How To Watch Broadway Shows From Home During Coronavirus Self Isolation

Broadway shows are something that I really look forward to, and having to post this honestly breaks my heart a little bit. While spring Broadway shows may be canceled, there is a way you can watch Broadway shows online for a week without paying a cent. I know, I know, it is not the same as watching a live performance in an actual theater. But with Broadway performances on hiatus until further notice because of COVID-19, us theater enthusiasts need something to do while we socially distance ourselves and flatten the curve.  BroadwayHD has a library of around 300 productions and will give you a seven-day free trial, therefore you can stream as many shows, plays and more. First up for me? I\’ll be watching Bye Bye Birdie. Playbill is also offering 15 Broadway plays and musicals that you can watch from the comfort of your couch, and Newsies is one of them!

CANCELED: Broadway In Detroit Spring Shows
In accordance with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-9 to temporarily close theatres and other public venues in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Broadway In Detroit has canceled The Last Ship (April 22–26 at the Detroit Opera House) and The Color Purple (April 21-26 at Music Hall).

Guests who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will receive a refund to the credit or debit card that was used for the purchase.
Guests who purchased tickets through the Fisher Theatre Subscriptions or Group Sales offices will also receive a refund to the credit or debit card that was used for the purchase. If payment was made by check, a refund check will be issued.
Guests who purchased tickets at the Fisher Theatre box office can return their tickets to the box office in person to obtain a refund or they can mail their tickets with their full name, address, phone number and email with a request for a refund to:
Broadway in Detroit Box Office
Show Refund
3011 W Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI 48202
Broadway In Detroit and Ticketmaster are only able to refund the original purchaser or purchases made through Ticketmaster Verified Resale. Broadway In Detroit is not responsible for purchases made through third-party resellers.
At this time all Broadway In Detroit performances scheduled after April 26, 2020, will go on as scheduled.
Broadway in Detroit & The Broadway League, along with its partners, are closely monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and we will provide additional updates as needed. We are following the lead of local, state and federal elected officials as we implement strategies recommended and mandated by public health authorities and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in all of our theatres and offices. The safety and security of theatregoers and employees is top priority.

Five Things

I’m not going to lie, it’s been an interesting week. Friday I went to the Alibi and picked up a pizza and salad, things were weird, and Purell was being used like crazy. Monday I started working from home to self-quarantine. My birthday was this week, and I celebrated it from the inside of my house. It’s a weird time, and we’ve been asked to socially distance ourselves from people. My aunt Deede did come in clutch and get me a Le Detroit Macaron Decorating Kit which gave me some fun to do while being stuck inside and make my birthday a little less miserable. As someone who typically has jampacked weeks, staying home like this is proving to be more difficult than I thought it would be. However, I am loving to work from home life. Here are some pictures from my first week of self-isolation/quarantine.

11 Free Trials You Can Sign Up for During Social Distancing

Whether you’re self-isolating to flatten the curve or you are under a lockdown except for essentials, we are all about to spend a lot of time at home. It’s only been a few days for many of us in the USA, while it’s been several weeks for those of you in other countries. For many of us, social distancing is already starting to get us down. I recently shared 12 Ways to Stay Entertained and Embrace Social Distancing, and today I am sharing 11 free trials you can sign up for while you’re stuck inside. From free streaming services to music, I have you covered with 11 trials you can try out while you practice social distancing.
Netflix has a free 30-day trial
Hulu has a free 30-day trial
Spotify has a free 30-day trial
Doordash has a 30-day unlimited trial
Apple Music has a three-month trial
Amazon Prime Video has a free 30-day Prime trial
Hulu + Live TV has a free 7-day trial
CBS All Access has a one-week free trial
YouTube TV has a one-week free trial
Disney+ has a one-week free trial (Hello Frozen 2 and Bedknobs & Broomsticks)

HBO Now  has a one-week free trial

Restaurant Review: The Old Shillelagh – Detroit, Michigan

Located in the heart of Greektown, the Old Shillelagh in downtown Detroit, Michigan\’s Irish Pub. John Brady opened the Old Shillelagh opened in February of 1975, in 1986 Brady passed the business down to his daughter Barb and in 2005 a third generation took the resigns of the Old Shillelagh. The Old Shillelagh hosts that biggest and best St. Patrick\’s Day party and isn\’t just servicing up Irish food anymore. In fact, this Detroit iconic restaurant is now serving up vegan food, and I have to say it\’s some of the best vegan eats that I have ever had. The menu at the Old Shillelagh is jam-packed with delicious food from Irish inspirations to dogs and brats and even vegan super nachos.
After trying the Old Shillelagh\’s Caesar salad at a vegan event, my friend and I knew we needed to head to the Old Shillelagh to give some vegan goodies a try.

What we ordered at the Old Shillelagh

Vegan Soft Pretzels: Two Bavarian Style Soft Pretzels Served with House Made Vegan Queso (the Queso was AMAZING).
Vegan Caesar Salad: Romaine Tossed in Our House Made Vegan Caesar Dressing Topped with Vegan Parmesan Cheese and Vegan House Baked Garlic Croutons. This was probably one of the best vegan Caesars that I have ever had.

Vegan Super Nachos: Tortilla Chips Layered with Our House Blend Beyond Burger & Lentil Taco Mixture, House-Made Vegan Queso, Shredded Cabbage, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Chipotle Aioli, Jalapenos, & Cilantro. Served with Salsa & Vegan Cashew Sour Cream. Oh my gosh, these nachos were ridiculously good.

Overall, everything at the Old Shillelagh and I highly recommend grabbing some food from there the next time you\’re in Detroit.

29 Best Hiking Trails in Metro Detroit

No matter what the weather is like outside, one of my favorite things to do is get outside and take a hike. I find that there is something refreshing and rejuvenating about hitting the trails for a hike. From riverfront trails to wooded trails, Metro Detroit is home to a vast array of day hiking trails. For those of you who like to get out, see nature and get some exercise all at the same time these trails these hikes and trails are sure to rejuvenate both your body and soul.

I have organized this list of hiking trails around Metro Detroit in alphabetical order by city. Have fun exploring, and remember there is no bad weather for hiking in Michigan –  winter hikes are actually my favorite and are just as beautiful as spring, summer and fall! Some of these parks are free, others require special passes or a Michigan Recreational Passport.

Whether you’re super outdoorsy or a casual hiker looking to stretch your legs, you’re sure to find a trail in Southeast Michigan that meets your hiking needs. I encourage you to get out and try someplace new. Happy hiking!

Ann Arbor
Bird Hills Trail (4.8 miles)
Newport Rd and Bird Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Location notes: paved and natural trail
Free

Nichols Arboretum (2.6 miles)
1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Location notes: natural trail
Pro tip: Visit during peony season
Free  – may need to pay for parking

Ann Arbor Ramble Trail
Gallup Park Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105(5.9 miles)
Location notes: paved and natural trail

Matthaei Botanical Gardens 

Home


1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
FREE. May need to pay for parking.
Location notes: paved and natural trail

Brighton
Brighton State Recreation Area (39 miles of trails)
6360 Chilson Rd, Howell, MI 48843
Michigan Recreation Passport required
Location notes: paved and natural trail

Island Lake State Recreation Area (6 miles)
6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Michigan Recreation Passport required.
Location notes: paved and natural trail

Huron Meadows Metropark Trail (11 miles)
8765 Hammel Road, Brighton, MI 48116
Metro Park Pass required
Location notes: natural trail, restrooms

Island Lake Trail (4 miles)
6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton MI, 48116
Location notes: paved trail

Detroit
Belle Isle Park (5.4 miles)
Michigan Recreation Passport required.
Location notes: paved trail

Dequindre Cut (2 miles)
1799 Wilkins St, Detroit, MI 48207
Free
Location notes: paved trail

Detroit Riverwalk (3.5 miles)
1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
Location notes: paved trail

Farmington Hills
Heritage Park (5 miles)
24915 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Free
Location notes: paved and natural trails

Fenton
Deerfield Hills Nature Area (5 miles)
6519 Cohoctah Rd, Fenton, MI 48430
Free

Grand Ledge
The Ledges of Grand Ledge (3.7 miles)
100 Fitzgerald Park Dr, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Vehicle pass may be required during certain times
Location notes: natural trails

Harrison Township
Lake St. Clair Metropark Trail  (3 miles)
31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township MI 48045
Location notes: Paved, restrooms, Metropark has a nature center.

Highland
Highland State Recreation Area (2-7 mile trails)
5200 Highland Rd, White Lake Charter Township, MI 48383
Michigan Recreation Passport required
Location notes: paved and natural trails

Holly
Holly State Recreation Area (6 miles)
Michigan Recreation Passport required.
Location notes: paved and natural trails

Howell
Penosha Trail (5 miles)
6360 Chilson Rd, Howell, MI 48843
Location notes: nature trail, restrooms

Lake Orion
Bald Mountain State Recreation
1330 E Greenshield Rd, Orion Charter Township, MI 48360
Michigan Recreation passport required
Location notes: paved and natural trails.

Polly Ann Trail (14.2 miles)
1335 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
Free
Location notes: paved and natural trails

Milford
Kensington Metropark Trail (8.5 miles)
4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48380
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Pass
Location notes: paved trails

New Boston
Oakwood (15 miles)
32911 Willow Road, New Boston, MI 48164
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Pass
Location notes: paved and natural trails

Northville
Bennett Arboretum (2 miles)
44155 Deep Hollow Cir, Northville, MI 48168
Free
Location notes: nature trail

Maybury State Park Trail (6 miles)
20145 Beck Road, Northville MI, 48167
Michigan Recreation Passport required
Location notes: nature trail

Rochester 
Paint Creek Trail (8.9 miles)
400 Sixth Street, Rochester, Michigan, 48307 + multiple locations to hop on
Free
Location notes: surfaced with crushed limestone,  Paint Creek Cider Mill is accessible halfway through the trail.

Clinton River Trail (16 miles)
Multiple locations to hop on
Free
Location notes: paved and natural surface

Macomb Orchard Trail (23 miles)
52999 Dequindre Rd, Rochester, MI 48307 + multiple locations to hop on
Free
Location Notes: paved

Shelby Township
Stony Creek Metropark Trail (6 miles)
4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township, MI 48316
Huron-Clinton Metroparks pass required
Location notes: paved and natural trail (multiple routes), restrooms, Metropark has a nature center.

Waterford
Pontiac Lake Recreation Trail (8.8 miles)
7800 Gale Road, Waterford MI, 48327
Location notes: nature trail