Southern Michigan Knows

Allen Michigan Antique Mall

2012-06-01T11:44:00.000-04:00

Allen Antique Mall shares a parking lot with 5 other shoppes making this a one-stop place to shop in the antique capital of Michigan. The Allen Antique Mall features 200 dealers in two buildings. Glass, toys, tools and many more collectibles are on display in both buildings located one mile West of the blinker light in Allen, MI.

Munro House Bed and Breakfast is comfortable lodging located 5 miles East of Allen on highway 12 in downtown Jonesville with 10 restaurants nearby.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Allen Antique Barn in Michigan

2012-05-31T20:41:00.000-04:00

Allen Antique Barn is one of several antique malls just a mile West of Allen Michigan. Allen is known as the antique capital of Michigan and has several malls--each as large as a grocery store. There is an ever-changing selection of antiques, collectibles, and memorabilia on display 7 days a week on 2 floors.

Another Murder Mystery in Michigan 5-26-12

2012-05-27T11:59:00.002-04:00

8 Players joined us at the big table for another Murder Mystery Dinner at the Munro House B&B in Jonesville, MI. A 5 course meal was served that included shrimp cocktail appetizer, cream of broccoli soup, house salad, an entree choice of rib eye steak or pecan salmon with baked potato and marsala carrots, and finished with hot cherry pie a la mode.

4 couples quickly became adversaries and friends as they played various characters in the interactive murder mystery. It seemed that everyone had a motive. But, did everyone have the opportunity to commit the crime? Was everyone capable of the method to do the deed? Were the clues too subtle or too outrageous to fit the crime?

The characters were introduced while the appetizer was served. The game was played during the soup, salad. and entree. A discussion of the crime and the potential suspects were examined over dessert. In the end, one super-sleuth put 99% of the clues together and named the murderer.

Murder Mysteries are hosted randomly at the Munro House throughout the year with November being Murder Mystery Month. Pick a date for a private event or to start a new gathering, or stay tuned to facebook to be informed of upcoming packages and special events.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Radio Sponsored Wedding in Hillsdale MI

2012-05-25T22:30:00.000-04:00

A one-of-a-kind wedding was held in Hillsdale Michigan on the grounds of radio station WCSR. A former employee was looking for something unusual, unique, and uncostly. The station found local sponsors who provided services in trade for advertising. Everything was sponsored from the tent to the flowers to the place to stay on the wedding night--the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville.

The tent held about 50 guests while the entire ceremony was broadcast live on the radio. The groom's suit, the bridal gown, the flowers, and the wedding bands were all provided by local businesses. Local radio personality Bob Flynn hosted the nuptials and interviewed the bridal couple after the event. They drove away in a convertible donated by a local dealership.

The families and guests seemed pleased with the turnout and vendor participation in this interesting alternative wedding. The radio station did an outstanding job of organizing, promoting, and pulling off this important event. The children in the wedding party were very well-behaved. A hot but comfortable day was enjoyed by all. Full photo gallery on facebook.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Harkerd Inn Pleasant Lake MI Bed and Breakfast

2012-05-24T15:53:00.000-04:00

Eight innkeepers held a 2 day meeting at Hankerd Inn Bed and Breakfast in Pleasant Lake Michigan about 15 minutes North of Jackson. We arrived and were amazed at the amount of room Hankerd Inn has for meetings, get-togethers, family reunions, scrap booking, and quilting. Four buildings can house up to 37 people. Their remote location makes it quiet and intimate.

We took over one of the crafting rooms and had plenty of space to spread out our meeting materials. The free wireless internet was very much needed and appreciated. Each building has a large amount of common space to rest, relax, have private conversations, or large group presentations.

Lou and I shared two of three bedrooms in the adjacent cottage where we also had our own living room and kitchen. Six ladies shared rooms in the main building of the inn where we were also served dinner and breakfast.

There are no restaurants within 10 minutes of Hankerd Inn, so Janet the innkeeper made all of our meals for us. It was quite evident that she does this a lot. She easily prepared dinner and also performed a cracker making demonstration to the delight of the whole group.

Hankerd Inn is a rare find in Southern Michigan. Every room has an artistic flair designed by the master crafter innkeeper, Janet. There is so much room at the 4 building facility that craft groups or family reunions can gather here and be able to enjoy themselves together or to break out into smaller private groups.

See full photo gallery.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Jonesville MI Riverfest 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

2012-05-23T18:03:00.000-04:00

Jonesville Rotary Club hosted the annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament during Riverfest at Jonesville High School. The adult open class was held on Sunday afternoon for men and women in an "A" and "B" class. Many of my friends from Noon Ball at Hillsdale College competed, and ended up being on each team of the final 4 teams in the mens division.

Complete Photo Gallery

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Jonesville Riverfest Car Show

2012-05-22T15:48:00.000-04:00

The park in downtown Jonesville was filled with classic vehicles for the annual Riverfest Car Show. Visitors enjoyed all the work that the automobile enthusiasts put into their new and vintage cars, trucks, and bikes.

The weather was perfect with temperatures in the low 80's, a cloudless sky, and a slight breeze. The wooded park was an ideal place to display the vehicles with a lot of them in the shade where hundreds, if not thousands, of people gathered to look at cars.

It's not only about the classic cars, the muscle cars, and the race cars. Some unusual vehicles were added this year. The new selections included off-road vehicles, a dragster, and a modified lawn mower!

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Jonesville Riverfest Triathlon 2012 Results

2012-05-19T16:20:00.001-04:00

Jonesville Michigan's annual Riverfest Celebration opened on Friday night with a most unusual triathlon. This event has 2 person teams. One person begins the race as a runner who goes 2.3 miles. A tag is made and the partner bikes 5.7 miles. The team is reunited for a 2 mile tandem canoe trip to the finish line.

The race takes about 1 hour. This year's winners built a lead in the first leg, enhanced the lead in the second leg, and held on to win the race.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Victory Motorcyle Ride Coldwater Michigan

2012-05-17T13:24:00.001-04:00

The Victory Motorcycle Tour is coming to Coldwater Michigan May 18-19. Take a test ride on your choice of many Victory Motorcycles. Victory is the other brand of American made Motorcycles. I rode on the tour last year. There were about 20 loaner bikes that anyone could use to take a 20 minute group ride every half hour or so. Just bring your motorcycle permit, protective eye wear, and helmet to enjoy a test ride on one of several models and styles. It's first come, first served, so get there early and ride often. Munro House B&B is just 20 minutes away. Come on over and let's talk about bikes.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Michigan Murder Mystery May 26

2012-05-16T11:30:00.000-04:00

Another Murder Mystery Dinner is being hosted by the Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI over Memorial Day Weekend. For people who are not going to the lake or to an amusement park, this is a fun weekend in Southern Michigan. Everyone participates in the interactive who-done-it over a 5 course dinner. Join in while there is still space available.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Raker's Annual Plant Sale

2012-05-15T11:16:00.000-04:00

Raker's Acres in Litchfield Michigan hosted their annual plant sale on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend. The parking lot was full as the sale began at 10:00 a.m. An assortment of flowers, vegetables, and herbs were available to the public at reasonable prices.

The Raker's Trial Gardens are in their infancy and will be in full bloom in the early Summer. About 5 acres of flowers in a garden setting is a must-see attraction for gardeners visiting Southern Michigan and is open to the public.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

2012 Hillsdale College Graduation

2012-05-14T11:23:00.000-04:00

The 2012 commencement ceremony at Hillsdale College was held outdoors on the East Lawn of campus. The traditional Mothers Day Weekend event was in danger of being rained out, but there was a plan in place to move everyone indoors if the weather took a turn for the worse. The temperature was perfect--around 70 degrees--but there was a big chance of rain. The rain came, but everyone was able to count the few drops that actually fell on them during the ceremony.

The naturally sloping landscape of the East Lawn allowed for good viewing by everyone in attendance. With over 1,500 people in on the lawn, the good weather made everyone happy and comfortable to watch their student graduate from Hillsdale College.

Unfortunately, there are only about 130 rooms in the entire county for special events. So, where do all these people stay for Hillsdale College Graduation or on special event weekends? A good choice is the Munro House B&B in Jonesville. It's 7 1/2 minutes from campus. But not just anyone can stay here. Those parents who have supported the Munro House in the past earn dibs for graduation. It is hard to get in, until someone graduates. But once you're in, you're in. Good luck parents of incoming Freshmen. Start a relationship and it will pay off for Graduation at Hillsdale College.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Hillsdale College Graduation Party

2012-05-13T20:10:00.000-04:00

Guests at the Munro House Bed and Breakfast have the option to have a Graduation Party for their Hillsdale College Graduating Student on the grounds of this Jonesville Michigan B&B. Small hors d'oeuveres parties are hosted just 7 1/2 minutes from campus, while sit down dinners and larger gatherings are referred to a local caterer at a nearby private property.

Regular guests of Munro House earn dibs on the much sought-after rooms during Hillsdale College Graduation. There are generally about 300 graduating students, but there are only about 130 lodging rooms in the whole county. Past guests are given preference when booking for special events.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

What Is the Best Pinochle Hand

2012-05-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

I have been playing Pinochle since the 1960's. It is a fairly complicated card game to play. Basically, 2 Euchre decks are combined so there are two of each card--the 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of all four suits, for 48 cards per deck. Deal 12 cards to 2 sets of partners, then bid, then pass 3 cards to your partner, then meld, then play hand to take tricks with "count". Count cards are A, 10, K. Meld + count on tricks must meet or exceed bid. Simple!

Meld is made of 'marriages' (Q,K of same suit), 'arounds' (J,Q,K, or A of each suit), 'runs' (J,Q,K.10, and A of same suit), ''Pinochle" (J of Diamonds and Q of Spades), and the 9s of trump are always meld. Better meld is a double Pinochle, doubles around, and double run. The double run is the most points a player can meld. I've been playing Pinochle for almost 50 years and have never seen a hand with a double run until now--I've only seen doubles around twice in that same have a century.

The 4 of us play Pinochle once a month at Rob's lake house. The evening starts out with a selection of beers provided by Don. Rob supplies the menu. I make the salad. Dan does the cooking. I make cookies for dessert. We all feast until it's time for Pinochle. We play cards and change partners until each of us has been paired up twice. We have seen many very good hands. On this night, Don had the greatest hand we've ever played.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Historic Sauder Village Archbold Ohio

2012-05-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

Sauder Village in Archbold Ohio is located just 60 minutes from the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville Michigan. Guests who want to take a half day to enjoy a historic and educational experience can take the short drive across the border to spend time celebrating the past.

Sauder Village is a historic recreation of a 19th century settlement. The village and farm allows patrons to view life as it was in the pioneer days and to participate in hands-on activities. They also have a horse and buggy ride plus a steam train. Watch the blacksmith and potters work their trade.

Costumed guides give an authentic feel to the shoppes, businesses. and the school house. This living history exhibit is a fun visit into the past experiencing daily life in the 1800's.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Jonesville Riverfest and Car Show

2012-05-06T13:49:00.000-04:00

The 38th annual Jonesville Riverfest celebrating the St Joseph River in downtown Jonesville Michigan is scheduled for May 18-20. Three days of fun, events, shopping, shows, food, and competition in downtown Jonesville.

Friday evening features a unique Triathlon--run, bike, and canoe by 2 person teams. The first person runs 2.3 miles, the second person bikes 5.7 miles, both contestants canoe 2 miles to the finish line. Start at Jonesville Post Office. Tags at the Red Bridge.

Saturday features a Pancake Breakfast at the Grosvenor House Museum, day one of 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Jonesville High School, downtown events include arts and craft exhibits, Fire Station BBQ, car and bike show, cloggers, a civil war encampment, plus Canoe Races in several categories on the St. Joseph River. Party on the Patio at Saucy Dog to local live band STD--the Silver Tongued Devils.

Sunday features the fire department waterball competition, the finals of the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, and the Domestic Harmony Duck Derby. Food, tours, entertainment, arts and crafts will continue through the afternoon.

Munro House B&B is just a block from the activities in downtown Jonesville. Folks with classic vehicles competing in the car show can get $50 off per night when they arrive in their classic car and show us their contest entry form.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Movie Review: The Avengers

2012-05-05T11:49:00.000-04:00

Marvel Comic Book Heroes unite in "The Avengers" to form an allegiance to battle invaders from outer space. Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and Hulk along with other super heroes fight against a seemingly unbeatable force to try to save the world. I do not read comics, but I am aware of these characters and their unique powers. We went to the midnight first viewing and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Well-told story with lots of action. Interesting plot with well-defined characters. Hulk is really likable and Iron Man has all the good lines.

Note that there is a quick preview of the Avengers next adventure after the roll of the title characters. Note that there is an another additional scene after the final credits are finished. It is worth staying until the very end. Rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A must see action movie this Summer.

Premiere Theater in Hillsdale MI shows new release movies like "The Avengers" on 7 screens and is just 6 minutes from the Munro House B&B in Jonesville. Every night is cheap movie night--even for world premiere new release movies at midnight.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Quilt Show at Sauder Village in Archbold OH

2012-05-04T07:47:00.000-04:00

Sauder Village in Archbold Ohio is hosting their 36th annual quilt show to open the 2012 season. Over 400 quilts are on display in the Founder's Hall until May 6. The judging has been completed and the ribbons have been placed on the winning works of art in several categories. The projects range in size from small wall hangings to king size bed quilts.

Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI is located just an hour from Sauder Village. It is worth the trip to spend a half day or more visiting displays of historic homes, businesses, and shops from the 19th century hosted by people wearing period costumes. The quilts that are currently on display is a bonus.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

2012 People's Choice Awards Winner

2012-05-03T11:39:00.000-04:00

The 2012 Hillsdale Daily News People's Choice Awards have been selected. Munro House B&B in Jonesville has won the award for best Bed and Breakfast in Hillsdale County, once again. Although many local residents have never stayed overnight at Munro House, they have attended weddings, parties, tours, and get-togethers at the oldest house in Hillsdale County. Munro House is known as the best place to stay in Hillsdale County and this award acknowledges innkeepers Mike & Lori Venturini's leadership in hospitality.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Jelly Roll Quilting Project in Michigan

2012-05-02T11:46:00.000-04:00

Lori Venturini participated in another 12 hour quilting project at Trevathan's Sweep and Sew Shoppe in Hillsdale MI. Ladies worked on a mystery quilt for most of the day. They arrived to the store and drew bags of cut pieces to create a 'jelly roll' pattern quilt. A dish to pass was required to keep all of the quilters onsite through lunch and dinner. Lively conversation and lots of laughs filled the classroom from 10 AM to 10 PM. Most of the projects were completed with time to spare. Munro House Quilts will be opening soon.

Mike Venturini

Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Memorial Day Weekend Getaway in Michigan

2012-05-01T11:18:00.000-04:00

There is an alternative to going camping or to the beach on Memorial Day weekend in Michigan. The Munro House in Jonesville is featuring a Murder Mystery Dinner Party on Saturday May 26. Choose a one or two night getaway in the great indoors! Friday night features dinner for 2 at Olivia's Chop House. Saturday night features adult themed fun at an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Party.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Veterans Discount for Memorial Day Weekend

2012-04-30T19:17:00.000-04:00

Veterans and active duty soldiers are invited to the Munro House B&B in Jonesville MI for a Murder Mystery Dinner Party on Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-26. The normal rate is discounted for Vets on this Military Holiday. Veterans can enjoy the 2 day weekend for $367--a discount of $120 or more! This price includes dinner at Olivia's Chop House on Friday night, the Murder Mystery Dinner Party on Saturday night plus 2 nights bed and breakfast. Ask for the Veteran's Discount and email a photo of the vet in uniform to the address on your confirmation letter to get the special pricing.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Murder Mystery Dinner May 25-26

2012-04-29T13:00:00.002-04:00

Another Murder Mystery Dinner has been added to the calendar at Munro House B&B in Jonesville Michigan for the weekend of May 25-26. Guests participate in an interactive game where one of them has committed the murder of a mutual acquaintance. No one knows who did it so there is a lot of lies, deceit, and finger-pointing throughout the evening. After all the clues have been uttered, there is a discussion amongst the participants about the motive and opportunity for everyone involved to have possibly committed the crime. The final showdown has everyone laying out a case and guessing who did it and why. Our hostess then reveals who didn't do it, and why; until it becomes quite obvious who the guilty party actually is. All of this adult fun occurs while wearing a funky hat and enjoying a 5 course dinner with new friends at the big table at Munro House.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast
Reservations 1-800-320-3792

Bed and Breakfast Phone Tossing Contest

2012-04-28T12:18:00.000-04:00

The annual telephone tossing competition for female secretaries in honor of Administrative Professionals Week was held on the grounds of Hillsdale Radio Station WCSR this week. Around 100 ladies participated in this light-hearted event on a cool but sunny day in Southern Michigan. Each participant threw a telephone to win valuable prizes and a free lunch from local merchants. The Grand Prize Telephone Tosser won an overnight stay at the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville. Win or lose, the ladies had a great time during this contest hosted by local DJ and radio personality, Bob Flynn.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast

Jonesville MI Hotel/Motel Choices

2012-04-27T11:47:00.000-04:00

There is only one hotel/motel in Jonesville MI, but there is more than one lodging choice. The Munro House Bed and Breakfast in downtown Jonesville offers upscale lodging in a comfortable atmosphere. Munro House features a free hot breakfast, free wifi, and accepts all credit cards. This B&B is a better way to stay in Jonesville MI.

Mike Venturini
Jonesville Michigan Bed and Breakfast Innkeeper
"Life is good in Jonesville"
Munro House Bed and Breakfast