Downtown Milan & Hack House Tour
article and photos by Gail G.
July 17, 2021 Milan Tour; part A
If we were to send postcards of our travels; this one would read-Greetings from MILAN, MICHIGAN!!!!
Several of our members also belong to the Milan Garden Club
They graciously invited us to tour Downtown Milan & The Hack House to see the projects they are involved in.
Barb, a dual club member led the tour.
I traveled, US 23 N to Plank Rd; exited & got lost!! HOW? I’ve been tothe Hack House before. My fault; note to self–need full address & read signs.
do not rely on memory!!!….the error put me “running” behind, not to worry- certain I would be able to catch up–eventually; so I head out to find the downtown district.
I HAD ARRIVED!!!Parking my car, I set out to find the others, noting the unique artwork along the way.
Missing Barb’s informational details: I later learned–the art work was part of a display titled: “ART doors EXHIBIT.”
Organizations and businesses were given donated doors and asked to create works of art-which were then displayed in Wilson Park and throughout the downtown district. How Clever!!!
Looking left, then right on Main Street and
not seeing the group–I asked a friendly passer-by to point me in the direction of the Veteran’s Wall- (on list of sights to see)
Following her directions-I pass a grouping of planters overflowing with a stunning display of brightly colored flowers. Barb has spoken of these; crediting The Beautification Committee. Great Job!!
Crossing the street I head off in the direction which should get me to my next destination, hoping the group will be there.
As I head off in the direction of “those flags down there “I pass -THE FIRE DEPARTMENT- and on my right
In the distance-beyond the flags I see a group of people. For now I continue on alone, arriving at the flags;
This is the VETERAN’S WALL
The “Milan Girls” as they are called, are very proud of this project and with good reason.
They plant & care for, the plantings surrounding the site.
It is a stunning tribute the whole town can be proud of
The Veterans tribute sits on an expanse of park grounds known as Wilson Park.
LOOK more doors over on the hillside
Up ahead a group of people are crossing the street- might be them, I best get going.
I paused to study this unusual tree, will have to ask Barb?? From the the list of offices, this is one busy building.
Is this where they crossed????
The group??? We had to pass at some point???I need to go towards downtown, so I turn around and cross over.
This must be- FORD LAKE BOARDWALK. What a pleasant place to sit and ponder the day away…….
Slowly walking along the lakefront I come to a point where the lake water rushes over a dam,
crossing under the road bridge
then calmly flowing downstream on the other side.
Mounted on the bridge pillar a plaque–
and straight ahead, another spot to rest
and downtown within clear sight.
Back in downtown-I catch up.
The group heading off to a cluster of small shops.
If I hurry, I can get a couple pics of the square foot gardens; and meet them at the bakery.
so many different little shops & everyone enjoyed
popping in and out of each one.
Where is Emoke heading off to??
one shop drew many-should I say or can you guess??
a peek inside & you’ll know why-but it carries a risk;
consuming too many baked goods may cause you to put on ??pounds— they even have
a “secret” place to enjoy their heavenly treats-YUM!
Leaving the Bakery, we make a quick visit at the Church
where the club holds their meetings during winter months.
Following the others, we leave downtown, passing an old Fire Station;
our adventure will continue back at the Hack House–see you there!
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
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