2023 Fall Destinations

DESTINATIONS

A PREMIER MICHIGAN RECREATIONAL GUIDE

BENZIE COUNTY

LAKE COUNTY

MANISTEE COUNTY

MASON COUNTY

MECOSTA COUNTY

MONTCALM COUNTY

NEWAYGO COUNTY

OSCEOLA COUNTY

WEXFORD COUNTY

Welcome to Mecosta County Michigan c

The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce extends a warm welcome to tour, shop, and celebrate the seasonal changes in the vibrant communities of Mecosta County! The cooler months bring about nature’s beauty as you may enjoy one hundred rivers and lakes, recreational trails extending through four additional counties, and seven renowned golf courses with accompanying accommodations. For the outdoor enthusiasts, Mecosta County boasts great fishing, hunting, k ayak ing, bik ing, snowshoeing and autumn scener y in the state.

For those that enjoy the quaint attractiveness of communities rich in histor y, or the eclectic ambiguity of innovation, Mecosta County hosts shopping and dining experiences where the smell of hot apple cider, pumpk in lattes and donuts fill the air. Corn mazes, carriage rides, and pumpk in patches make for fun family outings, in addition to several festivals celebrating the histor y, music and varied cultures found here. Local breweries and wineries are plentiful in their selections and provide music for patrons While enjoying a color tour, visitors are sure to enjoy the unique small businesses, ar tisan shops, and roadside stands filled with farm grown vegetables and flowers, and goods and custom furniture handmade by our strong Amish residents

In the center of Mecosta County, is the main campus of Ferris State University With innovative and unique academic programs including E-Spor ts, and state of the ar t training facilities, this mid-sized state university is renowned for its various museums. Residents, students, and alumni from all over the countr y boast proudly of the many NCAA II Bulldog Championship athletic teams Be sure to enjoy football tailgating and games at the home of the Back-to -Back National Champions this season.

The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce includes a charming and engaging group of communities including Big Rapids, Stanwood, Morley, Canadian Lakes, Paris, Barr yton, Rodney, Remus, and the Village of Mecosta. No matter the season, we are confident that you will discover authentic and genuine people, experiences, and reasons to join us in Mecosta County, Michigan!

Poster Contest

Theme: What is your favorite place to visit during the fall in Mecosta County, and why?

Open to ages 6 – 12 years

Send a picture of the ar tist with poster to director@mecostacounty.com before November 10th for a chance to be awarded $100 wor th of local gift cer tificates All entries will be featured on the Mecosta County Area Chamber newsletter, website, and social media.

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce

For information about the MCACC and our preferred business network, visit: w w w.mecostacountyareachamber.com

In This Issue

Pages 4-7

Lake County

Pages 8-10

Benzie County

Pages 11-13

Osceola County

Pages 14-17

Manistee County

Pages 18-20

Mason County

Pages 22-27

Mecosta County

Pages28-30

Newaygo County

Pages 31-35

Concerts

Pages 36-38

Montcalm County

Pages 39-41

Wexford County

Pages 42-44

Camping

Page 45

Explore Sparta

Pages 46-47

Dispensary Directory

Pages 48-49

Realtor Directory

Pages 50-53

Service Directory

WEST CENTRAL MICHIGAN:

If you enjoy the outdoors, then West Central Michigan is the place to visit. If fall is your favorite season, then you are in the right place.

Come drive through any one of West Central Michigan’s counties and see country roads lined up with magnificent trees that boast the colors of fall with spicy red leaves mixed with vibrant yellows and hints of orange that are the perfect recipe for a perfect fall day.

While visiting, trek the Fred

Meijer White Pine Trail that connects Grand Rapids, through West Central Michigan all the way to Cadilliac.

No matter where you are, there is something beautiful to see.

As you turn through the pages of the 2023 Destinations recreational guide, you will find places to eat and drink, parks to visit, breweries and wineries to visit, classic cafés to unique adventures you can only find in West Central Michigan.

If you like bundling up and

the place to be

sporting the cooler months, be sure to take advantage of what West Central Michigan also has to offer during winter.

Bring your fishing equipment and try some ice fishing, take the snowmobiles out with the family, try cross-country skiing, or simply stay at one of our many hotels and enjoy the fire and the view.

So, if you need to know where the adventure is, it is right in front of you, and as Amelia Earhart said: “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”

Enjoy what we call home!

Venture LAKE COUNTY

Motorized Trails

❖ Little Manistee ORV Trail (motorcycles only)

❖ Little Manistee ORV Route (all off-road vehicles)

❖ Tin Cup ORV Trail (motorcycles only)

❖ Tin Cup ORV Route (all off-road vehicles)

❖ Lincoln Hills ORV (motorcycles only)

❖ Lincoln Hills Route (all off-road vehicles)

❖ Little “O” ORV Trail (motorcycle, ORV less than 50 inches wide)

❖ Big “O” ORV Trail (motorcycles only)

❖ Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail (MCCCT) (motorcycles only)

Note: Most trail systems in Lake County have segments designated for specific off-road vehicles. In general, motorcycle-only trails have widths of 24 inches or less, ORV trails are 50 inches wide or less, and ORV routes are 72 inches or wider. For information about where to ride, including maps, as well as permit/license requirements, visit Michigan. gov/ORVinfo or lakecotrails.com.

Nonmotorized Trails

❖ Bowman Lake Foot Travel Area (cross-country skiing, hiking)

❖ North County Trail (hiking, biking)

❖ Pere Marquette Trail (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking)

❖ Pine Forest Pathway (cross-country skiing, hiking)

❖ Pine Valley Pathway (cross-country skiing, hiking, biking)

❖ Sheep Ranch Pathway (cross-country skiing, hiking, biking)

Snowmobile Trails

❖ Northeast of the intersection of M-37 and West 3 Mile Road

❖ Northside of West 16th Street, East of South James Road

❖ Southside of West 7 Mile Road, East of M-37

❖ Westside of North Kings Highway, North of East F Avenue

❖ Located off 8th Street

❖ Off of U.S. 10 between Mack and Sheppard roads

Michigan’s state-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31, and grooming occurs when there is enough snow. Trail permits for the 2021-22 snowmobile season go on sale Sept. 1. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/snowmobiling.

Restaurants and Bars

❖ Chase Creek Smokehouse, Chase

❖ Pompeii’s, Baldwin

❖ Northern Exposure Café, Baldwin

❖ Club 37, Baldwin

❖ North Bar, Luther

❖ Loggers Landing

Restaurant and Grill, Luther

❖ Dawn’s Country Kitchen, Irons

❖ Brooks Corner, Irons

❖ Blossom’s Restaurant, Irons

State Road in Chase

Whalen Lake

Litte Manistee River near Elk Township

Venture

BENZIE COUNTY

on Dec. 9 in Beulah.

FEBRUARY

❖ Winterfest 2024 includes an outhouse race, chili contest, parade, poker run and more. Events run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Feb. 10 in downtown Beulah

Fall hiking in Benzie County:

❖ Arcadia Dunes C.S. Mott Preserve has a variety of trails just south of Frankfort/Elberta on M-22.

❖ Betsie River Pathway located off M-115 includes trails in wooded areas and along the Betsie River.

Fall and winter events:

OCTOBER

❖ Frankfort Beer Week from Oct. 2-7 at various locations in Frankfort. Check out Michigan craft beer and the local food scene. Find more information and participating locations at frankfortbeerweek.com

❖ Beulah holds its fall festivalat

Beulah Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 7. This festive event includes pumpkin decorating, children’s games and face painting, horse drawn wagon rides and more.

❖ Frankfort Fall Festival starts at 10 a.m. on Oct. 14 at Open Space Park in Frankfort. A family friendly event, check out the carnival, parade, Mutt

March, live music, a beer tent, giant pumpkin squashing, craft fair, cornhole tournament and more.

NOVEMBER

❖ Start off the holiday season and your holiday shopping with the Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair on Nov. 25. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frankfort High School and also includes carriage rides. This event is a great way to show your support for local merchants.

DECEMBER

❖ Get in the Christmas mood during the Frankfort Community Tree Lighting event at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Rotary Park in Frankfort.

❖ Enjoy all the magic of Christmas at the annual Christmas Magic event from

❖ The Betsie Valley Trails located in Thompsonville provide 22 miles of scenic hiking trails.

❖ Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville offers miles of trails to hike through various types of terrain.

❖ Elberta Dunes South Nature area in Elberta has 1 to 2 miles of hiking available on the beach.

❖ Green Point Dunes is located at 11998 Green Point Road in Frankfort on a 242 acre parcel that includes 3 miles of trails.

❖ Legacy Art Park is located adjacent to Crystal Mountain Resort on 30 acres of property among many outdoor sculptures combines passion for walking and viewing great artwork at the same time.

❖ Sleeping Bear Dunes just

Festival of Trees

Beluah Fall Festival

up the road on M-22 offers a variety of hiking trails in the dunes and surrounding area.

❖ Upper Herring Lake Nature Preserve is on a 180 parcel of land that includes one mile of hiking trails.

Places to check out this fall:

❖ M-22 rides for the fall color tour throughout the rolling hills of Benzie County. A ride in just about any direction in Benzie County during October will produce locations for outstanding viewing of Mother Nature at its best.

❖ The Point Betsie Lighthouse located at 3701 Point Betsie Road was the site of a lighthouse from 1854 to the present. See a historic lighthouse up close, visit the living quarters that were provided for a light keeper and his family.

The lighthouse located on the breakwater off the entrance to the Frankfort Harbor. This historic classic lighthouse has lit up the entrance to the harbor for decades.

❖ Gwen Frostic Prints and Studio located at 5140 River Road in Benzonia. See and

Places to grab a bite to eat

Breweries/Wineries/Bars

❖ Five Shores Brewing, Beulah

❖ St. Ambrose Cellars, Beulah

❖ Stormcloud Brewing Company, Frankfort

❖ Lake Ann Brewing Company, Lake Ann

❖ Iron Fish Brewery, Thompsonville

Bar and Grills

Family/Casual Dining

❖ Upriver Pizza, Benzonia

❖ Hungry Tummy, Beulah

❖ Ursa Major Bistro & Coffee Shop, Beulah

❖ The Cherry Hut, Beulah

❖ A. Papanos Pizza, Beulah, Frankfort, Thompsonville

purchase some of the many prints this legendary artist created in her lifetime.

❖ Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park located partially in Benzie and Leelanau counties includes great views, adventure and lots of incredible dunes for the whole family to enjoy. Following M-22 will lead to this exciting place to visit.

Things to do this winter:

❖ Downhill skiing, cross country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, horse drawn sleigh rides, snowboarding and ice skating all at Crystal Mountain Resort

❖ Ice fishing in locations like Crystal Lake and other inland lakes throughout Benzie County

❖ Snowmobiling on trails that are regularly groomed by the Benzie-Manistee Snowbirds

❖ Snowshoeing and cross country skiing and fat biking at various locations.

Check out curling at Stormcloud Brewing Company’s venue, featuring lessons and leagues

❖ Roadhouse Mexican Bar and Grill, Benzonia

❖ Jodi’s Tangled Antler, Beulah

❖ Fallen Timbers, Buelah

❖ Cold Creek Inn and Restaurant, Beulah

❖ Lucky Dog Bar and Grille, Beulah

❖ Cabbage Shed, Elberta

❖ FrankZ, Frankfort

❖ Villa Marine Bar & Grill, Frankfort

❖ Dinghy’s Restaurant, Frankfort

❖ Old Town Grill & Tap, Frankfort

❖ Sweets Bar and Grill, Honor

❖ Geno’s Sports Bar & Grill, Thompsonville

❖ The 231 Bar & Grill, Thompsonville

❖ Laughing Horse Saloon, Thompsonville

❖ Thistle Pub & Grille, Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville

❖ L’Chayim Delicatessen, Beulah, Frankfort & Glen Arbor

❖ Lighthouse Café, Elberta

❖ A&W, Frankfort

❖ Hotel Frankfort and Restaurant, Frankfort

❖ The Fusion, Frankfort

❖ Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market, Frankfort

❖ Platte River Inn, Honor

❖ Jim Joint Barbecue, Honor

❖ Papa J’s Pizzeria & Diner, Honor

❖ The Stone Oven, Lake Ann

❖ Papa J’s Pizzeria, Lake Ann

❖ Wild Tomato -- Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville

❖ Rosie’s Country Café, Thompsonville

Fine Dining

❖ The Manitou, Frankfort

❖ Birch & Maple, Frankfort

❖ Rock’s Landing, Frankfort

Downtown Frankfort

Places to grab a bite to eat

Bars & Grills

❖ Travelers Bar and Grill, LeRoy

❖ Sunny’s Sports Bar and Grill, Reed City

❖ Sixth and Main Bar and Grill, Evart

❖ Buckboard Bar and Grill, Reed City

❖ Horseshoe Bar, Marion

Family Restaurants/Diners

❖ H and D Chuckwagon, Reed City

❖ Seven Slot Grills, Reed City

❖ Mr. Pibs Restaurant, LeRoy

❖ The Village Grille, Tustin

Ala Cart

❖ Pere Marquette Bistro and Catering, Reed City

Pizza

❖ Mineral Springs Pizza Pub and Grill, Tustin

❖ Pompeii’s, Reed City & Evart

Brewery

❖ Reed City Brewery, Reed City

❖ Cadillac Winery, LeRoy

Venture MANISTEE COUNTY

Places to hike in Manistee County:

❖ Manistee County Historical Orchard Beach State Park trails, across from park on M-110

❖ • Tippy Dam trails, located near Tippy Dam off M-55

❖ • Arcadia Dunes Old Baldy Trail, located on M-22 by Arcadia

❖ • Arcadia Marsh walkway, located just south of Arcadia

❖ • City of Manistee Riverwalk, located on Manistee River Channel in downtown Manistee

❖ • Magoon Creek Recreation Area, located off Red Apple Road in Filer Township

❖ • Manistee River Trail, (located by Red Bridge) on High Bridge Road

❖

• Manistee Non-Motorized Trail, located off M-55 just east of Manistee

❖

• North Country Trail, traverses Manistee County with several trailheads

❖ • Lake Michigan shoreline, miles of sandy beaches running along shoreline

❖ • Bear Lake School Forest trail, located by school forest off Lakeshore Drive

❖ • Portage Point Trails, located off Portage Point Drive

❖ • Big M Trailheads, located on Udell Hills Road off M-5

Fall and winter events:

OCTOBER

❖ Take a hayride or check out the scarecrows in Onekama during the village’s annual fall festival. The event provides fun for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Onekama Village Park. Pumpkin decorating, a pet costume contest, kids games and craft show round out the event.

❖ Get your fright on when you traverse the five decks of Manistee’s Ghost Ship. The event raises money for the nonprofit car ferry SS City of Milwaukee, where the Ghost Ship takes place. It’s open on Friday and Saturday nights in October, from 7:3010 p.m.

NOVEMBER

❖ Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at the Christmas in Onekama on Nov. 18, which features a large craft show at Onekama Consolidated Schools’ middle school gym. Organized by the nonprofit Portage Lake Association, it includes a wide range of vendors and a bake sale.

Stop back in Onekama the next day for the annual Celebration of Lights ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Farr Center. For a donation, you can recognize your loved one who has passed away by having a light placed on the Christmas tree in their honor.

❖ Sparkle in the Park has been lighting up Bear Lake for nearly two decades. Starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Hopkins Park will be open every day following until Dec. 31. Drive through the park to view about 50 lit up displays. It’s a sight you don’t want to miss this Christmas season.

DECEMBER

❖ Step back in time for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. This weekend-long event is set for Nov. 30 to Dec. 3. The hightlight of the weekend is the non-motorized parade at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 2. Find a full schedule of events at manisteesleighbellparade.com/

❖ Mark the shortest day of the year with the annual Kaleva Winter Solstice event. Since 1998 the community has been celebrating

its Finnish heritage by lighting candles for those who have died and placing luminaries on each grave at the Maple Grove Township Cemetery. This year’s event is set to begin at 4 p.m. with the luminary assembly.

❖ You don’t have to go to the big city to see a ball drop on New Year’s Eve. Chopo’s Northside Bar in Manistee is the site of the drop; the ball can be seen on a crane high above the parking area most of the day before the big moment.

Places to grab a bite to eat

Breweries/Wineries

❖ North Channel Brewing Company, Manistee

❖ Third Life Brewing, Manistee

❖ Northern Natural Cider & Winery, Kaleva

❖ Iron Fish Distillery, Thompsonville

Bar and Grills

❖ Billy Ray & Dani Lee’s Redneck Yacht Club, Wellston

❖ Chopo’s Northside Bar, Manistee

❖ Jailhouse Bar, Manistee

❖ Painted Lady Saloon, Manistee

❖ River Street Sports Bar & Grill, Manistee

❖ River Rock Sports Bar & Grille, Manistee

❖ Rosie’s Place, Bear Lake

❖ Stu’s Pub, Manistee

❖ T.J.’s Pub, Manistee

❖ Traks Bar and Grill, Brethren

Family/Casual Dining

❖ AJ’s Pizzeria, Manistee

❖ Big Al’s Pizza, Manistee

❖ El Toro Latin Cuisine, Manistee

❖ Diner 31, Manistee

❖ Fricano’s Manistee River, Manistee

❖ Lakeside Cafe, Bear Lake

❖ Lenz Country Side Restaurant, Kaleva

❖ Kozy Kitchen, Wellston

❖ P & L Sammich Barista

❖ The Outsider, Manistee

❖ Taco ‘Bout It, Manistee

❖ Two Slices, Manistee

❖ Windward Restaurant, Manistee

Coffee

❖ Port City Brew, Manistee

❖ Trophies Cafe, Manistee

Fine Dining

❖ Big Lake Buffet, Manistee

❖ Bluefish Kitchen and Bar, Manistee

❖ Bungelow Inn, Manistee

❖ Golden Stag, Manistee

Things to do this winter:

❖ Visit a Christmas tree farm and pick your own tree for the season.

❖ • Snowmobiling on 64 miles of trails groomed throughout Manistee County and can be picked up in Kaleva.

❖ • Cross country skiing is available on any of the hiking trails listed above.

❖ • Fat tire biking on many trails throughout the county, check

websites to find the ones that allow it.

❖ • Snowshoeing in the Manistee National Forest and other areas around the county.

❖ • Ice fishing on any of many inlands lakes throughout Manistee County.

❖ • Ice skating under the lights at the city of Manistee’s Sands Park located at the corner of Maple and Eighth streets.

Venture MASON COUNTY

Fall and winter events:

SEPTEMBER

❖ Celebrate fall with live music, food, beer and games during Octoberfest in downtown Ludington from 1-6 p.m. on Sept. 30.

OCTOBER

❖ Ludington State Park hosts its Autum Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the state park. The family-oriented, free day of fun includes horse-drawn hayrides, music, and free cider and donuts.

❖ If you like getting scared, check out the Camp Sauble Cages of Carnage Haunted Attraction. The haunted prison is open from 7:3011:30 p.m. starting Oct. 15 and running on subsequent weekends through the remainder

of the month. Proceeds benefit local fire departments.

NOVEMBER

❖ Get a start on your holiday shopping and help out the Ludington Competitive Cheer Team. The Holiday Kickoff Craft Market is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Ludington Elementary School.

❖ Get in the holiday spirit at 6 p.m. on Nov. 25 with the Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in downtown Ludington.

DECEMBER

❖ New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in downtown Ludington. Ring in the new year with a festive crowd of thousands. Get there early to check out other offerings and to get your spot.

SABLE POINTS LIGHTHOUSE

KEEPERS ASSOCIATION

FALL TOWER CLIMBS!

WHITE RIVER LIGHT STATION

Last day of the season - October 29

September Hours: 10AM - 5PM

October Hours: 11AM - 4PM

BIG SABLE POINT LIGHTHOUSE

Last day of the season - October 22

September Hours: 10AM - 5PM

CHECK

White Pine Village

Places to grab a bite to eat

Breweries/Wineries/Bars

❖ Jamesport Brewing Company, Ludington

❖ Starving Artist Brewing, Ludington

❖ Ludington Bay Brewing Company, Ludington

❖ Pere Marquette Winery, Ludington

❖ Love Wines, Ludington

❖ North Branch Winery, Scottville

Bar and Grills

❖ The Mitten Bar, Ludington

❖ Sportsman’s Restaurant, Ludington

❖ Timbers Bar and Grill, Ludington

❖ Ludington Pub, Ludington

❖ The Alley Bar and Grill, Ludington

❖ Bud’s Tap Room, Ludington

❖ Pomorskis Tavern, Ludington

❖ The Sandbar, Ludington

Places to check out this fall:

❖ Stix, Ludington

❖ Charlie’s Bar, Scottville

❖ Rendezvous Bar, Fountain

❖ The Hof Bar and Grill, Free Soil

❖ Doc’s Sauble River Inn, Free Soil

Family/Casual Dining

❖ Old Hamlin Restaurant, Ludington

❖ The Q Smokehouse, Ludington

❖ Café 106, Ludington

❖ Cluck Bucket, Ludington

❖ Blu Moon, Ludington

❖ Beamer’s Restaurant, Ludington

❖ El Rancho, Ludington

❖ House of Flavors, Ludington

❖ Kuntry Kubbard, Ludington

❖ Jolly Plate, Scottville

Fine Dining

❖ Crown and Cork, Ludington

❖ Scotty’s Restaurant, Ludington

❖ Table 14, Ludington

❖ Ludington Breakwater pier and lighthouse. This historic lighthouse is periodically open to tours and can be found on the beach just west of downtown Ludington.

❖ Big Sable Point Lighthouse is located in the Ludington State Park. This lighthouse and keeper’s residence are open to the public giving visitors the opportunity see what life was like as a lighthouse keeper in the late 1800s. Open through Oct. 22.

❖ White Pine Village located south of Ludington on 1687 S. Lakeshore Road is an outdoor museum featuring 30 19th-century style buildings depicting what life was like in the Mason County area at that time. Volunteers display how everything from a school house from that period to a blacksmith shop and much more worked.

❖ Amber Elk Ranch offers the opportunity to see elk up close through wagon rides and a petting zoo. Located at 2688 W. Conrad Road in Ludington. Open through Oct. 15.

❖ Ludington Pump Storage Plant was a stateof-the-art power plant when constructed between 1969 and 1973. The plant pumps water from Lake Michigan up to a reservoir during the night and then back out during peak electricity hours during the day to produce 1,875 megawatts of electricity to supply 1.4 million customers.

Places to check out this winter:

❖ Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing in the Ludington State Park, Nordhouse Dunes and Lake Michigan Campground hiking trails.

❖ Ice skating at the West Shore Community College Ice arena.

Places to hike:

❖ Ludington State Park featuring numerous hiking trails from 30 minutes to three hours in length. Trails are along sandy shores of Lake Michigan or through wooded areas.

❖ • Nordhouse Dunes located on Nurnberg Road in northern Mason County with more than 10 miles of hiking on sandy beach trails and wooded forested areas.

❖ • Lake Michigan Recreation Area located on West Forest Trail and contains the Arrowhead Trail that connects with the Nordhouse Dunes.

❖ • North Country Trail trailhead located by Elk Highway and Free Soil Road in Free Soil. Trails move all the way into Manistee County.

❖ • Cartier Park located in Ludington with paved pathways for walking.

❖ Fat biking done in the Ludington State Park and along the Lake Michigan shoreline in various locations.

Nordhouse Dunes

Downtown Ludington

Big Sable Lighthouse

MECOSTA COUNTY

Visit a Farm

❖ Four Green Fields Farm, 15693 Wilson Rd, Rodney (Corn maze, haunted maze, hayrides, sleigh rides, carriage rides, pumpkin patch, Christmas trees)

❖ The Winery at Young Farm, 8396 70th Avenue, Mecosta (produce, live music, winetasting, desserts, dinners, seasonal blueberries, cider)

❖ Grant Family Farms, 10636 14 Mile Rd, Rodney. Open early May – Halloween + December (Produce, u-pick pumpkin patch, Christmas trees)

❖ Hearty Harvest, 5356 9 Mile Rd, Remus. Open early May to early November (Produce, including apples, squash and pumpkins, cider, homemade jams, honey, maple syrup)

Only in Mecosta County

❖ Paris Fish Hatchery, Paris

❖ Artworks, Big Rapids

apples, squash and Barryton. Open May-October

❖ The Old Pioneer Emporium/ Kilwins, Big Rapids

❖ Red Fox Market, Big Rapids

❖ The Purple Door (axe- throwing), Big Rapids

❖ The Purple Pepper, 18700 20th Ave, Barryton. Open May-October (Produces, including apples, squash, pumpkins, gourds, cider, peppers)

Big Rapids Riverwalk

Visit a trail

❖ Big Rapids Riverwalk, downtown Big Rapids

❖ Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, along U.S. 131

❖ Clay Cliffs, Big Rapids

❖ Dragon Trail, along the Muskegon River from Stanwood to Newaygo

❖ White Pine Valley Recreation Area, Paris

Places to grab a bite to eat

Late Night Drinks

❖ Sawmill Saloon, Big Rapids

❖ The Rooster Saloon, Chippewa Lake

❖ The Buff Bar and Grill, Stanwood

❖ Murphy’s Bar, Barryton

❖ Gypsy Nickel Lounge, Big Rapids

Bar and Grill

❖ Antler’s Fireside Grill, Stanwood/Canadian Lakes

❖ Schuberg’s Bar and Grill, Big Rapids

❖ Remus Tavern, Remus

❖ Szots Bar and Grill, Big Rapids

❖ Pappy’s Bar and Grill, Rodney

❖ Star Shooter’s Bar and Restaurant, Big Rapigs

Brewery/Winery

❖ Winery at Youngs Farm, Mecosta

❖ Cranker’s Restaurant and Brewery, Big Rapids

❖ Gwin Girls Winery and Tasting Room, Remus

❖ Heavenly Vineyards, Morley

Upscale Eateries

❖ Two Hats Ranch, Big Rapids

❖ Blue Cow, Big Rapids

Coffee and Donuts

❖ Conley’s Bakery, Mecosta

❖ Vanbrocklin’s Bakery, Big Rapids

❖ The Pie Hole, Paris

❖ Three Girls Bakery, Big Rapids

❖ Bernie’s Place, Big Rapids

❖ The Corner Cup Coffeehouse, Remus

❖ The Backroom Coffee, Big Rapids

Pizza Joints

❖ Pizza in Paris, Paris

❖ CL Pizza Co., Canadian Lakes

❖ Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders, Big Rapids

❖ Lakeside Pizza and Grinders in Stanwood

Classic Cafés

❖ Corner Café, Stanwood

❖ KJ’s Family Restaurant, Mecosta

❖ Moe-Z-Inn, Morley

❖ Sugar Creek Restaurant, Big Rapids

❖ Williams Café, Barryton

❖ Ala Mode, Big Rapids

Offbeat Eats

❖ Fatbelly Deli and Creamery, Stanwood

❖ Yellow Window and Little Brown Sack Deli, Big Rapids

❖ Nawal’s Mediterranean Grille, Big Rapids

❖ BR Lunch Box, Big Rapids

Explore CANADIAN LAKES

• Wedding Parties/Bridal Showers

• Off-Site Work Meetings • Graduations

• Birthdays • Holiday Dinners

Banquet or Par ty Room

• Family Reunions

• Baby Showers

• Wedding Par ties & Bridal Showers

•Off-Site Work Meetings

• Graduations & Bir thdays

• Holiday Dinners

Vendors at Big Rapids Farmers Market

Venture NEWAYGO COUNTY

Places to check out this fall:

❖ Heritage Farms Market located at 1858 S. Maple Island in Fremont

❖ Heritage Farms Market is open now through Nov. 22. The farm offers: fresh apple cider and donuts; a USA corn maze; hay rides; a pumpkin patch; and much more.

❖ Nelson’s Farm Market located at 469 W. 112th St. in Grant Nelson’s Farm Market is open year round. It’s a family-owned farm and retail market, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. The farm is preparing for its annual Fall Festival, which is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2.

❖ North Country Trail, which can be accessed from the

Places to explore:

❖ The Shack Country Inn Bed and Breakfast, 2263 W. 14th St. in White Cloud. The Shack, a country inn, is nestled in 100 acres of woods on the banks of the lovely Robinson Lake. With over 40 guest rooms you can enjoy this peaceful alternative to a hotel, motel or cabin while you are in the Newaygo County.

❖ North Country Trail. This trail is part of the National Parks Trails System and when completed, the 4,600-mile National Scenic Trail will be the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States, traversing through eight states, from Vermont to North Dakota. The trail links scenic,

White Cloud Campground by a connector trail. The White Cloud Campground is located on Echo Drive about two blocks west of downtown. The trail links scenic, natural, historic and cultural areas in seven states.

Places to camp in Newaygo County:

❖ Big Bend Park

❖ Oxbow Park

❖ White Cloud County Park

❖ Hungerford Lake Campground

❖ Fremont Lake Campground

❖ Croton Township Campground

❖ Ed. H Henning County Park

❖ Diamond Lake County Park

❖ Newaygo State Park

❖ Sandy Beach County Park

natural, historic, and cultural areas allowing visitors to experience a variety of northern landscapes. The National Trail can be accessed from the White Cloud Campground by a connector trail. The White Cloud Campground is located on Echo Drive about two blocks west of downtown.

❖ Michigan’s Dragon Trail. Newaygo County is one gateway to experience The Dragon. From trailheads located in multiple Township, State and County Parks on Hardy Pond, you can now access newly completed trail segments.

Learn more about open and future segments and access points at www.thedragon.us

MONTCALM COUNTY

Local trails

❖ Fred Meier Flat River Valley Trail: A 21.7-mile-long rails-to-trails path that starts in Jackson’s Landing Park, E. Washington St./SR 57, in Greenville, and ends in Lowell.

❖ Fred Meijer Heartland Trail: A paved 41.8-mile-long railsto-trails path that connects Greenville to Alma

❖ Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails: Four 4 miles of trails through more than 100 acres located on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus and the Stanton State Game Area.

❖ Fred Meijer White Pine Trail: A 92.6-mile rails-to-trails path that runs north-south along Old 131, cutting through Howard City.

Things to do

❖ Anderson & Girls Orchards: 2985 N. Sheridan Road, Stanton, 989-831-4228. Features petting zoo, fresh produce, cider, bakery, and pick-your-own pumpkin with wagon rides to the patch on weekends in October. Open through November.

❖ Farm Country Cheese House: 72363 West Kendaville Road, Lakeview, 989-352-7779.

Artisanal cheese maker using milk from local Amish farms. Tours available.

❖ Magnum Sports: A 20,000 square foot, full-service Sporting Goods Store in Greenville, with a 12-lane indoor pistol/rifle range, 40-yard indoor archery range, Dart Simulator and TechnoHunt. Contact: 616712-6162.

Fishing & HUNTING

Fall a popular time for fishing enthusiasts

By John Raffel

Summer is over but fall can be a very productive time for fishing.

“As far as locally, the smallmouth fishing in the Muskegon River has been tremendous and still is,” Wilderness Journal TV host Kyle Randall, of Paris, said. “The smaller inland lakes have slowed down some because the water temperature is pretty warm. But with these cooler nights, it’s starting to come around. All-in-all, the outlook for the fall is pretty good.”

During the winter months, the Haymarsh is a popular ice fishing lake for panfish along with Chippewa Lake.

Pike fishing is popular for Canadian Lakes also.

“I’m hoping for a pretty good season,” Tanner Havens, of Frank’s

Sporting Goods, in Morley, said. “It’s been kind of an odd summer trying to find the bluegills around. I’m hoping come fall time, the bluegills will start to pick up. The guys have been having a hard time with the river being down as far as it was this time of year. There wasn’t a lot of the weed beds in the shallows. They’ve been getting some but none like they’ve had in years past.”

Ice fishing usually takes over in late December and goes to early March, depending on the weather. “It was not good last year but that was due to temperature fluctuation and unsafe ice,” Randall said. “If we get early and stable ice I suspect it will be real good, actually. Whenever you miss a year or two of pressure, when you finally can get out there, it’s much better.”

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CHILD’S FIRST HUNTING TRIP

Millions of individuals across the globe are avid hunters. The passion many of those people have for hunting began on their first childhood hunting trip, and countless hunters fondly recall this milestone moment in their lives.

If there’s a first time for everything, parents know that kids’ initial forays into any activity comes with ups and downs. Hunting is no exception to that trend, but parents can consider these measures as they prepare their youngsters to go hunting for the first time.

• Emphasize the importance of safety. Safety is of the utmost importance on any hunting trip. Kids should be aware of all safety protocols pertaining to their guns and the hunting grounds. Hunter’s education courses can teach kids about hunting safety, but parents can quiz youngsters in the days leading up to the trip to reinforce safety protocols.

• Explain how hunting trips typically unfold. Giving kids an idea of how a hunting trip

may unfold is another good idea. Explain the timing of the trip and why it’s beginning when it is. Kids without such knowledge may be less enthusiastic about early morning hunting excursions if they don’t understand why they need to get out of bed early on a day off. But they might be more excited if they recognize they’re more likely to see wildlife and enjoy a successful trip if they’re willing to sacrifice sleeping in.

• Bring some extra activities for kids to do. Screens are a no-no, as they could deter wildlife. But hunting requires patience, which is not exactly a virtue many youngsters possess. So bring some books along or encourage kids to keep a diary of their first trip, describing it in detail so they have something to look back on as they get older.

• Purchase comfortable hunting attire. Kids will likely be wearing new attire on their first trip, so parents should have them try the clothing on prior to the trip. When

A child’s first hunting trip is a milestone moment. Parents can take steps leading up to the trip to ensure their children are ready for what’s to come.

shopping for hunting clothing, make sure it meets all safety standards and is functional for hunters, but don’t overlook comfort. Hunting involves a lot of waiting, and the trip will be more enjoyable for everyone if kids are

comfortable throughout the slow periods.

• Recognize the day could be emotional. A child’s first hunting trip can be an emotional roller coaster, as kids may feel excited, bored,

nervous, sad, and even guilty at any point during the day. Parents must allow kids to express any of these emotions during the day and emphasize that it’s alright to express their emotions.

Venture

WEXFORD COUNTY

Brew & Wine Trail

❖ Clam Lake Beer Co.

❖ Cadillac Tuxedo and Wine

Tasting Room

❖ Passage North

❖ Lakeside Charlie’s

❖ Cadillac Party Lounge

❖ Timbers Restaurant

❖ Coyote Crossing

❖ Beatie’s Bar & Grill

❖ R Dub’s Pub

❖ Roaring 20’s Pizza

❖ Pizza Plus

❖ Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders

❖ G&D Pizza & Party Store

❖ B.C. Pizza

Nonmotorized Trails

❖ Evergreen Resort Trail (snowshoeing, cross-country skiing)

❖ Mitchel State Park Heritage Trail (walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ADA assessable)

❖ Clam River Greenway (walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking, ADA assessable)

❖ Cadillac Pathway Trail (hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking)

❖ Cadillac Bike and Foot Path (walking, biking, ADA assessable)

❖ Mackenzie Trail (hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing)

❖ White Pine Trail (snowshoeing, cross-country skiing)

❖ Manistee River Trail (hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing)

❖ North Country Trail Loop (hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing)

❖ Big-M Recreation Area (biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing)

Snowmobile Trails

❖ Cadillac/Wexford Snowmobile Trails

❖ White Pine Trail (certain sections)

Fall Color Tours

❖ Cadillac Lakes Route: Starts at Cadillac Commons in downtown Cadillac and loops around Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell, into the Manistee National Forest. Sites include Mitchell State Park, Carl T.

Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center and Heritage Nature Trail, and the Clam River Greenway.

❖ Hodenpyl Dam Route: Starts in Cadillac and goes northwest to the Hodenply Dam Pond and Big Manistee River. Sites include Hodenpyl Dam Scenic Turnout, M-55 Roadside Park/ Scenic Overlook and the Michigan DNR Fish Hatchery.

❖ Pine River Route: Starts in Cadillac and goes west and southwest through the Manistee National Forest. Sites include the Pine River, MDNR Fish Hatchery and Boon Country Store.

❖ Missaukee Route: Starts in Cadillac and loops northeast around Lake Missaukee. Goes through the towns of Lake City and Manton.

❖ Midtown Food & Beverage

❖ Coyote Crossings

❖ Timbers Restaurant

❖ Clam Lake Beer Co.

❖ Curly’s Bar & Grill

❖ Rosa Blanca Bodega & Eatery

Fine Dining

❖ Dockside Inn

❖ Passage North at Evergreen Resort

❖ Cadillac Grill at Eldorado

Casual Dining/Bar and Grills

❖ Lake City Taphouse

❖ The Pines Sports Bar and Bowling Center

❖ Timbers Restaurant

❖ Lakewood Grill at Lakewood on the Green

❖ Lakeside Charlies

❖ Curly’s Bar and Grill at Evergreen Resort

❖ Coyote Crossing Restaurant

Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta, MI

Sparta’s 8th Annual Michigan Apple Fest will be hosted on September 15th and 16th! This event brings “the Ridge” to downtown Sparta and highlights what Sparta knows best: the apple.

The Michigan Apple Fest features Michigan Apples in food and beverages sold by local restaurants, cider and tasting competitions from farm markets, local history of apples in Michigan, and kid’s games with hands-on activities promoting healthy eating. You can participate in the Apple Pie Baking Contest, listen to live music, and even meet the Michigan Apple Queen! Downtown Sparta is filled with activities centered around apples and gathers community members of all ages together over a 2-day event.

“The Ridge” spans across four counties in West Michigan and is approximately twenty miles long and eight miles wide! A variety of fruits and vegetables can be found growing on the Ridge, including cherries, strawberries, peaches, plums, pumpkins, cucumbers, sweet corn, and most commonly, apples. Farmers work hard to grow high-quality and nutritious apples, and many have found the Ridge to be the ideal place to do it. Michigan is the 3rd largest producer of apples, as almost twenty-four million bushels of apples are harvested in Michigan annually. Sixty percent of that is grown on the Ridge, meaning 14.4 million bushels of apples are grown within nearly 160 square miles! The environment held by the Ridge is ideal for growing fruits and vegetables. Elevation, proximity to Lake Michigan, and soil type all con-

tribute to the benefits of growing on the Ridge. Sixty-six percent of the Ridge lies within Kent County! The Ridge is also located in parts of Ottawa, Muskegon, and Newaygo counties. Sparta is located at the heart of the Ridge and is home to many apple growers. Growers work in harmony with the western Michigan climate to grow the high-quality Michigan apples we find in grocery stores, restaurants, and farm markets.

This year the festival will include local makers from Market on the Ridge. Downtown will be filled with artisan vendors, you’re bound to find something great!

The International Living Statues Festival will be hosting a live performance on Saturday during Apple Fest. From 2-6 pm you can watch five artists from all around the world put on their display as living statues in downtown Sparta. Living statues are artists who create an elaborate display, often dressed in an intricate costume, body paint, or makeup to create a static, statuesque appearance. On Friday, you can meet the artists and enjoy cider and donuts with them from 7-8 pm!

Sparta’s Michigan Apple Fest promotes the hard work of growers on the Ridge and gives community members a chance to enjoy the fruit many have dedicated their lives to grow. Join us this fall to celebrate all things apples and explore all that Sparta has to offer!

To stay up to date on the event, visit the Michigan Apple Fest Facebook Event Page. For more information about local farm markets, visit the Fruit Ridge Markets web page.

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REAL ESTATE DIRECTORY

the “2022 Cost vs. Value Report” indicated homeowners recoup roughly 93 percent of their garage door replacement investment at resale. The average cost of such a job is right around $4,000, making this a budget-friendly remodeling project.

· Window replacement: The cost of new windows will depend on just how many windows must be replaced. But there’s no denying buyers like the idea of low emissivity (low-E) windows, which can cut energy bills by a significant amount over time. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows is responsible for between 25 and 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, so sellers who can tell buyers they have new low-E windows can emphasize those savings in home listings. The “2022 Cost vs. Value Report” indicates that homeowners recoup roughly two-thirds of their investment in new windows at resale.

Minor exterior upgrades that can help sell a home

The home improvement industry has been booming for years, but forecasters are projecting a deceleration in 2023 and perhaps beyond. Estimates from the Home Improvement Research Institute, which is the leading market research resource for the home and building products industry, indicate that growth in the home improvement products market is expected to decelerate from 7.2 percent in 2022 to 1.5 percent in 2023. Inflation continues to affect consumer spending, and homeowners may be looking to spend less on renovations in the year ahead.

Minor upgrades that aren’t as costly as larger projects can still make a big difference, especially among prospective buyers. When looking for minor upgrades that can help sell a home, homeowners can rely on Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” That report analyzes costs for an assortment of remodeling projects and determines the value of those projects at resale. Though resale value depends on a host of variables, including location, the following are some relatively minor exterior upgrades that impress buyers and provide a strong return for homeowners.

· Garage door replacement: Garage doors matter more than sellers may recognize, as various real estate professionals note that buyers appreciate homes with updated garage doors. That’s good news for homeowners, as

B IG RIVE R

· Landscaping: Well-maintained landscaping is another home exterior component that can make a strong first impression on buyers. A recent survey of nearly 7,000 realtors conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that upgrading a landscape recouped roughly 83 percent of homeowners’ initial investment at resale. In addition, 11 percent of realtors surveyed indicated that an upgraded landscape was the decisive factor that closed the deal for the house.

Updating a home’s exterior doesn’t have to bust homeowners’ budgets. Many affordable projects also provide a substantial return at resale.

Updated garage doors add curb appeal and provide a strong return on homeowners’ investment at resale.

Paving the way

Crews begin to pave White Pine Trail in Mecosta County

By Julie Norwood Associate Editor

MECOSTA COUNTY — Efforts to pave a 21 mile stretch of the White Pine Trail from Howard City to Big Rapids has reached southern Mecosta County.

On Tuesday, dump trucks cued up in downtown Morley as excavation equipment prepared the trail for paving.

According to Paul Griffith, of the Friends of the White Pine Trail, Reith Riley Construction Company has begun to lay the base coat of asphalt between Howard City and M-46 in Montcalm County.

“The grading of the trail base before aggregate is applied is complete to 4 Mile Road, which is about two miles north of Morley,” Griffith said. “The application of new required aggregate is complete to Washington Road, which is the first intersection north of the Montcalm-Mecosta county line, or about one mile south of Morley.”

The section includes two culverts about 5 miles south of Big Rapids; one needs to be replaced and the other needs new end pieces, Griffith said. Crews also will replace a collapsed culvert near

Yankee Road in Montcalm County, about a mile from the trail.

Griffith hopes the project will be finished in November, barring any complications.

“If it doesn’t, it will likely be due to one or more of these three culverts, as work is yet to start on them,” he said.

Griffith reminds trail users to stay off the trail until the “Trail Closed” signs and fencing is down.

“Just because the paving has started, that does not mean the trail is available for use,” he said.

The White Pine Trail stretches 92 miles, from Comstock Park to Cadillac, over what used to be the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. Once paved, it will become the longest paved rails-to-trails in Michigan.

Griffith previously said the project would make the trail more accessible. It also is expected to bring in tourism with the

planned Heritage Trail project.

“This trail is an over 150-yearold abandoned railroad corridor, from which towns sprung up,” Griffith said previously. “This project will take these stories and many more and turn them into the creation of 50 to 60 high-quality interpretive signs with pictures and narrative that will be placed on the trail in the 15 communities lining the trail.”

A construction worker drives equipment down the White Pine Trail on Tuesday in downtown Morley. Crews are in the process of paving 21 miles of the trail, from Howard City to Big Rapids.

Windward re staurant is located on the 5th f loor with beau ti ful views of L ake Michigan and the channel.

Open Monday-Thursday 5pm-10pm Friday and Saturday 5pm-11pm clo sed on Sunday s .

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Manistee Water front