Have You Heard of Dog Patch?

Not even sure where that nickname came from...

I grew up in Decatur, MI.  We always called our neighbor to the SW, Dowagiac, Dog Patch.  It just occurred to me that I have no idea why.

I drove over to Dowagiac feeling a little reminiscent of my childhood in SW Michigan yesterday.  I stopped to have a quick dinner at Zeke's.  And couldn't believe it.  I bumped into a childhood friend I haven't seen in person since I was probably 19.  So...hi Richie.  OK...he was Richie when he was little...I'm sure he goes by a grown up name now like Rich or Richard.  But it was great to drive through Lawton, Paw Paw and Decatur yesterday.  I need to do more SW Mich road tours.

Where should I go next?