St Joseph, Michigan and Bob’s Barn

Yesterday Anne-Marie and I cruised through St Joseph, Michigan and looked at a few sights, before driving North to Coloma, Michigan.  We had blue sky's, and we got to look at Lake Michigan, and further north, visit a country market.

This is a 1955 Chevrolet on top of this drive through restaurant, The Neon Grill.  The side windows have sun shades, and the car looks to be complete.  A few days ago there was a circle of cars all around the building, waiting to place an order.

Lookout Park, and Lake Michigan in the background.  This area back in the early 1950s had houses along this strip of land, with large backyards, overlooking the waters of the lake, about 60ft below.  Large rainfalls, storms, and a change in the natural current flow because of two piers constructed to the North, all this combined created rapid erosion of the bank, and the undermining of 13 homes.  In the 1970s the properties were made into this park.  Wonderful views, several parking areas, and warning signs all over, Stay Away From the Edges.

Bob’s Barn is located out by Coloma, and it is worth stopping by, just for the samples.  The building looks to be a bit tired, and maybe even a little neglected.  The old red truck is the only real bright spot that will arouse the curiosity of a traveler.

Once inside Bob’s Barn, the well lit, well organized displays, bring out the Wow factor, and I couldn’t help but say “Wow” upon entering this store.  Not a large building, but clean and bright inside.  The owner makes pies and pie type pastries, and does them well.  I believe nearly everything in the in the store is made somewhere close by.  Maple syrup comes from a farm a few miles away, honey is provided by a local bee keeper.  All the fruits and jellies have Bob’s Barn on the labels, but the owner is quick to point out that he doesn’t make any of them, but he seemed to know where the farms are located where they are made. 

The name Fifth Third Bank’s name looked unique to me but Anne-Marie says that she has seen several in Wisconsin?

Today is a travel day for us, and we are moving the trailer somewhere North.  A band of storms is pounding us and the mid-west, and it looks like 50 miles north should get us into nicer traveling weather.