Great Food and Travel.com

Beautiful Benzie County, Michigan, has been on the receiving side for perfect winter weather this season. Cold temperatures and an abundance of snow in Northern Michigan have helped to launch another spectacular winter in a location where snow sports are top notch. Benzie County is the perfect escape for a week or weekend for those who like winter sports and outdoor adventure. New this season are snow mobile rentals to experience 135 miles of groomed natural trails, and dog sled excursions that the entire family can enjoy. These activities along with excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, snowshoeing along the dunes on Lake Michigan's shore, and over 40 kilometers of groomed cross country skiing trails give those who seek winter adventure a chance to see Michigan's beautiful scenery along with their outdoor fun.

According to Mary Carroll, President of Benzie County Visitor's Bureau, "The temperatures and the significant amount of natural snowfall so far this season has contributed to the high quality of snow for such sports as downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling." Brian Lawson, Director of Public Relations for Crystal Mountain adds, "We're skiing and snowboarding on nearly four feet of base and the lake effect snow has provided a nice blanket of powder for the last two weeks. We plan to have all of our downhill terrain open for Christmas weekend and all 40km of our cross-country trails are currently ready to go."

Downhill & Cross Country Skiing

One of Parents Magazine's Ten Best Snow Resorts for Families (2009) and rated #1 Resort in the Midwest by Ski Magazine, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa's conditions for downhill skiing and snowboarding are prime. The resort features 45 downhill slopes and two terrain parks. Led by Ron Shepard, a former Professional Ski Instructors of America examiner from Park City, Utah, Crystal's snowsports school features programs for skiers and snowboarders of every age. Visitors can also experience cross-country skiing along 40 kilometers of groomed trails including those through Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre preserve featuring over 40 outdoor sculptures. The resort also takes pride in being a premier destination for healthy living with a first class fitness center, an extensive list of fitness classes, Peak Performance menu in its restaurants, and Crystal Spa, the Midwest's only LEED-certified spa awarded Favorite Hotel/Resort Spa: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, & Midwest by Spa Magazine and Top Ten: Winter Sports Spa by SpaFinder. Packages can be reserved online at www.crystalmountain.com or by calling 800-968-7686, ext. 5100.

Dog Sledding

Crystal Mountain Resort has partnered with Wiggins' Mountainside Huskies this season to offer a family experience you won't soon forget -- dog sledding. Sleds are pulled by four to six Siberian Huskies along Crystal Mountain's wooded trails. Rides are available on select evenings by advance reservation. 30-minute rides start at $70. For more information about dog sledding excursions, contact Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa at (800) 968-7686 ext. 7000.

Snow Mobile Rentals

Crystal Adventures, located on M-115, just two miles from Crystal Mountain, is offering snow mobile rentals by the day or weekend with prices ranging from $100 for four hours on a non-holiday weekday to $195 for an all day rental during the holidays. Advance reservations are required. Accessories such as helmets can also be rented. Guided snowmobile trips are offered on some dates as well as snowmobile delivery and pick-up for a modest cost. Contact Crystal Adventures at 231-651-9648 for more information.

Benzie County's 135 miles of groomed and challenging snowmobile trails are spread throughout the county in three locations: East of the village of Honor, in Thompsonville, and in Beulah. There are maps showing the trails, as well as, staging areas, available at the Benzie County Visitors Bureau located on US31 in the village of Benzonia. Contact Benzie Country Visitors Bureau at 800-882-5801 or see www.visitbenzie.com/winter-fun--14/

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport and one in which anyone can take part. Snowshoeing doesn't require a lot of advanced training and is a great group activity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some of the most majestic locations for snow shoeing in Benzie County are the Elberta Dunes and Arcadia Dunes along the Lake Michigan Shore.

Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is nearby to the north and a wonderful destination in any season. Old Indian Trail at the National Park is one of the best places to snowshoe. They also offer guided snowshoeing excursions on the weekends during the winter season. Contact Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park at 231-326-5134 for snowshoe tour hours and other information. More information about snowshoeing at www.visitbenzie.com/winter-fun--14/

Ice Fishing

Benzie County has 57 inland lakes, which are perfect for ice fishermen and women. Make arrangements for your fishing shanty at Crystal Adventure at 231-651-9648. Five Corners Store in Beulah, 100 feet from Crystal Lake, offers bait and tackle for ice fishing. When you have to run back to shore for minnows or wigglers, you can walk instead of drive to Five Corners www.fivecornersstore.com . For more information about ice fishing locations, contact Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 800-882-5801.

Benzie County Winter Events

Benzie County Winterfest in Beulah

Beulah, Michigan

February 13, 2010

Wintertime Parade, Frozen Fish Toss & Snowmobile Poker Run

Fishing Contest on frozen Crystal Lake, Iceboat rides, Chili Cook-off and Fireworks at Dusk

Shiver By The River in Frankfort

Frankfort, Michigan

February 19, 20, & 21, 2010

Featuring SnoCross Competition, a Parade, Kids Snow World Play Area, Ice Bowling, and numerous Warming stations with beverages and food.

Benzie County, 30 minutes Southwest of Traverse City, has miles and miles of beaches and dunes, including over 24 miles along Lake Michigan and 57 inland lakes, quaint towns and villages, and is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is one of the most desirable destinations in the state of Michigan for year round vacationing or second home purchases. Benzie County is the smallest county in Michigan and has only one stoplight in the entire county! Whether you're a nature seeker or more adventurous type, Benzie Country offers something for everyone. As you travel its winding roads from village to village, you'll discover natural beauty and abundant winter fun.

Labels: Best Snow Sports locations, Cross Country Skiing, Michigan in Winter, Northern Michigan vacations, Skiing at Crystal Mountain, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports

Many people don't know that there's a beautiful wine country growing in Michigan. I know. I've experienced it this past week. The vineyards of Northwest lower Michigan's Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas are surrounded by water on three sides. The land is hilly and picturesque with farms and trees and long distance views of big water - Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. The landscape is beautiful and the people who grow the wine are passionate about their craft. They're very down to earth and interested in having you experience their prize wines. They worry and wonder about who will come, who will know all that they have been doing to create a prize winning "terrior", an area which produces fine wine. It's taken a while for this wine region to develop. Lee Lutes is the winemaker at Black Star Farms, one of the largest wineries in the area. "The reason our vineyards are now ready to blossom is that we've been a work in progress for a long time. Now our vineyards are reaching their maturity. We have some winemakers here that are committed to their craft and are staying here no matter what. That makes all of the difference."

Shawn Walters is a handsome young wizard known as the "bad boy" of the wine scene on the Leelanau Peninsula. Walter is the official wine maker at the new 45 North winery in Lake Leelanau and has been around the "wine block". He started at Leelanau Wine Cellars and studied under Lee Lutes at Black Star Farms. He's innovative, creative and has produced 16 gold medal winning wines. He knows the potential for Michigan wines and wants to be "at the table" as the Northern Michigan wineries mature. During the past year he has worked with area wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula to send some of the best juice - 5 tons of Leelanau Peninsula Reisling - to California to be bottled under the "Janna" name which is in the family of prestigious "Scott Harvey" wines. Michigan wines are now poised to be recognized by national consumers as exceptional boutique wines.

Many of the Michigan wines produced sell out before the season is over. If you want to experience some of the best wines Michigan has to offer, you'll have to be there as they are released for sale this spring and summer. Some of the best red wines from the 2007 growing season will be offered as well as the favored whites that have been making the mark for some time. According to Michigan vintners spring, summer and fall 2007 offered superb weather conditions better than any season that the Michigan vintners have seen and the reds sold this summer will be among the best ever. With the maturity of the vineyards now in their fifteenth year, this year looks better than ever before for Michigan wines.

Look for the Gills Pier 2007 Cabernet Franc Merlot available in July by bottle ($30), liters and magnums under a special commemorative label. It will only be sold out of their Northport tasting room location. Try Black Star Farm's Arturos 2007 Pinot Noir for a red that is smooth and memorable. In whites, look for the dry Reislings from any of the Leelanau Peninsula wineries. Black Star Farm's Arturos label Dry Reisling and the Dry Reisling from Chateau Fontaine are both rich and fruity with lasting presence in each sip.

Most of all I recommend a spring, summer or fall wine tour. Make that multiple wine tours of the Michigan wineries on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.

There's a lot more to talk about in the Northern region of lower Michigan. Both Leelanau and Old Mission are developing. However, we hope they will stay farm quaint and picturesque largely due to the efforts of their main industry - wine.

Suggested Itineries:

On the Leelanau Peninsula visit seventeen different wineries: Most open daily beginning in May. See Leelanau Penisula Wineries for a wine trail map of the area.

For Luxury

The Inn at Black Star Farms

Includes full gourmet breakfast, complimentary bottle of Red House Wine, Special Reserve Tasting in Tasting Room, Hospitality hour with wine and hors d'oeuvres, 10% off wine

Dinner at Black Star Farms available weekends with gourmet entrees, appetizer, salad and dessert in an intimate setting.

For Comfort

Korner Kottage in Sutton's Bay

Includes breakfast made with locally grown ingredients.

Restaurants:

La Becasse a French Country Restaurant hosted by French Chef

Trattoria Funistrada Excellent Italian Cuisine

On the Old Mission Peninsula visit seven wineries: Most open daily. See Wineries of Old Mission for a wine trail map of the area.

For Luxury

Tamarack Lodge

Luxury condo resort onÂ the Grand Traverse Bay

Wellington Inn