Celebrate the grape harvest at Left Foot Charley
Put on your lederhosen and head to Left Foot Charley in The Village this Sunday October 4th from 12:00 – 6:00pm for the annual Harvest Festivus celebration.
Fantastic Evening of Food, Olive Oils & Balsamics, & Wine
Join Fustini’s owners Jim and Lane for a special meal prepared by Chef Carrie at Hanna Bistro Bar in downtown Traverse City, on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30pm. Each course accompanied by Spencer Stegenga’s Bowers Harbor Winery wine.
Reservations are requested. Here’s a look at the amazing menu
1st course:
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut Squash, Very Mild Ancho Chile soup drizzled with
Fustini’s Blood Orange Fused Oil.
2nd course:
Salad of Arugula with Pine Nuts, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese
with Fustini’s Fig Balsamic & Manzanillo Single Varietal Oil Vinaigrette.
3rd Course:
Pan Seared Opah w/ warm peach chutney, bacon, watercress
marinated in Fustini’s Peach Balsamic and Garlic Oil.
4th Course:
Chipotle & Persian Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice
made with Fustini’s Chipotle and Persian Lime Extra Virgin Olive Oils.
5th Course:
Cheese Stuffed Poached Pear
Wrapped in puff pastry with Fustini’s Blueberry Balsamic reduction
COST PER PERSON $55
FOR RESERVATIONS and MORE DETAILS
CALL HANNA BISTRO – (231) 946-8207
Downtown Traverse City, Michigan
Downtown Traverse City celebrates local artists
The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the fall Downtown Art Walk, sponsored by ABC 29&8 and WTCM on Friday, September 18, from 5 – 9 pm. The public is invited to enjoy an evening of art, refreshments, food and music. Artists from the region and beyond will feature their works at exhibits throughout Downtown Traverse City.
Visit participating locations and check out the art scene from oil paintings and photography from space to glass bead making and floral arrangements along Front St., Union and the Warehouse District. Refreshments will be offered at various locations throughout the evening. Purchase a commemorative wine glass and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Downtown Public Art projects.
The public has an opportunity to participate in a Public Art project throughout the evening featuring a gold theme in conjunction with the upcoming Dennos Museum exhibit, A River of Gold. Participating galleries will also be offering prize drawings throughout the evening. Walking maps will be available at each participating gallery and the Downtown Traverse City office. For more details call 922.2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com.
Take a Roadtrip this Fall along the M-22 Scenic Drive
Living in the heart of the M-22 corridor I’ve seen it through all seasons. Each has something amazing to offer, but none more varied and beautiful than autumn in Northern Michigan.
In case you’ve never planned an M-22 Roadtrip I’ve put together a list of some of the fun, food and activities to experience along the scenic drive. Named one of the top five greatest driving tours in America by Rand McNally, M-22 has something to offer everyone. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. Here’s my list of 22 Reasons for a Fall M-22 Roadtrip. (more…)
1st Annual Microbrewery Festival takes place Saturday August 29th at The Village of Grand Traverse Commons
Whether you’re a die-hard mug-toting Right Brain fan, or relish the trip up to Short’s for a pint in Bellaire, you can’t resist the opportunity to sample them both, and then some, at the Traverse City Microbrewery & Music Festival this weekend. Hosted on the grand lawn in front of Building 50 at The Village, this festival has something for everyone.
Craft brewers from across the state will gather amongs the trees to share samples with guests under the tent. And while you’re sipping brews from the dozens of vendors you can take in the amazing music including GT Pipes & Drums, Mike Moran & Levi Britton and Buckwheat Zydeco.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and includes 8 pours and entertainment throughout the evening. Festivities begin at 5pm and close at 10pm. Attendees must be 21 and over with photo ID.
For more details and a complete list of brewers, entertainment and schedule of events check out www.tcbeerfest.com.
Hop aboard the Tall Ship Manitou for the Even Keel sail with Left Foot Charley and Right Brain Brewery
We’re all about working together in Northern Michigan. And sometimes we play together too. Right Brain Brewery and Left Foot Charley have teamed up to share the good ship Manitou for a special tall ship sail this Friday, August 28th.
Tickets are $40 for the sail, with a cash bar of Right Brain beers and Left Foot vino available on board. Tickets available at RBB and LFC. Only a few remain, so don’t wait.
For information on other special cruises aboard the Tall Ship Manitou, visit their website at www.tallshipsailing.com.
First annual Traverse City Wine & Art Festival at The Village
After years of watching the wine festivals in Leland and Northport swell to numbers that can barely be contained by the tents overhead, there is finally a festival right here in Traverse City. Saturday, August 22nd the Traverse City Wine & Art Festival will be held on the grounds outside Building 50 at The Village.
The festival features wines from 22 area wineries, from both Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas. And unlike other wine festivals, which operate primarily as tasting events, attendees will receive 2 full glass pours with the $20 ticket. Additional drink tickets are available for $4.
The event also includes a juried art show, live music from Thom Jayne and the Nomads, as well as food from Underground Cheesecake, Bourbon 72, Silvertree Deli and Maybings.
Tickets are $20 and are available through participating wineries or purchase online through the LPVA. For more details about the festival visit their website at www.traversecitywinefestival.com.
Traverse City Film Festival Opens
Tuesday, July 28 from 5-9 PM there will be a Traverse City Film Festival Opening Kick Off Street Party on Front Street between Park and Union Street in Downtown Traverse City.
The event is free and features amazing balloon sculptures by New York artist Jason Hackenwerth, music by Charlie’s Root Fusion and Rojo Loco, and a 6 p.m. opening ceremony with Michael Moore, honoring 2009 Michigan Filmmaker Award Recipient Rich Brauer.
The 5th Annual Traverse City Film Festival runs from July 28th through August 2nd. There are still tickets available, click here to purchase online. And don’t forget about the free movies each night in the Open Space. For more details and information on the festival visit their website at www.traversecityfilmfest.org.
Looking for a break from the downtown action, check out Left Foot Charley & the Vino Factory in The Village on July 31st from 6-9pm. Tickets are $20 and include special food & wine pairings, exclusive winery tours and, of course, golden tickets. Call Left Foot Charley at 231.995.0500 to reserve a spot today.
Stop by Black Star Farms this July for Anniversary Specials
In honor of their 10 year anniversary Black Star Farms is celebrating all month long. Stop by their tasting rooms in Suttons Bay, Old Mission Peninsula and TASTES in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons for a few unique opportuniities only available this month…or while supplies last.
Bring home a special anniversary label Pinot Gris for $10 (if you can find any left) or a bottle of Pinot Noir for only $12.50. Better hurry though, they were out of the Pinot Gris in Suttons Bay already!
Are you a returning BSF customer? Bring you tasting glass with you and receive a coupon for a 10 year annivesary logo glass with any $10 wine purchase.
Check out the new Fire & Vine cafe and receive 10% off your order of a wood-fired oven pizza and two glasses of wine.
Specials last until July 31st, or while supplies last.
There’s never a bad time to visit Black Star Farms wineries and tasting rooms. Check out our On The Vine photo gallery to see Black Star Farms vines develop over the course of one growing season.
Arts and Crafts will fill the street this weekend when Downtown Traverse City hosts its annual Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair on Sunday, June 28. Located along Union Street between Sixth and Eighth Streets, the annual juried fair will feature close to 90 Midwest and national artists and craftsmen. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., rain or shine.
The event is the first summer art fair hosted by the Downtown Traverse City Association. The others included the National Cherry Festival Arts and Crafts Fair in July and the Downtown Art Fair in August. All are open to the public free of charge. For more information, call the DTCA office at (231) 922-2050 or visit www.downtowntc.com.
Test new equipment at the All Vendor Demo Day on Saturday May 30th
The Traverse City Golf Center is hosting their annual All Vendor Golf Club Demo Day this Saturday. Stop in from 11am – 4pm to try new 2009 equipment from the best manufacturers in golf. Representatives from Callaway, Taylor Made, Titlist, Cobra, Bridgestone, Ping, Adams, Cleveland, and Mizuno will be on-site to answer all your questions and handle custom fits. Hot dogs, brats and refreshments will be available, along with special event pricing.
The Traverse City Golf Center offers a fabulous selection of golf equipment and services including clubs, bags, golf balls, clothing and accessories. Hone your skills on their outdoor driving range and chipping green. Check out the golf simulators where you can play famous courses from around the country. Or improve your swing with a few lessons from PGA golf professional and owner, Doug Lichty.
For more details on the products and services at Traverse City Golf Center, check out their website at www.tcgolfcenter.com. Or call the pro shop at 231.947.1185. The Traverse City Golf Center is located on Secor Rd in Traverse City. You can find a detailed map on our Attractions page.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, in Traverse City, Michigan, will host the Third Annual “Putting for Patriots” fundraiser on Sunday, May 24, 2009. This national event will occur simultaneously at 35 Pirate’s Cove, Pirate’s Island and Jungle Golf miniature golf courses throughout the United States.
Three non-profit agencies, who actively support and serve veterans, will be the beneficiaries during this Memorial Day Weekend event. These organizations include: “Hope for the Warriors”, the “Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation” and “Homes for Our Troops.” Pirate’s Cove, Jungle Golf and Pirate’s Island will donate a percentage of their total sales on Sunday, May 24.
In addition, throughout the entire holiday weekend, each golf course will accept donations to be turned over to the three charities. “Memorial Day was specifically founded 140 years ago to remember those who died serving our nation,” notes Brad Graft, Pirate’s Cove Partner and Regional Director. “The Pirate’s Cove family thought it appropriate to establish an annual event to serve charities that assist our living veterans – men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.” Pirate’s Cove and Pirate’s Island operate 35 miniature golf courses throughout the United States.
For more information, visit their website at www.piratescove.net. Additional information on the above charities can be found by accessing their Web sites: www.hopeforthewarriors.org, www.mcsf.org , and www.homesforourtroops.org.
Did You Know: An asparagus spear can grow up to 10 inches in one day.The 2009 Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market season begins on Saturday, May 9. The market will run on Saturdays through October, with a short break during the National Cherry Festival. The Wednesday market will begin on June 10. Hours of operation will run 8 am to Noon at the parking Lot B, across from Clinch Park on the Grandview Parkway.
Over 100 vendors and tens of thousands of patrons each year make the market the largest in Northwest Michigan and the best place to find locally-grown produce. Products available at the market include artisan bread, flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, honey and eggs including some organic products.
For more information on events in Downtown Traverse City click here to visit their website. For a map of the Downtown area visit our Attractions page.
The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the spring Downtown Art Walk, sponsored by ABC 29&8 and WTCM on Friday, May 1, from 5 – 9 pm. Downtown Traverse City invites the public to enjoy art, refreshments, food and music while supporting our local and regional artists. Visit participating locations and check out the art scene from oil paintings to glass bead making along Front St., Cass, Union and the Warehouse District.
Refreshments will be offered at various locations throughout the evening. Purchase a commemorative wine glass and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Downtown Public Art projects. The public has an opportunity to participate in a Public Art project throughout the evening, featuring a water theme.
The Annual Downtown Art Walk is provided by the over 200 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. Please contact the Downtown Traverse City Association at 922-2050 or e-mail colleen@downtowntc.com for further information. www.downtowntc.com
Interlochen Center for the Arts invites you to join us this summer to enjoy a great lineup that includes classical virtuosos, rock-n-roll legends, country superstars, folk icons, master comedians, phenomenal dancers and more!
Highlights include:
Ticket go on sale today, April 24 and can be ordered online at https://tickets.interlochen.org/ or by calling the Interlochen Box Office at 231.276.7800 or 800.681.5920
The fun begins on Saturday, April 25th with the 20th Annual Grand Traverse Earth Day Parade. It begins at noon starting at Central Grade School. Everyone is encouraged to parade in costumes, or just sit back and watch. After the parade, gather at Hannah Park for more festivities and a community potluck.
Along with the parade Downtown Traverse City is also hosting their Celebration for Young Children from 11am – 3pm on Saturday. Activities and events will be held at the City Opera House, Traverse City State Bank, Horizon Books and various locations downtown.
If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated check out the Traverse City Chocolate Festival. The inaugural event takes place Sunday, April 26th at the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City from 1-5pm. The proceeds benefit the Michigan Community Action Agency’s food programs. It features area chocolatiers along with wine and other beverages. For more info check out this link: http://www.lpwines.com/wine/traverse-city-chocolate-festival-this-sunday/
Each year the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce hosts a Small Business Celebration and awards one local establishment the honor of Small Business of the Year. This year three Mealtickets & Unusual Ideas advertisers are among the nominees.
The Cherry Stop, owned and operated by Nick and Jamie Roster, is a specialty store in Downtown Traverse City featuring everything cherry. Located on Front Street, The Cherry Stop offers direct shipping and operates a unique wine bar in the back of the store overlooking Grand Traverse Bay.
Chateau Chantal, an Old Mission must-see, is a beautiful winery complete with rolling vineyards, a tasting room and a bed & breakfast. Guests enjoy fantastic views from the rooms which are named after famous artists.
Right Brain Brewery, located in the Warehouse district of Traverse City, is a local favorite. Owner Russell Springsteen has created a comfortable retreat for beer lovers to explore the many flavor possibilities of brewer John Niedermier. The brewery is located next to Salon Saloon, where guests can have their hair trimmed while they sip a stout.
Check out these three fantastic businesses, and all the other deserving nominees at this year’s Small Business Celebration at the Candidate’s Showcase held this Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City from 5:30 – 7:30pm. There is no cost for the event. So come, meet the candidates and wish them good luck.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is host to a folk festival on Saturday February 7th. Five stages will be set-up throughout Building 50 to host as many as 75 performers throughout the day. Brought to you by Northern Michigan Songwriters in the Round. For a complete list of performers Click Here.
In addition, Another Cuppa Joe will host an Open Mic Stage at their coffeehouse in The Village.
The festival is a free, non-profit event. Individual artists will offer their CDs available for sale.
Celebrate Women, Winter and Chocolate!The Women’s Winter Tour returns this weekend, January 31st and February 1st at Crystal Mountain Resort. The Tour is a non-competitive event featuring cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and lots of fun. Forget about the SuperBowl, it’s time for a souper-bowl with wine and chocolate.
The Women’s Winter Tour benefits the local nonprofit Active Women Now, Inc. This organization has raised over $80,000 for the Traverse City women’s shelter and other local charities.
Online registration is available, but the easy printable registration form is the best way to sign up. Click here for the printable form.
The event is hosted by Crystal Mountain Resort. They will donate $3 for each woman staying at the Resort who signs up for the tour.
While you’re there check out the brand new Crystal Spa. Special discounts are available for Winter Tour participants. For details on the packages available from Crystal Mountain Resort click here.
