Tag Archives: Chocolates by Grimaldi

Agri-tourism: Farms provide some fall fun in West Michigan

October 17, 20183-bottom, Citizen JournalismChocolates by Grimaldi, Farmer White's, Friske's Farm Market, Robinette's Apple Haus and Winery, West Michigan Tourist Association, WMTAJoanne

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Agriculture and tourism are Michigan’s top two economic drivers. Agri-tourism provides a way for farmers to diversify their offerings, helping to protect against challenging weather conditions and market fluctuations.

Michigan Agri-tourism is a non-profit association that supports the agri-tourism through promotion, education, advocacy, problem resolution and networking. The goal is to keep family farms sustainable, support local economic growth and provide rich and unique experiences for visitors to make lasting memories.

Residents can being their journey by visiting local farmer markets, roadside stands, cider mills, u-pick farms, corn mazes, petting farms, ranches, educational farms, farm stays, wineries and more throughout West Michigan.

In fact, one of the most well-known Grand Rapids orchards is Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery, 3142 4 Mile Rd. NE, which has been in operation for more than 100 years. Currently, Robinette’s is making fresh cider using a blend of apples with the combination changing as the season progresses. However the cider is only the starting point as the orchard provides baked goods, and a selection of wines and ciders that are all Michigan-made and available for sampling in the winery.

Or make it a day trip adventure by heading north to Ellsworth where you will find Friske’s Farm Market, 10743 US-31. There you can treat your sweet tooth to one of their famous donuts, a piece of Grandma Friske’s pie or MOOMer’s Ice Cream which is made in Michigan and has been voted number one in America. There is a variety of meal selections as well from house-smoked pulled pork sandwiches to handcrafted specialty pizzas.

Chocolate-caramel-covered apples from Chocolates byGrimaldi.

If Ellsworth is a little to far north to roam, then head to Williamsburg, where you will find Farmer White’s, 11373 US-31 which is considered a piece of Northern Michigan heritage. The market is operated by Mary Cooper’s family for three generations offering an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, jams, jellies, and pieces all made from secret family recipes to customers since 1958. There also is a selection of signature baking mixes, dried fruits, handcrafted gifts and more.

Of course nothing says fall more than a caramel apple and Grand Haven’s Chocolates by Grimaldi, 219 N. Seventh St., will be offering its limited edition chocolate caramel apples that start with hand-picked apples from local orchards that are drenched in buttery caramel and coated with chocolate and then topped off with nuts or other toppings.

Tempted? Find more such temptations in the West Michigan Tourist Association’s Travel Guide and Lighthouse Map which are available at the WKTV station or check out the guides online at WMTA.org.

Blend education with your vacation in West Michigan

June 18, 20183-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Recreation, Senior Living, TravelAction Wake Park, Chocolates by Grimaldi, Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort, Hobby, Jeremy Witt, Waters Edge Golf Course, West Michigan Tourist AssociationJoanne

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

With school out, kids have a lot of free time on their hands. Instead of having them stay home all summer long, give them an educational vacation! There are hands-on, interactive, and genuinely fun educational experiences that will have kids of all ages learning throughout summer break, whether they know it or not. There are even educational vacations for adults, including in-depth winery and brewery tours. Make sure that the whole family is having a fun summer, while still learning, in West Michigan.

Learn a New Hobby

With the Action Summer Camps at Action Wake Park in Hudsonville, your kids will be introduced to the world of wakeboarding. These camps are the perfect place for eager wakeboarders to expand their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Action Wake Park camps supply your camper with everything they’ll need, including professional instruction. For dates and sign up information, visit Action Wake Park’s website.

Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont offers golf lessons throughout the summer. In their Junior Program, the less-experienced golfers will learn basic golf instruction, USGA rules, and proper course etiquette. Intermediate to advanced golfers will improve their skills, prepare for competitive golf, and participate in weekly competitions.

Check out the Creative Chocolate Class at Chocolates by Grimaldi in Grand Haven. Designed to cater to your sweeter, more artistic side, the 90-minute class is an adventure that you’ll want to be sure to add to your schedule. You will have the opportunity to learn about chocolate while socializing with friends, family, and other chocolate enthusiasts.

Drop into Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in Augusta every Wednesday for a half hour group lesson from their PGA pros, five holes of golf, and happy hour food and drinks during their Five-Hole Happy Hour! Cost is only $25 per week, and you’ll golf alongside pros who will offer course tips.

Saskatoon Golf in Alto hosts Junior Golf Lessons and Leagues, perfect for any beginner, intermediate, or advanced player looking to hone their skills. The Junior League requires players to be familiar with golf basics and etiquette. The nine-week league places teams in a bracket to see who can come out on top. Enroll your kids in these lessons or leagues today to see if they have what it takes to rule the greens!

Pull Aside the Curtain for a Backstage Experience

November 12, 2015Area Education, Beer, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local FoodBehind the scenes, Bell's Brewery, Chateau Grand Traverse, Chocolates by Grimaldi, employees only, Grand Hotel, Grand Rapids Symphony, Henderson Castle, Journeyman Distillery, Leelanau Adventures, Long Road Distillery, Marshall Historical Society, Point Betsie lighthouse, St. Julian Winery, West Michigan Beer Tours, West Michigan Tourist AssociationJoanne

Whenever you visit a place, you’re never seeing the full story. There’s always something going on behind an “employees only” door or a little secret that only the well-informed know. Luckily for you, some of the best places to visit in West Michigan have tours to show you everything you need to know. Ever want to see how Bell’s brews their beer? Or how Grimaldi’s chocolates turn out so delicious? Look no further than some of these behind the scenes tours!

South Region

Henderson Castle

The historic Henderson Castle was built in 1895 and is one of Kalamazoo’s most treasured landmarks. Today, they welcome visitors to come explore the castle in its entirety with their VIP Legacy Tour package. With this package, you can explore all floors of the castle from their basement kitchen to their rooftop deck and everything in between. Places that guests typically don’t see such as the vineyards and wine cave are also shown. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Henderson Castle, look no further than this extensive tour package!

Journeyman Distillery

Journeyman Distillery offers tours every day! The distillery is located in an 1800s factory building and has retained much of the original and historic architecture. Tours last approximately one hour and include the history of the distillery, a tour of the production facility, and an overview on how their spirits are produced. Of course, the tour concludes with a tasting of some of Journeyman’s finest spirits!

West Michigan Beer Tours

Why just tour one brewery when you can tour three? West Michigan Beer Tours offers variety of public tours with most including stops at three breweries to sample, tour, and meet the owners or brewers. Your tour director is knowledgeable in both the beer industry and the local area so you know that you’re getting a great tour. You’ll travel comfortably from brewery to brewery on their mini-coach bus. West Michigan Beer Tours is one of the best ways to see the behind of the scenes of local breweries!

Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Brewery was a significantly different kind of brewery 30 years ago. It had one employee, Larry Bell, who worked out of plastic garbage bags and a 15-gallon stock pot. Today, Bell’s employs more the 400 people over 22 states and has their original brewery still in Downtown Kalamazoo. They offer free tours there on Saturdays and Sundays for those looking to see what goes into making their beer. Their Comstock brewery offers self guided tours where the public is welcome to observe the large area at their own leisure.

St. Julian Winery

St. Julian Winery’s Paw Paw location offers free year-round tours! Tours run seven days a week and all ages are welcome. After your tour, don’t miss their standard tasting of six samples of your choice and a complimentary logo glass which is yours to take home. Choose from over 40 products including wines that are exclusive to their tasting rooms, their Grey Heron Vodka, and their A&G Brandy. If you want even more, their Enhanced Tasting & Tour is reservation only and more than just your average experience! This is an extended tour and includes your choices of cheese or chocolate pairs. Their wine educators offer an in-depth education on the winemaking process from bud-break to bottling!

Marshall Historical Society

Don’t miss the longest running home tour in the Great Lakes area with Marshall Historical Society‘s Historic Home Tour! Private residences, commercial buildings, museums, and fairground buildings are given the tour treatment. The public is always invited to come see some of these amazing and unique places. Want to learn more about the architecture or the history behind of some of Marshall’s most famous buildings? Then take a day or two to explore and learn from one of the most trusted sources on Marshall’s past. Keep an eye out for 2016 dates!

Central Region

Grand Rapids Symphony

Have you ever wanted to see what goes into producing a symphony? The Grand Rapids Symphony offers both backstage tours as well as musician meet-and-greets to educate the public on their exciting work. With their new program, Backstage and Behind the Music, each session corresponds to one of the symphony’s concerts and gives guests the opportunity to see the entire process. For adults ages 21 to 35, there is the MySymphony360 program which includes discounted tickets, best available sating, exclusive backstage access, and musical meet-and-greets.

Long Road Distillery

Long Road Distillery takes great pride in their signature whiskies, vodkas, and gins. To show how much work goes into these creations, they invite you to tour their distillery. Led by one of their distillers or owners, tours take visitors through the entire distilling process, its principles, and where the ingredients come from. Questions are encouraged so don’t hesitate to ask your knowledgeable tour guide. You might even get to sample a spirit or two when you’re done!

Chocolates by Grimaldi

The factory tour at Chocolates by Grimaldi is the perfect way to learn about the process of making chocolate. See everything from the pod, to the bean, to the chocolate that you can eat! Taste fresh samples right off the line and see the production area for yourself. Check out their 1950s enrober that is just like the one from I Love Lucy. Schedule your tour today to see how Grand Haven gets their unique chocolates!

North Region

Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel’s new stable is a great way to not only see the horses up close, but to also tour the island. Group carriage tours around Mackinac Island are perfect to learn about the area. These narrated tours start in downtown and stop at many points of interest along the way. The Grand Hotel’s concierge desk will help you personalize your route and even point out places on the island that are unseen by many. With an endless possibility of routes, adventure awaits you on Mackinac Island!

Chateau Grand Traverse

The tasting room at Chateau Grand Traverse invites you to check out their award-winning wines and enjoy their breathtaking views! Complimentary tours of the facilities are offered along with an overview of the history of the Northern Michigan wine industry. Your guide will teach you about the winemaking process from harvest to bottling. Don’t miss the chance to check out Chateau Grand Traverse’s wine making process and the amazing view that brought them there over 40 years ago.

Leelanau Adventures

Leelanau Adventures offers awesome guided tours and overnight stays at various locations. Have you ever wanted to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes or Manitou Island with a tour guide that will show you the best kept secrets? Look no further! You can choose between guided backpacking day trips or overnight stays with everything you need provided to you. Learn what it takes to survive in one of West Michigan’s most treasured locales. Trips run from June to September so check back next year to book your adventure!

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Marking the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage, Point Betsie Lighthouse stands as one of Benzie County’s most famous landmarks. The lighthouse was built in 1857 and had significant restoration work done in 2006. Their tours give the public the chance to see the lighthouse up close and personal. You can even climb the tower! Tours run from May until October so make sure to check it out when they reopen it next year.

Halloween Fun in West Michigan: Central Michigan

October 22, 2015Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsBlandford Nature Center, Central West Michigan, Chocolates by Grimaldi, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Halloween On Ice, Halloween West Michigan, John Ball Zoo, LowellArts!, Opera Grand Rapids, Our Brewing Company, Pentwater, Play Bytes by PlaywrightsJoanne

There is so much to do in West Michigan to kick off the Halloween fun! This three part series will dive into different Fall and Halloween activities all throughout the West side of this Marvelous State. Next up is Central West Michigan. If you missed part one on Southern Michigan, be sure not to let it Fall to the wayside!

As Halloween approaches, all the little ghouls and goblins have one thing on their minds: Trick-or-Treating! To keep the kids’ minds off candy just a bit longer, kick off your Halloween fun early in West Michigan! Whether it’s family fun at the corn maze, or Halloween-themed pub crawls for the grown up ghouls, there are plenty of Halloween activities for all ages around West Michigan to get you in a Halloween mood!

Central Halloween Fun in West Michigan

Opera Grand Rapids

Opera Grand Rapids is ramping up for its annual Night With The Opera fundraiser on October 30 surrounding the company’s season opening concert of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Requiem.” Opera Grand Rapids invites the public to participate in an evening of unique cuisine and libations, live performances, and plenty of ghosts and ghouls at this year’s Halloween-themed event. All proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids’ mission year-round, to foster and fulfill demand for high quality, live opera in West Michigan.

In keeping with tradition, Night With the Opera will treat guests to a festive evening packed full of live performances, along with the opportunity to join other advocates in support of live opera in the community. More information can be found here.

Pentwater

Pentwater has a number of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the Halloween season! October 31st heralds Halloween on the Green & the Spooktacular Parade! From 1pm through 5pm, bring the kids out in costume for fun activities, trick or treating with downtown merchants, the parade, and more Halloween fun.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Bring your little ghouls and goblins in for a night of Trick or Treat fun at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum! Visit on Thursday, October 29th, from 5:00-8:00pm to create Halloween art, decorate a treat bag, and trick or treat throughout the museum! Entry is just $1.75 per person, and don’t forget your costume!

LowellArts! King Gallery

On display in the LowellArts! King Gallery is an exhibition titled “Things That Go Bump in the Night.” The exhibit is a group show of dark and mysterious themed artwork that was submitted through an open call for artists. Artwork on display embraces the concept of darkness, mystery, and fear in a thoughtful way. The show was juried to ensure that artwork fit the theme, and is appropriate for all viewing audiences. The exhibit will be on display October 1st through 31st. The gallery is open Tues-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 1-4pm.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is getting in the Halloween mood with “Hallowee-Ones”! Hallowee-Ones takes place on Friday, October 23, from 10 am through 12 pm. Dress your child in costume and enjoy this special event designed for the youngest visitors. Children are invited to join in a costume parade and listen to Halloween-themed stories. This event is included with admission to Meijer Gardens.

Chocolates by Grimaldi

Few things can compare to a crisp autumn apple grown in Michigan’s fertile glacial soil, but if you’re the kind of person that likes your Halloween apples dripping in an extra layer or two, of deliciousness, then Chocolates by Grimaldi has the treat for you.

For a limited time the Grand Haven-based chocolate factory, is offering a special chocolate caramel apple. Their chocolatiers use complementary ingredients that allow the customer to experience layers of flavors. They start with crisp, hand-picked apples and drench them in their buttery, and creamy caramel. Next they coat them with their own delectable chocolate. Finally, the apples are dusted them with a layer of crunchy nuts or other toppings.

If you want one, you had better hurry, because the apples won’t last long. The limited edition apples will only be available through the fall at Chocolates by Grimaldi in Grand Haven or on their website.

Our Brewing Company

Our Brewing Company is hosting their annual Anniversary/Halloween Party on Friday, October 30, 2015. This will be their 3rd Anniversary party, as they opened November 1 of 2012. There will be live music, great beer, everyone dressed up in costumes, and great merchandise for sale, including their custom Anniversary shirts which will only be sold at this time! Party will start around 8:00 and go until Midnight.

John Ball Zoo

Visit West Michigan’s favorite trick-or-treat spot at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, where you’ll find over 20 booths, over-the-top decorations, and costumed characters! Your visit will include games, prizes, magic, music, special animal activities, and so much more. Bring your bees, pirates, princesses, and bears to Zoo Goes Boo on October 23rd-25th!

Play Bytes by Playwrights

Play Bytes by Playwrights is a production and competition of a collection of eight 10-minute plays written by playwrights and performed by emerging and established actors at LowellArts! Either drama or comedy, all the plays fit the theme: Things That Go Bump in the Night. A panel of judges will select one of the competing playwrights to win a $500 cash prize. Audience members will be invited to vote for their favorite short play, and the playwright winner of the People’s Choice and Juried Cash Award will be announced at the final production.

The Dinner Theater productions are held at Larkin’s Other Place, 301 W. Main Street on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:30pm–October 23, 24, 30 & 31 with a Sunday matinee at 1:30pm–October 25. Show only tickets are available–play begins at 7:30pm on Fri & Sat and 2:30pm on Sunday. Advanced tickets are required for Dinner Theater ($25), and show only tickets ($13) can be purchased in advance or at the door. For ticket information, call 897-8545. More info here.

Lowell

What could be more fun than Lowell in October! They have a host of activities for you and the family to enjoy. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the autumn air while visiting all the events throughout Historic Lowell! Participate in or view the Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk or the Outdoor Chili Madness Chili Cook-off at Larkin’s Restaurant, plus join them at the fairgrounds for the Autumn Marketplace, which will feature Arts and Crafts, Farmers Market, Flea Market, Pet Expo, Scarecrow-Building hoedown and live entertainment!

Halloween On Ice

Nancy Kerrigan’s Halloween On Ice is coming to Van Andel Arena on Friday, October 30th at 7:00 PM. Get ready for a night of family fun with Halloween-themed figure skating performances by a star studded cast of Olympic, World, and US National medalists including Nancy Kerrigan, Kurt Browning, Johnny Weir and many more!

The line-up of skaters is subject to change. Tickets are on sale now at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers, Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Groups of 12 or more save by calling 616-742-6185, emailing GroupSales@smggr.com or online.

Blandford Nature Center

Celebrate Halloween and the great outdoors at the same time at Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. Visit on October 29th at 6pm for the “Beasts of Blandford” program. As the sun sets and the night animals become active, come creep through the enchanted Blandford forest. Enjoy a Halloween treat and participate in a craft.

Make sure to check out part 3 on Friday for Halloween activities in Northern West Michigan!