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- September 2011 -
Media story tips in this issue: 

• WHAT'S NEW
  
• LOOKING AHEAD - LONG LEADS
  
• MICHIGAN'S BBQ CHALLENGE
  
• FISHING FOR FALL FESTIVALS
  
• THIS SHOW ROCKS
  
• BOO IN THE SOO
  
• APPLE TRAILS TO YOU
  
• SNOWBIRDS' REST STOP
  
• NOW EAR THIS
  
• ZIP IT
  

• HOLLAND HO-HO-HO: Each December Sinterklaas, aka St. Nicholas, rides into Holland on a great white horse in an evening procession through the West Michigan city. He arrives at Kerstmarkt, the Dutch Holiday marketplace, where he greets good little boys and girls and adds to this taste of Christmas in the Netherlands.
• CINEMA GOLD: The Ann Arbor Film Festival was a pioneer in recognizing and showcasing experimental and independent cinema when it was launched in 1963 at the University of Michigan. The second oldest annual festival in North America celebrates its 50th anniversary March 27-April 1, 2012.

MICHIGAN'S BBQ CHALLENGE

Apples and barbecue add up to a sweet and savory fall event at the annual Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Cook-Off Festival at Silver Lake Sand Dunes between Muskegon and Ludington, September 9-10. Rib eating and apple pie baking contests, bluegrass music, dune buggy show, farmer’s market, craft show and the King of the Dunes Backyard BBQ competition accompany the main event, the State Championship Professional BBQ Cook-off. For great apple recipes and barbecue tips, give us a call.

FISHING FOR FALL FESTIVALS

Salmon fishing is just one of the many fall festivities in Michigan, and is celebrated at the Grand Haven Salmon Festival September 16-18. Enjoy the sounds of live jazz, the sight of a fine art fair and the mouth-watering tastes during the Fresh Catch Fish Boil, complemented with Michigan wine and beer tastings. For a little activity, take part in the grape stomp or the granddaddy event, the Big King Salmon Fishing Tournament. Throw us a line for more information.

THIS SHOW ROCKS

Thanks to popular demand, the Upper Peninsula’s Muskallonge Lake State Park has expanded its annual Rock On with Lake Superior Agates rock show into a two-day weekend event. Now in its fourth year, the program is dedicated to Lake Superior agate collectors and enthusiasts alike. Taking place September 17-18, attendees can view collections, take in presentations on Lake Superior geology and agate formation, and watch as lapidaries cut and polish stones. In addition there will be kids’ games, food, and live music to enjoy. They say a rolling stone gathers no moss, so get a move on to check out this rock show.

BOO IN THE SOO

Sault Ste. Marie claims to be the place where Michigan was born, and with a rich history comes many stories. Visitors can take a tour unlike any other on the Lantern Light Mystery Tour and Ghost Walk. Guides will share stories of ghost ships and show haunted buildings, hidden tunnels, and perhaps a few bumps in the night. Tours start and finish at the Soo Locks Visitor Center across from The Haunted Depot (of course!) and are typically offered Tuesday – Sunday throughout September, although the schedule does vary. We can’t promise to leave a light on for you, but we’ll guide you to where to find more on this eerie encounter.

APPLE TRAILS TO YOU

Johnny Appleseed would be proud of Michigan’s largest and most valuable fruit crop with an economic impact of $700 million annually. Grown on 37,000 acres by 950 family-run farms, more than 20 million bushels of apples are harvested every year. New this year is the MI Apple Trail (pronounced MY) that features super-sized apples decorated by local artists. Twenty Farmers Markets throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Genesee Counties have been given an apple to decorate and display at their markets until they are all moved to Detroit’s Eastern Market for display and auction on October 14. To take a big bite of our apple news, from how visitors can vote for their favorite super-sized apple to cider mills, farms and orchards to visit, give us a call. Also this year Robinette’s Apple Haus in Grand Rapids is celebrating its 100th anniversary; visitors can enjoy home-grown fruits, fresh cider from the mill, a corn maze, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Adults can sample new vintages at the on-site winery, too.

SNOWBIRDS' REST STOP

They can stand 5 feet tall, and have a wingspan of 7 feet. Each autumn thousands of Michigan’s largest birds pause at Baker Sanctuary in Calhoun County en route to their winter home in Florida. On one special weekend birders flock to see incredible numbers of these creatures during the Sandhill Crane and Art Festival, featuring viewing of the “fly-in,” guided nature walks, and wildlife-themed art show. To speak with an expert about the October 7-9 CraneFest, give us a chirp.

NOW EAR THIS

When the corn is as high as an elephant’s eye it’s Corn Maze time at dozens of Michigan farms where you’ll find wide pathways cut through fields of 10’ high stalks to create intricate, dimensional puzzles. Designs, ranging in size from 4 to 20 acres, might be a pirate ship or barnyard scene; one farm is featuring a pumpkin patch with the Pure Michigan logo. Contact us for amazing info.

ZIP IT

The Midwest’s largest zip line adventure park has more than 7,000 feet of zip lines near Boyne City. Certified guides explain details of the forest ecology and area history. Full canopy tours will be 2-1/2 hours in length, with cool suspension bridges, tree-to- tree platforms and amazing views of Lake Charlevoix. Adventure seekers can also opt for a climbing wall and winter ice climbing. A Petoskey stone “mine” is available where guests are guaranteed of finding the elusive fossil. Call us if you would like to heighten your travel story ideas.