In Search of S’mores

One of the best things about summer in Michigan is gathering around the campfire with a group of family or friends – enjoying song, stories and s’mores!

Just where and when did s’mores come from? The word is condensed version of the phrase “Some More” – a dessert first introduced by the Girl Scouts in the 1920s. The first recorded appearance of a s’more recipe can be found in the 1927 “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts”

Throughout the state of Michigan, many resorts and restaurants are serving up these tasty treats for families to savor!

RESORTS

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme is planning its first ever S’mores Fest – June 13-15. During the weekend, the Resort will serve s’mores in many different forms – as well as foods and beverages with a s’mores twist and activities with a s’mores theme for you and old alike. All activities are exclusively for resort guests. The Resort’s talented pastry chef, Stephanie Elwell – who has built a strong reputation for crafting delicious, unique and artful desserts – will serve as the official host chef and judge of “The S’mores Awards” during the weekend. A list of weekend events is listed on the Resort’s website.

The Homestead in Glen Arbor hosts “Songs, Stories & S’Mores” – held from the end of June through the end of August, which includes a chairlift ride to the top of Bay Mountain and toe-tapping song singing, local ghost stories and a bonfire with S’mores. Families can also enjoy s’mores tableside at Beppi’s restaurant.

Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel offers complimentary s’mores at the Jockey Club every evening throughout the summer. Guests will find all of the utensils and ingredients available to roast marshmallows on the chimenea – a freestanding, front-loading fireplace.

Making s’mores around the campfire is a big part of the Campfire Kids program at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. Youngsters ages 4-12 spend the afternoon hiking the nature trails, participating in field games and taking part in arts and crafts, and at the end of the evening they gather to roast hot dogs and make s’mores. Guests can also find plenty of s’more supplies at the Little Betsie Bistro & Grocery.

You are invited to relax by the bonfire this summer on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (6-9pm) and make yummy s’mores at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls. The bonfire is located on the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa lawn and the area is a great spot for watching the zipliners come in for landing. Then, at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, “Bonfire and S’mores” are offered Thursday through Saturday nights, from 7-10pm around the Main Lodge firepit.

As the sun sets over Lake Bellaire, guests of Shanty Creek Resorts play lawn games, enjoy a bonfire with s’mores, and enjoy family-friendly movies on an 18-foot inflatable screen at dusk every Saturday night June 21 – August 30 atop Summit Mountain behind the Lakeview Hotel & Conference Center. S’mores kits are available at the Lakeview Hotel’s front desk.

At Tamarack Lodge in Traverse City, s’mores are a nightly ritual during the bonfires on the beach. Families can purchase s’more kits from the front desk, then settle in along Grand Traverse Bay to watch the sun set and enjoy the evening sounds roll in.

There’s a good old fashioned fire pit near the onsite RV park at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman – a frequent hang out for family socializing and s’more making.

RESTAURANTS, WINERIES & BREWERIES

An indulgent for the entire table, the wood fired toasted s’more at Salt of the Earth in Fennville is mouthwatering delicious. A large homemade marshmallow covers a graham cracker crumb cake filled with milk chocolate pudding and dusted with salted caramel atop.

The Filling Station in Traverse City serves up a S’more Caboose – a pizza crust covered with nutella spread, marshmallows, crushed graham crackers and chocolate and caramel drizzle, then roasted to perfection!

One of the more unique beers at Short’s Brewing in Bellaire is the S’mores Stout – a complex beverage brewed with graham cracker, milk chocolate, marshmallow and smoked malt. According to the label, “the rich hearty flavors seem to take their turn as the subtle graham aromas lead pleasantly into sweet flavors of marshmallow cream covered in milk chocolate. All is followed by a slight lingering flavor of smoke when you add a flaming marshmallow garnish, which is strongly encouraged.”

Smoreleaux is a delicious red wine available from Founders Wine Cellar in Baroda. Inspired by fond memories of time around the campfire, this wine goes well with graham crackers and chocolate. It is packaged in a whimsical bottle, perfect for gift giving or sharing with friends.

Save the date…National S’mores Day is celebrated yearly on August 10.

This article first appeared in the summer 2013 issue of Michigan HOME & Lifestyle Magazine. Edits have been made to the original document.

Safe Travels!