Remembering The Gratiot Drive-In: Macomb County History
Going through my photo album the other night I came across a wonderful hometown memory. The Once Famous Macomb County Landmark The Gratiot Drive-In, opened in 1948 on the corner of Gratiot Avenue and Masonic Boulevard in Roseville, Michigan. The first movie that lit up the screen was “Joe Palooka in the Knockout”, starring Leon Errol and Joe Kirkwood Jr. Do you remember the movie? It was part of a series based on the Joe Palooka comic books.
The back of the movie screen was a 60-foot three-tiered waterfall and a hot pink neon sign that read, “Gratiot,” and in neon green, “Drive-In.” Back in 1948, the drive-in held the record for the largest free-standing drive-in movie screen. Talk about the size! Over 1,000 cars on 22 acres could fit inside to watch a movie.
I remember most of the movies were second-run films. What fun we had on summer nights they would show, Dusk to Dawn horror films… one after the other. Dawn of the Dead, is one of my favorites. In the ’60s and ’70s, drive-ins were all the rage. It was THE thing to do on the weekend for adults and teenagers. Kids loved the cartoons from Walt Disney shown before the preview trailers of upcoming flicks.
The Famous Landmark The Gratiot Drive-In
The Gratiot Drive-In Decline
The ’80s saw a decline and with progress comes change. The Gratiot Drive-In was sold to develop a 200,000-square-foot shopping plaza. Chuck E Cheese and a local Guitar Center now occupy the site. The last movie was on Labor Day Weekend in 1984. Knowing the demise of the movie screen was coming, I took my Minolta XG-1 camera with some Black and White film and took one last shot of that beautiful movie screen. The waterfall shut off which showed a seemingly sad black ripped-up backing, once was so gorgeous to watch growing up. I just wish with technology, that maybe something like a drive-in would make a comeback someday.
Ticket Booth
7 Awesome Spring Activities To Check Out in Michigan
Michigan Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island
Lilacs are my absolute most favorite flower in the world! I finally got to cross the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula off my bucketlist last year!
The Lilac Festival is a popular annual event that takes place in Mackinac Island, Michigan. This festival is a celebration of the island’s famous lilac flowers, which bloom in abundance during the month of June.
The Lilac Festival offers a wide range of activities and events that are fun for the whole family. One of the main attractions is the Lilac Parade, which takes place on the first day of the festival. The parade features floats, marching bands, and a variety of other performers, all decked out in lilac-themed costumes.
In addition to the parade, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during the Lilac Festival. These include art shows, live music performances, and a variety of food vendors serving up delicious snacks and meals.
But perhaps the most popular activity during the Lilac Festival is simply strolling through the island’s many gardens and parks, taking in the beautiful sights and scents of the lilacs. The island is home to more than 150 varieties of lilacs, ranging in color from deep purple to pale pink and white.
The Lilac Festival is also a great opportunity to explore the many other attractions on Mackinac Island. This picturesque island is accessible only by ferry or small plane. Vehicles are not permitted on the island.Visitors can take horse-drawn carriage tours of the island, hike the many scenic trails, or simply relax on the island’s beautiful beaches.
Another popular attraction on Mackinac Island is the historic Grand Hotel, which dates back to the late 19th century. The hotel is famous for its elegant architecture and luxurious amenities, and has hosted a number of famous guests over the years, including several U.S. presidents.
The Lilac Festival is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and charm of Mackinac Island, while enjoying a fun-filled week of festivities and entertainment. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Mackinac Island and the Lilac Festival are definitely worth a visit.
Go Fishing
Yes that’s me my first time salmon fishing! I didn’t think I’d like fishing, and maybe that’s your thought to, but I promise it’s really relaxing and rewarding!
There’s something about being out in nature, surrounded by water and wildlife, that can be very calming and therapeutic. Plus, there’s the thrill of the catch! It can be really exciting to feel that tug on your line and reel in a fish. And let’s not forget about the delicious meals you can make with fresh-caught fish. Fishing truly can be a wonderful way to unwind, connect with nature, and maybe even bring home a tasty dinner.
Michigan is widely considered to be one of the best states for fishing in the United States, and there are several reasons why!
Michigan is home to a diverse range of fish species, including bass, trout, walleye, pike, and salmon, among others. This means that anglers have a variety of options when it comes to choosing what to fish for.
We have an abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams, many of which are open to fishing. In fact, Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, providing plenty of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
Plus, Michigan’s fishing industry is well-managed and regulated, which helps to ensure that fish populations remain healthy and sustainable for future generations. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources actively monitors fish populations and enforces fishing regulations to protect the state’s fisheries.
I can attest that Michigan’s natural scenery is simply stunning, with picturesque lakes, rivers, and forests providing a beautiful backdrop for any fishing trip so get out there and enjoy!
Camping
I took up camping during the pandemic. Michigan has so many places to camp including paid spots at state parks and state land in which you can disperse camp on the land for free, but within the state guidelines. In the picture above, I had to hike into this spot, but it was well worth it being right on the water! It was on Grand Island in the Upper Peninsula.
There are several reasons why camping is so cool and fun. First, it allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the serene and peaceful surroundings of nature. Being out in the open air can be very refreshing, and the feeling of being one with nature is truly exhilarating.
Another reason why camping is so cool and fun is that it provides an opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with others. When you go camping, you can leave behind all your electronic devices and spend quality time with your family and friends. You can tell stories around the campfire, play games, or simply enjoy the beauty of the stars.
Camping also offers a chance to try out different outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, or kayaking. These activities not only keep you active and fit but also add a sense of adventure to your camping trip.
Camping can be a great learning experience. It allows you to learn new skills such as setting up a tent, which took me forever my first time, but I got it! Also you learn about building a fire, or cooking over an open flame. You can also learn about the plants and animals of the area you are camping in, and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world.
Finally, camping provides an opportunity to relax and unwind. You can forget about your worries and stresses and simply enjoy the present moment. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries and return to your daily life feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
If pitching a tent isn’t your thing, but you still want to try it out, you can always rent a cabin and go “glamping” in a secluded spot and enjoy your surroundings!
Go Rockhounding
I can just hear you now. What the heck is rockhounding? Rockhounding is basically a hobby where people search for and collect rocks, minerals, fossils, and other geological specimens from the ground. It’s kind of like treasure hunting, but instead of gold and jewels, you’re looking for interesting rocks and minerals. Rockhounds, like me shown in the picture above, we use tools like hammers, chisels, and metal detectors to help find and extract specimens. It’s a cool way to explore the outdoors and learn about geology! Plus, it is quite relaxing! It relaxes your mind while your hands are busy & your focus is on what is in front of you. It truly makes you become present in the moment!
Some rockhounds, like my fiancé, may also use their collections for educational purposes or to create jewelry and other crafts. Here is a picture of some jewelry he’s created with our finds!
Michigan is an awesome place for rockhounding because of its unique geology and diverse landscape. The state has a rich mineral history, with copper and iron mining being a major industry in the past. This means that there are many areas where you can find minerals and rocks just lying on the ground or in stream beds.
In addition to minerals, Michigan has many unique geological formations, such as the sandstone cliffs in the Upper Peninsula and the fossil-rich limestone formations in the Lower Peninsula. These formations can provide opportunities for rockhounds to discover fossils and interesting rock formations.
I encourage you to get out there and try it! You truly will be surprised at what you find and how relaxing it truly is! Happy hunting!
Go Hiking
Man hiking is freaking awesome! It’s truly one of my favorite hobbies. It’s one of the best ways to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy nature. Here are just a few reasons why hiking is so great:
It’s a workout without feeling like a workout: Hiking can be a great way to get some exercise without feeling like you’re hitting the gym. You can choose your own pace, take breaks when you need to, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
You get to see some amazing views: Hiking can take you to some pretty incredible places. Whether you’re hiking through a forest, up a mountain, or along a coastline, you’re bound to see some stunning views that you wouldn’t see otherwise.
It’s a great way to de-stress: Hiking can be a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress. Being out in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can help you relax and recharge.
You can do it alone or with friends: Hiking can be a great solo activity, but it can also be a fun way to hang out with friends or meet new people. You can choose to hike with a group or just one other person, or you can hit the trails alone and enjoy some solitude.
It’s a cheap way to have fun: Unlike other outdoor activities that require expensive gear or equipment, hiking is pretty low-cost. All you really need is a good pair of shoes and some water, and you’re good to go.
There are so many hiking trails in Michigan. I encourage you to download the AllTrails app & start out by searching trails in your area. Before you know it, you’ll be taking trips to get out there to explore different areas of Michigan!
