Tecumseh listed as USA TODAY 10 BEST!

10 reasons to road trip around Michigan in the fall
Experience autumn in the Great Lake State

Tecumseh was recently honored with the distinction of being listed as 
USA TODAY's 10 Best Fall Road Trips in Michigan.

They have highlighted Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival and Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival as great destinations! 
They also featured a photo of kayaking fun at Tecumseh Paddling!

Click here to see the USA TODAY listing!

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http://www.lenconnect.com/article/20150908/NEWS/150909298

The Tecumseh Brewing Company was recently featured in "The Review" Michigan Municiple League's November/December Magazine.

Click here to access the article.

Mon, 11/18/2013 - 3:42pm

By DEB WUETHRICH

Click here to watch the eCities Tecumseh video.

Tecumseh city officials traveled to a special luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 14 at UM-Dearborn to receive recognition as a community developing an entrepreneurial climate.

City Manager Kevin Welch, Economic Development Director Paula Holtz and Mayor Richard Johnson attended the event, accompanied by council members Gary Naugle, Ron Wimple, and Pat Housekeeper, as well as Vicki Philo, Director of the Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce and Jim Van Doren, Director of Lenawee Now.

UM-Dearborn’s iLabs’ eCities research pointed to Tecumseh as being one of eight communities across the state identified for the strategies employed to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development, according to the annual eCities study. The study, conducted by iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research, identified Imlay City, Madison Heights, Meridian Township, Midland, Mount Pleasant, Sterling heights, Sturgis and Tecumseh for their incentives, innovative programs and best practices geared toward business development.

“These communities are being recognized for the best practices they utilize, which include the right mix of tools and resources for their business community,” said Tim Davis, director, iLabs. “They listen to companies, help them with governmental processes, connect them with other companies and listen to what both new and existing businesses are saying. They are the definition of partners in the process and not just a service provider.

While cities were being considered for recognition, a team from the UM-Dearborn group visited Tecumseh and interviewed and took videos at GLOV Enterprises, Glycon, Blush Boutique as well as speaking with the mayor.

“I think that this puts Tecumseh in a good light for budding entrepreneurs as a place where they can start up, grow and succeed,” said Johnson. He also gives Holtz and the city’s economic development department kudos for their work in this area.

Tecumseh was also recognized as a Five-Star community. Five-Star communities spend a combined $2.2 million on economic development, have 15 percent of Michigan’s population with a professional degree and 92 percent share services related to economic development with another municipality. Tecumseh shared the honor with 28 other communities. The group also recognized 23 cities as Four-Star communities.

The eCities research surveyed 102 communities from 37 counties in Michigan that are home to 36 percent of Michigan residents and 40 percent of its college graduates. These communities count nearly one-third of the state’s entrepreneurs with over $3.2 billion in self-employed income as residents. These communities also had more than $1.8 billion in 2012 commercial construction and account for more than 48 percent of Michigan’s commercial property.

“This annual project makes the university part of the local leader’s toolkit for economic development. We are tackling a statewide concern and analyzing the parts that local leaders can directly impact,” Davis said. “Participating communities can identify best practices and methods they can implement to aid in job growth, economic diversification and development of entrepreneurs.”

By Bradley MacDonald | MLive Marketing Staff 

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on September 05, 2013 at 11:20 AM, updated September 10, 2013 at 3:39 PM




Labor Day has come and gone and we can all feel summer ticking away. September is a curious month as we transition from summer to autumn. The weather can be unpredictable, and that can spell bad news for those still looking to sneak in one last summer getaway.

Those who enjoy the arts will want to consider Tecumseh as a viable end-of-summer destination. 

This quiet, quaint, and small city features a massive artistic community that city most large cities can't even offer. The friendly downtown features numerous art events throughout the year, an amazing outdoor sculpture art walk that runs in the spring, an art gallery, and the Tecumseh Center for the Arts.

The Tecumseh Center for the Arts is an adorable, 572-seat theatre that no matter where you sit, you get a full view of the stage. It opened in 1981 after being an anonymous gift to the community.

Year round, the center provides a slew of performances ranging from local events to national touring productions. Past performances include the likes of Capitol Steps, Illusionist Jason Bishop, Rhythm of the Dance, and The Irish Rovers.

Found within the calming and unique downtown Tecumseh, the center serves as a hub of entertainment and the arts, not only to the community but visitors as well.

While the outdoors and skydiving might be a couple of things that bring you to Tecumseh, it's the artistic community and a visit to the center that will win you over.

A couple performances are on tap for this September for you to consider when visiting. 

On Sept. 14, Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line, a folk quintet out of Nashville that performs story-songs with three-part harmonies, fiddle, claw-hammer banjo, acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, will hit the stage. 

On Sept. 20, Dragon Wagon Band, which plays Michigan roots music with the bluegrass, folk-rock vibe and genuine sound hits the stage.

These last days of summer won't be your only chance to visit. With a look at the schedule, you'll find through May of next year, which include everything from local events, comedy shows, theatre performances, and more.

You don't need an artistic mind to enjoy the artistic integrity found in Tecumseh and the Tecumseh Center for the Arts.

For more info on Tecumseh, along with other Michigan cities, sign up for the Pure Michigan eNewsletter or the Pure Michigan Travel Guide

By Bradley MacDonald | MLive Marketing Staff 

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on August 29, 2013 at 9:10 AM, updated August 29, 2013 at 10:21 AM

In an old 'Saturday Night Live' skit where Will Ferrell plays James Lipton of 'Inside the Actor's Studio' fame, a non word was born to serve as a replacement to describe something so great, that any other word would be insufficient. That non word is 'scrumtrulescent.' TheTecumseh Taste Experience can be described no other way than being 'scrumtrulescent.' 

Summertime is one of the best times to indulge in this taste experience, which is the combination of four innovative and delectable food stops located in downtown Tecumseh. Tecumseh's downtown gives you that throwback feel as it seems like one of those classic downtowns you see in old films.

With these four restaurants all within walking distance in the downtown area, the joy of walking to and fro will make the taste experience extra enjoyable (or better yet, 'scrumtrulescent'). Plus, you can justify eating more since you'll be able to walk off the calories.

The four restaurants involved in this delicious experience are: The British Tea Garden, Evans Street Station, Boulevard Market, and Pentamere Winery. 

All are locally owned and the fact that they join forces to create Tecumseh's Taste Experience, is further evidence of what Tecumseh is all about—the community spirit. Tecumseh's togetherness welcomes anyone and is a pleasant happenstance in this head-down-eyes-on-the-smartphone world. Everyone is a friend in Tecumseh.

Evans Street Station is an ingredient-driven destination with inspired dining and a relaxed atmosphere. Its farm-to-table delights will make you never want to have fast food again. 

At the Pentamere Winery, you can sample wines and feel high class as you take in the ambiance of the tasting room. With numerous different wine styles, there's something for every wine aficionado. 

The tour continues at British Tea Garden, where your experience is all about relaxing peace. Its small town charm is perfect for lunch or some afternoon tea. 

Then, there is the Boulevard Market which serves up European cheeses and specialty foods. It houses the Four Corners Creamery and Stone Ground Chocolate. It's a haven for both cheese and chocolate lovers.

Tecumseh's tastes and togetherness merges through the Tecumseh Taste Experience. It's not only great for the self-described foodies, but can also create ones out of anyone who decides to take the tour.

Food and friendship is what the tour is all about. Mix in the fact you'll be amidst a classic downtown, and you have a full-fledged, 'scrumtrulescent' experience you won't want to miss before summer's end.

For more info on Tecumseh, along with other Michigan cities, sign up for the Pure Michigan eNewsletter or the Pure Michigan Travel Guide

This article was recently published on MLive.com in the travel section. 

By Bradley MacDonald | MLive Marketing Staff 
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on August 09, 2013 at 8:45 AM, updated August 09, 2013 at 8:47 AM

Yearning for the days of old is not uncommon. Things come and go and some of those things we wish stayed around longer. Whether it was an aesthetic of a downtown, or an event you once attended—there's no shame in clinging on to what once was when that "once was" was a thing of beauty.

Strolling through Tecumseh's downtown can feel like a blast from the past. This historic, but innovative city shines as a destination meant for those looking to experience a chain-less downtown, a place with some nature, and somewhere to revel in history.

Local boutiques, restaurants, and businesses line the streets of downtown Tecumseh, oft displaying "Tecumseh Pride" signs in the window—something you typically only see in the movies these days.

Downtown Tecumseh is home to J-Bar Hobbies, one of the biggest hobby shops in the midwest. Here, you can browse aisles and aisles of the toys of yesteryear. You'll find train sets, dolls, baseball cards, puzzles, model aircrafts, and much more. In J-Bar, you feel like a kid again—bring your own kids to the shop to show off what was fun in a world before video games.

More Tecumseh exploration will open your eyes to historical buildings and facades throughout the entire community. Detailed windows and archways are prevalent on numerous buildings, along with antique doors. Just by walking around, you can soak in some history.

To really dig deep into history, visit the Tecumseh Historical Museum. Here, you can learn about the first settlers in the area, why business owners constructed their buildings from brick after 1850, and Tecumseh's ties to the Underground Railroad. What makes the museum unique is that it's housed in a 1913 gothic style stone structure known as the "Old Stone Church." 

Antiquing is also a major part of Tecumseh. You'll find multiple antique shops and flea markets that will have you feeling like you're in the past as you explore all sorts of treasures. 

Meyer Airport is another historic spot to check out when visiting, as it was the original site where aviator Al Meyer designed the Meyer OTW (Out to Win) and Meyer 200 Series airplanes. The airport currently serves as the location for SkyDive Tecumseh, so while you're there you can take a leap from a plane if you desire—or at least watch some people fall from the sky, which is entertaining for those young and old.

We all must move on, but Tecumseh holds on to a bit from the past, and they do so beautifully. Not only that, Tecumseh blends this historical area with innovation, so it's moving forward all the while celebrating the past. 

For more info on Tecumseh, along with other Michigan cities, sign up for the Pure Michigan eNewsletter or the Pure Michigan Travel Guide.

By Bradley MacDonald | MLive Marketing Staff 
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on July 30, 2013 at 7:15 AM, updated July 30, 2013 at 9:51 AM
The easy-going downtown ofTecumseh is gearing up for a return of an annual event, Art in August. 

The timeless downtown, known for its unique local businesses and quaint parks, will see an influx of art with the help of Art in August. 

"This event is a returning favorite, enjoyed by artists, merchants, and browsers alike," said Paula Holtz, Economic Development Director for the city of Tecumseh.

Artists will bring their work—jewelry, photography, pottery, and more—into thedowntown businesses to share their creativity with the people. With extended business hours, downtown is sure to bustling with creative, curious minds ready to browse.

What makes this event special is that it's one the artists truly adore as much as the browsers and businesses who take part in it.

"As an artist, Art in August is a great venue to not only showcase and sell art but also educate the public about the process of making art and the pricing of art," said Jean Lash, a representative of Community Arts of Tecumseh.

Artists will not only be on hand to showcase their art, but will also be holding artistic demonstrations, giving the spectators a chance to not only see the pieces, but see the process. Art in August isn't so much a showcase, but an experience. Lash said she finds the interaction between the public as she worked on pieces while at Art in August in the past, very rewarding.

Entering its third year this go-around, Art in August has already seen quite the growth since its debut. Whether it's new artists joining the event, or returning artists bringing new work, returning spectators can expect plenty of new people and things to see.

"More and more artists are becoming involved and as a result the media is constantly changing," said Lash. "Making art is an adventure in creativity—even though the same artist may be involved, his or her work changes too."

Held in conjunction with Art in August is the Plein Air Paint Out, hosted by the Black Door Gallery—an artist gallery located in Tecumseh. Holtz said for Plein Air Paint Out, artists will be painting outdoors on location in Tecumseh throughout the day and convene to the gallery for an artist reception, where the public is also welcome.

Tecumseh's close-knit community makes for an experience where even if you hardly know anyone, you'll feel right at home. The artistic atmosphere during Art in August will make you step back and appreciate the city, the people, and the artists. Arrive for the art, depart with friends, and an experience you won't forget.

For more info on Tecumseh, along with other Michigan cities, sign up for the Pure Michigan eNewsletter or the Pure Michigan Travel Guide.