meanwhile in michigan: greenfield village

Greenfield Village is truly one of my favorite places on the planet.  All of the historical buildings are original and have been brought to the location piece by piece.  I love the variety of it.  At one end there is a Victorian farmhouse, home to the Firestones of Firestone Tires.  On the other end is Noah Webster's home, the father of the modern English dictionary.  As a girl, I learned all about glassblowing, printmaking, potting, and smithing from the various volunteers and onsite workshops.  And every time we went, my family appeased me and stopped at the milliner so I could try on a minimum of five beribboned hats.

Last week my family treated Mr. F and me to a day at the Village.  For me this was an especial treat as I got to show it off to my history loving husband.  I don't know if I loved trying on the hats or seeing Mr. F's reaction to muskets being fired more.  (Maybe the muskets...)  The Village in summer is a lot of fun as they have weekly vintage baseball games, workshops, and war reenactments.  On one day we were able to see a baseball game from the 1800s and an enlistment camp for the War of 1812. (Hence the muskets.)  And I got to try on a couple of hats.  Really fantastic day.

If ever you make it to the Metro Detroit area, be sure to check out Greenfield Village.  It is great for families of all ages (we  have pictures of my brother and I there as toddlers) and never disappoints. 

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 A few tips:

If your group is large enough, check out an annual group membership.  Your one day visit will alone cover the cost of it.  If you live close enough, you should just have one.  Always.  No really.  

Pack a lunch.  A cooler.  A wagon.  Stuff a stroller.  This place allows you to bring in your food, picnic blankets, water bottles, whatever.  So while you might want to eat at one of the restaurants once you're inside, you don't have to.  Saves a few dollars and in a way, picnicking on the green really adds to the experience.

Be prepared to walk.

Go in the fall for Harvest Days.  It is one of my favorite times to visit.  The working farm is harvested and are there all sorts of hands-on activities for young and old alike to participate in.  

Go at Christmas.  I don't believe the whole village is open at Christmas BUT Eagle Tavern is.  They put on a special Christmas feast straight out of Dickens.  Amazing food and even better atmosphere.  Book tickets early, they go fast for this.

Ride the train.  

Remember to act like a kid and ask as many questions as you can think of.  The things you'll learn in a few hours will boggle your mind!

Schedule another visit for the Henry Ford Museum next door.  Especially if you have boys.  Check out the website and you'll get why.  (Hint: planes, trains, and automobiles!)

Send me pictures when you go (:  Pleeeeeeasseeee.....