ArtOff at Right Brain Brewery

June 12, 2008

 Most artists will tell you it takes days, often weeks or more to create a work of art. But the creators of the ArtOff are here to challenge that notion.

On Saturday June 14th at the Right Brain Brewery up to 20 artists will create a work of art right before your eyes, in only three hours. This unusual competition, created by designers Sean Tobin and Skyler Nelles, will benefit Little Artshram. Participants will be working in various forms of media including painting, welding and even needlepoint.

Come and experience art first-hand, and get a unique glimpse into the creative minds of Northern Michigan. The cost is $10 and includes a glass of local wine or beer and catered appetizers from Chef J.W. Pascoe of Pearls. Proceeds benefit Little Artshram, for scholarship to summer art-farm camps. The audience has the opportunity to cast a ballot for their favorite work, and may even purchase finished pieces via silent auction. The winning artist receives a cash prize.

 

For more information the ArtOff visit the website for Little Artshram.

Right Brain Brewery is a sponsor of the event. The doors open at 6:45pm. They are located in the Warehouse District in downtown Traverse City. For a detailed map of their location click here.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Art Scene, Check This Out, Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

Sail Away Aboard Tall Ship Manitou

June 6, 2008

Daily Cruises Begin Saturday June 7th

Last spring I was fortunate enough to be invited on the Tall Ship Manitou not once, but twice. And I can say with all honesty that one trip can be very different than the next…so you’ll need to go more than once!

 

My first trip was a publicity tour for local media and members of the tourism industry. I knew only a handful of the passengers, and the boat was close to capacity. We sailed on a clear but cool evening in June. Once aboard the ship you quickly become part of the crew. In fact, this new crew has one major responsibility: raising the sails. It took two teams on either side of the ship, some to Heave, and some to Ho. The large ropes quickly pile up on deck as you watch the sails slowly work their way up the giant wooden mast. The seasoned deck hands take care of the hard work, and it’s really a lot of fun to participate.

We sailed slowly around West Grand Traverse Bay on the calm waters that evening. It was perfect for an event like this. While I only knew a handful of the 60+ passengers, by the end of the sail I had met dozens more. This calm evening cruise was perfect for enjoying a glass of Leelanau Tall Ship Chardonnay, which happened to be on board along with a member of the winery staff! When it was time to head back to the dock we let the crew handle the sails. Captain Dave however, was happy to share the wheel with those interested in a photo op, or indulging their thirst for power on the not-so-high seas.

 

The second trip, not even a week later as it happened, was altogether different. A friend chose to spend her birthday aboard the Tall Ship, and invited several families to join her. Since this was an afternoon sail I took my oldest son with me, while my husband slaved away at work. There were twelve of us in the group, more than half were children under 6 years old, along with many other passengers on a hot and sticky afternoon. The breeze had started to pick up so we were counting on putting the sails to good use. We had no idea.

Raising the sails with so many kids on board was much harder than the last time, but even more entertaining. The captain explained we would have a box lunch and beverages were available, so just ask the crew. We were free to wander about the boat, which included below decks where the bed & breakfast guests are rocked to sleep at night. It wasn’t long however before the winds really picked up. One of the crew explained that a cold front was moving in and that meant big wind. And boy was it ever.

The rest of the trip was one fast ride. Luckily the captain allowed our group to venture into the galley to enjoy the homemade chocolate cake we brought on board for the occasion. On deck the wind whipped, the sails cracked as the boom swung across the deck with each tack, and we all held on for a true sailing experience on Grand Traverse Bay.

 

So whether your winds are fair or fierce, your company few or many, a trip aboard the Tall Ship Manitou is one you’ll remember and enjoy. 

Tall Ship Special Cruises include Moomers Mondays (3pm sail), and Wine Tasting Cruise Tuesdays (6:30pm sail)

For more information about the Traverse Tall Ship Co. check out their listing on our Attractions page, or to visit their website click here.

 

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Attractions, Day Trips, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

75th Anniversary of the Drive-In Theater

June 6, 2008

 Did you know the first drive-in movie theater opened on June 6, 1933 in Camden, New Jersey. The patent held by Richard Hollingshead first began with one car, a screen stretched between two trees and a radio hidden behind it. After several beta tests to determine, among other things, the best position for multiple cars and the creation of a ramping system to allow each vehicle a full field of vision, the project was ready for movie goers. The price was a mere 25 cents for the car, and 25 cents for each person.

By the ’50s the Drive-In Theater was an event not just a destination. The double feature drew carloads of teenagers and families brought their kids for an evening out. At the peak of popularity there were over 4,000 drive-in theaters across the nation.

Today over 500 theaters continue to operate. Of the 123 theaters that once existed in Michigan, only 11 remain. 

 

The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater in Honor, Michigan is celebrating 55 years and still going strong. In the years since their opening in 1953 they’ve made many additions and improvements. While they still have the original carbon arc antique projectors they now use modern projectors with Xenon gas bulbs. The sound system still consists of vaccum tube motiograph amplifiers which power the speakers at each parking space for a truly authentic experience. Or, you can tune in to their own FM station and hear every nostalgic note through your interior car speakers. Either way the experience is exceptional.

From the vintage introduction cartoons, to the homemade broasted chicken and caramel corn at the concession stand, the Cherry Bowl Drive-In is an event the whole family will enjoy. So celebrate this special moment in history with a trip down memory lane…which happens to be just 18 miles southwest of Traverse City in the village of Honor.

 

For more information on the Cherry Bowl Drive-In check out our Attractions page, or visit their website here. Resources on the history of the drive-in include driveintheater.com and inventors.about.com.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Attractions, Benzie, Check This Out | Leave a Comment 

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 6/6 & 6/7

June 5, 2008

 Friday June 6 & Saturday June 7

 

Kung Fu Panda, Rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature, and always family friendly. Rain or Shine, dusk is the time.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Attractions, Benzie | Leave a Comment 

Alternative Transportation Expo & Smart Commute Week

June 2, 2008

 Smart Commute week returns to Traverse City June 2nd - June 6th

Kicking off the season will be an Alternative Transportation Expo from 7pm - 9pm in Downtown Traverse City. Features include a bike rodeo for kids, alternative fuel vehicles, energy demonstrations, a local carpool program, bike shop, outdoor outfitter displays and more!

For more information about Smart Commute Week, TART, or to participate in the Commuter Cup Challenge call 941-4300 or visit their website here.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Events, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

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