Motorcycles Welcome at this Michigan Bed and Breakfast

T.J. called and said he needed a room for the night. He and his daughter were visiting the area and needed a place to stay near Hillsdale College.  The school is just 7 1/2 minutes away, so I knew that our Jonesville, Michigan B&B was a close, comfortable, and convenient fit. When they pulled in on a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, I knew that they were going to be very interesting guests.

It turned out that this father-daughter team from Milwaukee had been on a road trip for over 2 weeks visiting schools as far south at Tennessee and as far north as Massachusetts. They were happy to finally stay at a homey place instead of the typical hotel or motel. I sent them to Saucy Dog's Barbeque for a good meal and ended up chatting with them on our patio until well into the evening.

His restaurant in Milwaukee has earned him a place in the Hot Dog Hall of Fame.  If I had a Hall of Fame, he'd be on the father-daughter page, the motorcycle rider page, the small businessman page... Yeah, we get some really cool gusts here, and I get to hang out with most of them. That's what makes 'innkeeper' the best job ever.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Rakers 2010 Trial Gardens Is Something to Do when Visiting Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI

  

Rakers Acres Trial Gardens are once again open for the season. Located just 5 minutes from the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, Michigan, Rakers is at 10371 Rainy Road near Litchfield.  C. Raker & Sons offers thousands of Annuals, Perennials, and Herbs--many of them on display in full bloom.  Several suppliers have set up gardens of their unique varieties on the grounds to display their fully grown product in a competitive and cooperative setting. Several acres of flowers and foliage are on display and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This is the midwest's largest floral show.

Call ahead (517-542-2316) to arrange an interesting and informative private tour for garden groups, greenhouse owners, or floral enthusiasts. Self-guided tours are also available for individuals and small groups. It is best for large groups to call ahead to reserve a tour guide for the day and time of your visit.

There are several flower shows in the region, but Rakers hosts the biggest. Plan on spending a great deal of your time at Rakers and relax in comfort at the nearby Munro House B&B in Jonesville. The trial gardens at Rakers are open right now and will continue through the month of August.

The displays include hanging baskets, potted plants, and planted gardens.  There are many new breeds of flowers including the unique Black Velvet Petunia pictured below.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Marcella's Free Disney Show Near Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast

There is a shop in downtown Jonesville that specializes in coffee and pasta. It is called Marcella's.  These folks also run the hand-dipped ice cream parlor next door.   Both are located just 2 blocks from the Munro House Bed and Breakfast.

During the month of July, the staff along with some local talent put on a free show on Friday and Saturday nights at 7, 8, and 9 p.m.  This month is their 2nd Disney production that lasts about 30 minutes. It is an excellent show complete with Mouseketeers, singing, choreography, and audience participation.

I am a big fan of their ice cream. Blue Moon is my favorite of the Mackinac Flavors Brand Ice Cream that they feature. There's nothing like a cool refreshing dessert and some quality live entertainment on a hot summer night just a short walk from the place you're staying for the weekend.

The ensemble has developed some wonderful harmonies along with plenty of solo performances of some very familiar Disney songs.  Some well-choreographed dance steps throughout the entire show make it an audio and visual experience.  The polished production is delivered exceptionally well by the multi-generation cast. 

Our guests have returned from their night out and told me that they totally enjoyed the show.  They were impressed at the quality of the show--expecially because it was free and just a couple blocks away.  More live entertainment is planned for the month of August. 


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Goldwing Rider Runs Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast

There is a motorcycle riders safety course offered at the Town and Country Harley Davidson dealer near the Artesian Wells in Cement City, about 20 minutes from my place, the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, Michigan. This innkeeper took the 4 day class last Summer and bought my first bike on Mothers Day this year.

I wanted a touring bike and pursued listings online at Craigslist.  After narrowing the selection down to about 20 different bikes, I chose to check out a Honda Goldwing that was offered by a guy up in a northern suburb of Detroit. I loved the bike, we struck a deal, and now I ride my Aspencade at every opportunity.

I had a couple thousand miles experience before I had the confidence to take a rider. Now, Lori and I go for a ride at every opportunity. We wait patiently for all of our guests to arrive, then take an early evening ride for dinner, ice cream, or just to enjoy the day. 

To encourage bikers to select our Southern Michigan Bed and Breakfast as a place to stay when touring the state, anyone who rides their bike to our house during 2010 can get any room for $50 off our regular rates priced at $139 and up by asking for the "2 Wheeler Special". Even if you are not a biker, it can pay to follow our blog as different groups or special promotions are offered on a regular basis.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Chicago Water Grill is Being Rebuilt

Construction has begun to build a new restaurant in downtown Jonesville.  A horrific fire destroyed May's Furniture Store and the Chicago Water Grill around Thanksgiving in 2009. Delays have turned back the project that was originally scheduled to begin on June 1. But here it is, July 15, and construction has begun. Wayne Babcock, owner of the restaurant, is rebuilding a state of the art facility that will occupy the space of both former businesses. Architects will work to make the restaurant fit in to the historic feel of the downtown area.  The new building is scheduled to have a banquet room for large parties, a private dining room for meetings and smaller gatherings, plus a larger dining area for the restaurant along with outdoor seating.  The new restaurant has not yet been named, but Wayne will use the location and history of the town to come up with something that is identifiable and appropriate.


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Minister in Jonesville Michigan Performs Weddings

Some friends called and asked me to officiate over their marriage on the 4th of July.

We arranged a simple ceremony in the comfort of our classically decorated home in Jonesville, Michigan.

This nice couple, both on their second time around, committed to love, honor, and cherish...

The event was toasted with the hopes that they live "happily ever after".

Our Michigan Bed and Breakfast is a great location to host small weddings like this one.


Reverend Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast