Chelsea, MI Road Trips

Chelsea's big claim to fame is local-boy-turned-famous-actor/writer/director Jeff Daniels, a proud Michigander who still lives in town between engagements, and who tends to showcase Michigan in his films (Escanaba in da Moonlight is set in the Upper Peninsula (UP), and Super Sucker in the fictional town of Johnson City). Daniels is also a strong supporter of local arts, and founded the Purple Rose Theatre Company as a way to feature Midwestern actors, directors, designers and playwrights. The other big name in town is the Chelsea Milling Company, home of Jiffy Mix, one of the first instant baking mixes and still a popular brand nationwide. The Jiffy factory towers over Chelsea's downtown. If you're not thrilled by movie actors or fluffy biscuits, then you can always stroll around the charming downtown area, with its quaint homes, fun shopping, and locally-famous restaurant The Common Grill, which has published two cookbooks that you'll be able to find in local bookstores.

Clocktower, 310 North Main Street. The oldest and most visible landmark in Chelsea, the four-faced brick clocktower was built in 1906 as a water tower for the Glazier Stove Company. After a second fire at the factory, it was converted into a clocktower; the building has been renovated to house office and retail space. The clock chimes every quarter-hour. Chelsea Milling Company, 201 W North Street, ☏ +1 734 475-1361. Tours scheduled M-F 9AM-1:30PM. Manufacturers of "Jiffy Mix" instant baking mixes. 1 The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, ☏ +1 734 433-ROSE (7673). Box office open M-F 10AM-6PM; on show nights, box office open M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa noon1-9PM, Su noon-3PM. 4 plays per season, produced by emerging playwrights and cast with regional talent. Local not-for-profit professional theatre dedicated to making the theatre available for everyone, and providing opportunities for Midwestern plays, playwrights, actors, designers, directors and administrators. Also offers intensive skill-building acting and directing classes. $12.50 - 35. 2 Waterloo Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo-Munith Road, ☏ +1 517 596-2254. Tours scheduled from early June to early September. Features exhibits on 19th-century farm life. Special events include Log Cabin Day in late-June, Pioneer Day in mid-October, and Christmas on the Farm in early December. On-site gift shop. Admission $3.

Arctic Coliseum, 501 Coliseum Drive, ☏ +1 734 433-4444. Open skate and drop-in hockey hours vary by day. 78,000-square-foot 2-ice-surface facility. 8 oversized locker rooms, hockey skill development program, hockey pro shop, pizza restaurant. Open skating $4, skate rental $3. Chelsea Lanes, 1180 S Main Street, ☏ +1 734 475-8141. M W noon-10PM, Tu 3PM-10PM, The F 3PM-11PM, Sa 10AM-midnight. Laser glo bowling on Saturdays. $2.50 - $3.25 per game, shoe rental $2. TreeHouse, 320 N. Main St, ☏ +1 734 475-1555. Daily 9AM-8PM. Indoor playground for kids of all ages, with a 1,200 square foot climbing structure, toddler area, and family-friendly menu choices. Chelsea offers residents and visitors many local events and activities to choose from on any given day. These events are listed on the Things To Do In Chelsea [1] website. The major annual events include: Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights, Main Street, +1 734 475-1145, [2]. Held for 11 weeks from late June through late August, on Thursday nights from 6:30PM-8:30PM. Local musicians, street performers, food vendors, downtown shops open late. Chelsea SummerFest, Main Street, +1 734 475-1145, [3] . Held during two days in late July. Artisans and craftspeople, live entertainment, children's activities, merchant booths, special guest appearances, specialty foods, classic cars and more. 1 Chelsea Community Fair (20501 Old US-12 Hwy and Old Manchester Road), ☏ +1 734 475-1270. Held during one week in late August.. Fairground rides, juried exhibits, contests, demolition derby, horse shows, wheel drive pulling.

Chelsea House Victorian Inn, 118 E Middle Street, toll-free: +1-877-618-4935. 4 guest rooms. Full breakfast (fruit crêpes plus a hot main courses). $115 - 195.

Chelsea is in southeastern Michigan, between Ann Arbor and Jackson.

Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE), +1 734 475-9494. Door-to-door rides within Chelsea, Dexter, and the north side of Ann Arbor (connecting with the #9 AATA bus). $3-4.