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Special Feature
The Winter Issue
The weather outside is ‌ well, we actually can never really tell in this state. What you can count on, however, are diverse entertainment options, even if the weather is fickle. Get that winter coziness with or without snow by curling up in front of a fireplace at a local bookstore or coffee shop or grabbing dinner on a heated patio. When that lake-effect snow does come in full force, hit up Cannonsburg, Crystal Mountain, Muskegon Winter Sports Complex or one of the ice festivals happening this season. So bundle up, get out of the house and enjoy yourself. B y R e v u e S ta f f a n d M i n i o n s
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The Winter Issue
Put Some ICEing on Your Winter By Missy Black
After all the countless hours spent inside complaining about the cold, it’s time to man up and face it head on. Ice-cold temperatures and snow piles are good for sculptures, sports, sledding and gathering. Spike your warm drink and find the safety in numbers — outside, where everyone’s getting all tundra trendy.
MUSKEGON SNOWFEST Celebrating its 29th anniversary, Snowfest spices things up with the popular Battle of the Bowls chili and soup cook off. Slurping on hot liquids while braving the cold is key to survival. Quench your thirst at the heated beverage tent on Western Avenue, which features local bands Orange October and Whoopee Kat. Enjoy activities such as a halftime game of Broomball during a Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey game, Kidsfest, and a Euchre tournament. What did mom always say? Move around and you’ll keep warm. You can do just that during the Snow Cornhole and Snow Volleyball Tournaments. They take place at the same time along with the Battle of the Bowls on Saturday. Snowfest is, “a great way to feel like a kid even when you’re not a kid anymore,” said Public Relations Director Cece Riley, who knows firsthand how fun the Snow Cornhole can be. “I played in it last year. That is a blast.” Downtown Muskegon Jan. 29-Feb. 2 muskegonsnowfest.org
ROCKFORD ICE FESTIVAL Rockford isn’t messing around. Example? Free hot cocoa. The masterminds behind this festival focus on live ice carving with loads of other cold weather distractions. Come see ice guru Randy Finch or play
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nine holes of ice miniature golf or interactive ice games—last year included baseball and hockey fun—all ice style. Join in on a scavenger hunt for sculptures while enjoying the town’s offerings. “Some stores have fun with guessing the melt date or they put things inside sculptures for guessing. There’s lots of interaction with downtown merchants,” said Jeannie Gregory, executive director for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Look for music and entertainment, contests and prizes and, if the weather cooperates, ice-skating. Reds on the River will have its own special live carving demonstrations and you can melt away hunger with a chili cook off in the pavilion. Notable additions this year include the marriage of the Rockford Sweetheart Splash into the festivities and the Ice Festival Ball on Friday that kicks off the event with dinner and dancing. “There’s a lot of prep work before sculptors even work on the ice to get it as beautiful and clear as it is,” Gregory said. Downtown Rockford Feb. 8, 9 & 10; Free! rockfordicefestival.com
GRAND HAVEN WINTERFEST
Winterfest
Expect a cameo appearance from Frosty the Snowman at Winterfest. “It’s the best thing happening on the lakeshore in the middle of winter,” said Kevin Galbavi, president of Winterfest. Featured entertainment includes eclectic sled races, snow angel contests, a euchre tournament, a snowboard and ski competition, a polar plunge and kids’ day (where gerbils and crafts combine) and so much more. This is four days of freaky and frigid fun. A popular event is the Winterfest Luau Extravaganza, located inside a heated tent more than 300 feet long. “It will be over 80 degrees in there,” Galbavi said. “Last year we had coat check for 1,100 coats and we ran out of room.”
Grand Haven ; Jan. 24-27 Free (most events); winterfestmi.org
ICE SCULPTING COMPETITION Watch the chainsaws, chisels, torches and hand tools in motion while the ice flies at this annual event that partners with the National Ice Carving Association. This Collegiate Invitational Ice Sculpting event features a competition on Friday that is simpler and smaller, while gearing up for a freestyle competition on Saturday that’s more intricate and lasts for four hours. “It’s loud and exciting,” says Kara
de Alvare, interim marketing director for Downtown Holland. “The blocks of ice that they start with are 300 pounds, which I found to be incredible.” Heated sidewalks make trudging through slush and snow a thing of the past. Visitors can eat at coffeehouses and restaurants and do some shopping while watching the carvers at work. “It’s an art form people aren’t familiar with. It’s fun to guess what the pieces are as they are taking shape.” This collegiate competition is like a practice for nationals that take place in Frankenmuth in January. One year, 8th Street Grille commissioned a giant hamburger piece to look like people were taking a bite out of it. Downtown Holland Jan. 4-5; Free! downtownholland.com n
Sledding Hills
Rosewood Park (Charlie’s Dump) 1960 Rosewood St., Jenison
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Wabasis Lake Park 11220 Springhill Dr., Greenville
By Kyle Austin and Cami Sorensen
ime may have given us the iPhone 5, GPS and blankets with sleeves, but it has yet to improve on the indelible combination of a thin piece of cheap plastic and a steep, snowy slope. Whether you find yourself responsible for entertaining children or simply wish to reconnect with your own innerchild, the sledding hill is the perfect place to spend a day without spending a fortune. With a wealth of hills located at school, state and county parks throughout the mitten, Michiganders needn’t go far to find some momentum. Ada Vista Elementary 7192 Bradfield St. SE, Ada Belknap Park 30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids Bertha Brock Park 2311 West Bluewater Highway, Ionia Caledonia Lakeside Park 300 N. Lake St., Caledonia Cascade Township Park 3810 Thornapple River Dr., Cascade Echo Valley Winter Sports Park 3309 Woodhams Ave., Portage Johnson Park 2600 Wilson Ave. SW, Walker Kindleberger Park 400 Park Ave., Parchment Lake Harbor Park 3600 Lake Harbor Rd., Norton Shores Leila Arboretum 928 West Michigan Ave., Battle Creek Manhattan Park 400 Manhattan Rd.SE, East Grand Rapids Mary Waters Park (Belknap Hill) 1042 Lafayette Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Mulick Park 1761 Rosewood Ave. SE, Grand Rapids Muskegon Winter Sports Complex 462 N. Scenic Dr., Muskegon Pinery Park 1155 28th St. SW, Wyoming Provin Trails Park 2900 4 Mile Rd., Grand Rapids
Van Raalte Farm Park 1076 East 16th St., Holland
Woods Lake Elementary 3215 Oakland Dr., Kalamazoo
Sledding Safety We all have that one sledding story, and while it can be funny comparing scars or posting spills on YouTube, it’s far more satisfying when you and your loved ones return home in one piece. Remember, sledding hills are selfpoliced, so adhering to the proper etiquette ensures that a good time can be had by all. n Michigan Weather: ‘Nuff Said. Remember what state you live in. Depending on how Mother Nature treats us, you could be sledding in subzero grayness or in sunshine. Oh, and if you think you’re too old for snow pants, you’re probably right. n Size Matters. Didn’t look that steep from the bottom, did it? There are a variety of sledding hills to choose from, so make sure to pick one that fits within your comfort zone. n Adults Weigh More Than Children. Always take care to scan your path before taking off. You don’t want to be the reason little Timmy develops a lifelong fear of inner tubes, do you? n You Are Not Sully Sullenberger. No safe trip down the hill is complete without a runway. If you find yourself in the river, on the road or crumpled at the base of a wall, we advise that you stick to snow angels.
Skiing & Snowboarding Resorts By Jessica Smith Cannonsburg Ski Resort 6800 Cannonsburg Road, Belmont cannonsburg.com, (616) 874-6711 All-day lift tickets: Adults 11 & older: weekday $28, weekend/holiday $35 Juniors 7 to 10: weekday $20, weekend/holiday $25 Kids 6 and under: FREE Caberfae Peaks 1 Caberfae Lane, Cadillac caberfaepeaks.com, (231) 862-3000 All-day lift tickets: Adults: weekend $44, weekday $34 Teens: weekend $39, weekday $29 Juniors: weekend $34, weekday $24 Seniors: weekend and weekday $24 Children eight and under: FREE
Boyne Mountain Resort 1 Mountain Road, Boyne Falls boyne.com/boynemountain, (231) 549-6000 All-day lift tickets Adults: $53-$77 Seniors and Teens: $48-$66 Juniors: $42-$56 Eight & under or 70 & over: FREE Rentals Adults Ski/Snowboard: $27-$40 Kids Ski/Snowboard: $18-$30 Bittersweet Ski Resort 600 River Road, Otsego skibittersweet.com, (269) 694-2032 All-day lift tickets: Adult: weekday $31, weekend $31-$39 Rentals: $22-$24
Pando Winter Sports Park 8076 Belding Road, Rockford pandopark.com, (616) 874-8343 All-day lift tickets: 11 and up: weekday $13, weekends $20 Six-10: weekday $11, weekend $17 Five & under: FREE with paid adult Rentals: Ski package: $18 Snowboards: $20 Crystal Mountain 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville crystalmountain.com, (231)378-2000 All-day lift tickets: Adults: $50 - $69 / Rentals $30-$38 Seniors: $25-$34 Juniors: $40-$59 / Rentals $25-$32 Children eight and under: FREE Rentals: $12-$22
Skiing at Cannonsburg
Richmond Park 1101 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids
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The Winter Issue
Heated Patios By Jennifer Cuffman and Stephanie Kang
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ood and drinks just taste better outside. But winter always seems to ruin this luxury by making it unbearably cold. Defy Mother Nature this winter by going to any of these four locations that harmonize our love for the outdoors with our love of reasonable levels of body heat. Whether you want dinner or just a few drinks after work, Vitale’s will bring it all to you in the comfort of its Four Season Room, open year round. This nice little medium between the frigid outdoors and the enclosed indoors, Vitale’s Four Season Room is fully equipped with flat screen televisions and a new bar. You don’t have to sacrifice drinks and watching the game when you want to experience some weather.
Fire(place) Escapes
by Meaghan Minkus
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f you’re not quite lucky enough to have a personal library complete with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a roaring hearth in the comfort of your own home (drool), here’s where you can replicate that experience.
If you’re actually kind of a pyrophobe:
Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch kpl.gov, (269) 553-7970
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Library, Yankee Clipper Branch, West Side Branch; grpl.org, (616) 988-5400 Stretch out with your (covered) beverage at the Kalamazoo Public Library’s Washington Square branch, which has one fireplace on each side of the building, or one of three Grand Rapids Public Library branches. Library patrons can enjoy all the perks of hot drinks and free books, but without the fire hazard involved in the whole tons-of-books-in-one-building thing.
If you just really want a fire in a library:
Kent District Library – Caledonia Township Branch, Wyoming Branch; kdl.org, (616) 784-2007 Kent District Library has two branches with working, blazing fireplaces. Each branch has vending machines that offer coffee and other beverages, but patrons are welcome to bring their own covered drinks and light snacks.
If you want to support a great local business: Schuler Books & Music – All locations
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schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561 If you’re thinking about making an investment in a book and taking it home forever, it may have to pass the curl-up-in-frontof-the-fireplace test. Luckily, each of Schuler Books & Music’s locations boasts a fireplace and the in-house Chapbook Café for all of your coffee/latte/tea needs.
If you’d rather be in a bar:
Waldo’s Campus Tavern, Kalamazoo waldoscampustavern.com, (269) 349-8674 Locals may know Waldo’s for its proximity to Western’s campus and its weeknight specials, but readers take note: Waldo’s features a fireplace and reading area in the basement, as well as coffee if you ask nicely.
If you’re in a chai tea and tunes kind of mood: Mocha-N-Music, 5211 Cherry Ave Ste 170, Hudsonville mocha-n-music.com, (616) 669-9917
Mocha-N-Music may look unassuming from the outside, but the inside is surprisingly spacious, works well as a music venue and even has a gas fireplace with ample cozy couch space. In addition to steamers, lattes, mochas and other coffee shop fare, Mocha-N-Music has plenty of breakfast and lunch options on its menu. If you like to stay late after you get your reading done and hear some great local music, you’re in luck – this coffee joint’s calendar is almost always booked.
Vitale’s Sports Lounge
3868 West River Drive, Comstock Park You don’t have to travel to feel like you’re in the rustic Pacific Northwest. Grand Woods Lounge is that outdoorsy haven, with a year-round outdoor porch that has a fireplace to make those cold nights a little cozier. The spacious outdoor porch is equipped with two bars where you can order any number of imported, domestic or microbrew beer. Try any of Grand Woods’ mixed drinks as well. We recommend the Woodstini.
Grand Woods Lounge
77 Grandville Avenue SW, Grand Rapids grandwoodslounge.com, (616) 451-4300 Tavern on the Square doesn’t cringe in the winds of winter. The restaurant screened its patio to shield you from the blustery cold so that you can enjoy the view of downtown while still relishing the heat of the fireplace. This patriotically themed restaurant provides porch-sitters all the amenities: a 40-inch-screen television, a full menu and a fireplace. And do not fret; the patio is only a matter of feet from the bar.
Tavern on the Square
100 Ionia Avenue, Grand Rapids tavernonthesq.com, (616) 456-7673 Although Saugatuck gets most of its publicity in the summer for its beaches and tourist attractions, Wally’s provides lively entertainment to visitors year-round. Frequent live music on its outdoor patio gives its visitors a luxurious atmosphere, even in the winter. The patio is screened and heated with access to a full menu, bar and television.
Wally’s
128 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck (269) 857-5641
Sleeping Bear Hot Chocolate
TOP 5: Winter Beverages By Matt Simpson Siegel
Founders Imperial Stout
Cue Vader’s Imperial March and storm to downtown Grand Rapids for the inevitable return of Founders Imperial Stout. This 10.5% ABV silky smooth stout is brewed in 10 varieties of malted barley and remains complex and rich. Available only from January until the end of February while it lasts, grab a cellartemperature pint of this brew and curl up with your favorite snack bowl for a winter treat. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids; foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195
Sport your tweeds, grab your New Yorker, drape your scarf accordingly and head over to Clara’s on the River to sit in comfort while pretending you’re an intellectual instead of some bum getting tanked on coffee drinks. Warm, sweet, caffeinated alcohol in moderation inside this former train station on a snowy afternoon might make the perfect coffee date or innerwinter alcoholic’s delusions blossom. The classic Café Toledo is comprised of Bailey’s Irish Cream and Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, chocolate, coffee, and whipped cream. After indulging in this simple, classy beverage, try the other nine variations. 44 McCamly St. N., Battle Creek; claras.com, (269) 963-0966
Nothing is worse than attempting to scrape the last scoop of coffee from an empty can on a wintry day with iced over roads. Instead, subscribe to The Regular Coffee Co. for a onemonth supply tube of good ol’ Regular Coffee. An offshoot of Rowster New American Coffee, The Regular Coffee Co. has dumped all frills for one-and-a-half-pound tube of whole bean coffee for $20, which covers taxes, shipping, and handling. And, no, they don’t offer decaf. 632 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids; regularcoffee.com, (616) 682-7122
Sleeping Bear Hot Chocolate at Water Street Coffee Joint
The scenic block point where Water Street Coffee Joint perches in downtown Kalamazoo offers up one of the best spots to sit and sip a mug of hot chocolate. Ground dark chocolate is melted into milk with cinnamon and topped with whipped cream. You’ll quickly discover any cavities. 315 E. Water St., Kalamazoo; waterstreetcoffeejoint.com, (269) 373-2840
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Café Toledo at Clara’s on the River
Regular Coffee
Tea at Global Infusion
This colorful and eclectic Fair Trade marketplace offers handcrafted jewelry, décor, clothing and some of the best loose-leaf tea you can find in West Michigan. With more than 100 teas to choose from, you may saddle up and stay at the coffee and tea bar, sipping and steeping. 143 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; globalinfusion.net, (616) 776-9720
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The Winter Issue
Winter Races
Be part of the largest winter adventure race in the nation as a sizeable field of two-person teams race to complete a series of Amazing Race-style challenges such as snowbiking, snowshoe running, and monster-tube writing.
By Jessica Smith and Kyle Austin
State Street Mile
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49 S. State St., Hart Feb. 16, 10 a.m.; $10 run/walk (231) 301-8449
aces may seem more appealing when you’re running with the sun hot on your face along scenic routes where the trees are in full bloom, but with the right gear you can glide through the snow and stay active year round. So get off your couch, stretch your cramped body and get some cold crisp air pumping through those lungs.
Dash Down Division 5k
Participate in the First Annual State Street Mile Run or Walk during the Hart Winterfest Winter-Sports Weekend. All participants receive an authentic State Street Mile Winter hat. Stick around afterward for a free round of Snow-Putt Golf or a free session of crosscountry skiing at John Gurney Park. GR Urban Adventure
2500 S. Division Ave SE, Grand Rapids Feb. 23, 9:30 a.m. 5k: $25, kids run free ($5 with T-shirt); childcare during 5k ($5 for two hours) (616) 588-7200 ext. 2006
Good Form Running
Dash through downtown in support of the Kroc Center’s recreation scholarship fund, which helps local children living at or below the poverty level. Kids can also join in the miniDASH fun run for free. The race includes chip timing, a moisture-wicking T-shirt and a Kroc Center day pass.
Every Wednesday, the GFR clinic breaks down the basics for learning the art of running. During the session, video is taken, a four-point lesson is given, drills are put to practice and then the video is reviewed. GFR’s main goal
Striders, 4045 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville Wednesdays, 6 p.m. stridersrun.com, (616) 261-9706
Frosty Fun By Kyle Austin and Jessica Smith
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
North American Snow Festival
The North American Snow Festival in Cadillac kicks off with a chili cook-off, leading into Friday’s events, which include a fun run, speed fishing and a Texas hold ’em tournament. On Saturday, festival-goers can stuff their faces at the hot dog eating contest, freeze their butts off in the polar plunge and watch as snowmobilers light the night in the parade of lights. On Sunday, entertain yourself with some ice fishing, lake sled races and skiing (with discounted lift tickets at Ski Caberfae Peaks Resort). Downtown Cadillac; Jan. 31-Feb. 3; cadillacmichigan.com
Dog Sled Rides
Ride through historic backcountry slopes of Caberfae Peaks pulled by a pack of Wiggi’s Mountain-Side Huskies. Mush through three-and-a-half miles of the surrounding national forest through old skiing trails. Dog sled rides are offered every 30 minutes on select dates and each basket carries up to 350 pounds. Ski Caberfae Peaks Resort, Cadillac; January through March Ride dates vary; $65 per sled; caberfaepeaks.com, (231) 862-3000
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Urban Herd Grand Rapids is to help you become a more efficient runner for a better running experience.
Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race: Winter Edition Feb. 9, 8:45 a.m. Cannonsburg Ski Area 6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Belmont $57 per person/$114 per team (includes long-sleeve T-shirt); (616) 460-9331
3930 28th St SE, Grand Rapids (616) 940-9888
Meet at the Kentwood Gazelle Sports store every Monday to join an informal run for anyone interested in running. The event is free and open to all skill levels with the choice of running two, four or six miles.
GRD Pond Hockey Classic
Rose’s on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids plays host to more than 60 teams for the GRD Pond Hockey Classic. Team size ranges from six to eight players and all must be at least 21 to participate. Rose’s on Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids; Jan. 18-20; $375 per team; wgrd.com
Paintball Time at Crystal Mountain
Extreme paintballers and daring rookies (12 & up) alike can battle the elements and their opponents with 200 rounds of paintballs and pure adrenaline at the Winter Woods Paintball Course. Shooters can also test their aim with 200 rounds at the paintball Target Time. Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville; Every Tuesday and Thursday, 4-5 p.m.; Saturday, 3-5 p.m.; Paintball Course $19; Target Time $10; crystalmountain.com, (231) 378-2000
Luge Run
Take a plunge down the 850-foot luge track, which was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley. This track provides an Olympic-like experience with the safety of beginning riders in mind. A one-day pass includes a learning session with coaches on hand to assist lugers. Muskegon Sports Complex; $40 per person; msports.org, (231) 744-9629
The luge at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex