Winter is hanging on in West Michigan so there are still plenty of cold weather things to do in the West Michigan area.
Recently, Courtney Sheffer, marketing director for the West Michigan Tourist Association stopped by the WKTV Journal to offer a few more ideas on some winter fun in northern West Michigan.
Traverse City
For those looking to learn to ski or snowboard, there is still time as Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire offer the Super Sunday deal until March 18. The deal is $29 per person and includes lift ticket, rental equipment, and staton-by-statin group lessons.
“I’ve done the lessons as Shanty Creek and they do a really great job breaking it down, even for beginners who never touched a board,” Sheffer said. “They make it easy to understand and it is great place to learn.”
Shanty Creek Resorts also other activities such as alpine tubing and in the summer, golfing. For more about Shanty Creek, visit its website, shantycreek.com.
Petoskey
Another favorite winter spot is Petoskey, which Sheffer noted “has a lot of outdoor gems as well. A lot of outdoor trails, a lot of hiking paths, lots of beaches right there.”
But for those looking for more of an indoor-type activity check out the Kilwin’s Chocolate Kitchen, Sheffer said.
Petoskey is actually Kilwin’s home base and the store at 1050 Bay View Rd. does have free tours Monday through Friday with samples. It is advisable, according to the Kilwin’s website, to make a reservation for a tour. For more information, visit kilwins.com.
Since we are on a sweet theme, another popular Petoskey spot —especially as Michigan turns to spring — is the Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery, 4454 Atkins Rd., Petoskey. The family-owned business offers tours seasonally on the maple sap being transformed into maple syrup. Tours are available at 4 p.m. every Saturday.
“And if you are looking for anything maple theme, they have it there,” Sheffer said. “They have maple wine, maple foods, maple candy.”
For more, visit mmsyrup.com.
Harbor Springs
Right near Petoskey is Lyric Theatre in Harbor Springs. Sheffer said this is a fun place to visit as every Saturday the theater, located at 275 E. Main St., features family favorites with tickets at 25 cents. She noted that it harkens back to the days when the theater first opened and today provides a great budget-friendly adventure to anyone.
For more budget friendly ideas on things to do in and around West Michigan, whether it be winter, spring, summer and fall, pick up a West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide available at the WKTV station, 5261 Clyde Park Ave. or visit wmta.org.
