A Quick Stop at Clara's Station in Lansing

These are some extra photos I would like to share with you. Clara's Lansing Station caught our eye, so we decided it was a must-see. Fine and casual dining awaits you at Clara's, which is housed in the original Michigan Central Railroad Depot, ca. 1903. Union Station, located on Michigan Avenue, served passengers until 1972 when service to Lansing was discontinued.

Antique chandeliers adorn the dining area and a statue lamp that once belonged to the Ransom E. Olds family will also light your way. Our dinner was delicious and the service was quick. The ambiance is to die for, but they don't offer that to-go. I've decided to take you inside:

Clara: a common name in the early 1900's

The windows in Clara’s authentically duplicate the popular 1903 designs.

Union Station was purchased by active restaurateurs in 1978 and
they also collected the artifacts that will surround you.

The clock over the parlor entrance, was one of the first General Electric movements ever made.

Union Station continued to serve passengers until 1972 when all service through Lansing was discontinued.

A magnificent cathedral ceiling holds a bronze chandelier, one of Clara's oldest antiques.

Graham Owners Club: A Lazy Drive by Fine Lake

Fine Lake is one of Michigan's finer offerings of scenic beauty. Located on Highway 43, on the way to Hickory Corners, this is a haven for some of the luckiest people in the Wolverine State. I couldn't resist asking my hubby driver to slam on the brakes, so I could snap a few photos.

Looks like a great place to dip a hook, line and sinker...

WhoHoo! Boating fun.

I promise: This blog will make it back to Fairbanks. Sometimes, I just gotta pull over.

The Gardens at Gilmore

A '36 Crusader finds a comfy spot in the shade.

A walk in the park.

That's why I wish again that I was in Michigan...

Think purple.

Almost Paradise.

Capturing the flowers at Gilmore gave me great pleasure. To all the Green Thumbs, this post is for you.

2 Hollywoods 'n a Shark

Graham Owners Club: A Day at Gilmore Museum.2

One of many fabulous displays: Preston Tucker's Car of the Future, Historical Collection and Library.

The upper level of "C" barn.

Can you find the Graham?

A fine example of the many artifacts on display.

Pierce-Arrow hood ornament.

Inside the Pierce-Arrow Museum.

Graham Club members of all ages and sizes, even those no taller than a tire, had a ball. Here, "Super Sadie" strikes a pose.

A fun display. A Stanley Steamer is on the left.

A fine line of perfection. Gotta love those Brass Era Cars.

For the Paige members.

To my Kissel friends in Wisconsin.

Several fine auto galleries will await you.

A perfect shine, as seen on all the fine collector cars at Gilmore Car Museum.

The details make the difference.

Can't leave without it. A line forms at the gift shop.

Graham Owners Club: A Day at Gilmore Museum

An occasional vintage car may drive by while you visit the Gilmore Museum.

Home of the Franklin Dealership.

The diner; serving up some good grub 11am to 4pm daily.

Several activities take place on the lavish grounds of the Gilmore Car Museum. A colorful line of Fords is seen here.

A perfect example of a Michigan style barn. The ramp at the left is used to move cars to the second floor.

Home of the Automotive Mascots Collection.

Historic Shell Gas Station.

The Gilmore Car Museum has a collection of over 200 vintage cars. It is located on 90 heavenly acres at Hickory Corners, a short drive from Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. Pristine Michigan style barns and historic buildings house the entire collection. Not only are the grounds well groomed, the cars, buildings and displays are spotless and dust free. The museum began as a collection of 37 cars owned by businessman, Donald Gilmore of Kalamazoo. The Pierce-Arrow Museum, The Classic Car Club of America Museum, the Classics and Automotive Mascots collection, Cadillac-LaSalle Club museum are all here. The Automotive Heritage Center is under construction and is expected to open Fall of 2011. The Gnome-Mobile, History of Stock Car Racing, Vintage Motor Cycle Exhibit, Brass and Nickel Cars and the Tucker Historical Collection are featured there as well. The Gilmore Museum is open from May Day through Halloween.

Graham Owners Club International 34th Annuual Meet.2

Spartans for the Day

By special invitation we made it to the press box, high above the Spartan Stadium, for a rare look at the campus skyline.

Catching the imaginary action.

Michigan State University In Lansing, has an enrollment of over 47,000 students and has a campus of more than 5,000 acres. Here is a bird's eye view of the campus and end zone seats.

Nope, it's not a thrill ride. It's not "Hard Hats on Campus". It has something to do with smashing atoms. These attentive tourists are learning about the Cyclotron located in the Biomedical & Physical sciences building at MSU.

Back to School.