Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Art & Beer & Cars – Ypsilanti is a Great Town

Cleaning and servicing the fireplaces and chimneys of our neighbors throughout Michigan has given those of us at Clean Sweeps of Michigan the amazing privilege of getting to know more about Ypsilanti. Just 40 miles or so from Detroit, Ypsilanti has a lot to offer, whether you’re the outdoor or the indoor type. If you haven’t been to Ypsilanti yet, now’s the time!

The Annual Bike Ypsi Spring Ride & Festival

Well, you may have missed this year’s Bike Ypsi Spring Ride and Festival, but there’s always next year! Held on the first Sunday of every May, the guided ride is designed for bikers of all ages and skill levels. There’s a 15 mile ride for those looking to explore, a 30 mile ride for the athletically-inclined, and a 5 mile ride for families. And don’t worry – when you work up an appetite, there is a plethora of food and fun to be had.

Feeling Artistic?

Through Nov. 5, make sure to visit Riverside Arts for the Ypsilanti Art Incubator. It is intended to be a real and virtual space for collaborations between artists in our area. For additional details, see their  FB Event Page. Check out www.riversidearts.org.

Art, Music, And Brew

Visiting Ypsilanti in the summer? Check out the annual Shadow Art Fair. Every July, the Corner Brewery hosts the fair, which features local music, local art and cold beer. It’s an all-day affair so make sure you wear sunblock! To start planning for next year, check out their Facebook page.

You can also check out the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, which is an annual celebration of craft beer, food, art, music, hand-made goods and more! The Heritage Festival is a free 3 day event, and is guaranteed fun for everyone. To find out more about the festival, check out www.ypsilantiheritagefestival.com.

Depot Town Flea Market

If you’re in Ypsilanti on a Sunday, you’ll want to be sure and check out the great things at the Depot Town Freight House Plaza. From antiques to hand-crafted pieces, the Flea Market has plenty to offer.

Cars, Cars, And More Cars

Ypsilanti hosts monthly car shows from June to October, so if cars are what get your engine revving, Ypsilanti is the place for you. This September, be sure to check out the 17^th Annual Ypsilanti Orphan Car Show. Can’t make it in September? Head to the SEMI Antique Truck Show in October. For details, visit their Facebook page.

A Bit Of History

Ypsilanti is Michigan’s second oldest city, and became known as Depot Town in the 1860s. Visit the historic district of Ypsilanti to explore the beautiful 19^th century buildings, which have been converted to trendy boutiques and appetizing restaurants. We guarantee you’ll find it charming!

If you haven’t had the privilege of exploring Michigan as much as we have, start your adventure today! Visit Ypsilanti and see what you’ve been missing!

Visit Saline for Beauty, Arts & More

As Michigan’s premier chimney sweep company, those of us at Clean Sweeps of Michigan  get the opportunity to travel throughout the state, visiting our neighbors in different cities and towns. Not only do we get to meet great people, we get to see what each of Michigan’s great cities and towns has to offer. Just like any good thing, it’s hard to keep it a secret, so we’d like to share a little bit about Saline, Michigan with you. If you haven’t ever been, maybe it’s time for a road trip.

For The Artist

If you’re an artist of any kind and are eager to get involved with the arts community or are looking to improve your skills, visit Saline’s Two Twelve Arts Center! The center offers classes, workshops, and events all year long. There’s even an adult overnight art camp! Writing the next big thing but need some feedback? The Two Twelve Arts Center also offers writer’s groups to help you stay on track. To find out more about the classes and events offered at the Two Twelve Arts Center, check out www.twotwelvearts.org.

Get Your Cardio And Art Appreciation Simultaneously

Saline also boasts a Sculpture Walk, which is home to 11 sculptures, 5 of which are located in downtown Saline, 2 of which are at City Hall, 2 of which are at the Saline District Library, and 2 of which are on the Depot Trail. Enjoy the works of 4 different artists any time, any day of the week.

Movies In The Park

Nothing says summer like a good movie in the park. Bring a blanket and head to Mill Pond Park where you can enjoy food, drinks, music, and of course an inflatable obstacle course and bouncer, before settling down for a good flick.  Make sure you keep an eye out for next summer’s schedule.

Nothing Beats Nature

Saline has 11 developed parks, making it the ideal place for those that want to be close to a big city (Saline is only an hour away from Detroit), but still enjoy the great outdoors. From playgrounds and baseball diamonds to boat launch ramps, bike trails and picnic areas, Saline’s 190+ acres of open air parks have everything the nature-lover could want.

For The Retail-Addicted

If you’re not the outdoors type and prefer to spend your time with man-made beauty, Saline has plenty of upscale shops to feed your soul.  From thrift stores to gift stores, you’re bound to find a shop or two you’ll love.

Saline’s Early Days

In its early days, Saline was at the heart of the shipping route connecting Detroit and Chicago. Today, the residents of Saline are still celebrating their heritage as a place where agriculture and industry come together. When you visit, be sure to check out the “Seats of our Heritage”, which is a permanent public art piece that includes seats from farming equipment, a wagon wheel, and other symbolic artifacts.

We hope you’ve been inspired to visit Saline and see what all of the buzz is about.  Thinking about moving? We won’t try to persuade you – but we will say that Saline is known for its clean, safe neighborhoods, great schools, and above average housing values and household incomes. Experience Saline, yourself – you’ll find lots to do with some of the friendliest people around!