Annie Lang's Blog!

There's nothing quite like an Autumn day out with the girls because you just never know what you'll discover until you get there!  This year, downtown Howell, Mi was our destination and we took the scenic route to treat ourselves to all the vibrant colors of the season.  Our first stop of the day was  Black Iron Coffee Roasters and we were greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed artisan coffee to start the day right.  There were plenty of tables to choose from and the coffee was nothing short of amazing and served up with style in hearty mugs!  I happened to choose their maple cappuccino which I highly recommend for a chilly autumn morning.  You can also purchase their coffee and gifts from their online website .    Unlike cookie cutter chain stores, there's something special about boutiques because they invite store browsers, tend to easily engage in friendly conversation and their staff members seem more than happy to answer questions and make helpful recommendations. 

It's been a long time since we've been able to enjoy a day to get out and explore nearby boutiques filled with handcrafted hidden treasures and vintage curiosities!  My sister-in-law had the perfect destination in mind and the day was filled with sunshine and laughter as we browsed through  Yellow Dog Marketplace in Clarkston, Michigan.                                      Upon entering the establishment, we were warmly greeted by  a friendly staff and I was encouraged to "feel free to snap away"  to my heart's content with my camera.    Multiple vendors booths throughout the marketplace were delightfully staged with everything from apparel and fashion accessories to vintage novelties, Michigan themed items, kitchen goods, handcrafted products, blended coffee and teas and more.    If you're ever in the area, I hope you'll take a little time to spend a few hours exploring this remarkable shopping destination.  Though malls and chain stores are always neede

It's the time of year where a road trip is the perfect way for me to make the transition from summer to autumn a bit easier to bear.  Apple picking season will be kicking off soon and now that the weather is cooler, it's time to gear up and enjoy the great outdoors!  This year, we rented a lakeside cottage in Suttons Bay, Mi and not only enjoyed the privacy, beautiful views and nights around the campfire, but the cottage was ideally located for the day trips we spontaneously added to our list. There was a hidden nature trail from the driveway of our rented cottage leading to a small winery that we naturally had to explore! This establishment had changed hands a few years ago so the wine selection was very limited.  The friendly staff, rustic barn and oak barrels pretty much set the stage for our visit to Nathaniel Rose Vineyard . This was my first visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes , and if you ever plan a trip to northern Michigan, it's definitely a destination you'