Exploring The Ledges in Grand Ledge Michigan
If there is one thing you have learned about me this year, it\’s that I am a gal who loves spending time in nature. A couple of years about I heard about \”The Ledges\” of Grand Ledge. Up until this year I had never had time to visit, however every year I put it on my list of things to do. With the world turned upside down this year, and all my travel plans canceled it presented the perfect opportunity for me to hit the road and finally visit \”The Ledges.\”
For those geographically challenged (like myself), Grand Ledge is a mid-size town located near Lansing. Through the middle of the city flowers the Grand River, complete with trails, stunning rock formations, a few bridges, and a dam. A nature lovers dream, really.
The Ledges are located within Fitzgerald Park. The 78-acre park offers three miles of nature and hiking trails, a beautiful picnic area, a disc golf course, a playground, and more. For those looking for something in the winter, there is a steep sledding hill and two miles of cross-country ski trails (I highly recommend doing this if you\’ve never tried it before). For a small fee, you can enter Fitzgerald Park and experience The Ledges.
Once you park, walk through the picnic area until you reach the stairs that will lead you down to The Ledges. Fitzgerald Park offers an up-close look at the ancient sedimentary rock lining the shores of the Grand River, and let me tell you it is absolutely gorgeous. These rock formations reminded me of Picture Rocks located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, on a smaller scale of course. If you can\’t make it to Da Yoop (Michigan\’s Upper Peninsula), be sure to head on over to Grand Ledge so you can at least experience The Ledges.
While on The Ledges trail you will also come across an old railroad bridge. Which, if you know me you know I absolutely love railroads and bridges. The railroad bridge looked like it would be a great place to take photos once the leaves changed. You can climb up to see the bridge from above, however, I did not do that. It had rained the night before, I was on the trail solo and it was extremely muddy. I figured I could easily get up, but coming down would have caused some issues.
The views of The Ledges were absolutely beautiful, and some of the best I have seen in the lower peninsula. In fact, I learn it is the only place in southern Michigan where you can rock climb, too. I will definitely be going back to climb.
If you follow the road all the way you will come to the back of the park, where you will find a dam. You can also reach this area by walking through the woods, which is how I located it. I actually walked the trails they had for hours, and absolutely adored the scenery. I cannot wait to head back again.
The Ledges located in Grand Ledge, Michigan are such a hidden gem. If you are looking for a day trip, and love the outdoors, this is one trip I highly recommend.
The Ledges are located within Fitzgerald Park at 133 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Where are your favorite places to explore nature?
Five Things
This week marked the official start to my favorite season, fall! There is just something about a new season that I can\’t help but fall in love with. I am ready for plenty of trips to the cider mill, apple picking, donuts, hot apple cider, and of course leaf-peeping.
This week was a wonderful fall welcoming. I discovered the cutest shop Lottie Mae, and immediately fell in love with the amazing candles Jennifer (the owner of Lottie Mae) makes. Not only is the shop filled with amazing candles, you will find goodies from a variety of unique businesses big and small.
Lottie Mae hosts a monthly open house and the September one is this Sunday from 3-7pm. The theme is Hocus Pocus so wear your witches hat for a special coupon! There will also be goodie bags, candy, cookies, beverages and a giveaway too!
I also had a mini photoshoot with Jack, made Jack his favorite homemade treats (recipe coming soon), went to Yates Cider Mill and made s\’mores indoors on a gloomy day. What have you been up to this past week?
What\’s Coming to Disney Plus: October 2020
It\’s Fall on Disney+ has begun, which means a new season of original movies, series and blockbuster movies coming to your living room. As the weather chills and leaves behin to change, grab your favorite blanket, some snacks and curl up with Disney+ for \”It\’s Fall on Disney+.\”
What\’s Coming to Disney+ October 2020:
Friday, October 2
The Simpsons – Season 31
Friday, October 9
The Right Stuff (Disney+ Original Series)
The Right Stuff is the incredible story of the early days of the U.S. space program, based on the iconic bestseller by Tom Wolfe. At the height of the Cold War, newly-formed NASA selects seven of the military’s best test pilots to become astronauts. Competing to be the first in space, these men achieve the extraordinary, inspiring the world to turn towards a new horizon of ambition and hope.
X2
After a \”black ops\” specialist abducts Xavier, imprisons his students and steals Cerebro, Night Crawler joins forces with Magneto to rescue their brethren and forestall a holocaust.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Young Lucy, Edmund and their cousin cross through a painting into a magical land where they sail with King Caspian to help Narnian lords banished by an evil usurper of the throne.
Friday, October 16
Clouds (Disney+ Original Film)
Based on an inspiring true story, young musician Zach Sobiech discovers his cancer has spread, leaving him just a few months to live. With limited time, he follows his dream and makes an album, unaware that it will soon be a viral music phenomenon. In the end, music gives Zach’s life new meaning and helps him find the perfect way to say goodbye…with a song that will be heard all around the world.
Meet the Chimps (Disney+ Original Series)
“Meet the Chimps” takes viewers into the secret life of one of the largest and most unique wildlife sanctuaries in the world – Chimp Haven—a 200-acre refuge tucked deep in the forested heart of Louisiana, which is home to more than 300 chimpanzees. Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Lynch, this six-part series, from National Geographic, tracks the ups and downs of this extraordinary group of chimps that are given a second chance at life by a staff whose dedication, compassion and commitment knows no bounds. Through a seamless blend of natural history and observational-documentary filmmaking, “Meet the Chimps” puts the chimps – the heart and soul of the series – at front and center. A real-life drama with a full emotional range, the series gives unparalleled access to everything happening at Chimp Haven, including food squabbles, alliances, romances, ‘bromances’, tears, tantrums, high jinxes and heartbreaks.
Friday, October 23
Once Upon a Snowman (Disney+ Original Short)
Once Upon a Snowman is the previously untold origins of Olaf, the summer-loving snowman who melted hearts in the Academy Award®-winning 2013 Disney animated feature “Frozen” and its acclaimed 2019 sequel, are revealed in the all-new Walt Disney Animation Studios animated short, “Once Upon a Snowman.” The film follows Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the mountains outside Arendelle.
The Big Fib (Disney+ Original Series)
Disney+‘s first original game show, “The Big Fib,” is back for another 15 episodes. Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown and featuring Rhys Darby as her robot sidekick, C.L.I.V.E., each episode puts kid contestants in the hot seat as they question adults to find the real fibber.
Friday, October 30
The Mandalorian Season 2 (Disney+ Original Series)
The Mandalorian and the Child continue their journey, facing enemies and rallying allies as they make their way through a dangerous galaxy in the tumultuous era after the collapse of the Galactic Empire.
What are you most excited to watch on Disney+ this October? I cannot wait to check out Once Upon a Snowman (big Olaf fan).
How to Make Crab Rangoon
In college there was a restaurant that served up the best crab rangoon, and I\’ll be honest I haven\’t had them since college. After having crab legs for the first time with a friend and having some left over we decided it was the perfect opportunity to make crab rangoon at home and with real crab to boot.
These crab rangoons are so much better than any I have had in a restaurant and that is because I put a lot of love and labor into cracking fresh king crab legs. I ended up frying some of the crab rangoons as well as cooking them in the air fryer to see which way I preferred them. Both ways were absolutely delicious, obviously the air fryer offers a healthier way to enjoy crab rangoon.
The crab rangoon turned out super crispy on the outside and warm and creamy on the inside. The ingredient list is short, and these are simple to eat. The best thing about making crab rangoon at home, you can freeze them prior to frying so they\’re ready for your future snacking needs.
How to Make Crab Rangoon
Ingredients
Wonton wrappers
usually found in the refrigerated section in the produce department, near tofu and salad dressings
Whipped cream cheese
Crab meat
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Fresh garlic
Green onion/chive
Directions
1. Place wonton wrappers aside.
2. Combine all other filling ingredients in a bowl.
3. Place filling in the center of each wonton.
4. Moisten the edges of the wonton with an egg wash (egg/water mixture).
5. Fold to seal, the egg wash will act like glue to keep it together.
6. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a dutch oven or pot until it reaches 350 degrees.
7. Fry 4-5 crab rangoons at a time, for about 45 seconds to one minute. Or until golden brown.
8. Place them on a plated lined with paper towels to cool.
9. Enjoy.
2020 Fall Bucket List
Fashion meets Food 