Ypsilanti, MI

The Sidetrack Bar and Grill is a charming restaurant in Ypsilanti Michigan; it is located in Depot Town and has the best burgers. It is a completely laid back atmosphere and reminds me of the way life use to be, with lots of old photos on the walls of the history of the SideTrack Restaurant.

The Sidetrack has been in business since the 1800's when it was started across from the railroad tracks in Ypsilanti. The Amtrak Train passes through there although it never stops anymore. You have to pick up a ticket to Chicago in Ann Arbor.

Brick walls, hardwood floors, and a gorgeous bar and every time I go it is standing room only. The Sidetrack has high ceilings, a warm fireplace roaring in the winter months and an outside patio to enjoy in the summer time.

I took Allyssa there yesterday after we had gone shopping for her first car. She had never been and I suggest going. Of course she loved it; the ambiance just takes you in.

When we pulled up she said, "mom did you see what is on the side of the building?" No, I was driving, so after we ate, we walked out and Allyssa took a photo. One the side of the building out above the patio is this saying credited to,

Benjamin Franklin, "Beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy."

In 2002, the Sidetrack was named "one of the 20 hamburgers you should eat before you die" by GQ Magazine. The famous burger is 1/3 lb and only costs $5.25. Of course you can get a ½ burger for only $2.00 more. But, it is way too big for most folks. Other menu items at the SideTrack are here.

Gayle King, Oprah Winfrey's best friend said on the Oprah Show, about their burgers, "It is the best of the best."

The Sidetrack is located in the Depot Town communityat: 56 Cross Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

If I haven't convinced you about the Sidetrack you can read further reviews here.

Moving to Ypsilanti, you can start your new home search here.

Just ran across this blog with pictures and notes on Ypsilanti history.

It looks like the author just started this work but it could be quite interesting if they keep posting about Ypsilanti historical properties.

Ypsi History, Nice Work!

The annual Ypsilanti Heritage Festival starts this weekend, Friday the 15^th through Sunday the 17^th.

This is the 30^th year anniversary for the Heritage Festival held at Frog Island, Riverside Park, Depot Town and downtown Ypsilanti. A gorgeous setting along the Huron River with plenty of things to do for people of all ages.

Some of my favorite events are the Civil War Encampment, all the music at Riverside Park and the arts and crafts. The Ancestors gathering is also a great event featuring the life and times of the history and settlement of Ypsilanti, MI.

Over 100 Artists will be featured at the Heritage Festival. Washtenaw Community College jazz band will be performing, Unchained, (a Christian Rock band) Dueling Pianos, Noteworthy ( soul and blues band), Ypsilanti Community Choir, Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra plus many, many more. The complete three day schedule can be found here.

There are tons of activities for the children, from clowns, to a talent contest, face painting comedy magic and a hot dog eating contest. Check the schedule as there is events for kids all 3 days.

Just good ole' family fun.

Admission is FREE.

The parade starts at 10:00 on Saturday morning down Mi. Ave.

***Photos from Flickr, by Teasputs, Conf, Deco Jims***

7718 Greenfarm Dr. Listed at: $155,500

Spacious bank-owned brick colonial available in popular Greene Farm Sub in Ypsilanti Township! Large 2143 sq.ft.. 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath, gas fireplace in living room, full unfinished basement, 2 car attached garage and large backyard! Priced to sell!

View pictures at: http://detroit.backpage.com/online//classifieds/ViewAd?oid=784834

Please contact Team Campbell at Keller Williams Realty 2144 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI. 48014 734-821-0733 direct e-mail: info@teamcampbell.biz

In December 2006, Zak Wigel, walked into Saline Community Education Department and requested to use the gym to set up a Halo Tournament to raise money. He wanted to host a video gaming tournament to host a Halo Tournament. They got approved months in advance to use the gym. Zak put in $600.00 of his own money. After months of planning, two weeks before the tournament, in March, Zak was told to CANCEL THE TOURNAMENT!!

Read the entire history of how Gamers for Charity evolved. You can also listen to the podcast, it is a fascinating story. After making the Ann Arbor News and circulating on the internet with over 1800 diggs and 200 comments, they made history.

The purpose of this post is to announce a new tournament where they are raising money for Autism. The next tournament will be held at Eastern Michigan University on February 29^th through March 2^nd. You can register on line at mpcon.org.

Directions to the event at EMU are: 900 Oakwood Street in Ypsilanti, MI. 48197

All the monies raised will go the Autism Foundation of Washtenaw County. Gamers for Giving and the Gamers Outreach have a goal to raise over $7500.00 for the Autism Foundation. With over 500 people expected to attend, let’s cheer them on in this noble endeavor.

If you would like to be involved by chaperoning, donating, getting the word out, you can reach them at volunteer@gamersoutreach.org

*Zak, as your parents Realtor, I am so proud of you, what a fantastic entrepreneur you are, I can see this exploding all over the country.*