For the first time ever The Homestead has teamed up with the best ski and board shops in the state to create the best Winter Sweepstakes ever!
Twenty-five skiers or riders will win prizes each week for the first 10 weeks; two will win next year’s season passes in the last two weeks. In all, $84,000 of prizes will be given away!
Enter The Homestead’s Winter Sweepstakes to win Ski Trips in Northern Michigan
You can enter twice to increase your chances of winning. First, fill out our Winter Sweepstakes entry form. Then, “like” us on our Facebook page for a second entry. That’s it! You’re now entered twice for a chance to win one of 254 prizes including romantic skikends for two, family ski packages, and season passes for next year.
Visit The Homestead Website >>>>
By Joan O’Neill – Mitten Kidz
Each summer, BK (before kids), my husband and I would make a list of the top things we wanted to do, see or enjoy over the summer. Annual standbys included watching the Perseid Meteor Shower from a we-don’t-dare-disclose Lake Michigan beach; a drive-in movie at the Cherrybowl Drive-In (one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Michigan); and a hike along the Empire Bluffs hiking trail within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Enter Kid 1 and Kid 2 and we’ve slipped some on our summertime bucket list making — but we’re back at it. This past winter we had five things on our list and managed to do all but one. Now that we’re into pre-spring/summer, it’s time now to focus on our warm weather list. What is it we want to share with our boys this summer? What do I remember, fondly, doing as a kid… and now want to pass along?
Here’s our start at this summer’s list:
Our 2012 Summer Bucket List – Family version
- Hike Old Indian Trail @ Sleeping Bear Dunes (north of Frankfort, Michigan on M-22)
- Body surfing and sand castles at Elberta Beach (Elberta, Michigan)
- Camp in the backyard
- Corn dogs and Gibby’s Fries at the National Cherry Festival (Traverse City)
- Have at least three bonfires with the neighbors
- To be continued…
So, what’s on your 2012 Summer Bucket List?
Visit Mitten Kidz Website >>>>
— — More From Mitten Kidz — —
Joan O’Neill is the author of the blog, MittenKidz.com, a site that is all about growing up in Michigan and the places and activities that are unique to the Great Lakes State. Mostly out-of-doors, some indoors, all of them Pure Michigan. O’Neill is a 20-year veteran of the Michigan resort business and a MittenKidz at heart, herself. A big proponent of getting out and having fun in Michigan, no matter what the season, O’Neill is now sharing her favorite pastimes with her two young sons.
NEW YEAR’S EVE 2010
Celebrate the season at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa! We’re giving the gift of a free night’s lodging at the time when you can enjoy it most – during the holidays! Every moment with family and friends is precious, so we invite you to enjoy an extra night. View Details>
| FRIDAY – DECEMBER 31, 2010 |
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We’ll have the following special activities for New Year’s Eve 2010. Stay tuned to our Snow Report for slope conditions.
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| WIZARD WONDERLAND FAMILY FUN! 4-8PM |
| Crystal Center – Second Floor/Hudson Bay |
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Wizard Wonderland is filled with magical fun! Geared for ages 12 & under. *
• Face painting
• Create wizard hats
• Wizard games – broom stick races, treasure hunt, wizard bingo
• Learn magic tricks
• Jelly bean count contest
• Hourly drawings for prizes
• Magic potions
• Meet live owls with wings of wonder, 5-6pm.
• Come in a wizard or dragon costume to be entered to win prizes!
• Snacks included.
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$10 per child, ages 3 & under FREE!
Keep your wristband to re-enter party. If you attend the NYE Holiday Buffet in Northwest Territories, your cover is only $8. |
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* Parent supervision is required – sorry, this is not a drop-off program. Reservation recommended, but not required, 800.968.7686 ext 7000. |
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| NYE HOLIDAY BUFFET 5PM seating & 7PM seating* |
| Crystal Center – Northwest Territories |
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Grilled Atlantic salmon, yankee pot roast with roasted root vegetables, caribbean rice pilaf, chicken tenders, pizza, mac & cheese, ice cream sundae bar and more.
View Menu. Space is limited for Crystal’s NYE Holiday Buffet in the Crystal Center, make your reservation for the 5pm or 7pm seating.
Advance reservations are required. Call ext. 6050.
(Additional NYE dining options below.)
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| *PLEASE NOTE…Crystal’s NYE Holiday Buffet in the Crystal Center will be open thru 8:30pm. Northwest Territories will close 8:30-9pm for Family Dance Party preparation. |
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| FAMILY DANCE PARTY! 9PM – 1AM |
| Crystal Center – Northwest Territories |
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At 9pm Northwest Territories turns into a rockin’ Family Dance Party with the tunes of Damage Control. Party hats, cash bar, champagne toast at midnight.
Open to all ages (9pm- 1am).
$10/person, includes party favors & champagne toast. If you attend the NYE Holiday Buffet in Northwest Territories, your cover is only $8. |
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| TEEN DJ DANCE PARTY 9-12PM |
| Crystal Center – Second Floor/Hudson Bay |
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Hit the dance floor with Executive Sounds DJ! Single entry only event, chaperoned by Crystal Staff. No reservations required.
$10 Admission ($5 with lift ticket or season pass) |
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| PAJAMA CARE 7:30PM-12:30AM |
| Mountain Adventure Zone (second floor) |
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The evening is full of fun for the little ones including pajama dance, NYE hat creation, games, snacks, movies and more. Children should wear their pajamas. Sleep pads and cribs are provided.
$49 per child, geared for children 12 & under.
Advance reservations required, call 800.968.7686 ext. 7000. |
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| WILD TOMATO 5-11PM |
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| Enjoy a delicious buffet with prime rib, seafood feast, salad bar, dessert and more. View Menu.Adults $35, Kids (ages 7-12) $15, Kids (6 & under) $10.
Advance reservations required, call 800.968.7686 ext. 6050.
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| THISTLE PUB & GRILLE 5-10PM |
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Serving appetizers, savory salads, exquisite entrees and decadent desserts. View Menu.
Advance reservations required, call 800.968.7686 ext. 6052.
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| VISTA PARTY 9PM |
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| The Lounge/Third Floor |
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The annual NYE Vista party returns! Enjoy party favors, rocking sounds of the Flint, MI band Funkilinium, perfect view of the torchlight parade and fireworks at midnight!
NYE party begins at 9pm, must be Ages 21+ to enter.
$10 cover charge.
(Vista will close 8-9pm for celebration preparation!)
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Funk/R&B/Soul |
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| TORCHLIGHT PARADE 11:45PM |
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| Cheers Slope |
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Join the parade down Cheers! Everyone with a valid season pass or lift ticket is welcome to participate. Parade starts at the top of Cheers at 11:45pm. To carry a torch you must be 16 years of age and you must sign-up at the Snowsports Desk on Friday, December 31st (parent signature required if under 18). Ext. 2000
$10 per person. (Free to Crystal’s houseguests) |
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| FIREWORKS OVER THE MOUNTAIN MIDNIGHT! |
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Watch a spectacular fireworks show over the mountain. Free to all.
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| IN-ROOM BABYSITTING |
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Offered daily for Crystal’s houseguests, available until 1am on NYE. Advance reservations required, 800.968.7686 ext. 7000.
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| Schedule is subject to change. |
Visit Crystal Mountain Website >>>>
‘A Sock Hop Christmas’ Dinner Show – Enjoy a musical revue of Christmas/Holiday-themed music as well as popular music from different decades with a winter/holiday “twist” featuring Dominic Fortuna.
A traditional holiday dinner will be served. Call 231.533.7093 for reservations.
Visit Shanty Creek Website >>>>
