Towne Suites Michigan

NMU alumni bringing more business for the weekend

MARQUETTE -- Local alumni, as well as those from out-of-town, started off the morning taking a tour of their alma mater.  They saw the changes and the growth on Northern Michigan University's campus.

Local businesses are welcoming them into town, many with signs on the door.  At Country Inn and Suites, things are busy with all of the reservations from visiting alumni.

"Our hotel is few rooms under being booked.  So it looks like it's going to be a very good weekend.  We're always very happy when events like this take place in Marquette.  The businesses, the restaurants, all of us are extremely happy that Northern Michigan University decided to have this alumni association reunion this weekend," said Gail Anthony, the general manager of Country Inn and Suites.

Local restaurants are thrilled with the return of the alumni, as well.  The former students get to revisit their old haunts and enjoy the foods that were part of their experience at NMU.

One of the favorites?  Vango's on Third Street.

"We're very excited when we have these big events, especially this time of year.  And we are always prepping here at Vango's.  A lot of preparation, a lot of cooking, and we have everybody step it up a notch to make sure that we can take care of all of our customers," said Michele Butler, the co-owner of Vango's.

Prairieside Suites | Michigan Bed and Breakfast |Antiquing in ...

There is something fun about Antiquing and staying at a romantic bed and breakfast, they go together.  Perhaps it’s the thrill of the unknown?  I don’t know if this is part of our “ Pure Michigan ” experience or if it’s that you never know what you’ll find at either.  Once I went looking for a creamer and came home with a cool vintage coat with a fur collar.

What I do know is that here at “ Prairieside Suites Luxury Bed and Breakfast ” a Grand Rapids lodging, we have lots of guests who enjoy antiquing in Grandville and Grand Rapids.  They love BOTH our whirlpool & fireplace suites and sharing their antique “FINDS” around the breakfast table in the morning.  The conversation may start out with how they loved their luxury B&B suite, how well they slept in our king size bed, how wonderful our deep two person jacuzzi tubs are and then they talk about where they went the day before, what they did and how they enjoyed our city of Grandville and greater Grand Rapids area, rich with so many activities.

I know some folks know exactly what they’re hunting for when antiquing.But for many it comes to finding an unexpected treasure and go home with something you never knew you wanted but now are tickled to have. These memories, pretty things, and sometimes you're inspired to go home and dig things you already own. Somehow when you blow the dust and look closely, little gem that talks to you and nourishes your soul! Crazy I know, but many antique-rs were mystified ... and many husbands have whispered those famous words: "Where are you going to do that"?

I can not help but remember while I'm Antiquities.  You know…these are the glasses we drank out of when we were kids.  Grandma had these and we sold them at a garage sale for a quarter and now they’re here for $10 a piece [don't tell mom]!  We’ve all been there, you know what I mean.

Those of you who have seen my china cabinet know that I have been collecting cut crystal for years.  Paul’s mother started me with a collection of Amber stone dishes that I have added to over the years.  My adopted mom, Julie, has a collection of Candlewick and Orchid Glass.So I had a bit of hunting for fun "stuff" that "we" collect and while I am shopping, I can not help but to watch vintage jewelry. I especially like old unique rings. Many of them are "one of a kind handmade treasures" and I have some that I wear often!

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