Dee Dee Smith's Blog

Posted by Dee Dee Smith

Many hotels now offer an upgrade to a room on a concierge or club level floor. Guests lodging on these floors receive additional services and amenities such as a personal concierge, continental breakfast, evening cocktails and private club/game room. These floors are typically on the top levels of the facilities and may also provide scenic views.

A couple of birthdays ago, my husband took me to the grandeur Amway Grand in Grand Rapids. The sweet young lady working the front desk noticed that it was my birthday and upgraded us to the club level (or what they refer to as the Tower). Since then, we always opt for the club level as it is definitely worth the extra cost. In the Tower we received an outstanding continental breakfast, complimentary beverages (at any time), evening hors d'oeuvres, and a room on one of the hotel's top floors.

Posted by Dee Dee Smith

One of my favorite ways to travel is on the ferry. The Lake Express Ferry which travels between Muskegon, MI and Milwaukee, WI is offering a great late summer deal. Here's how it works; purchase a one way ticket from either Muskegon to Milwaukee, or Milwaukee to Muskegon, and upgrade the ticket to roundtrip for an additional $19. To qualify for the discount however, the return trip must be on either the 6 a.m. (from Milwaukee back to Muskegon) or 11 p.m. (from Muskegon back to Milwaukee).

Maybe I'll see you aboard.

Posted by Dee Dee Smith

Everyone residing in the West Michigan area (specifically Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven or Muskegon) noticed an influx of motorcycles along highways 96 and 31 this past weekend. I myself enjoyed seeing the bikers come in headed down to Muskegon's Bike Time.

Sponsored by Budweiser, Hot Rod Harley Davidson and an array of local businesses, Muskegon's Bike Time is an annual event. The event brings together bikers from all over the states and Canada. This year visitors attended from as far as Colorado, Florida and Kansas.

The entire downtown area of Muskeon was flooded with every bike imaginable. There were Hondas, Kawasakis, Suzukis, Yamahas, BMW's and of course Harley Davidsons. Bike styles included cruisers, choppers, trikes, bikes with side cars and even a few scooters. Bikers in attendance enjoyed various stunt shows, great food, musical entertainment, contests and vendors. Other special events included a Blessing of the Bikes (on Sunday), a Mayor's Ride and a Miss Bike Time pageant.

Posted by Dee Dee Smith

Unbeknownst to many, Michael Jackson and his family are natives of the small steel town of Gary (Indiana). While many were saying their goodbyes to the King of Pop in Los Angeles, residents of this Midwest community were planning their own special memorial service.

Although lacking the glitz, glamour and national notoriety of the LA celebration, the Gary celebration had its share of tributes, performances and celebrities. Honored guests included the Chi-Lites (formerly with Motown Records), Deneice Williams (performer and fellow native of Gary) and Civil Rights Activist Jesse Jackson. Several local/regional celebrities were also in attendance such as Gary Mayor Rudy Clay, Indiana State Senator Earline Rogers and former Miss Indiana Kellee Patterson.

Organizers were hopeful that some of the Jackson family might attend. Nonetheless, only the family patriarch Joe Jackson showed. As usual, his appearance was not without controversy. Many were left puzzled when Mr. Jackson used the forum to launch a new artist from his record label. The young lady performed near the close of the program.

Several individuals want to see an event such as this take place each year honoring Michael Jackson. Others are working toward a more permanent tribute/exhibit such as a Jackson Museum or Michael Jackson Performing Arts Center in Gary.

Posted by Dee Dee Smith

Summer is a fantastic time for outdoor festivals. There are many that I attend annually, and some I'm hoping to get to this year.

One of my favorites is Muskegon's Summer Celebration held from June 25-July 5. Growing every year, this festival features various musical acts along with carnival rides, great food, celebrities and an arts and crafts show. Artists participating in the festival this year include John Legend, the Counting Crows and Heart. Truthfully however, I'm not really into the music. Instead, I go for the good food (my favorite being the elephant ears) and to walk around the craft show (which covers about a six block area).

Just across Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Summerfest will be taking place during the same time as Muskegon's Summer Celebration. Musical guests at Summerfest include Kenny Chesney, Bob Dylan, Keith Urban, Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire. With the Lake Express Ferry traveling between Muskegon and Milwaukee, one can actually spend a few days at one festival and then take the ferry over to the other side and spend a few days at the other festival.

A great vacation for music lvoers. Who knows? Maybe I'll see you there.

Posted by Dee Dee Smith

This past week, many of us in the Midwest experienced just a little taste of spring. The average temperature for the week in my area was somewhere around 50 degrees. Considering all of the snow and cold weather we've had this year that is a heatwave!

I am excited that spring is soon approaching. In addition to being tired of the cold and snow, I truly miss my being able to participate in outdoor activities (most importantly my beloved game of golf).

So I'm counting down the days. Appreciating and enjoying what is left of winter, but truly looking forward to the changing of seasons.

Are you anxiously awaiting spring? If so, what are you most looking forward to?

Posted by Dee Dee Smith

There is lots of excitement surrounding Tuesday's upcoming inauguration of President Elect Obama. Various events will take place in Washington D.C. to commemorate the occasion including a parade, swearing in ceremony and several inaugural balls.

Obviously most of us are not on the invite list for these posh events. Instead, the majority of the country will watch the event(s) on television. And, as with the Super Bowl, many are throwing at home parties with fun foods and creative dishes.

Several communities and associations are also planning their own celebrations. One such event is that of the Chicago Inaugural Ball to be held at the Aragon Ballroom. Other communities planning similar events include Portland, Las Vegas and Cincinnati.

Although our plans are not definite, we will likely watch the event on television with friends. What are your plans for Tuesday? How do you plan to commemorate this historic occasion?