On the road in the Irish Hills

You know that day in the spring when the weather finally breaks – that day when you just want to abandon your home, jump in your car and head somewhere off your beaten path? 
That day finally arrived this past weekend for me, and suddenly day-tripping season began.  The greatest part is that the opportunity to partake in mini excursions can last well into the fall in our region.  So, let’s get back on the road and let the journeys begin.

For our first jaunt of the season, we headed north toward the beautiful Irish Hills of southeast Michigan. 

Just a little over an hour’s drive transports you to a region that boasts a multitude of lakes, rolling hills, and unique eateries and recreation sites.
 

 

 

 

Our first stop was to pick up my Dad and Stepmom who recently moved to the Irish Hills.  The four of us and our furry kids – Poncho, Chico and Diego - headed to Hidden Lake Gardens for a long walk and to take in the crisp spring air.
 

 

 

Hidden Lake Gardens, located on 755 acres off M-50, feature miles of hiking trails; a greenhouse complex; a lake; thousands of labeled trees, shrubs and flowers; and are open to the public year round.

 

 

 

With lunch in mind, our next stop was the local favorite, Randy’s Roadside Bar-B-Que on US 12.  The big red trailer with yellow flames and smoke billowing from it, make Randy’s easy to find. 

Or simply roll down your car window and follow the smell of barbeque wafting through the air. 

 

 

 

Randy’s is open seasonally and a great place to “pig up” some pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and cowboy beans to go.
 

 

 

 

Our final destination was Cherry Creek Winery, also located on US 12 at Silver Lake Highway. 

Housed in a historic 1870s schoolhouse, visitors can sample award winning wines, like Raceway Red, year round at the winery’s knotty pine bar.
 

There are so many more places to explore in the Irish Hills, but we’ll save them for the next time.  That’s the beauty of day-trips…you can take them often.

Have a great week!