Number One in the Midwest

It seems like it was just yesterday...

Stepping out of the car into the Crystal Mountain parking lot a few weeks ago, I was struck with a comical replay of my first time there over a decade ago.  It was a ski retreat in high school, and I was so excited to be the only girl in our group snowboarding that weekend. The only problem was that I had no idea what I was doing. After a few embarrassing moments spent sprawled out in the snow, legs and arms tumbling every which way, I finally got the hang of sliding down hill with a four and a half foot board strapped to my feet and found myself suddenly addicted to my new favorite snow sport. The following year, a dozen girls in my group were giving snowboarding a-go.

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville is vastly different than it was eleven years ago, yet still holds the same warm feeling it always has. It's no surprise that it has been named Ski Magazine's #1 Resort in the Midwest. Let us ponder why...

Four Reasons Crystal Mountain Stands Out Amongst the Rest:

1. Top Notch Skiing: Crystal features 45 downhill slopes, three terrain parks, and a super-cross course; nine lifts including the Crystal Clipper high-speed quad - the fastest lift in Northern Michigan; and award-winning kids programs and a nationally certified ski and snowboard school. They have also earned a slew of awards including Best X-C Trails and #2 Downhill Ski Area by Michigan Living magazine, National Skier/Boarder Safety Awareness Award, #1 in Midwest by SnowCountry readers, RCI Gold Crown Resort and SnowCountry's Top 10 Cross Country Resorts in Midwest.

Crystal Spa Locker Room - yes, the LOCKER
ROOM, complete with Crystal's own line
of earth-friendly bath products.

2. LEED Certified Crystal Spa: During our recent visit, the spa was a definite highlight of our tour. Just walking through the serene space left Kelly and I feeling calm and relaxed. Even the locker rooms were amazing. The great thing about it, in addition to the attention to detail and award-winning services, is that the Crystal Spa is the only LEED certified spa in the Midwest and one of only six in the entire U.S. What does that mean exactly? This spa is gem of environmental efficiency. The 18,500 square-foot facility was designed and built to minimize its impact on the environment in every aspect. What's not to love about that?

3. Jam-Packed Line Up: Perhaps skiing isn't your cup of tea. No worries, Crystal Mountain certainly has you covered. Try cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sleigh rides, winter biathlon paintball (no really), ice skating, snowmobiling, an outdoor hot tub, bonfires, children's activities galore and that's just in the winter! Every season is filled with unique events perfect for everyone from avid snow sport enthusiasts and romance-seeking couples to families and business travelers. In the summer there's the Crystal Coaster and the Park at Water's Edge for children of all ages. Fall brings amazing color tours while year round the Michigan Legacy Art Park. 

Did we mention the fabulous lodging options?

4. Family Owned: I was surprised to find out that a massive operation like Crystal Mountain was still family owned and operated. George Petritz, a local businessman, has been with Crystal Mountain since its beginning and took sole ownership of the property in 1981. His philosophy was a simple one: "We believe that our customers should be treated as family members," he once said. "As if they are guests in our own home." Today, Crystal Mountain continues to prosper under his philosophic with George's daughter, Chris (Petritz) MacInnes and her husband, Jim MacInnes taking the reins.

This post doesn't even begin to cover the wonder that is Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, so you should probably make plans to experience is yourself. Of course, we want to help make that happen, so this week (drum roll please), we're giving away a 2010-2011 season's pass.

Do you want to win the season's pass to Crystal?
It's simple, as always. Just comment with your favorite winter activity, and it could be you. The winner will be drawn on Friday, January 7th. Good luck!

High five and happy skiing/boarding!

-Shannon

A WMTA Christmas Poem

L-R: Judy Dood, Shannon Springer, Kelly McGrail,
Cheri Spencer & Bruce Barker wish you a Merry Christmas!

‘Twas the week before Christmas
And all through West Michigan,
Families were snuggled inside
Adjusting the satellite dish again.

But don’t stay indoors!
There is so much to do:
WMTA has put it all together for you.

The holiday traditions at the Sculpture Park
Are sure to give your holiday festivities an extra spark.
Experience over forty trees all a-glow
Then take a walk outside in the falling snow.

And if that white fluffy stuff is what you crave,
There are top-notch ski slopes with black diamonds for the brave.
Maybe snowmobiling is more your thing -
For up-to date trail reports give us a ring! (800-442-2084 x. 308 or x. 305 for ski reports)

With the kids home from school and bored out of their minds,
The events at the GR Public Museum are a great find.
With Night at Your Museum and Snowflake Break Days,
Your little ones are sure to break out of their boredom haze.

With the week’s end comes great jubilation
Because of these New Years Celebrations.
With ball drops in amazing destinations,
What a great way to end your Christmas vacation!

We hope we have tantalized you with just a bite.
Find a full event listing on the WMTA website.
With this said we bid you adieu.
Merry Christmas to all of you!

With much West Michigan cheer,
Shannon, Kelly & the WMTA Staff

Break out the wine glasses!

Congratulations to nokdeez! You are our Chateau Chantal winner! Send your name and address to shannon@wmta.org, and I'll get you all hooked up with your prize.

We'll be on a bit of a blog-hiatus over the holiday break, but do be sure to check back on Monday for our extra exciting, mind-blowing Crystal Mountain giveaway extravaganza. Trust me. You'll want to win this one.

High five,

-Shannon

Charlevoix's Only True Waterfront Dining

It's hard to think of food right now when I feel like all I have been doing for the past month is eating! I know the holiday season has arrived as I watch cookie baskets, chocolate covered goodies, and every other thing in the world made out of sugar pass my office and make its way into the break room. But the show must go on, and this week we have a fabulous West Michigan restaurant to feature. We are thrilled to have one of the oldest restaurants in Northern Michigan write this entry for us today. Stafford's Weathervane Restaurant's marketing coordinator Becky Babcock gives us a wonderful look inside the history of the restaurant and the property where it resides. If you are heading up to Charlevoix in the future, you will not want to miss this restaurant!

Originally built as a grist mill, the current Weathervane Restaurant was converted to a dining establishment in the mid 1950s. It was designed by the famed local architect Earl Young, known for his curvaceous roof-lines and flowing architecture.

Before the turn of the century, local farmers delivered grain to a four-story grist mill operated at this site on the banks of the Pine River. Schooners docked conveniently to load on the flour which was then transported to other harbors along the Great Lakes. During the post-war years, when men and materials were once more available for civilian projects, Charlevoix realtor Earl Young acquired the mill and transformed it into a restaurant. The top two floors were eliminated and the new roof was fashioned after the curve of a gull’s wing. The building was faced with limestone and trimmed with Onaway stone from the local quarry.

Young filled it with nautical memorabilia, some of which can still be seen throughout the restaurant today. Characteristic of Young’s imaginative stone work is the glacial boulder fireplace built in the restaurant’s main dining room. Found by Young in the Charlevoix area, the 9-ton key stone resembles the northern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula. The meteorite lying at the hearth is only a quarter of the keystone’s size, but it weighs about the same. The main bar is constructed of shipwreck planks weighing over two tons. Illuminating the Weathervane’s entrance are 150-year old street lights imported by Young from Copenhagen.

The circular stairwell to the lower level is another testimony to Young’s creativity. He designed an intimate room among massive timbers and boulders, then opened the room to the outdoors, the channel and the Great Lakes beyond. The "Weathervane Restaurant" became a Stafford's property in 1988, although it was not the first marriage of the company's founder and this particular business. In 1965, Stafford ran the Weathervane for Earl Young and although he expressed interest in buying it, the resources were not available to him.

Stafford's Weathervane Restaurant offers signature and regional cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere and is Charlevoix's only true waterfront dining, nestled along the busy Pine River Channel in downtown Charlevoix. Guests will enjoy unparalleled views of the water from inside, or choose Jeff's Deck for the ultimate in outdoor dining. Watch the boats cruise by from this historic former Charlevoix gristmill and experience gracious lakeshore resort dining.

Fresh is always the word at Stafford’s. Enjoy the Weathervane Restaurant’s many signature appetizers, entrées and desserts including Stafford’s Oak Planked Whitefish, a Stafford’s specialty since 1961. The bar is always a lively place, and our outdoor dining spot, Jeff's Deck, is scheduled to stay open all year long.

For more information or to view current menus at Stafford’s Weathervane, visit http://www.staffords.com/weathervane

-- Becky Babcock
Stafford's Hospitality

Weekend Idea Round-Up

Happy Friday, West Michigan! Holiday events still make up the majority of the calendar for this weekend's shindigs (again marked in red), and it's safe to say that holiday spirits are definitely reaching their zenith. Is your tree trimmed? Nativity polished? Gifts wrapped? Then give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy some of the great events coming to an area near you, from The Holiday Magic Laser Light Show at the Grand Rapids Public Museum to Holiday Nights at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek.

Remember, we're drawing the winner for the Chateau Chantal wine tasting giveaway on Wednesday, December 22, so you have a few extra days to enter and recruit friends to enter as well (it's a tasting for six!).


A few other notes: for great snow sports ideas, go here, and to start planning Winter Break with the little ones, go here. Fun times guaranteed.

High five,

-Shannon

Starting This Weekend

• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Snowflake Break Days
• Battle Creek: Binder Park Zoo: Holiday Nights at the Zoo!
• Grand Rapids Art Museum: Winter Holiday Programming: Winter Spots and Dots
• Grand Rapids: The Voigt House: Christmas Break Kids Camps 
• South Haven Center for the Arts: Circus Exhibit by Joan Bonnet and Wonders of the Woven World Exhibition 

Saturday

• Coopersville Farm Museum: Crafts with Mrs. Claus
• Traverse City: The Wellington Inn: Eighth Annual "Inn at Christmastime"

Saturday & Sunday

• Grand Rapids: Christmas at The Voigt House
• Coopersville & Marne Railway: The Santa Train

Sunday

• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Bellistic! Youth Handbell Choir Concerts 
• Muskegon Museum of Art: Cinema Sunday Film: Crazed Fruit
• Grand Rapids Art Museum: Sunday Classical Concert Series: Matt Albert

All Weekend

• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Holiday Magic Laser Light Show
• St. Joseph: Santa Claus
• Traverse City: Santa Visits Downtown Traverse City
• Muskegon: Lakeshore Museum Center: Hackley & Hume Historic Site: Historic Holiday Tours 

Don't Forget

• Battle Creek: International Festival of Lights
• Coopersville Farm Museum: Folk Music & Instruments of Rural America Exhibit
• Grand Rapids Art Museum: Diana - A Celebration and Selections from 100 Years/100 Works of Art
• Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Ford Museum: Betty Ford - An Extraordinary Life 
• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Christmas and Holiday Traditions from around the World and Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer
• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Bodies Revealed and Amway – 50 Years of Helping People Live Better Lives 
• Holland Museum: Be Prepared! and Forever Young – A Retrospective of Bob Dylan Photographs
• Lowell: Sleighs Bells & Holly: A Gallery of Fine Art & Gifts
• Marshall: Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA: It’s A Wonderful Life  
• Muskegon Museum of Art: Splendid Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos, and The Enduring Gifts of Martin A. Ryerson
• Traverse City: Dennos Museum Center: One Woman’s Creative Journey, Stitching Stories of Miracles and Memories, and Celebrating Women

Visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy

Christmas is all about the magic. There's an extra sparkle to the world when you walk down frosted streets, a chill in the air that promises something unexpected. As a girl, I fully believed that at the stroke of midnight, while I was fast asleep, my dolls would awake and be whisked away on snowflakes to an illuminated world, full of sweet sugar plums and bonbons, graceful promenades, and that which makes our cheeks rosy.

As adults, the childhood wonder of the holidays can get buried beneath shopping lists, party planning, and a tightly packed calendar. Christmas becomes an obligation more than a magical experience. At Friday evening's performance of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company's The Nutcracker, however, I was reminded of the wonder of the season when a little one seated next to me, dressed in her holiday best, watched with wide eyes as the spell of this enchanted world was cast for the first time. Her gaze never left the stage as the GRBC's cast of professionals and students twirled, leaped and twinkled across; her grip on her own nutcracker doll never loosening.

The Nutcracker has a special way of bringing out the magic of the holidays, of finding the burnt-out bulb in our string of lights, replacing it, and reigniting the Christmas spirit. Each year, thousands enjoy the Grand Rapids performances of this holiday ballet, generation after generation passing down the tradition. Bringing such a cherished holiday classic to life can be a daunting task that involves the coordination of nearly 200 individuals, but the Grand Rapids Ballet Company annually brings the world of Clara to life spectacularly, from the opening party at the Stahlbaum residence to the final notes in the surreal Kingdom of Sweets.

Nearly a week after the performance, I still find myself humming The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy while tip-toeing down the WMTA hallway in faux-en pointe style. Christmas light displays seem more dazzling and holiday parties more cheery. I may not have a mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer lurking around with tricks up his sleeve, but The Nutcracker certainly transported me to a new world where, like Clara, I found the magic of the season once again.

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company annually performs The Nutcracker at the DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids. While this year's performances have concluded, the ballet calendar will soon bring us Nine Sinatra Songs at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, beginning January 28.

High five and happy holidays,

-Shannon

Another West Michigan Treasure!

We apparently have wine on the mind this week! Today's "Where To Eat This Week" features a beautiful winery and restaurant in Buchanan Michigan; Tabor Hill has been a West Michigan hot spot for 46 years! This week we are lucky enough to have Paul Landeck- the Vice President and General Manager of Tabor Hill tell us all about the history of the restaurant and some of the amazing dishes they serve up! 

Take it away Paul!

"Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant in Buchanan, Michigan will soon be celebrating its 46^th year of operation.  For all of those 46 years we’ve believed that food and wine make a brilliant combination! Being the first Michigan winery to create a fine-dining experience, we also believe in  the philosophy that wines of distinction are at their best when matched with an equally distinctive culinary complement. Indeed simply put, wine is a food beverage. 

In the early days even before we had a public restaurant it seemed that the enjoyment of wine was always made better when accompanied by food.  It was only natural then that a small restaurant was created within our winery to facilitate this enjoyment.  Although we’d like to think our menu has always been fairly forward thinking with regard what we serve, it was not necessarily a large one in the early days.  Maybe we’d have a handful of appetizers and 5 – 8 entrees would be offered at most. Having said that throughout our history, we have always proudly supported local agriculture by incorporating, to every extent possible, meats and produce from area farms. Quite possibly that is helped by the fact that our winery and restaurant quite literally is located out in the middle of God’s country perched on the same rolling hills that are home to our vineyards that produce our wine grapes.

As popular as our restaurant was in its original confines with its stunning views of the vineyards and The Lake Michigan Dunes 7 miles to the west, it was not necessarily designed to be the most efficient facility around.  Our miniscule kitchen for example was only a tad larger than our prep room, which was located two flights of stairs below and required a trip through the public wine tasting room in order to access it.  None-the-less that set up served us very well up until 8 years ago when we undertook a 3 years, multimillion dollar renovation that included the construction of a new winery, an additional new large dining room, kitchen, full service bar and public restrooms.  Now our two, high-ceilinged dining rooms offer exquisite views of the vineyard, and radiant sunsets evoke wine country dreams even in the chill of a Michigan winter such as this.

Although the additional space and upgrading were sorely needed and beautiful, it’s our Chef JohnPaul VerHage and his team’s creations that we believe really please our guests.  JohnPaul, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America has simple roots here in Southwest Michigan.  That said JohnPaul knows what our guests appreciate which keep them returning time after time.  His food creations are both eclectic yet comforting. Items like Polenta Fries with a White Truffle Aioli, Grilled Halloumi Cheese Bruschetta, Grilled Lobster with Sweet Corn Risotto, Pan Seared Japanese Mero Sea Bass and of course our ever popular Raspberry Chicken as samples of what he may rotate throughout our menu. In an effort to keep the marriage of food and wine demystified, JohnPaul also selects and suggests a wine variety to accompany all of his offerings.  Something we’ve found our guests truly take to heart.

  And speaking of wine, as proud as we are of all our longtime wine maker Mike Merchants work, we also understand that our guests occasionally prefer an alternative to wine: Cocktails, imported and domestic beers are also available for our guests enjoyment.

So there you have it!  Wine, food and an atmosphere that is unique to just about anywhere else in the world all located in the middle of nowhere but yet only 90 minutes from downtown Chicago and less than thirty minutes from South Bend.  Thankfully and humbly we consider it a winning combination and more importantly it seems our guests do too!

For more information about our winery and restaurant please feel free to check out our website at www.taborhill.com where you can even browse our current menu and retail wine list.  Happy Holidays!!"

-- Paul Landeck

 Vice President and General Manager

Tabor Hill Winery

A Winery With A View!

Shannon and I were up early while we were in Traverse City a few weeks ago; so early in fact, we ended up visiting a wonderful winery at 10am! I’d say that’s not too bad of a Friday morning. In fact, I think this blog would be much better if I had a glass of Chateau Chantal's Select Harvest Riesling wine while writing it- but alas, I think that may be frowned upon in the office. However, with or without wine, the blog must go on!

We pulled up to Chateau Chantal right at 10 am and were in automatic shock and awe just at the drive up to the parking lot. The name of the road to get up to the winery definitely held true to the drive up. Its name you ask? “Rue de Vin”, which means the road of wine. Endless rows of grape vines line the windy road up to the top of the hill where the winery sits. I found out later that the vines we passed were planted with Pino Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It was like something out of a movie- it was just how I imagined Italy looking- except I had to remind myself I was still in Michigan. After thinking it couldn’t get any better than that, we arrived in the parking lot, got out of the car, and just stood in silence for a minute. Every direction we looked we were surrounded by water. The east arm of the Grand Traverse Bay to our right and the west arm to our left. Chateau Chantal is perched right atop Old Mission Peninsula, and as I said before and will probably say it again and again throughout this blog, the view is absolutely breathtaking!

 

We finally made our way in to the tasting room and were instantly welcomed by the friendly staff. Apologizing for the “mess”, we quickly found out they were undergoing renovations to expand the tasting room. Liz, our wonderful tour guide and also the operations manager of the winery greeted us and took us on a fabulous tour of the whole facility.

We started in the tasting room, in which she mentioned again that they were currently in the final stages of expanding. We looked at the large tasting counter that stretched the whole length of the back wall with stacks and stacks of wine glasses waiting to be put away behind it. To our left was  a large cooler with select cheeses and meats waiting to be purchased. There was also a large selection of retail items in the tasting room. Everything from wine stops, decorative wine glasses, and wine bottles filled with Christmas lights- they have it all. It was a gift shop junkies dream come true (which I definitely am)!

Dining Room

We made our way through the doors of the tasting room and into the bed and breakfast wing of the winery. There are 11 rooms to choose from. Each room is equipped with a whirlpool tub, high ceilings, and elegant furnishings. Every room offers an exceptional view of the vineyards or the surrounding water. The inn itself offers fireplaces and sitting areas. Each guest is served a complimentary ample breakfast everyday in the quaint and cozy dining area. It has all the amenities of a hotel, but the intimacy of a bed and breakfast- the perfect combo if you ask me J

Wine Tanks

Once we made it through the bead and breakfast, Liz took us down to the cellars so we could see where the wine is stored. HUGE stainless steel tanks of wine packed the basement cellar. Although there was no bottling going on the day we were visiting, Liz showed us exactly how it was done and the machine used to do the bottling. They bottle the wine in the spring and usually bottle about 15,000-20,000 cases per year. They produce 20 different kinds of wine and sell them in stores and on-site.

View from the patio of the tasting room

We made our way through one room of the cellar and into the newly added additional room. This room, although still being constructed, was massive. It was packed with hundreds of barrels ready to be used, and all new bottling, de-stemming and pressing equipment. As we made our way through the back hallways and stairwells, we ended up in the brand new tasting room. The final touches were being put on it as we were there, and I must say, it is absolutely beautiful. Large windows line the far wall and overlook the east arm of the Grand Traverse Bay. A circular counter is the focal point of the whole room. Placed in the center, this counter will be great for large tasting parties. There are large garage-like doors that open up into the old tasting room, so the whole area can be used and guests can move freely about. Attached to the new tasting room is a brand new patio. A huge area that overlooks the bay; it is an incredible spot for a small gathering or wedding. The grand opening of this area will be in May of 2011.

Chateau Chantal also hosts executive retreats. It is the perfect setting for mixing business with pleasure. Hi-speed wireless internet, digital AV equipment- paired with fireside conferences, catered wine dinners and mini-wine seminars, all make for the perfect setting.

Conference and Meeting Room

They also offer cooking classes twice a month, as well as tasting and tapas tours.

We had a fabulous time at Chateau Chantal and both agree we will definitely be going back to stay and taste! It is the perfect place for a weekend getaway with a loved one or an overnight stay to getaway from reality for a day. You cannot be bothered while perched atop one of the most beautiful vineyards you will ever see. Surrounded by wine and water, what can be better than that?

There is so much more I can rave about, but I just don’t have enough room. For more information check out our website for all of the winery’s event listings and deals. Chateau Chantal is located at 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686.

Did I hear someone mention A wine tasting for six? Yes please!!

This week we are giving away a wine tasting tour at Chateau Chantal for SIX! This is the perfect getaway for you and a five of your friends. And since we are so excited about this giveaway we are going to keep it open for two weeks! We will be picking a winner on Wednesday December 23. All you have to do is tell us what your favorite kind of wine is and you will be entered to win! 

--Kelly

This Week's Winner!

Guess what, Kimberly, you won a stay at Ranch Rudolf! Send your contact information to shannon@wmta.org, and we'll get you all hooked up.

Sorry that there's no Weekend Round-Up this week. For awesome ideas, just out the events page on WMTA.org. You won't be disappointed!

Happy weekend and high five!

-Shannon

Rudolf Isn't Just A Reindeer's Name

As Shannon and I were enjoying our scenic drive through the back woods of Traverse City, we couldn’t help but to be anxious about where we were going to end up. We knew we were going to Ranch Rudolf and we sure hoped our best friend on the trip “TomTom” would drop us off in the correct location. “Think there are reindeer?” I asked Shannon. Really not knowing what to expect we finally arrived. We pulled onto a dirt road and entered what looked like a very small town. With a house to our left, lodge to our right, and general store and stables straight ahead, we couldn’t wait to go in!

Food Glorious Food!

Hey Readers! 

We have quite a treat for you today. The General Manager of the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids has written an incredible blog for us today about the hotels swanky restaurant six.one.six; my mouth waters just reading it. George Aquino gives a detailed look at the wonderful assortment of foods on the menu and also a little insight into his brief P-90X stint. He will have you laughing and feeling hungrier than when you started reading. I also love the title he picked (probably because I happened to be cast in the musical "Oliver" when I was in third grade- I know you just loved this random fact). Okay, enough about my brief Broadway debut, I'll hand it over to George:

"I recall starting on the widely popular P-90X exercise program in late October last year. For five weeks, I was so focused on getting in shape that my routine of dinners and wine tastings were put off to the side in lieu of doing push-ups and painful abs exercises at six in the morning.  After forty days of crunches and protein shakes, the holiday season came and my P-90X program suddenly came to a screeching halt.  And just as fast as Tony Horton could say “X,” I was on every holiday party list in the city, indulging myself in pork belly and prosecco as if the rapture was about to scoop me out of my gourmand’s state of affairs.

Ahh, the holiday season…don’t you just love this time of the year? Sure, it gets overwhelming at times, but look at the alternative. Sitting at home eating ramen while watching re-run’s of Bristol Palin’s epic dance performances aren’t exactly fun either. I’ve learned from last year that I cannot possibly attend every holiday party. I needed to be selective as to which parties to attend.

Ba'hn Mi Flatbread

As a hotelier, I also host my share of holiday lunches and dinners for friends and clients. Fortunately, I do not have to go too far for my restaurant of choice to entertain my guests. The JW Marriott’s six.one.six restaurant is a terrific choice for holiday celebrations. While people unfamiliar with six.one.six’s menu might be intimidated by the luxury surroundings of the hotel, the restaurant itself offers an array of lunch items under $10.00. The addicting Tempura Tuna Roll with Fireball Sauce ($9) has been the restaurant’s most requested item for lunch since the hotel opened in 2007. Add the Portobello ($9) and the Cheesy Pesto flatbread ($9) and you’ve got yourself a winner for a starter for your office holiday table. High five -you’ve just elevated yourself from the copy room to office hero with that selection. Need I say more, but the Apple and Pork Belly sandwich ($10) is to die for. It’s served with arugula, pickled vegetables and bacon mayo. Yum! For the vegetarians out there, six.one.six offers the Ginger BBQ Tofu sandwich ($8) on whole grain bread. Of course, chef de cuisine, Joel Wabeke, can also make you any dish you’d like to accommodate your food allergies and dietary requirements.

Crispy Pork Belly

For dinner, the Fall Beet Salad with stilton, gingered golden beet, pickled red beet, endive, smoked pecan and banyuls vinaigrette ($8) is my wife’s favorite while mine is the Salad Lyonnaise with endive, smoked bacon, truffled onions and a farm egg ($9). The Miso Glazed Sable Fish with wild mushrooms, green lentil, spinach and mushroom broth ($25) is an excellent choice for a main course. My daughter, Margaux, swears by the Seafood Mac and Cheese with lobster, scallop, able, cauliflower, seafood mornay and tarragon ($29). However, if there is one item on the menu that really stands out as six.one.six’s signature dish, then order the RR Ranch New York Strip with warm Dijon potato salad, market vegetables and horseradish butter ($29). This steal is deadly delicious and account for 45% of our entrée sales in the restaurant.

Dancing Goat Cheesecake

Let’s not forget dessert for the Dancing Goat Cheesecake with chevre, plum caramel and candied macadamia nut ($7) is the perfect combination of creamy and sweet with a crunch to last you through your drive home. The chevre is from Dancing Goat Creamery in Byron Center, just a short drive south from the hotel. You’re definitely eating local with that order. The Flaming Fury Peach Cobbler with Michigan peaches, sweet biscuit and vanilla buttermilk gelato ($8) is literally the hottest dessert this holiday season.

Your holiday get together wouldn’t be complete without some holiday delights from six.one.six’s 40.4.40 wine list. This list of 40 wines for $40 was created so you don’t have to resort to ordering the second cheapest wine on the list! Hey, we know everyone has a budget. So here you go and splurge a bit by ordering three bottles. Start with the Schoenheitz Cremant D’Alsace Brut NV. This French sparkling from Alsace is a nice alternative to her sister sparklings from Champagne (and a fraction of the price). The Kloovenburg Chardonnay from Stellenbosch, South Africa is the creamy with light hints of butter. A perfect match for the Seafood Mac and Cheese. Lastly, order the Oberon. Not the Michigan beer but the Cabernet from Napa. It’s big, bold and guaranteed to catch your guest’s attention when you order it out loud. “One Oberon for the gentleman wearing the ascot, please.”

And for those of you who do like to order the second cheapest wine on the list, you’ll be glad to know that both valet and self parking is complimentary if you dine in six.one.six . Call us generous.

Salad Lyonnaise

So you’ve made it through the first three weeks of December without a hitch. You’ve managed to only move one buttonhole on your belt (whew), and it’s finally time to slave away with that holiday turkey, ham and the myriad of side dishes your wife wants you to make for her mother. Forget about it! Who has time for that when you’ve been busy entertaining clients all month long? Celebrate Christmas by reserving a table at six.one.six for your family. Our Christmas Brunch is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and dinner is served from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. In addition to our standard weekend fare of made-to-order eggs, waffles, bacon, sausage, fruit and breakfast potatoes, to name a few, six.one.six is also offering Maple-Basted Ham with Orange Glazed Carrots and a Roasted Breast of Turkey with sage turkey gravy, whipped potatoes and brussels sprouts. Brunch is $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

To appease our non-buffet patrons, dinner is served a la carte featuring our six.one.six menu with two additional holiday fare: a Slow Roasted Brisket with caramelized onion gravy, brussels sprouts, whipped potatoes and a Maple-Glazed Ham with creamed greens, whipped potatoes and a pear ginger relish.

Mixology Lounge at six.one.six

Finish of your month by having your New Year’s Eve dinner at six.one.six. While the thousands of people gather in the “warmth” of the city’s New Year’s Eve toast at Rosa Parks Circle, enjoy a glass of warm scotch as you watch your family enjoy a year-end-meal, compliments of your hard work this past year. Tuck your kids in your hotel suite by 11:00PM and head down to the hotel’s Global Pachanga New Year’s Eve party in the International ballroom to finally welcome the new year. As you watch the ball drop, you can finally start thinking about Tony Horton and his evil P-90X routine. Okay, order some burgers from room service at 2:00 AM since you’ve worked out quite an appetite from all the salsa dancing. Hold the mayo. Push-up’s begin in a few hours."

-- George Aquino

General Manager- JW Marriott

Weekend Idea Round-Up & Cherry Tree Winner

Happy weekend, West Michigan readers! Things around the WMTA office are definitely holly and jolly. Trees are up, lights are twinkling, and stockings are hung on office doors. On top of that, we seem to be breaking out in Christmas carol at least twice a day. The spirit of the season is shining in our West Michigan communities as well. I decided to color-code this week's round up for your holiday pleasure. All of the red events are sure to put you in the festive mood, or - if you're feeling a little Scrooge-like - the black events are your normal, wonderful weekend ideas.

If you like to plan your winter months ahead of time, we just rolled out a bunch of new ideas on WMTA.org. Be sure to take a gander at the New Years Eve and Winter Break pages, as well our complete guide to winter snow sports. From traditional downhill sports and snowmobiling to sleigh rides and dog sledding, we surely do celebrate the white stuff. Crystal Mountain even has winter paintball!

Without further ado, however, let us get down to business, and announce the winner for the stay at the Cherry Tree Inn in Traverse City. And the winner is...

{insert suspenseful pause}

Sam!

Sam, we agree that "The Little Drummer Boy" is not only a lovely tune, but a great story as well. Now you'll be drumming your way to Traverse City! Congratulations! Just e-mail me your contact information, and I'll put your certificate in the mail right away (shannon@wmta.org).

Have a fabulously festive weekend!

High five,

-Shannon

All Weekend

• Grand Rapids Ballet Company: The Nutcracker
• Interlochen Center for the Arts: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: The Musical
• Manistee: Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
• Newaygo: Holiday Festival

Friday

• Bangor: Michigan Flywheelers Museum: Christmas at the Flywheelers
• Coopersville: 30th Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade
• Grand Rapids: Van Andel Arena: Michael Buble
• Grand Rapids: Rosa Parks Circle: Tree Lighting and Opening of Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink
• Downtown Petoskey: Holiday Open House
• Downtown Traverse City: Santa’s Arrival, Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House

Saturday

• Cheboygan Parade of Lights
• Coopersville Farm Museum: Crafts with Mrs. Claus 
• Fennville: Fenn Valley: Nouveau Fest
• Gaylord: Santa Parade
• Grand Rapids: John Ball Zoo: Santa Breakfast
• Interlochen: Lake ‘N Pines Lodge: Christmas in The Village
• Lowell: Santa’s Arrival in Lowell
• Rockford Santa Parade
• St. Joseph: Reindog Holiday Parade
• Whitehall to Montague: 58th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade

Saturday & Sunday

• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Holiday Magic Laser Light Show
• Lansing: Holiday Traditions and Home Tour
• Montague: Santa’s House 
• Coopersville & Marne Railway: Santa Train

Sunday

• Grand Rapids Art Museum: Sunday Classical Concert Series: Gene Hahn
• Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Ford Museum: Holiday Open House
• Hickory Corners: W.K. Kellogg Manor House: Mrs. Claus Tea
• Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground: Kalamazoo Record & CD Expo
• Muskegon Museum of Art: Cinema Sunday Film: The Sun in a Net (Slnko v Sieti)
• Traverse City: The Wellington Inn: Eighth Annual “Inn at Christmastime"

Don't Forget

• Battle Creek: International Festival of Lights
• Coopersville Farm Museum: Folk Music & Instruments of Rural America Exhibit
• Grand Rapids Art Museum: Diana - A Celebration and Selections from 100 Years/100 Works of Art
• Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Ford Museum: Betty Ford - An Extraordinary Life 
• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer
• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Bodies Revealed and Amway – 50 Years of Helping People Live Better Lives 
• Holland Museum: Be Prepared! and Forever Young – A Retrospective of Bob Dylan Photographs
• Lowell: Sleighs Bells & Holly: A Gallery of Fine Art & Gifts
• Marshall: Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA: It’s A Wonderful Life  
• Muskegon Museum of Art: Splendid Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos, and The Enduring Gifts of Martin A. Ryerson
• Traverse City: Dennos Museum Center: One Woman’s Creative Journey, Stitching Stories of Miracles and Memories, and Celebrating Women

The Holiday Season Is In Full Swing!

There are so many exciting events happening around West Michigan this weekend. I stopped by Fox 17 yesterday to talk about a few of them, and believe me I wish I had time to talk about more! However, since I couldn't take up the whole three hour program we have the full "Weekend Roundup" coming your way soon. Until then, here is the video from yesterday that features four great things to do this weekend!





-- Kelly

Wondering Where To Eat This Week?

We recommend you try Dugan's Pub and Grille in Grand Rapids! They serve good times daily!

Those of you who have visited Dugan's Pub & Grille on Leonard Street in Grand Rapids are aware of the good food, good prices and good times.   If you have not visited Dugan's, well that's what awaits you...good food, good prices and good times.

Dugan's Pub & Grille is located at The Highlands Golf Club on the west side of Grand Rapids and was remodeled and opened in 2009.  But don't think Dugan's is just a place for golfers to get a sandwich and a beer after a round at the renowned Donald Ross golf course.

"The golf crowd is great" ,says Julee Vanhorn, manager of Dugan's Pub & Grille, "plus this a year round, full service restaurant and bar.  We have an excellent chef and staff, a diverse and affordable menu, lots of specials and events, and everyone's welcome at Dugan's."

Chef Kevin.jpg - Chef Kevin serves up a diverse and
versatile menu at Dugan’s Pub & Grille.

Dugan's Pub & Grille recently took part in the inaugural Restaurant Week in Grand Rapids and received many accolades from diners who visited and reviewed the food. 

"The menu was extremely versatile" ,noted one visitor, "offering an American menu, as well as an eclectic mix of fine cuisine. Dugan's differentiates itself from your average sports bar making everything from scratch with fresh ingredients including the sourdough bread, which is brought to the table complementary.  We had a great meal and a very pleasant experience at Dugan's Pub & Grille."

Specials and promotions are always happening at Dugan's.  If you're a sports fan come in and enjoy the eight HD TV's and food and drink specials during football, basketball and hockey games.

Dinner specials are held every week featuring Home Cooking Night, Senor Dugan’s Mexican food, Endless Fish and Chips, and all you can eat Pasta Family Night (kids under 12 eat free with each paying adult).  Drink specials are also included and compliment each night's theme.

Meatloaf is served as one of the many daily specials
offered at Dugan’s starting at only $9.95

The recently added Sunday Brunches are quickly becoming a must Sunday visit for patrons and feature all you can eat...all the choices for only $11.95.  Children menus are available and a limited breakfast ala Carte menu is also served.

If you're thinking of a unique gift for this holiday season why not give the gift of food with a Dugan's Gift Card.  Just stop by the restaurant, check out the food and buy someone a very special gift this season....a dinner at Dugan’s!

Perhaps the best thing about Dugan's Pub & Grille is it pays to eat at Dugan's!  The recently launched Dugan's Pub Club frequent dining rewards program provides points for dining and drinking at Dugan's.  Every dollar spent generates a Pub Club point, which can be redeemed for FREE food and drink at Dugan's.  Even golf play at the Highlands earns Pub Club points.

Pub Club promotions are held periodically which provide bonus points to members and Dugan's Pub Club members receive valuable discounts at special events and for booking at the adjacent Glendevon Banquet and Meeting Center.

The adjacent Glendevon Banquet and Meeting
Center is perfect for your special event

If you are thinking of hosting a holiday party, the combination of Dugan's Pub & Grille and Glendevon Banquet and Meeting Center is a perfect match.  Glendevon can handle small or large parties, with capabilities to accommodate up to 230 guests.  Glendevon Banquet and Meeting Center hosts year round events including weddings, banquets, business meetings, school and church events and golf outings. For more information please visit www.glendevongr.com or call Pam at 616 453-2453 for additional information.

There's lots of year round fun, food and good times at Dugan's Pub & Grille. We're located at 2715 Leonard St. NW, just west of Covell Avenue and only minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.  Check us out at www.dugansgr.com (616 453-2454) and stop by to enjoy some good food, good prices and good times.  Dugan's Pub & Grille...where good times are served daily!

-- Your friendly staff at Dugan's

Life Is Merry at the Cherry Tree Inn!

After a long day of traveling a few weeks ago, Shannon and I were absolutely exhausted to say the least! With our final stop of the day approaching, we were thrilled it was the Cherry Tree Inn and Suites in Traverse City.

Upon entering the front doors we made our way to the front desk only to be greeted by  Holly’s (the fabulous front desk greeter) smiling face and fresh chocolate chip cookies. What more could we ask for? We checked in and made our way to our suite. We were like giddy kids when we opened the door. It was a beautiful room with the most amazing view of the Grand Traverse Bay. We even had our own walk out porch. Our room was equipped with two queen size beds, a kitchen table, small kitchenette, a flat screen TV AND a TV in the bathroom! Talk about awesome. 

 

We made our way back down to the lobby so we could get the full tour from the wonderful general manager, Jonathon. He whisked us away and showed us the full lay of the land.

We started the tour by checking out the breakfast area. Shannon made herself right at home by acting out her own cooking show at the cherry-tiled island that seemed to be the focal point of the room. As our empty stomachs imaged the kitchen full of breakfast foods we anticipated the next mornings breakfast.

We left the breakfast area and started checking out some of the different rooms the hotel offers. There are 22 different types of rooms that can be reserved at the Cherry Tree Inn. Now that’s a lot of choices! We toured an apartment room that included a living area, kitchenette with stove, full fridge and oven, and a full bedroom. Next we checked out what I like to call “the penthouse”- this room was bigger than my apartment! With a full kitchen, full living area, wrap around porch, and full master bedroom, bath and Jacuzzi tub, this room was excellent. We looked at a few more rooms in-between and each one was bigger than the last! We didn’t have enough time to hit every room, but we can imagine they are all just as wonderful.  The last room we looked at was a conference room that is available for the public to rent and it is the perfect size for a small meeting or group get-together. This place has it all!

We made our way back down to the lobby. On our way down we encountered a pizza delivery man in the elevator- again, we were REALLY hungry. We decided right then and there that was going to be our dinner. Trying to keep our mind off of food we went and checked out the pool. It was the perfect size and even had a hot tub connected to it. The best part you ask? The newly installed infrared sauna. Shannon and I later found out that sitting in the sauna for 30 minutes is the equivalent to running 2 miles. Well, that is calorie loss wise- getting your heart rate up, not so much. Needless to say, we enjoyed ourselves.

Back to the tour, sorry I tend to veer. We walked back through the lobby and ended up in the sweet shop. A quaint little room packed with chairs and tables decorated with metal cherries and a wall full of sweets, ice cream, and various hygienic items.

We enjoyed our tour very much and really enjoyed the hospitality of the whole staff. Once back to our room we ordered that pizza we so badly wanted and made our way down to the hot tub and sauna. Our pizza came; we went back to our room and snuggled in for the night. We enjoyed some delicious moomers ice cream the hotel offers and fell fast asleep.

7am came way to fast! Shannon and I both noted that we slept extremely well- this could have to do with the fact that the foundation of the hotel is made completely of cement, making it extremely quiet. We hurried up, got ready and made our way down to the breakfast room (a moment we both had been waiting patiently for). Doughnuts, waffles, cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt and cinnamon rolls, greeted us. Our frustration of being up early quickly went away. 

Between the wonderful hospitality of the hotel and the superb amenities, the Cherry Tree gets two big thumbs up in my book!

 

My favorite part? Everything about the hotel stays true to the infamous Traverse City cherries. Not only the name, but the décor as well. From the cherry painted dishes at breakfast to the carpeting decorated with cherries- this hotel is decked out in Traverse City’s favorite fruit!

Say, would you like to win a prize?

This week we are giving away a one-night stay in the beautiful good harbor bay studio. This is one of the 22 different room options at the Cherry Tree Inn and Suites. This beautiful room includes one king pillow-top bed plus sofa sleeper, in-room spa, fireplace, LCD TV, and kitchenette! A perfect getaway for you and a loved one!

Tell us what your favorite Christmas carol is and why and you will be entered to win! Check back on Friday to see if you are the lucky winner!

Cherry Tree Inn and Suites is located 2345 US 31 N. Traverse City, MI 49686