Icy Hot - Plymouth, Michigan

Plymouth, Michigan is one of the oldest communities in Michigan. The population of 10,000 lives in an affluent and active community. Downtown is built around Kellogg Park. The clock tower next to the park is a highly recognized town symbol. In nice weather, the park abounds with people walking their dogs or dining at one of the many locally owned restaurants built around the park.
But in January, bundle up and adopt a faster pace as you walk among the exquisite ice sculptures. Some are sponsored by companies or schools. Many of the sculptures take your breath away (if the cold hasn’t already done so.) Some, like the sculpture incorporating all the Scooby Doo characters along with the big dog himself make you point and say, “Look at that!” Many of the dining spots and shops have sculptures outside their business; for example, a mortar and pestle outside the drug store. And Michigan always seems provide plenty of cold weather for this event.

And if it’s too darn cold, duck into one of Plymouth's many charming shops that offer special and unique gifts. Or step into the Book Cellar and Cafe for an array of books, magazines, or a relaxing lunch. Or if it’s just coffee you crave, choose the Plymouth Coffee Bean Company, Starbucks, or Panera. The choices are endless. Locally owned restaurants such as Compari’s, the Box Bar, Fiamma Grill, and more are situated right around the park; as is the 336 Main Martini Bar.There is also a special shop for items made in Michigan.
Many other restaurants, ethnic and American, and pubs are close to downtown Plymouth; too many to mention. For a very special treat, have tea at Sweet Afton’s Tea Shop and enjoy scones with cream and other delicacies.
Go to www.doplymouth.com for a complete listing of eateries, stores, and more!
The Plymouth-Canton school district is also a big draw. A progressive and highly ranked district, its campus is well-equipped and beautiful!
Many of Plymouth, Michigan's inhabitants live in charming homes within walking distance of Kellogg Park. But even those not lucky enough to live a walk or bike ride away can choose from many tree lined subdivisions. Real estate in Plymouth has always been strong, as this is a very popular place to live. Homes range from old to new, every style and type.
Plymouth, Michigan is located in Wayne County and is an active and liveable community with much to offer all ages.
And frankly, if the cold is not your thing, stick around for Plymouth’s summer Art Fair. It’s worth the wait!

(Photos of Clock and downtown Plymouth used courtesy of Greg Smith and may not be reproduced.)

Wisteria Lane Has Nothing on Detroit

You heard us! Say it loud, we’re from Detroit, and we’re proud!
It’s true, the metro area boasts many beautiful communities with lovely homes and graceful lawns; where neighbors really do stroll down the street to visit. (Thankfully, you will not find as much of the drama as you do on Wisteria Lane. But for a look at Real Estate One’s own version of the “Desperate Housewives”, check it out below!



What a lovely group! There is Sara “I was sitting at my desk, minding my own business” Leach, Christy “what was I thinking?” Smith; Clint “Ms Hospitality” Wheeler, Kathy “Go Buckeyes!” Spieker, and Danielle “Wolverine Woman” Dorsch. Who wouldn’t want to come here to live?

But that’s not all! The rest of Michigan is no slouch either. Come take a drive heading north. You’ll be amazed at the many beautiful lakes in Michigan, even in the metro Detroit area there are more than we can mention here. The drive north is truly a feast for the eyes in any season. From the thumb to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan boasts recreation of every kind and more beautiful views than you can imagine.

Summer brings out flowers galore throughout Michigan; in every community throughout the state. It also brings out the boaters who drink in the sunlight and take every free hour they can muster to live the lake lifestyle. The fishing (which they also do in winter, we might add) may fill the body; but Michigan’s beauty will feed the soul.

Fall speaks for itself with hardwood trees everywhere displaying beautiful fall hues. This is a great time to get good golf deals at the many golf resorts throughout Michigan. And if a member of your party is not a golfer; they can enjoy the spas or great restaurants.

Winter brings out skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers from all over. And why not- Michigan dressed in white is stunning. The white birch forests are starkly beautiful in the winter. And following a day of fun in the snow comes evenings with hot chocolate and roaring fireplaces- indoor pools, too, if the snow didn’t provide enough exercise.
One Web site you might want to visit is www.upnorthmichigan.com where you can find resorts and getaways throughout our beautiful state.

At www.realestateone.com, you can look at properties for sale throughout Michigan. Lakefront homes or hunting cabins, and everything in between are available with a click!

Real Estate One in Michigan Takes the Polar Plunge In a Big Way

Come on in, the water's- WOW- 35 degrees!Even so, 23 intrepid Real Estate One employees and agents made the plunge into the Detroit River on a cold February Saturday. A large crowd of supporters was there to cheer them on. Who says Michiganders don't know how to have a good time during the frozen winter!
Last year, Stuart Elsea, our intrepid President of Financial Services, lost a bet and took the plunge- the only plunger from Real Estate One. But this year, after months of urging, cajoling, badgering, and (we hear) even DOUBLE DOG DARING, 23 plungers jumped into the frigid waters.



Below is just our list of jumpers and their outrageous costumes. Our team raised over $13,000!! Woo hoo! That's half of the total for the day.
Plungers and cheerleaders met at the Detroit Boat Club (a gorgeous old building that needs restoring - just a hint!)Then the plungers (85 in all) paraded past the cheering crowds in a wild array of costumes! Real Estate One was definitely no slouch in this department. Josh Lowry of the accounting department won first place, with his costume called "Wash Tub Bather". He used striped suspenders to hold up a wash tub with white balloons that looked like bubbles. Long johns and a fancy shower cap finished off his costume. After the plunge, he pretended to scrub his back with a big brush! President Dan Elsea and managers Dave Reese and Tony Camilleri dressed up as the "Three Amigos", sequined jackets, sombreros and all. Patrick Novak won fourth place as John McEnroe.

Conne Terova wore her business suit to please her supporters who put her in first place with $2200. Candice Elliot was a sassy "Cat in the Hat" attended by Bianka Bailey and Sara Leach as Thing 1 and Thing 2. Other costumes included Ken Zak dressed as Robin Hood, Larry Bsharah braving it in a toga, and Marc Reneau, hilarious as a schoolgirl. Three Happy Feet Penquins made the plunge, scoring a third place prize for their costumes. They were managers Mary Nicole, Kathy Solan (who won third for fund raising with $1200), and Robin Finegan. Managers Suzanne O'Brien and Al Melfi made a charming pair as Sandy and Danny from "Grease".
Clint Wheeler was a show stopper in his purple plush suit. Randy Repicky was a scruba diver who jumped twice, taking a hot toddy with him the second time, a gift from a crowd member. Jill Polenz wore a "fake bikini t-shirt" and jumped with Rebecca Fallin, dressed as a Real Estate One sign.
AND there was one SURPRISE JUMPER- Stuart came back for a repeat jump. He wore a Pistons uniform, shedding his pink wig and tights, for a sportier look!













People are already being recruited to jump next year! Start warming up now; although the jumpers say that water was fiiiine!