My earliest travel memories date back to about age 3 – and, yes, I realize that is a LONG time ago – but the image of that summer trip to Leelanau State Park in Northport is still vivid in my mind. Looking back, I guess you’d say that simple weekend camping trip (in the rain) would help shape my future in the travel industry.
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As the holiday centerpiece of a home, the Christmas tree is rooted in tradition. For generations, families have been loading their cars and heading out to one of Michigan’s nearly 700 farms, where acres of balsam, white pine, Frasier fir and other evergreens grow.
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As founder and president of Promote Michigan, Dianna Stampfler is one of the state’s most passionate cheerleaders. The Plainwell resident has more than 20 years of marketing and public relations experience. She also is a newspaper and radio journalist and is active in a number of tourism organizations. Among her clients is ShowSpan Inc. so expect to see her in action this month at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival.
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Grown in a rich array of hues, poinsettias lend elegance and warmth to winter décor, while their colorful star-shaped bracts — according to a 16th-century legend — symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
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The 6th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival – the Midwest’s premier annual pre-holiday celebration – returns to the intimate and elegant Steelcase Ballroom inside the DeVos Place, November 21-23.
Touted as one of the city’s best annual events, the festival welcomes more than 17,000 guests over the course of three days for an unparalleled experience dedicated to fine food and beverages. It’s definitely the place to be – for novice and experienced foodies alike.
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I’ve been hitting antique fairs and flea markets since I was in college – intrigued by the reuse of quaint pieces of furniture that told a story, as well as served a purpose. Today, I’ve added the online market of eBay to my shopping repertoire – taking my treasure hunting to the virtual realm. I dare say, I’m bordering on addiction – but I see it as my responsibility to help “recycle” these items.
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Mixologist Rob Hanks of Reserve Wine and Food in Grand Rapids prides himself on his creative concoctions featuring locally produced spirits. Last year, his passion paid off when his “Shipwreck Rum Punch” was recognized as 2012’s top pick in the New Holland Artisan Spirits “Art of the Cocktail” competition.
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Few destinations embrace their full history – including lingering spirits – the way Mission Table at Bowers Harbor Inn on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City does.
Built in the 1880s as a summer retreat for Chicago lumber baron J.W. Stickney and his wife, Genevive, this grand estate is settled along West Grand Traverse Bay under a canopy of oak and towering pine trees. The 11-acre parcel is enhanced with stone walls, gardens and a small vineyard, reflective of a bygone era.
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The sights, sounds and smells are sensory overload at times – but I love it. Maybe it’s the vibrant hues of red, orange and gold on the trees or the sounds of leaves dancing in the streets. Perhaps it’s the harvest menu filled with pumpkins, squash, soups and stews to help take off the chill in the air. It’s also the layering of clothing – the boots and jeans, with flannel shirts, vests and scarves, that draw me into this short but colorful season.
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Early Chippewa Indians recognized the treasure they had found in one of the largest natural harbors on Lake Huron, which came to bore the name of their Chief O-Ta-Was. Today, the twin cities of Tawas City and East Tawas are tucked in along the shoreline of Tawas Bay as it winds inward from Saginaw Bay, welcoming visitors who seek a quiet yet quaint vacation escape.
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Michigan in home to countless noted bridges – the most famous being the “Mighty Mac” which connects the Lower Peninsula in Mackinaw City with St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. Built in 1957, this modern marvel attracts thousands of visitors each Labor Day (and Memorial Day) to walk the five miles over the Straits of Mackinac in what has become a time-honored family tradition.
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One of the Midwest’s largest craft cider producers – Vander Mill Cider & Winery – is introducing a new line of canned ciders. Earlier this year, Vander Mill completed a 3500-square-foot, $600,000 expansion at its facility in Spring Lake. This includes the addition of fermentation equipment and a canning system, which will produce 1800 16-ounce cans per hour. In all, owner Paul Vander Heide estimates his 2013 production to top 100,000 gallons.
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Did you know that Michigan has MORE lighthouses than any other state – at more than 115? Many of these beacons are registered as local, state and national historic sites; several operate active keeper programs; a few offer bed-and-breakfast accommodations; and many are rumored to be haunted! What is YOUR favorite Michigan lighthouse?
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