The 6th Annual Jeep the Mac event will return to its original weekend in late April for 2021 (April 23-25) in St. Ignace and Drummond Island. This annual event draws Jeep enthusiasts from around the Midwest to participate in Jeep activities in the Eastern Upper Peninsula including a group ride across the Mackinac Bridge, ferry passes to Drummond Island for a Saturday trail riding (including access to Turtle Ridge Off-road Park), optional street cruises with discounts at designated stops, commemorative gifts and posters, and lots of vendors and sponsors selling Jeep products. Registration for this event is now open. Register and find more details here: https://stignace.com/event/jeep-the-mac/
“2020 was a difficult year for all of us and we are excited to hit the ground running and fill up our calendars mindfully with safety-oriented events when it is safe to do so,” said St. Ignace Visitors Bureau events director Quincy Ranville, “One of the beauties of the outdoor events in St. Ignace like Jeep the Mac is that remaining socially distant and vigilant while also having fun is easily done.”
2021 will also feature the return of Murray’s Midnight Moose Run which was an unexpected activity and hugely popular hit in 2020. A sponsored award ceremony will also be new this year.
“Having worked with St. Ignace as on the St. Ignace Car Show and Jeep the Mac in past years, I’m excited to really bolster the event this year with more sponsors, vendors, and corporate representation,” says St. Ignace Visitors Bureau brand ambassador Murray Pfaff, “this is such a unique event that has the potential to be record breaking.”
Jeep the Mac 2020 was pushed back to October due to the pandemic, and was extremely popular, so stay tuned for more info regarding a second Jeep event this fall (October 1-3), with St. Ignace and Drummond Island teaming up again for another fun filled weekend.
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. Northern West Michigan finishes the series. If you missed part one or part two on Southern Michigan and Central 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!
Northern Halloween Fun in West Michigan
Chateau Chantal’s Naughty Apple Hard Cider
For those adults looking to pair their Halloween fun with a seasonal brew, you’ll want to check out Chateau Chantal’s Naughty Apple Hard Cider. Their brand new & wonderfully tantalizing Naughty Apple Hard Cider is fermented from a duo of Michigan Golden Delicious & Gala apples. Slightly sweet, serve chilled. Purchase in their tasting room or online at the Chateau Chantal web store.
While you’re visiting Chateau Chantal, enjoy a beautiful & elegant 7-course meal perfectly paired alongside a Chateau Chantal wine & created by the talented in-house chef. Learn from their knowledgeable staff about food & wine pairings while savoring exquisite creations & making new friends. Bring an eager palate, an inquisitive mind & an empty stomach! Your experience begins with an informative winery tour at 6pm with dinner seating in the winery’s beautiful dining room, with panoramic views of both bays, at 6:30pm. Seating is limited so book yours before it’s too late! Reservations & payment are required at least a day in advance. Reserve online here or call (231) 223-4110.
Short’s Brewing Company
Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire is hosting a Halloween Party on October 31st. The Private Stache bottle release will start at 11:00 am with other events like the costume contest taking place in the evening. You’ll also get to enjoy Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers play live on the pub stage (beginning at 9:00 pm), spooky food specials, a costume contest, Halloween themed draft beer, and a Bourbon Evil Urges Private Stache bottle release.
St. Ignace
St. Ignace puts a unique spin on Halloween fun at the annual St. Ignace Trunk or Treat on October 24, 2015. Parents decorate their ghoulish vehicles and dispense candy to those in costume directly from the trunk of the car. It’s tailgating for Halloween! Afterward, ride the hay wagon to the Haunted Woods and take a tour if you’re brave enough, or simply enjoy games and music. It all starts at the lot behind the Quality Inn. Prizes awarded for best costume, scariest costume and most original costume. Everyone’s invited!
Crystal Mountain Spooktacular Saturdays
Take in the autumn air during Spooktacular Saturdays on October 24th at Crystal Mountain. The whole family is sure to have a good time with activities for all ages to enjoy. Take advantage of specialty Fun Pass prices that provide a bundle of activities at a discounted rate. Participate in apple bobbing, wagon rides, face painting, and unlimited marshmallows at the campfire! Take in the leaves from the chairlift, or carve pumpkins to get into the Halloween mood. Bring your best costume for the Costume Parade at 5pm, with free entry and candy for all participants! If you’re feeling brave, head over to the Haunted Forest at the end of the night (recommended for ages nine and up).
Downtown Traverse City
October closes with a parade of little ghosts and goblins as Downtown Traverse City hosts costume clad children and their parents to trick or treat at participating stores throughout the Downtown area on Halloween. The event kicks off at 3:30 until 5 pm. For more information call (231) 922-2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com. While you’re there, watch out for running zombies, as the Zombie Run takes place that morning!
Mackinac Island
Haunts of Mackinac
In the Celtic world, Samhain marks the end of summer and the beginning of the new year and a time to commemorate the souls of the blessed dead. With the rise of Christianity, it was changed to Halloween and remains a joyous time of family reunion.
On Mackinac Island, they celebrate both traditions with their Halloween Weekend October 23rd through 25th. Have fun with the kids Trick or Treating downtown, take the Haunts of Mackinac Tour and then gear up for some great grown up Halloween parties at the downtown pubs. This is also the time of year that the Island shops work hard to clear out their inventory with great discounts and sales. Be sure to browse on Main Street, Market Street and at the shops at Grand Hotel. This makes a perfect weekend to skip out on Black Friday and get a head start on holiday shopping.
For up to the day room availability, just call the Tourism Bureau 906.847.3783, and they hope to see you join in their tradition to pull out all the stops and celebrate the end of the Island’s main season.
