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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

West Michigan Weekend Round-Up: June 27-29

With this wet & stormy summer continuing, this weekend might not be the best one to plan the picnic at the beach! Get your back-up plans ready by checking out all of these great events going on around West Michigan this weekend.

Friday, June 27

Saturday, June 28

Sunday, June 29


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

West Michigan Wine: More Than Just a Pretty Bottle

Sip and savor your way through West Michigan when you learn about all of the award-winning wineries located here. With 15,000 acres of vineyards and over 1.3 millions gallons of wine produced annually, Michigan knows a thing or two about good wines. Most of Michigan’s quality wine grapes grow within 25 miles of Lake Michigan, where the “lake effect” protects the vines with snow in the winter, slows budding in the spring to avoid frost damage, and extends the growing season by up to four weeks. If you think enjoying West Michigan wine means simply sitting on the front porch & savoring a glass after dinner, we’ve got some exciting options you might want to think about checking out! Come with us as we explore the many wineries & wine-related activities across West Michigan. (Statistics from Michigan Wine Council)



Drinking Wine to Save the Animals

What if we told you that you could enjoy a wine tasting while visiting with monkeys and snow leopards, while at the same time helping conserve endangered wildlife? That’s exactly what will be going on at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek on Saturday, July 19th at their “Corks for Conservation” event. You’ll get after-hours admission to the zoo from 6pm until 10pm, and have the chance to sample wines from Michigan wineries. There will also be live music, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and live animal presentations. Sign up for VIP tickets, and you’ll also get access to a wine tasting class just prior to the event.

Enjoy Some Live Jazz with Your Wine

Imagine sipping a glass of West Michigan wine while enjoying live jazz on the shores of the lake. Ahhh….bliss. Now mark your calendar for August 2nd at Goodrich Park in Whitehall for their White Lake Wine & Jazz Fest! This annual event takes place on the shores of White Lake, the perfect spot to spend a summer afternoon. Running from 2pm through 6pm, this event will also feature appetizers and desserts, as well as a silent auction. Tickets for the White Lake Wine & Jazz fest are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.




Let Local Art Inspire Your Wine

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but we’re not sure if that extends to West Michigan wines! When it comes to incorporating art with wine, Stephanie Schlatter is the artist to talk to! As a Grand Rapids artist, she has woven her art into the fabric of the Michigan wine trade with the intention of promoting the beautiful area the wine is grown in, and the land and people that she has come to love. Schlatter debuted a new 500 sq ft mural this summer on the side of the Chateau de Leelanau tasting room, which can’t be missed while driving north on M22! Schlatter has also partnered with them on the launch of Muse (a sparkling white wine), which features her painting “The Three Graces” on the label. Many northern Michigan wineries carry Schlatters works from her “On the Michigan Wine Trail” series, and be sure to be on the lookout for other inspired art from local artists as you head out on the wine trail yourself.

Get Someone Else to Do the Driving


Many West Michigan locations boast more than one winery within driving distance, so it would be a shame to only visit one while you’re there! But then you have to figure out the best driving route, figure out hours for each stop you’d like to visit, designate someone to be DD, and the list goes on and on. That’s where Grape and Grain Tours comes in! Based out of Berrien Springs, they visit more than a dozen wineries, breweries, and distilleries on their trips. All you have to do is purchase a ticket for one of their tours, and they’ll pick you up and take care of the rest! They offer scheduled tours on Saturdays & Sundays, or you can book them for your own group any day of the week. It’s a great option for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, corporate events, or just a fun day out. They select their destinations based on wineries that go beyond just pouring a captivating glass of wine; they select places that respect the pride of the craft, and that enjoy sharing that gift with everyone who visits.

If none of the above strike your fancy, think about heading to a wine dinner at Chateau Chantal in Traverse City, or creating your own day trip with Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. If you're just starting to explore the world of wine, talk to the server at a wine tasting when you visit a nearby vineyard, and they'll be able to walk you through the best ways to introduce new wines to your palate. Whatever your level of interest in wine, West Michigan is the perfect place to explore and deepen your appreciation for this integral part of our great state.

Don’t miss our other wine articles featured this month: Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and Sensory Tours & Wine Dinners at Chateau Chantal


Looking for more information on West Michigan wines? Check out the following resources:

Pet-Friendly Travel: Car Trip Tips, Beaches, Hotels, & More!

One of the most difficult parts of heading out on a family vacation can be leaving part of the family behind; it can be heartbreaking to pull out of the driveway and know that you won't be seeing your furry friend for another week until you get home.

But there's good news! With more and more places in West Michigan being welcoming to Fido, there's no reason to leave your pet behind when you hit the road this summer! We've compiled a list of pet-friendly places (lodging, attractions, and more) in West Michigan, so you can plan on bringing along the entire family on your next summer outing!

Take a look at the list of pet-friendly places in West Michigan, and then read on below for some tips on traveling with your pet in the car and taking your dog to the beach.

Pet-Friendly Places in West Michigan

Region One: The very northernmost tip of West Michigan

Region Two: Traverse City and the surrounding area

Region Three: Manistee National Forest and nearby

Region Four: Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon area

Region Five: The southernmost area of West Michigan down to the Indiana border

Region Six: Central corridor of Michigan


Tips for Car Trips with Pets

Courtesy of vh1.com
If you're heading out on a road trip and planning on bringing the pet along, be sure you take a look at these tips for having a safe, comfortable trip with your pet. Tips courtesy of ASPCA.
  1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip. 
  2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop. 
  3. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive. 
  4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 
  5. What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. 
  6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please. 
  7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle. 
  8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side. 
  9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet. 
  10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.






Taking Your Dog to the Beach

With so many beaches up and down the coast of Michigan, why not bring your dog along on your next beach trip? There's more involved in a doggy beach trip than just packing a towel and some sunscreen. Read on for some Dos and Donts of dog beach trips, courtesy of Trips With Pets.

Courtesy of city-data.com
For most dogs, getting to run around in the sand, dip into the waves, and fetch balls out of the water is the best day ever! Here are some tips to ensure that you and your dog have a fun and safe beach experience.
  1. Check with your local beaches before you pack up the dog, since not all beaches allow them. Call ahead or visit the beach's website for information. It's also important to find out whether they need to be on leash or if they can roam free. Bring a long leash no matter what, but know ahead of time if there will be an area where a leash isn't necessary. If they don't need to have a leash, only let them be without it if you know for an absolute fact that they will respond to your voice commands. Other dogs, people, certain scents, birds, etc, may catch their attention and cause them to tune you out, which could be a recipe for disaster (no one wants a dog fight). Some people on the beach (as well as easily frightened children) will be less dog-friendly than others, so be mindful of who your dog might be approaching to avoid any sort of snafu.
  2. Never, EVER leave your dog unattended. Even the most well-trained dog can get distracted; pay extra special attention to your surroundings and any potential situations that may cause your dog to wander or run off. Follow ALL of the rules set by the beach. You don't want to be the reason that dogs aren't allowed at that particular beach anymore.
  3. If this is the first time your dog will be swimming, you may want to read up on his breed just to be sure. For example, shar peis tend to be afraid of water. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, but finding out if swimming is characteristic of the breed will be a good indicator of how enthusiastic (or timid) they might be. When you bring the pup to the water, if he isn't diving right in, take it slow. Don't force your dog to go in. He may feel more comfortable if you head in first and call him. If you're nervous or unsure, purchasing a dog life vest to bring with you would be a safe bet.
  4. Be wary of temperature extremes. Pay attention to how your dog is acting and responding while he's with you throughout the day, since there could be the potential of either heat stroke or hypothermia (if he's been swimming his little heart out).
    1. A few ways to prevent heat stroke is to bring lots of fresh, cool water that they can drink. A spray bottle with cool water that you can spray him down with will also help in temperature regulation. A bonus of having fresh water with you is that you can also clean the sand and salt water from his paws, which can cause irritation and dry out those sensitive pads. Also, since you can't guarantee that you will have access to a shady area, bring an umbrella that he can hang out under.
    2. To make sure that hypothermia doesn't strike, bring lots of towels that you can snuggle him in and remove the excess cold salt water. Not only can this warm him up quicker, it also helps in removing the sand and salt water from his fur so he won't be in danger of shaking off on someone else.

The Dos and Don'ts of the Dog Beach

Many beaches allowed dogs at one time, but due to careless owners, had to put a stop to canine patrons. Follow these rules (in addition to the beach's rules), and you'll make sure that you can bring Fido back as many times as he likes.

Dog Beach Don'ts:

  • Don't let your dogs go into areas on the beach where they're not allowed. Dunes and grassy areas need to be protected from any sort of environmental damage that a dog might cause.
  • Don't let your dog out of your sight. Not even once. Paying attention and being proactive will go a long way in protecting you and your dog. The last thing you want is to be sued for a dog fight or by someone that had a run-in with your dog.
  • Don't forget to bring the leash, beach towels, umbrella, fresh water, and doggie sunscreen (yes, you can actually get sunscreen specifically made for dogs).
  • Don't leave a mess behind! Don't count on the beach supplying waste bags, so bring your own and be diligent about cleaning up. No one wants to find a surprise just laying on the beach or buried in the sand.

Dog Beach Dos:

  • Do make sure your dog's vaccinations are current and that he's wearing the proper ID. Keep your vet's number on hand just in case something happens.
  • Do set a time limit for your beach trip. A couple hours might be just the right amount of time at the beach, depending on your dog's activity level. At the first sign of your dog tiring, pack it up and get back on the road.
  • Do bring toys and balls to throw and find sticks to fetch. This is exactly why you are both there: to HAVE FUN!

Monday, June 23, 2014

Guest Barkeep of the Week at Grove in Grand Rapids

I recently had the opportunity to visit Grove, a Grand Rapids restaurant who prides itself on offering "Earth to Table" dining options, and be their Guest Barkeep of the Week!


Grove is located on Cherry Street, between Eastern Ave. & Diamond Ave. We arrived a bit before 5pm (when the restaurant opens each night), and were able to enjoy some live jazz music from across the street as we waited for 5pm to roll around.


They were ready and waiting for us when they opened their doors, so I headed right to the bar to meet my instructor who'd be walking me through how to make the specialty drink of the night: a Lavender Orange Collins. They had a nice little station set up, with the drink recipe and all the ingredients I'd need for my concoction.

We started with a collins glass full of ice, and I measured in 2 oz. of gin & 1/2 oz. of vermouth. Then a 1/2 oz. of Lavender Orange Simple Syrup, which smelled delicious all on its own! (I could have added more of the syrup to make the drink sweeter, but I tried it just as the recipe was written, and it was delicious.)


Then it was time to juice one half of a lemon, and add that to the glass as well. Once we had all of those ingredients in, we covered the glass with the base of a cocktail shaker to mix everything up. As I was shaking the drink, the barkeeper told me that now I was an official barkeep!



Now all that was left was to fill the rest of the glass with club soda, cut an orange garnish to add to the glass, and enjoy! The Lavender Orange Collins is just one of many specialty drinks offered at Grove, and the staff did a great job walking me through the process. If you like standard Tom Collins, or any gin-based drinks, I'd recommend giving this one a try for a great summery cocktail!





We took a look at the menu while enjoying the fruits of our labors, and decided that we couldn't leave without trying at least something. With choices including Peanut Braised Beef (rice noodles, peas, greens, braised peanuts, jalapeno-radish salad), Fresh Fruit Gazpacho (nectarine, strawberry, apple, creme fraiche, shaved vegetables, almonds), and Parisian Gnocchi (roasted carrot, broccoli, local mushroom, radish, carrot parmesan brodo), it took us a while to narrow down our choices! 


You can view a sample menu on their website, but it may be different from the menu you're handed when you walk in and sit down. They change their menu on a regular basis, depending on what ingredients they're able to get locally. They believe the most flavorful food begins with the highest quality ingredients, which is why they responsibly source as much as is available from local, family, and sustainable farms and businesses.


We settled on ordering the Pork Belly Tacos, and it turned out to be a great choice! They're served with cabbage slaw, creme fraiche, poblano mojo, and black bean puree. The pork was deliciously seasoned, and went perfectly with all of the fresh toppings. As you can see, we made short work of them!


Grove has plenty of seating along the bar, as well as indoor and outdoor dining available. It was such a nice evening when we visited that most diners were choosing to enjoy their food outdoors.





With their friendly staff, convenient downtown location, and (most importantly) their outstanding menu, Grove is well-deserving as being named "Restaurant of the Year" by Grand Rapids magazine! It's a great spot to stop by for a cocktail if you're heading downtown, for dinner on an outdoor patio, or if you're in the mood to try something new!


Want to be Guest Barkeep of the Week yourself? Make sure you like Grove's Facebook page, and watch each week for when they post a call for aspiring bartenders! Leave a comment, and it could be you next time learning some bartending tips & tricks from the barkeepers at Grove!


Is there a cocktail that you'd love how to learn to make from a pro? Let us know in the comments!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

West Michigan Weekend Round-Up: June 19-21

It's almost time for another weekend in West Michigan, and there's no shortage of great events going on around the area this weekend! Read below for some of our top picks.

Friday, June 19

Saturday, June 21


Sunday, June 22