Charming Chelsea, MI
By Jane Ammeson Photos by Sue Rawlinson and Stephen Brown
After making it big in Hollywood, film star Jeff Daniels didn’t settle in Malibu or Beverly Hills. Instead he traveled back to Chelsea, Mich., the town where he and his wife had been raised. It was here, in this charming city with a thriving downtown, that the Daniels chose to raise their three boys. The family could often be found at their children’s sporting events and, of course, at the theater he built to nurture Midwestern talent, the Purple Rose Theatre.
It’s easy to see why Daniels returned to Chelsea. Historic but not dusty, with a small town ambience that’s not confining, the downtown buzzes with activities all within easy walking distance.
Start at the Common Grill, the superb American bistro with its local and artisan food-driven menu, murals by local artist Barney Judge and oversized windows with views of the busy street.
Ever whipped up a batch of edibles from a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix? Jiffy is one of the products made by the family-owned Chelsea Milling Company founded in the 1800s. Just down the street from the Common Grill, the mill offers free 90-minute tours that include refreshments and a walk through the packaging plant.
Even those without kids in tow might want to stop at the Chelsea Teddy Bear Company for a tour. Visitors may also peruse the outlet store and check out, among other things, the 1905 teddy bear in the toy museum. Bibliophiles may want to visit Just Imagine, a new book store that also features toys.
Grab a latte and one of their famed pretzels at Pierce’s Pastries Plus and then take a stroll, enjoying Chelsea’s vibrant arts scene. Besides the shows at the Purple Rose, there’s also a self-guided Sculpture Walk and a music series called Sounds & Sights on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. In fact, Chelsea’s arts community has brought national attention to this quaint town. The president of the National Endowment for the Arts describes Chelsea as one of the model communities for his Arts Work projects, describing the city as a poster child for their use of art to boost the economy.
Travel beyond the downtown to the Waterloo State Recreation Area which abuts the Pickney Recreation Area. Here, visitors will find a combined 45,000 acres of woods, lakes, hiking, equestrian trails and the wonderful Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center.
It’s easy to see why Daniels—and so many others—passionately call Chelsea “home.” The town epitomizes small town American charm, friendly faces and a unique allure of accomplished arts and entertainment.
