Benzie County Offers Sports, Food, Film, and Fall Events for Michigan Vacation Goers

Benzie County's 2011 Spring, Summer and Fall events complement its reputation as “the best place in Michigan for Outdoor Sports & Recreation”. From the "Michigan PGA Women's Open" at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa to the "National Coho Festival" honoring the 'salmon run' along the first river that began salmon fishing in Michigan, the events cater to a variety of sports and recreational interests. "The Taste of Benzie" gives vacationers a chance to experience a Benzie County foodie event, while the "Frankfort Film Festival" in October is perfect for film buffs and Fall Color tourists.

Featured Upcoming Events in Benzie County:
Michigan PGA Women’s Open – June 24 – 29, 2011 at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa
One of the premier Michigan golfing events, The Michigan PGA Women’s Open, returns to Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa for a ninth straight year featuring some of the best professional and amateur women golfers from around Michigan and across the country.

National Coho Festival – August 27-28, 2011 in Honor
The annual Coho Festival, one of the most unique Michigan fishing events is a two-day event centralized in Honor, Michigan. The festival, which began in 1967, celebrates the 'salmon run' up the Benzie County rivers. Benzie County's Platte River was the first river for salmon planting in Michigan. 

The Bike Benzie TourAugust 21, 2011; Ride begins at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa
The Bike Benzie Tour features a scenic ride through beautiful Benzie County with a choice of four distances: 15, 25, 45 or 62 miles. All routes feature great food stops and picturesque rides that challenge riders of all ages and abilities.

Benzie Fishing FrenzyAugust 26-28, 2011 in Frankfort
With over $25,000 in cash and prizes this fishing contest at Mineral Springs Park is open to anyone. There are three Divisions with a Ladies Classic on Friday, Big Fish Only, Amateur Division, and Pro Division.

Taste of Benzie – September 10, 2011 in Frankfort
The Taste of Benzie in its 4th year in 2011 will include great Benzie County food, music, kid’s crafts, a silent auction and more. Samples of food range in price and involve many great restaurants around Benzie County.

Benzie County Fall Festivals
October 1 & 2, 2011 Beulah and Benzonia
October 8 & 9, 2011 Frankfort and Elberta

Enjoy one or both events back-to-back weekends in Benzie County to celebrate Michigan’s Fall color. Fun activities include pumpkin and gourd carving by master carvers, including the in-famous Ed Moody from Frankfort, pumpkin chucking, parades, and children’s activities.

Betsie Valley Run – October 2, 2011 at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa
The Betsie Valley Run is along a beautiful course in Benzie County’s Betsie Valley. This event coincides with the Fall Festival in Beulah and Benzonia. The run includes a certified half marathon, 10k run / walk, 5k run / walk, and a child’s mile.

6th Annual Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic – October 15, 2011
Endoman Promotions and Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville, Michigan are pleased to present the Sixth Annual Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic, presented by Right Brain Brewery. This epic event is held in and around the beautiful and gently rolling terrain which surrounds Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa. The event will feature a 10.5-mile loop with beginner (1 lap), intermediate (2 laps) and expert (3 laps) divisions with a staggered start allowing racers of all abilities to enjoy the course simultaneously.

Frankfort Film FestivalOctober 20 – 23, 2011
Starting its 3rd Year The Frankfort Film Festival at The Garden Theater will feature 12 – 15 leading edge independent films which are among the “best of show” titles from worldwide film festivals, and appearances by film producers and directors.

For more information on Benzie County lodging, restaurants, outdoor recreation and events contact Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-882-5801 or see visitbenzie.com