Everyone Needs a Night Out!

  Just got back from an awesome evening out in Chelsea.  We started the evening off with a trip to Mule Skinners. 
http://www.muleskinnerboots.com/  


Isn't this beautiful?!

 This is a little shop right on Main.  Bill Conn (the owner) makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door!  It's just as entertaining to chat with Bill as it is to shop for boots!  This is ALWAYS our first stop on a trip to Chelsea!  Handcrafted leather boots are their specialty, but don't overlook Bills own creations, the handmade gun holsters!!  Truly a work of art!  Long story short, we walked out with 2 new pairs of boots, and a pair of sheepskin slippers for me!!  :)  On the walk back to the car, the packages were heavy, but the wallet was light!  Worth every penny.

Enough shopping, the show's about to start!  Headed off to the Purple Rose Theater.
http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/

 Just a block down from Mule Skinners, we met my in laws to see The Purple Rose's latest production, "Corktown".  A story of friendship, romance and organized crime in the "D"!  The show was fantastic!!  I haven't been to a bad show there.  What is the Purple Rose?  A small theater founded by Jeff Daniels.  Chelsea is Daniels' hometown.  Great place for so many reasons. It showcases Michigan playwrights, and actors.  There is NEVER a bad seat!  Five rows on three sides of the stage.  And compared to the cost of seeing a show at the FOX?  Well, there's no comparison!  We can actually afford to bring the kids... and have!  What a great introduction to live theater

 

  
When the show was over, we walked down to The River Gallery.  My father in law moved the car from one lot, to a spot in front of the Gallery.  THIS was an EVENT!  As my husband and I stood and watched, he spent the next (seemingly) 15 minutes perfecting the art of parallel parking!  This also entertained the gals inside the gallery who came out to give some good natured harassment!  I knew then that I liked them!! 
http://chelsearivergallery.com/


Love walking along Main in Chelsea!
 Beautiful old school storefronts.

   The gallery sits right next door to Mule Skinners, convenient, right?  I've stopped in before, they always seem to find the coolest artists to display!  Great gallery, very open, lots of natural light and an inviting staircase.  I know, random, but I really do like a good staircase!  Tonight I was able to linger and chat with the ladies who call River Gallery their own.  Loved the hospitality.  (and the Chardonnay!)  I soo like making new friends!  Thoroughly enjoyed sharing my love of henna with them.  I look forward to making some Chelsea feet pretty for the summer!  Hmmm...I want to move!

 




The only thing that could top off such an enjoyable evening would be dinner at The Common Grill!
http://www.commongrill.com/

My girlfriend Lena and her husband Mike introduced us to The Common Grill several years ago.  Since then, it has become my favorite!!  The Common Grill has a great atmosphere without feeling pretentious.  For the most part, it's dress casual, but you'll feel comfortable in jeans.  The food is great!  Reasonably priced for the quality.  Lots of yummy seafood.  Mark loves the Creme Brulee!!  I hesitate to let Lena know when I've gone without her, because I know she'll say... "I wanted to go!!!  Why didn't you call?!"

  A quiet car ride home with some great jazz on the radio to get us there.  Beautiful theater, food, art, craftsmanship and conversation!  My spirit is renewed!!
  Good night!