It’s no secret that I LOVE Michigan wine…and while I’m partial to sweeter Rieslings, I have a growing fondness for Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. I think one of the reasons I’m so drawn to the local wines is that in most instances, I know the winemakers personally.
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Reserve Wine & Food’s Executive Chef, Matthew Millar, has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation “Best Chef: Great Lakes Region” Award. He is one of only three Michigan chefs to make the list this year; the two other chefs are from the Metro Detroit area. This year’s list of 424 semifinalists was assembled from more than 57,000 online entries – more than double the 28,000 submissions received last year.
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Even though we haven’t had a traditional “winter” here in Michigan the past few months, the true spring season is just around the corner. It’s a time of rebirth and growth – of new awakenings and fresh colors. One of the state’s most active promoters of the spring season, Joe Breidenstein, worked endlessly to get the state legislature to introduce a resolution designating the last week of April as Springtime Splendor Week.
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Grand Rapids hotels are taking action to end breast cancer — and you can help! When you book one of the Experience Pink hotel packages, your hotel will donate $3 to the Susan G. Komen of West Michigan. This pink-thinking charity works tirelessly “for the cure” — an end to breast cancer. So far, more than a dozen hotels around Kent County are participating.
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Without question, there are hundreds…thousands of things to love about Pure Michigan! From coast to coast to coast, through rural countrysides and in thriving urban centers, the Great Lakes State delivers countless destinations and products that you’ll love to explore in the month of February!
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Michigan has a longstanding history of crafting worldclass beverages. The state’s wineries and craft breweries have been gaining international attention for their diverse products. And now distillers are getting into the game with an array of spirits — from vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, and bourbon to a unique innovation known as Hopquila. Here’s a taste of who’s who, and who’s new.
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The Homestead announced today that it is taking strong steps to encourage families to ski and ride – kids 17 and under will ski and ride free.
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As we move into a new year, I put out a challenge to all Michigan residents and visitors alike to look around our fine Great Lakes State and discover all the hidden gems that make it such a great place to live, work and play! Here are 12 ideas to get you started…
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Chocolate martini or chocolate quesadilla? Sample both at the 4th Annual Chocolate Covered Boyne, Feb. 10-11. Pick up discounts on cocoa-flavored treats, themed jewelry, specialty cookbooks and more at 30-plus sweet spots.
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Trains have played a key role in the establishment of many of Michigan’s historic tourist towns. Today, excursions trains offer a different kind of traveler experience – especially during the holiday season.
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“Beer and chocolate make wonderful bedfellows,” says Fred Bueltmann, Beervangelist at New Holland Brewing Company. “Both delight us with a symphony of roastiness, creaminess, bitterness and sweetness.”
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Being described “cold as ice” is a compliment for Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield, owners of Ice Sculptures Ltd., in Grand Rapids – and stars of the Food Network’s show Ice Brigade. The two proudly wield chainsaws, picks, saws and other household tools to carve up intricate works of art displayed at weddings, corporate outings, charity functions, community festivals and basically any other venue or event where there’s an audience.
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In the 1800s when crews began building wooden bridges to cross the rivers and streams around Michigan, they thought it would be easier to add sides and a roof to protect the floorboards as opposed to getting into the flowing water below to replace the basewood. As such, dozens of covered bridges began sprouting up over rivers and streams around the state of Michigan. You are invited to explore these historic structures on your next fall color tour.
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