Asparagus Festival

The weather has been gradually warming up (too gradual for my taste, but I digress...) and it's getting harder to stay indoors. Today Bryan and I ventured out to explore the area around our new home.

It was only about 50 degrees when we left home. Colder than we'd like! It's supposed to warm up a little more this week, though.

Our original goal a couple of weekends ago was to visit the Empire Asparagus Festival. This is a fun little festival that's in its eleventh year. There are various events including a vender tent with live music (for a fee), the "Kick Your Ass-paragus 5K" (I ran this a few years ago and enjoyed it,) a pancake breakfast brought to you by the Lions Club, and a parade. Here are a few photos below of the festival and around town in Empire:

Near the Town Hall.

Entrance to the event tent: Live music, food, and vendors. 

You can see some of the vendors that were in the event tent area. 

They blocked off much of Front Street (the main road) so people could walk around. Sidewalk chalk was piled in front of Town Hall so kids could demonstrate their artistic abilities. 

We were just in time for the parade:

Lead by one of the county sheriffs, EMT's, and fire trucks, the Asparagus Queen began the parade. 

I didn't catch what type of truck this was, but wanted to include it because I enjoy old trucks!

Adding a little excitement!

The Lions Club Kazoo Band.

They grow quite large around here...

After the parade Bryan and I rambled around town:

Daffodils are everywhere right now, domestic and wild. These lined the sidewalks all around town.

A gnome garden!

The white magnolia trees are currently blooming, and the pink ones are getting ready to. This is one of my favorite trees!

This Norway Maple was quite impressive!

I think this building is so neat.

Here's part of what was previously Storm Hill Orchard. It's now being sold off to build homes.

Another neat look at the Storm Hill Orchard building along an old fence and bunch of trees.

I noticed these little plaques on many of the homes in Empire. It's neat that they commemorate these buildings.

Before heading home, Bryan and I decided to take a small detour:

Here's the entrance to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive! You'll find some of the most beautiful views along the route.

The covered bridge is the first landmark you come to. I read that the original bridge had been taken over by porcupines and had to be rebuilt. The bridge now has a higher clearance than it previously did.

My favorite stop off along the Scenic Drive is the Lake Michigan Overlook. The views are absolutely spectacular.

The Dunes are constantly moving...here you can see that they've covered the path...

...and the path needed to be carved out again after a long winter season. (The Drive is closed to motor vehicles in the winter and is groomed for cross country skiing.)

This is a zoomed in shot of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse. Bryan and I can see this light from our home. On a clear day you get a good view of it from the bluffs on the Lake Michigan Lookout.

Bryan here checking out the amazing view.

After the Scenic Drive we took the scenic route home...