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!

Mackinac Bridge Walk by carolynne marie

Since1882 the first Monday of September has been recognized as a time to salute Americas workers with festivals, cookouts and parades on "a day off for the working man." With school starting after the Monday, September 7 holiday, the long Labor Day Weekend is an ideal time to squeeze in some last-minute summertime fun. An estimated 1.4 million Michiganians will travel during the 2009 Labor Day holiday, according to a recent AAA survey. Michigan, the Great Lake State, offers ample opportunities to celebrate the end of summer.

Labor Day via Wikipedia

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. In the aftermath of the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the US military and US Marshals during the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. Cleveland was also concerned that aligning a US labor holiday with existing international May Day celebrations would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair. All 50 U.S. states have made Labor Day a state holiday.

Stuff to Do, Places to Go

August 28 - September 7
Michigan State Fair Detroit
The Nation's Oldest State Fair was officially first held in 1849, only twelve years after Michigan attained statehood. At the onset it was customary, in fact, for the fair to be held one year in one city, the next year in another, and there was always a hot contest to be the city selected. The Michigan State Fair settled down at the present fairgrounds in 1905. The 2009 Michigan State Fair will be held August 28th - September 7th.

Popular attractions include the FREE Concerts under the stars in the Band Shell, daily parades, competitions, horse shows, agricultural displays, arts & crafts, racing pigs, rabbits & poultry, dairy exhibits, carnival midway rides & games and the world's largest stove.

August 22 - October 4
Michigan Renaissance Festival Holly
Festival is held on weekends and Labor Day, rain or shine. "visitors may also partake in games of skill or enjoy non-stop entertainment where belly dancers, sword swallowers, musicians, comedians and sword fighters provide merriment for all ages. The Festival is best known for it's awe-inspiring full-contact armored jousting tournaments where gallant knights defend their honor until the last man is standing!"

September 3 - 7
Michigan Peach Festival Romeo
If you are looking for something fun for the whole family, there is no better place to be on Labor Day Weekend! Bring your family & friends to the Michigan Peach Festival in the beautiful Village of Romeo. There's something fun for everyone!

September 4 - 7
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival Hamtramck
Hamtramck Festival has more than 500,000 annual visitors, live music on two stages, carnival rides, Polish Day Parade, samplings of ethnic food, cultural dancers, children's activities, more.

September 4 - 7
Detroit International Jazz Fest Detroit
For 30 years, the Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF) has attracted visitors and locals to an end-of-summer ritual on Labor Day Weekend that celebrates one of America’s most important art forms. The festival boasts five stages and 100 acts over four days in a city with a rich musical legacy. Sprawling over several city blocks in downtown Detroit – from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius – the festival also offers educational activities, giant puppets, fireworks, rare opportunities to meet the artists and much more. And it’s all FREE!

September 4 - 7
Arts, Beats & Eats Pontiac
Arts, Beats & Eats is excited to add to its name, mission and purpose in 2009. We are now Arts, Beats & Eats - Festival of Hope and we are excited to announce new changes and partners for the 2009 festival.

Arts, Beats & Eats will still feature The HealthPlus Art Fair, one of the top art shows in the US, incredible food, more than 125 bands on six stages, and dynamic and interactive fun for the kids.

September 4 - 6
Logging Fest Newaygo
The Logging Fest takes place over Labor Day Weekend. Newaygo was built around the logging industry, and we are celebrating our logging heritage. Highlights of the Logging Fest include the Chainsaw Sculpture Competition and Auction, Lumberjack's Competition and Fireman's Water Battle. The Arts & Crafts Show in Brooks Park is host to exhibitors from all over the country displaying their arts and crafts. The local merchants have sidewalk sales. The event also includes kids activities and games, and on Sunday a parade route goes through downtown Newaygo.

September 5 - 6
Marquette Area Blues Fest Marquette
The Marquette Area Blues Society has announced the headline performers for the 2009 Marquette Area Blues Fest. The festival, now in it's 6th year, will once again be held at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in downtown Marquette over Labor Day Weekend. The dates are Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2009. Featured performers on Saturday include Blue Bass entertainment recording artists Biscuit Miller & the Mix, VizzTone recording artist Gina Sicilia and Chikan Howse Records recording artist James "SUPER CHIKAN" Johnson.

On Sunday, the featured performers are Michigan's very own "The King of the Party Blues" Maurice Davis, Shanachie Entertainment recording artist Curtis Salgado and Blind Pig recording artists Smokin' Joe Kubek and B'nois King. Also on the bill for the weekend will be the finest in local and regional blues performers. The music will begin both days at 1-pm with gates opening at noon. Be sure to take in the food and merchandise vendors as well as the workshops offered during the weekend to make it a complete blues experience!

September 7
Labor Day Bridge Walk Mackinaw City
The Labor Day Bridge walk, recognized as "the world's greatest walking event", brings over 70,000 people to the area. Buses are available for transportation to the north end of the bridge. Participants walk from the north side to the south. At the finish line you are awarded a certificate of completion.

More Labor Day Getaway Resources

Stretch Your Labor Day Holiday with Michigan Fairs and Festivals from PureMichigan.org

Labor Day Getaways from the West Michigan Tourist Association

MDOT Halts Most Work for the Labor Day Weekend from MDOT (54 work zones will be active so check it out to plan your route)

Michigan's Upper Peninsula Calendar of Events - All the happenings are listed here

Thinking of doing some camping then check out this cool 'Campground Search' from the DNR

If you are not hitting the road then take a virtual Labor Day tour of Michigan courtesy of our Absolute Michigan Flickr pool

"We've extended our efforts to stay connected with travelers. Social media allows us to get the Pure Michigan message out to potential visitors on other platforms," commented George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, a business unit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "It opens another line of communication with travelers."

In addition to the most popular state tourism Web site, michigan.org, visitors now have other means to stay up-to-date on Michigan tourism deals, discounts and events.

Connect and get the inside scoop on where the fish are biting, what greens are running fast and how you can make your visit Pure Michigan at the newly launched blog, Pure Michigan Connect. Read about bloggers' experiences along the nation's longest fresh water coastline or experience at a small town celebration. Take a minute to comment on the blog posts, or submit one of your own.

Follow @PureMichigan on Twitter for the latest events and breaking news, along with some fun behind-the-scenes information on all the things going on with Michigan tourism. Search hashtags #puremichigan, #MIevents, #MIdine, #MIgolf, #MIfish, and #MIwine, for all the latest.

Join the Pure Michigan Fan Page on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest events in Michigan and talk to others with the same love for Michigan. The fan page is another great resource for planning a trip.

In addition, visitors can now enjoy all the photos from the Pure Michigan Photo Contest on Flickr, or watch all of the Pure Michigan commercials on YouTube.

Michigan.org continues to be a source for Michigan travel information, featuring more than 12,000 attractions, events, hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses.

Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the State of Michigan's official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state's tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services.

This happens...

Chris (cfoxtrot) says that his hobbies include guitar, photography, fishing, hunting, target archery, paintball and (you guessed it) off road motorcycles.

This photo is part of his Bikes and Cars set and others include People and Animals and My Favs (slideshow).

Here's his Flickriver and you can also purchase his photography at Imagekind.

Snow Plow by Seeking Michigan

As the wind howls through the state this morning, I thought it might be a good time to shovel out a few stories - you can see a photo a snowplow in Bessemer from the Archives of Michigan over on Michigan in Pictures this morning!

Last week mLive reported that the Saginaw County Road Commission became the first road agency in the state (and maybe the country) to use GPS to display where the plow trucks have gone. Road Commission Manager Brian J. Wendling acknowledged ''It's not a foolproof means of knowing what the road conditions are, but it will at least allow (motorists) the ability to see if a plow has been through the area." Check it out on the Saginaw County Road Commission web site. It's a little crude, but on days like today it's probably useful!

You might also be interested in this article about Michigan road salt and salt mining on Michigan in Pictures. For a look at what plowing was like in the days before modern plows (and when the plow operator had a taste for whiskey), check out Old Harry in the Northern Michigan Journal:

Fifty years ago in Leelanau, so the old timers tell it, the winters were much rougher than what we have today. Whether this is really so or merely the result of memories changing over the course of time is open to debate, but without the modern snow fighting equipment we have now-a-days, it's for sure that the winters back the must have at least seemed tougher.

Anyway, back then few people had their own snow plows, snow blowers were unheard of, and the primary weapon in the war against Old Man Winter was the shovel. Harry drove plow truck for the county in those days; a great big old Osh Kosh monster that roared and belched black smoke as it pushed the snow off the roads.

Seeking Michigan posted this 16mm demo film of the Armstead Snow Motors Company concept snow vehicle. It was filmed in 1924, and the concept is applied to a Fordson tractor and a Chevrolet automobile. The original film is part of the collections of the Archives of Michigan. In case you're interested in how this wild machine works, here's the text of the original patent.

Armstead Snow Motors from Seeking Michigan on Vimeo.

Star Dream by Conlawprof

Our Michigan February Event Calendar seems to demonstrate that the more the weather tries to keep us bottled up, the more innovative ways Michiganians will find to tell the weather what they think about that!! Of course, there's still many, many more and we invite you to fill us in on other February events in the comments.

Notable February Dates from Michigan History Magazine

• February 13, 1855 The Michigan legislature protects escaped slaves. more>>
• February 24, 1863 Michigan supports the Emancipation Proclamation. more>>
• February 17, 1864 The First Michigan Colored Infantry is mustered into federal service. more>>
• February 21, 1905 The National Ski Association is organized in Ishpeming. more>>
• February 20, 1909 The Hudson Motor Car Company is organized. more>>
• February 2, 1936 Ty Cobb becomes one of the first players selected to enter the newly formed Baseball Hall of Fame. more>>
• February 8, 1985 The Stroh Brewery announces it is closing its Detroit plant. more>>

The Events
February 1 - 7
Winter Carnival - Houghton
Michigan Tech often registers more than 200 inches of snow in a season. Not content to let this abundant natural resource go to waste, students band together in an annual celebrtion of our beautiful, tough, exhilarating, and character-building climate. For complete event detail visit their website.

February 3 - 8
International 500 Snowmobile Race Sault - Sault Sainte Marie
2009 marks the 41st running of the International 500 Snowmobile Race and they invite YOU to join them for this outstanding event that is second to none! "All the thrills of NASCAR" All the excitement of I-500 Snowmobile Racing.

February 4
122nd Annual & Super Tour Ski Jumping Tournament - Ishpeming
The 122nd Annual & Super Tour Ski Jumping Tournament will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 on Famous Suicide Hill. Junior jumping begins at 5:00 p.m. EST. The trial and competition rounds begin at 7:00 p.m. EST. Featuring jumpers from the U.S., Norway, Russia & Poland! There will be a bonfire with fireworks following the tournament. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate with children 15 and under get in FREE!

February 5 - 8
11th Annual Michigan International Auto Show - Grand Rapids
Nearly 40 car manufacturers from around the world will bring their finest traveling displays to the Michigan International Auto Show, where more than 300 new vehicles – including sedans, vans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids and sports cars – will be showcased with factory representatives on hand to answer questions.

February 5 - 8
North American Snow Festival - Cadillac
Opening ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Fox Hill Event Center on February 5. Various events take place on Lake Cadillac on February 6, 7 & 8th.

February 6 - 8
Detroit's Winter Blast - Detroit
Detroit's Winter Blast features hip and cool winter events centered around Campus Martius Park and great city attractions throughout Detroit. Many signature winter activities are returning with free ice-skating in Campus Martius Park, Professional skating demonstrations, unique sculptures in the Ice Garden, the Meijer Kid’s Family Fun Zone and more. This year we are still working on expanding our mission to celebrate entertainment throughout Detroit.

February 6 - 8
59th Annual Perchville USA - Tawas
The 59th Annual Tawas Perchville Festival includes a Perchville queen, live entertainment, a Polar Bear Swim, a "Chilly" Cook-off, ice-fishing contest, the Perchville USA Parade, and many more fun winter events.

February 6 - 8
West Michigan Youth Wintersportsfest
Three days, 22 Sports competitions and 3,000 athletes. Open to any athletes 18 and under. This will be an awesome event with youth athletes from all over the state and Midwest! There will be 20 sporting events taking place in 3 days with 3,000 athletes in participation. There will be indoor and outdoor activities including events like bowling, target shooting, figure skating, and many more

February 7
White Pine Stampede - Mancelona
The White Pine Stampede is a major Nordic Ski race, part of the Michigan Cup series and the Midwest's premier Nordic event. The White Pine Stampede has a 50 Kilometer Event, a 20 Kilometer Event, and a 10 Kilometer Timed Tour.

February 7 & 8
Taste the Passion - Leelanau
Love is in the air as you celebrate the upcoming Valentine's Day at the "Taste the Passion" weekend February 7-8, 2009. 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.

February 13 - 15
Ice Carving Festival - Rochester Hills
World-class ice carving professionals will take up their laser sharp ice tools and chain saws when the Village of Rochester Hills hosts a weekend of ice sculpting, shopping and dining. Nearly 25 entertaining, and artistic ice sculptures will grace the streets and parks of the Village February 13, 14 and 15, 2009.

February 13 - 15
North American VASA - Traverse City
The VASA weekend festival of Races includes both a 27 and 50km special classic skiing race, a 12km Timed Class, and a 6km and 16km challenge. Junior VASA Races are also part of the weekend festival.

February 13 - 15
Pine Mountain Continental Cup Ski Jumping Tournament - Iron Mountain
Pine Mountain Slide is known throughout the world as one of the best jumping hills. The Kiwanis Ski Club hosts the best tournament in the United States. Year after year, they have the top foreign jumpers competing. All classes of records have been set on Pine Mountain, and the record of the U.S at 140 meters/459 feet is still held here. Annual attendance is over 20,000 spectators.

February 13 - 16
Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest - Traverse City
The Third Annual Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest is a three-day wintertime celebration chock-full of fun for all ages in the Cherry Capital of the World, President’s Day Weekend, February 13-16, 2009. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities with wintry frost nipping at your nose, or indoor activities that warm the body and soul, we have something sure to please you and your loved ones.

February 14 - 22
Detroit Boat Show - Detroit
The Detroit Boat Show is gearing up to celebrate 51 years of boating with its 2009 event. Boats of all types and sizes for fishing, cruising, wakeboarding, skiing, and other types of water fun will be on display for 9-days at Cobo Center.

February 14 - 15
Free Fishing Weekend
For many, the annual Free Fishing Weekend has become a tradition - a time to get together and have some fishing fun. While some may find time to reflect while fishing, there are no limits to variations on a great theme! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and outstate visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

February 20 - 22
U.P. Pond Hockey Championship - St. Ignace
The 2009 U.P. Pond Hockey Championship will be played on the Wild Ice of Moran Bay, Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace, Michigan! We hope to have 104 teams competing for prizes!

February 20 - 22
UP 200, Midnight Run Sled-Dog Championships and The Jack Pine 30 - Marquette
Three UP sled dog races provide a variety of challenges for mushers. The UP 200 is actually 240 miles in length and is a qualifying race for the Iditarod. Over 15,000 visitors come to Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) to see the U.P. 200! It is a favorite winter event for local residents and out of town guests. The U.P. 200 has a dedicated group of over 500 volunteers from the U.P. and the mid-west region that come together to stage this great event each year.

February 21
Frost Bite Winter Festival - Harrison
Event takes place on 5 groomed nine-hole courses, where novice and veteran golfers hit brightly colored tennis balls over the snow. Bring a partner and sign up for the two-person scramble. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, men's and women's divisions.

February 23
The Outhouse 500 - Coopersville
Join in with the hilarious and wacky fun of the 5th Annual Outhouse 500 on Main Street in Historic Downtown Coopersville! Hosted by the Main Street Merchants Association. Teams parade, then race their uniquely decorated outhouses down Main Street! View footage from the 2007 Outhouse 500.

February 27
The Great Wine & Food Symposium
Escape the snow with an evening of indulgence at The Great Wine & Food Symposium, west Michigan’s premier wine tasting event. You'll enjoy gourmet food selections, as well as over 300 wines and beers from around the world. Sample these tastes as classical music drifts through the halls and the snowflakes drift outside.

February 28
Winter Beer Festival - Grand Rapids
Hundres of hand-crafted beers from microbreweries across the state will serve up samples at this 4th annual outdoor event. Tickets are $35 each in advance and will be available January 1 at www.michiganbrewersguild.org, at the Fifth-Third Ballpark box office and at participating Guild member breweries. If any tickets remain, they’ll be available at the gate the day of, for $40 each. Sponsored by the Michigan Brewers Guild.

February 28
Trenary Outhouse Classic - The Outhouse Races - Trenary
The Outhouse Classic is an annual race in Trenary where outhouses are built and raced down the main street. There are categories: speed, presentation, best use of theme, most humorous, best workmanship, and most miles traveled. Families come to the event to watch and to compete, there are two different age brackets making competitions fair. A few years ago nuns came to compete and built the Vati-Can. Make sure to head on up to Trenary for the annual Outhouse Classic. Read Absolute Michigan's Sports that ARE Silly: Outhouse Racing or watch Outhouse Classic Outhouse Race in Trenary, Michigan.

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 drawyers and jump into a hole cut in the ice. Can you asy "Scared Turtle".

How to get there....

View Larger Map

Jumping over the sun by Ashley Dinges

Here's a few highlights of the many events being held around Michigan for the month of January. A lot of them are out in the snow for snowmobiles, skates, skis and sled dogs, but there's also a chance to heat up with the Ann Arbor Folk Fest, Ferndale Blues and the Detroit Auto Show. The weatherman says there's a 100% chance we didn't get them all so please add links and information for those we missed along with reviews of ones we list in the comments below!

January is named for Janus (Ianuarius), the god of the doorway; the name has its beginnings in Roman mythology, coming from the Latin word for door (ianua) - January is the door to the year. - Wikipedia

"New Year ceremonies are designed to get rid of the past and to welcome the future." - New Year's Customs

"The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!" - Edward Payson Powell

All Month
Ice Skate Campus Martius Park - Detroit
Skating among the skyscrapers at Campus Martius Park. At 64 feet by 120 feet, it's a bit larger than the Rink at Rockefeller Center and showcases surround-sound music and color-changing lighting. Skaters and visitors can enjoy a warming pavilion for renting and changing skates, as well as outdoor seating. The rink is open daily though March 15.

January 10
Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race - Newberry
We are again looking forward to pristine trail conditions over beautiful terrain. Each year we seem to get just the right amount of snowfall, and each year our trail crews do a fantastic job of preparing great racing conditions for all our classes.

January 11 - January 25
The North American International Auto Show - Detroit
In terms of sheer news impact, the North American International Auto Show 2009 is poised to keep pace with NAIAS 2008, which featured a total of 58 vehicle debuts—44 worldwide and 14 North American. You can expect plenty of thought-provoking new technologies and head-turning designs as well as across-the-board participation from international and domestic manufacturers alike. NAIAS 2009 plans to welcome more than 700,000 attendees including hundreds of celebrity names from all walks of life, nearly 7,000 international media from some 60 countries, and approximately 40,000 industry insiders from over 2,000 companies. In addition, we expect to meet or exceed the $6 million we raised last year for children’s charities at the annual black-tie Charity Preview. The North American International Auto Show 2009 is truly where the automotive world comes together.

January 12
Motown 50 (Motown's 50th Anniversary Celebration) - Detroit
A year long national celebration of the start of Motown Records on Jan 12, 1959, in Detroit and the following success of its many music artists.

January 16-18
Hunter Ice Festival - Niles
As the snow starts to fly and the holidays are upon us, it’s time to think Hunter Ice Festival 2009. The fifth annual Hunter Ice Festival, January 16 through January 18, is a free family event offering fun-filled activities from morning ‘til night.

January 16-18 & 23-25
Tip Up Town USA - Houghton Lake
It's hard to put into words how 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!

January 17-18
Winter Warm-Up Weekend - Traverse City
Cabin Fever? Cooped up with the kids! If you are looking for an excuse to take a weekend getaway, then look no further! The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) has teamed up with peninsula area businesses for 2009’s WINTER WARM UP. Guests may visit any of the five Old Mission wineries between 12-5 to purchase a souvenir mug. This mug is your “ticket” into each participating winery and business on Old Mission, entitling you to mulled wine tasting, desserts, appetizers and other special promotions. On Saturday Jan 17, 2009 each of the wineries will have a special artistic/performance offering! Some peninsula area restaurants are offering special promotions when you present your mug.

January 21-25
Zehnder's Snowfest - Frankenmuth
Zehnder's Snowfest has been host to one of the top snow sculpting events in North America for the past 17 years. Visitors have enjoyed larger-than-life snow sculptures and beautifully detailed ice carvings each year. Zehnder's Snowfest 2009 will again dazzle and excite you with snow and ice sculptures created by professional ice and snow carvers from around the world. Zehnder's Snowfest is also host to the National Collegiate Ice Carving Championship and the High School Snow Sculpting Competition. In addition, Zehnder's Snowfest will have entertainment for the entire family in the warming tent, a fireworks display, petting zoo and children's activities. Plan now to attend Zehnder's Snowfest 2009!

January 23-31
Ferndale Blues Festival - Ferndale
Created to help combat "winter blues" and benefit local charities, this year marks the 8th annual festival and will be held at various venues over the span of 9 days. Each year, the Annual Ferndale Blues Festival donates 100% of proceeds to charity.

January 24
Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon and mBank Half Noque - Marquette
The MGH Noquemanon Ski Marathon and mBank Half Noque, both in their eleventh year, continue to attract cross country skiers from around the nation and around the world. Thousands of skiers have taken the 51K or 25K trek from Ishpeming, the birthplace of organized skiing and home to the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame to Marquette’s Superior Dome, the world’s largest wooden domed stadium along the shores of Lake Superior.

January 24
Heikinpäivä - Hancock
Heikinpäivä is set for January 24, 2009, with events throughout the week leading up to the primary festival day, as well as the days immediately following. Organizers keep a watchful eye on the celebration's uniquely ethnic flavor and it features Finnish crafts, music, food, films and games. Although a Hancock City event, the Heikinpaiva spirit has spilled into neighboring communities from Calumet to South Range.

January 30-31
Ann Arbor Folk Festival - Ann Arbor
The Festival returns to Hill Auditorium for two dynamic and different nights of folk and roots music on Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night. In keeping with the Festival's longstanding reputation, each night will feature a blend of renowned and up-and-coming performers, providing audiences with the opportunity to hear popular artists working at the top of their field while discovering terrific new talent. All funds raised through the Festival benefit The Ark, Ann Arbor's non-profit home for folk, roots, and ethnic music.

NW vista by DA2Brian

Marquette, MI has been named one of the top 200 places in the U.S. for sportsmen and women to put their roots down in the April edition of Outdoor Life magazine.

These places exist in every state, towns where you can step out your back door with a fly rod or a shotgun and find abundant fishing and hunting opportunity in sight of the municipal water tower. Areas with decent weather and accessible public land and gun laws that don't criminalize hunters. Places where the economy is vibrant but the pace of life is slow. Towns with good schools and hospitals and a strong sense of community.

Places where you can wear fishing waders or a camouflage hunting jacket into a bar and not call attention to yourself.

Marquette ranked #7 on their list, which considered access to public areas for quality hunting and fishing, economically viability of the region and hospitality of the towns. The area's leading appeals were huge diversity of fish, from native brookies to rainbows and lake-run brown trout to steelhead, salmon, lake trout, walleye and pike.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Check out Marquette's Presque Isle from YouTube as well as this 3D tour of Marquette's downtown video. Absolute Michigan's Flickr group has many more great Marquette photos to view.

Check out web sites and features at Absolute Michigan keyword Marquette and get information on Marquette's history, demographics, geography and more visit Wikipedia entry for Marquette.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Featured music is White Bird by Song of the Lakes from their CD Poets Say - follow that link for an MP3 of the full song and to hear and order their music.

ON A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT by robmelody

This episode was underwritten by Leelanau.com webdesign, makers of quality internet since 1996.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful, photo by siskokid

Snowmaking on Victor @ Boyne Mountain, photo by Boyne Mountain

Carousel, photo by jnhkrawczyk. She writes: A carousel (or carrousel) is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating platform with seats for passengers. The "seats" are traditionally in the form of wooden horses or animals, which are often moved mechanically up and down to simulate galloping. This leads to one of the machine's alternative names, the galloper. Other popular names are merry-go-round, roundabout and flying horses. Usually, music is looped while the rides spins. (Wikipedia)

The Absolute Michigan Archive for December 2007 has all our December features.

Service Tax repeal appears certain and www.michigan.gov/mbt.

The 1913 Massacre Film Project, Italian Hall Massacre, Christmas Eve 1913 and photos from The Copper Miner's Strike of 1913 and the tragedy at Calumet's Italian Hall on Michigan in Pictures and Michigan Tech's Digital Archive (search "Italian Hall")

Absolute Michigan's Michigan Ski Tour and
Michigan 4th graders ski for free (includes info on White Gold Card).

Michigan New Years Eve Happenings and the Michigan January Event Calendar.

Snowmobile Olympus - Ironwood, photo by North Guide and Ironwood Sledfest event information.

Our Dog Team, photo by Gradys Kitchen and the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race.

Chain of Skaters, photo by Ashley Dinges

Add your photos to the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr and add your videos to the Absolute Michigan Group on YouTube.

The Waiting Room II, photo by caterpillars

Window on the City, photo by SNWEB.ORG Photography

pru center fogged, photo by buckshot.jones

ON A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT, photo by robmelody

Leaving Albion, photo by Andy McFarlane

Tyree Guyton, photo by rckrawczykjr

Lit Snow, photo by J.E.T

Christmas on Empire Beach 07, photo by 1cher (why yes, they ARE swimming on Christmas Day.)

Icy, photo by Bethann

Comments? Questions? Things you'd like to see? Let us know in the comments below or by email!

new snow, fog and sunrise by Latitude45

As snow arrives (which it did with a vengeance in the southern part of Michigan yesterday), Michiganders divide into two camps: those wishing they could hit the road for Florida and those readying their snow gear for all that winter has to offer. Here at Absolute Michigan we (mostly) fall into the latter camp and are psyched up to get out and enjoy Michigan's frozen fun!

A decade ago, an internet magazine we published called The Northern Michigan Journal featured Nature Baroque: Snowflakes & Crystals, an excerpt from It's Raining Frogs & Fishes by Michigan author Jerry Dennis with illustrations by Glenn Wolff that begins: What child can resist tasting snowflakes? Head back, mouth open, tounge stretched to catch that bit of coldness--for children, snowflakes on the tongue are as essential to a northern winter as sleds and snowmen. It's a fantastic tour of what snow is - be sure to read it!

Back in February of 2006, Michigan Tech students set 3 snow-related records: largest snowball, most snow angels and biggest snowball fight! The record attempts are part of an ongoing battle between Houghton and Bismark, ND (who has since reclaimed the snow angel record) They know a thing or two about snow in the Keweenaw as the peninsula holds the record for annual snowfall in Michigan with 355.90" in 1978-79.

A number of Michigan Snow Cams give you the current live look at snow and weather around the state. Almost everywhere in Michigan you can find a hill that offers great sledding, and the Michigan Sled Riding Forum seeks to provide locations and will let you add yours! If there's no hill and you're somewhat insane, you could learn how to ultimate sled from the pros.

Further up the evolutionary chain from tobaggon and car-towed sled are snowmobiles, and Michigan offers some of the finest snowmobiling in the nation. Every February, Sault Ste. Marie hosts the I-500 Snowmobile Race. This year is the 40th annual and you can watch a quick I-500 video to get an idea of what it's like.

Of course there is always the good old standbys of cross-country & downhill skiing and snowboarding, check out our Michigan Ski Tour. Downhill or cross county skiing not enough for you? Check out the backcountry telemark Skiing in Leelanau County.

For beautiful pictures of snow in Michigan check out snow photos (slideshow) in the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr. There's little doubt we missed a shovel or two of Michigan snow info - let us know what in the comments!

Drift at Sunrise by CaptPiper

We received an email from Mitchell Hirsch asking for a little help. We thought our Michigan-loving audience be able to help him out a little. In addition to mailing the things he asks for, maybe you could post a couple links to things he can print out. It's our duty as a state to ensure that Mitchell receives a great grade!

I am a fifth grader at George G. White Middle School in Hillsdale, NJ. I was given a report to do, explain why Michigan is the best state in the Country. I will be judged by my teachers and classmates. I would like to know if you can send me maps, pamphlets, pins, or any giveaways that I can give out during the judging.

Thank you for your help,
Mitchell Hirsch 28 Buff Lane
Hillsdale, NJ 07642

Mitchell will also be checking in here, so post links to sites and people that you think would help him in the comments below!

Maple Buds in January by Andy McFarlane

A related article talks about Michiganders who are showing Al Gore's slide show on Climate Crisis (popularized in the movie An Inconvenient Truth) and gives some dates where it will be presented. The article also points out a local angle:

Henry Pollack, a retired University of Michigan geology professor, served as Gore's science adviser for two of the Tennessee training sessions. His job was to get the science across, point out errors and answer trainees' questions, something he still does by e-mail.

"We went through it slide by slide," he said of the training. Pollack pointed out half a dozen minor errors in the slide show the first time and said each was fixed by the second session.

I saw the movie and was struck by the sheer weight of the data. Seems to me that the point isn't about politics, it's about survival. Watching a lake greater than any of the Great Lakes drained in the span of years was quite shocking. If you've seen the movie or the slideshow, I'd be interested in your comments. If you haven't, I really have to recommend that you do.

The current version of Introduce Your Michigan Business or Organization is right there.