Coastline Transportation offers winery tours to groups of 5 – 7 passengers from any lodging location in Benzie County. The cost for six hours of transportation is $69 per person plus the winery event fees or tasting fees. The tours can be custom created by travelers who wish to travel to either the Leelanau Peninsula Wineries or Old Mission Peninsula Wineries both approximately 45 minutes from Benzie County lodging to the south. Winter sports can be combined with the winery tours for travelers spending 2 to 3 nights in Benzie County. (Fees subject to change due to fuel costs.)
“Our transportation company is excited to offer winery tours as one of our specialties for Benzie County travelers," said Jim Peck of Coastline Transportation. "With our seven passenger full sized van there’s plenty of room for people and they can travel safely in style while having a great time at the wineries. We allow our travelers in groups of between 5 to 7 people to create their own day tour to the wineries of their choice over a six hour time span door to door from their lodging location in Benzie County.”
Mary Carroll, President of Benzie County Visitor’s Bureau, said with the tours to Northern Natural Organics in Benzie County and to the wineries in the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, Benzie County visitors can have more options when they come here to enjoy "our wonderful outdoor activities."
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 Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa, as well as, dog sled excursions that the family can enjoy. For those who seek a chance to see Michigan’s beautiful winter scenery there is snow shoeing along marked trails in Benzie County or along the Lake Michigan dunes and over 40 kilometers of groomed cross country skiing trails. Snowmobile rentals are also available to experience 135 miles of groomed natural trails.
Benzie County is 45 minutes Southwest of Old Mission Peninsula that has seven wineries and 45 minutes south of the Leelanau Peninsula that has 18 wineries. Approximately 4 to 5 wineries can be experienced during a daylong (six hour) tour with Coastline Transportation from any lodging location in Benzie County. A restaurant lunch stop along the way is also possible for an additional fee. Northern Natural Winery is also located in Benzie County specializing in organic hard ciders from Michigan fruits like apples, blueberries, cherries, peaches and strawberries.
Visit www.coastlinetransportation.com or call 231-398-0360 to schedule a winery tour and transportation while staying in Benzie County.
Winter Activities:
Downhill & Cross Country Skiing - At the top rated #1 Midwest ski resort, Crystal Mountain, conditions for downhill skiing and snowboarding are prime. Located on 1500 acres, Crystal Mountain has 45 ski runs, terrain parks and a half pipe. There’s a snow sports school and daily NASTAR racing, as well. Visitors can also experience snowshoeing and cross country skiing on 40 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing trails. The award winning Crystal Mountain offers two fine dining restaurants and the luxury of the Crystal Spa, a destination, LEED-certified spa that opened in 2009. Many packages are available online at 800-968-7686 or visit http://www.crystalmountain.com.
Dog Sledding - Bundle up for a taste of real Michigan Fun! Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa has partnered with Shemhadar Kennels to offer a family experience you won’t soon forget. Meet the dogs and hang on for an amazing ride. Sleds are pulled by 4-6 Siberian Huskies along Crystal Mountain's wooded trails. Rides are available on select evenings by advance reservation. 30-minute rides start at $75. For more information about dog sledding excursions, contact Crystal Mountain at (231) 378-2000 ext. 7000.
Snow Mobile Rentals - Crystal Adventures, located on M-115, just two miles from Crystal Mountain, is offering snow mobile rentals by the day or weekend with prices ranging from $120 for four hours on a non-holiday weekday to $195 for an all day rental during weekends. Advance reservations are required. Accessories such as helmets can also be rented. Guided snowmobile trips are offered on some dates as well as snowmobile delivery and pick-up for a modest cost. Contact Crystal Adventures at 231-651-9648 or http://www.crystaladventures.com for more information.
Benzie County’s 135 miles of groomed and challenging snowmobile trails are spread throughout the county in three locations: East of the village of Honor, in Thompsonville, and in Beulah. Guests can make an afternoon or a week of exploring the picturesque region, with stops at numerous towns with taverns and restaurants along the way. There are maps, showing the trails as well as staging areas for loading in the snowmobiles, which are available at the Benzie County Visitors Bureau located on US31 in the village of Benzonia. Contact Benzie Country Visitors Bureau at 800-882-5801 or see www.visitbenzie.com/winter-fun--14/ for more information about snowmobile trails and resources.
Snow Shoeing - Snowshoeing is a sport that just about anyone can take part in. Snowshoeing doesn’t require a lot of advanced training and is a great group activity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some of the most majestic locations for snow shoeing in Benzie County are the Elberta Dunes and Arcadia Dunes along the Lake Michigan Shore. Snowshoes can be rented at Crystal Mountain Sports at (231) 378-2000. Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore is nearby to the north and a wonderful destination in any season offering guided snowshoeing excursions on the weekends during the winter season. Contact Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park at 231-326-5134 for snowshoe tour hours and other information. More information about snow shoeing at www.visitbenzie.com/winter-fun--14/
Ice Fishing - Benzie County has 57 inland lakes, which are perfect for ice fishermen and women. Make arrangements for your fishing shanty at Crystal Adventures at 231-651-9648.
For more information about ice fishing locations, contact Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 800-882-5801 or visit www.visitbenzie.com
Winter Events:
Winterfest in Benzie County
In the Villages of Beulah and Benzonia
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Make your way to Benzie County for a day packed with fun, food, and other unique winter activities. A must-see event in this festival is the fireworks display over Crystal Lake
3rd Annual Shiver By The River
In the City and Village of Frankfort and Elberta
Saturday, February 19 – Sunday, February 20, 2011
Snow Cross snowmobile races in downtown Frankfort highlight this winter weekend event. 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 "bowling on Main St", Kid's games and activities plus much more.
For more information on Benzie County lodging, restaurants, recreation and more contact Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 1-800-882-5801 or see www.visitbenzie.com.
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