Easy Tips to Hanging Holiday Lights for Your Ann Arbor, MI Home

The holiday season is just around the corner in Ann Arbor, which means that you need to start thinking about hanging up your Christmas lights. It is an amazing feeling when you get this task done, but many people do not relish doing it. The key to getting it done is getting it started. Once you get some momentum going, it will be done in short order. To help you find the motivation to hang your Christmas lights this year, follow these tips to make it easy on yourself:

Ann Arbor MI Christmas Lights
by Christmas Lights, Etc

Spots & Tips to Hanging Holiday Lights Outdoors

Displaying holiday lights around the exterior of your Ann Arbor home is a great way to show your holiday spirit this year. Dazzle neighbors and children alike with colorful decorations that makes everyone feel at home this holiday. To get started, think about where you want to hang your lights. Places like the driveway, front door, bushes & trees, and around the windows are great places to add strings of lights.

Measure the area where you want to hang lights and consider how many lights you’ll need for the project. Also be sure to collect all your supplies, such as your work gloves, stepladder, and extension cords, to make the process easier. Once you’ve done the initial preparation, begin by testing the lights. Plug them in and spot any that aren’t working. It’s suggested you don’t connect more than 3 strands together, in case of any electrical surges. To save you time from turning the lights on and off, get a timer that is weatherproof and let the machine take care of the work for you.

Additional things to consider include clips, tacks, and adhesives made for hanging lights outside.

Spots & Tips to Hanging Holiday Lights Indoors

Besides placing lights around your Christmas tree, there are a number of other areas you can spread joy around the house. Places you might want to consider hanging lights include:

  • Around the walls of your bedroom
  • On the fireplace mantel
  • Up the stair rail
  • On a wreath
  • Around the windows

Again, be sure to measure the area where you will hang lights at and prepare the supplies. Items like transparent tape, tacks, and twist ties come in handy when hanging lights indoors. Always remember to work from the highest point first and work your way down. If you use tacks, make sure not to pierce the electrical wiring. If you place any lights in seasonal wreaths, consider using battery-operated lights to save you time and hassle.

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Your Ann Arbor, MI Holiday Calendar

Check out local festivities happening around Ann Arbor this holiday season and use our Holiday Calendar to mark down your favorite dates. You and the family can enjoy visits by Santa Claus and run in holiday 5k races. Also, be sure to check out our blog on December 6th and read our upcoming blog post: 12 tips to selling your home before the holidays!

Ann Arbor Holiday Calendar

 

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Thanksgiving Without the Stress | Ann Arbor

If hosting Thanksgiving in Ann Arbor falls to you this year, you’re probably feeling a bit daunted by planning a menu, providing drinks and music and getting your house ready for family and friends. De-stress your holiday experience with these quick tips for how to relax and go with the flow this Thanksgiving.

Rene Mayorga

Don’t Over Think Hosting Duties

Thanksgiving is about love and togetherness, and you’ll shed a great deal of anxiety simply by realizing that no one expects you, your meal or your home to be absolutely perfect. Rather than stressing out over every single detail of your home’s décor, try focusing on one or two items that feel special to you, like a gorgeous centerpiece for you table or a DIY decoration that feels unique.

Host a Buffet-Style Holiday

Rather than fussing over a perfectly set table and worrying about who should sit where, go informal with a buffet-style meal this year. A casual buffet is so easy that it’s sure to become a new tradition in your family. Set up food on one long table and stack plates, silverware and drink cups within easy reach.

Prep Food in Advance

If you’re stuck in the kitchen from sunup to sundown, how can you enjoy the holiday with your loved ones? Spend the day before Thanksgiving prepping and cooking the items that can be made in advance at your own leisurely pace and you’ll only have a fraction of the work on Thanksgiving Day. Almost all of the sides and desserts can be made in advance, so make sure to work ahead and it will pay off!

Buy Local for Baked Goods

Not everyone is a culinary wizard, and pies and cakes are the most time-consuming elements of a Thanksgiving meal. Visit one of the many amazing Ann Arbor bakeries for delicious, pre-made desserts.

Clean Throughout the Day

You may be tempted to let dish duty slide during the day, but you’ll only end up with a monstrous mountain of plates to tackle at the end of the night when you’re full and sleepy. Instead, politely request that guests clear their plates at the end of every course, and keep the dishwasher running whenever you’ve got a full load. Wrapping and storing leftovers from each finished course will also keep end-of-the night cleanup to a bare minimum.

This year’s Thanksgiving holiday can be the best one ever if you can take advantage of these pointers and slow down and relax. Be thankful for the small things that help you save time this holiday season and enjoy creating simple Thanksgiving memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Ann Arbor, MI Charities: Giving Back This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and to recognize and make note of all that we are thankful for. It is also an important time to remember and reach out to those that are less fortunate. Whether it is lack of food or a warm home to gather in or it’s due to the loss of a loved one, there are people who need us to reach out to them at Thanksgiving time. There are many different charities in the Ann Arbor area, but below are a few of the city’s best:

Ann Arbor MI Thanksgiving Charities
by U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

  • 2375 Hubbard StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48109.
  • Phone: (248) 437-4524

This 5K walk/run begins and ends at the North Campus of the University of Michigan on Thanksgiving Morning. Participants are asked to bring at least one non-perishable food item to benefit the Food Gatherers of Ann Arbor as well as warm clothing items to donate to the Salvation Army. Children and strollers are welcome. Post Turkey Trot events include awards, refreshments, and Santa Claus.

Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels

  • 2025 Traverwood Drive, Suite FAnn Arbor, MI 48105
  • Phone: (734) 998-6686

This wonderful company provides meals to home bound individuals in the Ann Arbor area. The meals are prepared by the University of Michigan Health System’s Patient Food and Nutrition Services and delivered by volunteers. Not only do they provide meals for those less fortunate, but they also provide dignity and fellowship. For some people, the volunteer is the only person they see all day. Donate your time or a monetary amount. Make sure those less fortunate have food and company for the Thanksgiving season.

Habitat for Humanity

  • 170 Aprill DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48103
  • Phone: (734) 677-1558

Habitat for Humanity makes home ownership possible for low-income families and individuals. There are many ways to get involved including donating to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, making a monetary donation, or donating your time helping out in the construction of new homes. Groups and families can sign up together. Help a family have a warm home to gather in next Thanksgiving.

Homefront Hugs USA

  • 1850 Brookfield DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48103
  • Phone: (734) 330-8203

Homefront Hugs USA has its headquarters in Ann Arbor and is dedicated to supporting our military, veterans, and their families. Write letters or send cards to wounded veterans. You can “Adopt” a deployed hero or heroin. Show your support and appreciation for our country’s finest. Hundreds of men and women are on the Homefront Hugs waiting list for you to come along side them. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to show these families we are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifice.

Putting the Giving Back in Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a bountiful time of year. Warm, cozy fires at home and hearty family meals should make us all feel grateful. Remember those in need and take stock of how you can help. Donate time, money, food, or clothing to those less fortunate and you will enable them to enjoy this holiday season as well.

Contact Us to Learn More About the Ann Arbor Area

Ann Arbor, MI Restaurants Offering Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner is one of those meals where many prefer to out to eat and thus leave all of the preparation, cooking, and cleaning to others. There are a few top choices in the Ann Arbor area for those who want to get out for their Thanksgiving meal this year.

Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Restaurants
by Vxla

Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

Weber’s is perhaps the most well known place to grab Thanksgiving dinner in the Ann Arbor area. There are various options in this classy restaurant that include choices such as traditional roast turkey, prime rib, seafood or even roasted duckling. It’s all served with traditional trimmings to complete the meal.

Gandy Dancer

Gandy Dancer is another Ann Arbor restaurant that is open for business on Thanksgiving. Options include traditional turkey or duck with all of the trimmings or anything else off of the varied menu that has specialties such as fish, pasta, and even vegetarian entrees.

Haab’s Restaurant

Haab’s Restaurant is a great restaurant if you’re looking for something with a more casual feel. The Thanksgiving offering includes traditional turkey dinners, but also includes the favorites of this establishment.

Eating Out in Ann Arbor for Thanksgiving

Whether you want a fine dining experience such as Weber’s or something in between at Gandy Dancer or more laid back at Haab’s, you can put down that frozen turkey and find a great place to head out for Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Click Here to Explore Ann Arbor Homes for Sale

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot

Want to start a new and fun tradition with your family this Thanksgiving season? Then register for the upcoming Turkey Day Trot in Ann Arbor Michigan. This a fun filled 5K race with thousands of participants looking to get in a good run before their Thanksgiving feast. Check out our information below about registration for this year’s Turkey Trot!

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot
Photo by Carolyn Tiry

Registration

The race will take place throughout scenic Ann Arbor and will begin at 8:45 am on November 27th.

Fees are:

  • $25 until October 14th
  • $30 until November 25th
  • $35 day of the race
  • Families of 6 or more get a discount of $5 per person
  • Registration forms can be mailed in or filled out online.

Why You Should Join

First of all, this race is incredible fun. Tom the Turkey will be in attendance along with Santa. Hats, bells and shirts are given away to everyone who participates. There will be a pie giveaway and even an ugly sweater contest. No other 5K race will be as much fun as this one and it is a great activity to do with your family. There is even a Tot Run for the younger children who don’t want to run a 5K.

Support the Community

The best aspect of this race is that it raises money for local charities and helps to give back to the community you live in. What better way to show your support for those less fortunate than to support events like this. If you do not wish to run in the race, there are great opportunities available to volunteer or to offer financial support. Don’t miss out on a fun day with your family and friends or a chance to make a difference in your community. Sign up for the Turkey Day Trot today!

Dexter Library is a State-Of-The-Art Facility in Dexter MI

The Dexter District Library is an outstanding state-of-the-art, high tech facility located at 3255 Alpine Street in Dexter, MI.  The library is situated on the northeast edge of downtown Dexter in a beautiful setting overlooking Mill Creek.

Where has the Dexter Library been located over the years.  Here is a short summary.  The library was first opened back in 1927 by the Dexter Woman’s Study Club where they began by placing reading materials on a shelf in a local store and soon moved to the little building at 8050 Main/Central Street that is now occupied by Hotel Hickman’s Chuck Wagon BBQ.  As the community grew so did the library.  The Library then moved to a spacious 2-Story Home located at 3137 Baker Road which is now occupied by Dexter Bike and Sport.  In 1996 they moved to the former Methodist Church Education Building at 8040 Fourth Street. Plans moved ahead for a new library to be built.  A millage was put to the citizens and passed.  Property on Alpine Street acquired.  They prepared the building envelope which meant burning down a home on the current site.  (I was there the day they burned down the house to help prepare the building site – see photos below) And finally in 2009, the Dexter District Library opened in its present location on Alpine Street. Read the History of the Dexter Library.

The library has been a huge success.  Enjoy a short tour of the Dexter District Library.  

The Dexter District Library has so much to offer the Dexter Community and card members.  Patrons have available an extensive selection of books, catalogs, movies along with downloadable audio books, music, and e-books.  Just ask the librarian, they will be happy to assist you.  Once you are a member you will be able to login  from your home computer for easy access to download materials, check for availability of your favorite book and simply enjoy the library from your own home.  They library, also, has a monthly book sale, so if you want to increase your home library this is a great way to make a selection or just come and browse so see what is available.

The Dexter Library also sponsors events for Adults, Teens, and Children. Here are all the current events hosted by the library and these are updated monthly. You can even sign up for a computer class or learn how to use email.  Another great reason to become a member of the library is to be able to purchase discounted tickets to the Detroit Zoo but only if you are a Library Cardholder so check out the full details and go to Detroit Zoo – Tickets and More.

Have you needed to host a meeting but do not have the space in your facility?  The library offers meeting room space up to 298 people maximum when the rooms are combined.

Do you want a library card?  Please read this library article about how to get your library card.

Take time to visit the Dexter Library, you will be so glad you did. Below is a map to the library.

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Library Hours are:  Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm.  Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and feel free to call the library for further information at 734.426.4477

Click here to search for Dexter and Ann Arbor Real Estate using our complimentary Ann Arbor Real Estate MLS Search service. Alternatively, please contact Kathy Toth Team if you need more specific assistance in your Ann Arbor Real Estate needs.

 

Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Ann Arbor Home

Decorating for Halloween can involve the entire family. To begin, select a large orange pumpkin together for the front door area. Carving a spooky face and adding lights inside will set the mood. Now comes the fun part — how to create a one of a kind Halloween experience for the little trick or treaters that will ring your doorbell. Ask each family member what they like best and incorporate their ideas into the decorations.

Ann Arbor Halloween Home
by Between Naps on the Porch

Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Home

There are the typical plastic spiders to hang up dangling from fake cobwebs and the stuffed black cats placed in windows. But you can also try unusual things this Halloween. Some people have displays of Autumn items such as a scarecrow or pumpkin patch in the yard. A friend decided to pretend to be the scare crow and as the children walked up he moved slightly. It took a few minutes for them to realize that the stuffed scare crow was moving and they would get the candy and run screaming down the steps.

There are eerie sounds like creaking doors and spooky noises to greet the children as they ring the doorbell. Or you might add chuckling or boo sounds to the pumpkin by the door. It will amuse children when the pumpkin talks.

Also, add some of the deep purple lights on windows or front gates. Not only do they look beautiful but they cast a glow on the pumpkins by the door. Or you can decorate with strings of miniature lighted pumpkins. These light the entryway of your house without being to bright.

Halloween Party Ideas

If it’s a Halloween party you are throwing add dry ice to the table in a “witch’s cauldron.” The overflowing mist will provide atmosphere to the night. Sometimes, in Ann Arbor it can be cold even as early as Halloween. So when you use decorations outside its best to not use cardboard cut outs as they won’t hold up. Instead, think of plastic or natural fibers such as ghosts made of weather resistant cotton. A display of ghosts can be created in the front yard to attract trick or treaters.

Plan ahead so that you have the time to make a Halloween night to remember. You can use different sizes of pumpkins each with a scary or cute face to decorate outside. When the pumpkins are lighted their glow will be welcoming to passers by.

Halloween Home Decorations
by FOCAL POINT STYLING

Halloween in Ann Arbor

Halloween in Ann Arbor can be magical. Its a wonderful close knit community 35 miles west of Detroit. Near the Huron river it has dense forests and hills. The University of Michigan is located here as well as the Nichols Arboretum.

When holidays arrive its great when everyone gets into the decorating. Driving down the city streets look at the shops to get some new ideas. Work with your neighbors to make a whole block a Halloween spook adventure. Creating a spook house is another idea you might consider. With black cats and candy corn it is sure to be a hit.

Need a Home Perfect for Decorating? Explore Ann Arbor Real Estate

Ann Arbor’s Halloween Attractions & Pumpkin Patches

Ann Arbor is a beautiful tourist town that offers a wealth of amenities to local residents and visitors. October brings many fun, family-oriented events to the Ann Arbor community, including several great haunted attractions and corn mazes. If you are looking for some fun Halloween thrills this fall in the Ann Arbor area, you should check out these exciting attractions that are coming up.

Ann Arbor Halloween Cemetary
by Sk12

The Brandywine Cemetery

  • Where: 2727 Brandywine Street in Ann Arbor
  • When: October 30th and 31st. Gates are open between 7PM and 7:30PM, gate closes at 9PM
  • Price: Free. Donations are accepted for area charities each year. This year’s contribution will go to the local food bank
  • More Info: Click Here

The Brandywine Cemetery Tour is a haunted attraction that is located in the southeast part of Ann Arbor. This beautifully detailed cemetery contains amazing sculptures of gargoyles, tombstones and various props that are used for haunted attractions throughout the city. This gore-free event is a fun way for the entire family to enjoy the spirit of the Halloween season. Each year the Brandywine Cemetery takes up donations to benefit local Ann Arbor charities.

Slaughterhouse Adventure

  • Where: 5781 Grand River in Fowlerville
  • When: Open every Friday and Saturday starting on October 4th, from 7PM to 11PM
  • Price: Slaughterhouse, Haunted Maze and Haunted Hayride are all $13.00 per person, per event. Combos and Group Discounts are available. Price for Haunt-Free Corn Maze is $6.00, children under 4 are free.
  • Phone: (517) 223-9140
  • Web: Click Here

The Slaughterhouse Adventure located in nearby Fowlerville offers an abundance of thrills and chills for all ages. There are plenty of spooky attractions and gore-filled mazes to take part in at this annual Halloween event, as well as a family-friendly haunt-free corn maze. The Slaughterhouse Adventure and Grand River Corn Maze guarantee that you will have an experience like no other, whether you travel through the haunted maze, take a tour of the Slaughterhouse, or travel along on the Haunted Hayride. There are combo packs available so that you enjoy two, or all three attractions at a discounted price.

Ann Arbor Corn Maze
by Lulu Hoeller

The Blast Corn Maze

  • Where: 6175 Daly Road in Dexter, MI
  • When: September 1st through November 9th, from 5 PM to 10 PM on Fridays, 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM to 8 PM on Sundays.
  • Price: $7.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Children ages 5 to 12. Children under 4 are Free. Group rates of 15 or more people are $5.00 per person. Hayrides cost an additional $3.00 per ride.
  • More Info: Click Here

The Blast Corn Maze is a family friendly event that is located in Dexter, MI which is not too far from Ann Arbor. There is a ten acre corn field that features 3 ½ miles of trails with three exits. Kids can play on the mountain of straw or in the corn box before of after walking through the maze. Other attractions include the Corn Cannon, Cow Train, Duck Races, Pedal Car event and Picture Props. There will be pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, corn stalks and straw bales available to purchase in October.

Halloween in Ann Arbor, MI

The Ann Arbor community has a lot of fun and spooky attractions to offer local visitors and residents each year. Whether you are hoping to experience the scariest entertainment in town or get lost inside a corn maze with the entire family, you are sure to find an event that will suit your fright level in or around Ann Arbor.

Learn More About the Ann Arbor Area

Wiard’s Cider Mill and Apple Orchards Keeps Up With The Times Since 1853

Wiard’s is a fun place to visit and educational as well.  Meet Rose – She will tell you all about all the great activities at Wiards.

 

The Wiard family certainly knows about apples and how to run a successful family-owned business that has been in operation since 1853.  They take pride in ownership and keep up with current trends. People of all ages continue to head out to Wiard’s to visit with the family, enjoy the fall apple harvest and join in all the fun activities year after year.

ApplesThere is just so much to do at Wiard’s Cider Mill and Apple Orchards.   Visit Wiards Orchards  & Country Fair. You can learn about apples by asking the experts. Travel through the corn maze designed for those with a sense of direction. You can schedule a wagon ride, so bring the whole soccer team.  Pet the animals at the animal farm; pick your perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch; and gather up some delicious apples in the orchard.

Wiard’s Orchard loves to promote education by offering school fieldtrips, business group outings, corporate events and educational tours.  If you are a history buff – enjoy strolling through the Wiard’s Museum with items dating back 147 years.

pumpkinsBefore you leave make sure to stop in at the Country Store and Bakery.  Here you will enjoy the fullness of the harvest.  Purchase your favorite farm fresh pie, cider mill donuts, and apple fritters. Everyone loves the hand dipped caramel apples. Have you ever tried Apple Salsa made with Michigan Honeycrisp Apples, wow- that’s delicious. And, of course, don’t leave without a few gallons of fresh-pressed cider.

Get yourself prepared because October is National Apple Month. Have some fun here with a few apple facts.  The state flower for Michigan is the Apple Blossom and apples are grown in all 50 states.  But did you know all these other apple facts?

Fall is spectacular time of year to get outside and enjoy the harvest, so have some fun and head to Wiard’s Cider Mill and Apple Orchards.  Wiard’s Orchard is located at 5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 or call at 734.390.9211 and visit them on the web at www.wiards.com.

If you are searching for homes in the Ann Arbor area go to www.HomeSearchAnnArbor.com with Kathy Toth and Team, Keller Williams Realty.