It is no secret that I absolutely love doing anything that pertains to the holidays. So, when I heard about Binder Park Zoo offering dinner with Santa and their Holiday Lights program, I knew I had to manage it into our crazy-busy family schedule.

So, last Friday, the kids, my husband and I, headed to the Zoo. Dinner was catered by Fazoli's and, I'm not sure if it was the good food, the promise of an excellent dessert, or Santa watching from a few feet away, but both kids cleaned their plates and had an excellent time!

I'm sure the highlight of the evening for my kids was to see the man-in-red himself, Santa Claus. I'm sure Mr. Claus was highly entertained when my son asked him where his reindeer were; he didn't see them on the way in. Santa responded, "the nice folks at Binder Park Zoo let me stable the reindeer in the warm barn with the giraffes." It turns out that Santa's reindeer and giraffes have a great time together! That had the kids wondering if Rudolph got to play with the new baby giraffes.

After dinner, we took a stroll through the Zoo and very much enjoyed the beautiful light displays. We all got a kick out of the winter animals roaming and playing in the snow! They act totally different than during the hot summer days!

So many other exciting activities had my children, and my husband and I, enchanted with the Holidays that night. I think one of the best parts for me, was when the kids rode the carousel, and my husband and I joined them on one of the benches; it was the perfect family moment.

If you haven't been out to Holiday Nights at the Zoo, the Zoo is open now through December 23 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Admission is just $5 per person ($4 for members) and children 2 and under are free...

We are already planning to go again next year. Since the kids are growing up so fast, it was wonderful to have an evening of family time where we all had fun together. This is definitely a Christmas tradition we want to continue!

Today, being Thursday, means I have already been looking forward to the weekend for a couple of days now. With so many events and activities going on during this time of year, it is always difficult to decide what to do. There is 'this' Holiday party, and 'that' holiday party, and the one of a 'friend of a friend,' and it goes on and on.

When I realized that this weekend is Arcadia Brewing Co.'s Highland Christmas: 13Th Anniversary Party, I realized other plans could be rescheduled. It's this Saturday (as in two days away). Arcadia, specializing in handcrafted British-style ales, makes one of my favorite beers, the Hopmouth Double IPA (mmmm, mmm good!). I love taking people there who've never experienced it; because it is an experience! From the second you walk in the door, you smell the hops and know you are in for a treat. The food is great too... ok... anyway... back to the Christmas event...

Tim Surprise, Arcadia Founder & President, kicks off the event at 5:00 p.m. with the 'Address to the Haggis.' The night will get interesting as Arcadia's Brew Crew & Tavern team kilt up with members of the Kalamazoo Pipe Band. You don't have to go to the hills of Scotland to hear Highland Bagpipe music and the Celtic ensemble Fonn Mor (8:00 p.m.), just head to downtown Battle Creek!

So, here's the deal. There will be a cover charge of $5 for this event; $2 from that, and $1 from every glass of beer poured, will be donated to a great cause; the Food Bank of South Central Michigan. Guests are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items (so take a look in your cupboards and see what you can spare.)

And, to put the plaid on the kilt, or so-to-speak, Arcadia will also debut their 13th Anniversary Ale Cereal City Beer along side a delicious menu of Arcadia and Scotland's best.

So, if you can't afford a trip to Scotland this Christmas, check out Arcadia's 'Highland Christmas.' Support a great cause and hang out with new friends and old!

"Walkin' in a winter wonderland..."

The sights may not be a Winter Wonderland in Battle Creek quite yet; however the holidays kick off this weekend! Driving down Michigan Avenue this morning I noticed the variety of lights and garland lining the way and can hardly contain my excitement.

However, I do not have to wait long! The International Festival of Lights (IFOL)kicks off Saturday with the Battle Creek Holiday Parade. The parade, beginning at 5:40 p.m.,will take place along Michigan Avenue downtown.

This year, the IFOL will have a Warming House located at 12 West Michigan Avenue (formerly Godfrey's Jewelers).The warming house will be every Friday - Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

All of this reminded me of the importance of updating the CVB's holiday page on our web site. So, of course, I had to begin playing Christmas music on Pandora to bring in the holiday spirit.

There are so many exciting things going on! I can just imagine all the amazing photos that will be taken! (I think I love photos of an event almost as much as I love experiencing it!)

Be sure to check out the holiday page and see why I am so thrilled for the season to begin!

Fall is here and Halloween is only days away! There are so many things going on and so much to do on the ‘to-do’ list. Already completed? The great pumpkin ‘search and carve’. Sunday provided a beautiful fall afternoon so we loaded the family and headed to pick our pumkins.

The search for the perfect pumpkin ensued, and once discovered, we went home to carve them By the time piles and piles of newspapers were covered in pumpkin guts and the seeds were baking in the oven, we had the pumpkins lit to show our dazzling creative abilities.

As for a costume… that is still in the works. I only have a few days left and need to work on my creativity; especially if I join the walk on Wednesday. If you haven’t heard, Wednesday, from 1130 am to 100 pm, the 5th Annual Downtown Halloween Walk will be taking place along Michigan Avenue. I’ll have to take photos!

So, besides my costume, I believe we are all set and ready for this weekend. I could always decorate my house a little creepier….

Have a safe and happy Halloween!!

You know the stories: the one where the red-caped girl goes to grandmothers house to find a surprise and the one where three innocent little pigs had a house blown down and many, many more tales; all focused on the wolf.

Binder Park Zoo kicks off Wolf Awareness Week beginning Saturday with Howl-a-Palooza. We took the family last year and the kids absolutely loved it! Visitors travel through the Zoo to the Mexican Wolf exhibit and listen to the Keepers as they educate the public on the most endangered wolf-species. They also give a free wolf poster to attendees (while supplies last).

Its the perfect time of the year to take the family to Binder Park Zoo. I love walking through the forest as the leaves begin to change and re-discovering all the zoo has to offer. To save you trouble,I looked up the phone number 269 979 1351.

Get those motors running… for this weekend in Battle Creek! With so much to do, the calendar is already full! Saturday morning, the Farmers Market will be Downtown… and I am hoping to pick up some deliciously red tomatoes and spicy ingredients for salsa; the perfect summer treat!

Speaking of salsa and spices, the International Summerfest takes place Downtown at Mill Race Park. This festival celebrates Battle Creeks diversity with tasty ethnic food and entertainment. Food is served until 5pm, with children’s activities until 4pm.

But don’t be ready to pack up just yet, be sure to stay downtown for Cruise the Gut; an old fashioned cruise in for vehicles vintage 1972 or earlier. The cruise route runs along Michigan Avenue between Division and Carlyle Streets with vehicle entry points for qualifying cars along the route. The Cruise goes from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

And don't forget, GREASE, will be playing in the Semco parking lot (next to Mill Race Park) at 930 pm; bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show!

To complete the perfect day, be sure to stay Downtown and socialize with everyone at one of the many establishments. My husband and I will probably stop by the new Cricket Club or walk from place to place catching up with neighbors and friends!

Open for Business

“Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya?� Then head out to FireKeepers Casino, now open in Emmett Township.

I received an invitation for one of the private opening sessions. Thrilled at the opportunity, my husband and I ventured to the casino for the evening.

FireKeepers is completely astonishing and masterfully designed. We couldn’t help but stare around at the intricate designs straight out of a Las Vegas or Atlantic City style casino. Designed with one theme in mind, the casino displays earth, wind, water and fire throughout the entire complex.

Being the food lover that I am, we first embarked on one of the many dining establishments; Café 24/7. I was quite impressed! The service was great and the food was far better than we expected! The menu, catered to tastes of all kind, had something for everyone with an extra… flair… to each item.

So, on to the gambling portion of the evening… we aren’t big gamblers but definitely tested our hand at the machines! We played a few dollars and walked away a few dollars more than what we had started with. However, it was so excited walking around to see all the people playing live table games and the impressive variety of additional games.

My final conclusion: I’ll be back. Whether a gambler or not, it is quite the establishment offering entertainment and dining for all. Just to see the architecture and design is a reason to stop by!