Approaching Spring by mayerdavid1978

Our Michigan event calendar for the month of March features all kinds of signs that spring is just around the corner with some cautious reminders that objects around the corner may be further off than they appear.

Quotes

"March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes
and a laugh in her voice." - Hal Borland

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens

"Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn." - Lewis Grizzard

"Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson

"Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!" - Robin Williams

Fast Facts
March's birthstone is Aquamarine and Bloodstone. They symbolize courage.

Its birth flower is the Narcissus.

March in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of September in the Northern Hemisphere.

Daylight-Savings time occurs on March 14, 2010, at 2:00 a.m.. Time to spring ahead!

Think spring! The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, 2010 at 1:32 PM EDT.

Things to Do, Places to Go

March 1 - April 30
Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming - Grand Rapids
Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming is Meijer Gardens most popular annual exhibition and the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation. March 1–April 30, visitors can escape the Michigan winter and mingle with more than 6,000 tropical butterflies flying free in the 15,000-square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

March 4 - 7
Metro Times Blowout - Hamtramck
Metro Times presents the 13th annual BLOWOUT music festival. BLOWOUT showcases over 200 of metro Detroit's most influential, unique and celebrated bands, djs and solo artists. These 200 acts perform at 15 venues over 4 nights creating the largest local music festival in the U.S. Past performers include: Eminem, The White Stripes, The Von Bondies, The Hard Lessons, The Sights, The Go, His Name is Alive, Obie Trice, The Dirtbombs, Detroit Grand Pubahs, Howling Diablos, Paradime, Motor City R&B Pioneers, Blanche, The Detroit Cobras and many more.

March 4 - 7
West Michigan Home & Garden Show - Grand Rapids
West Michigan's largest Home & Garden show is back and better than ever! Over a dozen gardens, three free seminar stages, floral arrangement classes and a standard flower show, plus tons of other attractions you can't miss! With over 350 exhibitors featuring every product and service you'll ever need for your home, garden or landscaping, all under one roof, this is the show to attend!

March 5 - 7
The Michigan Golf Show - Novi
This year marks the 19th anniversary of the largest consumer golf show in the nation.
Come experience the best golf deals in the Midwest. The Michigan Golf Show kicks off the golf season highlighting over 400 exhibitors with great deals on every aspect of the golf game! Retailers! Resorts! Travel Destinations! Over 100 Michigan Golf Courses! And a variety of "hands-on" activities will get you ready for this season.

March 6
Quiet Water Symposium - East Lansing
The Quiet Water Symposium celebrates non-motorized outdoor recreation and a shared concern for our Great Lakes Environment. At the Symposium visitors will find presentations by world famous authors, photographers, and expedition travelers. Other presentations may cover skills, safety, local and distant destinations. There may be presentations on bicycling, sailing, diving, and history.

March 6 & 7
Detroit Kennel Club Benched Dog Shows - Detroit
The DKC is one of just six American Kennel Club benched shows in the United States. The overwhelming majority of dog shows are unbenched, at which dogs are judged at an appointed time, then are free to leave the show grounds. At a benched show such as the DKC, dogs stay on the bench with their owners for the entire day when they are not in the ring. This means that the public has a rare opportunity to meet with just about every breed of dog, chat with the owners, and consult with breeders to discover which breed is right for them. Since almost everyone loves to talk about his or her dog, breeders are more than happy to share information with those interested in their particular breed. And almost all of the dogs enjoy the extra attention they receive from the spectators.

March 13
Annual Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon - Calumet
A laid-back, skier-oriented weekend in Calumet on the beautiful Keewanau Peninsula. You can choose between 26-km and 50km distances including a separate category for 26-km classic skiers. The Junior Bear Chase is a youth Nordic ski race for skiiers up to 16-years-old.

March 13
Brew-Ski Festival - Harbor Springs
Suds and snow. Is there a better combination? Our first annual Brew-Ski Festival features 100+ craft brews, entertainment and an evening of parties. We'll be pitching a big ole' tent at the base of the slopes where you and friends can purchase tickets and sample a variety of brews. The frothy samples are served up by brewery representatives while you enjoy music, brats and spring conditions.

March 12 - 14
Flushing Walleye Festival - Flushing
The event features:

• Outdoor Show Exhibits

• Fish Fry
• Trout Pond
• Outdoor Show
• Firefighter’s Pancake Breakfast
• Guest Speakers
• Texas Hold’em Tournament/Poker Night
• Youth Group
• Chili Cook-off

March 16
St. Patrick's Day Parade - Detroit
Sponsored by the United Irish Societies in metro Detroit, the parade runs along Michigan Avenue in the area known as "Corktown", so called because of the many immigrants that came and settled here from County Cork. The parade travels down a dozen or so blocks passing by historic Tiger Stadium and the Gaelic League/Irish American Club.

March 18 - 21
Lansing Home & Garden Show - East Lansing
The strongest Home & Garden show in the Mid-Michigan area fills the MSU Pavilion on the campus of Michigan State University. Incredible gardens, extensive landscaping projects, a Standard Flower Show and three free seminar stages surround hundreds of exhibits featuring construction, remodeling, kitchens & baths, retail garden centers, pools and spas and home services.

March 18 - 21
Ultimate Sport and RV Show - Grand Rapids
Michigan's finest tradition for the avid fisherman, hunter or outdoor loving family! Over 350 exhibitors will be at the show with the latest outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. The features are famous: World Class Taxidermy, Antique Lures, Trout Pond, Woodcarvers, Pellet Range, Fishing Simulator, Rock Wall and Fly Casting Instruction. Nearly 100 fishing and hunting semainrs will be held on 4 stages, including "Lake Ultimate," the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. Michigan sportsmen never miss it!

March 19 - 21
Carnival Weekend at Boyne - Boyne Falls
It's party time once again. Boyne Mountain pulls out all the stops as Mardi Gras moves north for the weekend. How can I get some of those beads you ask, come to Boyne Mountain and find out. Bands, costume competitions, the slush cup and parties all over the resort make this a weekend to remember. You might want to plan on using a sick day for Monday.

March 20
Krazy Daze at Boyne - Harbor Springs
Fun for the whole family awaits during this spring tradition. Kid's events include a Silly Slalom, costume judging, Nastar and more. Is it true they build a pond and let people ski and snowboard across? You bet it's true. So dress up or dress down, just make sure to be a part of the fun.

March 20 - 21
Kalamazoo Living History Show - Kalamazoo
The largest, nationally recognized, juried show in the Midwest devoted to pre-1890 original or reproduction living history supplies, accouterments and related crafts. More than 10,000 historical re-enactors from pre-Revolutionary through the Civil War, history buffs, collectors, and the general public from 18 states and Canada come together for a festive weekend to buy, sell and trade. The event attracts over 270 of the finest craftsman and dealers of living history supplies and related crafts from throughout the United States.

March 23 - 28
Ann Arbor Film Festival - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is internationally recognized as a premiere showcase for creative, inspiring, and influential films of all types: avant-garde and experimental, story-based narratives, documentaries, and animation. As the longest-running film festival of its kind in North America, the AAFF is steeped in a rich tradition of ground-breaking cinema.

Did we get them all? Not likely!! Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

Video from the 2008 Winter Beer Festival in Grand Rapids

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. - Confucius by Church of One

The day for lovers, sweethearts, paramours and chocoholics is drawing near. Like it, love it, or hate it, Valentine's Day has become an annual tradition. Such a tradition, that according to the Greeting Card Association, over one billion valentines will be given out, and eighty five percent of those by women.

As you celebrate the holiday, consider making your day special with something from Michigan. There's plenty of delicious Valentine's Day recipes from Pure Michigan at Michigan.org. The Food Network also offers up some culinary advice on the 'Holiday's & Parties' section of their website. Lansing's WLNS CBS channel 6 website has a complete Valentine Day section on their website. Over at mlive.com you can check out "Valentine's Day is perfect for creating fun foods with kids".

Of course, if you're looking for something to compliment that tasty treat, consider the MDA's Wine Recommendations for that special day. According to the Wine Market Council and Merrill Research, a whopping 95 percent of wine drinkers agree that wine makes a perfect gift and 50% of both men and women said they would rather receive wine of Valentine’s Day, compared with 41% who preferred a box of chocolates. You can't go wrong with a Michigan wine!

Pure Michigan has put together a great selection of Romantic Escapes in Michigan. Their getaways and packages are perfect for couples who are looking to get away from it all (but not each other). Join the wineries of Leelanau, Old Mission & Traverse City for the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Winter Wine Wonderland at the Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest at the Grand Traverse Resort for a celebration of wine, gourmet desserts, art & fun this Valentines Day.

Get a whole ton more events for the Valentine's Day/President's Day Weekend via Pure Michigan.

If you're left scratching your head over what to buy him or her, be sure to check out 'In tough times, Cupids can shoot for a bargain Valentine's Day' from The Detroit News or from WLNS.com, 'Valentine's Day Gift Giving Guide' for that perfect gift!

Don't forget the furry friends in your life, be a homeless pet's Valentine. WXYZ-TV 7 in Detroit is hosting their Annual Valentine's Day Telethon to support the Michigan Humane Society. Tune in or donate online!

If that's not enough and you really want to get your Valentine on, check out Absolute Michigan keyword Valentine for food & gift ideas.

For a little eye candy, you should check out the Valentine slideshow from the Absolute Michigan flickr pool!

We also have a large number of Michigan web sites to check out (though if we're missing one, be sure to add a link to it).

Flowers & Florists … say it with flowers

Chocolate … there's also candy companies

Candles … lighting the way for romance for thousands of years

Jewelry … silver & gold, platinum and bronze, pick your favorite.

Wow, you actually made it to the end of this post!

Now head over to NPR and check out their article 'Listeners Pick Love Songs for Valentine's Day'....

Taste the Passion ~ Wine, Chocolate & Love - February 6 & 7, 2010

This special weekend celebrates wine, chocolate and love in anticipation of Valentine's Day! The combination of winter's beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasures of life always makes for wonderful weekend. Then the fun begins on Saturday as participants head to their first winery stop to collect a souvenir glass and continues with special pours and decadent chocolate treats and other offerings at wineries between the hours of 11am and 5pm on Saturday, and Noon and 5pm on Sunday. To add to the weekend's festivities, several of the wineries will hold special events and activities exclusively for "Taste the Passion" ticket holders to celebrate the beauty and fun to be had in this winter wonderland. On Friday night (Feb 5) at Mountain Flowers Lodge from 6-8pm, the Homestead Resort and Glen Arbor Artists will be hosting "Art from Michigan's Wine Coast." Art will be on display and for sale from local artists.

Video from Taste the Passion 2009!

Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Winter Wine Wonderland - February 14, 2010

The public is invited to experience the fun and romance of local wine, desserts, art, music, and Valentine’s Day at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa during the Winter Wine Wonderland - a celebration of wine, gourmet desserts, and art. The event is the winter version of the popular Traverse City Wine & Art Festival held annually in August.

The Winter Wine Wonderland will take place on Sunday, February 14, from 3 to 8 p.m. in a large heated tent located next to the Resort’s Clubhouse. Approximately 20 wineries from Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, and Traverse City will offer tastings of a variety of white, red, and sparkling wines, plus ice wine and mulled wine.

The festival will also feature a unique musical experience. The New Third Coast will provide backing for a select group of Northern Michigan musicians singing love songs. Musicians include Ingemar & Lisa Johansson, Jay Webber, Elizabeth Rivers, Janice Keegan and Claudia Schmidt. Also on hand will be the Beach Bards who will perform some love poems.

For more information on the author and to get information on purchasing the book as well as a schedule of appearances visit his website.

The Michigan Notable Books program annually selects 20 of the most notable books published in the year. The selections are reflective of Michigan's diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experience. You can click to view more Notable Books featured on Absolute Michigan and learn more about the program at www.michigan.gov/notablebooks.

Dan #1 by radiospike photography

Tip Up Town USA has come to be the very description of winter fun and enjoyment for the whole family at Houghton Lake. Thousands of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and neighboring residents return each year to see this largest Winter Festival in Michigan, held annually the last two weekends in January. Whatever the weather, TUT will be fun, fun, fun all the way. There will be all the usual popular attractions - the carnival, parade, Polar Bear Dip, Family Fun Tent, Beverage Tent, crazy games and more! Plus, the Ice Fishing contests will be bigger and better than ever and we're adding Broomball this year!

For more than 20 years, TUT USA has been acclaimed among the top ten festivals in the nation. In 1963, the United States Chamber of Commerce acclaimed it the seventh largest winter activity in the month of January in the United States. Approximately 80,000 people turned out during the past festivals to enjoy the results of hundreds of hours work put in by individual volunteers and various community committees.

YouTube has a slew of videos showcasing the good times to be had at Tip Up Town USA such as this one from WildWeekendTV.com.

Byron Goggin and the Wild Weekend Adventure crew find insanity at its best! Strip down to your drawers and jump into a hole cut in the ice. Can you say "Scared Turtle".

How to get there....

View Larger Map

Book news and reviews from The Plain Dealer has a glowing review titled 'Bonnie Jo Campbell's 'American Salvage' will rattle your bones in 14 collected stories that form one of the best books of the year'.

For more information on the author visit her website. For a full schedule of readings and workshops, visit http://americansalvagestories.blogspot.com/.

finalistread f campbell from National Book Foundation on Vimeo.

The Michigan Notable Books program annually selects 20 of the most notable books published in the year. The selections are reflective of Michigan's diverse ethnic, historical, literary, and cultural experience. You can click to view more Notable Books featured on Absolute Michigan and learn more about the program at www.michigan.gov/notablebooks.

This holiday we thought we’d record a couple of Christmas songs with this talented group of friends to share with you all. It’s a project we’ve all talked about for years, but something about 2009 made us all a little more thankful than ever for each other and spurred us to action. Maybe it’s the ugly economy, an uglier war, the ugliest Detroit Lions…swine flu, who knows. Perhaps it was simply an excuse to make time out of our increasingly busy lives to celebrate our friendships and simply be together.

Happy holidays from Absolute Michigan!

Coaching philosophy - Via Wikipedia

Izzo's teams are known for guard play, toughness and rebounding. Izzo got attention when people learned of his "war" rebounding drills, in which the players have sometimes worn football helmets and shoulder pads. His motto is "Players Play – Tough Players Win". His other coaching philosophy is that "he doesn't determine playing time, players do."

We’ll play anybody, anyplace, anytime. It doesn’t matter, morning, noon or night, and it doesn’t matter who it is.
—Tom Izzo

For more on his record breakiing accomplishment check out:

Izzo becomes MSU's all-time wins leader as Spartans blitz UMass 106-68 - The State News

Spartans blow out Minutemen - Freep.com

Izzo becomes MSU's winningest coach as Spartans rout UMass - USA Today

Izzo tops MSU win list in 106-68 win over UMass - Sports Illustrated

Izzo sets school record for wins as Spartans down Minutemen - ESPN.com

Coach Izzo is a ringer for the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame so via ESPN.com we wanted to point you to their video your of Izzo's MSU memorabilia collection at his home in East Lansing.

Just to keep the MSU coach grounded we present via YouTube: MSU Basketball Coach Tom Izzo Goes to Broadway

Photo by Cherie S.

Think Globally, Shop Locally with our Michigan Holiday Gift Guide, designed to help you find the perfect Michigan gifts online or off. Feel free to add your Michigan based gift suggestions in the comments section below!

The photo in this post was taken by Cherie S. and is titled "Don't worry about the past, rejoice in the present and have hope for the future." Words to live by....

Art, Books & Music
Fire Center Studio - Ishpeming, MI
Savu has owned Fire Center Studio in Ishpeming, Michigan since 1987. While her painting and illustration is done out of her studio, her work sells in galleries and gift stores throughout northern Michigan and the midwest. Her primary gallery retailer is Michigamme Moonshine Gallery in Michigamme, Michigan. Savu's 'Colours of Home' annual collectible calendar series is available at bookstores and gift shops throughout the midwest as well as on website.

Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Craft - East Lansing
Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Craft, a gallery of fine craft located in East Lansing, Michigan. Owners Tom and Linda Dufelmeier created a format for the Gallery that includes an exhibit space featuring individual artists in shows that last for approximately two months. The works of art are presented in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere allowing people from all backgrounds an opportunity to experience thought-provoking imagery by a single artist. The larger portion of the Gallery includes an eclectic selection of paper products, blown glass, jewelry, fiber, ceramics, garden accessories, fine woodworking, furniture, and lighting chosen for excellence in design and function.

Brian Vander Ark Music - Grand Rapids, MI
The lead singer of the Verve Pipe and author of the hit song "The Freshmen", Brian has just released his debut solo CD "Resurrection".

Fork in the Road by Eric Villegas
The new cookbook Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas (Huron River Press) is a companion to Chef Eric's award-winning national PBS cooking show of the same title. The 192-page, hard cover, book is filled with gorgeous food & other photography that sweeps you across the magical mitten, the great state of Michigan. From north to south and east to west Chef Villegas covers the great agricultural heritage of the state in his sumptuous recipes.

Pewabic Pottery - Detroit, MI
Pewabic Pottery is a living treasure and offers visitors an exciting glimpse of a little known part of American history. Founded in 1903 during the Arts & Crafts Movement, Pewabic is nationally renowned for its tile and pottery in unique glazes. Today it is a non profit ceramic art education center which welcomes 70,000 visitors annually.

Ducksicle - Detroit, MI
Detroit's only Chilled Poultry Rock quartet starring Tony, Helmut, Erica and the fantastischen Erik Jensen.

Elderly Instruments - Lansing, MI
The best music is the kind you make yourself and Michigan's largest instrument seller has a wide range of instruments and accessories for the accomplished or novice musician.

Heritage Guitar Inc. - Kalamazoo, MI
Heritage manufacturers Custom Carved Hollow Body Guitars, Semi Hollow Body Guitars, and Solid Body Guitars. This is to say nothing of the countless number of custom instruments made in each of the groups previously mentioned. Banjos, Mandolins, Flat Tops, and Basses, are no longer being produced because of the demand for the guitars mentioned in the above 3 categories.

From the Vine - Exploring Michigan Wineries
Get the only book that celebrates Michigan wine country, wines and winemakers with intriguing behind-the-scene stories, beautiful photographs and interesting side features (192 page, hard-cover book).

Harry Goldson - Suttons Bay, MI
Harry says that music is now more fun than ever, because now he is playing what he wants to play in a way he thinks it should sound, and what a sound it is! Harry's eighth album Flirtations is now available.

Earthwork Music
The Earthwork Music collective believes in the intrinsic and historical power of music to raise both community and self-awareness and serves to facilitate and encourage original music in the state of Michigan and beyond. Give Michigan music!

Glenn Wolff Studio - Traverse City, MI
Welcome to the Glenn Wolff Studio Store. The shelves are stocked with prints, original art, and music by Glenn and a few friends. Come on in and look around. We never close, and we are offering free shipping for the month of December.

Log Art Inc - Boyne City, MI
Welcome to Log Art Inc.'s Gallery which features samples of our line of fine-crafted rustic furniture and accessories. This sampling will give you a sense of the impeccable quality and craftsmanship that have come to be our trademark, "Lodge Look of Northern Michigan." Our design and building skills are of heirloom quality and the finest made in Michigan. We welcome custom orders and enjoy working with our clients to help build their dreams.

The Art of Karen M Smith - Lapeer, MI
Original paintings are available on this website, and listed for auction on Ebay. Many paintings available at Gallery 194 in downtown Lapeer.

Michigan History Magazine - Lansing, MI
Published since 1917, Michigan History is about and a part of Michigan's fascinating past. Every colorful 64-page issue tells the exciting stories of Michigan people and their impact on their communities, the nation and the world. Michigan History overflows with intriguing feature articles, bold illustrations and departments highlighting history-related books, travel and events six time each year.

Hollander's - Ann Arbor, MI
Since 1991, when the store first opened, Hollander's has become one of the leading and largest sources in the country for unique decorative papers and bookbinding supplies. It is also well known for its outstanding offerings in book and paper arts workshops. In addition, Hollander's has grown as a retail store, specializing in stationery items ranging from journals and photo albums to cards and unique gifts.

Nature's Way Woodworking - Alberta, MI
We design beautiful furniture and gifts made with rare birdseye maple wood. Our fine hand crafted items are locally made in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, by our very own wood turning and wood designer expert: Dave Stimac. One look at our quality wooden gifts and accessories will bring you back again and again to see what's new in our latest line of weather instruments, barometers, clocks, dining room sets and kitchen items. Each item is a one-of-a kind work of art that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Clothing & Jewelry
Yooper Steez - Marquette, MI
Steez: Style with ease! We believe everyone who lives in the U.P., or loves the U.P., should have a cool U.P. t-shirt. The way we see it, it doesn’t need words. Take the Nike logo for example, they don’t have “Just do it” under the swoosh. And the U.P. is the same. It has enough presence to stand on it’s own. In our opinion we expect people to recognize it, we shouldn’t have to tell them, they should know!

Aurora Borealis Designs - Leland, MI
Aurora Borealis Designs of Leland, Michigan hand crafts unique jewelry from beach glass, beach stones and silver.

Kathy Fagan Handbags - Okemos, MI
Welcome to Kathy Fagan Handbags—chic and charming bags for every occasion. Individually designed and handcrafted, each handbag exudes elegance and a touch of cheeky charm. Indulge in the chillier seasons' most crucial and decadent accessory, the fur handbag. Made from vintage and new fur pieces, each bag is one-of-a-kind—they are true collectors’ items.

baabaaZuzu - Lake Leelanau, MI
Hats, mittens, scarves, jackets, purses and bags, posy pins, christmas stockings and more are handcrafted in beautiful recycled wool... each a work of art.

Pure Detroit - Detroit, MI
Authentic Detroit apparel + unique gifts that represent the 313. Spend an afternoon and shop in the City. Each Pure Detroit store is located in Detroit's most architecturally significant buildings - the Fisher Building, the Guardian Building and GM Renaissance Center.

Catherine Doll - Sawyer, MI
Located in the popular Harbor Country of southwest Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Catherine Doll is 80 miles from downtown Chicago. Sustainable fashion created from repurposed clothing - overdyed, pieced, crushed, tied, clamped, taken apart and put back together again. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.

Food, Dining & Drink
Zingerman's - Ann Arbor, MI
Send great food anywhere in America. Gift boxes of bread, cheese, pastry, olive oil, vinegar and more. You really can taste the difference.

Jampot - Eagle River, MI
Jampot is closed for the season. However, they currently have a full selection of jams,jellies, fruitcakes and truffles available for immediate shipping and the Christmas mail order season.

Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry - Dewitt, MI
Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry is a charming bakery cafe located in downtown DeWitt, Michigan. The vintage ambiance paired with delicious, old-fashioned food makes for a perfect dining or take-out experience. Our fare is created by infusing the best vintage recipes along with the latest taste sensations. All of our foods are homemade, made with only fresh and quality ingredients - no preservatives are ever added. We specialize in retro baked goods, but we have an amazing lunch and dinner menu as well. Simply put, everything we make is truly unique and yummy.

Vintage Michigan Club
Join the Vintage Michigan Club and discover Michigan's best-kept secret! Enjoy your favorite Michigan wines and reward yourself with special savings. With your lifetime membership you will receive these terrific benefits:

• Discounts at participating wineries, wine retailers, and restaurants across the state. View the list of participating businesses (PDF).
• Complimentary Michigan Wines Corkscrew or Etched Michigan Bottle Stopper.
• Michigan Wine Country magazine, an annual publication with maps to Michigan's wineries, interesting articles, and all the information you need to enjoy Michigan's wine country.
• Monthly email newsletter with the latest Michigan wine-related information.
• Discounts for selected Michigan wine festivals and events.

Cherry Republic - Glen Arbor & Traverse City, MI
Welcome to Cherry Republic, the land of Life, Liberty, Beaches & Pie! Over 141 gourmet food products made from Michigan cherries to sample, purchase and send as gifts. Cherry Bakery, Cherry Winery, Cherry Cafe and Retail Store. Free gift-boxing.

Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company - Glen Arbor, MI
Leelanau Coffee Roasting has wonderful gifts for all of the special people in your life... Coffee beans! French Presses! Logo Mugs! Grinders! Leelanau Coffee sells all the exciting coffee accessories to make your coffee drinking a true "up north" experience. 2008 marks our Fifteenth Year, and we are proud of our heritage, and excited about the future!

Earthy Delights - Dewitt, MI
Earthy Delights is America's premier supplier of specialty foods to quality conscious American Chefs. We pioneered the use of overnight delivery to get fresh produce from the farm to the kitchen in the shortest time possible. We are leaders in offering wild-harvested and hand-crafted foods from small harvesters and growers to a larger audience. Now we are bringing this same selection of fine products to the adventurous home chef, using the power of the internet.

Higher Grounds Trading Company - Traverse City, MI
Roasting 100% Fair Trade and Organic Handcrafted Coffees. Check out our great coffee, gifts and gear this holiday season!

Rudy Baggs - Lansing, MI
Rudy Baggs Coffee Roasting Company roasts only world class Arabica coffee and specializes in weekly home delivery.

Pasty Central - Calumet, MI
Order Delicious U.P. Pasties and see why Pasty Central has become a primary starting point for many visitors to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Fresh from the U.P. to you! Great gifts!

Stone House Bread - Traverse City, MI
Our promise is the freshest bread in the North, made every morning with the finest organic flour—fragrant, crusty loaves with the sweet tang of sourdough. The baguettes and boules that emerge from our venerable Matador oven (built in Stuttgart when John Kennedy was president) will prompt memories of morning walks in Paris and Rome. We believe you'll say, with celebration: Now that's an honest loaf of bread!

Eden Foods - Clinton, MI
The finest locally grown and organic foods since 1968. Michigan organic beans, processed fruits and juices, pastas, whole grains, Edensoy, vegetable oils, vinegars, soy sauces, misos, snack mixes, teas, dried fruits, popcorn, etc. Buy on-line.

Grocers Daughter Chocolates - Empire, MI
Our artisan, hand-made chocolates and hand-dipped truffles are made with many locally grown/blended products such as herbs, spices, berries, spirits, coffees, teas and nuts. We use no artificial flavors or preservatives, and we buy locally when it is possible.

The Great American Pretzel Company - Howell, MI
At The Great American Pretzel Company® we make the best gourmet Chocolate Covered Pretzels in America. Our products are made using only the finest milk, dark and white chocolates, the freshest pretzels and highest quality ingredients. Our beautifully packaged, made-to-order pretzels make a perfectly decedent gift for someone special or an indulgent treat for oneself. 1-866-889-5778

Leelanau Peninsula Vinter's Association - Leelanau county
The mission of the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (LPVA) is to help spread the word about all the good things happening here in our corner of paradise. Our cool-climate, Michigan wines have been winning more national and international awards and praise each and every year. Leelanau County wines and vineyard tours make the perfect gift.

Pioneer Wine Trail - Southeast MI
Southeastern Michigan's Pioneer wine making region is a great place to spend a few hours...or a few days! The beautiful rolling Irish Hills, many lakes and Hidden Lake Gardens are right along the trail. Relax, savor our wines, stop for some antiquing and perhaps stay in one of the many Bed and Breakfast inns in the area.

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail - Southwest MI
Discover the world of wine in your own backyard by visiting our tasting rooms nestled among the rolling hills and inland lakes. We are a short ride from our harbor towns of New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven, and Saugatuck. Enjoy award winning Michigan wines as spectacular as our sunsets on the beach.

Wineries of Old Mission - Traverse City, MI
Jutting north between the azure arms of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay lies Old Mission Peninsula. Situated at the globe's 45th parallel – the ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes – the seven distinct wineries that comprise this stunning appellation have been well recognized by international wine enthusiasts. Discover the beauty of the Old Mission Peninsula and experience its award-winning wines: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, sparkling varieties and the prestigious ice wines.

Home & Garden
Ciao Bella - Petoskey, MI
Garden and home products and services personally chosen to appeal to one's pursuit of the well-lived life, no matter how great your dream or how small our product.

Spa & Pampering
The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company - Canton, MI
The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company is a Michigan-based producer of top quality natural soap. All of our soaps are handcrafted, in small batches, using premium ingredients and exceptional quality control. No two soaps will ever be exactly alike. Great for gifts!

Little Black Book of Beauty - Detroit, MI
Looking for a new Michigan salon or spa? Or a great skin care provider or personal trainer? Or any other hair, make up and beauty related therapy? Our guide to beauty services will help you find whatever products and treatments you're after.

Two Bees Candles
100% Beeswax, all natural candles. Free of fragrances, chemicals, paraffin. Great Lakes area beeswax, with the natural aroma of honey from the hive.

Sports & Recreation
Old AuSable Fly Shop & Old AuSable Outdoors - Grayling, MI
Old AuSable Fly shop has Scott, St.Croix, Keystone & TFO Rods Ross, SA, TFO and Bailey Reels. Fish Pond, Pacific Fly, Logo shirts & hats, Dan Bailey Waders, Fly tying materials. Any gizmo or accessory you need! Old AuSable Outdoors is a full service fly fishing pro shop, a complete paddlesports center and a sundries shop with unique items including art, books and gifts with a Northern Michigan flair. We are located on the banks of the beautiful AuSable River.

Lee's Adventure Sports - Portage, MI
Lee's Adventure Sports is a family owned Southwest Michigan outdoor sports gear business that was started in December of 1954 by Bill and Evelyn Lee. Lee's is presently located at 311 West Kilgore Road and being run by Skip and Chris Lee, the next generation. We offer outdoor sports gear product mix of camping, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, skis, snowboards, xc skis, snowshoes, canoes, kayaks, footwear, travel gear, luggage and the clothing to do it all in. Performance and quality is in all of our products.

Bay de Noc Lure Company - Gladstone, MI
Ice fishing and saltwater fishing may not have much in common, but the fishing lures found at the Swedish Pimple website can be used for both ice fishing and saltwater fishing. Ideal lures for saltwater fishing include the Swedish Pimple, Swedish Pimple Ice, Do-Jigger, Laker Taker and the Flutter Laker Taker. On your next excursion, include some of our fishing lures in your saltwater fishing tackle. You'll be surprised at how many limit catches they produce.

Indian Country Sports - L'Anse - MI
Indian Country Sports is a family owned and operated retail sporting goods business located on the shores of Lake Superior in beautiful downtown L’Anse serving fishing, hunting, and outdoor enthusiasts since 1968.

Toys & Hobbies
Down to Earth Toys - Ortonville, MI
Why Down To Earth Toys? Over 90% of our toys are Made in USA! Offering top quality Wooden and Natural toys made in the USA.We feel that protecting your child, while also supporting America’s economy, are of utmost importance. Whether you are looking for baby toys made in USA, toddler toys, or outdoor toys… know that you have found a store who is dedicated to offering you toys that you will feel great about giving!

Enerdyne Science & Nature Store - Suttons Bay, MI
Gifts for all ages! Enerdyne's website exists to introduce you to our science and nature store and its products. We also provide interesting information about various science/nature topics. We'd love to have you stop in and visit Enerdyne for your gifting needs!

Drueke - Ludington, MI
The Drueke Company is America's oldest manufacturer of traditional board games. The chess boards and chess accessories that we offer are second-to-none. Our reputation for quality chess sets inspired us to produce a variety of classic games for our customers to enjoy. Our product line includes action games, backgammon, cribbage, dominos, checkers, game boxes, chess tables and wooden accessories.

Christmas Display by St. Laurent Photography

Below is a list of just a few Michigan festivals & events for the month of December. As usual, there's no way to get them all, so please add links and information for those we missed and reviews of ones we have here in the comments below!

Fast Facts via Wikipedia

• December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days.
• In Latin, decem means "ten". December was also the tenth month in the Roman calendar until a monthless winter period was divided between January and February.
• December's flower is the narcissus or holly. December's birthstones are turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz (blue), or tanzanite.[citation needed]
• December is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
• December starts on the same day of the week as September.

Quotes

"Mankind should be our business, Ebenezer, but we seldom attend to it." ~ The Ghost of Jacob Marley, "Scrooge"

"Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about... they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath?" ~ George Bailey, "It's a Wonderful Life"

"Look Doris, someday you're going to find that your way of facing this realistic world just doesn't work. And when you do, don't overlook those lovely intangibles. You'll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile." ~ Fred Gailey, "Miracle on 34th Street"

"It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags!" ~ The Grinch

Places to Go and Things to Do

November 18 - January 10
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World - Grand Rapids
Excitement surrounds us this time of year as Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World brings the glow of 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and more than 40 international trees and displays. A new feature this year is a Vietnamese Ancestral Altar celebrating the Lunar New Year, Tet Nguyen Dan, along with the return of three important festive displays honoring the Chinese New Year, the Muslim celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, and the unique illumination traditions from the Philippines known as Parols. There will also be extended holiday hours on December 26, 28, 29 and 30th. The entire facility will be open until 9 pm.

November 27 - December 30
Christmas at Crossroads - Flint
This holiday fantasyland features thousands of sparkling lights and Michigan's most spectacular moving light display, the Huckleberry Railroad. The entire village is aglow with colored lights and more lights decorate the railroad's locomotive, coaches and trackside displays.

Costumed villagers prepare for the holiday season in the village's homes and shops. The Colwell Opera House presents live entertainment and Santa Claus talks with the children. See model trains, craft demonstrations, holiday music and unique shopping opportunities delight all ages.

November 27, 28, 29 & December 5, 6, 12, 13
Annual Dickens Festival - Holly
For over 30 years, the sights, sounds, smells and surprises of the Dickens Festival have been delighting holiday revelers in Historic Downtown Holly. Join in the fun as Charles Dickens’ Merry Old England comes alive in the atmosphere of turn of the century buildings, welcoming shopkeepers, and skilled craftspeople.

Nov. 28, 29, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20
The Santa Train - Coopersville
Ride with the FUN GUY! Everyone loves Santa and Santa loves kids. Each of our vintage passenger cars has a special seat reserved just for the Big Guy and his friends. Elves will escort the children to sit with Santa. All kids get a present, even the shy ones! Our story-telling Princess will read from the book, "The Polar Express" which was written by Grand Rapids native, Chris Van Allsburg.

December 3 - 6
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend - Manistee
A whole weekend of excitement including the Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, historic building tours, special Christmas production at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, museum and art exhibits, and much more.

December 4 - 6
Christmas in Ida Festival and Parade of Lights - Ida
Hosting nearly 40,000 visitors, and known as a family destination of the Midwest, the festival creates a winter wonderland known for its hospitality, entertainment and the Granddaddy of all, the spectacular Christmas in Ida Parade of Lights featuring Special Guests, the Star of the 2009 ABC romance show, the Bachelorette, Jillian Harris and fiancé Edward Swiderski.

December 5
Annual Noel Night - Detroit
The 37th annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 5th from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. in Midtown Detroit's Cultural Center Area. Over 40 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Public Library, amongst many others, open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday "open house." Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 70 area music, theatre, and dance groups. The evening's festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band — a long-standing Noel Night tradition.

December 5
Brass Band of Battle Creek Holiday Concert - Battle Creek
A great night of entertainment is in store featuring jazz, classical, blues, and traditional Holiday Fair.

December 31
New Year's Fest - Kalamazoo
New Year's Fest is an all ages showcase of performing arts that takes place New Year's Eve in downtown Kalamazoo. There are a variety of activities that take place including music, magic, comedy, exhibitions, fireworks, and great food! New Year's Fest's vision is to be a premier event that introduces the greater Kalamazoo community to the performing arts by providing an array of quality, unique artists and activities. At midnight there will be fireworks.

December 31
The HOT New Year’s Eve - Grand Rapids
Join in the fun downtown Grand Rapids this year with The HOT New Year’s Eve Party at Rosa Parks Circle. Featuring live free concerts from Priscilla Renea, Uncle Kracker, and Boys Like Girls and DJ Curtis Avison as well as a ball drop at midnight featuring a giant illuminated globe above the stage.

50 Monroe Rocks New Years Eve Party hosted by T.G.I. Fridays
Step out of the cold & the crowds & still be part of the action. Watch the ball drop in comfort from the lobby of 50 Monroe, located across the street from Rosa Parks Circle. Your ticket to a rockin New Years eve includes live entertainment, all-you-can-eat T.G.I. Fridays munchies and a champaign toast to ring in 2010. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at the downtown Fridays, 50 Monroe NW, or by calling 616.742.8443 or 1592@crww.com.

T.G.I. Fridays Rockin' New Years Eve Tent
Escape the cold for a cold one in the T.G.I. Fridays Rockin' New Years Eve Tent located across the street from the ball drop & the Rosa Parks Circle Stage in the parking lot on the corner of Monroe and Louis. Cover to the clear-sided, heated tent is only $5 bucks. Stop in and pick-up your ticket early & move to the front of the line ahead of the crowd. 21 & over only - bring your holiday green -because the tent bar is cash only. 616.742.8443 or 1592@crww.com.

silver bells 2007 by Michphotog

The 25th Annual Silver Bells in the City will take place on Friday, November 20, 2009 from 5-9 p.m. in downtown Lansing.

Silver Bells in the City, which attracts 120,000 attendees, annually features an Electric Light Parade followed by the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree and a firework show (weather permitting) over the State Capitol.

The entire evening is also filled with free family entertainment including free admission to Lansing’s cultural institutions, horse-drawn wagon rides on Washington Square, and performances by more than 50 local arts and cultural institutions throughout downtown Lansing.

Watch the 4 part video series Silver Bells in the City in Lansing Michigan by Barman6 on YouTube!

Autumn Pathways by pentax hammer (gary syrba)

The crowds and traffic have subsided, the harvests are bountiful and the mosquitoes are few and far between. What we're trying to say is that autumn is perfect time to get out and enjoy a color tour, take in a late season festival or event, go camping or hit some of Michigan's numerous wineries and pick up a few bottles for holiday gifts or get-togethers.

MyNorth.com produced a great video a while back that takes you on a tour of Northern Michigan's wine country and we think it is worth a watch and will entice you to plan a visit. On that note we should point out that Absolute Michigan is giving away a pair of tickets for the Toast the Season wine trail event which takes place on the Leelanau Peninsula on November 14 & 15.

MyNorth.com Video: Sit Back and Tour Northern Michigan's Wine Country

Hoping to get one more wine tour in this summer? Or maybe you're envisioning those glorious fall days when wine is an excellent excuse to drive through our wine country. Sit back and get some ideas as we visit Chateau Grand Traverse (cgtwines.com) on the Old Mission Peninsula; Traverse City's urban wineries, Left Foot Charley (leftfootcharley.com) at The Village in Grand Traverse Commons (old state hospital grounds) and Black Star Farms (blackstarfarms.com) in the Mercato, also in the Commons (Black Star also has its winery just south of Suttons Bay); and Shady Lane Cellars (shadylanecellars.com) near Suttons Bay.

Enjoy watching the lush landscape as the vintners each tell us what makes them unique and what it is like growing and selling wine in Northern Michigan.

Also be sure to check out our monthly calendars on Absolute Michigan's home page as well as keywords Halloween, maze, pumpkin, cider and more!

Jared, Sadie and their new Mackinac Island friends Eric and Becky find themselves turning into detectives as strange events occur all over the island. Native American art and artifacts are vanishing from gift shops and art galleries. At the Governors’ Conference, Dr. Royalton is demanding that Great Lakes water be diverted for use by states in the southwest—and then he disappears! As the four teenagers explore the island and its historical sites looking for clues, they find themselves facing an evil Gi-bi who locks them in a dungeon. Will they get out in time to save Dr. Royalton? Will they discover who stole the copper turtle and other art from the island stores? Eric and Becky’s cousin Luke keeps interfering in their investigation. Is he involved or just the jerk Jared thinks he is? How is all this connected—or is there more than one mystery to solve?

Mystery of the Copper Turtle is the first of the Big Mitten Mysteries, a series of books for the young reader set in locations around Michigan. Look for Jared, Sadie and more of their adventures in The Mystery of the Voyageur’s Rendezvous, available for Christmas, 2009.

Published by Arbutus Press you can purchase the book online though Amazon.com.

November by Karen from Michigan

Here's a bunch Michigan festivals & events for the month of November. As usual, there's no way to get them all, so please add links and information about the one's we've missed (or reviews of ones we have here) in the comments below.

November Fast Facts

• The Leonids meteor shower reaches its peak around November 17
• November's birthstone is the yellow topaz.
• Its birth flower is the chrysanthemum.
• November 10th is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps
• November 11th is Veterans Day
• Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
• The day after Thanksgiving in the USA, a famous day for shopping, known as "Black Friday."
• Monday immediately following Thanksgiving Day in the USA is know as Cyber Monday

- November, Wikipedia

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed the last Thursday of November to be a National Day of Thanksgiving(pdf).

November Quotes

"All in November's soaking mist
We stand and prune the naked tree,
While all our love and interest
Seem quenched in the blue-nosed misery."
- Ruth Pitter

"November always seemed to me the Norway of the year."
- Emily Dickinson

"So dull and dark are the November days.
The lazy mist high up the evening curled,
And now the morn quite hides in smoke and haze;
The place we occupy seems all the world."
- John Clare, November

"November's sky is chill and drear,
November's leaf is red and sear."
- Sir Walter Scott

"The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
Superior, they say, never gives up her dead
When the gales of November come early."
- Gordon Lightfoot, "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald"

Things to Do, Places to Go

October 23 - November 30
Northern Michigan C. S. Lewis Festival - Traverse City
The Northern Michigan C. S. Lewis Festival welcomes you to our annual month-long celebration. Events take place during late October and November in the Petoskey area on Little Traverse Bay, including music & theater performances, school & library programs, scholarly lectures, community discussion groups, and more.

November 7 & 8 and November 14 & 15
Toast the Season Wine Tour - Leelanau Peninsula
The annual Toast the Season wine trail tour features a special wine pour, accompanied by holiday themed gourmet food, at each of the 17 Leelanau Peninsula member wineries. At your starting winery you will be given a commemorative glass, a unique holiday ornament and a holiday gift basket from the members of Sleeping Bear Gourmet (a group of local, fair trade and organic food producers).

November 10
31st Annual Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service - Whitefish Point
The service includes reflections, music, and the Call to the Last Watch Ceremony in which the ship’s bell is run 29 times for each crewman who went down with this famous vessel – plus a 30th ring for all who have lost their lives on the Great Lakes.

November 10
Annual Fitzgerald Memorial Service - River Rouge
November 10 - Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service. A memorial service for the men lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald will be held on November 10 at Dr. Henri Belanger Park in River Rouge, Mi. The service will be held near the Mariners Memorial Lighthouse beginning at 6:00 p.m. The tug boat will be on hand to take out a wreath to be placed on the river. The service will feature a plaque presentation, bell ringing, lantern lighting, and refreshments will be served.

November 14 - 21
Kalamazoo Russian Festival - Kalamazoo
Celebrate the partnership between Kalamazoo, Michigan and Pushkin, Russia at this years Kalamazoo Russian Festival; a unique Russian cultural event in the Midwest.

November 12 -14
International Wine & Food Festival - Grand Rapids
After celebrating an amazing opening year, Michigan's largest International Wine & Food Festival returns to grace the 40,000 square foot elegance of DeVos Place's Steelcase Ballroom. This festival has established itself as Michigan's premier event for the celebration and tasting of the finest foods, wines, beers and spirits. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction to the world of food and spirits, the International Wine & Food Festival will deliver a grand experience that is sure to please every palette.

November 15 - 30
Deer Hunting (Regular Firearm Season)
If you think this isn't a major event, then you probably live south of Clare.

November 16 - 21
7th Annual Children's Film Festival - Saugatuck
Artful, educational, funny, thought-provoking films for young audiences (made by both adult and young filmmakers).

November 20
Silver Bells in the City - Lansing
Silver Bells in the City, which attracts 120,000 attendees, annually features an Electric Light Parade followed by the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree and a firework show (weather permitting) over the State Capitol.

The entire evening is also filled with free family entertainment including free admission to Lansing’s cultural institutions, horse-drawn wagon rides on Washington Square, and performances by more than 50 local arts and cultural institutions throughout downtown Lansing.

November 21 - December 31
Battle Creek International Festival of Lights - Battle Creek
The six-week holiday lighting extravaganza in greater Battle Creek, Michigan, features over one million sparkling lights, special events, lighting displays, and entertainment.

November 26
Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Detroit
The theme for the 83rd America’s Thanksgiving Parade® is Together We Shine. The theme celebrates The Parade Company bringing a spark of magic and people together to enjoy one of Detroit’s largest and free events where for one special moment, families can be entertained, share a tradition and create a memory. As we celebrate the theme of this year’s Parade, we are asking the metro Detroit community to join together to celebrate this civic event that is so important to our community.

November 27
Fantasy of Lights - Howell
Parade & Town Activities in Historic Howell, Michigan

November 27 - 29
Dickens Festival - Holly
In the quaint Village of Holly, Michigan, amidst the great Victorian period architecture, Charles Dickens characters come to life in the streets at the annual Dickens Festival. Music and merriment is what it's all about. Come join the fun and be sure to visit the businesses who sponsor this event for you. Dress warm. Better yet, dress period and participate in the all new costume contest.

November 27 - December 20
Santa's Village - Chesaning
Experience Santa's Village - North Pole USA.Young and old alike will enjoy a visit to the enchanged village. Nestled snugly at the North Pole (aka, Saginaw County Fairgrounds, Chesaning, Michigan), Santa's Village embodies the spirit and excitement of the holiday season.

North Pole Express Engine 1225 arrives at Santa's Village at 11 am and 5 pm daily while the Village is open. View the steam engine made famous in the movie Polar Express. North Pole Express passengers will join the festivities in the Village for approximately two hours each trip.

November 27 - December 30
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic - Flint
This holiday fantasyland features thousands of sparkling lights and Michigan’s most spectacular moving light display, the Huckleberry Railroad. The entire village is aglow with colored lights and more lights decorate the railroad’s locomotive, coaches and trackside displays.

Costumed villagers prepare for the holiday season in the village’s homes and shops. The Colwell Opera House presents live entertainment and Santa Claus talks with the children. See model trains, craft demonstrations, holiday music and unique shopping opportunities delight all ages.

November 28
Great macaroni & Cheese Bake-Off - Old Mission Peninsula
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will host local restaurants who have turned the classic comfort food, Macaroni and Cheese, into culinary marvels! This rich and creamy fare is paired with wines from Old Mission - Rieslings, Pinot Grigios, Chardonnays and more. Taste what our local Chefs have come up with this year!

The two-day Michigan Story Festival offers a complete showcase of the power of storytelling in all its art forms. Michigan Story Festival is one of the only storytelling festivals to integrate the stories of many cultures and traditions. With the exception of the opening and closing performances, there is no charge to experience the magic of Michigan Story Festival events and presentations.

The sharing of stories, from the great myths and legends of the world to the everyday stories of everyday people, allows us to view the human experience and the world in different ways. The Michigan Story Festival, developed as an initiative among Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant Community, and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, will provide a venue for those stories.

The aim of the festival is to bring together those who have found their narrative voices and those who have not. The resulting creative dialogues will take the form of performances, exhibits, workshops, and lectures presented both by those experienced in sharing their stories and those who would like to learn.

Not the Upper Peninsula, but the Northern Peninsula. by Jenna Belle

NPR ran a special series a few weeks back exploring the culture, traditions and economy of Michigan's Upper Peninsula that we felt was worth bubbling back up. In addition to the articles there are also audio pieces worth checking out in - Michigan's Upper Peninsula: A Trip U.P. North.

Articles

Often Left Out, U.P. Ducks Michigan's Worst Woes

If there's a Michigan map in your mind, it probably looks like a mitten. The Upper Peninsula — separated from the rest of the state by the Great Lakes — often gets left off the map entirely. While that can be irksome, the remote nature of Michigan's northern section can also insulate it from the rest of the state's economic distress.

Initially, Michigan's Upper Peninsula

This week's puzzle is in honor of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Because U.P. is short for Upper Peninsula, each answer has "U" and "P" in it. The first clue is: "U" and "P" are the initials of a common two-word phrase naming something holding a street lamp. What is it?

Pasties: The Meaty Center Of 'Yooper' Food

The meat turnovers were brought to Michigan's Upper Peninsula by immigrant miners from Cornwall, England. "Yoopers" — the local population — are very opinionated about them. A pasty isn't just a meal — it's a heritage. Here's the recipe, too.

In Michigan's U.P., Visitors Welcome, Just Don't Stay

Folks from Michigan's Upper Peninsula — or "Yoopers," as they call themselves — want you to know how lucky they are to live in such a beautiful place, how hard it is to do that, how their jokes about themselves are funnier than anything you've heard — and why you shouldn't move there.

Audio and transcripts from the series

What's A Yooper? [5 min 20 sec]

The people of Michigan's Upper Peninsula are nicknamed Yoopers. Weekend Edition Host Liane Hansen explores what defines the Yooper identity.

U.P. TV Anchor Moonlights At Target [4 min 39 sec]

Host Liane Hansen profiles TV Anchor Vicki Crystal of Marquette, Michigan. Crystal not only works as a full time anchor and reporter, but she also works part-time at Target.

Iron Mine At Core Of U.P. History, Culture [7 min 52 sec]

Host Liane Hansen visits the Cliffs Natural Resources iron ore mining operation near Ishpeming Michigan. Mining has long been a part of the U.P. economy, and Cliffs has been operating there since 1847.

U.P. County Tops State Unemployment Rate [3 min 56 sec]

Michigan's Baraga County has the state's highest unemployment rate, and at around 25 percent it's the third highest in the nation. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Baraga Village Manager Roy Kemppainin.

The Civil War That You Never Heard About [2 min 15 sec]

Stories about war are common. Unusual is the true story of an American war with no casualties. One of the spoils of the Toledo War was the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. And the early 19th century combatants were the Michigan and Ohio militias. Host Liane Hansen talks to State Representative Mike Lahti about the often-forgotten war.

In Contrast, This U.P. Town Is Thriving [6 min 30 sec]

In a country that's seen its share of downtown decay, central Marquette seems to be thriving. There's a bustling farmer's market, and along Washington Street there are coffee shops and quirky businesses including hockey and bingo supply stores. Host Liane Hansen pays a visit to Getz's Clothiers, a business dating from the 1880's that now draws 80 percent of its sales from online business.

ART PRIZE 2009 by RichardD72

Michigan has taken the national stage with one eye on the ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids and the other on it's burgeoning and award winning wine industry which gaining credibility amongst wine experts and wine lovers. This is truly a positive and a definite 180 degree flip from most of the national news our state receives as of late.

ArtPrize garners national attention in the New York Times

The New York Times reports on the competition and the overwhelming positive response and impact on Grand Rapids in their article Eyes on the ArtPrize by Micheline Maynard. The article also takes note of several of the exhibits including some of the final top 10 entries. The winner of ArtPrize drew over 1,200 artists and has had about 32,000 people register to vote on the works. The winner will be awarded 250,00 with a minimum of $7,000 for the nine runners-up.

No matter who wins, the 17-day competition has spurred a lively debate in Grand Rapids, a city of about 200,000 with a tradition of interest in art. It is home to several museums and a college of art and design.

“Every conversation I’ve had here for the past two weeks has been about art,” said Dustin Dwyer, a correspondent for Michigan Radio, a public radio network, who is based in Grand Rapids and has reported on the competition since its inception earlier this year. “From that perspective, it’s a success. But are we rewarding good art? That’s up for question.”

Be sure to check out Absolute Michigan on Location - ArtPrize and the Absolute Michigan's ArtPrize 2009 Page.

Michigan wine continues to gain ground as a world class product

The 45th parallel yielding good wine from Michigan, ABC reports.

Other national news regarding Michigan wines and wine trails

Off the beaten wine trail: Explore four emerging regions - USA Today

Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan: The state's 56 wineries are spread across Michigan along four wine trails, but most of the best grapes are grown near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and its bays.

Exotic vacations may be closer than you think: Napa Valley-esque wine tastings - CNN

If it's wine you want, find an alternative to Napa Valley in Michigan's Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas. Here you'll discover more than 850 acres of land and more than 20 wineries for your choosing.

The area offers tastings and gourmet meals, and Kantrowitz says, "The region is particularly known for its great pinot blancs."

The new Napa Valley: Taste one of Obama's favorite wines at this Michigan winery - Examiner.com

The rumor is that Michigan is soon to become the new Napa Valley. With climate changes potentially affecting the California coastline, Napa vineyard owners are looking to Northern Michigan to grow their grapes.

Part of the appeal of Northern Michigan is the colder climate on the 45th Parallel where grapes for rare ice wines flourish. For more information on why wines do so well along the 45th parallel, read the Chicago Tribune’s story on this region.

Best North American Wine Destinations - Digital City

8. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City lends itself to making Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc, thanks to grapes that grow near the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a unique climate. The rest of the state's wines come from Michigan wine country, where you can also find rare fruit and ice wines.

According to Michigan Wines - The Official Website of Michigan's Wine Industry:

Michigan's wine, grapes and grape juice products and related industries ...

... produced nearly $790 million of total economic value to the State of Michigan in 2005

... paid more than $42 million in state and local taxes in Michigan, and an additional $42 million in federal taxes

... account for more than 5,000 jobs across the state, for a payroll of more than $190 million

Check out their collection of photos of Michigan's vineyards and wineries.

The week-long series of beer-centric events will be held at participating venues in Detroit, with satellite events at Metro-Detroit brewpubs. These events will consist of brewery tours, tasting flights, meet-the-brewer sessions, food pairings, and a wide array of other unique activities. Events will be hosted by Detroit Beer Week staff and the Detroit Beer Barons, a group of Metro-area brewery personalities.

“We wanted to stay away from the traditional ‘drink this beer, get a keychain’ –type promotions, and instead focus on events that give value to the consumer and to the venue hosting the event,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, principal organizer of the events, AKA Chief Imaginationer.

The grand finale of Beer Week is the Inaugural Harvest Festival, hosted by the Michigan Brewers’ Guild and Metrotimes on Saturday, October 24, in Eastern Market.

While the Guild is not organizing Beer Week events, they have given their full support and cooperation to the organizing committee. “When the Guild announced the Harvest Festival in Eastern Market, we not only saw an opportunity to promote Michigan Beer in southeast Michigan,” stated Jon Piepenbrok, “but to promote the Great City of Detroit, as well; and the Guild has been extremely supportive of our efforts, even including information about events on their website at www.michiganbrewersguild.org.”

The participating venues include Slow’s Bar BQ, Foran’s Grand Trunk Pub, Park Bar, Motor City Brewing Works, Traffic Jam & Snug, Atwater Block Brewery, Detroit Beer Company, Wolfgang Puck Grille, Michael Symon’s Roast, 24Grille, and Fender’s Pub at the Omni Hotel.

A complete, updated list of events and information can be found Facebook.

Michigan’s thriving brewing industry contributes over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation – thus supporting its claim as “The Great Beer State.”

The Michigan Brewers Guild exists to unify the Michigan brewing community; to increase sales of Michigan-brewed beer through promotions, marketing, public awareness and consumer education; and to monitor and assure a healthy beer industry within the state. For more information, including a list of Michigan microbreweries, log on to www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

Local Apples by nasunto

Fall is here and that means it is once again time to enjoy Michigan's largest and most valuable crop - the apple. With temperatures unseasonably flirting with the freezing point, the race is on to harvest the prized fruit. Adding to this challenge is the fact that Michigan is enjoying it's largest crop in nearly 10 years with an expected crop of 26 million bushels compared to the typical crop of 20 million bushels. The uptick in the number of bushels has been attributed to this year's cool temperatures and more than average rain.

Michigan Farms & Mills

Fresh is the air in the orchards. Fresh are the fruits and vegetables we pick ourselves. Fresh is the fun we have with our families on a visit to Michigan’s farms and mills. This is the refreshing way to answer questions like “Mom, where do apples come from?” This is where open-air markets and u-pick farms enliven our recipes. This is the true meaning of the phrase: farm fresh. So let’s visit the farms and mills. Because nothing refreshes our lives like Pure Michigan.

Check out the huge list of Michigan farms and mills from PureMichigan.org.

Some Michigan Apple Quick Facts - check out more at the Michigan Apple Committee website.

• Apples are Michigan’s largest and most valuable fruit crop, with a value of about $100 million annually to the apple grower.
• Value-added marketing and processing enhance the economic contribution of Michigan Apples up to $700 million of economic impact annually.
• There are over 7.5 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 37,000 acres, on 950 family-run farms throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
• Small family farmers who operate their own orchards dominate the Michigan apple industry. According to statistics, 99 percent of Michigan orchards had fewer than 100 acres in apples.
• Longtime favorite varieties still dominate Michigan’s orchards. The most prevalent variety remains the Red Delicious, followed closely by the Golden Delicious. The Gala is rapidly gaining on tradition, however.
• The Honeycrisp variety is continually growing in popularity. Look for it in September and October, and enjoy it while you can, as it will most likely be gone by mid-November! A growing number of Honeycrisp tree plantings still aren’t in pace with its popularity among consumers! Honeycrisp has a crisp, juicy bite and a sweet flavor. They are best for fresh eating and also a great addition to salads!

New Kid on the Branch

A newcomer to Michigan's apple varieties is the SeeTango. MyNorth.com takes a at this much anticipated arrival in their article - The SweeTango Apple Makes Its Northern Michigan Debut.

Five Northern Michigan apple growers were among the first in the country to plant and harvest the world’s newest designer apple, the SweeTango. The apple, developed at the University of Minnesota, is a cross between the crispy, juicy Honeycrisp (the must-have apple of the last decade, also developed by the University of Minnesota) and the sweet flavored Zestar apple. The SweeTango is "a fabulous piece of fruit," says Mark Evans of Evans Brothers Fruit Company in Frankfort, one of the five Northern Michigan members of the Next Big Thing, the SweeTango growers’ cooperative.

SweeTango - A Sneak Preview

Find out all kinds of interest information about apples at the Michigan Apple Committee's website including the history of apples, the growers and the most popular varieties.

Little do most people realize that there are actually thousands of apple varieties and Michigan has many antique apple farms who strive to preserve them. Absolute Michigan's own Andrew McFarlane took note of one such orchard, Christmas Cove Farm in Leelanau in his article - Antique Apples.

Over on Michigan in Pictures there's a cool old apple picking photo from Old Mission in the 1890s courtesy the Archives of Michigan.

Check out more apple related information and websites using Absolute Michigan keyword apple.

Michigan Apple Recipes

Honey Crisp Apple and Endive Salad with Maple Apple Vinaigrette - via Great lakes chef extraordinaire Eric Villegas

Double Apple Galette - via Great lakes chef extraordinaire Eric Villegas

Barbeque "Mopping" Sauce W/Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple and Jalapeno - via Great lakes chef extraordinaire Eric Villegas

Ginger Apple Stir Fry - via Taste the Local Difference

Grilled Chicken with Apples and Feta - via Taste the Local Difference

Apple Lime Salsa - via Taste the Local Difference

Oktoberfest is Mid-Michigan’s only authentic German festival, and the authentic food, imported German beer, and traditional German dancing, bring crowds from all over the state. Every year the festival continues to grow, and this year the festival is expected to attract more people than ever. No one will want to miss out on the “music, essen and bier” at the 2009 Old Town Oktoberfest!

For more information and/or tickets visit, www.oldtownoktoberfest.com or visit the Old Town Commercial Association website.

A Brief History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest began as a celebration of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese’s marriage on October 12, 1810. This year, Munich is celebrating the 176th anniversary of Oktoberfest. Throughout the past 199 years, Oktoberfest has become the world’s largest festival and brings nearly six million attendees to Munich during the sixteen-day event to experience their Bavarian culture.

TravelChannelTV - Shane-O guides us through Munich's biggest party - Oktoberfest.

Find your way to Oktoberfest in Lansing's Old Town

View Larger Map

My Life In the Bush of Ghosts by DaddyNewt

Be afraid, be very afraid!!! Once again our Fearsome Finder of Frights has compiled a list of haunted houses, corn mazes and scary attractions. You can also check Absolute Michigan keyword haunted and (as always) if you know of one we missed, please post it in the comments!

Spooky Quotes

'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world. ~William Shakespeare

Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,
Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween!" ~ Dexter Kozen

Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title. ~Shaggy from Scooby-Doo

History of Halloween - Wikipedia

Halloween has origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain [pronounced: sow- wen] (Irish pronunciation: [ˈsˠaunʲ]; from the Old Irish samhain, possibly derived from Gaulish samonios). The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year". Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient Celtic pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Celts believed that on October 31st, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the living and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, into which the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks being worn at Halloween goes back to the Celtic traditions of attempting to copy the evil spirits or placate them, in Scotland for instance where the dead were impersonated by young men with masked, veiled or blackened faces, dressed in white

Halloween Celebrations Rise as Consumers Look to Escape Everyday Realities - via National Retail Federation

The spookiest holiday of the year may bring a bit of needed relief to consumers and retailers. According to the National Retail Federation’s Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, more consumers plan to celebrate the holiday this year (64.5% vs. 58.7%). This year, the average person plans to spend $66.54 on the holiday, up from $64.82 one year ago. Total Halloween spending for 2008 is estimated to reach $5.77 billion.

Paranormal resources and groups in Michigan

Michigan's Otherside - Your guide to Michigan's paranormal world & beyond

Haunted Places in Michigan

Haunted Michigan

Haunted Travels of Michigan

West Michigan Ghost Hunters Society

SE Michigan Ghost Hunters Society

Ghost Hunters of Southern Michigan

Motor City Haunt Club

Find a pumpkin patch near you

The U-Pick Farms & Farmer's Market 2009 Directory

"This Is Halloween" - from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"

The 2009 Michigan Haunted Houses, Mazes & Attractions List - We have to caution you that many of these sites are graphic - parental guidance is advised!

Amazing Acres Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm - Edwardsburg
Amazing Acres Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm is a truly unique family entertainment experience. Take some time this Fall to make memories that will last a lifetime. The farm is over 90 acres and is packed with events for every member of the family, young or old. Explore the 14 acre corn maze with over 3.5 miles of paths. Keep a watchful eye for the 12 hidden check points! The Maze is available both Day and Night!

Amazing Corn Maze - Leonard
Can You Find Your Way Out?

Bestmaze - Williamston/Webberville
If another maze you are interested in will not put their picture on the website there is a reason!!! We have had a system in place for years of sweeping through our maze at end of each night. Even if we have no cars in the Bestmaze lot we still sweep through the maze in case a few kids were dropped off and parents went to Mc Donald's.

Blake's Nighttime Spooky hayride & 3 Story Haunted Barn - Armada
Imagine yourself on a journey through acres of unspeakable fiendish ghouls, special effects, laser beams, strobe lights, and unimaginable horror. Then you've found yourself in the midst of Michigan's larger than life Blake's Nighttime Spooky Hayride. If you survive that then you'll be dared to find your way through Michigan's only 3-Level Haunted Barn and Black Hole. Don't forget the free cider and donuts at the witches cauldron on the hayride! If you survive Blake's Halloween terrors, you can calm your nerves around one of the many bonfires.

Castle of the Dead - Roseville
The Halloween Season is fast approaching! If you haven't experienced the Castle... you have yet to experience true fear! I dare you to compare! NO haunted house can match the fear of the CASTLE OF THE DEAD!!!!!

Circus Park Corn Maze - Clio
This years theme is "Down on the Farm" in honor of our Illustrious Potentate Ivan C. Sparks. There are 2 mazes in our 10 acre field. Come on out and get lost! We will have flashlights available for you nighttime adventures and our nightly campfire will be roaring to warm you up on those chilly evenings.

ChelseaMaze - Chelsea
Our challenging maze has trivia signs and 3 separate entrances that promote competition and teamwork.

Crots Corn Maze - Ottawa Lake
We're open from September 19 through November 1, 2009 Saturday and Sunday Only!

Deadly Intentions - Warren
Our Only Goal is to Scare You to Death

Depner Farms Corn Maze - Caseville
"MaZe-O-Saurus" opened on August 7th and our return visitors are saying it's more corn-fusing than ever! We'll be here
each Saturday and Sunday 'til November 1st, so come on down and GET LOST for a half-a-day or maybe more Open Saturdays & Sundays 'til November 1st!

Erebus Haunted Attraction - Pontiac
World's Largest Walk Though Haunted House

Erwin's Barn of Horrors & Terrorfying Corn Maze - South Lyon
Erwin’s Barn of Horrors with the Mystery of the Black Hole! "Where Evil Stalks"

Exit 13 - Mt. Morris
Flint Area's Preeminent Haunted House

Empire Eagles Field of Screams - Empire
A haywagon ride through a haunted Leelanau fores, always the last 2 weekends of October and Halloween.

Fear Farm - Casco
Corn Fun Family Farm has 2 challenging corn mazes with 4 miles of meandering trails, and for October we have added a new Haunted corn field!

Fun Acres Corn Maze - South Rockwood
Fun Acres Family Fun Farm is a seasonal agritourism adventure for families to learn and play. The combination of agriculture and entertainment is sure to both challenge and entertain your whole family!

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village - Greenfield Village
Step back in time to a turn-of-the-20th century Hallowe’en. Follow an endless path of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and meet colorful characters along the way. Feel the whoosh as the headless horseman rides by, banter with a clever witch, and make stops at several treat stations spread throughout Greenfield Village. It’s frightfully fun for the whole family! Members of The Henry Ford receive discount admission and an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets in advance.

Haunted Barn and Wagon of Fear - Mason
Enter if you dare the Haunted Barn maybe you'll be able to make it through to enjoy the next day or maybe not. Our barn is well over a hundred years old and has seen many strange things, if it could only talk or ... can it. We have many souls in the barn from the century past. Some farm animal souls still linger; they join us now and then. This time they're not on the dinner menu. Be prepared to experience a screaming good time.

Haunted Corn Maze - Bloomfield Hills
three mazes of varying conveniently located on eight acres at Bloomfield Hills Scholls' Historic Bowers Farm.

Haunted Farm of Terror - Lexon Township
Haunted Farm of Terror in Lenox TWP offers over 20 acres of haunted hayrides, corn mazes, horror movies, tasty treats and haunted houses for your haunted Halloween pleasure!

Haunted Hallows - Westland
Acres of Hair Raising Spooky Attractions

Heck of a Corn Maze - Monroe
More than 8 acres! Open weekends September 12 - October 31

HellBlock13 - Wyandotte
You’ve heard the legends and told the rumors. Now find out the truth for yourself. With over 13,000 square feet and indoor waiting, this twisted twisting labyrinth of fear and torment will have your eyes bulging, skin crawling and heart pounding. See if you can break free from the imprisoned demons that are ready to pass judgment on your soul.

Jackson’s Underworld - Jackson
Jackson’s Underworld, were you’ll uncover the soft underbelly of the most impressive animatronics and props not found in any other haunt in Michigan. As you trudge through the massive 30,000 sq ft, keep to the path, we wouldn’t want you to get lost.

Jacob's Corn Maze - Traverse City
We are located 3.5 Miles from West Grand Traverse Bay off M-72. Our farm is on the left, on the hill, has a big silo, and is just past the big windmill!

Krazy Hilda's Barn of Doom & Coleman's Corn Maze - Saline
Be There If You Dare My Pretty...

Miller's Big Red Haunted Hayride - Washington
The wagon pulls out once again as Miller's Big Red transforms the orchard into a foggy playground filled with 9 foot monsters, creatures of the night, and the Demon of Doom. Will you spot them before they spot you?

Morrow Road Haunted Trail & Hayride - Clay
The Morrow Road Film is having another Haunted Trail & Hayride! This fundraiser event will offer a chance to meet the director of the film, and the trail is even longer than last year's in a brand new location! And the hayride will take those brave enough to the actual haunted road at night.

Motor City Massacre - Roseville
Haunted House & Maze of Horror

New Salem Corn Maze - Dorr
Bring the whole family on down for the fall fun extravaganza! Activities include: hay rides, our corn maze, petting zoo, childrens corn maze, 5 acre pumpkin patch, and alot more!!

Night Terrors - Ypsilanti
Beware! This is not just another haunted house! The grounds of Wiard's Orchards south of Ypsilanti, Michigan (near Ann Arbor, in Washtenaw County) are said to be truly haunted. The history of these lands has lived in haunted houses of Michigan lore for centuries. Those who have dared to set foot on the haunted grounds of this old orchard say they can still hear the howling sounds of the night. At least it's been said by the few brave souls who have survived, and the fear will always live on with them. There comes a time in each of our lives when we must face our fears and face the terror of these haunted lands. What's your Fear? Is it the dark? Is it death? Is it the old neighborhood haunted house? Or is it just the unknown? Be prepared to confront those fears at one or all of the Wiard chilling haunted attractions: the Ultimate Haunted Barn, the Asylum, The Mineshaft, Hayrides of the Lost, The Labyrinth and Alien Caged Clowns. Because at Night Terrors WE PUT TERROR IN YOUR FACE!! We're NOT just another haunted house in Michigan!

Phantasmagoria - Okemos
Lansing Area's Premiere Haunted House

Saint Lucifer's Haunted Asylum - Flint
Mid-Michigan's Top Scare

Salem's Haunted Barn - Capac
4000 square feet of Terror

Scarefest Scream Park - Lenox Township
Featuring the Hayride of Doom and Forest of Darkness & Terror Zone Maze!! Metro Detroit's Halloween Park.

Slaughtered at Sundown - Armada
Glimpse the Grim Face of Death

Slaughterhouse, Haunted Maze & Blood Bath & Beyond Hayride - Fowlerville
Haunted House - Corn Maze - Haunted Maze - Haunted Hayride

Spooky Trails - Swartz Creek
Corn maze and other haunted attractions...

S.S. City of Milwaukee Annual Ghost Ship - Manistee
Fridays & Saturdays in October (and Halloween) the 76 year old car ferry features four stories of unsettling oddities

Talladay Farms Corn Maze - Milan
Maps are in sealed envelopes and cost $1. We have checkpoints throughout the maze. If you get lost, you can find a checkpoint and look on your map at the correlating numbers to figure out where you are. If you make it through the mazes without opening the map, you get your dollar back. We will also have letters on the checkpoints. If you can find all of the checkpoints and write down each letter that is at the checkpoints, your name will be submitted for a grand prize drawing at the end of the season!

Terror in Townsend Forest - Clarkston
Dusk til Last Victim, ¼ Mile of TERROR Filled Forest Trails

Terrorfied Forest & Manor - Pinckney
Welcome to The Terrorfied Forest, Southeastern Michigan's Premier Outdoor Haunted Attraction. It's not for the faint of heart, This is TEEN & ADULT entertainment. The tall pines whisper for you to "come, Join your departed ancestors", as you walk among them.
Should you choose to ignore them, they have been known to emerge out of a tree and make off with your soul. You will never know when or where they will appear, but they will know where you are and strike at your most vulnerable moment.

The Crypt Haunted House - Burton
More thrills and chills than ever! It is in your face Crypt chilling! A haunted house with actors and more state of the art effects than any other haunt! Experience the black hole, claustrophobia & more, so beware of the Crypt! Not recommended for small children or sissies.

The Deadland Haunted House - Davison
Bring all your friends out to see what we have in store for you...

The Fear Factory - Mt. Clemens
30 Minutes of Relentless Bloody Terror

The Haunted Forest - Dryden
Take a guided 20 minute tour through the haunted forest. The forest is not recommended for children under ten.

The Haunted Winery - Farmington
"We Are Not Out To Make A Killing -We Just Want To Scare The Hell Out Of You!"

The Haunting - Adrian
A Haunted House to Die For

The Homer Mill - Homer
Ever Been So Scared the Hairs on the Back of Your Neck Stand Up?

The Lab - Grosse Ile
Called one of the best themed attractions in the U.S. by Haunted Attractions Magazine, The Lab boasts more scares per square foot than any other haunted attraction. Gen-Tech Laboratories is a secret government funded genetics lab, where something has gone wrong…very wrong. Mutants, freaks, zombies and 9-ft tall monsters roam the halls, along with all the demented doctors who are ready to use you as their next experiment in this interactive adventure.

The Scream Machine - Taylor
The Scream Machine IS BACK!! HAS BEEN REVAMPED AND EXPANDED!! With new special effects and scares for the 2009 season including BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND.. THE HELLEVATOR!! THIS PORTAL TO THE UNKNOWN takes you to the depths of your worst FEARS WERE NIGHTMARES AND REALITY COLLIDE.

Twist of Evil - Brownstown
Twist of Evil is Downriver's Premeir Haunted Attraction... THE PLACE THAT GIVES DEMONS NIGHTMARES!!

Uncle John's Cider Mill Corn Maze - St. Johns
Get lost in Uncle John’s 5-acre corn maze!

Westview Orchards Corn Maze - Washington
Well, you knew Tom Izzo was outstanding in his field ... so he's been honored with a six-acre corn maze in his image.

Katrina Schumacher, co-owner of Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm in Washington Township, said Izzo and Michigan State's Final Four run were the inspirations for the maze -- which proclaims him "Coach of the Ear." Ha!

Wrong Turn Campground & Bloody Butcher House! - Hudson
Hours: Dusk 'til whenever!

The contest is now complete and the winners have been notified.

If you did not win tickets they are still available for purchase online. Reviews of the tour have been very positive, so if youare a fan we suggest you don't miss Daughtry's first arena tour!

Their most recent release Leave This Town continues its impressive streak of success. The album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, has sold more than a half million copies in it's first five weeks. The album's first single, "No Surprise," reached No.1 on the Hot A/C chart. It is the band's fourth #1 hit, a rare feat for any recording artist.

After finishing a sold out club tour, Chris Daughtry stated the band is busy preparing for the upcoming arena tour. "We dreamed about how it would feel playing these songs to packed arenas, and we're excited to get our chance," Chris says, "We have a great show planned and can’t wait to hit the road to share it with our fans."

Check out the video for daughtry's latest single "No Surprise"

Check out many more videos on Daughty's Official YouTube Channel

Join Daughtry on Facebook and MySpace

Cribbage Pegs by the photoshoparama

The American Cribbage Congress will be holding the Grand National 28 in Grand Rapids on September 25–27, 2009. In addition, the Grass Roots Tournament of Champions will be held on Friday, September 25. Entrants who want to play Grass Roots cribbage on Monday–Thursday nights will have plenty of opportunity, for Michigan boasts thirteen Grass Roots clubs.

All events will be held at the same location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, located near the airport on the southeast side of town (5700 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546). A special cribbage rate is available for all GN players (make reservations by calling 800.227.6963).

The event received a nice writeup in the Grand Rapids Press on mlive.com titled - Cribbage tournament brings nation's best players to Grand Rapids in battle for cash

It’s the first time this Who’s Who battle of card sharks has visited the state. For cribbage groupies, it’s a chance to see De Lynn Colvert, of Missoula, Mont., who is billed as the greatest player in the cribbage universe.

Ace cribbage players are sticklers for the rules, but the state’s mightiest wooden board warrior said all is fair in friendly banter.

While game code is sacred and “timber haulers” are despicable, that doesn’t stop experts from serving up a tall tales and trash talk.

These human calculators “love to drink, play cards and tell lies,” said Jeff Shimp, 70, of Grand Haven, who holds the imposing title of Life Master One Star in cribbage circles.

The tournament is expected to draw about 350 cribbage players from across the country. They will battle for bragging rights and a top prize of about $1,500, depending on the event’s take. Other tournaments, including more than a dozen satellite tournaments, kicked off Friday at the hotel.

mlive.com also has another feature with Muskegon cribbage board collector Dan Betz who 450 boards many of which were crafted by the Drueke Co., founded in Grand Rapids in 1914 and now is located in Ludington.

Nomade" by the pentax hammer (gary syrba)

This annual celebration of autumn at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park highlights thousands of flowering chrysanthemums in both interior and exterior venues. ColorFall tours of the gardens, trees and sculpture collection are a visual delight. Harvest at Michigan's Farm Garden includes heiloom vegetables, herbs, maize, gourds and giant pumpkins. Floral displays by leading area florists and a variety of seasonal demonstrations round out this botanic gala of color.

ColorFall Events Schedule

The Beauty of Fall by CaptPiper

A sampling of Michigan festivals & events for the month of October. As usual, there's no way we'll get them all, so please add links and information about those we've missed (or reviews of ones we have here) in the comments below.

Quotes

"October's poplars are flaming torches
lighting the way to winter."
- Nova Bair

“On the motionless branches of some trees, autumn berries hung like clusters of coral beads,
as in those fabled orchards where the fruits were jewels . . .”
- Charles Dickens

"I saw old Autumn in the misty morn
Stand, shadowless like Silence, listening
To Silence."
- Thomas Hood

Fast Facts - Wikipedia

• October's birthstone is the opal. The opal is thought to have the power to predict illness. This is because the opal responds to heat. If you are sick your temperature increases before signs of illness appear. The increased body heat causes the opal to loose its shine, leaving it dull and lacking color. It is also said that the opal will crack if it is worn by someone who was not born in October.
• Its birth flower is the calendula.

The Harvest Moon - SPACE.com

Oct. 4, 2:10 a.m. EDT -- Full Harvest Moon. Traditionally, this designation goes to the full moon that occurs closest to the Autumnal (fall) Equinox. The Harvest Moon usually comes in September, but sometimes it will fall in early October as is the case in 2009; the next time won't come until 2017. At the peak of the harvest, farmers can work into the night by the light of this moon. Usually the full moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice -- the chief Indian staples -- are now ready for gathering.

Things to Do and Places to Go

Thru October 31
Colorfall - Grand Rapids
This annual celebration of autumn at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park highlights thousands of flowering chrysanthemums in both interior and exterior venues. ColorFall tours of the gardens, trees and sculpture collection are a visual delight. Harvest at Michigan's Farm Garden includes heiloom vegetables, herbs, maize, gourds and giant pumpkins. Floral displays by leading area florists and a variety of seasonal demonstrations round out this botanic gala of color.

Saturdays and Sundays in October
The Famous Pumpkin Train - Coopersville & Marne Railway
Saturday trains depart the station at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Passengers are entertained with music, jokes, songs and dance written especially for the youngest riders and performed by The Great Pumpkin, Scarecrow and Little Crow.

Thru October 31
Michigan's Upper Peninsula Calendar of Events - UP
Comprehensive listing of events in the Upper Peninsula provided via the Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association.

October 2 - 3
The Red Flannel Festival - Cedar Springs
The Red Flannel Festival Board of Directors has been working diligently to provide fresh new events for the 70th “Soaring at 70…and Beyond!“ Festival celebration. “The board has added 18 new events in the last few years,“ said President Michele Tracy Andres. “This board is extremely dedicated to ensuring the Red Flannel Festival the biggest and best ever! We’re already working on plans for the 71st celebration in 2010!“

October 2 - 4
Scarecrow Festival - Trenton
The Trenton Scarecrow Festival is one of the best of its kind in the Southeast Michigan area. We are a Family event for all ages - a fall festival featuring a Scarecrow Contest a Dog Costume contest, children's area with games/rides, a carnival, local and national musical acts, a karaoke Scarecrow Idol contest, and many other events.

October 3
Oktoberfest - Douglas
Beery Field in Douglas, while it's not Germany, it does have a festive atmosphere, beer, brats, prizes galore and music. The festival begins at Noon and goes until 8:00 PM.

October 3 - 4
First Annual Skitoberfest Weekend - Boyne Falls
Join us for the first annual Skitoberfest, a fall extravaganza and homecoming taking place in the Boyne Mountain Village and surrounding area. Skitoberfest celebrates the coming winter season with a Snowsports Summit hosted by Cary Adgate and the best of fall’s family offerings in an Oktoberfest style setting. Highlights include great food, Michigan brews, live music, meet and greet with Winter X-Games gold medalist, Simon Dumont, and former U.S. Ski Team Coach, Greg Needell plus local art, kids’ art, parade and more. Everyone is invited to experience this two day event and a special welcome goes to our family of loyal BOYNE homeowners and passholders. It's art, it's drama, it's entertainment plus food, beer, wine and fun for everyone!

October 3 - 4 & 10 - 11
Benzie County Fallfest - Benzie
Enjoy a scenic chair lift ride, taste the great soups in the Fall Soup Contest, get your "once a year chance" to get a piece of Cherry Hut's apple cinnamon pie, watch the Pumpkin Carving of Ed Moody, or guess the weight in the Giant Pumpkin Weigh off!

Enjoy the parade, or canoe or kayak while enjoying the beautiful colors of Fall !

October 8 - 11
Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival - Alpena
The four day event provides activities for the young and old including lighthouse tours (aerial, boat or personal vehicle), entertainment, and vendors. The festival boasts over 100 maritime related vendors including lighthouse preservation groups, artists, authors and more.

October 9 - 10
Old Town Oktoberfest - Lansing
Mid michigan's only German-style event, will feature all things German, including live Polka, dancing, tasty food, and 12oz souvenir mugs filled with world renowned German-style beer.

October 9 - 10
Applefest Days - Charlevoix
Apple fest days at Friske's Farm Market Wagon rides, U-pick apples, our own Miss Apple everything apples. At the market: apple pie, apple donuts, caramel apples, and apple brats in the cafe. It’ll be a bushel of fun at Friske's!!

October 9 - 11, 16 - 18, 23 - 25
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village - Dearborn
Step back in time to a turn-of-the-20th century Hallowe’en. Follow an endless path of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and meet colorful characters along the way. Feel the whoosh as the headless horseman rides by, banter with a clever witch, and make stops at several treat stations spread throughout Greenfield Village. It’s frightfully fun for the whole family!

October 9 - 11
Color Cruise & Island Festival - Grand Ledge
Take a trip down memory lane in an old-fashioned covered wagon or glide down the scenic Grand River on a riverboat. Pioneer demonstrations captivate visitors with freshly popped black kettle caramel corn, live folk music, traditional dance and more.

October 9 - 12
Harvest Days - Harbor Country
This three-day weekend gives ample time to explore farm and field, but it also brings the celebration to the back door of our many shops, galleries, restaurants and lodging facilities. Many of our Harbor Country businesses-from New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert and Sawyer-host special events that include open houses, gallery and artist receptions, culinary demonstrations, special sales, and family fun activities.

October 10 - 12
CRANE FEST XIV - Baker Sanctuary
Anywhere between 2,000 - 6,000 Sandhill cranes congregate at the Michigan Audubon Baker Sanctuary along with thousands of birders! This event is the largest wildlife congregation in Michigan that attracts as many as 10,000 folks over the weekend.

October 18
Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon - Detroit
Get down to Motown for the 2009 Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon! They're celebrating their 32nd anniversary with an exhilarating, world-class, international marathon. With a unique course crossing the U.S./Canadian border twice and great musical entertainment along the way, there’s no end to the excitement of running this race!

October 23 - 24
The Michigan Story Festival - Mt. Pleasant
The two-day Michigan Story Festival offers a complete showcase of the power of storytelling in all its art forms. Michigan Story Festival is one of the only storytelling festivals to integrate the stories of many cultures and traditions. With the exception of the opening performance, there is no charge to experience the magic of Michigan Story Festival events and presentations.

October 30
Food, Wine and All That Jazz - Grand Rapids
A fantastic evening of food, wine and jazz music at the Public Museum in Grand Rapids hosted by WGVU and D&W Fresh Market. With over 300 wines and food from around the world to sample, all included in one ticket price. This is the MUST attend event of the fall.

Also be sure to check out Absolute Michigan keywords "haunted", "maze", "apple" and "harvest"!

The Invitational Cookout portion of the festival features well-known chefs from throughout the Great Lakes Region, including:

• Chef Chris Pandel from The Bristol, Chicago
• Chef Matt Pietsch from Salt of the Earth, Fennville
• Chef Rob Hammond from Food Dance Café, Kalamazoo
• Chef Matthew Millar from New Holland Brewing Co., Holland
• Chef Chad Miller from Restaurant Bloom, Grand Rapids
• Chef Brian Perrone from Slows Bar BQ, Detroit (www.slowsbarbq.com)

“These chefs were hand-selected to compete in the PORKAPALOOZA Invitational Cookout because they share a common interest in the pursuit of culinary quality and a belief in championing local, sustainable lifestyles,” says Fred Bueltmann, Beervangelist at New Holland Brewing.

Each restaurant is asked to showcase at least one primary pork dish, as well as two regionally-influenced side dishes providing sourcing information that demonstrates the technique and provenance of their food.

The event will shine a light on some of the areas treasures, including not only the products available, but the creative energy of many local artisans and musicians. Well over 1000 people are expected to attend and organizers proudly practice earth-friendly ideals, showcasing the realities of sustainable living and entertaining.

Local beers and wines from New Holland Brewing Company and Fenn Valley Winery will make for pleasant pork pairings. New Holland will present Charkoota Rye – a smoked rye dopplebock brewed to celebrate PORKAPALOOZA and the art of charcuterie. They will bring a host of other beers including the autumn favorite Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, as well as Mad Hatter IPA, Full Circle, The Poet Oatmeal Stout and Dragon’s Milk barrel-aged ale. Fenn Valley, which is located adjacent to the fest site, will serve a selection of their favorite award-winning red and white wines.

Throughout the day, an impressive back-to-back line-up of entertainment will keep the toes tapping, including:

• Various David Teske
• 1:00pm Dave Boutette
• 2:00pm Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys
• 3:00pm HOG CALLING COMPETITION
• 3:30pm Ben Bueltmann & Pontchatrain
• 4:30pm Mark Duval & Two Track Mind
• 6:30pm Mountain Men
• 8:00pm Midtown Underground

Blankets, chairs and water coolers are welcome. The event is held in a grass field, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Guests are not allowed to bring food or alcohol into the event. All ages are welcome, but guests 21 and older will need to show ID to receive a wristband to consume alcohol. Special activities are also planned for the younger attendees.

Tickets are available now for PORKAPALOOZA and are $8 per person in advance ($12 the day of) with parking at $5 per car. Admission includes access to the unlimited live entertainment. Food and beverages are sold separately. Admission tickets are available online at http://pork.newhollandbrew.com or by visiting New Holland Brewing and other vendors to be listed on the website.

For more information about PORKAPALOOZA, contact New Holland Brewing at 616-355-NHBC.

***The contest is now complete and our winner has been notified***

AMERICA'S HOTTEST DANCE SHOW

Summer sensation SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE kicked off its fifth season with a two-night, four-hour season premiere Thursday, May 21 & 27 and concludes with a two-night, four-hour season finale August 5 & 6 on FOX. Hosted by Cat Deeley, the original dance competition series will inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom compete to be named America's Favorite Dancer.

Last season's winner, Joshua Allen, danced off with a $250,000 cash prize, the title of America's Favorite Dancer and an offer for a featured dance role in the upcoming Adam Shankman film "Step Up 3-D."

Tickets for the tour are on sale and available at Ticketmaster.com

Check out more videos including video profiles of the top 10 dancers on the So You Think You Can Dance website

Keep up to date with the latest info:

Join So You Think You Can Dance on Facebook

Becomes friends with So You Think You Can Dance on MySpace

Farmer's Market @ the Michigan Capitol by ChristineElise

In celebration of Michigan's rich agricultural history and farming tradition, Governor Granholm has designated September 13-19 "Select Michigan Week." In celebration of this special week, the Governor is personally inviting you to the "Select Michigan" Farmers' Market on Thursday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., which will be located on the east lawn of the State Capitol, rain or shine.

You can purchase fresh seasonal produce, including eggs, honey, grains, beans, jams, jellies, cut flowers, perennials, baked goods, wood products, and much, much more - all grown and processed in our state. If you can't attend the "Select Michigan" Farmer's Market on September 17, there are hundreds of farmers' markets in communities throughout the state where you can buy fresh produce and other items made in Michigan. By spending just $10 a week on Michigan products, we can keep nearly $40 million circulating in our economy each week. And, that's not small change.

Thursday's market coincides with Michigan's annual "Select Michigan Day," designated by the Michigan Legislature to raise awareness about local food and agriculture - Michigan's second largest industry. More than 200 commodities are grown in Michigan, contributing $71.3 billion to our state's economy annually and employing more than one million Michigan residents.

September 17 also kicks off the 2009 Michigan Harvest Gathering. In addition to purchasing Michigan foods for ourselves and our families, we can buy fresh, local products and also give local by contributing Michigan foods to local food banks. In doing so, we are helping our neighbors-in-need by providing them with fresh, local, healthy food. The Food Bank Council of Michigan will be on-site at the Select Michigan Farmers' Market, and I encourage you to make a purchase at the market and donate directly to the food bank.

Selecting Michigan-grown and Michigan-processed foods helps our economy, strengthens Michigan's family farms, improves the quality of life for our citizens in both rural and urban areas, and preserves the state's rich and diverse agricultural heritage.

Locally-grown food is fresher and supports Michigan's local communities by improving the economic, environmental, and social well-being of those communities and the state.

The farmers' market is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Food and Farming Systems, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, with additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association, the Food Bank Council of Michigan, and Michigan farmers and specialty crop producers. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Groeb, Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) 373-2469.