Pages

Monday, May 12, 2014

Summer Festivals in West Michigan

With summer just around the corner in West Michigan, there's enough festivals & fairs to keep you busy all season long! Whether you're interested in cultural celebrations, motorcycles, local produce, or anything else, we're sure to have a festival that you'd enjoy checking out!

Allegan: Michigan Fiber Festival

Michigan Fiber Festival contact & driving information

Michigan Fiber Festival at the Allegan County Fairgrounds, August. Unique opportunity to see and learn about natural fibers, the animals and plants that produce them. Animals on display, free fiber art demonstrations, sheep shearing and dog herding. Art competitions, musical entertainment, Pioneer Village and vendors w/finished items or supplies.

Allegan: Allegan County Fair


Allegan County Fair


Allegan County Fair contact & driving information

Allegan County Fair, September 5-13, 2014. Entertainment to include Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, and more.




Alma: Highland Festival & Games


Alma Highland Festival & Games contact & driving information

May 24 - 25, 2014. Bring the family to revel in the sounds of bagpipes when over 25 pipe bands compete in the US Open Pipe Band Championship at the Alma Highland Festival & Games. Witness the incredible Massed Bands when hundreds of Pipers and Drummers march together on the field. Enjoy colorful Scottish dancing competitions, border collie exhibitions, Heavy weight athletic competition including the caber toss, hammer throw and farmers walk. Shop our many venders to pick up a unique Scottish item or a kilt of your very own. Over 140 arts and craft vendors, harp and bodhran workshops, Entertainment Tent featuring our very own True Scot Ale, brewed in Saugatuck Michigan. Authentic Scottish meat pies and other treats to be found in our vendor area. Admission charged.

Battle Creek: Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival



Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival contact & driving information

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, July 2-6, 2014 at the W.K. Kellogg Airport! Family fun for everyone! Experience the magic of 50 hot-air balloons inflating right before your eyes and you won’t want to miss the two Balloon Night Illumes. This event is AIR SHOW at its best featuring the U.S. AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS DEMONSTRATION TEAM along with top civilian performers which gives you five (5) plus hours of loops, dives and rolls! Plus there is Music, Entertainment, huge variety of Vendors, awesome fireworks, night air show with pyro, Skerbeck Family Carnival of thrills and the beat goes on! All events take place at the W.K. Kellogg Airport. Handicapped accessible and free shuttle service. For a schedule of events visit www.bcballoons.com or call 269-962-0592.

Beaver Island: Bike Festival & Music Festival


Beaver Island contact & driving information

June 21 – Beaver Island Bike Festival. Fully supported bike ride with rest stop snacks. Lunch at Bill Wagner campground. B.B.Q. buffet at the Shamrock. Beaver Island Bike Festival t-shirt. Bike transportation on the ferry, Live entertainment on Friday & Saturday nights. Prizes and extra goodies.

July 17-19 – Beaver Island Music Festival. For centuries, strains of music have risen from the deep green forests of Beaver Island. Today this age-old tradition continues in the form of the Beaver Island Music Festival, at a gathering place on Beaver Island. The Festival is a rich mix of music, art, and nature, a sweet summer balm for the restless heart and hurried mind. For more information (231) 838-2883, www.bimf.net, bimfburton@yahoo.com, or check us out on Facebook for current updates.

Berrien Springs: Berrien County Youth Fair


Berrien County Youth Fair contact & driving information

Known as the midwest’s largest YOUTH Fair, the Berrien County Youth Fair is a week long exhibition showing off the county youth’s talents and projects. Along with almost 15,000 youth projects shown by close to 2,500 exhibitors, the Fair offers many other attractions such as commercial exhibits, exposition buildings, a wonders of birth barn, a historical building, many food vendors, free family entertainment, a huge carnival rides area and grandstand entertainment! We’re sure to have something for everyone!

Berrien Springs: Art and Wine Memorial Weekend Festival


Lemon Creek Winery contact & driving information

You are cordially invited to participate in our Annual Art and Wine Memorial Weekend Festival hosted by Lemon Creek Winery Our eventful two day festival invites 32 regional artists to come display their amazing work while enjoying live music and Lemon Creek's award winning wine Our festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25 from 12:00PM-6:00PM We are looking for new artists this year and it would be greatly appreciated if you could share this information with local artists from your communities If anyone is interested in registering the deadline date is May 15 with payment If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Cathy by phone at (269) 471-1321 or by email at lemoncreekwinery@gmail.com We look forward to having another great festival this year!

Boyne Falls: Michigan Fly Fishing Festival


Boyne Mountain Resort contact & driving information

Michigan Fly Fishing Festival, July 12, 2014, 9am-6pm
Admission is $10; Kids 16 & under are free

Festival highlights include: Vendors and reps, Casting clinics, Barbeque and brews, Guest speakers, Contests and fun, Live auction

Cassopolis: Cass County Fair


Cass County Fair contact & driving information

Grandstand entertainment features rodeo, superstock tractor pull, demolition derbies and SJO motorcross at Cass County Fair. Enjoy daily carnival ride specials, horse pulls, livestock judging & auctions, 4-H exhibits and free family entertainment throughout the grounds.

Charlevoix: Craft Show and Fiber Festival and 84th Annual Venetian Festival



Castle Farms contact & driving information

One Town, Two Festivals!

Where else in Michigan can you find a castle, dragon, garden railroad, street parade, fireworks, carnival rides and lighted boat parade all in the same town? Charlevoix the Beautiful, naturally! The fun starts at the Castle Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27th, when Castle Farms and Charlevoix serve up fantastical family entertainment in a fun festival atmosphere! The Castle celebration begins on Friday, July 25th at 1:00 pm with the start of its annual Craft Show and Fiber Festival. Friday, July 25th (1-7 pm), Saturday, July 26th (10 am–5 pm) and Sunday, July 27 (10 am–4 pm). Numerous vendors displaying handmade wares for sale made from natural fibers, including sweaters, blankets and hats. New this year: the finest artisans and crafters from Michigan specializing in jewelry, pottery, work working, plus more. $5 per person. Discounted historic self-guided tours during festival days. Tours include strolling through majestic stone buildings, picturesque gardens, and viewing museum collections of antique toys, castles, royalty memorabilia, plus one of Michigan’s largest Model Garden Railroads. Free on-site parking. Food available. Downtown, visitors will find Charlevoix celebrating its 84th Annual Venetian Festival July 19-26th. One town and two festivals equal guaranteed family fun!

Coopersville: Del Shannon Days/Coopersville Summerfest


Del Shannon Days contact & driving information

August 5 -9. We are excited to join together with the week long celebration, which was formerly known as Coopersville Summerfest. "It is our mission to provide a family friendly event that brings local residents together as well as give visitors a small town experience, along with celebrating Coopersvilles' one of a kind history."

Coopersville: Summerfest



Coopersville & Marne Railroad contact & driving information

Coopersville Summerfest: Saturday, August 9. Ride all day for one low price. Vintage rail cars date from 1919-1932. Shuttle runs from one side of town to the other during The Del Shannon Car Show. All day tickets, all ages: $4.00.

Dowagiac: Dogwood Fine Arts Festival


Dogwood Fine Arts Festival contact & driving information

Dogwood Fine Arts Festival takes place annually in May. Join us for a week-long celebration of the arts, where the spotlight shines on a different form of art each night; visual arts, dance, music, theatre, literature and storytelling.

Grand Haven: Coast Guard Festival


Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival contact & driving information

The Coast Guard Festival is the nation's largest festival honoring the men & women of the US Coast Guard. Nightly entertainment at Waterfront Stadium, arts & crafts, downtown carnival, Kids Parade & Grand Parade, the World's Largest Musical Fountain w/spectacular fireworks.

Grand Rapids: Plane Pull & Open House



Gerald R. Ford International Airport contact & driving information

Special Olympics is teaming with the Gerald R. Ford Int’l Airport for the Plane Pull & Open Houseevent on July 19, 2014 on the airport grounds. The community is welcome to attend free of charge to cheer on teams as they attempt to pull a FedEx 737 Plane on the airport taxiway. In addition, planes, helicopters, snow plows, fire trucks and other unique airport equipment will be on display for folks to tour and for kids of all ages to ask questions. There will be food, giveaways and entertainment too!

To stay updated, the community can stay connected with us on Facebook or Twitter: @FlyGRFord

Grand Rapids: GRandJazzFest



GRandJazzFest contact & driving information

The 3rd annual GRandJazzFest

GRandJazzFest presented by DTE Energy Foundation returns to Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., Aug. 16 and 17, the third consecutive year for the popular weekend-long jazz festival. The two-day festival will again be free thanks to presenting sponsor DTE Energy Foundation, the City of Grand Rapids and other sponsoring organizations and individuals. Nearly 10,000 people attended the second annual festival over the course of the two days – coming from as nearby as local neighborhoods to as far away as other states and Canada. Ten diverse jazz artists and bands will perform at this year's event, including a major headline act. The complete lineup will be announced in the spring. Learn more at www.grandjazzfest.org, and at the festival’s Facebook and Twitter sites – www.facebook.com/grandjazzfest and www.twitter.com/grandjazzfest.

Grand Rapids: Festival of the Arts



Festival of the Arts contact & driving information

Festival of the Arts happens June 6-8, in downtown Grand Rapids. Bring your family and enjoy West Michigan’s finest art and artists, hundreds of performers on six outdoor stages, Food booths featuring food from every ethnicity all presented by area nonprofit organizations. Not to mentioned a juried art show at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art and youth art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Plus there are lots of arts activities for young and old alike. Admission is free – all you pay for is food and art! This year marks the 45th Festival of the Arts making it one of the longest running Festivals in the State of Michigan and the largest all volunteer art festival in the Nation. To learn more go to www.festivalgr.org. Follow us on

Facebook (Festival of the Arts) and Twitter (#festivalgr).

Grand Rapids: 28th Street Metro Cruise


Metro Cruise contact & driving information

This year marks the 9th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise which is held each year in August. The 28th Street Metro Cruise.

Greenville: Danish Festival


Danish Festival contact & driving information

The Danish Festival provides unique events and fun entertainment for visitors of all ages. 'The festival will feature a variety of events that include live music, an arts and craft fair, grand parade, family fun day and a grand prize raffle just to name a few! Plan to join us in August!

Holland: Kids Day



Nelis’ Dutch Village contact & driving information

Our annual Nelis' Dutch Village KIDS DAY will be Saturday, June 21. In addition to our new attractions and all our usual rides (Carousel, Dutch Swing Ride, Petal Pumper Cars etc), friendly farm animals, games and activities, we bring in community resources. Kids can get up close and personal with the personnel and equipment of our fire, police and emergency responders of our city. We also set up additional games and activities in our park.


Ionia: Ionia Free Fair


Ionia Free Fair contact & driving information

Since 1857 the Ionia Free Fair has been an important part the the state's history in addition to being one of the premier attractions of the summer and ranked as one of the top 50 fairs in the nation. The historic grandstand has been been visited by Gabby Hayes, Les Paul, Buster Keaton, Sonny and Cher, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Nelly, Chingy, and other legendary entertainers.

Kalamazoo: Irish Fest of Kalamazoo



Irish Fest of Kalamazoo contact & driving information

The 14th Annual Irish Fest of Kalamazoo Presented by: The Irish American Club of Kalamazoo to Benefit Kalamazoo’s Loaves and Fishes

Arcadia Creek Festival Place, Downtown Kalamazoo
Friday, June 27, 2014: 4:30 PM until midnight
Saturday, June 28, 2014: 10:30 AM until midnight

Price of admission: $8.00 for adults and children are free when accompanied by an adult. FREE admission on Friday from 4:30-6:00 and Saturday from 10:30-noon with donations to Loaves and Fishes.

Live Celtic Music featuring: Conklin Ceili Band, Belfast Gin, Blackthorn, Bog Road, Fonn Mor, The Ladies of Longford, Dulahan, Kalamazoo Pipe Band, Bill Grogan’s Goat, The Tooles, The Waxies and Whiskey Before Breakfast. Merchandise vendors, selling Irish and Celtic themed clothing, crafts, jewelry, art, and more. Irish Step dancers, from Quinn School of Irish Dance will be featured on both days. On Saturday, a supervised children’s area with arts and crafts activities and games all with a Celtic theme will be offered by the Breakfast Optimists Club of Kalamazoo, as well as face painting. A cultural area where you can learn about your family’s genealogy by the Kalamazoo Valley Genealogy society, learn the ancient art of calligraphy from the local Pen Dragons guild and how to weave wool into yarn from the Kalamazoo Weavers Guild. Local Irish Restaurants and pubs, featuring Gallagher’s Eatery, O’Duffy’s Irish Pub and Bennigans will feature Irish cuisine, from corn beef and cabbage, bread pudding or fish and chips. You may also enjoy a meat pie from The Kalamazoo Scottish Festival Association. The Guinness Beer tent will feature Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s and Magner’s Irish Cider on draught.www.kalamazooirish.org



Muskegon: Lakeshore Art Festival


Lakeshore Art Festival contact & driving information

The Lakeshore Art Festival is a unique mix of arts, crafts, food and family fun in historic downtown Muskegon. Guests will enjoy a juried fine art fair located in beautiful Hackley Park, as well as vibrant streets brimming with crafts, unique artisan food products, children’s activities, entertainment and more! With convenient affordable parking, outstanding accommodations and restaurants nearby this is a must-attend event! The 2014 dates are July 4 and 5. www.lakeshoreartfestival.org.

Muskegon: Bike Time


Muskegon Bike Time contact & driving information

“America’s Fastest Growing Bike Event” is gearing up for its’ annual celebration of everything motorcycles. It's Time for Bike Time… Over 35,000 bikes and 90,000 people visit the lakeshore community of Muskegon. The latest information may be found atwww.MuskegonBikeTime.com or call (317) 236-6515.



Paw Paw: Wine & Harvest Festival


Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival contact & driving information

Don't miss the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival in September! From fireworks to a classic car show, teen dances to the St. Julian Festival Parade. Free trolley stop at all events making it easy to get to the free entertainment, beer tent, or Coca Cola Grape Stomp!

Petoskey: Soak Up the Sounds Concert Series



Odawa Casino contact & driving information

Odawa has announced their “Soak Up the Sounds” concert series lineup, including The Beach Boys, Jonny Lang, 38 Special, Kenny Rogers, Kenny Loggins, Easton Corbin, Ron White, and more. 2014 “Soak Up the Sounds” concert series in Ovation Hall: http://www.odawacasino.com/upcoming-shows/



Rothbury: Sandy Corley Memorial Run & Electric Forest Festival


Double JJ Resort contact & driving information

Sandy Corley Memorial Run
Held at the Double JJ Resort. Brought to you by the Fremont chapter of the Harley Owner's Group, this special event raises money for the fight against cancer (plus it's a whole lot of fun!). http://www.doublejj.com/activities/seasonal-fun.html

Electric Forest Festival
Multi-Day music festival held at the Double JJ Resort. For information, artist line-up, and tickets, visit the Electric Forest Festival website.http://www.doublejj.com/activities/seasonal-fun.html

South Haven: National Blueberry Festival


National Blueberry Festival contact & driving information

National Blueberry Festival is in August. Celebrate everything blueberry in South Haven! Enjoy fresh blueberry products, kids’ events, Arts & Crafts fair, 5k run/walk, concerts on the river front and much, much more. This four day festival is a true family friendly event! Most activities are FREE!

South Haven: Waterfront Film Festival



Waterfront Film Festival contact & driving information

Recognized as a top five film festival, Waterfront Film Festival unfolds in June in the lively resort town of South Haven, Michigan on the pristine shores of Lake Michigan. In addition to screening over 80 captivating films, and having exciting celebrity guests in attendance, the weekend offers fine dining, art galleries and live music on the relaxing beachfront. WFF is a leading destination film festival, regularly hosting Midwest premieres of Academy Award-winning and nominated documentaries, most of which have filmmakers in attendance to discuss their projects. Opening night kicks off with an energetic beachfront party featuring live music, a beer garden, local food, and a movie under the stars on a 50-foot inflatable screen! South Haven ranks among the “Top 10 Yachting Towns in the World” by Yachting Magazine and is less than an hour drive from Grand Rapids, two hours from Chicago, and three hours from Detroit.

Calhoun County Summer Festivals


Calhoun County contact & driving information

Battle Creek Cereal City Festival
Parade June 13: 6-7 PM, Festival June 14: 8 AM – 2 PM
Downtown Battle Creek
The Cereal City Festival is an event celebrating the Battle Creek community and its rich and varied past. A parade kicks off the festival on Friday, June 13th and fun continues with the Cereal City Classic 5k/10k run and the World’s Longest Breakfast Table on Saturday morning. Throughout the day enjoy exciting events, bands and activities!

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
July 2-6
W.K. Kellogg Airport
www.bcballoons.com
Get ready for five action-packed days at the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival! Daily hot-air balloon launches, night balloon illumes, a dazzling fireworks display, twilight and night pyro air show featuring a jet-powered school bus! This festival features top civilian air show performers and military jet demonstrations. “Field of Rock” from center stage will shake the sky! A carnival, crafters, souvenir booths, special displays and an array of food vendors will only enhance spectator’s experience.

Marshall Main Street Blues Festival
July 19: Noon – 11 PM
Downtown Marshall
Experience great blues music and great food at the 10th Annual Marshall Main Street Blues Festival! Throughout the day enjoy the musical stylings of a mixture of talented blues artists. The festival also features delicious food vendors and a variety of beverages in the beer tent.

Marshall Bluegrass Festival
July 21-26
Calhoun County Fairgrounds
Michigan’s Largest Jamming Festival! The goal of this festival is to provide a safe and fun family environment for both local and regional bluegrass talent, and the people enjoying this energetic music. Come enjoy a performance, a day, or reserve a campsite and stay for the entire event! Many activities and improvised jamming around the grounds complete this festival of fun!

Leilapalooza Music Festival
July 26: 10 AM – 11 PM
Leila Arborteum
Battle Creek’s one-day music festival is a free event featuring musical acts all day long on a variety of stages. It’s a not to miss event!

Homer is Home Summer Festival
August 1-2
Main Street/Homer
This hog-loving festival is a big success in this small town with an amazing mix of activities and events including a bass fishing tournament, pet parade, puppet show, waterball, uke n sing, watermelon toss, mud volleyball, hog calling contest and horseshoe tournament to name a few. There are even rumors of politicians kissing piglets!

International Summerfest
August 9: 11 AM – 3 PM
Mill Race Park – Battle Creek
From traditional food and dancing, to entertainment and art, experience the wide variety of cultures represented throughout the Battle Creek area! The International Summerfest features performers such as belly dancers, martial art masters and more!

166th Calhoun County Fair
August 10-16
Calhoun County Fairgrounds
The Calhoun County Fairgrounds, in historic Marshall, Michigan, is home to Michigan's oldest fair and boasts Floral Hall, the oldest fair building in the state. The Calhoun County Fairgrounds were founded in 1848.

Festival of the Forks
September 19-20
Downtown Albion
The Festival of the Forks is a joyous community celebration with art, music, food and fun in downtown Albion. The festival celebrates the founding of Albion, located at the fork of the Kalamazoo River. Throughout the event, enjoy a classic car show, bands, a parade and more! The Festival of the Forks offers non-stop music from three stages and over 140 vendors -- serving ethnic foods, selling handmade crafts and artwork, and novelty items. Grab a bite to eat and stroll our streets, you're bound to find something interesting and new to enjoy!



Greater Lansing Area Summer Festivals



Greater Lansing Area contact & driving information

May 1–4 Spring Fling Festival, Mason
Come to Mason to experience all that Spring Fling has to offer. Includes a 5K run, a craft show on the courthouse square, pie sale, duck race and much more–there's something here for everyone.

May 3–4 Victorian Festival, Grand Ledge
Salute spring and the Victorian era with a maypole dance, teddy bear tea and high tea, Civil War encampment, quilt show, May baskets and period craft demonstrations.

May 17–18 East Lansing Art Festival, East Lansing
Fine artists from Michigan and beyond will line downtown East Lansing's streets to exhibit and sell original works of fine art and fine crafts. Free live music, children's hands-on arts activities and special events to celebrate the 51st East Lansing Art Festival.

May 23–25 Cristo Rey Fiesta, Lansing
This annual fiesta features authentic Mexican folkloric dancing as well as dancing in the evenings to live Tejano and Salsa Merengue bands. Proudly serving the finest in homemade Mexican dishes.

May 30 The Board of Water & Light Chili Cook-Off, Lansing
Over 40 local businesses compete annually to win the hearts, palates and votes of attendees. Competitors showcase culinary skills at a riverside party with 1500 gallons of chili, cold beer, margaritas and live bands.

May 31 Be A Tourist In Your Own Town, Community-wide
Special 20th year anniversary! Explore a world of possibilities in Greater Lansing from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Purchase a $1 "passport" for free admission to over 60 attractions. Enjoy interactive activities and giveaways for the kids! CATA Be A Tourist bus routes provide transportation to most attractions for just 50 cents. Collect ten stamps in the "passport" to win great prizes! 
www.lansing.org/batyot

June 6–8 Gizzard Fest, Potterville
GIZZARD FEST—with a name like that you can count on it definitely being FUN! This annual festival is world renowned and includes a classic car show, 3-on-3 basketball, arts and crafts, carnival and lots more.

June 12-14 Grand American Fish Rodeo, Lansing
The Grand American Fish Rodeo is a celebration of Michigan waterways, fishing, boating, freshwater wildlife, fish-based foods, arts, and music. Based in downtown Lansing's Adado Riverfront Park, it will feature a cluster of overlapping activities and events.

June 14 Oldsmobile Homecoming, Lansing
This is the largest one-day Oldsmobile-only car show and swap meet in the world. Oldsmobiles will range in age from 1903 to the last cars built. Find over 500 show cars and 100 car-related swap meet and vendor spaces. And don't miss downtown Dimondale's pre-event cruise-in the day before!

June 15–21 Red Cedar Jubilee, Williamston
The Red Cedar Jubilee features parades as well as craft shows, an enduro derby, lawn mower races, a duck drop and a food and beverage tent with live music. While in town visit the antiques district.

June 19–21 Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, Lansing
Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about our heritage and promoting positive cultural interaction. This three-day event includes music, dance, entertainment, education, health fair and celebration.

June 21 Dam Festival, Eaton Rapids
Good food, music, crafters, a car show and tours of the multiple dams of Eaton Rapids. This festival celebrates the history and culture of Eaton Rapids (635 State St. on Miller Farm).

June 19–22 Yankee Doodle Days, Grand Ledge
This is the 31st celebration in Grand Ledge, featuring fun for the entire family with a parade, free kids day events, fireworks and entertainment tent with live music.

June 20–21 Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, East Lansing
A free two day Jazz Festival in the heart of downtown East Lansing, featuring high-caliber local, regional and national talent. Presented by the city of East Lansing, Wharton Center for the Performing Arts and the Michigan State University College of Music, with artistic direction by Rodney Whitaker.

June 20 Festival of the Moon, Old Town Lansing
Make one of the shortest nights of the year count at Festival of the Moon. Cool off on a warm summer night with a glass of cold craft-brewed beer while listening to rockin' regional and national bands. View the sculptures made of recycled materials created during the "Scrapfest" competition.

June 21 Festival of the Sun, Old Town Lansing
Celebrate the summer solstice with the Festival of the Sun, a premier beer, wine and gourmet food tasting festival. Enjoy fine wine, craft-brewed beer and the Lansing area's best cuisine and live entertainment. View the sculptures made of recycled materials created during the "Scrapfest" competition.

June 23–29 Lansing Beer Week, Lansing
This weeklong celebration will feature Michigan craft beer themed events throughout the greater Lansing area. The goal of Lansing Beer Week is to raise awareness of the Michigan craft beer industry while promoting patronage to local establishments and stimulating the greater Lansing area’s retail economy and Michigan made products.

June 28 Lansing Beer Fest, Lansing
Come out and enjoy the downtown Lansing area of Reo Town. Lansing Beer Fest is a outdoor beer festival on Washington Ave. that will feature Michigan Breweries and 30+ craft beers. Food trucks, DJ spinning music, home brew demo and more!

June 28 Delta Rocks! Family Festival, Delta Township
A free family festival featuring clowns, live animals, inflatable attractions, kid's make-it take-it crafts, stilt walker, face painting, live animals, music, super sling shot, trackless train, concessions and more.

July 7–12 Eaton County Fair, Charlotte
Whether you enjoy tractor and truck pulls, motor-cross races or demolition derbies, you can find it all at the Eaton County Fair.

July 7–13 Common Ground Music Festival, Lansing
Join us for Common Ground Music Festival and help celebrate the 15th year of this annual week-long music celebration. National headlining artists mix with regional and local favorites to create the summer's hottest festival. Enjoy rock, country, blues and more along the scenic Grand River.

July 19 Taste of Downtown, Lansing
Enjoy a summer afternoon in Downtown Lansing by sampling a variety of cuisines and food specialties from Downtown's finest restaurants. Plenty of food sampling, wine tasting from over 100 varieties of wine from around the world, and live music on Washington Square!

July 26 Car Capital Auto Show, Downtown Lansing
This car show is free for spectators and celebrates Lansing’s automotive history by featuring over 250 classic cars, muscle cars, motorcycles and collectible vehicles. All makes and models welcome. Food vendors, exhibitors and DJ.

July 28–Aug. 2 Ingham County Fair, Mason
Celebrating 160 years, the fair offers something for everyone including hundreds of exhibits, the excitement of the grandstand events, large midway, a petting zoo and more!

August 1–2 Bath Days Festival, Bath
Home of the "International Bath Tub Races," this family-friendly festival includes craft and car shows, rides, fireworks, a children's entertainment and play area, parade and of course the main feature–bath tub races down Main Street.

August 1–2 Lansing JazzFest, Old Town Lansing
Lansing JazzFest is a two-day music festival filling the streets of historic Old Town with 20 hours of free music on three stages, KidzBeat activities for children and wonderful food and crafts vendors for all. Experience for yourself why an average of 10,000 attendees from mid-Michigan and beyond have been enjoying this event since 1995!

August 2 Island Art Fair, Grand Ledge
The 41st annual Island Art Fair features over 100 artists, plus food and live music on the Second Island in downtown Grand Ledge. Grand Princess boat rides available.

August 8–10 Great Lakes Folk Festival, East Lansing
The MSU Museum presents this three-day celebration of culture, tradition and community. Find music, dance, food and more with the roots, the rhythms and the richness of cultures across America and around the world.

August 8–10 St. Johns Mint Festival, St. Johns
Each year the mint farming heritage is celebrated at the St. Johns Mint Festival. Arts and crafts, flea market, food concessions, parade, five sports tournaments, free entertainment, quilt show, car show, carnival and tons of activities for kids.

August 14–16 Renegade Theatre Festival, Old Town Lansing
Three days of free theatre showcased in Lansing’s most artistic district—Old Town; featuring a wide range of performance styles from comedy, puppet shows, musicals, improv, staged readings and more!

August 14–16 DeWitt Ox Roast, DeWitt
For over 68 years DeWitt has celebrated on the banks of the Looking Glass River with an arts and crafts show, food and beverage tents, a parade, classic car show, entertainment, fireworks at dusk and more!

August 20 Old 27 Motor Tour, Lansing
View hundreds of classic cars as they tour nostalgic old US 27 from Coldwater to Cheboygan on a five-day tour, stopping in Lansing mid-tour (Aug. 20). This is one of the premier classic car events.

August 22–23 Mason Sun Dried Music Fest, Mason
This free music event features many bands, food vendors, a beer and wine refreshment tent and a variety of items for sale. Located in the streets of Mason, next to Ingham County Courthouse, downtown shops and restaurants will open their doors to you!

August 23 Michigan Pride March, Rally & Festival, Lansing
A statewide celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and allies. The festival kicks off Friday night in Old Town with the White Party. Saturday, take part in a march to the Capitol, a rally on the Capitol's East Lawn, then return to Old Town for all-ages entertainment, vendors and a beverage tent.

Petoskey Area Summer Festivals


Petoskey Area contact & driving information

The Petoskey Area is preparing for another whirlwind summer of non-stop activities, fun events and festivals. There's so much going on we can't even mention it all, but here's some highlights:

May 15 - 18, National Morel Festival, Boyne City
Mushroom hunt, carnival, Taste of Morels

June 21, Bay Harbor Vintage Car and Boat Festival, Bay Harbor
An incredible show of cars and boats from across the country

June 28, Waterfront Wine Festival, Harbor Springs
An afternoon of wine tasting and live music in this very quaint town

July 26 - 27, Annual Bay Harbor Art Festival, Bay Harbor
High-quality art showcase in this beautiful outdoor venue

August 8 - 18, Riverfest, Alanson
Music, history and community pride along the famous Inland Water Way

August 15 - 17, Festival on the Bay, Petoskey
Chalk and chocolate, music tent, kids activities and Million Dollar Sunsets

For a complete calendar of events, please visit www.PetoskeyArea.com.http://www.petoskeyarea.com/events-5/

Traverse City Summer Festivals


Traverse City contact & driving information

The Traverse City Film Festival was held for the first time in 2005 and has returned bigger and better each year. The week-long event is held in late July and runs through early August featuring new releases, classic films, documentaries, and independent productions. Venues are dotted across the city and include the venerable State Theater and the historic City Opera House. Each evening, free family-friendly movies are shown on a huge inflatable screen at the Open Space overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. July 28-August 3.

For more than 80 years the National Cherry Festival has been our way of celebrating Traverse City’s status as America’s Cherry Capital. The eight-day summer festival offers over 130 events and attractions, including free air shows, concerts, two parades, daily kids events, food tastings, the Festival of Races, and (of course) Cherry Pie Eating and Pit Spitting competitions for every age. Everything is located conveniently within walking distance, and since almost all the events are free, it offers more than a week of affordable family fun. July 5-12.

The Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival features more than 1,200 world-class riders and horses from throughout the country competing for four weeks in the Olympic discipline of Show Jumping. The Festival is located at the 80-acre Flintfields Horse Park on Bates Road, a half mile north of M-72 in Acme Township. Spectators are welcome at feature events, which are scheduled on the weekends and include special family day activities, charity fundraisers and exciting Gran Prix competitions. July 2-27.

The Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival started in as a summer festival and proved so popular that now there’s also a wintertime version. Both festivals both feature over 200 types of craft beer, wines, ciders and meads paired with international music talents -- plus lots of musical fun, games and discussions about the brewer’s art. August 22-23.

The Traverse City Wine & Art Festival, a popular celebration of “wine, culture & cuisine,” features tastings & full glass pours from the region's best wineries, paired with food created by local chefs, artworks by local painters, potters, weavers and other artists, and a diverse slate of musical performers. The festival takes place at one of Traverse City’s most scenic venues: the wide tree-shaded lawn of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons – a former mental asylum whose tawny castle-like buildings have become a hub of Traverse City’s bustling culinary scene. June 21.

The Taste of Traverse City showcases the eclectic mix of epicurean specialties that the area is quickly becoming more known for. The weekend-long festival at the beginning of June features events that cater to everyone no matter their palette - including the Foodie Film Festival, Grub Crawl through Downtown Traverse City, Best of the Brunch Epicurean Throwdown, and the signature Taste of Traverse City event along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. August 29-31.

White Lake Area Summer Festivals



White Lake Area contact & driving information

Summer Concert Series: Montague Band Shell offers free concerts every Tuesday, June-August at 7 pm. Concert-goers can enjoy the music of jazz, folk, country, swing and international groups. Programs are sponsored by the Arts Council.

Taste of White Lake, June 5, 2014 • 5 p.m. Howmet Playhouse, Whitehall. Community members come together to show off an array of food and spirits.

White Lake Area Nature Walks, 1st Saturday of each month June 7 – October 4, 2014. Walks begin at 10:30am and go until 12 noon and vary in locations.

36th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday & Sunday, June 14 & 15
Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Goodrich Park Annex, Whitehall. Juried Art Festival. Continuous entertainment and food court. More than 75 booths will be presenting at this festival.

4th of July Parade, Friday, July 4, 2014 beginning at 10 a.m. From Whitehall City Hall to Montague City Hall. Over 100 entries are involved in this family fun, annual parade.

4th of July Fireworks, Friday, July 4,2014. North end of White Lake. This annual event begins at dusk.

Cruz’in Classic Car Show, Friday, July 25,2014. Downtown Montague. Cars cruise at 7 p.m. from Whitehall to Montague where they will be on display in the downtown area. DJ, food and fun for all.

White Lake Wine and Jazz Festival, Saturday, August 2, 2014. A wine tasting, live jazz, appetizers and desserts, art for sale and a silent auction will be featured at this annual White Lake Wine & Jazz Festival. By car or by boat, this exciting 3-7 p.m. lakefront event will take place in Goodrich Park in Whitehall.

Labor Day Community Walk, Monday, September 1, 2014 • 10 a.m. Hart-Montague Bike Trail, at the trailhead behind Montague Foods

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Specialty Ships in West Michigan


Here in West Michigan, it seems like there are boats everywhere during the summer! Kayaks, speedboats, pontoons, sailboats, and the list goes on and on. West Michigan is also home to some unique boats, ones which serve a special purpose, harbor some great history, or offer a new way to get out and enjoy a famous West Michigan sunset. Get ready to find your sea legs as we climb aboard the great specialty ships of West Michigan!


Set sail for history when you climb aboard the Friends Good Will, based out of the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, MI. This is a working replica of a merchant square topsail sloop, which was captured by the British and used to fight the War of 1812. She was recaptured by the United States in September of 1813, and burned by the British that December. Friends Good Will now takes to the waters May through September, and offers educational sails, passenger outings, dockside boardings, charters, weddings, and conferences. Head north to Traverse City to experience another tall ship, the Manitou, part of the Traverse Tall Ship Co. Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner, specifically designed for passenger service. Capable of carrying 59 passengers with a length of 144 feet, she travels with a comfortable, relaxing motion, perfect for a day or evening cruise. Sign up for a specialty cruise (Wine Tasting, Musical Entertainment, Guided History Tour), or book the “Floating Bed & Breakfast” package to sleep aboard the ship and wake up to a full breakfast cooked right on the ship’s wood burning stove.

Holland Princess
 One of the great things about being a state with so much water is that here in Michigan, you can travel by boat to visit some great destinations! And for some of these places, by boat is the only way to get there. If you’re planning a trip to Beaver Island, situated in Lake Michigan just off shore from Charlevoix, your transit options are by water or by air. The Beaver Island Boat Company runs a ferry service that will transport you and your vehicle over to the island, whether you’re visiting for a day trip or an extended stay. Their ferries make around 750 trips to and from the island each year, bringing over 40,000 visitors to the shores of Beaver Island. If you head further north and hop aboard a Shepler’s Ferry headed to Mackinac Island, you won’t have the option of bringing your vehicle along. With no cars allowed on Mackinac Island, plan to travel by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn trolley when you arrive. Shepler’s will take you to the island from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, and also offers cruises right under the Mackinac Bridge. There’s even the option of renting an entire ferry for a special event or group function, with the stunning backdrop of the bridge, the island, and the lake. If you’re looking to get out of Michigan for a vacation, there’s even a boat for that. The Lake Express High Speed Ferry travels between Muskegon, MI and Milwaukee, WI, crossing the lake in just two and a half hours. With three trips each day during the summer season and your choice of classic or premier cabin seating, you’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise across the lake. The Lake Express has space to transport 46 vehicles and 12 motorcycles on each trip, or has car rental counters at both ends of the passage if you would prefer to simply rent a car for the duration of your trip.


Star of Saugatuck
Maybe you’re not looking to travel anywhere by boat, but would simply prefer to take a relaxing afternoon or sunset cruise around one of the many majestic waterways of Lake Michigan. Set sail from Muskegon, MI, on the Port City Princess, who docks in Lake Muskegon, but carries her passengers out onto Lake Michigan as well. Carrying up to 150 passengers, her season begins each year during Memorial Day Weekend with the Blessing of the Boats. Head south to Holland, MI, to climb aboard the Holland Princess, a 65’ Victorian style paddlewheel river boat. She’ll carry you from Lake Macatawa into Lake Michigan, passing the famous “Big Red” lighthouse of Holland along the way. Lunch cruises and dinner cruises are available, with private decks available for large parties. Head further south along the coast yet to reach Saugatuck, MI, home to Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises. This hour and a half trip will take you down the Kalamazoo River and into Lake Michigan on an authentic stern wheel paddleboat. Enjoy the live narration to learn about local landmarks and points of interest, as well as some of the local maritime history.

Traverse Tall Ship Co.
Now that you’re familiar with some of the unique ways to take to the water in West Michigan, plan a trip this summer to try some of them out! Settle in for a romantic sunset dinner cruise, or prepare for the high seas on a historic tall ship. No matter which vessel you choose to climb aboard this summer, bring your sense of adventure and prepare to experience West Michigan in a whole new way.


Thursday, January 30, 2014

West Michigan: The Lake Effect

Lake Effect snow. In West Michigan, it's a phrase that sends either shivers of joy or trepidation down your spine to your wool covered toes. In the winter months, it's the reason you either jump out of bed or burrow deeper under the covers. It means awesome skiing and snowmobiling, but also hours of shoveling the sidewalks. Any way you look at it, Lake Effect means snow, lots of snow.

is42-1319057882-04833.jpeg
What is Lake Effect really? It's a weather phenomenon that is best known in the Great Lakes region, though it takes place world wide. In the early winter months, a large body of water, such as Lake Michigan, will take its sweet time cooling, leaving the water temperature much warmer than the air above. As cool winds cross, the lake evaporates rapidly, forming narrow bands of precipitation that certainly do not hold back upon reaching leeward shores. Perhaps surprisingly, it's not the shoreline that gets hit the hardest by the snow bands, but 15 miles inland where the terrain begins to rise.
A few examples of Lake Effect:
Milwaukee and Muskegon are neighbors with 87 miles of Lake Michigan lying between them. Milwaukee receives an average of 52.6" of snow each year while the Lake Effect dumps an average of 105.5" inches of snow annually. This is great news for fans of theMuskegon Winter Sports Complex, home of one of only four luge tracks in the States.
The lakeside community of Charlevoix receives plenty of snow with an annual average of 117", but it's the Apline-themed village of Gaylord, located 30 miles southeast, that sees the Lower Peninsula's heaviest snow fall with an average of 149.2".
Lower Lake Michigan bowls out, creating a wide expanse of water for Lake Effect to creep across. More water means more evaporation which mean, of course, more snow. Kalamazoo, located in southern West Michigan, receives 78.6" of Lake Effect snow. Compare this to its seaside neighbor of South Haven with 54.3" or eastward Jackson with 48.2". The greater Kalamazoo area another great snow sport destination with three ski areas calling this region home: BittersweetSwiss Valley, and Timber Ridge.
Downhill sports, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, tubing and sledding: make the choice to rejoice in West Michigan's Lake Effect, and bundle up for winter's great white carpet. Find out more in Outdoor Recreation.

Do you like getting out & hitting the slopes in winter, or is curling up under a blanket more your style?

Friday, January 17, 2014

Put Some Education in Your Vacation!

Put Some Education In Your Vacation
Written by Katie White of the Silver Beach Carousel Society

There's a good chance your kids don't get excited when you announce it's time for an educational trip. There's an even better chance that you'll be able to find a trip in West Michigan that your kids will think is so much fun, they won't even realize it's educational! Many places in our region offer interesting, handson, action-packed, kid-friendly educational outings. Whether you're learning how the fresh ice cream you're eating was made, or finding out the properties of moving water by playing at a giant water table, there's an educational experience out there that your kids will enjoy! One popular stop for families is the Silver Beach Carousel. Read on to see why a stop at this carousel is more than just a fun fair-ground attraction.

Riding the 48 hand-carved and painted figures and two chariots on the Silver Beach Carousel in St. Joseph is fun all year round. But what parents and grandparents may not realize is what a treasure trove of history lessons this circa 2010 carousel offers all ages.

Want to show how great-grandma had fun in the early 1900s? Or what grandma and grandpa did for entertainment before there were tablets and smartphones? Or breathe in the vivid memories that fresh-spun cotton candy and hot, buttery popcorn bring up? That and so much more are waiting for families in the carousel house located just yards from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.

There is no cost to explore the carousel house, and ride tokens are priced to provide entertainment that fits most family budgets. As you enter the carousel house from the Silver Beach Center boardwalk, there is a free Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum that keeps alive the millions of childhood and teenage memories the park created from 1891 to 1971. Children can interact with amusement ride exhibits, ask the Great Zandini to give their fortunes, or press the button and watch the mechanical model of the amusement park spring to life (it even wafts scents of grilling hamburgers from Eddy's Hamburger Hut).

The carousel is full of lessons, too. Around the top of the magnificent machine are 18 rounding boards that depict in photographs and drawings the rich local history of Southwestern Michigan. A guidebook is available to tell each board's significance to the area, or visitors can ask the carousel operator for volunteers to share stories. Among the featured faces and events are Ben and Mary Purnell, founders of The House of David, a Christian religious colony in Benton Harbor, Mich., that drew thousands of tourists for decades to play in its pre-Disneyland amusement park, and Augustus Herring's first airplane flight on Silver Beach five years before the Wright Brothers' takeoff.

Surrounding the carousel are fascinating displays, including some of the original horses from the circa 1910 Silver Beach Carousel, a model train and village, the original carousel's band organ and board games such as checkers and chess to play with family and friends. Each of the carousel figures and chariots also are a learning opportunity. Ask the carousel operator to share stories about why community donors chose each design and the special carvings. And challenge children to find the lead horse Marcie or the carved cat whose eyes follow riders around the carousel. A red-and-white concession stand offers affordable old-time treats such as cotton candy, caramel corn and popcorn to enjoy while rocking in the carousel house chairs.

THE DRAMA OF LEARNING

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts offers the most comprehensive community theatre education program in the country. A large variety of specialized classes are available to anyone from age four to adults. With classes ranging from creating a character to musical theatre, and comedy to drama games, the school of Theatre Arts has classes for every interest, age, and skill level.

Younger students can begin with their introductory theatre classes, which offer the basics of drama games and musical theatre. From there, students and adults learn the essentials through scene work and character study, and can take musical theatre performance classes to hone dance skills and showcase the perfect audition songs. Small class sizes with qualified instructors ensure that everyone can get a hands-on approach to developing core theatre skills and gaining stage experience. The grand rapids Civic Theatre school of Theatre Arts has enriched the talents, skills, and lives of over 1,100 students every year. There are Fall, Winter, and spring Terms and summer Theatre Camps.

VISIT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS TO PUT SOME EDUCATION IN YOUR NEXT VACATION

Chateau Chantal, Traverse City 

Great Lakes Childrens Museum, Traverse City 

Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen

Music House Museum, Traverse City

Country Dairy, New Era

Lewis Farm Market, New Era

Broadway Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids 

Critter Barn, Zeeland 

Downtown Market, Grand Rapids 

Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids 

Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids 

Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids 

Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Grand Rapids 

Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids 

Herman's Boy, Rockford



Wednesday, November 27, 2013

New Year's Eve in West Michigan!

New Year's Eve

Mega 80's
This New Year's Eve, surround yourself with friends and family, sing "Auld Lang Syne" and ring in 2014 with West Michigan. Whether it be a posh party or family fun, there's something for everyone!

New Year's Eve in West Michigan


Battle Creek
Check back for more updates as we get closer to December 31!
  • Battle Creek CVB: New Year’s Day Splash: Wednesday, January 01, 2014 from 11:30 AM to Noon. Ever wanted to do the Polar Plunge? Here is your chance at the New Year’s Day Splash at Goguac Lake! Ring in 2014 with a chilly splash in the lake. Receive a souvenir, hot beverages, and snacks.

Grand Rapids
  • GRAM: The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be open until midnight!
  • Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Ring in the New Year with a night of play at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum New Year's Early Eve!  December 31st, 6:00pm-8:00pm with a countdown and balloon drop at 7:30!  Decorate a noisemaker, make a firework picture, grab a party hat, enjoy refreshments from FooDesign and play your way into 2014!  Tickets are $12 per person, $10 for museum members, and are available by calling 616-235-4726.
  • Riverfront Hotel: For New Year's Eve we are offering many special packages, with complimentary late check out at 2pm the following day! They're hosting a Private Party with The John Brown Trio, and $5 cover to join them in The Landing Lounge for their New Year's Eve party.
Jones
  • Swiss Ski Valley has a great celebration for New Year’s Eve! There will be two parties: family style & traditional. Complimentary Never-Ever-Skied-Before lessons. Torch Light parade and just a great time! Visit their website for more information.
Kalamazoo
  • Food Dance celebrates New Year's Eve annually with a 5 course prixe fixe menu, reservations from 5-9:30pm. They are booked solid every year. It's a great way to spend the evening in downtown Kalamazoo. There are fireworks at midnight and a NYE celebration downtown.
Mackinac Island
  • Most of Mackinac Island’s hotels and B&Bs close down at the end of October and do not reopen until May. An overnight stay is necessary to experience the true seclusion and serenity that the Island has to offer. Here are a few hidden gems that remain open during the magic of New Year. The Great Turtle dropping (similar to the New York Ball Dropping) happens at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve and is truly a memorable experience. Stay at The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa, The Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast, or The Pontiac Lodge, all open for New Years.
New Buffalo
  • There's lots going on over the New Year Holiday at Four Winds Casino! Their New Year’s Eve party includes a performance by Kenny Loggins at Silver Creek Event Center starting at 11 p.m. Tickets are $100 and available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. There is also a free show at Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds featuring PS Dump Your Boyfriend beginning at 11 p.m. on December 31st. The start of an exciting New Year calls for a celebration, so grab your family and friends and get to Four Winds New Buffalo for our special New Year’s buffets. Indulge in a lavish selection of entrees from around the globe including lobster, crab legs, prime rib and more. And delight yourself with a luscious array of desserts like rich home style fudge and a flowing chocolate fountain. New Year’s Eve Buffet will run December 31 from 4pm-2am, and New Year’s Day Buffet will run January 1 from 11am-9pm.
Saugatuck
  • New Years Eve brings special dinners and celebration at area restaurants. Ring in the New Year with waterfront fireworks at Midnight. 
Sault St. Marie
  • Kewadin Casino will be having an "Around the World" New Years Eve party on Dec. 31.
Traverse City
  • The Annual Cherry-T Ball drop is a huge event -- “like Times Square, just bit smaller with a Northern Michigan feel.”  The 200 block of Front Street in downtown Traverse City is blocked off at 4 pm New Year’s Eve for live music, fun, live entertainment, DJ, a visit from the Coast Guard and the dropping of a giant lighted cherry to mark the end of 2013. Admission is $3 (or 3 cans of nonperishable food items) and proceeds go to Goodwill and other charities. Cherry-T, get it?

Farm to Table in West Michigan


Have you ever gone to a restaurant expecting a delicious meal, only to be disappointed by meat that was clearly frozen and has lost most of its flavor, and a helping of limp vegetables from a can? Well, you’re in luck, because the Farm to Table movement is here to help! The theory behind the farm to table movement is that the food takes the most direct route from the farm where it is grown, produced, or harvested to the table where it is cooked, prepared, and eaten.



Julie, the owner of Food Dance in Kalamazoo, says that she found that shopping at the Farmers Markets made the food she was cooking taste much better long before it became a trend in our society to eat locally. At Food Dance, they’ve found the same rings true. Julie knows it makes it more challenging for their chefs to prep all this fresh food and their wait staff to remember all the seasonal changes that show up on their menus, but you truly can taste the difference, so she feels it is worth it. They even offer links on their website to the farms that their various products come from so patrons can be aware of how local the dish they’re enjoying is.

Woodland Farm Market’s Bakery in Shelby offers award-winning pies, make from scratch with ingredients grown by local farmers. Their pie experts stay hard at work so you can enjoy the aroma of great pies when you visit, and even take a couple home for the holidays!

Grand Rapids Brewing Company is the Midwest's only organic brewery, and they have a farm to table menu with special dinner features that change a few times each week, so you can experience a great variety of West Michigan made dishes.

Earth to Table Dining: Artfully Crafted Cuisine Grove, an Essence Restaurant Group establishment, is their tribute to the bounty of the earth’s harvest and how they bring that to the table with impeccable service, natural ingredients and innovative cuisine. Their seasonal, frequently changing selections hint at the classics with natural sauces and a slant toward sustainable seafood. They responsibly source as many ingredients as possible from local, family and sustainable farms and prepare each dish to demonstrate their respect for how these farmers raise or grow their products. They carefully pair their daily, innovative menus with the best modern wines. Their beverage menu also includes eclectic and top-shelf liquors, their own housemade infused spirits, craft beers, pour-over coffee and espresso. They're located in the heart of East Hills at 919 Cherry Street.

Crane’s Pie Pantry in Fennville offers a delicious way to experience farm to table dining! Crane’s takes apples that are grown and picked right on their property, and turns them into homemade pies and apple cider!

Visit Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay the second Wednesday of every month to get a taste of what’s in season from the farm at Black Star Farms, as well as from other local area providers. You’ll enjoy a five course savory sampling of dishes, with a wine pairing from Black Star Farm’s wines with each course.

Country Dairy in New Era is another delicious stop when you’re looking for West Michigan farm to table options! From their herd of registered Holsteins, to their modern processing plant right on site, they work to bring you the freshest and best tasting milk, ice cream, and cheese in West Michigan.

Honest Fayre. Local Flair. At The Green Well, an Essence Restaurant Group establishment, they serve honest fayre with local flair in a neighborhood setting that keeps customers coming back. Their innovative gastro pub is green beyond its name: Their LEED® certified building is environmentally safe, ultra efficient and leaves behind the smallest possible carbon footprint. "Gastro pub" is British for a public house that specializes in high-quality food served in a relaxed atmosphere. Their creative menu features a global range of eclectic flavors prepared with ingredients from local farmers. Over 20 rotating taps focus on Michigan brews, as well as a vast selection of bottles, ranging from local and American craft to traditional European styles. The wine list features creative flights that encourage multiple wine flavors paired with food. Classic cocktails are also available. Their greenness also spills over to our guests who benefit from affordable prices and outstanding service by a fun, welcoming staff. Located at 924 Cherry Street in East Hills.

Tasty Morsel Tours: No matter which tour you choose, you will be provided with: Enthusiastic guides, eager to share local culinary gems with you. Delectable food and drink samples at many of our stops. Opportunities to get behind-the-scenes peeks at how these goodies are made. Ability to learn from the people responsible for these culinary creations. Discussion of other establishments worth visiting while you’re here. Information about all our stops, including a map, phone numbers, websites, etc. (You’ll want to find your way back!)

Grand Traverse Distillery in Traverse City is a unique addition to our list, as it is the oldest and largest stand-alone “Grain to Bottle” distillery in Michigan. Their focus has and always will be crafting artisan spirits from local agriculture. They buy all of their corn, wheat, and rye grains from the Send Brothers Farm, located in Williamsburg, Michigan, just nine miles from the distillery. You can tour the distillery every Thursday through Saturday, and be sure to take part in a sampling while you’re there!

Don’t have time to head out and visit a local farm to table dining option? This one will come to you! Arcadia Brewing Comapny, based out of Battle Creek, has the Twisted Tail BBQ Wagon that travels around to West Michigan festivals and events, as well as being available for catering! They use local produce & meat, and specialize in gourmet smoked meats and bbq offerings.

Fresh. Natural. Local. Mediterranean Countryside Cuisine. At Bistro Bella Vita, an Essence Restaurant Group establishment, they go above and beyond to deliver the ultimate dining experience with top-notch, personable service, whether it’s a simple pizza and beer with friends, or an elegant chef’s table meal perfectly paired with appropriate wines. Their vision is to be West Michigan’s most respected restaurant destination. Guests enjoy their unique downtown atmosphere and creative cuisine made exclusively from fresh, natural, ingredients purchased daily from local farmers in season. Their culinary team creates authentic, scratch-made recipes that blend the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean countryside with a perfectly paired beverage offering served by a devoted staff whose passion is to ensure your complete satisfaction. They’re located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, just west of the Van Andel Arena on Grandville and Weston.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Santa Sightings in West Michigan

With Christmas fast approaching, soon that Jolly Old Elf is going to be everywhere you look! Make sure you don't miss out on a Santa visit this year by using our "Santa Sightings" guide below!

Allendale
  • December 7thWinter Wonderland at GVSU
    Visit the Grand Valley State University Fieldhouse Arena from 11am-1pm to take free pictures with Santa and Louie the Laker! You’ll be granted free admission to the basketball games (at 1pm & 3pm) with Winter Wonderland participation.
Big Rapids
  • November 6thFestival of Trees Reception
    The Festival of Trees is an annual event in which community members donate trees, wreaths, and holiday gift items. The items and trees - decorated in their most creative holiday style, are presented at a special reception in November and auctioned off to help support the Big Rapids Hospital Foundation. The exhibit is open to the public free of charge. Tickets to the reception are available from Hospital Trustees, the Foundation Board members, or from the Foundation office at (231) 592-4280.
  • November 23rdFestival of Lights Christmas Parade
    This popular parade features about 30 floats and groups of walkers loaded with Christmas lights, live reindeer, plus Santa & Mrs. Claus’ grand entrance!  A short program and tree lighting ceremony takes place after the parade in front of the downtown Chemical Bank branch.  Santa is available for visits after the ceremony at Big Rapids Furniture.  
Boyne City
  • November 29thHoliday Open House & Parade
    The Holiday Open House & Santa Parade, held the Friday after Thanksgiving, is a tradition in Boyne City and that tradition continues this year. The open houses begin at 5 p.m. with the Boyne Area Girl Scouts lighting the Community Christmas Tree at the west end of One Water Street, near Sunset Park. Following the tree lighting the Girl Scouts will lead holiday revelers in caroling. The evening's special guest is the Jolly Old Man from the North. Santa will arrive on his sleigh, joined by some of his elves, and some reindeer from the North Pole. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and the parade route will follow Lake Street to Water Street through the heart of downtown Boyne City. After the parade, there will be hay rides, and Santa will meet with children at the gazebo in Old City Park at the corner of River and Park Streets.
Cheboygan
  • December 7thParade of Lights
    This parade includes lighted floats from all sorts of local organizations, clubs, businesses, etc.  Santa and his sleigh are the last “float,” and at the end of the parade Santa will get off his sleigh, light the community Christmas Tree, and pass out toys to all the little ones.
Coopersville
  • November 30th -December 22ndThe Santa Train
    The jolly old elf holds court from a special seat in each of the decorated, vintage train cars.  Some cars are almost 100 years old.  His Elves will escort the little ones to sit with Santa.  All children, even the shy ones,  will get a special gift, right from Santa’s big bag.  To put a figurative bow on this Christmas entertainment package, the Story Telling Princess will read “The Polar Express”, which was written by Grand Rapids native, Chris Van Allsburg. The 250 seat, heated train leaves the station in historic, downtown Coopersville every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving until Christmas. All passenger cars have a restroom.  Light snacks may be brought aboard. Cameras are encouraged.
  • December 6thCoopersville Nighttime Christmas Parade at 7pm
Fennville
  • December 7thFennville Christmas Celebration
    Christmas parade at 5 pm. Christmas tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Garden. The Fennville High School Band and the Holland Windmill Chorus will both perform. Photos can be taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 6 p.m. at the 220 Building. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from 6-8 p.m.
Grand Haven
Grant
  • December 14thGrant Community Annual Christmas Party
    Santa Claus will arrive aboard the Santa Express Train times to be announced.  He will then go to the Grant Community Center to meet good boys and girls and have a complimentary photograph taken with each child. Photos will be available for same day pick-up within 15-25 minutes of the time taken.  J.B. Sound will be here playing Christmas music, and the Grant Jazz Band will play around 1:30pm. Other activities include Decorate a Christmas Cookie, Christmas Crafts, Games, Horse-drawn Wagon Rides. 
Gobles
  • December 21st & 22ndSki with Santa
    Timber Ridge Ski Area has two ski with Santa days: Saturday & Sunday Dec. 21 & 22.  Santa skis with the kids, takes their Christmas wishes on a chairlift ride to the top.  Santa has candy canes for everyone....Even visits the lodge for requests...You will see him here from Noon to 3PM each day, 12/21 & 12/22.
Grand Rapids
  • November 23rd: Art Van Santa Parade
    Featuring participants & floats including the West Michigan Whitecaps.
  • November 26th-January 5thChristmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World at Meijer Gardens
    Roof Top Reindeer, Saturdays, 1-4 pm. Location: English Perennial and Bulb Garden. As part of the Meijer Gardens’ Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition, live Reindeer will be visiting our English Perennial and Bulb Garden for pictures, petting, and fun!
    Santa Visits, Tuesdays, 6-8 pm. Bring the kids to visit Santa at Meijer Gardens. Santa and his sleigh will be in the Cook Entry Arbor to hear your kids’ Christmas wishes. Remember your camera to capture images of your child with Santa Claus!
  • December 8th-22ndSunday Brunches with Santa
    The Hilton Grand Rapids/Spinnaker Restaurant will be having Sunday Brunches with Santa in December. December 8, 15, 22 from 11am – 2pm.  Santa will be visiting to talk to the kids and take pictures. 
Harbor Springs
  • November 30thChristmas Tree Lighting
    The Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30pm is one of the most unforgettable ways to start off the holiday season with the lighting ceremony and a special evening of activity in the picturesque town of Harbor Springs! Music, shopping and Christmas entertainment in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting that will create fond memories that will last a lifetime! Plus, there will be a very special Santa visit, at the Christmas tree and church, for family and kids. 
Holland
  • December 3rd: Parade of Lights
    Parade will include participants like the Holland DoubleTree Hotel.
  • December 6thSinterklaas
    This holiday celebration remembering Dutch tradition begins at the Holland Armory where holiday stories will be told along with a free holiday craft for young children. Then follow the procession of Sinterklaas through the streets to his arrival at the Museum for pictures, cookies, and hot chocolate.
Hudsonville
  • November 23rdHudsonville Holiday Parade
  • The Hudsonville Holiday Parade will feature both Mrs. & Santa Claus as well as the reindeer!
Kalamazoo
Manistee
  • December 5th-8th25th Annual Sleighbell Festival
    Enjoy roasted chestnuts and carolers as you take part in one of Michigan's most unique holiday celebrations. A whole weekend of excitement including the Sleighbell Parade on Saturday at 5:30 pm with horse drawn entries, historic building tours, special Christmas production at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, museum and art exhibits, and much more.  
Newaygo
  • December 4thXmas Tree Decorating
    Xmas Tree decorating in Downtown Newaygo – Santa will be present during the day to visit with the Newaygo’s Elementary Students
  • December 6thChristmas Walk
    This unique hometown experience is like no other with twinkling lights, horse drawn wagon rides, the smell of fresh roasted chestnuts and the sounds of Christmas Carols make this an experience you will not want to miss. The community is invited to come and sing Christmas carols in Brooks Park at 9 pm.  This is a candle light gathering around the Christmas Warming Fire.   Santa will be on hand at 6:00 pm for the tree lighting ceremony and also be available for photos at Independent Bank, Sportsman’s Bar & Restaurant & LaBelle de la Riviere until 9:00 pm.
  • December 7thSaint Nick Kick 5K/10K
    Ho Ho Ho, it’s The ChoiceOne Bank Saint Nick Kick you know. The 10k/5k race will begin at 10 am in front of Shopko near Plumbs. This is a fun race and the proceeds benefiting the Cross Country Team and Track Team of Newaygo Public Schools. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the race under the warming tent and can’t wait to see the kids.  A free Santa hat and race shirt is provided to registered racers. Registration is available on line. Dress-up, come join the fun and cheer on the racers.
  • December 14thSanta Train
    Stops to include Grant, Newaygo & White Cloud – more information coming soon on times and locations please check www.newaygonaturally.com Christmas events
Petosky
  • November 30thStafford’s Downtown Petosky Holiday Parade
    The parade winds through Downtown Petoskey starting at 10am with marching bands, floats, walking ensembles, reindeer, horses and of course, Santa, ending at the Perry Hotel where children can have those all-important conversations with Santa and see his reindeer as well. Join us for a time of family, friends, and fun! 
St. Joseph
  • December 7th15th Annual Reindog Parade
    The 15th annual Reindog Holiday Parade, sponsored by FuzzyButz, features dressed up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday garb. Be prepared to see all kinds of costumes from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rotweilers” -  this is definitely a must-see event. The parade will start at 4 p.m. and travel down State Street.  It will also feature Santa’s arrival to downtown St. Joseph.  In addition, enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (weather permitting).
  • December 7th-22ndSanta’s House
    Picture-perfect holiday fun is available weekends in December in downtown St. Joseph.  Santa will be at his house following the Reindog Parade on December 7 and will be available for visits until 7:00 p.m. Santa’s House is open Thursdays through Sundays from December 8 – December 22 and located at the corner of State and Pleasant Streets.  Hours for Santa’s House can be found at www.stjoetoday.com. Thank you to The Herald-Palladium for sponsoring this event. 
Traverse City
  • December 6thSanta’s Arrival
    An outdoor extravaganza that involves carol-singing, the lighting of the community Christmas tree, and the arrival of Santa Claus on a bright red antique fire engine.