Wednesday, May 28, 2008

What do you do when budgets are tight due to rising gas prices but you, your friends and family still want to have fun this summer? How about a staycation in Mt. Pleasant?

Staycationing is a vacation that takes place either at or near home. The average American family can’t afford to fly to Disneyland or take roadtrips this summer, so families are opting to stay close to home.

You don’t have to travel far to find fun and excitement, because there is so much to do right out your front door. Think about it. Staycationing in Mt. Pleasant is affordable, family-friendly, and offers more free and low-cost attractions than you can imagine.

This summer it makes sense to choose Mt. Pleasant as a vacation destination.

Need some ideas? Why not take a look at our list of suggestions. Have a suggestion that’s not on the list? Send us an email and we’ll add it to the list. Email:
msponseller@mt-pleasant.org The more ideas the merrier!


Visit the Field Cross, Vietnam, WWI, WWII, Korean, Civil War Memorials. Locations: Field Cross and Vietnam Memorial are located at Island Park, WWI and WWII Memorials are located at the intersection of Kinney and Broadway Streets, Korean Memorial is located at Town Center in downtown (Broadway and Main Street), and the Civil War Memorial is located in Riverside Cemetery. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Take a bike ride in one of the city’s many bike trails. With miles of paved bike paths you’ll find a world of fun to explore! For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at
www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .


Get the kids and head down to TimberTown at Island Park. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .


Geo-caching throughout the Mt. Pleasant area. . .
Geo-cashing (pronounced like geo-cashing, as in cashing a check) is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a GPS unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All you are asked to do is if you get something you should try to leave something for the cache. For more information on geo-caching and local geo-caching spots visit www.geocaching.com.


Enjoy Main Street Live with live music and children’s activities every Friday night at Town Center (downtown). Fun for the whole family – just bring a blanket or chair to sit on while you hear from the best in local musical talent. Series begins June 20 and runs through August 29. For more information call (989) 779-5348 or visit the Downtown Mt. Pleasant web site at www.downtownmp.com .


Expand your artistic horizons – visit a gallery show, exhibit or take an art class at Art Reach of Mid Michigan. For more information call (989) 773-3689 or visit the Art Reach of Mid Michigan web site at www.artreachcenter.org .


Come downtown and try to find the 15 “Lost and Found” bronze art pieces. Can you find them all? For more information call (989) 779-5348 or download the Bronze Art brochure at http://www.mt-pleasant.org/Info/bronzelocation.pdf


Take a walk in one of our many beautiful neighborhoods and look at the beautiful historic architecture. If you’d like to learn more about the architecture or history of the area contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Historical Society to learn more. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Chippewa River District Library.


Pack up your family and friends and head to Nelson Park to grill out and play horse shoes along the Chippewa River. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .


Grab your friends and start a game of volleyball or softball at Island Park. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .


Take the kids to “Slideland” at Island Park. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .


Get your walking shoes on and participate in Walk Mt. Pleasant! Walking is a great way to lose weight, boost metabolism, lower stress, and help you to feel good! Join us as we discover some of the best treasures in our community – our local parks. The free walks are open to people of all ages and offered each Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m., from May 15 through August 7, 2008. Walkers are encouraged to walk at their own pace, get out and “get going!” For a list of Walk Mt. Pleasant locations or for more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .


Take me out to the ballgame. . . and watch the Junior Olympics Girls Softball Tournament. The tournament will be held throughout the city of Mt. Pleasant at various facilities from July 3-6, 2008. Admission will be $5 per person per day or a $15 4-day tournament pass but you will be able to go to other sites that day and not pay again. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .


See the amazing chalk murals and browse the arts and crafts during the 3rd annual Arts and Crafts Festival in downtown Mt. Pleasant July 24-26. The 55th annual downtown Sidewalk Sales will also be taking place during this time. For more information call (989) 779-5348 or visit the Downtown Mt. Pleasant web site at www.downtownmp.com .

Have you ever wanted to be a part of the hit TV show the “Amazing Race?” Sign up to be a part of our 2nd annual local version of the “Amazing Race” during the 3rd Annual Arts and Crafts Festival (July 24-26) in downtown Mt.Pleasant. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Try out for or take in a show at the Broadway Theatre. For more information call (989) 772-2075 or visit the Broadway Theatre web site at www.friendsofthebroadway.org .

Take a free computer class at the Chippewa River District Library. For more information call (989) 773-3242 or visit the Chippewa River District Library web site at www.crdl.org.

Take in the wildlife and wetlands at Millpond Park. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Start a baseball or softball game at Pickens or Yost fields. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Take a hike at Chipp-a-Waters Park. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Try skateboarding at the Skatepark at Island Park. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Catch the reading bug. . .sign up for the summer reading program at the Chippewa River District Library. For more information call (989) 773-3242 or visit the Chippewa River District Library web site at www.crdl.org.

Take a walk or ride your bike to cool off with an ice cream cone at your local ice cream shop.

Break out Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk, etc. and create a “family board game night.” Not into board games? Try the same idea with card games. Euchre anyone?

Visit the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways and learn about the amazing cultural gifts and history of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. For more information call (989) 775-4750 or visit the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways web site at www.isabellacounty.org/dept/fair/ .

Volunteer at one of the many great local organizations that need your help. You’ll be helping others but you’ll get the reward. For more information call (989) 773-9863 visit them online at www.unitedwayisaco.org .

Plan a neighborhood potluck, clean-up or beautification project. Get to know your neighbors and get some great recipes all at the same time. Contact the City of Mt. Pleasant for information on a Neighborhood Mini Grant to help cover the costs of neighborhood picnics, clean-up or beautification projects. For more information call the City of Mt. Pleasant Community Development office at (989) 779-5347 or download an application at http://www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/commdev/Forms/minigrant.pdf

Ride the tilt-a-whirl, look at the wonderful exhibits or stop by the 4-H food booth for a quick bite of delicious food at the Isabella County Fair August 3-9. For more information call (989) 773-9070 or (989) 773-3308 or visit the Isabella County Fair web site at www.isabellacounty.org/dept/fair/ .

Start your engines. . . watch a race at the Mt. Pleasant Speedway. . .the cleanest show on dirt! Stock Car Racing Every Friday Night on a 3/8 Mile Clay Track. Gates Open: 5:00 p.m, time trials start at 6:30 p.m., first race begins at 7:45 p.m. For more information call (989) 773-2387 or visit the Mt. Pleasant Speedway web site at www.mtpleasantspeedway.com .

Spend a night looking at the stars! Check out a book at the Chippewa River District Library on astronomy and teach yourself and your family how to find planets and constellations. For more information call (989) 773-3242 or visit the Chippewa River District Library web site at www.crdl.org.

Plant a flower or vegetable garden. Need help getting started? Contact the Isabella County Master Gardner program at (989) 772-0911 X. 214 or visit them online at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/mastergardener/Counties/mg_isabella.htm

Bring the family to the Bike Fair June 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This free community event is open to any bicyclist, skate border, or inline skater in kindergarten through 6th grade. Bring your bike and have it registered, checked for safety, and then demonstrate your cycling skills.All participants completing the safety course are entered into a drawing for FREE BIKES & HELMETS! For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Take a cooking class at Green Tree Co-Op Grocery and learn the best in organic cooking. Classes are held in the kitchen at Max & Emily's for cooking workshop series. Cooking workshops explore a variety of cooking styles from gluten-free to kid-friendly. Mmmm, delicious! For details on Green Tree Co-Op Grocery class schedule call (989) 773-3221 or online at http://www.greentree.coop/

Find your inner artist at “Let’s do the Dishes.” Choose from a wide variety of pottery pieces, glazes and designs and get painting! For more information contact Let’s Do The Dishes at (989) 775-0685 or online at http://www.letsdothedishes.com/

CMU University Recreation invites you to come out and play a round of Disc Golf. The CMU Disc Golf Course is located in the Center for Applied Research and Technology area SE of the main campus of CMU. The disc golf parking lot is located just off of West Campus Drive on University Park Drive south of the Fairfield Inn. For more information contact CMU University Recreation at (989) 774-3686.

Take your family out and bowl a frame or two at one our local bowling alleys. With three to choose form you’re sure to find a lane open. Contact Chippewa Lanes at (989) 773-9531, Riverwood at (989) 772-5726, or CMU Student Activity Center at (989) 774-3686.

Cool off by renting a canoe, kayak or inner tube and spend a day on the Chippewa River. Contact Buckley’s Mountainside Canoe (989) 772-5437 (http://www.muckleyscanoes.com/) or Chippewa River Outfitters at (989) 772-5474 (http://www.chipoutfitters.com/).

Come to the Summer Festival June 18-22 at Island Park and enjoy carnival rides, live music, classic cars, and fireworks! For more information call (989) 773-3378.

The battle returns. . .watch or participate in the “Skate War” at Island Park July 25-27. Open to all ages this will be a weekend to remember! For more information visit http://www.skatewarinc.com/ or email skate@skatewarinc.com.

Listen to the best in Midwest music at the Midwest Fest 2008! Midwest Fest is a 5 day festival in beautiful Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Michigan that features some of the best bands the Midwest has to offer. The festival will take place July 22-26th at both Rubble's Bar, located at 112 W. Michigan Street and also at the Broadway Theater, located at 216 E. Broadway Street. For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/midwestfest2008

Visit the Farmers Market on a Thursday (Island Park) or Saturday (Town Center) morning. For more information call (989) 779-5331 or visit the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation office online at www.mt-pleasant.org/depts/pr/prhomepage/pr.htm .

Participate in a Mt. Pleasant Striders Running Club event. Get in shape and meet great new people! To learn more about the Mt. Pleasant Striders Running Club visit http://www.edzone.net/~mphsstr

Enjoy an free evening of music “Music on the Mall” on the campus of CMU. Held each Wednesday during the month of July at Warriner Mall, “Music on the Mall” brings you the best in local and regional music. For more information call CMU’s University Events at (989) 774-3355 or email uevents@cmich.edu.

Visit the Culture and Natural History Museum on the campus of CMU and see the exhibit "Beyond Barbie: Dolls, Dress and Culture in Global Perspective.” Running through January 2009, this exhibit has more than 100 dolls from more than 50 different countries will give visitors a firsthand look into these countries' cultures and traditions through their elaborate clothing. The Culture and Natural History Museum on the campus of CMU is open during the summer Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and Saturday / Sunday (1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.). For more information call (989)774-3829 or online at http://www.museum.cmich.edu/

Check out the Celebration Cinema / WCFX Sunday Night Movie! Let’s face it there times when you just want to see a movie on the “big” screen, but a less expensive option is to go to a matinee showing rather than an evening showing. But on Sunday nights you get a great movie for the low price of $2.95! Additionally, get a small popcorn and small soda for just $3.00! To get this week’s movie choice and times visit http://www.wcfx.com/

Break out your sleeping bags and the bug spray and camp out in your backyard!

Go fishing! You do not need a lot of elaborate equipment to go fishing with kids. You will find that the sport of fishing goes hand-in-hand with the art of conversation. Some of your best conversations can take place while fishing. But remember to get your fishing license if you go fishing.

Visit relatives! Take the opportunity to start a family history project. Let your children help plan and carry out your family history gathering during your visit. Record the stories they tell on tape or video. Take lots of pictures. Gather old pictures, documents, and memorabilia from the attic (you know the ones of Mom as a cheerleader in high school). When you get home, you can put them all together in a family scrapbook program. You will need to scan the old pictures, but you can use your digital camera for the new pictures or have your regular pictures developed on CD-Rom. Find some music on the Web that corresponds to the different time periods and events you describe in your family history album. You can really get creative and have lots of fun with this project. When it's done, print the album out, or put it on diskette for your relatives that have computers, and you've got a great Christmas present.