Historic Home Tour Marshall Michigan

The historic Marshall Home Tour is traditionally held each year on the weekend after Labor Day. The tour is the oldest historic home tour in the Great Lakes area. This year, eight private homes, a church, a business, and up to six museums are scheduled to be open for the two days of the tour. There will also be roving musicians, demonstrating craftspeople, a juried craft show, ethnic foods, antiques for sale, and a Civil War Ball with elaborate costumes during the weekend festivities.

Flemming house Marshall Michigan

The most famous midwest home tour is being held for the 47th time the weekend of September 11-12 in historic Marshall, Michigan.  Marshall is a small city in South Central Michigan with a population of about 7,500 people.  Marshall is best known for its cross-section of 19th century and early 20th Century architecture. It has been called a "virtual textbook of 19th-Century American architecture" by the keeper of the National Register of Historic Places.  It is home to the one of the nation's largest National Historic Landmark Districts with over 850 buildings included in the Landmark.

National House Inn Marshall Michigan

With limited lodging in the area, an equally impressive historic home in Jonesville Michigan is also a bed and breakfast. The Munro House is located about 30 miles South East of Marshall at highways 12 and 99. The Munro House is the oldest house in Hillsdale County, dating to 1834. It is also the oldest home in Southern Michigan that was originally built as a private residence. The Greek Revival style house was used as a Station on the Underground Railroad and still has a secret room big enough for 20 people to stand in, along with the remains of what was once a 200 foot underground tunnel.

Munro House B&B Jonesville Michigan

A tour of historic homes in Michigan requires a trip that includes Marshall and Jonesville.


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

Marcella's Live 50's Show in Jonesville

Our gang walked to Marcella's in Jonesville for ice cream on Friday night.  The Munro House B&B is located just 2 blocks away.  To our delight, they had organized some local talent to put on a half hour 50's show while we enjoyed their hand-scooped ice cream.

The folks at Marcella's have been providing entertainment for quite a while now. It is a quality performance by local multi-generational talent. I was impressed by the song selection, the harmonies, the step routines, and the audience participation that is incorporated into this free show. 

This ensemble performs three sets on most Friday and Saturday nights at 7, 8 and 9 o'clock. It's a very enjoyable way to relax after dinner, go out out for ice cream, or to introduce the kids to live entertainment. The show is "free", but many shows are "sold out" as there is a limited amount of seating available.  A meal or refreshment is expected from all patrons, and you are encouraged to leave a gratuity in the tip jar for the performers.  It is always best to call ahead and reserve seating for the show of your choice.  (517) 849-2697.

Marcella's in downtown Jonesville is now a full service restaurant, with live entertainment on select weekends. In addition to panini, Marcella's now offers deli style sandwiches, burgers, and Italian pasta dishes 7 days a week.

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

Best Way to Garage Sale

Our guests organized a "Garage Sale Rodeo" on Friday.  They went through the local paper, copied the locations of 18 sales, mapped it, and spent the day searching for treasures. This is an annual event that gets the whole family together from all across the United States. Imagine the surprise when a dozen vehicles pull up at once to wheel and deal at each of the selected locations.

John and Julia joined family members from Arizona, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan as they bargained for the best prices while touring garage sales in nearby Jackson, Michigan. Small items will be packed in carry-on bags for the flight home.  Larger items will either be shipped or hand-delivered at a later date.

We finished our household chores and joined up with the group at about mid-day. We enjoyed the beautiful day and found a few items that were too good to pass up.  It became a very fun day because it was extremely well-organized and spent with some interesting new friends.


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

4th of July Discount on B&B Lodging

Every Michigan Bed and Breakfast has its high season and low season. These are times in which there is either a big demand for lodging or a small demand. Inns on the water can command a higher than normal daily rate due to supply and demand and location. The 4th of July weekend is a prime example where many bed and breakfasts have a higher than normal demand. During this time frame, many B&Bs will get top dollar for their rooms and can require guests to stay 2, or 3, or 4 nights, or more.

However, not every inn is near water, or an attraction, or a special event. At these locations, a special deal may be available for travelers who want an affordable getaway on a holiday weekend. The Munro House in Jonesville is a prime example.

The Munro House has discount pricing for guests staying any 2 nights from July 1-5. They call it the "Proud to Be An American" promotion where Americans are honored by getting a great deal on any room during the Independence Day holiday weekend. $99 a night for bed and breakfast is a significant discount for any of their rooms.

Coming to a small town during a holiday means that there will be more peace and quiet than crowds and activity. Premiere Theater shows new release movies on 7 screens in Hillsdale. There is a parade plus activities and fireworks at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds. Spa services including manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, body wraps, and waxing are available onsite every day at the Munro House to create a relaxing getaway over the Fourth of July holiday.

Whether you need a couples getaway or are visiting family and friends in the area or just need some quiet time, the Munro House is a good choice for escaping the crowds that congregate near beaches and amusement parks and casinos in Michigan.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Allen Antique Capital of Michigan

Allen, the Antique Capital of Michigan, is located on highway 12 in South Central Michigan about 5 miles West of the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville. It is a community that is small in every respect except the availability of antique shops.

A town that was once a series of homes transformed into antique stores has expanded to include several antique malls, including Michigan's Largest. Capital Antiques boasts 36,000 square feet and 300 dealers.  Allen Antique Barn has 300 dealers on 2 floors. Hog Creek has 23,000 square feet and is Allen's newest mall. The Primitive Connection is just what it says it is. There is also Allen Antique Mall, Thistle Dew Antiques, Michiana Antiques, Peddler's Alley, and Preston's Gas Light Village.

In addition to traditional antiques, are memorabilia, knick-knacks, and collectibles. There is a booth that just offers Coca-Cola items, one with candles, several with sports cards, and many with glassware, tea sets, and furniture. Arts and crafts, books, games, and toys are also available to provide an eclectic variety of items. Barbie, G.I. Joe, and American Girl are well represented. There are also records, video tapes, magazines, and text books.

Many booths have a collection of cookbooks, kitchenware, and baskets along with cabinets, table sets, and lamps.  Some have bedroom sets, end tables, and victrolas. There is also wall art and table art in surprising quantities. Basically, there is an enormous assortment of valuables within a few minutes of each other.

Many Munro House guests spend a liesure day walking. shopping, and reminiscing at one or more of the Antique Malls in Allen. The malls are open most every day from 10-5, so any day can be a good day to go antiquing.


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

The Fly Trap in Ferndale Michigan

Being the owner of the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, Michigan, is sometimes more than a full time job. In other words, "we don't get out much". The day-to-day business requires for one (or both) of us to be at home almost all of the time. When we do get out, we like to find interesting places for a new experience. We got that at the Fly Trap in Ferndale, Michigan last week.

A year or so ago, I happened upon the Fly Trap while going to a concert at the nearby Magic Bag on Woodward Avenue. It has taken this long to be able to have my wife join me for a most excellent lunch at what is known as a "finer diner". We got there just in time to get the last table before the lunch crowd arrived.

From the blood red walls to the pool table slate (that doubles as a chalk board), this is the most unique restaurant I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy.  The food was unique and very, very good. I had the Charmoula Chicken - North African Spiced Chicken Breast, Jack Cheese, Caramelized Onion on Grilled Sourdough with a Lemon, Garlic Aioli. Lori had Eggs a la Boring--speaks for itself.  This is the kind of stuff you just can't get everywhere, and we found it at a diner in Ferndale, MI!

I mention this place to many of our guests who visit us from the Detroit area. I recently received a couple of bottles of their home-made SWAT sauce as a thank you from people who enjoyed it as much as I did. The Fly Trap is about 2 hours from my house. That's why we don't get to go there very often. When we have the time, we will make another trip to Ferndale to enjoy the finer diner known as the Fly Trap.


Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Jonesville Michigan Geocaching

A mother-daughter team found the geocache in front of the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville Michigan over Memorial Day weekend. I spied them as they pulled up and knew what they were up to. I grabbed my camera, and by the time I got out there, they had already found the treasure and retreated to the comfort of their air-conditioned vehicle to fill out the log book.

It turns out that the daughter has a nose for finding hidden treasures and found this one instantly. They are experienced geocachers and are approaching 300 found treasures in their travels. The app on their smartphone led them to within feet of our hidden container.  As of this moment, they are still a ways away from finding all 1,084,870 treasures listed on the Geocaching website. It is a fun activity wherever your life takes you. The caches are usually found near places of interest. The Munro House was once a Station on the Underground Railroad and is now a comfortable place to stay in a great little town in south central Michigan.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper

"Life is good in Jonesville"

Geocache Found at Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast

Once again, geocachers were seen searching through the bushes in front of the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, Michigan. They found the treasure and were signing the log book when they were greeted by Mike Venturini, the innkeeper.

It turns out that Lilly and her sister were on their first Geocaching adventure and were excited that the cache was easy to find and had some cool stuff inside to trade. They chose to take the rubber snake and a bouncy ball and left some stickers and a cool necklace.  As their mom said, "all treasures need to have some jewelry".

There are currently over 1,000,000 geocaches hidden near interesting locations all around the world. One is right outside this Michigan Bed and Breakfast. It's easy to find and is a fun activity for anyone with a GPS device.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Underground Railroad History of Jonesville MI Tour by Williams Elementary School

The 4th grade students at Williams Elementary School in Jonesville, Michigan, take an annual field trip to tour the Munro House Bed and Breakfast. Legend has it that Munro House was once used as a Station on the Underground Railroad and hid over 400 runaway slaves for at least one day on their journey to freedom in Canada. The tour can last from 20 to 45 minutes--depending on time constraints. 

The elementary school students are invited to walk into what is left of a tunnel that was once over 150 feet long. Only about 30 feet of the tunnel remains and it is currently used as a landing to the basement.  Additionally, Munro House has a secret room that allegedly hid hundreds of runaway slaves over a 15 year period preceeding the American Civil War. A photo array shows several views of the hideaway that is large enough for thirty 4th graders to stand in. Unfortunately, to let 30 kids go up there would be an exercise in futility.  Only 2 people have been up there in the last 11 years.  The pictures are a much better alternative.

The Munro House can arrange tours of the house for various size groups.  Thirty kids or twenty adults at a time would be about the limit. Weekdays are preferred and Sunday afternoons are O.K., by appointment only. A group of 53 car club enthusiasts are coming by in waves next month. They love their old cars and they enjoy the historic tales of cool old buildings, too.

In addition to the tales of the Underground Railroad, the tour guides also tell about the history of Jonesville, early pioneers in Hillsdale County, and the tribe of Pottawatomie Indians who originally lived in the area. It happens that George Munro, the namesake for the house, was a local politician, businessman, and entrepreneur with many interesting stories of early Michigan settlers and politics. The legacy of his deeds are some of the foundations upon which Jonesville was built. Munro House has historic significance because it is the oldest house in Hillsdale County (circa 1834) and has a "new" addition that is the first brick building in Hillsdale County (1840).


Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Jonesville Riverfest River Festival

The annual Riverfest celebration in Jonesville, Michigan, is traditionally held on the weekend following Mother's Day.  In 2010 it will be held May 14-16 and features fun, food, and festivities. The fun stuff includes a triathlon, canoe races, and a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. The food features the fire department BBQ, sidewalk vendors, and local restaurants. The festivities include the fireman's waterball competition, an arts and crafts exhibition, car & bike show, live music at Saucy Dog's, cloggers, an hourly musical show at Marcella's Coffee House, plus tours of the Sauk Theater and the Grosvenor House Museum, along with the Domestic Harmony Duck Derby.

The river-themed triathlon features running, biking, and canoeing, and kicks off the weekend at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night. The canoe races run all day Saturday on the St Joseph River in downtown Jonesville with competitions in various categories with cash prizes for the top 3 finishers. Even the inexperienced can participate by renting a canoe, finding a partner, and joining the fun. The basketball tournament is held at the high school with early rounds of competition on Saturday morning and the finals on Sunday.

The River Rats have cleaned up the shoreline to help make Riverfest a pleasant experience for canoers and race-watchers. The events have attracted competitors from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Canada. Riverfest began in 1974 and is enjoying its 36th annual celebration of River Fest in Jonesville.

Riverfest details and participation forms can be found online at Jonesville Riverfest.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"

Private Murder Mystery Dinner in Michigan

A group of 7 couples wanted us to host a private Murder Mystery Dinner at our place, the Munro House B&B in downtown Jonesville, Michigan. They picked an available date, rented all 7 of our rooms and proceeded to have a big party while we prepared all of the food, organized the game, served the meal, and helped them have a good time.

We started off with appetizers of shrimp cocktail and caramel apples along with an assortment of wines from our local favorite winery, St. Julian's of Michigan.  We taught them how the game is played, assigned each of them a character, dressed them for their roles, and served up a 5 course home-made meal, featuring a beef tenderloin steak as the main entree, while they interacted and tried to solve the murder mystery.

We can tell how the game is going by how much laughter is coming out of the dining room.  This group of extroverts were enjoying each other's company, consuming a fine meal, and laughing a lot. Whether they figured out who-done-it or not was not important, the point of the game is to have some good clean fun--and they did.

A private game can be arranged on any available date for groups of 8-14 people. Groups of 6 or less can start a game on any available date and we will offer the game to the general public until we get at least the mandatory 8 players. For couples who just want to meet new people, we offer public murder mysteries 5-10 times a year. The Munro House hosts them every weekend in November along with New Years Eve and other periodic dates throughout the year. We have hosted hundreds of murder mystery dinners and try very hard to make every event a good one.

Mike Venturini - Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"