2nd Annual Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival starts tomorrow!

Thursday, Nov. 12 (5-9pm) | Friday, Nov. 13 (3pm-9pm) | Saturday, Nov. 14 (Noon-9pm)

This pre-holiday show at DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, has doubled in content in just one year and is expected to draw some 10,000+ individuals throughout the three days, making it the largest food and wine festival in the state and one of the premier events of its kind in the Midwest. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of wine, food and other culinary delights, the International Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids delivers a grand experience that is sure to please every palette.

Over one hundred wineries from around the world will provide samples of as many as 1000 assorted wines – including some hard to find, top shelf vintages. Brewmasters and distillers will also to be on hand providing tastes of their hand-crafted beverages. Wine and beer tasting seminars give a 45-minute experience and are limited to 40 individuals per program, with a cost of $15 per person, per seminar.

Chefs from 10 of the area’s top restaurants will prepare and serve samples of their culinary specialties, including Bistro Bella Vita, Cygnus 27, Gill’s at The BOB, Huntington Club, Leo’s, Louis Benton Steakhouse, Melting Pot, San Chez, Tre Cugini and Wildfire Grille. Additionally four select restaurants (Bar Divani, Tre Cugini, The 1913 Room and six-one-six) will be partnered with distinguished wineries and breweries for special Pairings – gourmet multi-course meals served on-site in a casual yet intimate “bar top” setting. Tickets for the Pairings may be purchased at the Festival on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of $25 per person. Each Pairing is limited to 16 seats; see reservationist on-site.

Esteemed individuals from the culinary world – including Joe Borrello of Tasters Guild International and Angus Campbell of the Secchia Institute of Culinary Arts, as well as New York’s Tony “Wine Chef” Lawrence, Sue Dow, Sheri Steinbach and Chef Eric Villegas – will host seminars, demonstrations and workshops throughout the event.

Gourmet specialty items and high-end accessories will also be available in the Riverfront Marketplace, just in time for holiday entertaining and shopping.

Additionally, culinary and hospitality students from Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University, are given the opportunity to work side-by-side with industry leaders for an unparalleled educational experience.

Turtle Expert to Speak at Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo and Brigham Audubon Society are welcoming special guest speaker David A. Mifsud, owner and founder of Herpetological Resource and Management, on Wednesday November 11th at 7:00 p.m. for a presentation titled “Conservation of Turtles in Michigan.” This is the second lecture of Binder Park Zoo and the Brigham Audubon Society Chapter of Michigan Audubon Society Fall Lecture Series.

David Mifsud, herpetologist, certified professional wetland scientist and professional ecologist, has been working for over ten years in wildlife biology, wetland ecology, and habitat conservation and management. He has developed Michigan’s first salamander monitoring program as well as a mudpuppy monitoring program. He has overseen numerous projects for nonprofit and governmental agencies, including wetland mitigation design and monitoring, wildlife and habitat management, large scale ecosystem mapping, amphibian and reptile rescue and translocation, and educational outreach.

Although his work includes conservation of all amphibians and reptiles, Mifsud’s greatest pleasure is working with turtles, something that he has been enjoying for over 25 years. Mifsud holds an MS in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan as well as degrees in Biology, Geography, and Environmental Studies from Aquinas College.

The natural Michigan wetlands on Binder Park Zoo grounds are home to many native species of turtles. Come to this month’s lecture to find out what is being done to conserve one of the fascinating animals that can be found right here in Michigan!

A short Brigham Audubon business meeting will start promptly at 7 pm, with the lecture beginning immediately afterward at 7:15 pm. The lecture will take place in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). The event is free to the public.

Peak color ranges from mid-state south.

Online Fall Color Reports provided by the Michigan Audubon Society and the Apple Tree Inn in Petoskey.

Petoskey Area: Overall everything is brown and yellow. The birches are almost bare along the northbound corridor to the Soo. Oak trees are yellow and pale yellowish brown-green. Aspen leaves are yellow, and the last few are fluttering to the ground. Elm are bare except the one or two hanger-ons. There is poor duck migration along the usually busy east coast of the UP. Geese are thinning out. Turkeys are getting hungrier and demanding we put the birdseed feeders out. Chickadees, Nuthatches and a persistent Downy Woodpecker are absolutely devouring every seed that is put out. A rare Robin or two have visited today (the birdbath is very popular this week!) Lots of skunk and raccoon activity. The doe and her young twins have begun to make nightly appearances, nibbling on anything green.

Leelanau County: About 30% of the trees have lost their leaves, another 40-50% or so are yellow/gold with some orange. The color is very dull. The rest -- believe it or not -- have not turned, or are just beginning to turn.Manistee: At or past peak in most areas of county. Lake Bluff is 90% to peak. All colors are showing; oaks turning. Yellows are probably at their brightest

Ludington: Peak color was last week, and last Sunday's heavy frost dropped the walnuts and chestnuts. Apples are almost all picked- colors are yellow to brown.

Kalamazoo, Calhoun Counties: Fall colors are at or just past peak. Oaks finally turned reddish browns. Most trees are holding their leaves, compared to counties just to the north. Rainy and cold weather have limited movement of the wildlife, although it is reported that about 5,000 Sandhill Cranes can be seen at the Michigan Audubon Baker Sanctuary.

Barry, Eaton and Ingham Counties: Cold and sunny days have brought out peak color last week. Oaks finally turned from green to reddish browns. Maples are showing many shades of yellow and light oranges. Wind and rain stripped about 20-50% of the trees of their leaves throughout this region. What leaves remain are showing splendid color.

Van Buren County: The windy wet days have taken a lot of color with it. Most trees have lost many of the leaves, but the yellows are hanging in there. The yellows are some of the brightest seen in years.

This will be the last color report for this year, but WMTA.org will begin their snow reports shortly for the upcoming winter season.

River of Gold

Traverse City’s remarkable Dennos Museum Center has acquired a groundbreaking exhibit of more than 120 exquisitely crafted pieces of Precolumbian goldwork from the ancient cemetery site of Sitio Conte, in what is now central Panama. Entitled “River of Gold,” the exhibition includes large embossed plaques, cast pendants and nose ornaments, gold-sheathed ear rods, and necklaces of intricate beads-as well as polychrome ceramics and objects made of precious and semi-precious stones, whale-tooth ivory and bone.

The story behind the exhibition is almost as compelling as the objects themselves. At the turn of the 19th century, the Rio Grande de Coclé -- a river in central Panama -- changed its course and people began to find precious gold objects on its banks. Stories began to circulate of children playing marbles with gold beads, and by the late 1920s large quantities of gold ornaments were discovered and news of this “river of gold” began to reach the outside world.

In 1940, an expedition from the Penn Museum excavated the site that came to be known as Sitio Conte, and discovered rich and remarkable evidence of a thriving, Pre-Columbian civilization that flourished over a thousand years ago. Very little is known about the ancient societies of Central America, which have long been overshadowed by the more famous Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations, but the goldsmiths of who created the gold objects found at Sitio Conte were consummate artisans. The plaques and cuffs were crafted from hammered gold sheet. Exquisitely detailed pendants were one-of-a-kind items, formed by the lost wax casting method.

Located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, the Dennos Museum Center is regularly recognized as one of the nation’s finest small art museums. In addition to its extensive permanent collections and regular guest exhibitions, it’s known for its hands-on children’s Discovery Center and as home to the 370-seat Milliken Auditorium, whose 2010 program of jazz, blues and world music features such artists as India’s Nritagram Dance Ensemble and Traverse City jazz guru Bob James.

Boyne Mountain’s Solace Spa to Host Astrology Retreat

Under the gorgeous cover of northern Michigan's night sky, celebrate and uncover the mystery of life as it’s written in the stars during Boyne Mountain’s Astrology Retreat, November 6-8. Mary Stewart Adams, an astrosopher, author and storyteller, guides this unique retreat and brings engaging discussions and enthusiasm to the study of the night sky.

“This retreat is informative yet playful,” said Adams. “Each of us is firmly rooted in the harmony of the starry world and the more we understand its rhythms in our own lives, the more at peace we can become.”

Participants explore how astrology shapes daily happenings through cosmic cycles and earthly rhythms. The weekend’s events include a welcome reception, individualized birth horoscope chart, workshops exploring the elements of body, individuality, destiny and relationships, a star gazing party and daily access to Solace Spa’s whirlpool tubs, cedar saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas and fitness facilities.

The Astrology Retreat starts at $195 per person or $315 including two nights lodging in the resort’s Mountain Grand Lodge. Throughout the weekend, Adams will also offer hour and a half private couples readings based on individual and combined birth horoscope charts. Private readings are $200.

Peak color now radiates from central Michigan to the south!

Northern Lower Peninsula: The colors have nearly peaked in the "greater Gaylord" area--this will be "the" weekend for a tour. The recent high winds have served to blanket the ground with a wonderful carpet of gold, orange and red--but the trees still have plenty of leaves. A few of the more notable drives we've taken have been on the Wolverine to Petoskey road (Four Stars!), Thumb Lake Road from Vanderbilt to Boyne (Three-and-a-half Stars), Sturgeon Valley Road (Three Stars), and of course M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village (Three Stars). These are all "pavement trips"--those who don't mind getting dirty can find dozens of back-roads of beauty in this neck of the woods. The deer seem to be everywhere. They are "plumped out" and generally sporting their darker winter coats. The bucks are growing randy and rambunctious and sometimes careless. Be aware at dusk. (Don't veer for deer!) The black squirrels are putting in overtime working on their winter stashes.

Petoskey: Is almost at 100%! The leaves are having a little trouble changing this year. The hill's surrounding Petoskey and Harbor Springs seem to be at 80%, and should be at their full peak this coming weekend! The softer yellow trees are beginning to loose their leaves, whereas the harder maples and oaks are picking up speed and filling in their vibrant red tones. Come on up and visit us to enjoy the last beautiful color weekend for the 2009 season.

Leelanau, Grand Traverse area: Fully half the trees are still green and the other half have taken on a faded color. There is almost no red now up here, along with some yellow, but mostly there is brown. Colors are muted and not the typical fall colors we usually see here. One of our staff went leaf peeping through Benzie and Leelanau counties this weekend and said that they agreed, there was very little color to see, most was drab with yellows and gold, very little red and oranges were seen.

Ludington: Inland, 70-90% of the trees are showing color. Lakeside, 35%

Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties: Kent County is near or at peak, with about 75% of the trees showing color. The dominant colors in this area are pale yellows and light greens, with a few smatterings of oranges and reds.

Kalamazoo County: In my little neck of the woods (the western part of Kalamazoo) the trees that had faded to green-yellow are really starting to turn out over the past couple days. Some spots of spectacular reds dot the area. 85% of the trees are in color.

Barry, Eaton, and Ingham Counties: Fall color in and around these areas are nearing peak, although the color spectrum continues to be on the light green and yellow side. Cottonwoods are losing their brownish-green leaves and all the walnuts have shed their leaves. Tamaracks are peaking, with golden yellows. Oaks in the area still struggle to hold onto their green allure, although we are seeing more brown. Overall, 35-75% of the trees are showing color.

St. Joseph County: The area is mostly at peak, with many oranges, reds, and yellows. The area hasn't had such a nice splash of colors during fall in several years, so get out and enjoy it!

WMTA's online fall color reports are provided by the Michigan Audubon Society and the Apple Tree Inn in Petoskey.

Pleasantview Vineyards holds Fun & Wine Fair this weekend

On Saturday, October 17, Pleasantview Vineyards Winery in Harbor Springs will host a Fun & Wine Fair at their tasting room from 1 - 5 pm. The $1/per person ticket charge will enter attendees in a drawing to win a “Junkyard Cat”® metal sculpture from Yardbirds (2009 Art in the Park exhibitor). Drawing will be held at the conclusion of the October Fun & Wine Fair. Food, wine tasting, jewelry and more will be on hand. Local exhibitors include Silpada (sterling silver), The Fort @Ponshewaing (specialty foods), Dawson Creek Jewels (natural stone jewelry), Bead as Twisted Sisters (bead work).

“Our fairs are always comfortable and relaxed – typically an “up north” environment,” says winery business manager, Sandy Pfister. “Interest in our Junkyard Cat has been considerable, and we’re excited to finally send her on to her new home.”

Pleasantview Vineyards offers a wide variety of wines, some very specific to northern Michigan. Grapes are grown locally with native and other varietals. Stop by and you might discover that tucked away boutique winery producing that elusive wine you've always dreamed of tasting. Tasting room hours are through November 1, Wednesday-Sunday, 1 - 7 pm.

Color Development at 80-100% in Northern Lower Peninsula

This coming weekend is expected to be peak color tour time, with colder than average temps the leaves are turning at a rapid rate from the north, south to the border. The weather is expected to be sunny and dry, although cold this weekend, so the colors should be beautiful.

North of Clare to the Sault in the UP: Trees are all in color except willows and oaks. Maples are red, burgundy, yellow and orange. Aspen are yellow. The willows and oaks are getting pale-a few yellow leaves. They received a hard frost along with snow last weekend which will make the color change faster.

Petoskey Area: The colors will reach their peak this coming weekend (Oct 16/17). As of Monday 10/12 they were still seeing entire trees of green mixed in with Sugar Maples that are completely red. On the hill tops you can see large clumps of hardwoods that are at 70%. This weekend will bring them to 80%-100% in the Greater Petoskey area. They took a color tour Sunday afternoon from the Apple Tree Inn west on US-31 to Charlevoix. The colors along Lake Michigan shoreline were around 50%. As they headed south on US-31 out of Charlevoix to C-48 they started picking up the Reds and Yellows. As you take M-75 through Boyne City, you can enjoy the Downtown Apple Fest before continuing on to US-131 back to Petoskey. M-75 out of Boyne City, with its hills on each side will be ablaze with Reds and Yellows, as will US-131 from Boyne Falls to Petoskey.

Leelanau County: They are reporting about 15-20% color; yellows, reds and some oranges are showing. Maple trees and a few aspens top the list, but the majority have yet to turn. However, the transition is well under way, with many trees beginning to turn. Predictions are that next weekend will provide the best color tours. There are reds and yellows, but no bright gold’s yet on the aspens. They are mostly seeing fall sparrows in grasslands along with White-throated Sparrows.

Manistee County: Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary is reporting color at 40%, but the areas between Manistee and Scottville are between 70-80%. Radio station reported backroads between Manistee and Ludington were at peak. Reports from east along M-55 are that some areas are still green. Virtually all maples in the area are turning or at peak, Maples showing orange, red, yellow, yellow-green. Many Aspens are turning yellow.

Jackson County: Sandhill Cranes continue to fly into Haehnle Sanctuary to stage. About 100 cranes were seen in and around the sanctuary. Fall colors are mostly reds and yellows, about 5-10% of the trees are showing full color. Other birds seen include coots and Northern Harriers. Many sparrows are seen, including Lincoln's Sparrows.

St. Joseph County: Some areas showing as much as 30-50% color, mostly maples. Oaks are showing some red. They are expecting a good color season down there!

Baker Sanctuary in Calhoun County: Most of the marsh vegetation has changed from a mixture of mostly greens to a mixture of mostly browns and rusty reds. Perhaps 10% of the trees in the Sanctuary are now in full color. But the trails and fields are a beautiful mixture of autumn colors. CraneFest is Saturday and Sunday, come and see hundreds of sandhill cranes!

From Western Van Buren County: Color is at about 25-30 percent. If the wind does not blow them all away, we should see significant color over the next week. The deer are starting to move. The Doe's will be kicking the young of the year to the road, so keep your eyes open on those early morning commutes.

Kalamazoo County: Some maples are turning yellow and red. Our reporter says that his maples are still green, although faded. He said 40% have either changed or are done. The remaining 60% seem faded and on the verge of changing.

Van Buren County: Maples are all changing at about 30% average per tree. Geese are flying over but not as frequent as one would expect. They think the Sandhill Cranes have vacated, but the Turkey Vultures are still here.

Barry County: Is reaching 50% color with mostly reds and yellows in their maples. Oaks are just now starting to turn light yellow, and their tamaracks are in full yellow splendor.

WMTA's online fall color reports are provided by the Michigan Audubon Society and the Apple Tree Inn in Petoskey.

Air Zoo to extend free general admission through 2009

Due to the overwhelming response by visitors, the Kalamazoo's Air Zoo has decided to extend its free general admission through the end of 2009, originally part of the Air Zoo’s 30th anniversary celebration—and the 5th anniversary of opening the Main Campus. The response to the celebration was incredible and during that time, more than 120,000 people from all 50 states and several foreign countries visited the museum.

The free general admission includes entrance to both the Main and East Campus, viewing all the aircraft, artifacts and artwork on display, plus admission to the 4D theater and the Space Walk. For those who would like to expand their experience even further, the rides, including the Montgolfier Balloon ride, Flying Circus Bi-Plane Ride, Full-Motion Flight Simulators, 3D Space Shuttle, Mars Adventure, Space Ball and Zero G are available for a modest charge. Ride tickets are available for $2 each and each ride takes only one or two tickets. Visitors may opt to purchase an ultimate ride pass for only $12.95 that allows unlimited rides all day long. Annual Passes are an exception value and allow visitors to enjoy the rides for no additional charge for an entire year.

For more great West Michigan travel deals, visit WMTA's Best Deals!

Bumps in the Night: A Brief History of Halloween

Halloween’s rich history and traditions steeped in mystery and superstition form the fun community-based festivities we enjoy every October 31. The ancient Celts celebrated their new year beginning on November 1 with the festival of Samhain, which marked the end of harvest and the beginning of the dark and often deadly winter season. On this night, the lines between the living and the deceased were blurred, bringing unworldly visitors back to earth. The presence of these spirits led to a night of prophecies and sacred bonfires.

In the first century, the Celtic celebration merged with the Roman festivals of Feralia, honoring the passing of the dead, and the festival of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees whose symbol was the apple. Eventually, the Christian church created Hallowmas, a three-day celebration of saints and souls beginning October 31 and consisting of All-hallows Eve, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Wearing a grotesque mask was thought to disguise the fearful from wandering spirits after dark while food and wine was left outside to keep them from entering homes. During All Soul’s Day parades in England, pastries called “soul cakes” were given out to the poor for the promise of prayers for the dead, replacing the tradition of leaving food and beginning what is today known as trick-or-treating.

America’s Halloween traditions are a mix of old-world customs from generations of immigrants. Stories of the dead, fortunes and ghoulish mischief from the colonies mixed later with autumn festivals, but it was not until the late eighteenth century, with a rise in Irish immigrants, that Halloween became nationally celebrated.

This Halloween, join West Michigan as it celebrates this ancient holiday with events as varied as its past, from haunted tours guaranteed to send shivers up your spine to trick-or-treating for your little ghouls. For a list of great Halloween Haunts, including the nationally recognized Niles Haunted House pictured above, go to wmta.org! For more great history on Halloween, visit www.History.org.

Cadillac Winter Getaway

WMTA is giving away a complimentary Cadillac Winter Getaway. Cadillac offers a winter wonderland for snow lovers and this trip won't disappoint. The Cadillac Winter Getaway includes:

• Friday night accommodations in a front-view room at Cadillac Sands
• Caberfae Peaks weekend lift tickets for two days
• Rentals at Caberfae Peaks

Caberfae Peaks
Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort is the perfect setting for a true up-north getaway, located in Northern Michigan’s snowbelt. Caberfae Peaks is the most family friendly, customer oriented resort in Northern Michigan and offers a relaxed home-spun atmosphere.

The terrain at Caberfae Peaks is very diverse. From gentle cruisers like the 3/4 of a mile run Smiling Irishman, to the thrilling steeps of Bullet & GG’s Ride, Caberfae Peaks boasts some of the state’s longest runs and biggest vertical drops. Caberfae Peaks also offers a variety of elements in two different terrain parks. Cammy’s Park, located on the upper mountain offers more intermediate to advanced features, while the Little Jibbers Park is located close to the main lodge and offers more of the beginner to intermediate level features.

Cadillac Sands
A vacation at the Cadillac Sands Resort puts you in the heart of snow country. Located on the shores of Lake Cadillac, the resort offers direct access to 400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, to festival activities held on the ice, and only 15 minutes to ski slopes. Bring your own snowmobile or rent one at the resort.

At the resort, swim in the indoor heated pool, unwind in the relaxing atmosphere of the Porthole Lounge, and indulge yourself at the Clipper Room enjoying their specialty steaks or seafood. When the sun goes down, kick up your heels at the Sand Bar Niteclub. Friday offers an earlier evening with food bar and sports playing on the TV’s. Saturdays, dance and party while the DJ spins your favorite tunes.

Winner will be drawn January 4, 2010. Click here to enter.

German Fest Offers Authentic Autumn Celebration “Under the Tent”

The Voigt House Victorian Museum will host its annual German Fest October 3-4 under the tent on the front lawn, one stop on the Heritage Hill Tour of Homes. Visitors will enjoy toe-tapping German music as well as a selection of authentic libations and food including wiener schnitzel, bratwurst and apfel strudel prepared by Austrian native and Museum Chef Hans Dokl.

The Oktoberfest celebration will take place Noon - 8 pm Saturday and Noon - 6 pm Sunday at the Museum located at 50 College St. SE. Admission to the tent is free. Heritage Hill Tour of Homes ticket holders and Museum members may tour the Voigt House free of charge and those without tour tickets may pay regular admission prices ($3 for adults, $2 for seniors and children) for a guided tour of the historic home. Built in 1895 by prominent businessman Carl Voigt and now a property of the Public Museum, the Voigt House offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life at the turn of the century. The home has been preserved with its original furnishings, carpets and silk wall-coverings, and is filled with personal possessions of the Voigt family. The opulent three-story home, its gardens and carriage house remain one of the more outstanding landmarks in the Heritage Hill district. The Voigt House Victorian Museum is open to the public on select days and times, for special events such as this.

The Public Museum is a collector of treasures, a motivator and resource for life-long learning, and a community partner in the pursuit of insight and understanding. Inquiries or requests for general information should be directed to 616/456-3977 or www.grmuseum.org.

Fall in Love with Autumn Camping in Michigan

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors at one of Michigan’s privately owned campgrounds. Here, campers seek out area farm markets, u-pick orchards and other agricultural destinations that dot the landscape.

Whether they’re looking for pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks to decorate their campsite, apples for baking aromatic and mouth-watering treats, or that perfect bottle of Michigan wine or beer to pair with a harvest meal, campers will find the area farms and agricultural destinations have just what they’re looking for.

Activities, such as wagon rides, haunted houses and corn mazes are popular for families this time of year. What better way to spend a fall day than walking over crackling leaves through an apple orchard or pumpkin patch in search of harvest goodies. Why not make a visit to one of the historic lighthouses that grace a Great Lake shoreline – especially one that is rumored to be haunted such as White River Light Station, Grand Traverse Lighthouse or Saginaw River Lighthouse.

Autumn activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and golf, are also of interest as campers look for exciting ways to take in the full spectrum of the fall season. Colors can also be viewed from the sky, with a ride in a hot air balloon, glider or airplane at various locations around the state. Even the state’s ski resorts are getting into the action, offering chair lift rides throughout the color tour season.

Campers are encouraged to take a fall color tour, traveling along the scenic byways (and off the major highways), with camera in hand. West Michigan Tourist Association has outlined more than two dozen color tour routes on its website.

In the Kent County area, online brochures are available for the Kent Harvest Trails and Fruit Ridge Farm Markets. The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council has online versions of both their fall color tour map and U-Pick/Farm Market Brochure. The “Taste the Local Difference – Select Northwest Michigan” directory is also available for online viewing. The Michigan Department of Agriculture also publishes an online PDF directory to the state’s Farm Markets, U-Picks & Agricultural Tourism destinations. There’s even a website that directs you to the finest apple farms throughout the state, as well as tours of the state’s finest wineries and breweries.

West Michigan Tourist Association: www.wmta.org

ARVC represents 225+ member campgrounds with nearly 32,000 sites available throughout the state. Whether pitching a tent, parking an RV or reserving a rustic or modern cabin, Michigan campgrounds offer a great way to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with families. Campers in Michigan enjoy the great outdoors while fishing or canoeing on the countless lakes, rivers and streams or hiking, biking and riding on the miles of trails that wind throughout the state. There’s definitely no shortage of activities, no matter where the campground is located.

The 2009 Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC – Michigan, is available at various locations statewide, including all Welcome Centers. A PDF version is also available for viewing online at www.michcampgrounds.com. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. Campgrounds that now offer wireless internet access onsite are also identified.

Fall Colors in Northern Michigan

HOLLAND FARMERS MARKET HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL FALL FAMILY FUNDAY

Pumpkins are ripening and Holland is ready to celebrate fall. In honor of the autumn season the Holland Farmers Market is hosting its second annual Fall Family Funday on Saturday, October 3. From 10am until 2pm, the Market will host a variety of kids activities, a pumpkin pie eating contest, sponsored by Russ’ Restaurant, and pumpkin carving demonstrations from master carver, Derek Maxfield. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the changing of seasons!

Kids activities include pumpkin painting, bean bag toss, needle in a haystack candy hunt, fall crafts, candy pumpkin guessing game and more. Pumpkin painting is $1 and all activities are free of charge. Vander Mill Cider Mill and Winery will be bringing an antique cider mill for display and Grand Daddy Kettle Corn will be popping fresh popcorn.

The pumpkin pie eating contest will begin at noon. Contestants must be eighteen or older to participate, but spectators of all ages will enjoy cheering on the contestants as they race to finish pie crust, whipped cream, and all. Contestants are challenged to finish their pie in a 5-minute time frame and are unable to use their hands or drink any sort of beverage. The winner will receive a $50 cash prize! In the case of a tie, the winner will be chosen by the volume of their fans’ cheers, so be sure to come and support your hungry participant!

Master carver, Derek Maxfield, has been entertaining folks with pumpkin carving exhibitions for many years. He shows the audience how to create fun and unusual carvings using a variety of techniques. Derek will be using everything from spoons to power tools to create intricate and interesting pumpkin designs. His exhibitions will be at 10:30am, 11:30am and 1:00pm. Only the first fifteen applicants can participate in the pie eating contest, so the pressure is on to turn in your registration forms. Registration forms and the $3 entry fees will be accepted at the Principal Shopping District prior to the day of the event (44 W. 9th St., Holland). If spaces are still available the day of the event, you can enter up to one hour before the start of the contest. Cash or checks are accepted but please no credit cards. You can find the registration form at www.hollandfarmersmarket.com/fallfamilyfunday.

In case of rain, activities will be canceled.

The Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm from mid-May to mid-December rain or shine. The City of Holland’s Department of Leisure and Cultural Services hosts the Market at the Eighth Street Marketplace in Downtown Holland. Visit www.hollandfarmersmarket.com or contact Market Master Candy Todd at 616-355-1130 for more information about the Market. No pets of any kind are allowed at the Market.

Halloween at Black Star Farms! There will be Haunted Hayrides offered at Black Star Farms all during the month of October. Hayrides will take place every Friday & Saturday night in October from 6 - 10 p.m.

The ride will leave from the Fire and Vine Cafe at Black Star Farms. The price is $10/per person with hot cider available to survivors. They will also have wine, mulled wine and pizzas available for purchase. Haunted Hayrides are recommend for children 12 year and older.

The local band Soul Patch will also be playing at the Inn on October 20, 2009, from 6-9pm. The price is $15/per person which includes "soul food" prepared by our Chef Corey Wentworth.

For more information on these fun October Harvest events, contact the Inn at 231-944-1251 or innkeeper@blackstarfarms.com

Harvest Festivus at Left Foot Charley

Harvest Festivus takes place on Sunday - October 4, 2009, from 12-6pm. Left Foot Charley loves the fall and will celebrate it left footed style at the old Asylum once again. A new cider will be released, possibly a new wine, they will feature two new cheeses and a new salami on our Ploughman's lunch, and they have a cool new kegerator fridge for cider. Early October is a beautiful time to enjoy Northern Michigan so help Left Foot Charley bring in the new harvest season on Sunday. They will again offer free carriage rides, live music, and free brats with the purchase of wine or cider. The carriage will run from 12 noon till 2pm - then the horses will go home to rest. The music will start at 3pm and go till 5pm. Brats will be served while supplies last, so come early. Kids are always welcome at LFC - with their parents of course! The sandbox will be open, apples plentiful, games and crafts available(also while supplies last...so come early), and tasty apple juice for the little ones to sip on. Bring on the grapes!

on Sunday.

Last Chance for a Trip to Binder Park Zoo This Season!

If you haven’t made it out to the Zoo this season, or just want to get in one last giraffe feeding adventure before the snow hits, this weekend is the time to do it! Binder Park Zoo will be closing for the season on Sunday October 4th. Hours are Saturday from 9:00am until 6:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am until 6:00pm. Don’t miss your last chance to see Gesi, the baby giraffe born at the Zoo this summer, before the zoo gates close.

The births of the two baby giraffe, Gesi and Dhoruba, made the 10th season of Wild Africa extra special for the Zoo. The two boys were the first giraffe born at Binder Park Zoo and the first giraffe born in Michigan in over 16 years. Gesi and his mother Jasiri have been on exhibit and will be for the remainder of the season as long as weather conditions allow the giraffes to be out.

“Even after 10 years of Wild Africa, you’re still in awe watching the animals walk out onto exhibit,” says Eric Reinsch, Binder Park Zoo Collections Supervisor. “Binder Park Zoo, and especially Wild Africa, is really a hidden gem right in Battle Creek’s backyard.”



The Zoo will be closing on the 4th, but there will still be a lot of exciting things happening during the off-season. The 23rd annual Great Zoo Boo will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from October 9th – 31st. Holiday Nights will light up the Zoo December 18th through 23rd. Zoomobiles, birthday parties, and overnights will still be going on while the Zoo is closed to the public, and year round staff will be working to make 2010 another great season.



However, the Zoo hasn’t closed yet! There are still a few days left to enjoy the 2009 season and to catch a glimpse of Gesi while he’s still tiny (compared to his 16 foot tall mother!). “He gains about three pounds a day,” says Andi Kornak, Curator of Collections. “He will still look young next spring, but he will be considerably taller.”



Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of nature’s miracles. For more information, call the Zoo office at 269-979-1351 or visit us online at www.binderparkzoo.org.

Downtown Traverse City’s Fall Festive Sale Returns, 10/3 Store Specials & Family Fun

Downtown Fall Festivities

Autumn has arrived in Downtown Traverse City and the annual Fall Festive Sale is slated for Saturday, October 3, 2009. Participating shops will be featuring store sales and specials.

Happy Apple Days will take place from Saturday, October 3 to Saturday, October 10, 2009. Customers of Downtown will be greeted with bushels of fresh local apples at participating stores. Take in Downtown Traverse City and enjoy an apple.

October closes with a party of costume clad children at Downtown hosts the annual Halloween Walk on Friday, October 30, from 3:30 – 5 pm. Children have the opportunity to trick or treat Downtown at participating storefronts. Orange pumpkin signs will designate participants.

Don’t forget to Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market will continue on Saturdays through October in Lot B across from Clinch Park.

The Fall Festive Sale, Happy Apple Days and Halloween Walk are sponsored by the over 175 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. For more information call (231) 922-2050.

Fall Color Show just starting in Lower Peninsula

Wednesday, September 23

Throughout the Northwest and Northeast Lower Peninsula, prime viewing is still approximately 2 – 3 weeks away. Color development in the region ranges between 5 and 10 percent.

In Petoskey, which is bordered by Little Traverse Bay, temperatures typically hold more constant this time of year, making tree colors appear slower. Some of the softer trees, such as Poplar, are moving ahead of the hard woods with brilliant yellows starting to mix in with the greens.

Traveling to Leelanau County, color watchers can expect to see Maples just starting to turn into their brilliant hues of red, oranges and yellows.
Wildlife observations to note include a few Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures kettling; the last of the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Gray Catbirds feeding on ripened native black cherries can also be seen. Scores of sparrows will be noticed throughout the grasslands with the occasional meadowlark being spotted.

In Gaylord, and northern Otsego County color has appeared about 2% in forested zones, the solitary mast trees, as well as those that are semi-solitary and dominant along country roads are "peaking" in a piecemeal fashion against their verdant backdrop. Some of these "loner trees” are vibrant in hues of amber-tinged radiant orange, with a few regally purple in the lower elevations. Currently it seems to be primarily the maples being touched by autumn's brush, but some of the oaks with "wet feet" are getting in on the act. Some yellow is showing in the poplars.

Near Pigeon River Forest, many more deer are being seen-- no doubt scrounging the remaining succulents, as well as the tops of white cedars. The elk will be slowly making their way to their winter grounds soon enough.

In the central and southwest part of the Lower Peninsula color is developed about 3 – 5%, with prime color approximately 4 weeks away. Trees just starting to show color include elms, a few young maples, and poplar trees. Wildlife observations to take note of include Sandhill cranes which have lost their brown breeding color and have turned mostly gray in time for migration.

Fall color watchers looking for the best viewing opportunities can call the West Michigan Tourist Association at 800-442-2084 x 304 for color updates provided by Apple Tree Inn of Petoskey and the Michigan Audubon Society each Wednesday through October. Check www.wmta.org before heading to your fall color destination.

Harvest Festival in Historic Lowell on October 10

The Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce presents a Harvest Celebration on October 10, 2009 from 9 AM into the night! What could be more fun than Lowell in October! We have a host of activities for you and the family to enjoy. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the autumn air while visiting all the events throughout Historic Lowell!

Start your morning off with the Family Fun Harvest Hustle Costume 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Lowell Community Wellness. The race will start at 8:30 AM sharp on Avery Street just north of the Lowell City Hall/Police Station. Run, walk or jog - have fun and get moving. Prizes will be awarded to race winners as well as best costume.

The Kent County Youth Fair and Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce together are sponsoring the Harvest Arts and Crafts, and the Flat River Antiques Show at the Lowell fairgrounds in the Foreman Building. Over 70 booths will be on display! The booths will open at 9 AM and remain open until 4 PM.

Concessions provided by Carolyn's Popcorn and Great Lakes BBQ will be available starting at 10 am and well into the night at the Lowell Fairgrounds. A variety of foods include hot dogs, carmel corn, ice cones, pulled pork sandwiches, bbq beef and ribs!

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides by Common Gentry Carriage Company will begin at 9 AM and run until 2 PM at the Lowell Fairground by the Farmer's Market Area. Take the kids for a ride, $5 per person.

Join us at the Lowell Area Farmers' Market and the Scarecrow Building Hoedown at the fairgrounds. We supply all the stuff to make a scarecrow for Main Street from 10 AM to 1 PM. We just need you and your creative juices! The scarecrows will be displayed in our Festival of Scarecrows in Historic Downtown Lowell through October 28th. At the Farmers' Market 10 AM to 2 PM you will find freshly picked foods from the garden along with all fall produce, apples, squash and decorations! The Lowell Wrestling team will kick off their pre-order Baked Apple Pie Sale and the featured entertainment will be Easy Idle Band from 10 am to noon.

Get a tour of Lowell Light & Power; meet the staff and board and enjoy free hotdogs, chips and beverages at their open house from 11 AM to 2 PM. Bucket rides for kids and Lowell Light and Power will help you and the family to learn about electrical safety on Broadway St.

The ladies of the Lowell Area Historical museum will serve home-baked, mouth-watering pies for their second annual pie fundraiser from 12 PM - 3 PM. Stop by and enjoy a slice of scrumptious pie ($2.50) and cider or coffee ($1), to be served in the full-color decorated Victorian garden for the harvest season. Don't be tardy or you'll miss out on a real treat...The pies go fast! The Museum will also be open for viewing all of our exhibits.

Last year the Great Mini Pumpkin Chuckin' Contest ($20), presented by the Kent County Youth Fair was a huge hit; they are back again this year at 2 pm. They added Apple Chuckin' Contest ($5) for the kids at 12 pm. Both event contestants use a trebuchet designed to toss an apple or a 6" pumpkin. Don't miss the fun on these two family events!

Larkin's restaurant is hosting the 8th Annual Chili Madness Chili Cook-off. Several teams have put their cooking skills to the test! The cooking begins at 11 AM at Larkin's on Broadway Street. The tasting and judging will commence at 3 PM. Taste the chili for just 50¢ a cup and enjoy live music with "Homebrewed" while you flavor the taste of the chili! All funds raised will benefit LARA Lowell Trailway.

The Lowell Area Arts Council presents Ghost Stories along with LAS High School Orchestra presenting Creepy Classics! Come and hear open mic readings of original ghost stories written by members of the community along with "Creepy Classics" by members of the Lowell Area School's orchestra program lead by Wendy Tenney. This spooky fun will begin at 2 PM in the Reath Barn at the Lowell Fairgrounds.

Selected downtown merchants will have a harvest of sales and open houses. Jump start your Christmas shopping 10 am to 5 pm on Lowell's Historic Main Street.

Lastly Gilda's Club of Lowell will end our day with an Old Fashion Barn Dance Fundraiser in the Reath Barn at the Lowell Fairgrounds. Don't miss out on fun, dancing, entertainment provided by "Hawks and Owls string band" and food catered by Keiser's Kitchen. Tickets are priced at: Family - $25; Single adult - $10; Kids -$5.

Bring the family and spend the day with us in Historic Lowell the Next Place to Be!

FIBER ARTS & ANIMALS FESTIVAL IS EXPANDING

Queso Cabeza Farm and Turkeyville USA joining up to bring new festival venue!

After running a single-day event for five years, the Fiber Arts & Animals Festival is joining the Turkeyville USA Folk Art Faire on October 3rd and 4th, 2009, from 10 AM to 5 PM on the grounds of Turkeyville USA, just ½ mile west of Exit 42 (N Drive North) off I-69. Admission and parking are free. Over the last several years, there has been a renewed interest in natural fibers and working with the land to create useful products. This second venue for the festival will allow for more demonstrations and artists. This year there will be an Art Quilt exhibit, sheep-to-shawl event and sheep shearing demonstration. There will also be several low-cost fiber art workshops for people to learn how to work with wool.

This is a juried event. Each exhibitor must apply to attend and bring a unique perspective on fiber art. Along with exhibiting fiber-producing animals such as sheep, llamas, rabbits and goats, some artists are providing short demonstrations at their booths about the fiber arts they practice. The fiber artistry represented this year includes loom weaving, harness weaving, wet felting, needle felting, spinning wool to yarn using several different methods and rug hooking. All artists attending are listed on http://www.FiberArtFest.com. Queso Cabeza Farm was founded in 2001 and started producing the Fiber Arts & Animals Festival in 2004. The Fiber Arts & Animals Festival was created to provide a low-cost, educational alternative to folks looking for opportunities to work with wool and related products.

Bring Your Pack to Howl-a-Palooza at Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo is hosting Howl-a-Palooza this weekend, September 26th and 27th to celebrate National Wolf Awareness Week. Come visit the Zoo’s four Mexican wolf brothers and listen to Keeper Chats at their exhibit. Special enrichment activities for the wolves and Keeper Chats will take place at 1:00pm and 3:00pm on Saturday and 2:00pm and 4:00pm on Sunday. Guests will also receive a free wolf poster while supplies last.

“This weekend is a great time to learn about these fascinating animals,” remarks Jenny Barnett, Director of Conservation and Wildlife at Binder Park Zoo. “The enrichment times are especially interesting as it gives everyone a chance to see the wolves display some of the natural behaviors that they would in the wild.”

Since 1991, Binder Park Zoo has been home to one of the most endangered wolf species, the Mexican gray wolf. Once common in the southwest United States and northern Mexico, they were nearly eliminated in the first half of this century by ranchers who feared that the wolves were a threat to cattle. The extermination effort nearly succeeded, but a few Mexican wolves survived in captivity and in remote areas of Mexico. From these few survivors, a captive breeding program began in 1979 with the eventual goal of reestablishing Mexican wolves in the wild. The first releases in this effort occurred on March 29, 1998, and included a female Mexican wolf born at Binder Park Zoo. Howl-a-Palooza offers the perfect opportunity to learn about wolves, their conservation status and to have a unique opportunity to ask questions about wolves from the Zoo’s very own Mexican wolf Zookeepers.

• What: Wolf Awareness Weekend “Howl-a-Palooza”
• Where: Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek MI 49014
• When: September 26 - 1:00pm and 3:00pm – Mexican wolf exhibit
• September 27 - 2:00pm and 4:00pm – Mexican wolf exhibit

Chocolate, Cheese, & Wine Extravaganza - September 26

On Saturday, September 26, from 5 - 8 p.m. join Cascade Winery for another relaxing and enjoyable evening of wine tasting and food pairing. They will be featuring a number of different varieties of chocolates, cheeses, and their very own fine wines!

Due to the popularity of this event, seating fills up very quickly. If you are planning to join Cascade Winery they ask that you reserve a seat up to 24 hours in advance of the event by clicking the link below, contacting them by phone, or stopping by to visit them at the winery. Reserve Your Spot

Please feel free to give us a call with any questions you may have at
(616) 656-4665.

Cascade Winery, 4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512

Fennville Goose Festival Celebrates Silver Anniversary: October 9-11, 2009

COPYRIGHTED GREATER FENNVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Greater Fennville Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 484 Fennville, MI 49408

The community of Fennville, in Allegan County – Southwest Michigan, is ramping up to celebrate its Silver Anniversary Goose Festival, October 9-11, 2009.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate Fennville’ s historic ties to the thriving geese population at the 25th Annual Goose Festival. Attendees are treated to a wide variety of activities throughout the weekend, including a craft show, parades, carnival, Loose Goose Trolley, Wild Goose Chase 5k Run & Gosling Run, live entertainment, pet show, dog show, car show, and much more.

Highlights for the Silver Anniversary include:

• The first ever Goose Festival Queen & Gosling Princess (Announced on Friday, October 9)
• Diego Soulz & Rhythm (7pm on Friday, October 9)
• The Scottville Clown Band (Marching in the parade and then two 45-minute stage performances on Saturday, October 10).
• Funktion (6-9pm on Saturday, October 10)
• John Dudley - Magician & Balloon Animal Artist Extraordinaire (Noon on Sunday, October 11)
• Goose Calling Demonstration with 5-year-old Tyler Schut (3:30pm on Sunday, October 11)
• Los Bandits (5:15pm on Sunday, October 11)
A complete schedule of events is now available online at www.FennvilleGooseFestival.com.

While the first Goose Festival wasn’t held until 1984, Fennville – affectionately referred to as “Goosetown” – has been a haven for the migratory Canada geese as far back as the 1930s. During that time, the geese would stop to feed and rest at what was then the A.M. Todd Farm. Albert May Todd was the world-leader in the production of mint and other oils; the property just south of Fennville was one of his multi-acre mint plantations.

In 1949, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources purchased the Todd Farm, acquiring additional farms in the area up through 1970. Their intent was to establish The Farm Unit, which included a hunting area and a wildlife refuge, serving as a waterfowl management area.

In the 1930s, the estimated number of Canada geese to congregate at The Farm was around 1000. In recent years, fall counts have exceeded 25,000 birds at one time. Through the course of a single season, the refuge serves more than 100,000 geese. These migrating geese usually begin their occupation of the refuge in early September, with the greatest visitation occurring from October to
early November. Some, however, have found The Farm Unit a suitable setting to spend the winter.
Between 10,000 and 20,000 geese have been known to winter here, in central Allegan County.

The Farm, located at 6013 118th Avenue in Fennville, today boasts a total 3650 acres – of which 1300 acres are maintained as a refuge. The Farm Unit provides a unique opportunity view large numbers of geese flying, feeding and resting in a natural setting. Few places allow people to mingle so closely with wildlife such as th

BLUE COAST ARTISTS ANNOUNCE 20th ANNUAL STUDIO TOUR OCTOBER 3rd & 4th

COPYRIGHTED GREATER FENNVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Greater Fennville Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 484 Fennville, MI 49408

For twenty years the Blue Coast Artists have been delighting and educating the public with their annual Fall Tour of Studios. Viewers are invited once again to experience the creative process in action on Sat. & Sun. Oct. 3rd and 4th.

See a piece of pottery form, watch glass beads take shape in the torch, a tree come alive through brushstrokes or a bird emerge from a piece of wood. These are just a few of the demonstrations that art lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy during the 20th Annual Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour of Studios. This annual West Michigan autumn event runs from 10AM-6PM both days and is free of charge.

The Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour began in 1989 when glassblowers Jerry & Kathy Catania, weaver and furniture maker Barb & Al Bare and potter Mark Williams held their open houses on the same weekend. Over the past twenty years the group has included many artists working in many media and their Fall Tour continues to be an educational and interesting experience for all.

The 2009 tour includes six working artists' studios located between South Haven and Saugatuck. Each site features demonstrations, original artwork, refreshments and more. Hands-on art making projects, unique art abodes, a haunted garden and fall color makes this creative experience fun for the whole family. The tour can be completed in one day and a tour map is available at each site or on the web at: www.bluecoastartists.com

The 2009 Blue Coast Artists Fall Tour includes:

1) Lattner Studio (319 Blue Star Hwy., South Haven) The studio of Suzi Lattner Zwissler features her original paintings and drawings in a variety of media. The gardens and woodland that surround her home inspire Suzi. She will be on hand demonstrating pastel drawing
techniques.

2) Blue Star Pottery (337 Blue Star Hwy., South Haven) Mark Williams uses a variety of textures to decorate his functional stoneware pieces. Watch demonstrations of hand building and wheel throwing. Also featured are his highly textured slab work pitchers, casseroles and
teapots. Come see his new expanded and improved studio. Mark will open a new kiln load of his work daily on tour weekend.

3) Khnemu Studio LLC (6322 113th Ave., Fennville) Enjoy the fall harvest at this restored 1890's farm estate, complete with a post-n-beam barn which houses a unique contemporary fine art and craft gallery featuring over 20 local artists, and the working studio of ceramic artist Dawn Soltysiak. Dawn will have wheel throwing, Raku pottery firing and also a "make & take" art opportunity for kids of all ages.

4) Blue Roan Studio (6301 122nd Ave., Fennville) This stop features the flame worked glass bead and wire sculptures of artist Jessica Bohus and an exhibition entitled "Line". " In these sculptures I have been using less and less to suggest form. I think of them as carving air with a line " said Bohus. The studio is in an1890’s schoolhouse with many original features including a swing set and blackboards.

5) Lake Effect Pottery (2139 66th St., Fennville) Surrounded by vegetable and herb gardens, with her horses and chickens nearby, an antique turkey barn is the workplace for potter Lee Mckee. Lee makes oil lamps, French butter keepers and other affordable functional pottery.

6) Blue Star Studio of Wood & Glass LLC (1684 Blue Star Hwy., Fennville) Enjoy two mediums at one stop at the studio of glass and wood artist Barb Hogarth, who will be demonstrating fan bird carving. Barb is a master craftsman who has turned her hand to nested Shaker boxes, blown glass vessels, stained glass boxes and panels, turned wood bowls, and much more. Don't miss her marquetry pet portraits in wood veneer.

BOYNE Offers Fall Color Horseback Trail Rides and Nature Adventure

Michigan is well known for vibrant fall foliage and BOYNE has two great ways to take in the sights of Mother Nature’s glory as she prepares for her winter rest. New this fall at Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs is one-hour guided horseback trail rides and a two-hour mountain top scenic tour available from September 24 through October 18. Boyne Mountain located in Boyne Falls, has added a second date to the popular Solace Spa Fall Color Nature Adventure, which bundles a day of hiking and rafting with a spa service to create a memory making day on October 3 and October 10.

Boyne Highlands’ equestrian program launched two summers ago and has been expanded to include fall color rides this season. With more than 4,000 acres, the one-hour trail rides take place on the ground level through pathways exclusive for riders on horseback. One-hour rides are available Thursdays through Sundays at 10 am and noon and are $45 per person. The new two-hour mountain top scenic tour offers brilliant fall color views as riders ascend to the top of Boyne Highlands. Once there, all will break for photos and enjoy a snack of apple cider and donuts. The mountain top scenic tour is $59 and offered Thursdays through Sundays at 2 p.m. Fall color rides are available September 24 through October 18. Riders must be at least nine years of age.

Boyne Mountain’s Solace Spa Fall Color Nature Adventure takes place October 3 and October 10. The adventure includes a group trail hike at Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City to the mountain’s top for panoramic views of the areas fall colors. After taking in the sights and snapping plenty of photos, the group returns to the base and heads to the Sturgeon River, considered to be the fastest river in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, for a two and a half hour rafting trip and midway stop for lunch. The guides cover everything from sunscreen to snacks and the adventure also includes a 50-minute spa treatment at Boyne Mountain’s Solace Spa. The tour is $175 per person and participants can take advantage of a special package that includes the tour plus lodging on either Friday or Saturday in the resort’s Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa and breakfast the following morning for $233 per person.

Fremont Harvest Festival, October 1 - 4

Don’t miss the Fremont Harvest Festival, October 1 - 4, featuring the"Good Ole Days" Harvest Time parade and Antique Tractor Show. Scheduled events include:

Thursday, October 1:

• Harvest Time Parade, 6 pm with pumpkin bowling immediately following the parade
• Dogs on the Green, 5 – 7:30 pm, serving foot long hot dogs
• Pumpkin decorating contest
• Flea Market, 9 am - 5 pm
• Moonlight Madness Sales, 4 pm - 9 pm
• Sidewalk Star Party 7 pm - 9:30 pm
• Wagon Rides

Friday, October 2:

• Flea Market, 9 am - 5 pm
• Taste of Fremont, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Wagon Rides, 4 pm - 7 pm
• Pumpkin/Apple Recipe Contest, 6 pm

Saturday, October 3:

• Antique Tractor Show, 9 am - 3 pm
• Wagon Rides
• Farmers Market, 8 am - 12:30 pm
• Fall Harvest Hike & Bike, registration 8 am
• Seed Spitting Contest, 9 am - 12:30 pm
• Pumpkin Roll, 9 am - 12:30 pm
• Fremont Police Dept vs. Fremont Fire Dept Softball Game, 1pm
• Fall Photo Contest, 11 am
• Harvest Festival Beverage Tent at the Fremont Market Place, 5 pm - 11 pm
• Wessling Observatory Harvest Moon Star Party, 8 pm - 11 pm

Saugatuck to Play Host to First-Ever Blue Star Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26

West Michigan music and beer lovers will have a new way to celebrate the change of season this fall with the debut of the Blue Star Harvest Festival in Douglas, Mich. on Saturday, Sept. 26. The first-year festival, to be held at the Saugatuck Brewing Co., will feature seven live music acts, seasonal microbrews, food and other activities “There’s something magical about the harvest season along the lakefront,” says festival organizer Brad Raffenaud of Sprout Media Group. “As the tourist season winds down in Saugatuck, Holland and South Haven, we wanted to offer the locals a chance to celebrate with great live music, great beer, great food and a bit of eco-consciousness. We’ve put together a great bill of up-and-coming acts in the pub all day, along with some of the region’s best international touring acts in the Bier Hall in the evening along with a blues duo from France.”

The Blue Star Harvest festival opens at 3 pm with free music in the Saugatuck Brewing Co. pub, featuring Roosevelt Diggs, Spencer Mulder and Full Chord. At 7 pm, the music will move into the brewery’s Bier Hall with performances by Last Call Band, Mountain Men, The Ragbirds and headliner Revered Peyton’s Big Damn Band.

Festival headliner Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band is a country-blues trio and really is not that big at all, the band gets its big sound out of an acoustic guitar, washboard, snare drum and occasional harmonica blast, as well as the Reverend Peyton’s booming voice. The Ragbirds also on the bill are from Ann Arbor, Michigan and have been the #1 selling artists in Japan for the past few weeks with their new CD, Finally Almost Ready, out charting much larger well known artists like Black Eyed Peas and Madonna. One duo also on the mainstage are from the Rhone-Alpes in France, The Mountain Men. A traditional style blues duo shows how their American blues influences translates to them. The festival’s free music portion is from 3-7 pm and features a set by 19-year old Spencer Mulder, who will be releasing his sophomore CD, Rewind, in mid-September. Mulder’s new record is generating buzz among local music professionals for its blend of Ryan Adams-style alt.country and Matchbox 20/Counting Crows-type rock.

Think Red: Fall Color and Michigan Wine

In the most beautiful areas of the Great Lakes State, visitors can enjoy fall color and the bounty of vineyard harvests at more than 60 wineries. Whether the destination is Harbor Country, Irish Hills or the scenic peninsulas near Traverse City, visitors will find award-winning wines to sample in their autumn travels. Judges at the 2009 Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition were especially impressed with the quality of red wines from 2007, and many of these limited-edition reds are available only at the wineries.

The opportunity to "try before you buy" is another good reason to make a trip to winery tasting rooms. For those who can't get away to tour during the autumn color season, there are year-round tasting opportunities. When the crowds clear between November and April, winemakers and tasting room staff are less busy and visitors are treated to extra attention. Many tasting rooms have a limited off-season schedule, so you'll want to check winery web sites or call before you travel to confirm hours of operation.

There are many events this fall that provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including the New Buffalo Wine & Harvest Festival, October 10 and Food, Wine and All That Jazz, October 30 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Wineries also host wine dinners, vineyard tours and trail events to celebrate the harvest.

To request a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine, with maps to the wineries, visit www.michiganwines.com.

Old School Hot Rods Featured at Gilmore Car Museum

On Sunday, September 27, 2009 the Gilmore Car Museum will hold the “Relix Riot” Traditional Hot Rod and Motorcycle Show. This all-new event will feature only 1964 and earlier hot rods, customs and motorcycles built in a “traditional” style of the ‘40s, ‘50s and early ‘60s.

You may have heard of Street Rods, Hot Rods or even Rat Rods, but what exactly is a Traditional Hot Rod? Just think ‘old school’. In this case its pre-1965 cars and bikes that have been customized with nothing newer than 1964 parts.

The Traditional Hot Rod is a faithful representation of the hot rod cars built during the post WWII period through the mid-1960s. Historical accuracy and detail is everything. The Traditional Hot Rod, whether a 50-year-old barn find or a new creation, won’t have electronic fuel injection, neon lights, Billet wheels or a modern megawatt stereo installed. (Much of the same way you wouldn’t expect to see a Civil War re-enactor carrying an Ipod or cell phone!)

The show and swap meet, sponsored by the Relix Car and Motor Cycle Club, is open to the public on Sunday the 27th from 9am – 6pm and is sure to draw “old school” Hot Rods from throughout the Midwest. The one-day event includes afternoon performances by the renowned rockabilly band The Wild Woodies, a touch of bluegrass music with Brother Bill and surf-rock with Los Cobras. There will even be a vintage Bettie Page style Pin-up Girl contest.

With the Gilmore Car Museum’s 1930 Shell station, its authentic 1941 diner and historic buildings guests on this particular Sunday may feel as though they’ve just stepped out of a scene from the movie American Graffiti.

Special discounted spectator admission is $8.00 for the day, with those under 11 admitted free. Guests will be able to tour the world-class Gilmore Car Museum collection of nearly 200 extraordinary vehicles at no extra charge. Through the remainder of the 2009 season, which ends on October 31, the Museum is also featuring the all-new exhibit, "History - 1/4 Mile at a Time," featuring vehicles from some of the most iconic names in drag racing history – “Big Daddy” Don Garltis, Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick, Kalamazoo’s Jerry Arnold, and E. J. Potter – aka “The Michigan Madman,” just to name a few.

The Gilmore Car Museum is located just 20 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo on M-43 and Hickory Road.

Public Museum’s Voigt House German Fest Offers Authentic Autumn Celebration “Under the Tent”

The Grand Rapids Public Museum's Voigt House Victorian Museum will host their annual German Fest October 3-4 under the tent on the front lawn, one stop on the Heritage Hill Tour of Homes. Visitors will enjoy toe-tapping German music as well as a selection of authentic libations and food including wiener schnitzel, bratwurst and apfel strudel prepared by Austrian native and Museum Chef Hans Dokl.

The Oktoberfest celebration will take place noon - 8 pm Saturday and noon - 6 pm Sunday at the Museum located at 50 College St. SE. Admission to the tent is free. Heritage Hill Tour of Homes ticket holders and Museum members may tour the Voigt House free of charge and those without tour tickets may pay regular admission prices ($3 for adults, $2 for seniors and children) for a guided tour of the historic home. Built in 1895 by prominent businessman Carl Voigt and now a property of the Public Museum, the Voigt House offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life at the turn of the century. The home has been preserved with its original furnishings, carpets and silk wall-coverings, and is filled with personal possessions of the Voigt family. The opulent three-story home, its gardens and carriage house remain one of the more outstanding landmarks in the Heritage Hill district. The Voigt House Victorian Museum is open to the public on select days and times, for special events such as this.