Who says winter is boring in Northwest Michigan? Not in Benzie County, anyway. The visitors bureau there says there are big events coming up all through February, so mark the calendar and get out and enjoy the winter.
"We celebrate wintertime with so many fun events that highlight our beautiful location and climate. Snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are available here in winter, as is ice fishing on Crystal Lake and numerous lakes, rivers and streams. We're eager to show visitors Benzie County's uniqueness in these events that are healthy, natural and active," says Mary Carroll, president of the
Benzie County Visitors' Bureau.
The first weekend, Feb. 4 and 5, brings the Women's Winter Tour to town, held at
Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa in Thompsonville. The winter tour coincides with Super Bowl Sunday, so football fans may have to juggle their schedules a bit. Women of all ages and skiing levels are invited to cross-country ski or snowshoe along the resort's trails. It's the sixth time the successful event has been held, and this year it is all happening under the theme "Picnic in the Park," which includes outdoor food and fun.
On Feb. 11, Winterfest comes to Beulah and Benzonia, which is a Saturday festival full of activities that really get to the heart of winter fun in Northwest Michigan. There's a chili cook-off, an ice fishing contest, a fish toss competition, horse-drawn wagon rides, a dog sled weight pulling competition, and even frozen turkey bowling. A Winterfest parade, outhouse races, and a winter fireworks display over Crystal Lake cap off the celebrations.
For the third weekend, Feb. 18 and 19, head over to
Frankfort and Elberta for the fourth annual Shiver by the River, a series of Snow Cross snowmobile races held in downtown Frankfort. More than 100 riders are expected to compete on an obstacle track built for the event in the city's Open Space Park. Other activities include a childrens' Snow World with sledding and games; a Bowling on Main Street event; the Frozen 5K Run and a winter parade.
February gets rounded off with the not-to-be-missed
Taste the Local Difference winter food celebration at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa. It takes place Feb. 25 and will redefine your idea of fresh food--which is not just for summer, as local farmers, chefs and food artisans will show off at the event. Greenhouses and hoop houses produce local fruits, herbs and vegetables, while fresh goat and mozzarella cheeses accompany organic-raised meats like chicken, lamb, pork, smoked fish, goat and emu. Local chefs also will create winter-inspired dishes for tasting.
Carroll reminds visitors that Benzie County also offers other attractions to complement these weekends, like skiing, dog sledding, hockey, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and plenty of fine local restaurants and lodging.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mary Carroll, Benzie County Visitor's Bureau
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