Wintertime outdoor activities and innovative events in Benzie County inspire visitors to come to this Northern Michigan region along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore recently dubbed the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by viewers of ABC’s “Good Morning America”. Benzie County, Michigan which is known as “the best place in Michigan for outdoor sports and recreation” will hold four wintertime events each weekend in February 2012 that celebrate its wintertime beauty.
February 2012 events include the Women’s Winter Tour at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa on the first weekend of February, Winterfest in the quaint village of Beulah on the second weekend, Shiver by the River a Snow Cross snowmobile event in Lake Michigan port cities, Frankfort and Elberta, on the third weekend, and Taste the Local Difference Winter Celebration, a winter food event, on February 25th at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa.
Women’s Winter Tour Weekend
Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville
Feb. 4 & 5
This ultimate weekend celebration is all about women, winter and chocolate. It will return to Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa for a sixth year. The Women’s Winter Tour is held on Super Bowl Sunday when the ladies of the Women's Winter Tour snowshoe & cross-country ski along Crystal's wooded trails. This year’s theme is Picnic in the Park, an outdoor event under a tent with food and fabulous fun in the middle of winter!
Winterfest in Benzie County
In the Villages of Beulah and Benzonia
Saturday, Feb. 11
Make your way to Benzie County for Winterfest, a day packed with fun, food, and other unique winter activities such as a chili cook-off, an ice fishing contest, an annual fish toss competition, horse drawn wagon rides, frozen turkey bowling, a Winterfest Parade, Outhouse races, and a majestic winter fireworks display over Crystal Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in Michigan.
4th Annual Shiver By The River
In the City and Village of Frankfort and Elberta
Saturday, Feb. 18 – Sunday, Feb. 19
Snow Cross snowmobile races in downtown Frankfort highlight the winter weekend event Shiver by The River. More than 100 riders will compete in a series of Snow Cross snowmobile races on an obstacle track built in the city’s Open Space Park. The event includes a Kid’s Snow World featuring Sledding, Activities and Games, "Bowling on Main Street", a Winter Parade and numerous warming stations to go inside to get warm. Located right along Main Street in downtown Frankfort, there are also a number of great restaurants to enjoy. Activities will also take place in the quaint village of Elberta, two minutes away.
Taste the Local Difference Winter Celebration
Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville
Saturday, Feb. 25
This event will include offerings of the best in fresh foods grown all winter through greenhouses, hoophouses, fresh cheeses such as goat and mozzarella, and organically-raised meats like chicken, lamb, pork, smoked fish, goat and even emu. Just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean the produce and fresh foods still aren’t being produced in Benzie County. Come and see for yourself these year round producers and taste local chefs’ tastiest takes on local winter delicacies.
“We celebrate wintertime with so many fun events that highlight our beautiful location and climate," said Mary Carroll, President of Benzie County Visitors Bureau Snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are always available here in winter, as is ice fishing on Crystal Lake and other lakes, rivers and streams that are abundant. We’re eager to show visitors the Benzie County uniqueness in these events that are healthy, natural and active.”
Benzie County is the perfect winter escape for those who like winter sports and outdoor adventure. There is excellent downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding at the award winning ski resort, Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa. At Crystal Mountain visitors can experience dog sled excursions, ice skating and hockey, and paintball competitions as well as fine and casual dining.
For those who seek a chance to see Northern Michigan’s beautiful winter scenery there is ice fishing on Benzie County lakes such as Crystal Lake with shanty rentals and tackle stores in Beulah. There is also snowshoeing along Lake Michigan on the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, as well as, snowmobile rentals at Crystal Adventures located in Thompsonville to traverse 135 miles of natural groomed trails, a system that weaves between numerous towns complemented by restaurants and taverns.
Award-winning wineries are also within close proximity to Benzie County on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula less than one hour away.
For more information on Benzie County lodging, restaurants, outdoor recreation and events contact Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-882-5801 or see www.visitbenzie.com
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