Enjoying Hillsdale County Via Motorcycle

One of the best things about running a bed and breakfast in Michigan is the free time at mid-day. It isn't every day, but it is most days that we have a 2-4 hour window of opportunity where we can just get out and enjoy the day after the morning work is done and before new guests arrive for check-in. I have had several days like that this week already.

Touring on my Honda GoldWing Motorcycle is my favorite thing to do until the temperatures get into the low 30's. My wife enjoys rides on nice days like today--60+ degrees. We cruise the back roads, the side streets, and the lakes area. We help to support the Hillsdale County economy by having lunch at a different location and visiting out-of-the-way stores and shops.

The Fall Colors are past peak, but a crisp day with sunshine is a good day to enjoy the great state of Michigan. The myriad of colors from the leaves is gone but the earth tones of the harvest is just beginning. Folks are out raking leaves, farmers are tilling their soil, and families are enjoying outdoor activities before winter arrives.

"Life is good in Jonesville"


Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Annual Fall Treasure Hunt Results

98 teams with about 500 participants gathered at Hillsdale County Fairgrounds for the 78th running of the annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt. Each team had paid $20 per carload to take part in the event. The temperature was cool, the sky was clear, and it was a great night to be out with friends.

The rules were reviewed by last year's winners who became this year's hosts. A perfectly executed hunt was predicted to take about 5 hours and log 180 miles without leaving the county.

Our team of 5 included 2 virgins, a lot of trivial knowledge, and a good attitude along with lots of supplies and a full tank of gas.

A lunch bag with the first clue was waiting for each team as the event began. Inside the bag was a Compact Disc--a new way to deliver a clue this year. We were fortunate to have a CD player in the truck. Not everyone was so fortunate.

We nailed the clue immediately thanks to smart phone app SHAZZAM. The song title was "Dirt Road" a tune I did not recognize by a band I did not know. We knew that there were several exits to the fairgrounds and only one was not paved. We made our way to that exit and were given our next clue--a word search with Presidents.

Next was a basketball themed letter wheel, followed by math/number trivia, song titles, road signs, word game, Simon Says, cryptogram, puzzle pieces, and a crossword.

There were guardians near most of the hidden treasures--some could have passed for treasure seekers while others were hiding and keeping watch over the bag of clues. Our clue finding notification-celebration scream was the catch phrase from the State Farm Insurance Commercial--RODGERS! DISCOUNT DOUBLE CHECK! That signaled our team members that the clue had been found and we could go back to the truck.

We figured out the key to the "and 1" basketball puzzle after 5 letters. The youtube video was a new use of technology and was an instant classic, but we recognized only 2 landmarks in a 17 minute video--the old school non-video math problem option worked better for us.

The next four puzzles were a breeze. We blasted through them with ease. Simon Says turned out to be very difficult for us. The "root for the razorback" clue stumped us for way too long for no apparent reason--fatigue had set in and we weren't thinking straight. I had to take my wife home about midnight when she became ill. We retraced our steps and reran the razorback clue successfully after having stumbled for over an hour.

The puzzle pieces had a red herring. We searched for the Lamb "X" for at least an hour. We ran the entire length of Lamb Road and back. Gave it up around 1:30 a.m., found the last 2 clues, and arrived at the finish just in time to watch the hosts cleaning up at 2:15 a.m. after traveling 225 miles. They told us that the Lamb "X" referred to "you are here", so we wasted a lot of time searching for the clue that wasn't there. 

We were told that about 30 teams had arrived for food, but I didn't ask how many of them had finished the hunt successfully. We were still happy to finish in not-record time with a good team I hope to play with again.

I loved the camouflaged guards at many of the clue locations especially the guys in the cornfield and the guy laying by the railroad tracks. A perfect weather night was a bonus. The time flew by. Despite a couple of SNAFUs, we had a very good time. The supplies that were invaluable included flashlights, spare batteries, a CD player, smart phone, scissors, tape, map, pens, and a general knowledge of Hillsdale County.


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


Munro House Bed and Breakfast

2011 Hillsdale County Treasure Hunt

I'm excited!  The 78th annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt takes place Saturday, October 22. Sign up at Celebrations Unlimited - 40 E. Bacon - Hillsdale, MI. Late sign up 5:00 p.m. at Hillsdale County Fairgrounds the day of the hunt. Cost is $20 per carload. We expect to drive around 200 miles and not leave the county! we expect to experience dirt roads that we didn't know existed, we expect to have a lot of fun.

The hunt takes participants around Hillsdale County seeking clues to the location of the next puzzle. The puzzles are hidden in public places--never on private property. We expect to visit parks, bridges, parking lots, and intersections in rural areas. There are usually 10 clues, which means 10 puzzles to decipher that will take teams to their final destination where cash prizes are awarded to the fastest finishers, along with food and beverages for everyone.

My team of 5 is set with experience totalling 6 treasure hunts--we have 2 virgins this year. We will drive one vehicle across the county with hopes of breaking into the top 10 of around 100 teams. Tools are being organized to help us solve the puzzles. We will have flashlights, GPS, smart phones, scissors, pencils, markers, a can opener, tape, the Bible, maps, string, phone book, magnifying glass, today's newspaper, extra batteries, a full tank of gas, clipboards, and the desire to complete the tour before midnight.

Wishing everyone good weather, good luck, and good fun!


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

Jonesville MI Wedding Officiant

Couples who need a wedding officiant in Hillsdale County can call on the services of Reverend Mike Venturini of Jonesville, MI. Many weddings have been performed at the Munro House for an intimate and elegant wedding ceremony.

Most have chosen the Thousand Dollar Wedding Package that includes site, flowers, officiant, reception, and lodging for the bride and groom. However, some choose just to have Reverend Mike perform the ceremony.

Couples who do not have a local religious affiliation have few choices for finding someone to perform their wedding ceremony to make it legal. Reverend Mike fills that niche and offers his services at the Munro House or anywhere in Hillsdale County.


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

Annual Hillsdale County Treasure Hunt

78th Annual Lewis Emery Treasure Hunt - October 22, 2011

It's become an exciting time of year, the annual Lewis treasure hunt is here!

Saturday, October 22, 2011 is the date, so grab your friends, family, and your mate!
Meet us at 6:00 p.m. and don't be late, at the Hillsdale Fairgrounds, we can't wait!

20 bucks a load, gas up your truck or car, solving clues on this hunt will get you far!

Sign up at Celebrations - 40 E. Bacon - Hillsdale, MI
Late sign up 5:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds the day of hunt.
Your hosts are last year's winners: Ryan & Monica McNair, Scott & Chelsea Wright, Zack Kast, Jenna Kast, Kelly White, Kenny Tressler, and Laura Lamb.

78th Annual Louis Emery Treasure Hunt begins at 6 p.m. Saturday night at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds and takes teams around Hillsdale County on a scavenger hunt throughout the night. 10 clues have teams by the carload traversing Hillsdale County's public places for an evening of puzzle solving, clue hunting, and old fashioned fun. Sign up early because the treasure hunt starts promptly at 6:00 and generally has around 400 participants.

Despite numerous cash prizes, not all the teams are in it for glory. Many come for the opportunity to spend a fun evening with family and friends. Some are just in it for the challenge. Winning teams usually finish the hunt before midnight. Some die-hards have staggered in after 2:00 a.m. Everybody wins with hot food, beverages, and snacks at the final destination.

If you want to win, you might want to bring a few items that have been helpful in the past: the latest Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce phone book, Old Farmer's Almanac, Hillsdale County map, The Bible--must be King James version, a full tank of gas, a flashlight, scissors, scotch tape, can opener, magnifying glass, today's Hillsdale Daily News, a good navigator and a smart phone with good reception in rural areas.

Munro House Bed & Breakfast is located just 10 minutes from Hillsdale County Fairgrounds and is "the most comfortable lodging in Hillsdale County." All of our guests will have checked in for the long Parents Weekend at Hillsdale College, so weather permitting, we will participate and finish outside of the top 10, again--just 3 hours behind the winners! In our vehicle, it's all about having a good time and making it to the final destination.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast
Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"







Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Peak Fall Colors in Southern Michigan

It is not quite peak Fall colors in Southern Michigan, but it is definitely prime viewing weather. With temperatures expected to be in the 70s and 80s through October 12, now is a great time to getaway to Southern Michigan.

Jonesville is a vibrant community with great restaurants just a couple of blocks from the Munro House B&B. Fine dining, casual dining, and fast food restaurants are all an easy walk away. Carl Fast Park in the town square is a fine example of the vibrant colors that are turning right now. Local favorite color tours include the farmlands of Hillsdale County, the Coldwater lakes area, and the Irish Hills near Brooklyn. All have a variety of color and terrain.

Any day can be a good day to play hookie or take a quick getaway to enjoy the final nice days before Winter. I have the opportunity to play hookie and ride my motorcycle around the area to enjoy the day, have a nice meal, and spend quality time with the one I love. I am lucky to have a schedule that allows time to do these things that I enjoy. Many people need to make time to enjoy life in Michigan.


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

Jonesville MI Haunted House

The best haunted house in Southern Michigan is open Friday and Saturday nights from dusk until past midnight through Halloween. Darksyde Acres has a Jonesville address but is located 10 minutes away in Mosherville, MI. $20 admission allows visitors to walk through three haunted buildings to be entertained by professional actors who will sneak up behind you, suddenly appear around corners, and will literally come out of the woodwork.

The mazes, make-up, and mayhem along with well-done backdrops, gift shop, bonfire, refreshment stand, and paintball gallery combine for top-notch entertainment on weekend nights in Jonesville, MI. Yes, the Zombie Paintball Arcade allows the opportunity to shoot a creature with a paintball gun.

The extra large waiting area is indoors, so the weather does not matter. Head out for a good scare at a reasonable price. A highlight of the Halloween Season in South Central Michigan.

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

Hillsdale County Fair

The Hillsdale County Fair is billed as "the most popular fair on Earth".  It is definitely a must-see event during the last week of September. The food draws many fans. From hot dogs and corn dogs to elephant ears and caramel apples, everybody has a favorite. We go there for the Fiske Fries. They are greasy and good.

When the weather is nice, the midway is packed with gamers and riders. The buildings are always well-attended, whether they are occupied by merchants, prize-winners, or animals. The grandstands bring in hundreds of fans to watch live entertainment including professional wrestling, horse pulls, demolition derbies, and the Saturday night headliner--this year it's country-western star Josh Turner.

Come for the food, come for the animals, or come for the entertainment. This fair is made popular by the residents of Hillsdale County who gather here year after year for a fun time with friends and family.

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

Hillsdale Kiwanis Flag Program

The Hillsdale Kiwanis Club has organized a flag program that provides an American flag for participating homes or businesses throughout Hillsdale County. A crew of Kiwanians visit participants before patriotic holidays and put a flag on the property during the days preceding the holiday and then collect them a few days after the holiday and store them until the next event. A nominal annual fee covers the delivery, removal, and storage of the flag on an annual basis.

I decided to purchase 2 flags. The Kiwanis volunteers came in on the Thursday before Labor Day to install ground sleeves that support the flags in my yard. These sleeves are installed below the grass line so when the lawn gets mowed, there is no danger of clipping the sleeve or dulling the blades. They told us they would come back to collect them after 9-11 and reinstall them in time for Veterans Day on 11-11-11. It is an opportunity to be patriotic, support this local service organization, and to beautify the county.

The current annual plan costs only $30. The flags are delivered for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day and are stored in-between these holidays. Downtown businesses without a yard can participate, too, by ordering a flag with a weighted donut to give support on the sidewalk.

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

Statue of Liberty in Montgomery MI

We take our Goldwing Motorcycle on  rides down secondary roads at every opportunity to enjoy the scenery and get to know Hillsdale County better. On a recent trip to the small town of Montgomery Michigan, we took a road less travelled and came upon the Statue of Liberty. It was about the size of a real person on an island in a pond near the side of the road.

It was such an unusual site, that we had to stop to get some pictures. This is another one of those gems that we occasionally happen upon that we find interesting and make us smile. It is located on the North side of Poats Road near Wildwood Road just North of Montgomery MI.

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

Emergency Dentist in Hillsdale

I was out shopping when I felt something unusual in my mouth. I had fresh fruit for breakfast and thought I might have a raspberry seed stuck in my teeth. I worked it out with my tongue and found that it was bigger than a raspberry seed. I spat it into my hand and discovered that it was a piece of a tooth. Uh-oh! Time for an unscheduled trip to the dentist.

I called my dentist in Hillsdale, MI--Dr. Rob Miller--their office told me to come right over and they would work me into their schedule. I was seen almost immediately and was told that it was in fact a piece of my tooth and was a simple fix. Perfect timing on my part led to the repair of the chipped tooth with virtually no wait time.  Twenty minutes later, the tooth was repaired and I was on my way home.

A big city dentist might have made me wait for days or weeks for an appointment to repair the chipped tooth. Here in Hillsdale County, the whole process from calling, to arriving, to having the work done, and returning home all happened in about an hour. That's just another of many reasons why I think that life is good in Jonesville.

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