Military Weekend Special now at the Parish House Inn

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast is now offering a “Military Weekend Special” to all active and retired military personnel; any room, Friday and Saturday buy 1 night get the second night at half price. This is one way we can thank them for their service.

Gift certificates are also available for this special which and  make a nice surprise for a friend or family member who is in the military. With a gift certificate, they can book their stay for anytime that works for them.  A full breakfast is always included as well as use of our video library, popcorn tea and cocoa. 

The Inn is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Depot Town with the Automotive Heritage Museum, restaurants and shops is a short drive this time of year. 

Just call 734-480-4800 to purchase a gift certificate or to book your room.

Chris Mason

Innkeeper

www.parishhouseinn.com

734-480-4800

Ypsilanti Home Tour December 6 -7, 2014. Save 10% on stay at the Parish House Inn

Make a memory this Holiday season with a weekend stay at the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast for the 18th Annual Holiday Home Tour & 40th Anniversary Celebration of Ypsilanti Meals On Wheels.  

Saturday December 6, 2014,  the Candlelight Tour of Homes is from 5 - 9 PM with a Dessert reception from 8 -11 PM. There will be a Taste of Ypsilanti with food, music and beverages  at each location.  The Holiday spirit is alive and well in each of these beautifully decorated homes.....and will be an inspiration for your Holiday season

On Sunday, the tour of the homes is  from 1 - 5 PM.  Homes on the tour are in the College Heights, Normal Park, Huron River Drive and Downtown areas of Ypsilanti.  

Tickets for the Holiday Home Tour  are $40 and can be purchased at some businesses in Ypsilanti.  For ticket information and inquiries call 734-487-9669 or go to www.YMOW.org. 

When you call  to reserve your room for the weekend, be sure to say you are going on the Home Tour, and you will save 10% on your 2 night stay. The tickets can be added to your room as well....

Home Tour Tickets

This Pumpkin Apple Bread is served at the Parish House Inn

 This is my favorite Fall bread to serve with breakfast at the Parish House Inn.   You can add nuts to it you like or leave the apples out and it will still be yummy.  

Chris mason, innkeeper

PUMPKIN APPLE BREAD

This is very moist and spicey  with the addition of the chopped apples. Makes a great gift to share with family and friends as well.

Preheat oven to 350o. Coat 2 - 9x5x3 inch loaf pans or 5 mini pans with cooking spray.

3 cups all purpose flour

¾ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cloves

¼ teaspoon allspice

1 can (14 ½ ounces) pumpkin

¾ cup vegetable oil

2 ¼ cups sugar

4 large eggs

2 Granny Smith apples (or other cooking apples), peeled and chopped, about 2 cups

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice.
2. In another large bowl whisk together pumpkin, oil, sugar and eggs.
3. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture. Stir until well combined, and then fold in apples.
4. Divide evenly into prepared pans. Bake 50 -55 minutes for large pans and 45 to 50 minutes for small pans, until a toothpick comes out clean, or the top springs back.
5. Let cool for a few minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely.

This keeps in the refrigerator, for several days and of course freezes well.

Enjoy!

Recipe for Peach and Apricot Jam served at Parish House Inn

It's that time of year for us when the homegrown fruits and vegetables are in abundance at the Farmers Markets. I have made plain peach jam in the past and was never very happy with the result.  This year I found a recipe that originated in England, made some adjustment for our measuring system and  cooking method.  The result was not only foolproof but delicious.  I have made a batch a week for several weeks now, and so I will have plenty on hand.  because it doesn't use additional pectin, there is a longer cooking time.  I found that it could be a hit or miss situation until I used my candy thermometer.   It turns out perfectly every time.  So enjoy!

Chris Mason, Innkeeper

Parish House Inn Peach and Apricot Jam

Peach and Apricot Jam

makes 3 -4 half pints

1 pound peaches, peeled, stoned and cut into small pieces

1 pound apricots, stoned and quartered

3 ½ cups sugar

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1. Prepare jars by boiling them for 10 minutes add the lids and let sit.
2. Put all the fruit, sugar, water, and lemon juice into a large deep pot.
3. Gently heat to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a rolling boil.
4. Insert a candy thermometer into the pan and cook the mixture until the temperature reaches 225 degrees. You can put a teaspoonful onto a chilled plate and if it crinkles when a finger is pushed through it is done. If not done, boil another 2 minutes. This may take 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Use a potato masher to chop the fruit into smaller pieces as it cooks.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter.
7. Ladle into the sterilized jars, add lids and rims. Turn upside down on a cloth cover tray for 5 minutes. Turn upright and do not move them for 24 hours. These can also be processed in a canning pot for 10 minutes.
8. The jar lids should make a popping sound if they are sealing properly. If that doesn't happen, keep the jam in the refrigerator. It will keep for a long time...if you can keep it from being eaten, that is.

Thunder Over Michigan at Willow Run August 9 - 10

,

 Excitement is building for the Thunder Over Michigan air show this weekend, August 9 -10 at the Willow Run Airport.  This event  draws thousands to watch the very best airplanes, pilots and spectacular flying to the area. For all the details and ticket information go to  www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow

On the tarmac will be the CH-146 Griffon out of the 400 Tac Hel Sqn in Borden, Ontario. You  can come by and welcome the Canadian crew to Michigan at this weekend's air show. 

Other favorites to see are  the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, WWII Battle Reenactments, Screamin' Sasquatch, and dozens of rare warbirds.  To get tickets for this weekend's Baltia Air LinesThunder Over Michigan Air Show, go to www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow/purchase-tickets 

Chris Mason, innkeeper

Parish House Inn

Visit Library Park for Ypsilanti History during a stay at the Parish House Inn

Library Park

Historical marker for Elijah McCoy

When you stay at the Parish House Inn, in addition to shopping or dining in Downtown Ypsilanti, you can visit an interesting little park nestled right next to the B-24 coffee shop and the Ypsilanti Public Library.  It is called Library Park and was updated a few years ago when  the Historic building that houses the library next door was totally renovated. There are permanent tables with checker boards for table tops, benches, a fountain, and an Historical  Marker for Elijah McCoy. Ypsilanti is the second oldest city in Michigan, founded in 1829 (Detroit is older). the Ypsilanti Normal School, a teachers college, was founded in 1849 and became Eastern Michigan University. Elijah McCoy was an African American man who lived here in the mid 1800's and invented a self lubrication piston for the railroad engines, and the expression "the real McCoy" became associated with it.  He later went to Scotland where he was responsible for many more inventions during his lifetime.
So after a walk around the downtown area,  enjoy a cup of coffee or browse through the library and relax in this lovely oasis and read  all about Elijah McCoy. Eastern Michigan's school of business is across the street, so there is a lot of people watching to be done.

Chris Mason
Innkeeper

First Fridays Ypsilanti in Downtown, Depot Town and Cross Street

First Friday June venues

First Fridays Ypsilanti  is a year around event that
features FREE  art events, live  music and food in a variety of venues. You can walk from place to place from 6 PM until  and meet the musicians and  artists.

The map shows the locations and times of the venues, so make your plans to visit Historic Ypsilanti  June 6.  The July event will be on July 11, due to the Jul;y 4 Holiday.

Why not plan a getaway and book your room right on line? We are located in the downtown area...let Ypsilanti surprise you this summer.

Chris Mason
innkeeper

The Parish House Inn Ready for Summer after Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area cold winter

Glider on the patio

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast is getting ready for summer! The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area has survived one the harshest winters on record and we have been busy preparing the outdoors for the spring and summer.

The glider has been sanded and re-stained is is ready for the cushions and relaxing on the patio. The lattice around the patio is also stained and ready for those climbing roses to show off their blooms in June. The roses were cut down last Fall and the new support built.  Now they are beginning to sprout and  will once again surround the patio with their  color and aroma.

 Every Spring there is a lot to do in the yard to prepare for the season.  After this past winter with the snow and severe cold, it has been a joy to be outdoors!  There will be  pots of geraniums and other flowers and herbs added to the grounds as the weather warms.  Looking forward to enjoying the patio with all my guests this summer.
Chris Mason, Innkeeper

Eastern Michigan University Graduation April 27, 2014

Congratulations to the Class of 2014.  

Graduation ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. for the College of Arts and Science and the College of Technology and at 2 p.m. for the College of Business, the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services.

Commencement is always a time of great joy and yet nostalgia for both students and parents. I know I was so proud of my children when I saw them walk across the stage to receive their diploma. They were now armed with a hard earned education that would launch them into their careers and adult lives.  Best wishes for a successful and happy future.

Chris Mason
Innkeeper

"INNS AND OUTS" BY THE PARISH HOUSE INN INNKEEPER

"Inns and Outs" , by Chris Mason, innkeeper

Because the house that became the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast once housed ministers and their families, it has attracted more than the usual number of guests who are also  ministers or in a related profession.  This past week I have had a retired minister and his wife, a minister who changed direction within his church,his wife who is  an organist for her church, and a man who is becoming a minister in midlife.  Over the years I have had the pleasure of hosting many church groups in addition to ministers and their spouses. We are fortunate to have Concordia University and the district headquarters of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, located on the banks of the Huron River on the East side of Ann Arbor.  It is just a short ten minute drive from the Parish House Inn, which is also set on the banks of the same Huron River. I always  look forward to hosting the alumni, parents, friends and guest of Concordia University. It is easy to go to our website and check availability and book a room right on line.

Concordia University Campus House

Here is a short history of the Inn;

The Victorian house that is now the  Parish House Inn bed and breakfast, was originally located next to the First Congregational Church on Adams Street in Ypsilanti.
The House was built in 1893 and was the home for the minister of the church until the 1950's when it was used as a Sunday school and office building. In 1987 the church decided to build a better building and because the location is in the Historic District, had to have the structure moved.   So it was moved to 103 S. Huron Street, totally 
renovated as a bed and breakfast which opened in
August of 1993.

Concordia University sign

Twin beds in Room 3 at the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast

Room 3 twin beds

 Room 3 at the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast offers a twin bed option.  When you are making plans to visit the area with a friend or family member you can share the room.  So many people visit the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area for concerts, plays, Eastern Michigan and University of Michigan events, as well as to see family and friends.  Our location allows for easy access from I-94 and connections to local roads to get you anywhere easily.

Room 3 offers you antique maple furniture, a private bath with a shower, TV/DVD combination, soap, shampoo and free wifi. To add to your convenience, there is a desk for your computer, extra electrical connections for all of your mobile devices and local area guide books and magazines to browse through at your leisure.  Be sure to make a request for twin beds when you book the room on  line.  

Room 3 Twin beds

Chris Mason, innkeeper

Hearty Whole Grain Pancakes at Parish House Inn bed and breakfast

These pancakes are so good and yet contain whole grains for a hearty taste and texture. You can top with any fresh fruit in season and a dusting of powdered sugar and you have a delicious breakfast.  of course, real maple syrup and sausage or bacon are nice additions. Enjoy!

Hearty Whole Grain Pancakes

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup yellow cornmeal

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg or freshly grated nutmeg

1/3 cup cold butter, cut into pieces

2 eggs

2 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup pecans ( optional)

warmed maple syrup

 fresh berries or fruit in season

1. In a food processor, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg.

2. Add butter and process until mixture resembles coarse meal.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and buttermilk, then mix in the honey.  Stir in flour mixture until well mixed. let it sit for about 5 minutes to come together.

5. Ladle onto hot griddle coated with cooking spray. Cook until bubbles form on top and then flip to cook the other side. (be sure to allow time for the batter to cook )

Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven until needed.  

BIKER NIGHT IN YPSILANTI'S DEPOT TOWN

BIKER NIGHT IN DEPOT TOWN

iF YOU ARE A BIKER OR JUST WANT TO ENJOY THE VIEW, DON'T MISS BIKER NIGHT EVERY tUESDAY NIGHT IN dEPOT tOWN all year. wHEN THE WEATHER PERMITS, THE BIKES LINE CROSS STREET FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER.  IN FRONT OF CAFE RACER YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND AN ADMIRING CROWD WHO LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR OWN. iT ALL BEGINS AT 5:30 pm AND RUNS UNTIL 9 pm. bE SURE TO GET THERE EARLY TO ENJOY A  MEAL AT ONE dEPOT OWN'S PUBS AND VISIT CAFE RACER, WHERE THEY SPECIALIZE IN BRITISH AND JAPANESE RACERS. tHEY DO EVERYTHING FROM FULL RESTORATION TO GENERAL MAINTENANCE.

The Parish House Inn bed and breakfast is just a short walk through Riverside Park to Depot Town.  Plan a getaway and experience all Ypsilanti has to offer. 

The Henry Ford Greenfield Village 30 minutes from Parish House Inn

THE HENRY FORD

Greenfield Village 

The Tin Shop at greenfield Village

 The HENRY FORD is located in Dearborn, Michigan, just thirty minutes from Ypsilanti, and the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast. Under this name are it's attractions; Greenfield Village, Imax Theater, River Rouge Tour and the Museum. I am going to focus on each of these attractions separately in the next blogs.  This blog will just focus  on Greenfield Village.

The Pottery Shop at Greenfield Village

It all  began in 1929 when Henry Ford began collecting more than 100 historic buildings and thousands of artifacts.  He wanted to preserve America's agricultural and industrial roots for future generations, and so he placed them on land he owned in Dearborn in various urban and village settings.  Some of the structures that were moved and restored are Thomas  Edison's Menlo Park research laboratory, the Wright  Brothers' Bicycle Shop and Harvey Firestone's family farm.   This complex has also known as the first Theme Park and many years later,  Walt Disney used Greenfield Village as a model for Disneyland.

Today Greenfield Village  offers a wide range of attractions and activities.  It is open April 15 to November 2 from 9:30 AM to 5 PM seven days a week.  November and December hours are limited, but there are always special weekend events there.  Make your plans now for a  visit during the Spring, Summer or Fall.  To see it all usually will take more than one day, so be sure to check out our website for room  availability.

 For more information:

The Henry Ford

20900 Oakwood Boulevard

Dearborn, MI 48124-5029

 www.thehenryford.org 

 1-800-835-5237

Hot Chocolate Mix recipe at the Parish House Inn

 Yes...it still looks like winter here.  Unfortunately the back parking area has become a sheet of ice, so getting a car out is a challenge.  But...the good news is that February is almost over.  I am looking forward to March and hopefully warmer temperatures.
In the meantime, there is always something to do inside.  This recipe for a hot chocolate mix will warm you up and even help you sleep.  I hope you enjoy it. This makes a huge amount, so it is great for gift-giving as well.  Be sure to add the recipe!

               HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

1 8 quart box powdered milk
1 6 ounce jar non dairy coffee creamer
1 2 pound box Quik (chocolate drink mix)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Store in a tightly covered container.  To serve, add boiling water to 2 - 4 teaspoons of the mix.  Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.

Valentine's Day Ideas from the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast

Valentines Day celebration

Valentine's Day 

..it brings out the romance in all of us, doesn't it?  The grocery stores, candy shops, florists, jewelry stores and others are all out there with suggestions for you.  
Over the years we have had many couples spend their Valentine's Day in one of our guestrooms.  We always supply the chocolate dipped strawberries and sparking non-alcoholic beverages.  Of course we can always add additional items like roses and chocolates if desired.   We can make dinner reservations and always reccomend near-by Haab's for a quiet, romantic location.
Or maybe you just want to order a pizza and stay in your room to watch a movie from our DVD collection. We can arrange that as well. 
After a restful night's sleep, our special breakfast of heart shaped pancakes and bacon, coffee and fruit will be waiting for you. 
Can't get away right now? A gift certificate from the Parish House Inn will work.  You and your sweetheart can book your stay for a more convenient time.
Just call 734-480-4800 or book your room from our website  www.parishhouseinn.com

Roadshow Visits Ypsilanti Automotive heritage Collection Museum

Motor Cities logo

Automotive heritage Collection Building

Front Doors

 YPSILANTI 
 AUTOMOTIVE
HERITAGE
 COLLECTION 
MUSEUM



 100 East cross Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48198

(734) 482-5200 
www.ypsiautoheritage.org
Hours: Tues-Sun 1 - 4PM
Admission; $5 adults

                                                                               Antiques Roadshow, from Detroit

 When: February 3
Where: PBS
Time: 8 PM

The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection is a popular place for automobile enthusiasts of all ages. So when the  PBS series Antiques Roadshow visited Detroit last summer, they wondered what might be interesting to their viewers in the larger Southeast Michigan area. The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection received a call from a representative of the show last April and requested information about the museum, which was sent to them.  The Roadshow then made arrangements to visit the museum and requested an old Hudson for their use.  Jack Miller arranged for  Doug Edds allow the use of  his 1953 Hudson for the visit.  When the crew from the Roadshow arrived, they set up cameras inside and outside of the car where Mark L. Walberg, the star, was recorded driving through Depot Town, down East cross Street and through Riverside Park.  On another day, Mark L. Walberg arrived with Noel Barrett, the Roadshow toy expert and the focused on all the models on display.  This visit from the Roadshow will add yet  another feather in the cap of the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection Museum, and the city of Ypsilanti.

Ann Arbor Folk Festival At Hill Auditorium

 ANN ARBOR FOLK FESTIVAL

When; Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1
 6:30 p.m. each night
Where; Hill Auditorium, 825 North University
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
latitude;  42.2783576
longitude; -83.7380966
Call 734-763-TKTS
http://www.findyourfolk.org

The Folk Festival will celebrate its 37th year with a selection of the world’s finest traditional and contemporary performers.  Each night includes a blend of well-known and up-and-coming artists, providing you with an opportunity to hear artists you know and love while discovering great new talent. Some performers who were onstage in years past include John Prine, Leon Redbone, Bonnie Raitt and Lyle Lovett to name a few, so you never know who may be the new rising star at this years festival.

Make it a weekend getaway with a stay at the Parish House Inn bed and breakfast, located  in Historic Ypsilanti...less than 20 minutes away.  You can book your room online.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2014
IRON AND WINE
NEKO CASE
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
WILLIE NILE
PEARL AND THE BEARD
THAO FROM THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN
THE APPLESEED COLLECTIVE 
SETH WALKER, MC

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2014

PATTY GRIFFIN

INGRID MICHAELSON

JEFF DANIELS

BIG SANDY AND HIS FLY-RITE BOYS

JOHNNYSWIM

PIGPEN THEATRE CO.

THE CRANE WIVES

SETH WALKER, MC 

**program subject to change**

Restaurant Week in Ann Arbor

It's that time of year once again...January 12 -17, the much anticipated Ann Arbor Restaurant Week event.  Here is what you can expect;

Lunch is a $15 menu of special restaurant week items. It is an open format offering restaurants the opportunity to create one, two or three courses designed to please your palate and your pocketbook. Many offering two for one pricing.
 
Dinner is a $28 fixed price three course menu, most restaurants offering a choice of menu items for each course. A limited number of restaurants will be offering two for one pricing.

For a list pf participating restaurants go to www.restaurantweek.com

You can make a nice getaway with a stay at the Parish House Inn  bed and breakfast. Check it out online.

Tomato Soup Recipe from the Parish House Inn

A view of the snow covered tree from room3.

Happy New Year...well at least it is getting off to an historic start weather wise on our area.  Record low temperatures and lots of snow have added up to a beautiful but difficult beginning to 2014.  I stocked up on supplies and so have not had to be out in this weather at all.  I have had few guests, so it has allowed me time to put away all the Christmas decorations, do some housecleaning and get to the end of the year financial records.   This is also a good time of year to have some healthy food on hand, especially soups, so I will share my  tomato soup recipe.
It is just delicious when paired with  a grilled cheese sandwich.

PARISH HOUSE INN TOMATO SOUP

3 ( 14.5 OUNCE) CANS DICED TOMATOES

3 CUPS CHICKEN BROTH

2 BAY LEAVES

2 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

1 ONION MINCED

1 TABLESPOON BROWN SUGAR

1 TABLESPOON TOMATO PASTE

SALT AND PEPPER

2 TABLESPOONS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR

½ CUP HEAVY CREAM

PINCH CAYENNE

2 TEASPOONS SHERRY OR OTHER HERBS

PESTO AS A GARNISH

1. HEAT BROTH MIXTURE; DRAIN TOMATOES, RESERVING JUICE. ADD BROTH TO RESERVED TOMATO JUICE TO MEASURE 5 SUPS(IF NECESSARY ADD WATER). ADD BAY LEAVES AND BRING BROTH TO BOIL, COVERED IN A LARGE SAUCEPAN AND SET ASIDE

2. SAUTE TOMATO MIXTURE; MEANWHILE, MELT BUTTER IN A LARGE DUTCH OVEN OVER HIGH HEAT. ADD DRAINED TOMATOES, ONIONS, BROWN SUGAR, TOMATO PASTE AND ½ TEASPOON SALT, AND COOK UNTIL TOMATOES ARE DRY AND BEGINNING TO BROWN, 11-13 MINUTES. STIR IN FLOUR AND COOK 1 MINUTE.

3.ADD BROTH MIXTURE. SLOWLY ADD BROTH MIXTURE TO TOMATOES. BRING TO A SIMMER AND COOK FOR 5 MINUTES. REMOVE BAY LEAVES

4. PUREE, FINISH AND SEASON; PUREE SOUP IN BATCHES IN BLENDER OR SUBMERSIBLE BLENDER, UNTIL SMOOTH. RETURN TO POT AND STIR IN CREAM, SHERRY.  STIR IN A SMALL AMOUNT OF  PESTO INTO THE EACH BOWL OF SOUP AS A GARNISH . SEASON TO TASTE AND SERVE.

THIS FREEZES WELL...ENJOY.