Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 7/18 – 7/24

July 20, 2008

Drive-In Movie Features Beginning July 18th

Wall-E, rated G

Get Smart, 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 

Horse Shows by the Bay Begins

July 20, 2008

horse jumps at horse show by the bayEquestrian Festival Welcomes Public to Weekend Events

On my first trip to the Horse Shows by the Bay I have to say, I was impressed. With family in town who are interested in horses, and board two on their property in Milford, we felt prepared to enter into unfamiliar territory. Our quick drive from Traverse City to Acme township brought us into the rolling coutryside of Flintfields, the permanent facility for this Traverse area festival newcomer.

There are four competition arenas, each with their own warm-up ring. We walked past the paddocks and stables, enjoying the up close views of the horses and riders as they navigated their way through the grounds. Golf carts zigzagged along the way transporting riders and families from event to event. The Grand Prix arena was the furthest from the entrance, so we had the chance to see it all along the way.

 

rolling hills at horse show by the bayThe grounds for these events are beautiful, with rolling hills and white fences in the distance as a backdrop for the arenas. There were pockets of natural woods left intact which provided shade on the hot and hazy day. And from the Team Elmers Ring you could see the tower of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa off in the distance.

 

We watched several competitors showcase their skills and marveled at the beauty of the animals. I enjoyed watching the warm-up arena almost as much as the competition since we could walk right up to the fence and get a close view. The jumps on the different arenas were well designed and set-up for a variety of events including Hunters, Jumpers and Dressage. 

 

horse competition in Team Elmers ring There were large tents complete with tables and chairs for spectator viewing on a hill above the Grand Prix arena. So with a slight breeze and the comfort of the shade it was a perfect place to watch the events. With two toddlers in tow we knew the day would be short for us, but was worth the trip. 

On the way out I stopped to take a few more photos along the fence of another arena. Riders and families and horses continued to file past. The tent with Moomer’s ice cream looked inviting, but our young ones were ready to get out of the heat for a while, so we made our way back to the parking and off to our next adventure.

 

The Horse Shows by the Bay festival will continue for the next two weeks, with public events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And you don’t want to miss the MSU vs U of M Polo Exhibition on Friday July 29th. For all the details about the events visit the Horse Shows by the Bay website.

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

Michigan Cherries; a Little Fruit with a Lot of Power

July 16, 2008

tart cherries ripen on the branchCherry Festival is Over, but the Cherry Season Has Just Begun

 

Local cherries are the gems of the northern Michigan summer. Each year we anxiously await the arrival of the ruby fruit that brings visitors to the area, and keeps many of our businesses running. 

 

 

Farm report

While growers expect a smaller harvest of tarts, the sweets are shaping up nicely, weather dependent of course. It was a bit of a rocky spring with concerns over frost and cool weather which made pollination a challenge. The National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates a tart cherry harvest of 135 million pounds in Michigan.

For the sweets, it’s all about Mother Nature, and how much rain she decides to send our way. During the harvest rain is unwelcome since it causes the fruit to crack. Northern Michigan is responsible for 90 percent of the state’s sweet cherry production.

 

Cherry Fun Facts

  • Michigan grows 75 percent of the US crop of tart cherries, and about 20 percent of sweet cherries
  • There are close to 7000 cherries on the average tart cherry tree, enough for 28 pies
  • The World Record for spitting a cherry pit is now 100 feet 4 inches, held by "young gun" Krauss, son of 10 time record holder "pellet gun" Krause
  • It takes 100 cherries to produce an 8 oz. glass of cherry juice 
  • Ease arthritis pain and inflammation naturally with cherry juice, thanks to the anthocyanins, which give tart cherries their color
  • Michigan cherry wine is made primarily from Montmorency cherries
  • Peninsula Cellars is the only area winery to produce a white cherry wine, made from the Emperor Francis cherry

 

Leelanau michigan cherry treesPick up a Pound

If you’re looking to pick up some fresh cherries on your visit up north there are plenty of options. A drive along the Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsula will offer several roadside opportunities to buy direct from the grower. And you can’t beat the scenic views along the way.

For those of you who would rather grab and go, The Cherry Stop in downtown Traverse City has everything you could ever need. Fresh cherries are available on site, and they’ll even ship if you’re craving a taste of Michigan from far away. There are also dried cherries which make great snacks, frozen cherries for pies, and all sorts of products made from the healthy fruit we all love.

But some of my favorite childhood memories are from roaming the U-Pick farms. We’d lug around our galvanized buckets and climb the rickety old wooden ladders to carefully select the largest, juiciest, ripest cherries. When the buckets were full, or too heavy to carry, we’d know it was time to go home. It took a long swim in the lake to get rid of the purple stained fingers, but it was worth the memories.

For a list of local U-Pick farms, check out LocalDifference.org

 

Tips and Tricks

  • Cherries with the stems attached will stay fresh longer
  • To remove cherry stains from fingers and clothing try a little lemon juice, and rinse with water
  • For an inexpensive cherry pit remover try placing a metal pastry tip on your finger and pushing them out. A bobby pin or a bent paper clip can be used to scoop out the pit and only leaves one hole.  

 

Michigan tart cherries up closeFor more information on cherries check out these local links to related stories:

TV 7&4 

Taste the Local Difference  

Absolute Michigan  

The Cherry Marketing Institute  

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

Welcome Radish Restaurant

July 16, 2008

 New Restaurant in Olde Town Joins Mealtickets Family

Salad lovers rejoice, there is a new place in town where you can get exactly what you want. Located in Olde Town Traverse City, on Union Street is a stylish new restaurant for the green at heart. With homemade soups daily and sweet treats too it’s a great stop for a grab-and-go lunch. The 60+ item salad bar is pay-by-the-pound and full of crispy fresh greens, veggies, fruits, beans, nuts and meats too. Their dressings are homemade as well.

 

For more info on the Radish restaurant and a map to their location check out our Dining page.

Posted by Brandy Wheeler | Filed Under Mealtickets News, Restaurants, Traverse City | Leave a Comment 

Welcome Mistwood Golf Course

July 14, 2008

Lake Ann Golf Course Joins Mealtickets Family

If you’re a golfer and you haven’t taken the scenic drive to the village of Lake Ann for a round at Mistwood, perhaps it’s time you did. Rated "4 stars" by Golf Digest Magazine, and voted "Best Pro Am" by Northern Michigan PGA, Mistwood is known for it’s affordable championship golf. 

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the game, or just learning, Mistwood has something for everyone. And their par 3 "little nine" is a great way to get started. After a round be sure to enjoy lunch or dinner at the Sunset Bar & Grill. Sip a cold one on the deck overlooking the beauty of Northern Michigan and you’ll be glad you found this diamond in the….middle of Lake Ann. 

For more information about Mistwood Golf Course, including a map to their off-the-beaten-path location check out their card on our Attractions page. And for all the details, or to book a tee time, check out their website here.

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

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