In April 2018, we spent a couple days camping in Marshall, Michigan.  This was our first camping trip of the year and like previous years, much of our time is spent de-winterizing and preparing our RV for the upcoming camping season.  After flushing out water lines, testing all the systems, cleaning and taking stock of our supplies, we make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the surrounding area.  Here are some fun highlights from our trip. 

We stayed at the campground at Cornwell’s Turkeyville U.S.A.  The full-hook up site worked out great for our weekend of cleaning and prepping.   The campground has many amenities to keep campers entertained.  Swimming pools, playgrounds and a fishing pond are just some of the activities offered.  But being so early in the year, the seasonal camping activities were not in full swing yet.  It was ok though because there are a lot of other things to see and do at Turkeyville.  During our stay, we were able to visit the gift shop, restaurant and ice cream parlor.  They also have a dinner theater and offer craft and cooking classes. 

We ventured to Critchlow’s Alligator Sanctuary in Athens MI which is about a 30 minute drive southwest of the campground.  I never would have guessed there was an alligator sanctuary in Michigan!  The family-owned business rescues and adopts alligators from all over the country. The alligators are kept in temperature controlled shipping containers for the winter.  They are grouped by size, or “class”.  Their sizes range from the smallest or “pre-school” group to the largest and smartest “high school” group.  They also have a group of “monster” sized alligators named Godzilla, Medusa and Jaws.

The alligators had not been released from their winter “homes” yet so our tour consisted of walking to each of the containers to view them.  The terrain was either grass or gravel when walking between the containers.  We might have been able to use a wheelchair or walker but instead we opted to have Caitlin walk with her crutch while we assisted her.  The insides of the containers were very narrow.  More than half the width of each container is the alligator exhibit.  The other half is open to walk the length of the container with room for about two people to pass each other.  The caretakers were extremely knowledgeable about alligators and I could tell they cared for their well being.  I found it fascinating that they are able to live in such a small space with just water to sustain them over the winter.  But because the alligators are dormant in the winter, as long as they are warm and hydrated, they do just fine.

We ended our visit in the gift shop where we had an animal encounter with a baby alligator and a snake.  The caretakers spoke of many improvements they hoped to do in the future.  We had a great time and would love to return to see the improvements.  I might consider visiting in the warmer summer months though.  I read on their website that they do feedings and there is an observation deck for viewing.  So I imagine the experience is different when the whole habitat is open.

Next we went to Horrock’s Farm Market in Battle Creek.  The family-owned market has been operating for over 50 years.  We wandered the aisles overwhelmed by shelves packed with savory foods, thirst-quenching beverages and bins overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Horrock’s has a couple of signature items that are fresh made at the market.  First, they make their own gourmet popcorn.  They have mountains of popcorn that goes on for miles.  The samples they offered in the store were delicious and we couldn’t resist purchasing a bag.  The bags are humongous and we snacked on it for weeks! 

Second, they have their own blends of coffee.  The beans are roasted fresh at the store.  Their jaw-dropping selection is a coffee lovers dream come true!  We purchased the Jamaican Me Crazy blend and had it for breakfast back at the camper.  The aroma and flavor was amazing!

One evening we had dinner at the historic Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub in downtown Marshall.  Schuler’s has been a landmark in Marshall for over 100 years.  The historic restaurant was operated by the Schuler family until 2019 when it was sold to a longtime employee of the company.  Some might know the Schuler’s name from the cheese spread that is sold at retail stores.  We admired the German influenced décor especially all of the sayings and murals that covered every wall and beam.  The meal was delicious and we enjoyed the lively atmosphere. 

Thanks for stopping by!

JoAnn

JoAnn O.

JoAnn’s journey as a parent and caregiver to an individual with disabilities started when her daughter was born pre-maturely with multiple health issues resulting in cognitive, physical and speech disabilities.  Over the years, JoAnn discovered that recreation, travel and social experiences can bring happiness and relief to a life that is often stressful and frustrating.  She loves to seek out adaptive, accessible and fun activities for her daughter and the whole family to enjoy.  She started the blog www.OurSpecialFunOasis.com to share her uplifting stories and positive ideas to help and to inspire others.