Mark's Carts and Bill's Beer Garden

My favorite Mexican food

I've never tried to shoot pics and
 hold an umbrella at the same time!

A couple of nights ago, we were downtown around dinner time, and needed a light supper and a beer.  We are frequent shoppers at Downtown Home and Garden, (their selection and prices can't be beat), and while we are there, we often take the opportunity to have lunch at Mark's Carts.

We knew that Bill's Beer Garden took over the parking space in the evening, but had never gone.  So this was our chance to try it out!

View from seating at Mark's Carts

It was overcast and threatening rain, but we had our umbrellas, and got some delicious food from Mark's Carts, and carried it through the Home and Garden garage to Bill's.

The tables that were under cover were filling up, so we chose a nice round table in the middle, and enjoyed our food.  Then it started to rain, and we got to watch the "floor show" from under our umbrellas-- the staff started putting up awnings for the picnic tables, and it was almost like watching the ground crew at Tiger stadium.  What coordination and choreography!

"on the count of 3!"

We enjoyed the rest of our good Michigan beer, and moseyed back to the car.  Another nice evening in Ann Arbor!

Check out the great selection of Michigan beer

Cozy tables under cover, on either side of the greenhouse.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

So I am the type of person who HATES heat and humidity-- so of course, it is art fair week!  I was swearing that I was going to stay away, but we needed to pick up our new glasses at SEE, so we parked in the Maynard deck before 10 AM and started walking a couple of my favorite fairs.  Most of the booths were open, and it wasn't too blazingly hot yet-- so it was actually pleasant.

I just intended on looking for my favorite artists, but I discovered Orchid Lane-- and bought a sundress.  This may not sound like a big deal, but I decided several--OK many--years ago, that my sundress days were over.

Update!  Global warming and beer festivals have made me reevaluate that decision.  So I found a nice cotton dress that wasn't too short-- and didn't look too much like a muumuu.
And what could be better?  It was $15!  So if you were like me, and assumed that this was a college kid shop and the largest size was 6, check it out.  You will be pleasantly surprised.  Just channel your inner hippy-chick (you know she's still in there!), and buy yourself something nice and cool.

Not sure how it will look?  There is a fitting room in the store.

 So then it was getting pretty hot, and I had made it to 11:00 without complaining too much or passing out or anything, so we dove into Ashley's.  It was nice and cool and dark, and the very cheerful waiter brought us pint glasses of ice water before taking our beer order.  It seemed like good weather for a nice wheat beer, so I got a refreshingly cold Wittekerke,  a Witbier from Belgium.  Even if you're not a beer fan, this is the one to try during hot weather.

Then we made the best discovery!  We each ordered a Maurice salad, as it just didn't seem right to order red meat or anything deep-fried in this heat.  It was excellent!

All together, a nice morning.  And we were home in the air conditioning, by 12:30.  Perfect.

Ann Arbor Hands On Museum

What to do on a day that's too hot to play outside?  Head to the Hands On Museum-- our favorite spot to visit with the little guys.

Notice which one of us ISN"T on the big scale?

Do-re-mi!

Who wants to play with the (plastic) turtles in the water table?

This museum is interesting for all ages, especially if you have any interest in science.

And pre-schoolers love the giant Rube Goldberg-style ball machine!

Don't miss the Thursday night deal:  $5 from 5-8 PM.

Turner's Garden Center

Last week I decided that it was finally time to plan my pots on the front porch, and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do this year-- so I headed to my favorite nursery, Turner's Garden Center.  Even when it's getting later in the season and some of the other places are slimming down the choices, Turner's always had a great selection of beautiful and healthy plants.

And get 10% off on Wednesday if you're a senior!