Happy New Year! From decadent dinners to snowshoe adventures, kick off 2019 at these Northern Michigan events in January.
Cheers to 2019
Sips & Soups | January 12
There’s no better way to experience the magic of winter on the Leelanau Peninsula than to pair it with hearty soups and fantastic local wines. A $20 ticket gets you wine and soup pairings at 20 participating wineries as well as a souvenir glass. You’ll be raising your glass to a good cause—$5 of every ticket sold will be donated to local food banks coordinated by Leelanau Christian Neighbors.
Snowshoe & Brew | January 13
Head to Pond Hill Farm for your next Sunday Funday. Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski the trails, then stop by the Pond Hill Cafe for beer, wine and appetizers. All beer and wine will be 20% off.
Inaugural Masquerade Ball | January 14
Escape winter’s dullness and slip away for an evening of glamor and intrigue at 123 Speakeasy in Traverse City. Pull out your fanciest outfit for the “Black and Gold” themed masquerade. Dinner, dessert, open bar, dance lesson, photo booth and raffle entry are all included in the $90 package.
Winter Warm Up | January 19
Shake off the chill of January with the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. You’re invited to taste your way through the wine trail, stopping at nine distinct wineries featuring seasonal comfort food from local restaurants. You’ll leave this event with a cozy-glow, full belly and special souvenir mug.
Exclusive Bourbon Paring | January 20
The evening begins with a sleigh ride from the Main Lodge lobby to the North Peak at Boyne Highlands Resort. Upon arrival, guests disembark to an inviting bonfire before taking their seats at nearby tables, each adorned in white linen and illuminated by candlelight. On clear nights, the lights of the Mackinac Bridge add to the stunning ambiance. Zack Zavisa, a bourbon pairing expert, will lead guests through a pairing menu, accompanied by smooth jazz music.
Pure Ludington Brrrewfest | January 26
A sure-fire way to beat cabin fever is with Ludington’s newest winter event … Brrrewfest! More than 30 brewers will offer patrons a taste of the best and most unique beers from across Michigan. Live music is included in the festivities.
11th Anniversary Sideshow Spectacular | January 26
Witness the debut of limited release beers and freaky feats like you’ve never seen. Right Brain Brewery can’t reveal all the details yet—but they guarantee you won’t have an experience like this anywhere else in Northern Michigan. A $10 VIP ticket gets you into the party with a logo pint glass and swag. Pro tip: Wear a costume and get into the party for free, plus you’ll be entered to win a major prize.
Fun for the Foodies
Summit-to-Stein’s Snowshoe Supper | January 11–March 9
Begin your journey with a scenic ride up the historic Hemlock chairlift at Boyne Mountain Resort, then warm up with a hot toddy at the Eagle’s Nest. Trek down Cold Springs to a bonfire at the halfway point. Snowshoers finish their trip at Stein Eriksen’s to sit down to a three-course fondue supper paired with live entertainment.
70 Years Anniversary Party | January 12
Seven decades later, Boyne Mountain celebrates the weekend that put the first skiers at the summit of the famed Hemlock. With every turn and every year, the mountain continues to inspire those who share a passion for adventure and enjoy life’s simple pleasures with family and friends. An all-inclusive progressive dinner takes you from the iconic Clock Tower Lodge lobby to a traditional family-style dinner at Stein Eriksen’s with a grand finish at the Snowflake Lounge, complete with fireworks and a champagne toast to 70 years strong.
Black Star Farms Cooking Class – Salt of the Earth | January 19
Black Star Farms invites you to share the passion and philosophy behind their critically acclaimed culinary department, winner of the “Best Classic Wine Pairing” at the 2017 Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival. With their cooking classes you will learn new recipes and kitchen techniques with a chef’s demonstration, then get into the action with hands-on instruction.
Winter Adventures
Grass River Shiver | January 12
Put on your snowshoes and run through the beautiful Grass River Natural Area as you help raise money for their programs. A prize is awarded to overall male and female 5K/10K winners. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m. 10K runners do two loops of the course.
Live Music in the Yurt | January 10–March 21
Enjoy intimate live music performances in The Little Fleet’s yurt all winter long. Artists range from local favorites to travelers from across the nation. Check out the lineup and get your tickets before seats sell out.
Bearcub Outfitter Torchlight Snowshoe | January 26
Get outside with family and friends and snowshoe by torchlight at Camp Daggett on Saturday, January 26 and February 23 from 5–9 p.m. When you’re done snowshoeing, come in from the cold for a delicious cup of hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies while you warm up by the crackling fire in the camp’s beautiful main lodge. Admission is free, and snowshoes are available for all ages. Donations are encouraged.
Things to Do & See
West Senior High School Theatre: The Wizard of Oz | January 11–12
Dorothy is not in Kansas anymore, and in this story, she meets several different characters along her journey home. More fun, trials and tribulations await Dorothy in this version by L. Frank Baum. Kid friendly!
Fun Home | January 11-26
A chance to see your parents through grown-up eyes. A lesbian cartoonist looks back on her life and her relationship with her volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind father. This truly original musical explores the haunting pull of memory and the power it has to alternately destroy or shape our identity. Catch this show at Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City.
Jill Jack | January 19
You get all of Jill Jack in a performance—her blend of folk and rock traditions, her open humor. Jill harbors little of her process from her audience, each concert is about opening a window and shining a light into her songwriting, leading inevitably to an intense relationship with her fans. Her career is founded on folk’s best idea: there’s a shared knowing between artist and audience. Catch her at the Charlevoix Cinema III.
Speed Networking | January 29
Want to make multiple, high-quality business connections in less time? Join fellow professionals for a high-energy round of speed networking at 123 Speakeasy in Traverse City. Speed networking takes the stress out of introducing yourself or politely excusing yourself if the match isn’t ideal. After the round-robin, use your notes to figure out which guests you’d like to like to follow up with during the cocktail hour.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and fun-filled 2019. I’m looking forward to another year of sharing events and all the awesome things Northern Michigan has to offer. Keep an eye out for my February picks. Cheers! —Hannah