MyNorth News Service
(Press release provided by Benzie County Visitors Bureau)
Benzonia: Benzie County Visitors Bureau, located in Northwest Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, is offering the “Benzie Treasure Trove” vacation getaway package to experience Northern Michigan’s fall color season. The “Benzie Treasure Trove” features over 20 free, buy-one-get-one, and value priced gifts, food and recreational activities, and is perfect as a family or adult getaway experience. The “Benzie Treasure Trove” will run through October 31, 2016.
Benzie County is known as the vacation hot spot for Pure Michigan adventure and beauty, featuring 57 inland lakes, two rivers, and nearly 30 miles of Lake Michigan Shoreline along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visitors can plan Benzie County vacation and participate in the “Benzie Treasure Trove” by signing up online at www.visitbenzie.com.*
The famous Frankfort pier, sandy shores, iconic downtown, and views of Lake Michigan are truly one-of-a-kind. See for yourself in this MyNorth Media video.
In September, enjoy the serenity of staying at one of Benzie County’s historic resorts, hotels, cabins or b&b’s. Experience early autumn’s warm weather perfect for swimming, boating, paddle boarding and more. Later in the fall, weekend activities are full of fun fall festivals great for families with children as well as empty nesters. Additional activities include biking, running, and triathlon events, an epic beer week celebration, and the annual Frankfort Film Festival featuring award-winning films from festivals around the world.
An example of a few items in the “Benzie Treasure Trove” package include a free slice of cherry pie from the historic Cherry Hut Restaurant, a free Root Beer Float from the A&W Restaurant & Drive In, and two free Whitefish Tacos from Port City Smokehouse. Buy-one-get-one offers include Hot Fudge Sundaes from Hill Top Soda Shoppe, Point Betsie Lighthouse tours, Crystal Coaster rides at Crystal Mountain and Golf at Crystal Mountain’s Betsie Valley, Champion Hill & Pinecroft golf courses. Full details are listed at visitbenzie.com under “Benzie Treasure Trove.”
*Visitors who stay two consecutive nights in Benzie County at one of several participating lodging locations need to sign up online in order to receive the “Benzie Treasure Trove” Validation form.
More About Benzie County
Benzie County is a perfect vacation getaway with quaint towns and villages such as Frankfort, Elberta, Honor, Thompsonville, Beulah, Benzonia, and Lake Ann plus the majestic Crystal Lake. Benzie County has spectacular beaches, miles of biking and walking trails, views of Lake Michigan, and great restaurants, shops and attractions. Perfectly situated along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Benzie County has nearly 30 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, 57 inland lakes, approximately 200 miles of rivers, and 22 miles for biking along the Betsie Valley Trail. Outdoor activities in the fall include fishing, golfing, biking, hiking, running, kayaking, and more.
Food and Beverage in Benzie County
Benzie County has many unique restaurants offering farm-to-table features on their menus. Locally produced brews, wines, meads and spirits are available at Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfort serving delectable locally inspired food and house crafted Belgian brews; Lake Ann Brewing Company in Lake Ann serving their own craft beer, local cider, meads and wine; St. Ambrose Cellars offering free sampling of award-winning wines and meads as well as appetizer food plates; and Iron Fish, which recently opened and is offering distilled spirits and more.
Galleries, Antiques, and Shopping in Benzie County
From art galleries to antiques and home furnishings, Benzie County offers many unique shopping experiences. For the interior designer, art enthusiastic and home furnishing buyer, Benzie County has furniture showrooms and art galleries to explore. The Elizabeth Lane Oliver Art Center located in Frankfort was created in an old Coast Guard Station along the Betsie Bay and is just steps from Lake Michigan. Besides its picturesque setting, the Center is devoted to ongoing art exhibitions, special events, classes and art sales.
Activities in Benzie County
Benzie County draws empty nesters and families looking for a great weekend fall getaway due to its lovely beaches along Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, and the hometown charm of its friendly villages and towns. With numerous lakes and miles of rivers, adults and children can experience fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Kids programs are offered at the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Art Center in Frankfort. Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville also has many children’s programs for guests who stay at the resort and to visitors who pay a fee for activities such as an elevated rope and zip line course, mountain biking, golf and paintball courses for teens. And the relaxing Crystal Spa is wonderful for adults who want to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a luxurious spa service.
Benzie County Fall Events 2016
September
Tri Up North Triathlon
Frankfort
September 10, 2016
The port city of Frankfort along the Betsie Bay is a perfect location to participate in a triathlon. This kayaking, biking and running race is specifically geared toward beginners and those looking for a little motivation to become more active. Their goal is to engage young people, families and individuals to make healthy choices and live an active lifestyle and enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Take the athletic challenge and soak in the beauty of Benzie County’s weather and gorgeous scenery. The event will start at 9 am. For more specific information see Tri-upnorth.com or call (800) 882-5801.
Taste of Benzie
Frankfort
Mineral Springs Park
September 10, 2016
Come with an appetite and bring the entire family for this lively and delicious afternoon festival. Many of Benzie County restaurants, cafes and caterers will feature their house specialties for $1 – $3 per sample. Beer and wine tastes will be $2 for a sample and $5 for full pours. Live music and many children’s activities are all a part of the fun. For more information see FrankfortElberta.com or call (231) 352-7251.
Chairlift Rides with Live Entertainment
Crystal Mountain (weather permitting)
Every Saturday in September (9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24) Check for times per date
Enjoy panoramic views of three counties and top-of-the-mountain attractions including live musical entertainment. Ride the Crystal Clipper Quad Chairlift to the top of the mountain to enjoy the music. Chairlift rides are $7 per person. Children 8 & under are free with a paying adult. Guests staying at Crystal Mountain are also free.
For more information see crystalmountain.com/about/events or call the Park at Water’s Edge at (888) 968-7686 ext. 7000.
October
Benzie County Fall Festivals
Take in the fall color tours in Northern Michigan and be sure to visit these activities in Benzie County. Hometown festivals are held the first two weekends in October. In addition, there are fun-filled activities for the entire family throughout Benzie County in the fall to enjoy this beautiful time of year. For more information see www.visitbenzie.com or call (800) 882-5801.
October 1 Beulah & Benzonia Fall Festival
October 1 Sip, Sample and Swing at St. Ambrose Cellars
October 1 – 3 Point Betsie Lighthouse Tours
Oct 3 – 8 Frankfort Beer Week
October 8 Frankfort Area Fall Festival
October 7 – 9 Point Betsie Lighthouse Tours
October 14 – 16 Peak2Peak Mountain Biking Festival at Crystal Mountain
October 20-23 Frankfort Film Festival
October 22 Pumpkin Run at Twisted Trails Off Road Park
October 22 Spooktacular Saturday at Crystal Mountain
October 1, 8, 22, & 29 Scenic Chairlift Rides (weather permitting) at Crystal Mountain
October 29 Haunted Trail Ride at Twisted Trails Off Road Park
October 29 Spooktacular Saturday at Crystal Mountain
Chairlift Rides with Live Entertainment
Crystal Mountain (weather permitting)
Every Saturday in October (10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29) Check for times per date
Enjoy panoramic views of three counties and top-of-the-mountain attractions including live musical entertainment. Ride the Crystal Clipper Quad Chairlift to the top of the mountain to enjoy the music. Chairlift rides are $7 per person. Children 8 & under are free with a paying adult. Guests staying at Crystal Mountain are also free.
For more information see crystalmountain.com/about/events or call the Park at Water’s Edge at (888) 968-7686 ext. 7000.
Frankfort Beer Week
Frankfort
Oct 3-8, 2016
The highly rated StormCloud Brewing Company located in Frankfort will be front and center during October’s Frankfort Beer Week. Other Michigan Breweries who have small batch releases will also be participating. Frankfort Beer Week is a weeklong series of events, including Beer Dinners, Beer-pairing menus, a Homebrew contest, Beer-Infused Creations, Concerts and Cookouts, Special Beer Releases, and Tap Takeovers. There are a wide variety of experiences to sample.
Founders Peak 2 Peak Mountain Bike Classic, Tour de Tykes & Cross Country Trail Tour
Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain
October 15 & 16, 2016
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan will hold the 11th Annual Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic, presented by Founders Brewing Company. This epic event is held in and around the beautiful and gently rolling terrain that surrounds Crystal Mountain and will start and finish at Crystal Mountain. Riders journey through hardwood and pine forests along rambling two-tracks and flowing single-track on a course that is fast and challenging, but not so difficult that racers new to the sport won’t have a great time. The Tour de Tykes is a bike race for kids 12 and under. Crystal will also offer the Tour de Tiny Tykes, for ages 6 and under. All participants receive medals. On Sunday, the day following the races, there will be a two-hour Cross-Country Trail Tour with IMBA Certified Instructors. Reservations are required. For more information see crystalmountain.com/about/events or call the Park at Water’s Edge at (888) 968-7686 ext. 7000.
Frankfort Film Festival
Frankfort
October 20 – 23, 2016
The historical Garden Theater in Frankfort is the place to be on the third weekend of October. This film-lovers festival features leading edge independent films from prestigious film festivals throughout the world. Visits by film directors and screenwriters and other surprises will be part of the four-day event. For more information see www.frankfortgardentheater.com or call (231) 352-7561.
Spooktacular Saturday
Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain
October 22 & 29
Outside family fun at Crystal Mountain from 2 – 6 pm includes wagon rides, caramel apples, activities, petting zoo, pumpkin carving and more! A spooky trail walk will be held from 7 – 9 pm including a ride up the mountain on the Loki chair lift with a walk down along a “spooky” trail lit by lanterns. On Saturday October 29, there will be a costume contest with prizes and a live DJ from 9 to midnight. Some fees apply. For more information see crystalmountain.com/about/events or call the Park at Water’s Edge at (888) 968-7686 ext. 7000.
Pumpkin Run
Copemish – Twisted Trails Off Road Park at 19405 Read Rd.
October 22
Experience fall fun and great off road wheeling (ATV’s and 4×4 off road vehicles) in the mud. Call 231-651-9548 for more information.
Haunted Trail Ride
Copemish – Twisted Trails Off Road Park at 19405 Read Rd.
October 29
Experience a spooktacular time on a haunted trail ride (ATV’s and 4×4 off road vehicles) to see ghosts, goblins, zombies and more… Call 231-651-9548 for more information.
November
5K Turkey Vulture Trot
Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain
Nov. 24, 2016
The 12th annual 5K Turkey Vulture Trot, a running / walking race on Thanksgiving morning, will be held on a paved, looped-course thru the scenic rolling terrain of Crystal Mountain to get everyone into the holiday spirit! For more information see crystalmountain.com/about/events or call (844) 584-2733
Holly Berry Art & Craft Fair
Frankfort
November 26, 2016
Holly Berry Art & Craft Fair, a very popular indoor event, is perfect for holiday gift buying, and includes over 100 artists. During the fair, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their appearance at the Hotel Frankfort. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides will also be featured along Frankfort’s Main Street. Families will enjoy the Frankfort Community Tree Lighting in Rotary Park at dusk. For more information see www.Frankfort-elberta.com or call 231-352-7251.
More Benzie County Vacation Ideas
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Frankfort Beaches & Fishing
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Grow Benzie Food Truck Features Taco-Based Menu
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Spirits Flowing at Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville
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