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- June 2011 -
Media story tips in this issue: 

• WHAT'S NEW
  
• LOOKING AHEAD - LONG LEADS
  
• SAVOR A SIP OF MICHIGAN
  
• PANCAKES AND PLAID
  
• BIKE THE BEAVER
  
• HIGH FLYING FUN
  
• WHEELIN' AROUND MICHIGAN
  
• DETROIT'S CSI
  
• SHIPWRECK ALLEY
  
• EXTREMELY EXCITING
  

• SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER: Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and the season of fun in the sun goes out with a bang at a variety of events, from the 65th Michigan Bean Festival to a peachy time in Romeo, harmonious gatherings, and the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.
• A COOL EVENT: Up to 200 boats are expected at the Straits of Mackinac for the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association international ice boat racing competition in St. Ignace in February 2012. This is just the 4th time the event has been held in the U.S. since it began in 1980.

SAVOR A SIP OF MICHIGAN

From wine to beer to spirits, Michigan is bursting with great tastes. Uncork endless fun this summer and take in a festival, event or a day at a wine trail. Seven of the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will welcome women with wine and much more for the annual Divas Uncorked event on June 17. Plan a day at the beach for the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival, June 18 at Weko Beach. Head to Harbor Springs for the Waterfront Wine Festival, June 25. The Rattlesnake Club teams up with Drink Michigan to host A Sip of Michigan on July 15, a benefit for Hometown Hugs. Harrisville, on Michigan’s sunrise coast, welcomes the Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival, July 16. Find out what’s on tap at the Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti, July 22-23. Let us help you uncork more news about Michigan’s spirited industries.

PANCAKES AND PLAID

Take a step back in time as you explore the Tahquamenon Logging Museum. Situated on 29 acres along the shores of the Tahquamenon River, the museum pays homage to the area’s rich logging heritage. If you really want to satisfy your hunger for history, visit during a Lumberjack Breakfast. Enjoy eggs, bacon, homemade sausage, fried potatoes and pancakes, all cooked over an authentic woodstove and served in the Cook Shack just as it was done 100 years ago. Want more details? Contact us about how to log on.

BIKE THE BEAVER

Pedals will be pumping as bicyclists wheel around Michigan’s Emerald Isle during the Beaver Island Bike Festival, June 25. The 40-mile route (there’s a 20-mile shortcut option) circles the remote Lake Michigan island, a two-hour ferry ride from Charlevoix. Registration by June 17 is required for the bike event, and reservations for accommodations must also be made in advance. Ring your bike bell and we’ll fill you in on the event, this fascinating island, and the annual music festival in July.

HIGH FLYING FUN

Colorful hot air balloons fill the skies and a strongman tows a 55-ton aircraft, while an assortment of sky divers, stunt kites, vintage aircraft and a 12-minute trip through space exploration amaze and entertain at two annual events in June and July. Send up a flare if you’d like details on the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell June 24-26 and the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival on the July Fourth Weekend.

WHEELIN' AROUND MICHIGAN

Michigan is home to the newest U.S. Bicycle Route in America. Follow the quiet, rural, country roads of Michigan along the U.S. Bike Route 20 from the shores of Lake Michigan in Ludington to Marine City and the St. Clair River. This new route includes the Manistee National Forest and Pere Marquette State Forest, along with a ride through a covered bridge. Looking for an event to get the bike out of storage? Mark the calendar for the 20th Annual Michigander Bicycle Tour, July 16-22. Experienced and beginner cyclists of all ages will enjoy Michigan during this 2-, 6- or 7-day adventure. Give us a call for more information on where to get your wheels in motion.

DETROIT'S CSI?

Where in Detroit do you find highly trained experts to analyze century old treasures? The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), one of the nation’s top museums, has a state-of-art conservation department that works to uncover artful mysteries. Not only does this renowned team care for the DIA’s 60,000 piece collection and assess potential additions, they lend their expertise to non-profit institutions throughout the state to address issues related to the condition, technique and authenticity of objects and to advise on storage or display. Conservation plays a major role in maintaining the integrity of art objects including one of Detroit’s iconic sculptures, Gracehoper, created by Tony Smith. This 23 feet wide and 27 feet tall sculpture has been on the north lawn of the DIA since 1972, and now is in need of a face-lift. Contact us to learn more about how the DIA’s team works to preserve art for future generations, plans for the Gracehoper makeover, and find out about the origin of the name of this major work of art.

SHIPWRECK ALLEY

Summer vacations on the shores of the Great Lakes include more than lazy days on sandy beaches. A vacation along the Lake Huron coastline will introduce visitors to Michigan’s fascinating maritime history, filled with truth and lore. The harbor town of Alpena is where visitors can depart for a glass bottom boat excursion or a kayak tour to explore the shipwrecks of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Designated Shipwreck Alley, the 448-square-mile sanctuary is a popular destination for divers, snorkelers and kayakers to explore one of America's best-preserved and nationally significant collections of shipwrecks. Lake Huron's cold, fresh water has preserved many of these shipwrecks, intact, in water depths that range from a few inches to 200 feet. Climb aboard to learn the facts, mysteries and more about one of Michigan’s unique destinations.

EXTREMELY EXCITING

With adventures offered like the Grapes of Path and Bike-Row-Brew, it is no wonder that the thrill seeking guides at Planet Green Extreme Adventures are always adding new offerings based on the latest trends to an already long list of fun experiences. Starting this month, Dune Sledding and Dune Boarding will be available to everyone from thrill seekers to landlubbers at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Ludington State Park. Never heard of these sports? Imagine the winter versions, just under sunny skies and without a tow back to the top. Don’t let the sand slip through the hourglass, hurry up and contact us for more information.