The first stop on
the Michigan Meandering of Grand River Avenue is Williamston Michigan. Until my
mom moved into the Williamston area about 9 years ago, I hadn't really spent
much time there. I had visited some friends once and also been there to eat at Spags (Spagnuolo's Restaurant and Spag's Bar & Grill), a longstanding Williamston
eatery. Since my mom's move, Williamston
is now a frequent stop for us. Shopping
One of our favorite
stops is the Michigan Market located in the Keller Building. This store offers
a wide variety of Michigan made gifts including jams, snacks. jewelry, cards,
and scarves. There are always finding new items to keep you coming back to see
what they will have.
If you are looking
for a one of a kind gift or piece for you home, stop in to Fireworks Glass
Studio. You can watch artists Rhonda Baker and Dave Porter make one of a kind
hanging lampshades, vases, and other creative and colorful pieces. Of course,
they also offer glassblowing classes for those that are interested in making
pieces.
Barrett's is a
family owned clothing store in downtown that has been there since 1928. While
it many in Williamston visit the store today for Williamston clothing and
varsity jackets or school clothing, you can also find both men's and women's
clothing and shoes. You can find apparel from Carhart, Stormy Kromer, Dickies,
Levi's, Woolrich, Columbia, Red Wing
Shoes, Merrell, Toad & Co., and The Mitten State along with other brands. 
On the edge of town,
near I-96, near the Antique Market of Williamtson, is Meridorf Meats Market.
Like many of the other Williamston businesses, Merindorf's is a family owned
business. They have two locations, one in Williamston and one in Mason. They have
been in business since 1997. Merindorf's carries a wide selection of beef ,
specialty smoked meats, and chicken, pork, buffalo, elk, venison items,
cheeses, and specialty foods. They offer meat processing for farmers and
hunters as well as meat bundles for those that want to purchase a larger amount
for better deal. Keep an eye out on their website for weekly deals.
Dinning
Gracie's Place
Gracie's Place is a
great lunch or dinner spot. The food is farm to table with quality ingredients
and changes every couple of weeks. They have an vast beer, wine and signature
cocktail offering. While eating, you can
also admire the paintings, each month a different artist is featured. If you
sit in the back of the restaurant, you can watch the food be prepared. The last time my mom was there, she said she
had to tip the chef because she enjoyed her lunch so much. She had the Jack
Donnelly sandwich (turkey, bacon, cranberry and horseradish) with creamy Tomato
Basil soup, one of my favorites. Gracie's offers
great food in a creative atmosphere. If you are interested in cooking classes,
you contact the Gracie's for more information and to reserve a spot in their
monthly cooking classes.
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| Gracie's Brick Wall that features different artists every couple of weeks. |
When people think of
dining in Williamston, many think of the Red Cedar Grill. Red Cedar Grill is
New American cuisine described as Big City Tastes in a Small Town. The menu at Red Cedar changes seasonally. If
you are intrested in a having a drink with your dinner, they have Michigan
craft brews on tap, a seasonal cocktails, and an expansive wine list.
The first time my
mom invited me to eat at a Golf Course, I was surprised, but pleasantly
surprised after dinning there. The menu is fairly extensive with appetizers,
soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza and flatbreads, Mexican selections, steaks,
pasta, and fish. The prices are very reasonable. Be sure to check their website
for specials, like all you can eat fish on Friday nights for $11.99 and a
lasagna dinner special on Sundays for $9.99 where you can choose from homemade
meat or vegetable lasagna.
For more information
on Tavern 109, see my past blog post:
Antiques
If you are
interested in Antiques, Williamston is the town for you. There are several
antique stores in town, our favorites are The Antiques Market, Red Cedar
Antiques, and Old Plank Road.
The Antiques Marketof Williamston is a huge building located just off I-96 on the south end of Williamston. Since 1995 the owners have managed to
keep this large building loaded with a variety of items. This antique market is
very well known. Be sure to check out their website for monthly specials, photos
from booths, and pictures of what's new.
Old Plank Road
Antiques is located right downtown.
Do not let this small store fool you.
They have plenty of good quality antiques.
New pieces come in frequently.
Do not let this small store fool you.
They have plenty of good quality antiques.
New pieces come in frequently.
Stay tuned for the
other stops on the Meandering Grand River Avenue Towns Series.
More to come from the mind of ...