The Betsie Bay Inn

posted: June 29, 2009 – 8:30 am

By Danielle Horvath
The Betsie Bay Inn has become a destination spot for those wanting to linger over a freshly prepared, globally inspired dinner or hoping to find a place for a relaxing weekend or in need of a unique space to hold that special event. The historic inn was built in 1867, and has been lovingly renovated and recaptured by hosts Leslie and Geoff Perkins. With three restaurants, two large banquet rooms and 17 rental rooms, some with spiral staircases, in-room hot tubs, saunas, steam showers, woodstoves, lofts and sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Betsie Bay. Their extensive wine cellar will be open this summer with a separate menu and dedicated staff for small and intimate occasions.

The choices for fine dining, welcoming staff, the Scottish flare and hospitality and attention to detail has earned it a fan base known as â€œThe Inn Crowd.â€ Open daily in June, for Sunday brunch, 10 â€“2, pm Monday â€“ Thursday, 11-8, Friday & Sat. â€“ 11- 9. Longer hours in July and Aug., call for reservations and information: 231-352-8090, or check out their website at: www.betsiebayinn.com

By betsiebay.net | Posted in Frankfort, Lodging, Stories | Comments (0)

Family Friendly Fun -Platte River State Fish Hatchery

posted: June 27, 2009 – 7:37 am

This picture appears courtesy of Matt Guymon. Make sure to check out his Flickrstream. He has some of the coolest pictures of fish i’ve ever seen.

~ Platte River State Fish Hatchery â€“ 15210 US 31, Honor (231) 325-4611
Kids will love seeing the tanks teeming with fingerlings at the largest fish hatchery in the Midwest. The facility stocks all the Great Lakes with over two million Coho and Chinook Salmon. A great learning experience, with displays on the many species of mature fish in the area.

Hatchery Hours: The hatchery grounds are open to the public at no charge from dawn to dusk. The hatchery building is open to the public from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule group tours call Jan Sapak at (231) 325-4611.

By betsiebay.net | Posted in Community, Honor, Outdoor Recreation, Stories, Things To Do | Comments (0)

Featured Photo of the Week

posted: June 26, 2009 – 6:22 am

Sunset Silouettes

was captured by Pettman’s Photographic Memories. Make sure to check out his flickr page to view more of his work.

By betsiebay.net | Posted in Outdoor Recreation, Photo, Picture of the Week | Comments (0)

EVENT LISTING

Weekend Calendar of Events

posted: June 25, 2009 – 12:13 pm

By Colin Merry

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Frankfort

Take a Kid Fishing
When: June 26th and 27th. Nightcrawler hunt starts at dusk, fishing starts around 8a.m.
Where: Mineral Springs and Open Space parks.
What: The 6th annual Take a Kid Fishing event gives children the opportunity to learn fishing doesnâ€™t have to be hard or about competition. Kids donâ€™t even need their own equipment! Volunteers teach aspiring anglers the basics of fishing and set them up with a rod, reel and some bait. The kids do the rest. Coffee and doughnuts will be available in the morning and a picnic lunch with hot dogs, chips and pop will be provided in the afternoon. Everything is free of charge. Event organizer Bob McNabb said no child will be turned away, though it is preferred they come accompanied by an adult. Call Bob McNabb at 231-352-4440 or 231-352-7251 for more information.

Frankfort Farmers Market
When: June 27th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Open Space Park
What: Local growers and food producers offer a variety of organically grown produce, baked goods, fresh eggs and free range meats in a traditional farmers market setting. This week is the Lavender Festival. Learn about the properties of lavender and experience crafts, beverages, baked goods, soaps and skin care products created using lavender. Actual lavender plants will also be available for purchase.

Honor

Strawberry Social
When: June 27th, from 1-3 p.m
Where: Benzie County Road Commission in Honor
What: Strawberry shortcake, ice cream, lemonade, and ice tea are served for a $5 donation to support the programs of the Benzie Area Historical Society. Social butterflies can also take a look at the equipment used to maintain Benzie County roads. Visit the Benzie Historical Societies Website or the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Benzonia/Beulah

Big Band Concert Fundraiser for the Benzie Area Zonta Club
When: June 27th at 7 pm
Where: Benzie Central High School Auditoruim
What: The Couriers from Ann Arbor will perform music in the â€œBig Bandâ€ style, with guest performers from the high school. True North will open the concert. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Call Kath at 231-383-2434 for more information.

Beulah Boostersâ€™ Family Bike and Picnic Day
When: June 28th, from 9:30 am to 11am Lunch and activities from 11am to noon.
Where: Beulah Downtown Park
What: Bike the trail with family, then enjoy childrenâ€™s activities and the â€œTaste of Beulahâ€ lunch afterwards. Musical entertainment will be on hand. This event is sponsored by the Village of Beulah Boosters Club. Call 231-882-4457 for more information.

Wheels 4 Wellness Bike Ride
When: June 27th, starting at 9:30 am.
Where: The Beulah Village Park
What: A scenic and leisurely bike ride around Crystal Lake with the intention of helping programs and organizations such as the Benzie Human Services Collaborative provide food, clothing and emergency services like heating and transportation. Registration is $40 per pair of riders, $25 for a single rider and $50 for a family. Visit www.endomanpromotions.com/events/wheels4wellness.php for more information.

Onekema

Michigan Energy Fair
When: June 26th, 27th, and 28th. Events start at 12 pm Friday and 8-9 Saturday & Sunday
Where: Manistee County Fairgrounds
What: Created by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, the Michigan Energy Fair brings together exhibitors and keynote speakers to educate people about renewable energy technologies. Keynote speakers this year include Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, State Representative Dan Scripps and Scott T. Harrison, CEO of Azure Dynamics. The 3-day fair also includes live music, barbecues, banquets, workshops, childrenâ€™s games and much more. Visit the Michigan Energy Fair website for more information and a full schedule.

Empire

Free programs offered by the Park Service

Â rangerhike When: Saturday, June 27th, at 1 p.m.
Where: Heart Visitor Center in Empire
What: Each Saturday afternoon in June, the National Park Service offers free programs to help park visitors explore the area. This Saturday, the NPS has scheduled a walking tour of the lakeshore. Learn about the workings of a beach ecosystem as you explore the Lake Michiganâ€™s sand and surf. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s official website for more information.

By betsiebay.net | Posted in Arts and Culture, Betsie Almanac, Beulah, Empire, Events and Entertainment, Frankfort, Honor, Manistee, Outdoor Recreation, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Stories, Things To Do | Comments (0)

EVENT LISTING

Betsiebay.net features Frankfort Artists this Friday at American Legion Hall

posted: June 24, 2009 – 11:20 am

Mythic Michigan Studio and BetsieBay.net present the work of three Frankfort artists, 2-9 p.m., Friday, June 26 at the American Legion Hall, 206 Main St., downtown Frankfort. The event also will feature a free wine tasting by Krolczyk Cellars of Freesoil, 6-8 p.m.

Ken Lake operates Mythic Michigan Studio and Custom Framing. He began creating detailed pen and ink drawings at an early age and received a B.A. in studio art with a concentration in ceramics from Michigan State University. At Lansing Community College, he learned to airbrush in the graphic arts program, but immediately applied this new tool to his paintings.

Lake also worked in the jewelry field in Boise, Idaho, crafting hundreds of originals waxes. He still works in a variety of media, and this show will feature new airbrush paintings, pen and inks and pastels, as well as cards, magnets, and prints of some of his most popular work.

One of Lakeâ€™s favorite mottos, â€œmore art for more people,â€ is reflected in his volunteerism and his work as an instructor at the Crystal Lake Art Center, including in their Mosaic Dance and Art Residency, which serves every third grader in Benzie County. His enthusiasm for encouraging other artists led to this show.

Eliza Forrest also is a multi-talented artist. She graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and studied art at Kalamazoo College and in Greece and Italy. She is an essential member of the staff at the Crystal Lake Art Center and also is a member of the Mosaic team, working primarily in the dance portion of the residency, but able to help out with art when needed and organizing much of the administrative portion of the project.

Forrest also organizes the plein air group at the Art Center. She will be showing oils and pastels, focusing on northern Michigan Landscapes.

Jack Muehlmann is an accomplished artist working primarily in watercolor, pen and ink and pencil. He studied art at the Meinzinger Art School. After many years with art on the back burner, he retired from the conventional working world. â€œMy artistic spirit was released much like the genie from the lamp, and I have avoided any prolonged serious thought since then,â€ he stated.

He has been a board member of the Crystal Lake Art Center for many years, having served as treasurer in the past. Muehlmann is organizer of and a regular participant in Open Studio at the Art Center. This vibrant group of artists working in a variety of media has been getting together every Wednesday for many years. Open Studio is open to any artist interested in bringing their own supplies to work in the Art Centerâ€™s space, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesdays year-round.

Be sure to stop by Friday Night Burgers downstairs at the Legion Hall. A burger and chips are available for just $4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The show also will feature a wine tasting by Krolczyk Cellars, which is located in Freesoil between Manistee and Ludington. Owner and winemaker Dan Krolczyk and Joni Smoker launched the winery in 2005. In addition to Mythic Michigan Studio, this event is sponsored by BetsieBay.net, our own outdoor recreation and area information Website for Michiganâ€™s northwest shore.

By betsiebay.net | Posted in About Us, Community, Events and Entertainment, Frankfort, Picture of the Week | Comments (0)