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

Feel Good Moment of the Day

Say it with me now. Awwwwwwwww!

I just got word that Battle Creek's Binder Park Zoo welcomed this adorable baby mangabey monkey to its family on November 9. A word from the Zoo:

The red-capped mangabey is a small African primate weighing between 12 and 26 lbs, females being much smaller than males.  Their home range is in the western equatorial countries in Africa; Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Republic of Congo.  This arboreal species can be found foraging for fruits, nuts, tender shoots, mushrooms, ants, and flowers in troops of 14-23 animals.  Their original habitat and numbers have greatly decreased over the last two decades due to human encroachment and hunting.  Mangabeys are hunted for the commercial bushmeat trade which is heavily reducing wild populations.  It is difficult for researchers to get an accurate survey of how many are left in the wild, but they can determine that this animal that was once widespread through out its home range is now drastically disappearing from areas with heavy agricultural and hunting pressure.  Binder Park Zoo currently houses four red-capped mangabey monkeys and is only one of eight zoos in North America to exhibit this unique species

This is my favorite picture of the month, maybe the year.  He started climbing at ten days old!

High five,

-Shannon

How cheesy!

Good morning and happy Monday, West Michigan readers! I am pleased to announce that Rocky Road loving Jennifer is the winner of a moo-licious cheese box from Country Dairy.

Jennifer, send your contact information to shannon@wmta.org, and we'll get you hooked up with the cheese.

Check back later today for this week's giveaway, a night stay at Traverse City's beautiful Cherry Tree Inn.

High five,

-Shannon

Do you lighthouse?

Lighthouses: shrouded in mystery... and fog.
Grand Haven South Pier, July 2007

Lighthouses are currently taking over my life. I eat, sleep, and breathe lighthouse photos, lighthouse lists, and lighthouse history. These towering beacons, made of concrete and steel, brick and once-upon-a-time wood, freckle our Lake Michigan shoreline, not only guiding fearless sailors but also thousands of enthusiasts, photographers, and site-seers.

As I enter into the final hour of production on this year's lighthouse map, I can't help but ponder upon their draw. Why do people take to the road on the 1,100 mile Circle Tour journey to visit these sites? Is it the tumultuous history of Great Lakes shipwrecks? The romantic lore of a maiden waiting for her sea bound lover? Do they just provide an interesting silhouette in the foreground of a sunset photograph?

Yes, the map's design is nearly finalized, and the 22 featured lights are nestled in place, but still I wonder. Do you love lighthouses? Why? What is your favorite?

High five,

-Shannon

Paging John

If your name is John and you start decorating for Christmas on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and love your fall decorations, please, please, please send me an e-mail with your contact information. You've won two Inn at Christmastime tickets, and I would love for you to enjoy them.

If I don't hear from you by next Wednesday, December 1, another winner will be drawn.

E-mail: shannon@wmta.org

Where To Eat This Week

As many of you know we have amazing restaurants here in West Michigan. Starting today, every Tuesday we will feature a post on our blog called “Where to eat this week”. This is a great way to feature our restaurants and hopefully give all of our wonderful readers some new places to check out! A representative of the restaurant we are featuring that week will write the post, and they will be giving you the inside scoop about restaurant like the history, cooking tips, and even what their favorite menu item is!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we will start our “Where to eat this week” program with Cornwells Turkeyville.

Take it away Elyse!

“Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year for everyone. It kicks off the holiday season, which means wonderful memories and times with your family and friends. My family lives with a sense of Thanksgiving year round. My Great Grandparents started out by selling sandwiches at the Calhoun Country Fair until their friends and family persuaded them to start an all turkey restaurant. From this idea, my Great Grandparents started Cornwell's Turkeyville, lucky for my grandfather my great grandmother was a great cook and they both had the passion it took to keep their business to growing and expanding. This is our 43rd year to be in business but only our 2nd year to serve our wonderful customers on Thanksgiving Day. My family has held strong to our family ties in more ways than just by keeping in touch; we use all of our family’s recipes and keep the passion that my great grandparents felt when they were alive.

When you come to Cornwell's you really get a home cooked meal right out of our kitchen. I not only work with my parents little sister and aunt, but I also work with my grandmother on my moms side. We all work very hard to make sure all our customers feel as welcome as they would if they were coming to our house for Thanksgiving or any other family event we would have.

Our restaurant has only one kind of meat, turkey.  Every day we serve menu items such as a traditional turkey dinner and a buttered turkey sandwich, but we also have turkey burgers and turkey tacos. There is no greater satisfaction out of a kitchen than knowing the ideas that we as a family have created and cultivated go out to our customers to enjoy while creating new memories with their families and friends.

I am the fourth generation to work in the family business and I started out by working in the Ice Cream Parlor as a kid. We make all of our own ice cream, caramel corn, fudge and much more. I have a true passion for cooking and baking. I make all the cookies and candies for the business along with helping to create new ideas for our menu. Along with our ice cream parlor we have a gift shop with a bakery were there is a baker there every morning at 7:00 am or earlier. We also have a professional dinner theatre and events on our grounds almost every weekend ranging from a flea market, craft shows and haunted adventures. Last year was the first year we were open on Thanksgiving and served a family style dinner from 11am-4pm. This is a little different from our normal deli style dinning that we have to offer the other days of the year. Last year we served over 940 people; we enjoyed every minute of it and love that people come to join our family in our Thanksgiving celebration. On Thanksgiving we not only offer our family style dining but our gift shop and ice cream parlor are open and full of wonderful treats to take home with you.

New this year- starting Thanksgiving Day we offer candies and cookies to be purchased by the pound in our ice cream parlor. All are homemade and made fresh for you to take home and enjoy.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to spend with your family, friends and now my family! I hope that you enjoy all the special moments and times that make up the memories that most families hold dear to their hearts.

If you choose to spend Thanksgiving in your dining room or ours, I hope the day only helps to remind you of all the wonderful things to be grateful for. I know I would not have had the opportunity to lead the passionate life that I do with out all of you, so I say thank you for sharing your special family time with us”.

- Elyse Cornwell

Have You Ever Seen A Happy Cow?

On one of my very first days here at WMTA, Shannon and Judy were chatting about the most amazing time they had at this place called Country Dairy. I was brand new and I was still trying to piece together who was who and what was what, but this city girl’s interest was piqued by their sheer enthusiasm about a dairy farm. They went on and on about the ice cream, cheese and milk. I was especially surprised when they told me the cows were, and I quote, “the happiest cows they had ever seen”. This baffled me; I didn’t know what a “happy” cow looked like or really where they came up with something so silly. As time went on, Country Dairy kept coming up in conversations, so I decided I had to go check it out for myself!

As Shannon and I started our journey up north a few weeks ago, Country Dairy was our first stop. Right when I walked in I knew it was going to be great. We started in the restaurant and shop where a wall of Ice Cream , cheese, milk and other wonderful goodies greeted us; I was especially impressed with the “bottomless cup of milk” machine – I love milk.  It was only 9am but I was instantly hungry after checking out the pizza shop and meat market located in the same building. 

Our wonderful tour guide, Jeff, greeted us and whisked us away to “Moo School. Before we could go see where all the wonderful lactose filled products were made, we had to learn about the history of the farm, the cows, the products, and the processes behind all of them. Moo School is great for school field trips and educational outings. We learned that Andrew Van Gunst started Country Dairy in the 1880s and it was taken over by his son Henry in 1956. In 1964 the current owner, Wendell, took over the farm. In his first few years he expanded the farm from 30 cattle to 100. In 1983, Wendell took a significant step in expanding the business to include a dairy processing plant in which the milk from his herd was processed, bottled, and distributed to stores in west Michigan. The farm now houses 1,400 cattle. That’s a lot of milk!

 

Once we were wholly informed about everything Country Dairy had to offer, we left Moo school and took a tour of the milking and processing facilities. We put on our hairnets and were off to see where the milk was processed, bottled and turned into delicious foods, like ice cream and cheese.

Fun fact break! Did you know that Country Dairy serves half pints of milk in the Grand Rapids and Montague/Whitehall public schools? They process 70,000 gallons of milk per week just for the schools!

Next we saw the ice cream being processed and poured into its respective containers. I believe we watched this process for a good five minutes; we were completely a-moo-sed (sorry, I had to). We were lucky enough to get a sample right out of the machine! I am not lying when I say it was the best strawberry ice cream I have ever had!

Once out of the processing facility it was time to see the stars of the show. The cows!! I know it seems strange, but this is the part Shannon and I were looking forward to most. I was worried they were not going to be nearly as excited to see me, but I was wrong. Shannon and Judy were correct; these were the happiest cows ever! They instantly greeted us with full mouths and runny noses. They had to be the most personable cows ever. Allen, the calf, and I became close real fast. He started sucking on my hand instantly; it was love at first sight.

Fun fact break #2! Did you know that cows do not have upper teeth?? I certainly did not.

Once I pulled my hand out from Allen’s mouth we were escorted into the barn where the “best” cows are housed. Now, you may be wondering how these cows became “the best?” I wondered the same thing, I thought maybe they were the cows that smiled the prettiest, or cleaned up after themselves- heck, I didn’t know! Turns out, there are some very specific traits cows are graded on when taken to shows. The way their udders hang, the width of their back and their weight all play roles into becoming “the best.” The cows that have the best traits are housed in a separate barn and are used for breeding. We were lucky enough to be able to watch the miraculous act of conception when we were there. Having no prior warning to what we were about to see I think we handled ourselves pretty well. Let me tell you, seeing a cow being artificially inseminated after eating strawberry ice cream kind of made my stomach churn (get it?); but nonetheless it was very interesting to watch (I’ll spare you the pictures). I like to think we helped play a role in creating the next award-winning cow!

Shannon and Judy were right on to rave about Country Dairy. I had a wonderful time, ate some great ice cream, met the friendliest cows, and witnessed the gift of life! If you have ever wanted to visit a dairy farm, Country Dairy should be at the top of your list. Just a warning, you will smell like dairy-air when you leave (haha!).

Oh! I almost forgot about the giveaway!

This week we will be giving away a Cheesebox from Country Dairy which includes one pound blocks of Cheddar and Monterey Jack AND eight ounce blocks of Garlic-Dill-Onion Jack and Sharp Cheddar. Yum! Just tell us what your favorite flavor of ice cream is and you will be entered to win! Winner will be drawn on Friday. 

--Kelly 

Drum roll please...

And the winners for the Inn at Christmastime open house event at the beautiful, historical Traverse City bed & breakfast, The Wellington Inn, are...


drum roll, drum roll, drum roll...

West Michigan Weekly reader John and Facebook follower Angela Kloosterman!

Yea John and Angela! Each of you will receive two tickets to the event which takes place on December 5, 12, and 19th. Please send me an e-mail with your contact information so I can send them to you in the mail (shannon@wmta.org).

Next week, we'll be featuring the always amoosing Country Dairy, and you'll have the chance to win a moo-licious cheese box. No, really, their cheese is udderly delightful. Country Dairy is the home to the happiest cows I have ever seen. Oh, I love Country Dairy so much, I can't wait to tell you all about it.


Have a great West Michigan weekend everyone!


High five,

-Shannon

Weekend Idea Round-Up

Before the holidays settle in, I think you should take a moment this weekend to relax with a glass of wine... at the International Wine & Food Festival in Grand Rapids. Where else could you sip upon a selection of the finest wines in the world for a fraction of the cost, sample delightful culinary creations or try on a five caret diamond? Nowhere.

Yesterday, I attended the festival's opening night, and if you are like me, an admirer of wine but fairly inexperienced when it comes to the difference between a Shiraz and a Syrah, it's a non-intimidating way to expand your palette. Conversely, if you are a wine connoisseur, the Wine & Food Festival is the perfect opportunity to revisit your old favorites and try all new, award winning varieties on your list.

It works like this: it's $15 to enter the festival and get your wine glass and $0.50 for each tasting ticket. Most wines are two or three tickets. The more expensive a bottle of wine is, the more tickets it will cost. The average high ticket wines are five or six tickets. The highest I saw was eleven tickets for an ice wine. The program suggests that you purchase $20 worth, so I did, and in all honesty, even with drinking the higher ticketed wines, by the end of the night, I had a few left over.

I must, of course, put in a plug for all of our West Michigan wineries at the show including:

• Robinette's Cellars (Booth 21)
• Cascade Winery (Booth 24)
• Circa Estate Winery (Booth 25)
• Black Star Farms (Booth 26)
• Shady Lane Cellars (Booth 28)
• Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery (Booth 30)
• Fenn Valley Vineyards (Booth 33)
• Tabor Hill Winery (Booth 34)
• Chateau Grand Traverse (Booth 43)
• Chateau Chantal (Booth 44)
• Left Foot Charley (Booth 45)
• St. Julian Winery (Booth 94)

And let's not forget Grand Traverse Distillery (Booth 22).

Favorites of the night? Kelly, who also attended the event, quite enjoyed Black Star Farms 2009 Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling, a sweet, white wine. I adored-adored the Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon at Paul Mann Selections, Booth 176. (Tell Paul that Shannon sent you. This man is simply to die for.)

Not a wine person? Well, the event is rounded out with microbrews, spirits, and culinary pairings from the likes of six.one.six, 1913 Room, Cygnus 27, and San Chez Bistro as well as a Riverside Market filled with tidbits for the home, jewels for yourself (visit Booth 235 to try on that five caret diamond necklace and get your picture taken. Dah-ling, you'll feel like a star), and accessories for the wine enthusiasts. There is also a varied seminar schedule, each of which are free with your entry ticket.

Meanwhile, the event line-up for West Michigan is jammed pack this weekend. Here are a few more ideas:

Starting This Weekend

• Muskegon Museum of Art: Festival of Trees
• Battle Creek: International Festival of Lights
• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Bodies Revealed
• South Haven Center for the Arts: Mistletoe Market

Friday

• Grand Haven: Light Night

Friday & Saturday

• Kalamazoo County Expo Center: Holiday Art Sale
• DeVos Place: Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival

Saturday

• Manistee: Little River Casino: John Michael Montgomery
• Battle Creek: Holiday Parade
• Downtown Holland: Holiday Open House
• Lansing: 26^th Annual Silver Bells in the City
• Grand Rapids: 42^nd Annual Grand Rapids Jaycees Santa Parade
• Saugatuck & Douglas Holiday Preview

All Weekend

• 17^th Annual White Lake Area Holiday Walk
• 18^th Annual Christmas Through Lowell

Sneak Peak: Starting Tuesday

• Grand Rapids:  Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Christmas Traditions Around the World
• Broadway Grand Rapids: Legally Blonde: The Musical

Don't Forget

• Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Ford Museum: Betty Ford - An Extraordinary Life
• Marshall: Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA: It’s A Wonderful Life
• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer
• Traverse City: Dennos Museum Center: One Woman’s Creative Journey, Stitching Stories of Miracles and Memories, and Celebrating Women
• Holland Museum: Be Prepared! and Forever Young – A Retrospective of Bob Dylan Photographs
• Muskegon Museum of Art: Splendid Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos, and The Enduring Gifts of Martin A. Ryerson
• Grand Rapids Art Museum: Diana - A Celebration

Whew! Have you ever seen so many links in one post? I certainly haven't. Nonetheless, stay tuned. In about an hour I'll be announcing this week's winners of the Inn at Christmastime event at the gorgeous Wellington Inn in Traverse City.


High five,


-Shannon

A Weekend for Deer Widows!

Good Morning Blog-world!

Is your husband taking off this weekend to go hunting? Are you looking forward to just hanging out with your girlfriends? I know I continually say this, but here in West Michigan we are so lucky to have amazing events we can attend every day! I was thrilled to talk about some of the great girlfriend getaways going on this weekend on Fox 17 this morning. Check out the video below for some ideas- and for an even more comprehensive listing www.wmta.org has everything you need plan the perfect "girls night"!

 

--Kelly

The Inn at Christmastime

In 1905, Oklahoma was just becoming a state, the first issue of Variety magazine was published, and construction on the Wellington Inn in Traverse City began. It was a time of grace, elegance, and grandeur, a time that moved at a pace forgotten now, over a century later. When you walk through the heavy, wooden doors of the Inn today, however, the history and charm surrounds you, and you can't help but feel transported.

When Barb, the owner, welcomed Kelly and me to this historic bed and breakfast on Friday afternoon, she was elbow deep in garland, ornaments, and Christmas lights. She is an absolute gem with a endless supply of quick quips and stories about the four year process of restoring the inn, its history, and her regular guests. If it wasn't for our packed traveling schedule, I would have kicked my shoes off and helped hang bulbs on the trees, easily spending the day in her company.

The Wellington Inn has nine guest rooms and two vintage carriage house apartments, each filled with carefully chosen period antiques.Every space is a new experience for the eyes, with colors and textures layered to build its splendid personality: the Milliken Chamber is Barb's "girly room," the Votruba Chamber reveals a secret message from the original painters, the art deco apartment features a 1930's seafoam green stove, the third-floor ballroom features towering ceilings that extend to a fiddlers' balcony for entertainment...

It's all nearly impossible to describe and do proper justice, especially when the Wellington Inn adds holiday magic to the already dazzling experience. You really must see it for yourself, which is why we're giving away two sets of tickets to The Inn at Christmastime.

 

This Week's Giveaway!

Each year during the three Sundays prior to Christmas (December 5, 12, and 19), the halls are decked in holiday splendor, and the inn opens its doors for you to enjoy. Following a tour of the entire mansion, complimentary treats and hot mulled cider comprise a holiday spread in the ballroom. It's all just mere steps from the always charming downtown Traverse City. To enter, just tell me when your family traditionally starts decorating for the holidays, and I'll pick the winner on Friday, November 19.

Meanwhile...

The Wellington Inn is also offering another festive holiday package for "The Perfect Christmas Event" which includes a two night stay and formal dinner by five-star chef Harlan "Pete" Peterson. Visit WMTA.org's Holiday Celebrations page for all the details.

Good luck this week and, of course, high five,

-Shannon

This Week's Winner!

I'm home from my northern trek, and this means one thing. It's time to announce our lucky winner! Congratulations to West Michigan Weekly reader Lana for winning this weeks romantic giveaway to the Weathervane Inn. Yea, Lana! Just send me an e-mail (shannon@wmta.org) with your contact information, and I'll get you all set up.

Next week, I'm giving away two pairs of tickets to Wellington Inn's "Inn at Christmastime" open house on either December 5, 12, or 19. This Traverse City Bed & Breakfast is beyond stunning. Trust me, I was just there for a tour today and can attest to the fact that the innkeepers are working tirelessly to pull out the stops during this magical time. It's splendid. I'll spill the details on Monday.

Have an amazing West Michigan weekend!

High five,

-Shannon

Weekend Idea Round-Up

I'm sitting with a view of the Grand Traverse Bay, reflecting on the day. Kelly and I began our whirlwind trip north with the adorable cows of Country Dairy before visiting with the charming staff of the historic Cartier Mansion. The afternoon brought us to the number one resort in the Midwest, Crystal Mountain, and finally to the beautifully detailed Cherry Tree Inn, where I now rest. I can't wait to share all these adventures with you over the coming weeks.

For now, start planning your weekend in West Michigan with this edition of the round-up and check back tomorrow evening for the winner of the Weathervane Inn giveaway.

High five,

-Shannon

Starting This Weekend

• Muskegon Museum of Art: The Enduring Gifts of Martin A. Ryerson
• Traverse City: Left Foot Charley: A "Dear" Camp of Our Own

All Weekend

• Traverse City: Cherry Tree Inn: Ladies' Weekend
• Grand Rapids: DeVos Place: Ladies' Expo

Saturday

• Grand Rapids: Van Andel Arena: Sesame Street Live - Elmo's Healthy Heroes 
• Muskegon: Clay Avenue Cellars: Free Wine Tasting

Sunday

• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Holiday Decoration Fun with J
• Kalamazoo: Air Zoo: Cadette/Senior Girl Scout Space Exploration
• Kalamazoo County Expo Center: Kalamazoo Antique & Collectibles Show & Sale
• Kalamazoo: Holiday Parade

Don't Forget

• Grand Rapids: Restaurant Week
• Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Ford Museum: Betty Ford - An Extraordinary Life
• Marshall: Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA: It’s A Wonderful Life
• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer
• Traverse City: Dennos Museum Center: One Woman’s Creative Journey, Stitching Stories of Miracles and Memories, and Celebrating Women
• Holland Museum: Be Prepared! and Forever Young – A Retrospective of Bob Dylan Photographs
• Muskegon Museum of Art: Secret Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos
• Grand Rapids Art Museum: Diana - A Celebration

Field Trip!

Tom Blossfeld, Northwest Account Manager; Judy Dood,
Distribution Coordinator; Cheri Spencer, Office Manager;
and Kelly McGrail, Marketing Director

Yes, they're spelling WMTA in the photo above. I think Cheri's fringe adds a certain je ne sais pas to it... Someone wisely decided that the staff of WMTA was in need of a field trip, so we headed to Grand Rapids' Van Andel Arena for a Griffins hockey game this afternoon. There were hot dogs, cheering, and thousands of students enjoying the antics of Griff the mascot. A man in the row in front of us even popped the question to his girlfriend! (She said yes!) Unfortunately, GR lost after a shoot out, but it was a lovely outing nonetheless.

What's even more exciting, you ask? Tomorrow morning, Kelly and I pack up the WMTA mobile and head out for a two day road trip to Traverse City. Along the way, we'll be visiting eleven wonderful West Michigan destinations and (this is when you'll get excited) gathering a surplus of awesome giveaways for the rest of the year. 

I love my job :)

High five,

-Shannon

Spending time with Lake Michigan

I have a confession, readers. I am a West Michigan transplant. Yes, until a few short years ago, I called the east side of Michigan my home, hailing originally from Detroit proper. I love the whole of the Mitten, but there's something wonderfully enchanting about the west side, about its quiet beach communities, its cultured cities, and the way people move through their lives at a completely unique, slower pace.

As I build my life here, I notice more and more how Lake Michigan casts a certain spell on West Siders. They seem to have a real relationship with the lake as if it were a long time friend. Again, Detroit has its own Great Lakes and rivers, but the pull and fascination of the water doesn't weave itself through every day life in the same way.

Thinking upon how I deal with stress during the holiday season (as is this week's giveaway question), my answer must be that of a true West Michigan resident: I make a pilgrimage to Lake Michigan. This weekend, I went to Grand Haven's City Beach for a chilly romp with Rufus (the world's most adorable beagle). As he ran laps on the dog beach, jumping into the waves after a stick and frolicking about in his puppy way, I enjoyed the waves crashing, the sun setting, and little pools forming where the recent winds pushed and pulled the sand into dips and ripples.

I can think of nothing more relaxing than that.

High five,

-Shannon

Melt Your Stress Away at the Weathervane Inn

As the hustle and bustle that inevitably comes during this most jolly time of year sneaks a bit closer, one can't help but feel the stress level rise a tad. The to-do lists multiply; turkeys are added to Thanksgiving dinner as family phones, asking to bring so-and-so's neighbor so they don't have be alone on the holiday; and the Michigan weather continues to yo-yo between snow and sunny in the sixties (this week's forecast, I might add).  It's enough to make one go mad at the mere mention of holiday cheer!

Now imagine escaping with your loved one to the quiet lakeside community of Montague, a bottle of champagne waiting your arrival at the charming Weathervane Inn. You away to your room where you're greeted with the warmth of a crackling fire, the soothing pulse of your Jacuzzi tub, and the postcard view of White Lake. Stress? What stress?

The Weathervane Inn prides themselves on offering the cozy, romantic feel of a classic bed and breakfast with the privacy of a hotel. When you first enter the lobby, you're greeted not only with a smile from the staff, but from dozens of glistening fish, merrily swimming about in their front desk home. Each of the 24 rooms features a fireplace, Jacuzzi and a view of the marina or the world's largest weather vane (it's actually quite impressive). The design is comfortable yet contemporary, and the property's uniqueness is apparent when you stroll to the gazebo or look out to the picturesque inland lake.

Keeping with its romantic reputation, the Inn also hosts dozens of weddings each year. It's small size and ideal setting lend to the magic of the day, with opportunities to rent the entire property. During the tour, I couldn't help imagine glowing brides taking advantage of the well-appointed extended stay apartment, spacious enough for the entire bridal party, the gown, the mother and mother-in-law, and all the mimosas it takes to make it down the aisle.

This week, I'm excited to announce that we're giving away a romance package at the Weathervane Inn. This includes a two nights' stay, bottle of champagne, bath oils for the Jacuzzi, and complementary breakfast. To enter, just comment with what you do during the holiday season to relieve stress.

Meanwhile, be sure to check out the Weathervane Inn's newly designed website at www.theweathervaneinn.net.

High five,

-Shannon

And the winner is...

A few more FMG images to build the suspense...

I would like to extend an excited congratulations to summer lovin' Laurie L. Kelley. You've won a family four pack of tickets to the always stunning Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids!

Be sure to check in Monday when we start our romantic getaway giveaway to the Weathervane Inn in Montague.

High five, Laurie!

-Shannon

Weekend Idea Round-Up

A whispy, white substance began falling from the sky today, causing a flurry of amusing Tweets throughout the West Michigan community. Yes, the first snow made its appearance this morning, drifting in the wind and disappearing like a short-lived dream, a promise of the winter ahead.

Are your skis polished and your wool socks darned? Are you stocked up on cocoa and other wintery treats? Have you made your naughty and nice lists? I certainly hope so, since the snow is in fact timed perfectly, helping us all get in the holiday spirit, for the first of the holiday shopping events are this weekend!

High five,

-Shannon

Pst... I'm picking the Meijer Gardens winner in a half hour. Make your last minute entries now!


Starting This Weekend

• Marshall: Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA: It’s A Wonderful Life

Friday & Saturday

• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Theater Organ Concert Series

Saturday

• Coopersville Farm Museum: Folk Music & Instruments of Rural America
• Grand Rapids Public Museum: Native American Culture Day
• Traverse City: Pere Marquette State Forest: The Iceman Cometh Challenge Bicycle Race
• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: Holiday Gift Show
• Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground: Christmas Boutique Arts & Crafts Show

Sunday

• Charlevoix: Castle Farms: Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra

Don’t Forget

• Grand Rapids: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: Sculptors Celebrate the Legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer
• Traverse City: Dennos Museum Center: One Woman’s Creative Journey, Stitching Stories of Miracles and Memories, and Celebrating Women
• Holland Museum: Be Prepared! and Forever Young – A Retrospective of Bob Dylan Photographs
• Muskegon Museum of Art: Secret Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos

Looking Forward

• Tuesday, November 9: Grand Rapids Art Museum: Diana – A Celebration

Travel Shows

Yesterday felt like Christmas at the WMTA office, which was appropriate since I was posting holiday editorial on WMTA.org yet inappropriate since it was only November 1st. In the afternoon, our fearless leader, Rick Hert, pulled into the parking lot with our brand spanking new travel show trailer! Yea!

Isn't it beautiful? Oh, it looks like a Ford truck ad. WMTA: Built Ford Tough.

Nonetheless, each year, we visit eight travel shows throughout the Midwest, merrily distributing member brochures and West Michigan information, maps, and stories with others who adore America's High Five like we do (That's Michigan, folks. Get it? I love our state). Our fancy new trailer will make the whole process easier in all regards except parking in Chicago. Even better, we'll be getting the trailer wrapped in glamorous West Michigan graphics so you'll be able to spot us coming from a mile away. See? Just like Christmas!

Mark your calendars now so you'll be sure to visit us at the following shows and check out our new toy in the coming months.

• January 22 | Breton Village, Grand Rapids
• January 26 - 30 | Chicagoland Outdoors Show
• February 4 - 6 | Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo, Lansing
  February 24 - 27 | Outdoorama, Novi
• March 11 - 13 | West Michigan Women’s Expo, Grand Rapids
• March 18 - 20 | Fort Wayne Outdoor Sports, Cabin & Lakefront Show
• April 28 - May 1 | International Women’s Expo, Novi
• October 2011 | Indianapolis Outdoor Sports, Cabin & Travel Show

High five,


-Shannon