours a day.

I was excited to see so many vintage vehicles in great condition travelling through Jonesville. I was equally happy to have the opportunity to visit with some interesting and colorful characters from all over the country. As an added bonus, it was a glorious first day of summer with warm temperatures and a sunny sky. A large photo gallery of this experience can be found online, courtesy of one of the participants.

During events like this, it would be nice to have enough lodging available in town to take take care of a large group of interesting characters. Jonesville is a great town, strategically located on a scenic route through Southern Michigan. There's only room for 14 people at the Munro House B&B. My friends at the old train station--the Rooms at Grayfield--can handle 6 more. We will be patiently waiting for smaller groups of 20 or less to spend a night or two with us in our great old town.



Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Michigan Getaways - Ideas for Your Weekend Getaway

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Many people think about taking a getaway weekend in Michigan and the result is to go where everyone else goes--Mackinac, Traverse City, Saugatuck, or other touristy places. I guess that these folks are getting away from their hectic busy lives in Detroit, or Lansing, or Ann Arbor and replacing it with another hectic busy schedule in Mackinac, Traverse City, Saugatuck, or other touristy places.

I've got nothing against these places as a tourist destination. They are what they are. But to truly get away, thousands of people crammed into an otherwise small town located several hours away is not my idea of a restful weekend.

A quieter more relaxed location could be considered. That is where a place like Jonesville comes in. Yes, I am biased, but this small town has a lot to offer.

Here, at the Munro House, we can accommodate just 7 couples for overnight lodging. My friends at the Rooms at Grayfield can handle another 3 couples. With just 20 more people in town, there will be no traffic jams and long lines. There will be good food, a comfortable place to stay, and quality time to spend with your mate.

There are a dozen restaurants on the strip in downtown Jonesville. Fast food, ethnic cuisine, home cooking, and fine dining are among your choices. Two places also have hand dipped or soft serve ice cream. Aside from McDonald's and Subway, the rest of the choices are privately owned and operated.

The Chicago Water Grill is just 2 blocks from my house. It is the kind of restaurant everyone should live near. The food is consistently very good and the service is consistently very good, plus the value is high. They offer a nice selection of steaks and seafood along with ribs, chicken, and pasta. The portions are very generous. If you can save room for dessert, it will be worth it. On most nights, they will prepare flaming Cherries Jubilee or Bananas Foster, tableside, for your entertainment and enjoyment. It is easily the best restaurant in Hillsdale County and they regularly attract patrons from over 30 miles away.

Aside from the food and the lodging, our area is best known for antique shopping. Over 1,000 dealers have booths at one of several antique malls just 5 miles away in Allen, the Antique Capital of Michigan. Estate auctions are regularly scheduled throughout the area on various days, and an auction/flea market is set up every weekend at the fairgrounds. There are also over 300 lakes and ponds in Hillsdale County--some with public access, boat launch, and good fishing.

Jonesville is only about an hour from Lansing or Ann Arbor and just 90 minutes from Metro Airport in Detroit. Getting away to this small town will not take much travel time out of your weekend. Then you can spend some quality time in a gem of a small town. You might want to consider experiencing our top-rated massage therapists. Julie, Brandy, and Patricia have been consistently leaving our guests with an amazing experience they thought was only available in resort areas or full time spas.

We offer seasonal packages along with special occasion packages every day of the week. We host regularly scheduled Murder Mystery Dinners and Cooking Parties. Our most popular packages are for romance and can include roses, chocolates, dinners, lunch, massages, movies, and more. All you have to do is pick a day and make the call to us. In one phone conversation, we will set everything up for your tailor-made getaway package.

A true getaway is closer than you think.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Lodging when visiting Hillsdale Michigan

Hillsdale is a small city on highway M-99 in south central Michigan with a population of about 8,200. It is the seat of government for Hillsdale County. Hillsdale is a blend of yesterday and tomorrow.

It has always been famous for the presence of Hillsdale College--one of the few institutes of higher learning in America that accepts no government money. They actively recruit the best and the brightest young people to attend. With about 1,300 students, Hillsdale College is known for its influence on politics and education. A lofty, but obtainable goal is to one day have a graduate become the President of the United States. Guest speakers to the college have included Margaret Thatcher, Clarence Thomas, Steve Forbes, Paul Harvey, Dr. Laura, and Pat Sajak.

It was recently famous in 2005 for having elected an 18-year-old high school student to the office of mayor as a write-in candidate. Intrigue about the accomplishment of this youngster brought reporters to Hillsdale from all around the world. Mayor Michael Sessions' term has been mostly uneventful. He has announced that he will not seek re-election.

Hillsdale is a destination city. If you are not specifically going to Hillsdale, you will probably not happen upon it, as the main road through town is not a major thoroughfare. Hence, lodging has not been a major industry for passersby.

There is just one national chain hotel in Hillsdale. The Days Inn is located on M-99 on the north side of town. Other hotel/motels in town are mostly geared towards visiting family. There is not a high demand for upscale lodging in the area, except during Hillsdale College events and the NASCAR races at MIS in Brooklyn--about a half hour away. Because of this, lodging choices are limited.

Just 7 1/2 minutes away from Hillsdale College in downtown Jonesville is the Munro House Bed and Breakfast. It is a nice alternative to traditional hotels and motels in the area. The inn is set up to accommodate business travelers on weekdays and for family or romantic getaways on weekends. The Munro House has 7 guest rooms. It is quiet, comfortable, and convenient for just about anyone who comes to the area for business or pleasure.

Couples like the homey feel of the inn. Businessmen like the free wireless internet and the homey feel of the house. Everyone likes the location--there are a dozen restaurants of every caliber within a mile. I have always said, "If I had found a place like this to stay at while I was traveling for a living, I'd still be travelling for a living."

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Jonesville Michigan is a Cool City Neighborhood

Approaching Jonesville Michigan, you may notice a sign on the side of the road that reads "Cool City Neighborhood". The Cool Cities program is part of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's economic plan. It was designed to help revitalize Michigan's cities. Retaining and attracting the people and jobs critical to the economy along with encouraging collaboration and cooperation in an attempt to help cities grow in investments and in population are main areas of focus.

Jonesville received its Cool City designation a few years ago when it completed a "Blueprint for Economic Growth" program. The Cool City Neighborhood award is about creating hot jobs in cool neighborhoods. It is about attracting and encouraging people to live, work and shop in the cool cities that we are working hard to create. Jonesville has been continuously working on its infrastructure. That is the starting point in bringing good things to town. They told us, build a cool city... and they will come.

I live in a place that many people think doesn't exist anymore. It is a town that has seen progress, but not a lot of growth. Lots of people know each other. There's not much crime. The industrial park has factories with cutting edge technology. There are many "mom and pop" businesses and limited chains. The local restaurants appeal to a wide variety of specialties from fast food, to ethnic cuisine, to home cooking, to fine dining. Everything you really need can be found here.

This is the kind of town I grew up in during the 1960's--only more progressive. Our little joke is that the 70's, 80's, and 90's haven't happened here yet. During that time period, many town like ours have succumbed to a plethora of chains and cookie cutter retail outlets. Jonesville is not like all those other places. It has remained a unique oasis in an all-too-common sea of city replications.

I think Jonesville is a cool city... I am the owner-operator-innkeeper of the Munro House Bed and Breakfast, and I chose to live here.


Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Church Bell Hymns in Jonesville Michigan

There are things in Jonesville, Michigan, that make it a cool place to live and a wonderful place to visit. Just a block from the Munro House B&B is the Presbyterian Church on the corner of US-12 and Maumee Street. What could be so special about a church? After all, a church is a church, right? Well, there is a selection of music programmed into the bells of this church's tower that make it special.


Three times a day, at around 1:15, 3:15, and 5:15 in the afternoon, the bells chime familiar hymns from "Amazing Grace" to "How Great Thou Art". My guests often make it a point to be outside on one of our porches at these times to enjoy the peaceful, relaxing sounds of the bells tolling out a familiar tune.


Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Mill Race Golf Course in Jonesville Michigan

Mill Race is a challenging 9 hole golf course on the edge of Jonesville, just a mile from the Munro House Bed and Breakfast. The course is cut out of the woods with mature trees, varying terrain, and plenty of obstacles.

The first hole is a par 5 double dog leg that will challenge the best of golfers. The par 3's appear easy, but the fairways are tree lined and narrow. The greens have shelves and undulations and at least one has areas that appear to make the ball break uphill! Don't like the sand? You're in luck, there are just a few sand traps on the entire course. A couple of areas have blind spots where golfers need to bang a gong to let the following group know that the area has been cleared. There is even a smiley face on one hole that guides you to the green.

The St. Joe River may come into play on a couple of holes, and wildlife often cross the fairways. Woodchucks, squirrels, and birds are the most common, but we see deer on the course most every week. The natural scenic beauty of Southern Michigan, along with a tranquil setting and variety of wildlife, makes Mill Race a competitive round for seasoned golfers and a romantic round for couples. When 9 holes aren't enough, make the turn and play the red tees for a new perspective, or try the blue tees for an additional 350 yards of golf!

With the exception of league nights and tournaments, it's pretty easy to get a tee time at Mill Race GC. Often, it is possible to walk-on or experience just a brief wait. The Munro House B&B has a Stay and Play getaway that includes golf with a power cart plus dinner along with bed and breakfast for either one or two nights.

I love Mill Race. It is close, quiet, challenging, scenic, and fun--and when I take my wife, it is also romantic.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Big Tree Scarlet Oak Jonesville Michigan

Several years ago, one of my guests, Ed, came in from a jog and remarked about the big tree he had just seen. He does 5-10 miles at a time and went on a run East out of Jonesville on North Adams Road when he spied a spectacular tree on the side of the road. As Ed got closer, he noticed there was a commemorative plaque next to the tree. The inscription is from 1991 and mentions that this scarlet oak is believed to be over 200 years old and is officially recognized as a big tree of Michigan.

I don't drive down North Adams Road very often, but I vaguely recalled there being a perfectly formed tree somewhere on the road. I had never stopped to take a picture or check it out up close, so it was just a brief observation for me. Upon hearing Ed's story about the commemorative plaque, I just had to go out and take the time to enjoy the tree.

Folks visiting the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville who have an interest in nature are sent down the road to see this magnificent specimen with their own eyes. It's only a couple of miles from the inn, but on a road less traveled. People who might appreciate this natural wonder will probably miss it because if you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't know it was there.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"