Tag Archives: Shanty Creek

Balloons Over Bellaire will take flight last weekend in August

Citizen Journalism, ,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

Grab your camera for this picture perfect event as hot air balloons return to Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort for Balloons Over Bellaire, a free two-day hot air ballooning event, August 28-29.

Sunsets over Lake Bellaire won’t be the only thing to photograph and gaze at during this late August weekend as 15+ hot air balloonists take flight from the top of the slopes of Shanty Creek’s Summit Mountain. The sky above Lake Bellaire comes alive with color.

Teams will take flight, from the Alpine Tubing Hill behind Shanty Creek’s Lakeview Hotel, on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. With Lake Bellaire as a backdrop, the sky will come alive with color and whimsy. Saturday morning, 7:30 a.m., the balloons take flight over Torch Lake, and return to The Lakeview Hotel on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m.

Given the nature of the event, there are plenty of locations to watch the balloonists. Be creative, find ‘your spot’ and enjoy the show responsibly. Social distancing should be top of mind. Masks are recommended, even outdoors.

Special thanks to this year’s event sponsors including The Dockside, Sarducci’s, and The Shanty. Shanty Creek Resort is proud to be a partner in the event, and base camp to visitors throughout this picture perfect weekend event. For additional information on this event and others, as well as the 5,000 acre resort, visit ShantyCreek.com.

Head north to Traverse City, Petoskey for some winter fun

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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.

 

Shanty Creek Resorts

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.

 

Sweet treats at Kilwin’s

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.

 

Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery

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 

 

Inside the Lyric Theatre

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.

Enjoying Adventures Inside the Snowglobe of West Michigan

Local Business, Recreation, Weather, , , , ,

There are only four public luge tracks in the country, one of them is right here in West Michigan!
There are only four public luge tracks in the country, one of them is right here in West Michigan!

Even though some of us may not be big fans of the cold weather, winter plays host to some of West Michigan’s most fun activities. Coats and boots may be necessary, so pack accordingly! Whether you enjoy speeding down the slopes or taking your time to enjoy the snow covered outdoors, West Michigan will keep you more than entertained during these winter months.

 

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

 

For some unique winter fun, check out the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, located in Muskegon State Park. They have one of the only four publicly accessible luge tracks in the country! They also have snowboarding, skiing, and sledding on their five miles of groomed track. If you’re not interested in hitting the slopes, there is an ice rink and tracks for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Equipment is available for rent.

Rosa Parks Circle

 

JW Marriott

 

The JW Marriott is helping you embrace and enjoy winter with the JW on Ice package! This package includes passes for ice skating at nearby Rosa Parks Circle, a holiday gift welcome amenity, and a complimentary breakfast from their delicious farm-to-table restaurant, six.one.six, to help you warm up.

 

Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place

 

Van Andel Arena will be home to the WCHA Final Five hockey championship on March 18. The men’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) is college hockey’s most historic, tradition-rich and successful conference and their premier conference tournament is coming to Grand Rapids. This two day event pits some the best college hockey teams in the region against each other. Visit the website for more ticket and group sale information.WCHA final five

Crystal Mountain

 

January is National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month and Crystal Mountain has you covered with their professional instructors and special lift tickets offer all of January. For January only, Crystal Mountain is bringing you an amazing deal with a ski and snowboard rental and 1-hour beginner group lesson for only $20. Advanced reservations requested.

 

Don’t need a lesson? Then bring a friend and enjoy the day with a two for one deal on lift tickets! Offer valid Mondays through Thursdays for the month of January. Whether you’re a newbie looking to learn how to shred the slopes or an experienced rider, Crystal Mountain is the place to be.

Courtesy of @ShantyCreekResorts
Courtesy of @ShantyCreekResorts (instagram)

 

Shanty Creek Resorts

 

Shanty Creek, rated the “Midwest’s Best Downhill Terrain” by OnTheSnow.com, transforms themselves every year into a winter wonderland. There is something for every skill level from beginners to veterans who are always looking for a challenge. If the skiing and snowboarding doesn’t interest you, check out their tubing park, snowshoe trails, and cross-country trails. If you are interested in some snowy fun, Shanty Creek’s winter wonderland is calling to you.

 

Here in West Michigan we are lucky enough to experience all four seasons. This winter, get out and about and soak up the winter in a new way. The cold and snow isn’t going anywhere, might as well enjoy it while it’s here!