To Market, To Market...

A Detroit tradition is the Eastern Market- about 4 city blocks of open air market allows local farmers to show off their goods- and lots of other fun things too. It is in old meat packing warehouses, right downtown. But every Saturday morning it is packed.

I had no idea how much produce Michigan grows- but it is ALOT- we've had awesome produce since moving here.

Here's a picture of what old downtown looks like- these old time buildings are just everywhere (in all states of repair and disrepair)

They had just tons of beautiful flowers- especially sunflowers. You'll see huge fields of them around here

Franklin Cider Mill- It Ain't Fall Without Some Cider

If you ask Michiganders (that is really what they are called) what to do in the Fall- the answer will always be- go to a Cider Mill! They grow tons of produce here, including apples, so we headed out a little into the country and went to a good 'ole fashioned cider mill.

Mmmmmm- ice cold fresh cider and hot home-made doughnuts.

Lots and lots of fresh apples

Inside the goods store

Outside they sell anything and everything possibly made with apples- from applesauce to apple vinegar.

Marten- the Super Pet!

When we went to the State Fair, there was a whole section with rabbits. And, lo an behold, a cage with bunnies and a 'For Sale' sign. And thus the Smith family has a new member- Marten! He is a Netherland Dwarf Silver Marten (hence the name)- and is the cutest thing ever! He is so little (and won't get much bigger) and loves to cuddle and be petted.

Can you tell I am a little happy? For anyone that doesn't know- I had like a-zillion rabbits as a kid.

This is Marten playing in our treadmill box outside- some action poses

Tee!

Detroit Jazz Festival

Detroit Jazz Festival is held every year in downtown Detroit. It is the largest jazz festival in the country, and is completely free (except for parking of course). It was amazing the big names that were there- the highlight for us- Dave Brubeck.

The living legend himself- one of the most influential people in modern American music, it was amazing to see him so close - not to mention that he is in his late 80's

View of downtown- prettier than you thought, huh? We were right on the waters edge- it was a beautiful afternoon.

Here's a picture of Dave Brubeck and his Quartet and his Sons playing his most recognizable song- Take Five

At The State Fair!

There is nothing more Mid-Western than a State Fair. Complete with all the prize cows, pig races, and lumber jack competitions. I have never been to such an event, and it was a blast.

Couldn't help but think of Charlotte's Web

Pigs look so happy when they sleep.

Horse competition.

This was a sculpture of cows, made of butter! 300 pounds of butter! I need some popcorn.

Prize cheese

They have these large statues of animals and things all over the place. That is a large cow.

Prize bees

Prize Goats- baaaah

The vegetables- I liked the sunflowers

So many chickens and roosters! Bird flu anyone?

It can't be a Michigan State Fair without GM cars

Ol' Farm Display

Lumberjack competition- log running was awesome!

World's biggest stove? Random.

Classic cars

Carnival time- gotta love the food- corn dogs and funnel cake

The Budweiser Wagon- it and all the Clysedales were there

The fluffiest bunny I have ever seen! Maybe he got next to a electric socket or something.