Event Calendar
Rise and Shine, Wake Up and Join Us in Shaking off the Winter Blues!
Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” ~Robin Williams
It has been said that no matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. Join us on May 1st & 2nd, 2010 for the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association’s annual Spring Sip & Savor wine trail event. As our vineyards wake to the sun & warmth of May, we kick off the season with a brunch-themed wine and food pairing at each of the 18 wineries on the wine trail.
For added fun, event participants are encouraged to keep their pajamas on when they set out in the morning and try to win one of the prizes that many of the wineries will be offering. In addition to the pajama contest, this year we will be welcoming ‘fancy hats’ as part of the judging.
The grand prize consists of two nights lodging at The Homestead in Glen Arbor during any season of the year (subject to availability), dinner for two with appetizers and desert at La Becasse in Maple City, Sunday brunch for two at the Bluebird in Leland, a wood fire pizza from Black Star Farms, perfect for lunch or light meal out on the trail and a fabulous gift basket filled with goodies.
Visit up to 8 wineries on Saturday from 11 to 6pm, and up to 8 on Sunday from noon to 6pm.
Tickets are just $30 and include wine and food pairings at each winery, a limited edition LPVA glass coffee cup and a $10 gift certificate, that can be used at any LPVA winery!
Visit Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association Website >>>>
Authors to tell the tale of Michigan Wine History at the 4th Annual Northern Michigan Wine Summit
The 4th Annual Northern Michigan Wine Summit returns to Traverse City on Monday, April 26 at the Traverse City Opera House as the wineries of both Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula collaborate to showcase their wines and their award-winning industry. The event will feature Lorri Hathaway and Sharon Kegerreis, authors of the award-winning “From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries,” which showcases Michigan wine country destinations. Lorri and Sharon will present highlights from their 2010 summer release book: “The History of Michigan Wines: 150 Years of Winemaking along the Great Lakes.” Don’t miss the fascinating history of early wine pioneers of the 1800s, the bootlegging prohibition era, the post-Prohibition boom of the 1930s and the rebirth of the industry as we now know it!
The event is in three parts:
1-2pm “The History of Michigan Wines” presentation by Lorri Hathaway & Sharon Kegerreis
2-4:30pm: Afternoon trade show featuring wine tasting, door prizes and wine
5:30-7:30pm Early-evening public wine show with wine tasting, door prizes and silent auction and a brief revisit of the historical presentation
“This event allows us to focus on the great wines we are producing here in Northern Michigan for both those in the service industry and for everyone who lives and work in our area- we know anyone can be an ambassador for local wines” says Liz Berger from Chateau Chantal Winery on Old Mission Peninsula. “We’ll be offering tastes of our wines all day to showcase the quality wines being produced in our region.”
From 1-2pm, Lorri and Sharon will introduce you to Michigan’s never-before-documented early wine history, starting with the state’s first viable wine region in the 1800s along the shores of Lake Erie. Learn about northern Michigan’s pioneers who plant the region’s first vineyards before the onset of Prohibition when legal wine production ends and a new rollicking era begins. You’ll hear about the national headline-generating raid on barrels of red wine in the Upper Peninsula and how three of Michigan’s vintners solidify their place in history during this dynamic era. The industry explodes after Prohibition and continues through the 1960s before production drops due to a changing marketplace. Significant new grape varietals crop up in the 1960s and 1970s, including plantings by five northern Michigan vintners. After a changing law shuts down several wineries, the industry reinvents itself into vibrant culinary wine and food destinations that garner national and international attention for stylish wines influenced by our Great Lakes maritime climate. Everyone is welcome, though the presentation should be of special interest to restaurant owners and managers, store owners and managers, media, significant tourism and community leaders, wineries and other VIPs.
From 2-4:30pm a trade-show featuring local wineries will open for restaurant owners & managers & waitstaff, store owners & managers & clerks, media, hoteliers, plus tourism & community leaders. Each participating winery will have a tasting table and information about their wines. This will be a great opportunity to meet will local wineries and try many local wines all in one location. Door prizes, fun, and games will keep the atmosphere light and entertaining
From 5:30-7:30pm the public will be invited to a wine tasting for $7/person. Cheeses, breads, crackers, and fruits will accompany the featured wines. An abbreviated version of “History of Michigan Wine” will be offered at 6:30pm. A fun atmosphere will feature games, trivia, door prizes, and small silent auction to benefit the Michigan Wine Foundation. Many local restaurants will offer special discounts on Monday evening to patrons with a NoMiWi ticket.
Northern Michigan is a rapidly growing wine region, currently producing world-class wines which impact not only the local economy but which also contribute to the state’s nearly $19 billion tourism industry. The Northern Michigan vintners have become a catalyst for Michigan, drawing attention to the state’s overall image as a year-round agri-tourism destination. Northern Michigan is home to over 850 acres of vineyards which are used by the over 24 area wineries to produce more than 150,000 cases of wine each year. For more details about the impact of the wine industry on Michigan’s economy visit: http://www.michiganwines.com/page.php?menu_id=19
Visit Northern Michigan Wine Summit Website >>>>
Spring is surely Tuscany’s most beguiling season. The landscape fills your eyes with so many shades of green that words fail. Cypress trees, like columns of arrows pointing the way to heaven, line Tuscany’s famed rolling hills. Medieval towns overlook a checkerboard fairyland of blossoming cherry, peach, apple and olive groves, wildflower carpets and row upon row of vineyards. Everywhere you look is a celebration of food.
In Italy, food fills the soul and renews it. Learn the luscious and lively cuisine of Italy and techniques of Tuscany where Chef Allen taught and learned many of these dishes.
You’ll prepare dishes like Wild forest leek and cabbage soup, Pasta e ceci, Stuffed artichokes with lemon caper sauce, Asparagus three ways, Braised tuna “in zimino” (spring vegetable sauce), Grilled chicken with arugula sauce, New potatoes baked with fennel, Lemon biscotti and Zabaglione with strawberries.
Classes are $125 per person, weekend stay packages available.
Visit Chateau Chantal Website >>>>
Celebrate sunshine and spring skiing with a weekend filled with music, food and fun! In honor of our favorite sticky, sweet delicacy… maple syrup, Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa presents the 2nd Annual Maple Syrup Festival.
Tree tapping demonstrations, maple syrup shack, cooking classes, chainsaw wood carving demonstration, pancakes drenched in delicious northern Michigan maple syrup and live entertainment in the Vista Lounge by the bluegrass band Detour are just a few of the highlights. See activity schedule below.
Maple Syrup Festival Lodging Package
Bring the family and join the celebration! Our Maple Syrup Festival Package includes Friday and Saturday night’s lodging, Sunday Pancake breakfast, Family Maple Syrup Surrey Ride, one bottle of Maple Syrup (per reservation).
Maple Syrup Festival
Saturday, March 27th, 2010
11am - 4pm
Visit Crystal Mountain Website >>>>
An all day event providing an excellent overview of winemaking, viticulture, and food and wine pairing. Hosted by our witty and passionate winemaker, Mark Johnson.
The day includes a vineyard walk, peasant’s lunch, cellar tour, wine tasting, learning materials, and gourmet dinner. The $145 price covers lunch, multi-course dinner paired with Chantal’s wines, learning materials and instruction.
Class starts at 11AM and runs through dinner. Call 1-800-969-4009 for further details and reservations. Room costs are in addition to the seminar. Call to register and check room availability.
•Class begins at 11:00 on Saturday morning in the Hospitality/Breakfast room
•11:15 Vineyard Walk
•1:00 – Peasant’s Lunch
•2:30-5:30 Winery Education and the Art & Science of tasting
•6:30 – Dinner at Chateau Chantal
•Bring a jacket, gloves, etc. and walking shoes. It is sometimes very cool out in the vineyard.
Visit Chateau Chantal Website >>>>
All things Irish plus the annual Cardboard Classic Race down Schuss Mountain in a sled you make yourself.
Saturday, March 13
All activities take place in Schuss Village. Space is limited–please sign up early.
Registration for each event closes 30 minutes prior to the start.
• 9:00-11:00am — Registration (you may register for Blarney Stone Rail Jam on Saturday or Sunday)
• 10:00am — Frozen Fish Toss
• 11:30am — Judging for Cardboard Classic Click for Rules
• 12:00pm — Cardboard Classic Races
• 1:00pm — Pot of Gold Coin Toss
• 1:45pm — VIP Seating Winner Announced
• 2:00pm — Slush Cup (limited to first 50 registrants)
• 4:00pm — Slush Cup Awards
Sunday, March 14
• 9:00-11:00am — Registration for Blarney Stone Rail Jam
• 12:00pm — Blarney Stone Rail Jam
Visit Shanty Creek Website >>>>
Join us at The Homestead for The Western Brass Quintet atop Bay Mountain overlooking Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands presented by The Manitou Music Festival. Concert begins at 7pm. Transportation to the top of Bay Mountain is by chairlift or six passenger golf cart and begins at 6pm. Beverages available for purchase. Please, no coolers.
The Western Brass Quintet has entertained national and international audiences with cutting-edge, virtuosic repertoire for over four decades. Serving as an ensemble in residence at Western Michigan University, the group strives to educate community and school audiences concerning the expressive capabilities of brass instruments by performing high-quality brass chamber music and by regularly working with students in clinics. Members of the ensemble frequently perform with some of the finest ensembles and musicians in the world and are committed to elevating the level and perception of brass chamber music.
The Manitou Music Festival presents exciting and diverse concerts featuring national and regional performers of classical, jazz, and folk music in idyllic outdoor & family friendly locations. Founded in 1991 by members of the Glen Arbor Art Association, the Manitou Music Festival takes place in the pastoral splendor of Leelanau County, in the Northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
For more Manitou Music Festival information and to reserve tickets visit www.glenarborart.org.
Visit The Homestead Website >>>>
Spring carnival atmosphere with a luau theme and activities such as the Midwest’s only Dummy Darts competition, Canoe Races and Poker Run.
Saturday, March 20
All activities take place in Schuss Village. Space is limited–please sign up early.
Registration for each event closes 30 minutes prior to the start.
• 9:00-11:00am — Registration
• 9:00am-4:00pm — Seashell Hunt (person with most seashells wins a prize)
• 11:00am — Canoe Races
• 12:00-4:00pm — Poker Run
• 1:00pm — Dummy Dart Competition Click for Rules
• 2:00pm — Tacky Tourist Relay
• 4:00pm — Prizes Awarded
Visit Shanty Creek Website >>>>
4 For $40 Mondays - Get four lift tickets for $40; 9am-4:30pm on Schuss Mtn.
2 For Tuesdays - Two for the price of one lift tickets, rentals, cross country rentals and adult group lessons. (For lift ticket rates, please use the pricing chart for Friday-Sunday non-holidays on the lift tickets page.)
$5 KHQ Wednesdays - $5 Lift Tickets from 5-9pm. Ski & Snowboard Rentals $12 from 5pm-9pm, $20 from 9am-5pm. Tubing is $5/per hour from 4-9pm, ski all day (9am-5pm) for only $10.
Friends & Family Thursdays - The more tickets you buy as a group, the less they are! Day lift tickets start at $20 each, night lift tickets start at $12 each, rental specials and more!
Visit Shanty Creek Resorts Website >>>>
Join us at The Homestead for The Western Brass Quintet atop Bay Mountain overlooking Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands presented by The Manitou Music Festival. Concert begins at 7pm. Transportation to the top of Bay Mountain is by chairlift or six passenger golf cart and begins at 6pm. Beverages available for purchase. Please, no coolers.
The Western Brass Quintet has entertained national and international audiences with cutting-edge, virtuosic repertoire for over four decades. Serving as an ensemble in residence at Western Michigan University, the group strives to educate community and school audiences concerning the expressive capabilities of brass instruments by performing high-quality brass chamber music and by regularly working with students in clinics. Members of the ensemble frequently perform with some of the finest ensembles and musicians in the world and are committed to elevating the level and perception of brass chamber music.
The Manitou Music Festival presents exciting and diverse concerts featuring national and regional performers of classical, jazz, and folk music in idyllic outdoor & family friendly locations. Founded in 1991 by members of the Glen Arbor Art Association, the Manitou Music Festival takes place in the pastoral splendor of Leelanau County, in the Northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
For more Manitou Music Festival information and to reserve tickets visit www.glenarborart.org.
Visit The Homestead Website >>>>
BLUES TRAVELER TO HEADLINE FIRST ANNUAL PAELLA IN THE PARK FESTIVAL, FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, IN TRAVERSE CITY
> $36 = Seven Wineries, Seven Chefs, Seven Spanish Paellas / Three Helpings of Spanish Paella Prepared by Local Chefs / Five Pours of Old Mission Award-Winning Wines / Live Music of Blues Traveler & Rootstand
**Please Note: While Paella in the Park is an all-ages event, it is designed for mature audiences. The focus of the evening is on wine, complex foods and live music from an adult rock band. Accordingly, tickets are $36 per attendee, regardless of age.
* Tickets are also available in Traverse City at Oryana and at each of the 7 Old Mission wineries: Black Star Farms – Old Mission, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Peninsula Cellars, and 2 Lads.
Visit Paella in the Park Website >>>>
A best seller…this package includes two nights’ lodging, continental breakfast each morning, a tasting tour of four Leelanau County wineries on Saturday with transportation and to-go lunch provided. That evening, you’ll enjoy an exquisite five course winemaker dinner prepared by Chef John Piombo featuring wines with each course.
Offered in Fiddler’s Pond, Little Belle and The Inn from only $126 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Space is limited. Call 231.334.5100 for reservations.
Visit The Homestead Website >>>>
Saturday, March 13, 2010
11am - Cardboard Classic
Build a cardboard sled using ONLY cardboard and duct tape… decorate it as you’d like, and then race it against others on Cheers! Read More
1pm - NASTAR Race
$6 for two runs, $1 for each additional run. Register at nastar.com and then sign up the day of the race at the Snowsports Desk. Read More.
3pm - On-slope Kayak Race
Race head-to-head down Cheers slope, while in a kayak. Read More
4pm - Slush Cup
Ski thru a giant pit of icy slush at the base of the Loki slope. Read More.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
King of the Hill Triple Threat Challenge
Can you ski? Can you snowboard? Can you tele? Read More
Sleeping Bear Telefest
Free your heel, free your mind. Read More.
Spring Fling FUN - March 15-18
This year, we’ve expanded the Spring Fling FUN with daily activities on Monday, March 15 thru Thursday, March 18 including a Paintball Biathlon, Speed Trap, Mogul Competition, Terrain Park Jams. Read More.
Visit Crystal Mountain Website >>>>
Elk Rapids Harbor Days celebration has been a popular event in northern Michigan for over 50 years. Families of all ages can enjoy the abundant activities provided throughout the 4-day event.
The entertainment begins on Wednesday evening with the much-anticipated Evening On River Street. Enjoy a street fair atmosphere with a cornucopia of sights and sounds to satisfy your appetite for food, music and entertainment.
The days following include activities geared to the young and old alike, sandcastle building, outstanding musical entertainment, delicious food at the Community Dinner, a carnival, Kids Day activities and so much more.
The Harbor Days celebration culminates on Saturday with a parade down the streets of town with local dignitaries, floats, bands, and of course Miss Elk Rapids!
Harbor Days is traditionally known to have one of the best fireworks displays in northern Michigan, provided by world famous Zambelli’s pyrotechnics. Imagine relaxing on the beach or your boat after a busy day and watching the dazzling array of fireworks lighting up the evening sky and reflecting into the water below. Your donation will help keep the Elk Rapids fireworks the best.
Elk Rapids Harbor Days is a small town celebration with a big reputation in northern Michigan; make it a part of your summer plans!
Events & Activities for 2010 may include community dinner, paddlebuoy races, harborun, parade, fireworks, cherry bake-off, diaper derby, toddler trot, harbor hoops, pet show, pillo polo, sandcastle building, senior luncheon, senior bingo, carnival, musical entertainment, movie in the park, kid’s day, bake sale, dunk tank, kids water ball, fireman’s waterball, penny scramble, and more.
Visit Harbor Days Website >>>>
Free your heel, free your mind.
Sleeping Bear Telefest is an annual tradition that brings Telemark enthusiasts together to ski the mountain, take part in the largest “Tele Turn” of the season and share their sport with others.
More information to be announced.
Visit Crystal Mountain Website >>>>
