Coming to Detroit: COME FROM AWAY
Detroiters have you heard Broadway\’s Tony Award-Winning Musical COME FROM AWAY will be making it\’s debut in Detroit October 1-14, 2019 at the Fisher Theatre. Tickets go on sale Sunday, July 14!
Broadway In Detroit is thrilled to announce the national tour of COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, will make its Detroit debut at the Fisher Theatre for a limited engagement, October 1 – 13, 2019. COME FROM AWAY tickets will go on sale Sunday, July 14, 2019!
Travel Diaries: Kensington Metropark – Milford, Michigan
According to the calendar summer officially arrived on Friday, and I couldn\’t be more excited. With summer officially here mother nature decided to be a doll and hold off on the rain (we are at 117+ days of rain in metro Detroit right now and on day 173 of the year), so us Detroiters could finally enjoy the outdoors.
One of my favorite things to do is get out and explore, especially on a bike. This time I skipped my usual spots and did some exploring about an hour away in Milford, Michigan. Milford is about 2.5 square miles and is a cute little town filled with plenty of history located in southwest Oakland County. The Village of Milford has six parks within its boundaries. Located on the banks of the Huron River you will find Central Park, a favorite of teens and children alike – featuring a playscape, tennis court, basketball courts, volleyball court, and ice rink. Fairgrounds Park is adjacent to the Senior Center and is perfect for picnics or a game of shuffleboard. Hubbell Pond Park can be found on the site of the YMCA and the Library. Finally, you can find a trail system that runs from Commerce Road to Kensington Park on South Milford Road.
We decided to bike around Kensington Metropark, which is just 10 minutes south of downtown Milford and features a 4,481-acre park. Kensington Metropark is one of the 13 parks you can visit with a Huron-Clinton Metropark pass. The 8.5-mile trail around Kensington is an amazing workout. This trail features plenty of rolling terrains, steep hills, and gorgeous scenery. We even saw an Osprey nest with baby Osprey which was really neat to see. One thing I really loved about Kensington Metropark is you\’re up close and personal with nature in its own habitat. If you want to become one with nature and get a great workout I highly recommend taking a little trip out to Kensington Metropark, and while you\’re out there don\’t forget to cruise around Milford.
What you\’ll find at Kensington Metropark:
- Biking on an 8.5-mile rolling terrain trail circling Kent Lake
- 3 hiking trails – one 8.5 mile paved trail, a 2.5-mile nature trail and another nature trail that offers a 1.5 forested walk at Spring Hill Picnic Area
- Boat rental of paddle boats, kayaks, and rowboats
- 18-hole regulation golf course
- 24-hole disc golf course
- Nature Center
- Farm Learning Center
- Picnic areas
- Swimming at Martindale and Maple Beaches
- Boating and launching from 16 ramps at two locations
- 93 boat slips available for rental
- Island Queen II, a 37-passenger pontoon boat offers hourly summer trips
- Bird watching opportunities
- Fishing for bass, northern pike, bluegill, walleye, perch and more
- Fitness trail has 20 stations
- Group camping
- 10 miles of equestrian trails with your own horse
- Splash \’N Blast water slide and spray park
- Cross-country skiing on more than 12 miles of groomed trails (winter)
- Ice skating rinks for skating and hockey (winter)
- Ice fishing (winter)
- Sledding and tobogganing (winter)
What’s New at The Detroit Zoo
this is a sponsored post
Did you know, the Detroit Zoo isn\’t just for kids? Located in the heart of Royal Oak, Michigan the Detroit Zoo is not only a fun family place but a great place to go with girlfriends, on a date or just to hang out with friends. You might be shocked to find out that the Detroit Zoo hosts a variety of adult-focused events and let me tell you – you won\’t want to miss out on them. So let\’s take a look at What\’s New at The Detroit Zoo for you!
Yoga at the Zoo
Every Monday and Thursday during July and August
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.$20 + $8 for parking
Bring your cows, cats and downward dogs to the Detroit Zoo this summer with Yoga at the Zoo every Monday and Thursday morning from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. during July and August. This early morning meditative flow is perfect for all skill levels. Each session will highlight a different area of the Detroit Zoo and will feature a zookeeper talk as well as allow guests the opportunity to interact with animal care staff. Sessions begin before the Zoo opens to the public and include Zoo admission. Anyone else thinking about heading into work late because they want to do Yoga at the Zoo?
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.$14 + Parking
July 18 and August 15 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. step up your date night with Detroit Zoo After Hours. This 18 and older event gives you the opportunity to experience the Zoo after hours… you know when all the kids are gone. All habitats and buildings will be open, and the Zoo is open to explore until dark. This unique experience is perfect for date night or a night out with your besties.
Thursday, July 11
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.$37 and $30 for DD ticket
Pedal your way into an evening of Bicycles, Beasts, and Beers, during the Bike Safari at the Detroit Zoo. This event takes you for a ride through the Detroit Zoo after-hours to give you a look at your favorite animals. Since this is a 21 and older event it\’s the perfect opportunity for you to have a fun date night or night out with the girls. As someone who loves to bike this is probably the event, I am most excited about. Not only will you get to bike a 2-mile pre-planned course, but your Bike Safari ticket also includes a commemorative t-shirt, admission to the zoo for the evening and two 3-ounce beer samples. The course is designed to wrap around the Zoo and pass through a majority of the animal habitats.
Important information to know
Designated Driver (DD) tickets are available for $30. This ticket includes Zoo admission for the evening and a commemorative t-shirt. Please note that DD ticket-holders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event. As someone who does not drink alcohol at all, I absolutely love the fact that the Detroit Zoo has this option.
Helmets are mandatory.
Guests must provide their own bike and helmet.
All guests must complete a consent waiver.
Tandem bikes, clip-in pedals, scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades are prohibited.
Wild Beasts, Wild Wine at the Detroit Zoo
Friday, August 9
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.General Admission: $45
General Admission DD: $30
VIP: $85
VIP DD: $60
Wine down after a long week with Wild Beasts, Wild Wine at the Detroit Zoo featuring more than 50 local and national wineries and vineyards. There will be live music and exclusive access to the Detroit Zoo\’s award-winning habitats at twilight.
Important information to know
General admission tickets are $45, and include a commemorative beverage holder, admission to the zoo for the evening and samples of 10 wines unique to the tasting,
VIP tickets are $85 and include all the features of general admission, plus private admission through the Rackham Fountain Entrance and access to the VIP lounge. Once inside the VIP lounge, guests can take advantage of exclusive food options, four additional wine samples, and a commemorative gift.
General Admission Designated Driver (DD) tickets are available for $30. These tickets include Zoo admission for the evening and unlimited soft drinks. DD ticket-holders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event.
VIP Designated Driver (DD) tickets are $60. These tickets include the same as the general admission tickets as well as private VIP admission and access to the VIP lounge with exclusive food options and a commemorative gift. Remember VIP DD ticket-holders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event.
Friday, September 20
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
General Admission: $45
General Admission DD: $30
VIP: $85
VIP DD: $60
Important information to know
General admission tickets are $45 and include a commemorative beverage holder, admission to the zoo for the evening and samples of 12 beers.
VIP tickets are $85 and include all the features of general admission, plus private admission through the Rackham Fountain Entrance and access to the VIP lounge. Once inside the VIP lounge, guests can take advantage of exclusive food options, four additional beer samples, and a commemorative gift.
General Admission Designated Driver (DD) tickets are available for $30. These tickets include Zoo admission for the evening and unlimited soft drinks. DD ticket-holders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event.
VIP Designated Driver (DD) tickets are $60. These tickets include the same as the general admission tickets as well as private VIP admission and access to the VIP lounge with exclusive food options and a commemorative gift. Remember VIP DD ticket-holders are not permitted to consume alcohol at the event.
Movie Review: Toy Story 4
We are just four days away from the release of Toy Story 4, and I am so excited to share my review with you before you hit the theater. Toy Story 4 begins where Toy Story 3 left off. Andy, now a college student, has donated his toys to a sweet little girl named Bonnie. Now, the crew you have come to love is off for a new adventure as Bonnie enters Kindergarten.
Did you know that Toy Story made its debut in 1995, that\’s twenty-four years ago? Toy Story was the first computer-animated movie made by Pixar, and let me tell you the technology has come so far. I was extremely impressed with how realistic the animation in Toy Story 4 looks. Everything from Bo Peep looking like a real porcelain doll to the leaves on the trees.
In addition to old favorites, Toy Story 4 brings several new and exciting toys onto the scene. One question I have had since the first movie, and I am sure most of you have had as well is what makes a toy come to life? Well, we finally get an answer when we meet Forky, a spork with googly eyes. Forky, voiced by Tony Hale, is a cutesy homemade toy that you can\’t help but fall in love with. 2019 is proving to be the year of Keanu Reeves, and his role as Duke Caboom is probably one of my favorites of the year. Ducky and Bunny are hilarious carnival plushies played by none other than the famous comedy duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. Even though she isn\’t new, twenty years later we finally get to see Bo Peep again! I am so happy Bo Peep is back, and this time she is in a major role. Bo Peep voiced by Annie Potts is a leader, fighter, adventurer and all-around heroine to the toys – who seems to get her happy ending love story. Bo Peep proves that confidence and adventure will make you a stronger person and I really loved that message, not just for little girls, but children in general.
If you\’re like me and grew up watching Buzz and Woody (thanks to my dad and younger brother), you need Toy Story 4 in your life. Like every Toy Story movie, Toy Story 4 has some great life lessons and ends on a positive note. In Toy Story 3, Lotso proved to be a bad guy and while there are a few creepy scenes when it comes to the antique shop overall Toy Story 4 is a gentler story in comparison. You know the drill, it\’s Pixar you\’re going to need tissues. Other then one good cry (that kindergarten scene though), you\’ll mostly laugh at the light-hearted moments. My two favorite characters make me fall in love with love all over again – and the ending kind of leaves it open for possibly a couple more sequels. Fingers crossed because I want more Bo Peep in my life.
Toy Story 4 hits a theater near you this Friday, June 21.
Make sure you stick around through the credits for a couple of scenes you won\’t want to miss.
Mind, Body and Baseball at Comerica Park
This past Saturday, my Tone It Up bestie Katie and I headed to Comerica Park for Mind + Body + Baseball. The event was put on by Citizens Yoga and The Barre Code of Metro Detroit. This yoga and barre class was held in centerfield before the Tigers took on the Cleveland Indians that night. It was a lot of fun to be on the field where some of my favorite players have previously stood. Janelle Herbert taught the barre portion of the event and Kacee Must taught the yoga part. Previously I have taken barre classes at The Barre Code and have done a few of Janelle’s classes so I was very familiar with her. This, however, was my first time taking something with Kacee, and let me tell you I am adding her to my list of favorite instructors. She is super sweet, kind, down to earth and such an inspiration. If you want to try out yoga I highly recommend visiting Citizens Yoga.
Fashion meets Food 