Re: June 20th Irish Hills Wine Tour
OK here is a TENTATIVE schedule. In order to make the drive in reasonable for those on the west side of the state, I suggest we meet at 10am at Big Boy on M-50 in Tecumseh. It is on the west side of town and I will check and see if they will block the back area of the restaurant for our use
The Big Boy is next to a shopping center so there will be plenty of parking for those that want to attend. Plus they have the ability to order off the menu or if you are running a little late, the breakfast buffet is an option.
We have 2 hours to arrive, socialize and eat. The wineries open at noon. While there are some very nice shops downtown, I will check and see which are open on Sundays. Again, there is off street parking in the municipal lot on the north side of 50 downtown.
From there we can hit Pentamere (downtown) and some light shopping as the group decides. Then it's on to Cherry Creek, our next stop.
What would be VERY helpful would be a head-count of those planning to attend. It will allow me the opportunity to make up maps, POI's and if you plan on coming in on Saturday, some type of hospitality Saturday night.
FWIW, Gryfan has asked me to assist in hotel accomodations for Saturday and Sunday. He prefers a Holiday or a Crowne. Since we are mostly a rural area with a boat-load of lakes, the hotels are nice but not 5-star. I am thinking of using Dundee, MI as a rally point for those who want to make a weekend of it. There are some nice, new units. It is close to US-23 and with Cabellas, St Julien wine tasting room and a multitude of close restaurants this is probably the best location. Plus it is only a 25 minute drive from Dundee to the restaurant.
Some additional information, The Country Inn and Suites by Carlson is a 5-star property in Dundee right at M-50 and US-23. I have emailed them about making this a host property for those who may choose to come in Saturday night. They have an indoor pool and a hot tub plus jacuzzi's in the rooms if you are so inclined.
I do need a head count if possible. The hotel says they will set up a website for us for the event and rooms can be booked off of the site, but I still need a count to know wether I deal with national reservations or the property directly.
Please let me know what everyone thinks.