Downtown Chili Cook-Off

January 17th, 2009

Downtown Chili Cook-Off
Annual Event
11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Park Place Dome

Warm up your winter at the 15th Annual Downtown Chili Cook-Off. This popular event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park Place Dome in Downtown Traverse City. The Chili Cook-off attracts over 1000 attendees each year who sample the many chilies and vote for their favorites. Area restaurants will be cooking up their special recipes as they compete in eight different categories - 1 and 3-alarm, white, vegetarian, no bean, seafood and ethnic as well as the coveted "people's choice award.
All proceeds from the event help support such Downtown community activities as Friday Night Live, the Halloween walk, holiday activities and many other free downtown events throughout the year.

For more information call (231) 922-2050

15th Annual Downtown Bridal Show

15th Annual Downtown Bridal Show
January 4th, 2009
Annual Event
12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM
Location: Park Place Dome

Wedding bells are ringing for the 15th Annual Downtown Bridal Show. Open to the public, free of charge, the show runs from noon to 4 p.m. Hosted by the Downtown Traverse City Association, the event will feature over 35 local experts in all phases of wedding planning. The event is highlighted by a Bridal Fashion Show featuring the latest in wedding fashions, beginning at 3:15 p.m. Door prizes - will be raffled throughout the day to make the wedding planning process even more delightful.

For more information call (231) 922-2050

New Lisiting! Hendee Hide-Away - near West Bay!

Here is a nice, clean, and convenient get-away home near all that Traverse City has to offer! Hendee's Hide-Away is a 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home that sleeps 6 with two queen beds and 1 queen sofa bed. Right across the street from West Bay! This vacation rental is also Pet Friendly! Don't hesitate. At this rate, weeks are booking for this summer...

$600/week or $90/night

(248) 408-8914

or

(248) 390-8590

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The National Cherry Festival 2008: US Navy Blue Angels!

When: Saturday, July 5 Opening Day Sunday, July 6 Start Time: 1:00 PM End Time: 3:00 PM

Join us for the 82nd National Cherry Festival Air Show, sponsored by Northern Michigan Toyota Dealers, Sam's Club and Charter Communications on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 for an exciting airshow. Friday July 4, will also be an active day with a full practice airshow as well as a festive Twilight Airshow event prior to the Fireworks display over West Grand Traverse Bay.

Join us in welcoming the 2008 Air Show performers...

The US Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Team, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, USMC AV-8B West Coast Demonstration Team (MCAS Yuma, Arizona), 2x McDonnell Douglas F-15D (114th FS "Eagle Beavers", Kingsley Field, Oregon),2x Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt II (172nd FS "Mad Ducks", Battle Creek, Michigan), 4x USMC F/A-18 (VMFA-122 "Werewolves", MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina).

The flight pattern is over the Festival Open Space Park and West Grand Traverse Bay. The Festival Airshow will take to the skies at 1:00 p.m. both days.

Traverse City: 17th Annual Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show

17th Annual Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show

Location: Grand Traverse County Civic Center, 1213 W. Civic Center Dr., Traverse City, MI
Friday & Saturday - 11am to 9pm, Sunday - 11am - 5pm. Fees $5.00 Admission. Kids under 12 years are free. Friday Seniors Admission is $4. All types of new, year 2008 recreation vehicles-over 50 units and over 15 brands displayed; folding campers, motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheel travel trailers.
Contact Information: Bill Sheffer
Phone: (800) 422-6478

TRAVERSE CITY VACATIONER

Traverse City: Bicycle on the Ice - West Bay

Ok, you don't see this everyday! My first thoughts were that this gentleman was pulling a somewhat dangerous stunt for the kicks of others or maybe just for himself. That may be the case but it seems that this was his solution to a dreaded wet slushy walk from this fish shany to the shoreline over by Bryant Park. I spent most of my youth on the shores of Northern Lake Leelanau in Leelanau County and have logged may hours mostly playing on a frozen lake. I can tell you though, that it never crossed my mind, even as a young person, to drag by bike out onto the frozen h2o. As I continued to follow him across the bay with my zoom lens is if he was a passing satellite across the horizon, he did fall - once. Kicked from his bike he sat there for what seemed a full minute as his bike stood high upright, obviously with its wheels stuck in the slush - burr. He then got back on his feet (most likely restarted his heart!) and straddled his bike and continue on. I'm sure his bottom was now completely frozen. What a wonderful place Traverse City is...

Traverse City Old Town Playhouse: Into the Woods

Arts & Culture (Fri. Sat. )
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 148 E. Eighth Street
Website: http://www.oldtownplayhouse.com/
An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Ridinghood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch...who raps? They're all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale musical. When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of “The Princess Bride” becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. One of Sondheim's most popular works, this timeless yet relevant piece is a rare modern classic. Individual Tickets Go on Sale Monday, February 25 at 4 p.m.
Phone: (231) 947-2210

Lodging? Goto: TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER .COM

Morning Stroll on the Boardman Lake Trail

We will meet at the front of the library, and then head out for early signs of spring along the east side of Boardman Lake. Feel free to join us for lunch afterwards at a local restaurant. This will be an entry-level outing, so if the weather is really crummy, we'll reschedule it. Please contact Judy or Bob for details and to sign up bennettjj@charter.net or phone (231) 932-9249. We want to be able to notify you in case of cancellation.

for lodging: TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER.COM

Traverse City Riverfront Vacation Rental's - Downtown!

TC Riverhouse - New Listing!

- Location, Location, Location, You "Can't" Get More Convenient Than This!!! Vacation Rental's, Right on the River in the "Heart" of Downtown Traverse City, Michigan.Crawl to Everything, West Bay Beach, Restaurants, Bars, Shopping, Grocery, Movies, Farmer's Market, and all the culture and events all year long. Park the car and forget it! Fully Flexible Rates Based on Occupancy from 1 to 16 people.

TC Riverhouse Rentals
(231) 833-9299

TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER.COM

Traverse City: Keely & Du at Old Town Playhouse

02/08/2008 - 02/23/2008

From the author of Talking With and Vital Signs, here is a volatile drama about abortion. Du, a right to life activist, and Keely, a pregnant rape victim she is confining, transcend their circumstances and the ideological issues that separate them. Keely and Du is a mind probing issue play with a gripping human face. Who is accountable? What is the extent of individual freedom? What are a rape victim's rights? What is a Christian's realities of procreation? Their passionate stories exist on the extreme edge of everyday reality.

Performances: February 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 2008 in the Studio Theatre. Not suggested for young audiences due to adult language and subject matter. Old Town Playhouse is located at 148 East 8th Street, Traverse City www.oldtownplayhouse.com or (231) 947-2210.

For lodging visit;
TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER.COM

Traverse City: 2nd Annual Cherry Capital Winter Festival

Traverse City 2nd Annual Cherry Capital Winter Festival

Join us this February 15-18 in Traverse City and help us celebrate all that winter has to offer! The 2nd Annual Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest is a four-day event designed to cure the effects of "cabin fever" and provide a variety of family-friendly games and activities, including live outdoor music and fireworks show. Access to all Winter WonderFest activities requires the purchase of a $10 official event button with portion of proceeds from button sales going to Special Olympics of Michigan.

(As of January 23, 2008)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 4:00pm-8:00pm "Outdoor Fun Zone" - Family-friendly winter activities include ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile rides (until dark), horse-drawn sleigh rides, and bonfires. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.5:30pm-7:30pm "A Magical Taste of Downtown" presented by Grand Traverse Pie Company - Enjoy a variety of cherry-infused foods, with live entertainment from 5:45pm-7:45pm. Tickets for Adults are $15/ea. while Kids 12 & Under are $8/ea. General balcony seating for live entertainment only is $5/ea. Tickets may be purchased by calling the National Cherry Festival Office: 800-968-3380. Location: The City Opera House (Downtown Traverse City)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 10:00am-7:00pm "Outdoor Fun Zone" - Family-friendly winter activities include ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile rides (until dark), inflatables, and bonfires. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.10:00am-5:00pm Winter Carnival Rides - Yes, it's a true winter carnival! Carnival rides will be on-site for kids and adults to enjoy, including a Ferris Wheel (weather permitting) . Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.11:00am-1:00pm Pony Rides - Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.12:00pm-5:00pm Live Music in Downtown Traverse City - Enjoy live music in the heart of Downtown Traverse City by the Rythm Kings from Noon to 2:30 and the Gratitude Steel Drum Band from 3 to 5. Ice sculptures will be on display throughout the day. Look for "Sweetheart of a Sale" specials in participating downtown stores and special activities! Location: Downtown Traverse City (Cass Street/Front Street intersection)12:00pm-3:30pm Soup’r Bowl in Downtown Traverse City - A Friendly Soup Competition between Downtown Traverse City area restaurants under the tent at the corner of Cass and Front Streets. The public is invited to taste each and vote for their favorite. Soup’r Bowl Sampler Tickets will be for sale at that location. A five-soup sampler ticket is $3 or all samples for $5.12:00pm-5:00pm Winter Kid's Activities - Kids of nearly all ages can participate in some down-home, friendly competition, including: snowshoe race, cherry pie eating contest, and frozen fish toss. Present your festival button for access.Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.1:00pm-2:30pm Mini-Film Festival: "Frozen Stupid" presented by Brauer Productions - Enjoy the amazing work of Traverse City filmmaker Richard Brauer, as Brauer Productions presents this funny tale of a father and son seeking a simple weekend of ice fishing. Starring: Ernest Borgnine and Joey Albright. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa indoors in the Council Room behind Marketplace in the Gallery of Shops.1:00pm-6:00pm Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides - The quintessential "winter experience!" Go for a real horse-drawn sleigh ride throughout the Grand Traverse Resort grounds and soak in al the beautiful winter scenery. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.2:30pm "Frozen Bed Race" presented by Grand Traverse Area Hotel/Motel Association - See the fastest "beds on sleds" at this fun downtown event. Form a team of 5 and compete for the fun of it. Call 231-631-2044 for complete details. Present your festival button for access. Location: Downtown Traverse City (Cass Street/Front Street intersection)2:00pm-2:30pm "Polar Plunge" presented by Special Olympics Michigan - "Freezin' for a Reason!" Ever wanted to take a plunge into icy waters just to see what it feels like? Now's your shot. Dress up, jump in and help change lives with this unique event. Entry fee is a $50 donation to Special Olympics Michigan. Participants receive admission to the Post Plunge Party and bragging rights for "freezing your fur" for a great cause. Registration begins at 1:00pm with the plunge beginning around 2:00pm. Post Plunge Party will follow immediately at 2:30pm. Present your festival button for access. For more information, or to register, please call 800-644-6404 or visit http://www.somi.org/. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.3:00pm-5:00pm Pony Rides - Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.8:00pm-9:30pm Mini-Film Festival: "The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island" presented by Brauer Productions - Enjoy the amazing work of Traverse City filmmaker, Richard Brauer, as Brauer Productions presents this adventurous quest for a hidden treasure. Filmed locally on Lake Michigan. Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Seth Bernard, Brennan Hesser. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa indoors in the Council Room behind Marketplace in the Gallery of Shops.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 9:00am "The Frosty 5K" Race - See how fast you can run on the snow! This 5K run/walk will take participants throughout the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa grounds, offering beautiful winter landscape views. Registration begins at 8:00am at the Clubhouse. Prizes will be awarded. Register by February 1, 2008 and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a one-night stay at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, including access to our new Indoor Water Playground. Entry requires purchase of $10 festival button (kids 10 and under are free). REGISTER HERE Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.10:00am-7:00pm "Outdoor Fun Zone" - Family-friendly winter activities include ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile rides (until dark), inflatables, and bonfires. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.10:00am-5:00pm Winter Carnival Rides - Yes, it's a true winter carnival! Carnival rides will be on-site for kids and adults to enjoy, including a Ferris Wheel (weather permitting) . Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.10:00am-5:00pm Kid's Petting Zoo - Get up close and personal with a variety of friendly animals. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.11:00am-1:00pm Pony Rides - Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.12:00pm-3:00pm "GRAND Chili Cookoff" - Taste a variety of fresh, hot chili dishes prepared by Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and vote for your favorite. $7 fee to sample 6 of our favorite chili recipes. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.12:00pm-5:00pm Winter Kid's Activities - Kids of nearly all ages can participate in some down-home, friendly competition, including: snowshoe race, cherry pie eating contest, and frozen fish toss. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.1:00pm-6:00pm Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides - The quintessential "winter experience!" Go for a real horse-drawn sleigh ride throughout the Grand Traverse Resort grounds and soak in al the beautiful winter scenery. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.3:00pm-5:00pm Pony Rides - Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.7:00pm-8:30pm LOVERBOY Valentine's Concert - You loved their hits in the 80's. Now, see how they're still rocking. Loverboy will perform a live concert inside Governors' Hall at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. NOTE: Separate tickets are required; Winter WonderFest buttons do not provide access. Tickets are $25, $30 and $35 each and may be purchased by calling 800-968-2327. For information on the Loverboy Valentine's Concert lodging package, click here. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa 8:30pm-9:00pm Fireworks Show - There's nothing quite as spectacular as a fireworks show in the winter snow. Enjoy a professional fireworks show over the golf courses at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Present your festival button for access. Location: The Pavilion at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 - 8:00am-10:00am Flap Jack Breakfast - Wrap up a weekend of activity with a hearty pancake breakfast. Cash breakfast. Call 800-236-1577 for more information. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in the Michigan Ballroom.9:00am-12:00pm "Outdoor Fun Zone" - Family-friendly winter activities include ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and bonfires. Present your festival button for access. Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa near the Clubhouse.

For Lodging Visit;

TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER.COM

New Shanghai Circus at Interlochen

01/29/2008 7:30pm, Corson Auditorium
The incredible acrobats of the New Shanghai Circus defy gravity in a beautifully orchestrated presentation of Chinese circus arts dating back two thousand years. Tickets for Interlochen’s Fall and Winter performance series go on sale September 7 and are available online at http://tickets.interlochen.org/. To purchase tickets over the phone, call the Interlochen Box office at 800-681-5920 or 231-276-7800 from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday and noon to 4pm on Saturday.
TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER.COM

Rolling Centuries Winter Festival in Traverse City

01/26/2008
Again Rolling Centuries Farm (RCF) and McLain Cyclery and Fitness Center will team together to offer Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides and Snow Shoe Romp. All ages are encouraged to come and enjoy! On Saturday, January 26, 12 noon to 3 PM, there will be Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides from The Village (bldg. 50), to the Rolling Centuries Farm Cathedral Barn and back. Hot chocolate and coffee provided. Other drinks and foods can be purchased on site from Cuppa Joes. While you wait for your turn, browse our new and used Book Sale. Donations requested to cover costs, $4 per person or $12 per family of 4. If questions call 943-7999. That evening at the RCF Cathedral Barn, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, we will Snow Shoe the ice candle lit trail and enjoy warm food from Folgerelli's. Donation requested $12 per person, $ 25 per family with minor children. Food included with donations. For reservations or questions, call McLain’s 943-8855. Any money raised above costs, benefit the Rolling Centuries Farm, an educational working farm.
TRAVERESCITYVACATIONER.COM

Traverse City: Frozen Foot Race - Eastern Elementary Start/Finish

The Frozen Foot 5-Mile Road Race!
When: Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 10:00am
Where: Start/Finish at Eastern Elementary School
1600 Eastern Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686

Race Day Registration & Packet Pick Up:
Race day from 8:30-9:30am at the start/finish location
Course:
Expect a "figure 8" course, mostly flat with a 1km climb.
Entry Fee:
$15 prior to January 19th
$20 Race Day
Entry fee includes winter hat (limited supply)

Click here for downloadable entry form

Checks are made payable to:
The Traverse City Track Club
Mail entries to:
Running Fit
300 East Front Street, Suite 103
Traverse City, Michigan 49684

Awards:
Awards will be handed out to the top 3 in each age group and the overall winners.
For more information call: 231-933-9242

Traverse City: Jingle Bell Run/Walk Downtown!

Park Place Hotel
December 23rd, 2007

This event will feature a social 5K Run/Walk along the streets of Downtown Traverse City. Dress warm and be prepared to endure cold temps and wet feet! It's my understanding that this is not a competitive event, but a Christmas gathering. Leave your stopwatches at home this will not be a timed event. There will be random prize giveaways taking place during the event!

5-5:30pm Registration: Park Place Hotel

*Jingle Bell pick-up

*Non-perishable food Drop-off

5:30pm 5K Run/Walk

Along Downtown Streets

6:15-9pm Holiday Gathering at the Park Place Hotel

Pizza, snacks, hors D’Oeuvres will be provided.

Cash bar

REGISTRATION FORM

Traverse City: Downtown Chili Cook-Off !

When: January 19th, 2008
11:30am - 3:00pm
Area restaurants compete for top honors in this favorite cook-off, which is held at the Park Place Hotel inside the "dome." Bring your appetite and get ready from some good ole winter time chili!
TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER.COM

Traverse City: Men's Night - Holiday Shopping - Downtown

When: 12/20/2007
Men’s Night Gentlemen, the evening is yours for gifting and gabbing! Celebrate the spirit of the evening as well as the season at Men’s Night Downtown. The gents can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drink specials at Downtown eateries to begin the evening. Downtown merchants will have in-store specials, gift wrapping, refreshments and downtown prize drawings. Take advantage this special night of in-store specials while enjoying refreshments, entertainment and drawings to find the perfect gift for that special someone. Downtown Traverse City Association. 922-2050.
TRAVERSECITYVACATIONER.COM