Cozy Solo Stay at Holiday Inn Express Detroit‑Birmingham, Michigan.

After we got back from the drive, we took some rest at the hotel. Collie was napping peacefully—he’s been keeping irregular hours lately, getting up even in the middle of the night to care for his mom. Plus, he’s been helping with her dog, Pepper. After he left to return to his mom’s place, I must have fallen asleep too. When I woke up, it was already almost nine at night.

Nighttime view of downtown Birmingham, Michigan from a room at Holiday Inn Express Detroit‑Birmingham, showing lit buildings and city streets.

I wanted to keep the night view from our room as something to remember this trip with, because Collie had reserved this hotel for me. Our room... well, almost like it was mine alone.

The TV screen showed a “GOOD EVENING” message with my name, so I took a picture of it too.

The Keurig machine in the room was such a lifesaver at that time. I could quickly make a cup of coffee in the room late at night. I gratefully brewed a decaf.

I was a bit hungry since I hadn’t eaten dinner, but it was late and I didn’t want much. So the leftover Autumn Harvest Bowl from sweetgreen was the perfect light snack. Oh, pita from Whistle Stop too!

Through all this, while somehow managing to make time for us visiting Michigan, I’m still enjoying my own quiet moments—avoiding food waste and turning my hotel room into a cozy café‑style retreat. I think I’m doing pretty well on this trip… What do you think?

◇ Quick Update ◇

Rose here, who said she’d be back in April… but then came back in late March and have been posting articles like crazy🤭 If you thought: “Wait, weren’t you supposed to come back only in April?!” — I’m sorry! No wonder you’re a bit behind on my posts now.

Spring's Breath at Bistro Quatre Avril: Desserts & Window Shelf Delights

As the first hints of spring began to show, I felt my heart quietly leap with excitement for the season of cherry blossoms ahead.

Brownie aux cacahuetes

Savoring a peanut brownie and coffee at Bistro Quatre Avril.

Nestled in this cozy café, the window shelf tempts with baked goods beyond the menu's desserts—perfect for enjoying here or carrying home.

A variety of donuts

Pain aux raisins

The baked goods vary from day to day—each visit a delightful surprise of what treats await us.

In Gotanda, different varieties of cherry blossoms start their own bloom in gentle succession, each type revealing itself in turn.

Bavarois aux fraises🍓

A softly pink strawberry bavarois, harmonizing with the cherry blossom's gentle beauty.

Kamuro-zaka in Gotanda is a quiet, atmospheric spot—a hidden gem with a delicate cherry blossom tunnel. Located in such a place is Bistro Quatre Avril.

Should you find yourself nearby, do stop by. The cozy comfort and exquisite flavors of French home cooking will surely enchant you.

☕️More dessert photos from Bistro Quatre Avril: Bistro Quatre Avril — Sweet Moments Photo Diary

Returning to Michigan Memories: Healing at Airy Whistle Stop Diner

Hi there. I made it back before April!

After a quiet pause in March, I’m gently resuming my Michigan stories. There’s something comforting about returning to those memories — calm lakes, soft skies, and moments that still linger warmly in my heart. Let me start with an airy café in Birmingham that still feels vivid in my mind — a simple afternoon with a clear sky and a sense of refreshment.

📷 Whistle Stop Diner Birmingham

This café holds so many fond memories for me — I’ve been there many times, and it’s a special place I really wanted to revisit during this Michigan trip. So on this day, I asked Collie to take me to Whistle Stop Diner. It’s our little lunch date 🥰

Last time I visited in June 2023, it was my first trip to Whistle Stop after their renovation. Back then, being Japanese, I somehow felt like I wasn’t quite welcome. But I still wanted to come back. I couldn’t forget their warm dishes using fresh local Michigan ingredients.

This time, however, the woman who served our table was another one of those captivating ladies I’d seen on their Instagram. She took my order with such a warm smile directed right at me! I was so happy. It made my heart feel gently soothed.

Even in those small gestures, a welcoming smile like that has the power to make people truly happy.

Collie chose the TRAIN WRECK SKILLET from TODAY'S SPECIALS.

TRAIN WRECK SKILLET

Collie’s eyes widened at the size! The SKILLET menu offers several variations with different flavors, but they all start with the same hearty base: layered oven-roasted potatoes, topped with eggs (any style), and your choice of Zingerman's toast with housemade jam.

I chose the Stuffed Avocado! …And for my(our😄) LUNCH SIDES, French fries too.

Stuffed Avocado

Stuffed avocado with tuna salad, cherry tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers, red onion & balsamic glaze.

I picked Ranch from the Choice of dressings♪ And it's also served with Tortilla or Greek Pita.

French Fries

It's huge!!! But the French fries had turned into battered fries. I really loved the previous simple fries... That was pretty disappointing. But just as I'd hoped, Collie naturally reached over, and the French fries became something we shared 🤣

 

In the airy, spacious dining area, it turned out to be a wonderful lunch date. Nearby, a man I believe runs their Instagram was brushing crumbs off chairs after guests left. He's familiar to me from Instagram too, and it touched me deeply—remembering how we once did the same thing ourselves.

If I had more confidence—if I didn't feel like being Japanese meant I had to hold myself back—I probably would have spoken to her or him. "I've been looking forward to this from Japan! I know all about you from Instagram!" ... Something like that. In truth, I really wanted to. But I stayed silent. I let that warm smile be enough for me. That's what I did.

Before leaving, I used the leftover French fries to make a little smile. This is the photo Collie took and sent me.

This visit to Whistle Stop Diner lightened my heart and brought me comfort.

The old Whistle Stop Diner will always be a special place in my heart. And the new one too — with its fresh charm — I hope will continue to thrive forever.

Past Whistle Stop Diner posts:

20190923Fresh! High quality! Delicious! WISTLE STOP DINER is Rose's favorite American Diner❤︎ 　

20240511Newly renovated WHISTLE STOP DINER in Birmingham, Michigan

20240531The second attempt★ at new WISTLE STOP DINER

My American Everyday Treasures + A Belated ☆Message to Rose☆ Reply

When I go to the U.S., I like to bring back little everyday things—some dental floss, a tube of toothpaste, a lip balm or two... Nothing fancy, and I could buy similar ones from Japanese brands here. Still, I like having those small American bits around me in Japan. It's a gentle way to keep a bit of that U.S. feeling even while I’m back home.

My little American everyday essentials

Several packs of dental floss, a tube of toothpaste, and a couple of

smooth lip balms – tiny reminders of U.S. life back home in Japan.

The two tiny round dental floss packs are something Collie got from the dentist—they're so adorable, and really tug at my heartstrings❤︎  I also picked up a small tube of toothpaste😊♪

I'll keep sharing my Michigan travel stories from Japan. I'd love it if you cheer me on!   Rose

◇ Quick Update ◇

I realized I hadn't checked ☆A message to Rose☆ on my blog. I've just discovered your sweet message from November last year—I'm so sorry!!!

In this article, I wrote: "There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board." You asked me: "Delta Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin. Do you think that cat was smuggled by its owner?"

I wrote that so casually...😅 I meant “smuggled” playfully, like “someone secretly brought it onboard.” Turns out, even on my Haneda-Detroit international flight, small pets are allowed in the cabin. They need advance booking with a fee, and there's limited space. Thank you so much for taking the time to write!  In retrospect, that cat was probably legit after all, not smuggled...🐱mew.　I'm really hoping this reaches you.  

I'll take a gentle break throughout March. Looking forward to resuming Michigan stories in April🌿

Join Me: Tree-Lined Paths of Birmingham MI's Charming Neighborhoods

Care to join me for a crisp morning walk in Birmingham's quiet neighborhoods? Care to...? Then, let's step out together from this cozy house right here♪

Today is Saturday, and I have lunch plans with Collie. So I figured I'd spend the morning strolling around the hotel neighborhood. 

Look at this spot—An ideal porch offers just the right shade from the roof while letting you bask in the sun, doesn't it?

I've walked these Birmingham streets several times, but strolling again feels like a simulated experience of actually living here. If I lived here, morning walks like this would undoubtedly become my daily routine!

Walking down Poppleton Street, one house always catches my eye. With a touch of Tudor style, this house leaves such a memorable impression on me.

As we wander down various streets, Michigan's Birmingham weaves its magic—strolling past these dreamy homes feels just like a tourist attraction.

I spotted a dark red leaf fallen on the ground—perfectly matching my socks! Such a fun little discovery on our Birmingham stroll 🍁🍁🍁

We've come back to that pink house I mentioned here too. ^^

The pink house makes Birmingham feel even more like a picturesque town, doesn't it?

Brief chats with passersby added charm to the walk. After exploring a little farther, we're heading back now. The light has shifted to sparkling sunshine. We can peek at a beautiful house through the dangling branches laden with red berries—it's enchanting!

Look—a black squirrel appears on the sidewalk! These little locals make every step lively, right?

Shall we head back down this tree-lined path? The light is dazzling! Among the green trees, a few are starting to show red and golden leaves. I can't stay here until Michigan's full fall foliage season, still, I'm glad I caught the first hints of it. Soon you'll be in full autumn glory—please remember me.

I'm grateful you joined me strolling Birmingham's neighborhoods today.   Rose

Bistro Quatre Avril — Sweet Moments Photo Diary

Hello! Though the chill of winter still lingers in the air, my heart is already filled with anticipation for the coming spring🌸  Why not take a moment to warm your heart with some sweet treats from my favorite bistro, Quatre Avril?

Welcome back to the Quatre Avril Photo Diary series✨✨✨

February 18, 2025

Taste coco ganache

ガナッシュショコラのココナッツタルト

featuring rich chocolate ganache topped with shredded coconut

February 18, 2025

April 13, 2025

Gateau aux pommes

🍎リンゴのガトー

featuring moist cake infused with mellow apple flavor

April 15, 2025

May 6, 2025

Quatre-quart de thé vert aux figues seches

抹茶のカトルカール イチジク入り

featuring natural green matcha cake drizzled with honey syrup

May 6, 2025

How did you like them? Which dessert caught your eye the most? 

My favorite was the matcha quatre-quart—the light honey syrup beautifully enhances the dense, substantial cake❤︎❤︎

I hope this post brings a little warmth to your chilly day. ^^　Chao!

Check out the previous Photo Diary from Bistro Quatre Avril here:

Hearty Elegance in Every Bite: 5 Days of Lunch & Dessert at Bistro Quatre Avril

Hot Biscuit Happiness at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham, Michigan.

Personalized “GOOD MORNING” message + breakfast bliss!

During my stay at Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham, Michigan, I noticed a welcome message on the TV screen that said “GOOD MORNING” along with my name. It made me feel kind of happy and appreciated, so I took a photo of it to show Collie, since I’d already told him what a nice touch it was.

While it was still a bit dark outside, I headed down to the breakfast area, feeling warmly welcomed — but only after finishing my usual morning workout!

Breakfast time at Holiday Inn Express is a simple pleasure to begin the morning🥰

This morning, I tried my favorite way to eat the hot biscuits again. I split the biscuit and sandwiched a grilled sausage patty inside. I settled at the window-side counter seat to savor my breakfast.

Hehe, it kinda looks like a cute little burger, doesn't it? ^^  And it pairs so well with coffee! ♡

Of course, the biscuit is also delicious with butter and syrup ♪♪♪

The cinnamon rolls, diced potatoes, omelets — everything pairs so well with coffee, making it a morning full of treats!

This time around, I zoomed in on the hot biscuits — one of Holiday Inn Express's warm food highlights.

After enjoying breakfast as usual, I returned to my room. The personalized “GOOD MORNING” message is still on the TV screen. Let me take a commemorative photo!

On the upper right side of the wall, you can see the slightly wrinkled wallpaper that I cropped out in my previous room photo post.

As I mentioned in that previous post too, fixing this wallpaper crease would cost almost nothing and dramatically improve the hotel's image. It's such a shame because the room has such a nice, calming atmosphere otherwise.

Little details like this can make such a big difference. Even so, I had a wonderful stay — stay tuned for my Birmingham walking tour next😊

Rose (Eiko)