The state's official Travel and Tourism site, Pure Michigan, says that “Michigan has 14,600 acres of vineyards making it the fourth largest grape-growing state in the country.  With more than 80 wineries and vineyards, visitors can enjoy wine tours and events during every season.” It features several great wineries that you can visit both near and far. You don't have to go far to get great wine, though. You can find great wines at Andiamo in Novi.  It has excellent Italian dining and is a Michigan Wine Restaurant, serving a wide selection of wines from around the Mitten State. Andiamo will …

As many of us know, Zingerman’s Deli and Bakehouse in Ann Arbor provides great food and drink. If you're not in the know – it's time you go!  This place has been around for 25 years and has been recognized for its great food offerings by many big name media outlets, such as New York Times. You can go to Zingerman’s and take weeklong and weekend cooking classes called “BAKE!” and “BAKE-cations." These classes include breakfast and lunch each day.  You should be aware: these classes sell out quickly due to the high acclaim of the business. It's also worth mentioning that novices are welcome too…

The Great Escape this week is right on Beck Road in Novi at the luxurious Visions Spa Salon. Visions has the ultimate array of services to care for you and to spoil you.  In addition to creating beautiful hair and nails, they provide many relaxation services as well such as massages and wraps. Reservations can be made by calling 248-344-9944. The Web site details its monthly specials. “Visions is a great escape because we offer an experience.  It starts the moment you walk in the door to our inviting boutique with beautiful gifts, products and décor," said Tari Krupinski, General Manager of …

The Great Escape this week takes us to familiar downtown Northville for Utopia Salon and Spa. It has everything you need for head-to-toe pampering. Kelly Sesi is one of the salon's two owners.   “At our place, Utopia, the salon makes you look good, and the spa makes you feel good," Sesi said. "So you get the best of both worlds, just right around the corner.”  Sesi also reminds that it's a good time to visit because “spring is right around the corner. Make your appointment today to freshen up your look!” Here are the March specials for Utopia's spa services:• Utopia spa manicure: $20• Utopia …

The great escape this week will have you out exploring nature and getting back in touch with your senses at the Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor.    You might ask yourself if winter is a good time to find out what the Leslie Science and Nature Center has to offer, but really, it's the perfect time. You can explore the trails and look for animal tracks along the way and the exercise and the fresh air can revitalize your senses.  Many of us here in Michigan keep ourselves pretty cooped up during the winter months, and by the time March rolls around, many of us can hardly stand it …

This week's Great Escape takes us to Gina Agosta Salon and Spa in Novi. In addition to award-winning professional hair color, cuts and styling, Gina Agosta offers massage, skincare, makeup and nail services. This salon has been in Novi for 15 years. They added “Agosta for Men” right next door several years ago so that men can get the spa treatment too. There is also a location in Brighton.    Gina Agosta salon is a family-owned business.  The family works in the salon daily.  It's located in Novi at 39831 Grand River Ave. in the Pheasant Run Plaza near Haggerty Road.   Chris McCrory has …

Texas-style fun in Michigan? You can find it at the Double JJ Ranch, Waterpark and Golf Resort.  Your whole family can venture out together to enjoy this place, or you can have fun with friends.    The “Double JJ Ranch” is how locals refer to this piece of Texas that is only about three hours away on I-96 West. It is located in Rothbury, MI at 5900 Water Road.  You can check out all of the great things to do on its Web site.  You can speak to somebody directly for help planning your great escape by calling 1-800-368-2535. The Ranch offers so many different activities that you would be hard …

It would be rare to find me gambling, but I have to tell you what a great time I had at the beautiful MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Detroit.  My tour of the lavish facility was a treat for my eyes. The food at the restaurant by Chef Wolfgang Puck was a treat for my taste buds. When I was spoiling myself in the IMMERSE Spa, I swore I would never leave.  When I was at the spa, I felt like a millionaire. The only thing that would have made my visit better was to stay for the night in one of their beautiful rooms, and to wake up to more of their wonderful food! If you would like to get away for a…

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening.  It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. The Inn at St. John's offers Valentine's Day special Hey Northville ladies: are you looking for a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day?  I have a local personal favorite deal to share with you.  The Inn at St. John’s, located at 44045 …