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Highland Park is tucked away in the northern region of Metro Detroit. Henry Ford put this little farming community on the map when he built the first automobile assembly factory in history there. If you happen to find yourself in Highland Park, due to a vacation or business trip, you might be surprised to find how many attractions it offers. Though Detroit offers an abundance of attractions, there are some hidden gems to be discovered around Highland Park, MI. more Ford Highland Park Plant The Highland Ford Park Plant was built by Henry Ford back in the early 1900s. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1978. It is located at 91 Manchester Avenue in Highland Park, Michigan. It was the first American production facility for the Ford Model T. This was also the first factory in all of history to assemble automobiles on a moving assembly line. Hamtramck Disneyland This unique yard folk art exhibition was created by a Ukrainian named Dmytro Szylak, back in 1929. It took him 7 years to complete it. His artwork was a hobby of his, after retiring from General Motors. His artwork consisted of old, new, and hand-crafted items. Dmytro Szylak died in May of 2015. His art exhibit was then sold to Hamtramck Non-Profit Hatch Art, who continues to restore and renovate the property. This 2-story art exhibit even lights up at night, for a more magical experience. Detroit Axe If you are searching for an exciting place to have that next cool date-night, corporate event, or birthday party, then look no further. Detroit Axe just might be the place to gather. It is a bar and grill sporting excellent ratings and reviews, with a twist. You have heard of knife-throwing…but ax-throwing? If not, then this is the place to sharpen your skills. A good tip here is to drink responsibly. We would hate to see axes flying where they should not be! Remember that alcohol is only for those of legal drinking age, and never drink and drive. Eastern Market If you are an avid shopper, then you must visit the Eastern Market, an expansive spread of unique shops. It is open on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, to accommodate different niches of vendors. Tuesday Market is a bit scaled-down from the weekend markets, but still worth a trip for fresh produce, baked goods, and meats. What sets this day apart is their Yoga and Zumba classes. Yoga is offered from 11 am to 12 pm, while the Zumba class is offered from 1-2 pm. Saturday Market offers over 200 vendors showcasing exquisite foods, produce, and stories for thousands of visitors. Sunday Market is not your traditional Farmer's Market. Artists from all around Michigan arrive to showcase their various unique creations for sale. You can find just a little bit of everything on this day. Detroit Institute of Arts If you are an art enthusiast, then the Detroit Institute of Arts is a must-visit. An array of art exhibits is displayed here, covering an expanse of time and culture. You can even take in an event at their Film Theatre. If you are an educator looking for a unique and impactful field trip for your students, look no further. DIA offers a unique educational experience and adventure into the world of art. While you're in Highland Park, swing by Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and test-drive a new vehicle.

Highland Park is a popular walking destination for exploring Michigan's natural beauty. It sprawls across 5,900 acres of forest, marshes, rolling hills, and along the state's southern shores. It touts a vast number of picturesque spots that are ideal for immortalizing on social media. Here are three of our favorite Instagram-worthy trails around Highland Park. more 1. Cedar Creek Trail Cedar Creek Trail is a genuine hidden gem in the suburbs of metropolitan Detroit. It runs 2.75 miles along Cedar Creek and the Haven Hill lake, through forests, marshes, and wetland areas and over a few welcome hills. Ideal for the average hiker, the terrain is relatively moderate to traverse. Pick up the trailhead at the Haven Hill Gatehouse or the opposite end of the trail at Teeple Lake. 2. Historic Haven Hill Trail If you're looking for a moderately challenging walk that's both dog-friendly and educational, discover the Historic Haven Hill Trai l. A short, 1.4-mile round trip path, it meanders it's way to the Instagram worthy Henry Ford estate. Drive-up Haven Hill to the former entrance of the property and leave your car in the Circle parking lot. Take the path up the hill to photograph the ruins. It's rumored to be a bit of a climb from post number 7 to the Carriage House. This impressive log lodge was home to Ford's caretakers and still stands at the edge of the hill today. Further up the slope, discover the foundation of the sprawling Haven Hill Lodge with it's resilient, massive Vermont fireplace. Follow the foot trail down the ridge to what remains of the pool, toboggan run, and tennis courts that feature clay imported from France. The best time of year to capture these ruins on camera is late October or early November when the leaves drop off the many trees, and visibility vastly improves. 3. Highland Park Foot Trails The Highland State Recreation Area offers photography enthusiasts approximately 16 miles of trails to explore and shoot. This well-maintained network of trails consists of four loops labeled A, B, C, and D. Each path is well-marked and offers walkers a choice of different difficulty levels to accommodate different stages of fitness. Hop on the trailhead from Livingston Road and pick your adventure. The A loop runs 3.8 challenging miles over hilly terrain with many steep climbs and drops, while B loop, the longest circuit, travels 5.9 miles and offers experienced hikers several long climbs. Keep your camera handy. You might catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife, including deer, near the trail. The C loop is another relatively short jaunt at 2.4 miles. However, it's considered a very technical hike with a variety of tight dips and a rocky landscape. The 3.9-mile D loop is also best for experienced hikers due to large rock formations and steep hills you're required to traverse. Highland Recreational Area at 5200 Highland Road in White Lake is the ideal destination for Insta-worthy trails. Grab your camera, lace of your shoes, and head outdoors today. Which path will you explore first?

Highland Park, Michigan, has lots to choose from when it comes to spas and beauty salons. No matter if you require a trim or you want to have a day of rejuvenation, you are sure to find the place that is perfect for you. Here are a few spas and beauty salons worth checking out in the Highland Park area. more 1. Salon de Weave If you are looking for a beauty salon that can satisfy all your weave, nail, and natural hair needs, look no further. Salon de Weave is affordable, professional, and offers a quality guarantee. Customer care is at the core of this beauty salon, and they work hard to keep you looking your best, so give Salon de Weave a try and embrace your high maintenance needs today. 2. Salon Bliss When you are in search of escape and relaxation, a day spa may be the exact type of getaway you are needing. Salon Bliss has talented designers that work in a culture of excellence that is achieved through salon training and mentoring. You will find designers that are well versed in the classic, contemporary, new, and emerging trends. This is more than a beauty salon/day spa, its an experience. When you want a day of pampering, Salon Bliss and Spa offers services that include body waxing, massages, pedicures, eminence treatments, haircutting and styling, color and texture, and much more. Book your experience at Salon Bliss and enjoy an escape into relaxation. 3. Alchemy Color Lab This is where you can find the best of the best with a team of artists that strive to perfect their technical skills and continue their education. You will also find a comfortable environment focused on your needs. Alchemy Color Lab offers a wide range of services that include haircuts, clipper-cuts, blowout, party style, formal style, makeup, base color, glaze, elumen, halo highlights, highlight, bleach and tone, bond builder, treatment, extra product, extensions, and color correction. If you want a beauty salon with skilled professional artists, you have found one at Alchemy Color Lab. 4. Tantra Aveda Spa When you need to experience total relaxation and pure bliss, you won't find a better place than Tantra Aveda Spa. Highly skilled only begins to describe those who provide you with the services you will find here. You can choose from facials, body treatments, hands and feet, esthetics, and spa packages. When you book at Tantra Aveda Spa, be prepared to lose yourself in the welcoming and carefree environment. When you are feeling exhausted, run-down, or stressed out, treating yourself with a visit to a beauty salon or spa can make all the difference. When you walk through the doors of your favorite establishment, you can feel the weight of the world lift right off your shoulders. Try these few places listed above the next time you are looking to escape the everyday grind and see what you have been missing. You can also explore many more spas and beauty salons that Highland Park, Michigan, has to offer. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Organizing a memorable birthday party for your child can be a stressful time. But around Highland Park, Illinois, you can find some awesome venues that will host your party and take care of all the organization for you. Here are some of the best party locations. more WeOrbit For kids aged five years and under, WeOrbit on 1st Street offers indoor play space that encourages early learning through educational activities and active play. The soft play area is designed for newborns to early walkers, while the toddler area helps to inspire their imagination. The play structure features short climbing walls, slides, a bridge, and hiding nooks. Birthday parties include use of the private party room, decorations in your chosen color scheme, plates, napkins and utensils, complimentary hot drinks, and a picture slide show. You just take care of bringing the cake and cold drinks. You can choose to add on pizza, themed decorations, face painting, balloon twisting, music, or a character appearance. Hi-Five Sports Club The Hi-Five Sports Club in Northbrook is aimed at giving younger children the opportunity to learn and play sports in a fun and safe environment. The enthusiastic instructors help to instill a sense of fair play and sportsmanship. For your child's birthday party, you'll have a private field and/or court area for 90 minutes or two hours with games organized by the HI-Five staff. Paper goods and water will be provided in the party lounge and you'll have a photo opportunity with Murphy Mascot. Your child can choose from games including basketball, soccer, floor hockey, dodge ball, relay races, and more. Available add-ons are food or snacks, goody bags, an inflatable, or a gaga pit. Glamour Girlz Central Make your daughter feel like a celebrity on her birthday at Glamour Girlz Central on Central Avenue. With a Glam Makeover Party, your girl and her friends will get a party updo, mini manicure, makeup application, dancing and games during stage time, and a paparazzi session. Also provided are sandwiches or pizza, a choice of cake, and goody bags. She can choose from themes such as Supermodel, Little Miss Royalty, Recording Star, or Unicorn. Alternatively, she could opt for a Glam Spa Party with mini manicure and pedicure, and a chocolate facial. For a small fee you can add glitter tattoos, boas, fairy wings, or make your own lip gloss or lotion. Taste Buds Kitchen Located in Bannockburn, Taste Buds Kitchen offers Birthday Party Extravaganzas for ages three to eight, the Birthday Party Deluxe for age nine to 13, and Teen birthday Parties for 14 to 17 years. Younger kids will work with a chef to create their culinary masterpiece while also having a lot of fun. The two-hour teen party is part fun, but they'll also learn some proper cooking techniques like creating sushi rolls, rolling out fresh pasta dough, and more. If you prefer, Taste Buds will bring everything to your home for the party. And they promise to clean up any mess. Having your child's party at one of these locations takes the pressure off you so that you can enjoy the day too. Photo by malcolm garret from Pexels

Interstate-75 is a great road that goes from the north of the U.S. to the south, starting from the Canadian border and ending at Florida. It's one of the best roads in the U.S. on which you can take a road trip to discover many interesting cities and places along the way. However, if you live in Michigan or going there anytime soon, here are four of the best places that you should visit along Interstate-75. more 1. Castle Rock Castle Rock is one of the oldest lookout points in Michigan. It was known as "Pontiac's Lookout" by the Ojibwa Tribe, and it was opened for tourists and visitors in 1929. Ever since it has been a major tourist destination in the area. Castle Rock is about 183 feet above Interstate-75 and 195 feet above water level, and its summit has binoculars that you can use to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Huron, Mackinac Island, downtown St. Ignace, and the wildlife habitat. This is one of the places that you shouldn't miss whenever driving nearby on Interstate-75. 2. Hartwick Pines State Park Hartwick Pines State Park is located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, and it has the largest stand of old white pine trees in the region (49 acres). The park is the perfect destination for those who love outdoor sports, and its frequent visitors can enjoy many activities during all seasons of the year. Popular activities here include mountain biking, snowshoeing, camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, birding, and hunting. One of the best ways to discover the park is to hike its popular Old Growth Trail that passes by the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum. 3) Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum is home to the USS Edson Dd846 military ship, which is the main artifact in the museum. The ship was built in 1958, and it's one of two surviving Forest Sherman-class destroyers in the U.S. Most of the ship's service was during the Vietnam War and it played a vital role during the evacuation of Saigon and Phnom Penh in Vietnam. The museum mainly focuses on documenting the history of the United States Navy. 4) Stepping Stone Falls If you like the outdoors, you should definitely visit the Stepping Stone Falls whenever nearby. The manmade falls hold back the Flint River, creating the 600-acre Mott Lake. The falls have underwater lights that illuminate them at night, making it the perfect place to enjoy a nice walk in the evening. Also, you can take a 45-minute cruise on the Genesee Belle Riverboat that departs on Sundays in the evening. Admission to the falls is free, and there is also an available picnic area. Interstate-75 passes by many beautiful and interesting places that you should discover whenever you get a chance. In addition to the above-mentioned places in Michigan, there are more interesting places all along the highway. Also, if you are coming to Michigan anytime soon, make sure to spend at least one day in Detroit to discover its amazing museums, restaurants, and architecture. Photo by Pille Kirsi from Pexels

With the growing awareness of obesity and health issues, more people are looking for healthier ways to travel. This had led to a significant increase in the number of bicycles on the roads. Many cities have created bike lanes and offer bike rentals to encourage this cleaner, cheaper mode of transport. However, cyclists and car drivers have to share the same roads. When collisions happen, it's obvious who's going to come out worse. But with a little mutual respect, the roads can be shared harmoniously and accidents can be avoided. Here are four tips for driving safely around cyclists. more 1. Be Aware of Cyclists Observation is one of the most important aspects of driving. As a driver, you should always stay aware of what's going on around you by regularly looking in your mirrors and checking over your shoulder before turning right or changing lanes. With cyclists being more difficult to see than cars, this is even more vital. When pulling out at intersections, take an extra couple of seconds to make sure there isn't a cyclist approaching. Also, check your mirrors before opening your door. 2. Be Patient and Respectful It can be frustrating to get stuck behind a cyclist on the city streets, but if you can't get past, wait. Don't be tempted to squeeze past, as you could put the cyclist's life at risk. Most cyclists will try to let you pass when there is room. They have as much right to be on the road as cars do, so give them respect and don't yell or curse at them. A few seconds' delay won't ruin your day! 3. Give Cyclists Enough Space Cyclists are vulnerable and encounter a variety of hazards that drivers don't have to think about. Slippery manhole covers, debris in the road, and people opening car doors near them can cause them to swerve or, worse, to fall. When you're passing a cyclist, give him or her plenty of room and look for any potential dangers he or she might need to avoid. In some states, passing drivers are required to allow cyclists at least 3 feet. If you imagine a cyclist falling in front of you, would you have space to miss him or her? 4. Use the Dutch Reach The Netherlands has more than 22 million bicycles in an area less than a tenth the size of Michigan, so the Dutch know about cycle safety. The Dutch Reach involves drivers and passengers opening the car door with the hand farthest from it. As you reach for the handle, your upper body turns, making it simple to look in the side mirror and over your shoulder. Open the door slowly, looking all the time. Not only are you more likely to spot a passing cyclist, but you'll also reduce the risk of having your door hit by a passing vehicle. Cyclists can cause you minor delays, but being involved in a collision is going to keep you held up for a lot longer, so keep your cool. Image via Flickr by the_ donald_fotos used under CC BY 2.0

Detroit, Michigan, has some of the best museums in the world. Some people call it the Paris of the Midwest for its rich culture and its wide variety of available activities. Here are some of the best museums for kids and adults in the area. more 1. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is dedicated to innovation and America's greatest minds. You can explore a reproduction of Thomas Edison's Menlo Park lab, take a tour of an actual Ford factory, ride in a Model T, enjoy an IMAX movie, and see the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Check out a steam locomotive, a huge toy train display, the bike shop where the Wright brothers experimented with flight for the first time, and Ford's first car: the Quadricycle. You can even watch glassblowers in action and get a custom gift for friends or family members. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2. The Detroit Institute of Arts The Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest collections of art in the U.S. This 658,000-square-foot building contains more than 100 galleries and more than 65,000 works of art from all over the world. You can see pieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Degas, Renoir, and many other well-known artists. The Institute also has games for kids and families, art classes, workshops, and frequently changing exhibits. Children will like the Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection, and you can enjoy a movie at the beautiful Detroit Film Theatre. There's a free guided gallery tour at 1 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, 6 p.m. on Fridays, and 3 p.m. on weekends. You can also enjoy a different live concert every Friday night. 3. The Detroit Historical Museum The Detroit Historical Museum first opened in 1928, and it provides a detailed history of Detroit. You can learn about the city's start in 1701, how it became the Motor City, and how it was involved in the Underground Railroad. Walk through reproductions of the streets of old Detroit to see the city's transformation over time and create your own song at the Kid Rock Music Lab. The Detroit Historical Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4. The Michigan Science Center Also called MiSci, this museum has more than 250 hands-on exhibits, including a miniature town for toddlers and a mock factory. You can also enjoy live stage shows, an IMAX theater, a planetarium, and fun adults-only events. The Michigan Science Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. These museums are ideal for a field trip or a fun weekend. Their changing exhibits mean you can go back again and again to have a great time and learn more about art, history, and science. Image via Flickr by VasenkaPhotography used under CC BY 2.0

The Detroit Riverfront is full of activity all through the year. The area continues to grow and improve with activities and events for the whole family. Whether you enjoy walking, biking, live music, or just relaxing, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do around the Detroit Riverfront. more Go on a Nature Walk The Riverfront Conservancy and the Detroit Audubon offer nature walks all through the year. During the winter, you can go on a nature walk and learn all about the birds that call the riverfront home. The walk starts at Cullen Plaza where you explore the wetland habitat, and then you head to Gabriel Richard Park to visit the birding station and even get a glimpse of bald eagles, Canvasback ducks, and more. Everyone will get hot cocoa and snacks to end the adventure. See a Concert at Chene Park Chene Park is a 6,000 seat amphitheater right on the riverfront. This venue has 5,000 seats and 1,000 lawn spaces making the best place in Detroit for a spring or summer concert. Some of the performers coming to Chene Park this year include B2K, KEN, and the Lost 80s Live with performers such as Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, and Bow Wow Wow. You can find out more about who's coming by visiting the box office, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Saturday Market at Eastern Market Just about a mile from the Detroit Riverwalk, you'll find Eastern Market. This regular Saturday event is one of the oldest year-round public markets in the U.S. The Saturday Market features over 225 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and many other products and unique treasures. This market stays open every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a goal of providing healthy and nourishing food to the Detroit residents. Visit Cullen Plaza Cullen Plaza is the heart of the Detroit Riverwalk and its where you'll find the carousel, a sand volleyball court, and the bike shop and rental station. There are tables out where people can sit and chat, and there is also a cafe for when you get hungry. There is also a pavilion at Cullen Plaza with public facilities, and this is the spot on the riverfront where you can hop on Diamond Jack's River Tours. This company offers both private tours a public charter of the Detroit River. Visit William G. Milliken State Park The William G. Milliken State Park opens May 1 and offers a wide variety of activities. You can visit the butterfly gardens, go fishing, take a walk, or go for a bike ride. The park also has covered picnic areas, a 52-slip harbor, and a scaled down replica of the Tawas Point Lighthouse to mark the entrance of the harbor. The platforms along the river provide a place to fish, and there is a bike path that winds through the park. The Detroit Riverfront continues to grow offering all kinds of activities for everyone. Image via Flickr by JasonParis used under CC BY 2.0

Winter weather can take a toll on a vehicle's paint. Whether it's the cold temperatures, the salt and sand used to keep the roads clear, or when you need to remove the snow and ice after a storm, your car's paint takes a beating. Since you can't stay home all winter and keep your vehicle in the garage, it is important to protect it. Check out these tips for protecting your car's paint during the winter months. Protect It Before Winter Arrives Before the temperatures even begin to drop and the snow starts to fly, make sure to add a protective coat of wax to your car. A polymer wax will provide a layer of protection and help to create a shield against the road salt, snow, and general winter grime. Apply a thorough coating of wax in the late fall, and then reapply at least once during the winter. Just make sure to wait for a day above freezing and wash your car thoroughly before applying. more Take Cover If you have a garage, use it in the winter. Not only will it make your day easier after a snowfall, but it is also better for the paint. If you don't have a garage, consider a car cover. There are heavy duty covers that will protect the car from moisture and the impact of ice storms. Keeping your vehicle under cover will also prevent ice from forming which not only saves you time, but it means you don't have to scrape it off the paint. Remove Snow and Ice The Right Way Always keep a good snow brush in your vehicle so you can use it to remove snow and ice from your car. Don't use a shovel, a credit card, or other items that could damage the paint. There are products with foam heads which will safely remove snow from the car, and when it comes to ice, make sure you don't use an ice scraper on the paint. These tools are only for the windows. The hard plastic will scratch the paint, so instead, leave plenty of time to warm up your car and melt the ice. Wash It Frequently The salt and sand that road crews use when clearing the roads gets in and on your vehicle. It is important to wash this off, so it doesn't damage the paint. Whether you have to bring it to a car wash or you have a place at home to wash it, make sure to clean off the road grime every few weeks throughout the winter. The salt will damage the paint if it stays on too long. Use a Clay Bar Even after washing, there could be small particles of grit that remain on the paint. A clay bar will remove these by gliding over the waxed surface. It acts as a deep cleaner and removes stuck on particles, and it will even remove imperfections in the paint. Follow these tips to protect the paint and keep your vehicle looking great all winter long. Image via Flickr by evengoodwin1 used under CC BY 2.0

Michigan winters can be long and cold. You hope that you will never get stranded, but it is best to be prepared just in case. As you navigate the winter roads, make sure you keep the following items in your car. Tire Chains One of the biggest problems with winter is that you never know what to expect. You can leave for work in the morning with little to no snow on the ground and then by the time you leave work, the roads are covered in ice and you are stuck. Keeping tire chains in your trunk can improve your car's traction, allowing you to maneuver through the toughest of snow or ice. Additional items that could help you when you are stuck include a shovel, a bag of sand, or even a bag of cat litter. These items can give you temporary traction so you can get out of a stuck position. more Jumper Cables Jumper cables can come in handy when an especially cold morning prevents your car battery from starting. Overnight, when the temperatures drop below freezing, it's more difficult for the battery to hold its charge. By morning, even after the temperatures have begun to warm up a little, your battery may not be able to start your engine. Keeping jumper cables gives you the tool needed to get you back on the road. Extra Cell Phone Battery No one plans to get stranded. Unfortunately, it happens. Whether you have a flat tire or are snowed in, an extra cell phone battery that is fully charged can be very useful when you need to call for help. It can also be useful to keep a hard copy of emergency phone numbers including your roadside assistance service, your insurance company, or your emergency point of contact. Additionally, a battery-powered radio can help you monitor the weather while you wait for help. First Aid Kit You never know when you might need a first aid kit. Your first aid kit should include items like band-aids, sterile bandages, creams, and gloves. You can compile your own items and create your own kit or purchase a pre-made one from the store. Extra Clothing and Food Being stranded on the side of the road in the middle of winter can be cold. You and your passengers might also be hungry, depending on how long you have to wait. It's a good idea to keep a few extra pairs of warm clothing and snow boots in the trunk. You can also store non-perishable food items and water in the event of an emergency. If you regularly drive in a rural area and might be stranded for a longer period of time, a warm sleeping bag may also be useful. This winter, make sure you are prepared for an emergency. Keep a box in your trunk with jumper cables, a first-aid kit, tire chains, warm clothing, and an extra battery. You hope that you will never have to use these items, but if you do, you will be glad you took the time to create your emergency kit. Image via Flickr by dsearls used under CC BY 2.0

Sometimes one just needs to get into your car and take a day trip somewhere. If you live in Highland Park, Michigan, there are many interesting places you can visit in surrounding areas. Here are just a few ideas. Toledo About an hour's drive from Highland Park lies the city of Toledo. Situated at the Western tip of Lake Erie, this city is home to the Toledo Museum of Art that houses a vast collection of art works, ranging from Renaissance to modern pieces, by famous artists such as Paul van Klee, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. In the Glass Pavilion, one can view thousands of glass works that represent the city's rich glass legacy. If you have children, drop by at the Imagine Station, which is a science museum where they can learn about science, technology, and engineering through interactive exhibits. The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, which is home to over 720 different kinds of species, also offers lots of entertainment for kids. The more adventurous can zip line across 760 feet of the Africa! exhibit, which includes animals like giraffes, wildebeest, and Watusi cattle. more Detroit As Detroit, which is a stone's throw from Highland Park, is the biggest city in the state of Michigan, it has a lot of sights and activities to offer. The city has a rich musical history, as it played a major part in the development of jazz, hip-hop, pop, and punk in the U.S., and is the place where Motown music was first developed. To get a feel of the spirit of this exciting musical period and gain insight into the lives of Motown legends, pop in at the Motown museum where you can view photos, artwork, costumes, and listen to music. If art is more your thing, be sure to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, which houses art from the earliest human cultures to modern times, including pieces by greats such as Van Gogh and Picasso. Or, if you like cars and technology, the Henry Ford Museum will be of interest. This museum showcases technological and industrial innovations in U.S history, including the first steam locomotive built in 1829 and the first Ford vehicle ever built. Cleveland Cleveland, which is situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, is about two and a half hours' drive from Highland Park. This city offers a lot of attractions and interesting places to see, so it's well worth the drive. As the first official rock 'n' roll concert in the U.S. was held in Cleveland in 1952, it is only fitting that the city should be home to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Here you can view an impressive collection of rock 'n' roll memorabilia, including John Lennon's guitar, as well as exhibits about famous stars such as Elvis and U2. Treat the kids with a visit to the Children's Museum, which is housed in the Stager-Beckwith mansion. In The Wonder Lab, the kids can play around in water or get lost in Adventure City, a two-story city-themed playground. If you need some time away from home, these places near Highland Park offer loads of entertainment and fun for the whole family. Image via Flickr by Xuan Che used under CC By 2.0

The holiday season is almost here and it's the time of year when families reunite with members gathered from all over the country. However, in many areas, that also means bad weather is here again and won't leave until spring of next year. If you need to take long drives in the next few months, it's essential that you prepare for all the rain, snow, wind, sleet, or hail that Mother Nature may throw at you. Here are some tips on how to do that as safely as possible. Inspect your Car It's not exactly a driving technique, but it is the essential first step before going on a drive in bad weather. Ideally, the car should be inspected at a garage, but if your time is limited you can do that yourself. Lights and tires are the first items that need to be inspected, so make sure all tires are inflated and all the car's lights work. Also, if the weather is cold, snow tires are essential. Even on a dry road, once the temperature drops below 45, snow tires do a better job than regular tires because they stay soft. Other things you need to check are fluid levels, like gas, antifreeze, and oil. If you don't remember the last time you had your oil changed, it would be a good idea to do that before the trip, just to be sure you won't have any bad surprises along the way. more Plan your Drive A good way to increase your chances of a safe journey is planning your drive beforehand. Often around Thanksgiving or Christmas, the roads are filled with people driving to get home to their families, so checking a GPS app for the best time of day to take the drive is a useful first step. Less traffic usually means fewer things that can go wrong, not to mention a faster trip. Keep an Appropriate Distance from Other Cars Bad weather conditions can sneak up on inexperienced drivers who don't change the way they drive based on the road conditions. The first thing any driver must remember when driving through bad weather is that braking distances are longer than on a dry road. Also, it's not enough to keep a safe distance from the car in front; a driver must constantly be aware of cars behind to make sure they keep a safe distance. Don't Drive Through Intense Storms If rain, snow, sleet, or hail starts to fall up to a point where visibility is gravely affected, it's best to park your car and wait for it to mellow down. Avoid parking next to trees or any other kind of tall object, like billboards or telephone poles, as strong winds can topple them. Unless you can quickly get inside a building, staying in your car during lightning storms is crucial, because the car's metal body protects passengers from being hit by lightning. Once the storm mellows out a bit and you have decent visibility, you can get back on the move. Keep these tips in mind when you're on the road over the holidays, or anytime stormy weather strikes. And whenever a storm seems like more than you can handle, remember - it's always better to be safe than sorry. Image via Flickr by theogeo used under CC BY 2.0