Benzonia, Mich., May 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
As the weather heats up, a new beginning for Northern Michigan’s popular vacation destination, Benzie County, is taking shape. The Benzie County Visitors Bureau in Northern Michigan will now be known as – Make It Benzie. According to President Mary Carroll of Make it Benzie,“There’s a real love affair with Northern Michigan and all it has to offer, making Benzie County the place to be for the perfect vacation. No matter what type of vacation visitors are looking for – majestic beaches, lots of blue water and sky, abundant exciting outdoor recreation, stunning natural beauty, a relaxed vibe, modern and sophisticated shops, great restaurants and comfortable lodging – Benzie has all the amenities to satisfy everyone’s interests and needs.”
Benzie County, the smallest county in Michigan, features two major rivers, over 50 lakesand Lake Michigan along its western border. Benzie exudes a friendly and approachable personality with a modern, hip vibe. Unique wineries, breweries, and distilleries are within its border as well as surrounding the county. Visitors describe it as a place that isbeautiful and tranquil where you can see the stars at the night, enjoy campfires on the beach and unplug from your phone when you desire. Benzie’s activities are exciting and include water skiing, snowboarding, boating, and even hang gliding off the bluffs. There’s easy access to brew pubs, wineries, distilleries and eateries that are relaxing and fun. Benzie also has all of the modern amenities, such as wifi and atm’s, that visitors need and love while on vacation.
New thriving businesses are a testament to Benzie County’s growing popularity:
- The Award Winning Crystal Mountain, featuring downhill skiing and snowboarding in the winter / spring and golfing, hiking, biking and water adventure in summer / fall, recently completed a $11 million, 31,200 square-foot expansion.The new expansion includes 25 deluxe state-of-the-art hotel suites, a modern specialty market featuring gourmet food, wine and more, a sleek coffee and wine bar and a rooftop terrace overlooking the slopes and the surrounding Crystal Mountain village. Celebrating 60 years in operation, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four season resort destination within Benzie County and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, the award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, and an IACC-approved conference center for meetings, conferences, weddings and banquets.
- Coastal Suites Resort is a new beautiful renovated, mid-century modern inspired getaway property just seconds from majestic Crystal Lake in Benzie County. Its modern design offers "affordable luxury" in the friendly small town of Beulah. There is plenty to keep visitors occupied at this property including an outdoor spa, fire tables and a beautifully furnished indoor common area for spending time with family and friends.
- Stormcloud Brewing Company in Benzie County was recently named the #1 Brew Pub in Northern Michigan and #1 Best New Brewery in Michigan by popular Michigan publications(Traverse Magazine – 2017 and MLive Media Group – 2016 respectively) Stormcloud’s newly built bottling production brewery opened in 2018, increasing Stormcloud’s production from 1200 to 4500 barrels per year. The new production brewery tasting roomwill open Memorial Day weekend 2018 and will include an outdoor beer garden. Their packaged products which are now in 50 locations throughout Michigan include Stormcloud’s popular Rainmaker Ale and Whiled Away IPA.Stormcloud also operates a popular downtown pub just two blocks from Lake Michigan in the port city of Frankfort in Benzie County. Stormcloud specializes in brewing Belgian Inspired ales, including the traditional Dubbel, Tripel and Strong Ales, along with classic beer styles such as Blondes, Pale Ales, IPAs, Porters, and Stouts. Stormcloud’s downtown pub has 16 taps with handcrafted beer plus cider and mead, and a popular food menu featuring ingredients grown in their “storm garden” on site.
- Area 31 is a new business along US-31 in Beulah that will become a gathering place for visitors to experience a variety of unique food trucks and food, craft, vendor, and flea markets. Every day will be a new experience!
- New restaurants that will join an array of fine dining, casual, and trendy pubs and restaurants in Benzie County include Birch & Maplein Frankfort, Jim’s Joint BBQ“best new people’s choice award for Benzie County 2017”in Honor and Waterfront Dining at Chimney Corners Resort, a popular traditional northern Michigan family resort on Crystal Lake.
“We’re excited to share Benzie with visitors who want beauty, fun, variety, as well as, lively and relaxing options during their vacation getaways. We welcome everyone to experience Northern Michigan and to Make it Benzie!” says Carroll. “Once you experience Benzie, you will be hooked!”
Get the true flavor of Northern Michigan’s relaxed pace, exciting adventures, endless exploration, and exquisite natural beauty. Plan your vacation now by exploring the Make it Benzie website at visitbenzie.com.
Sign up for the Make It Benzie E-Newsletter at www.visitbenzie.com/travel-tools/sign-up-for-specials-promotions/. See them on www.facebook.com/benziecounty.cvb/ and on www.instagram.com/benziecountycvb/.
Make It Benzie Getaway Package
Make It Benzie is offering a vacation getaway package for visitors who stay two consecutive nights at one of several participating lodging locations between Memorial Day Weekend and October 31, 2018. The summer and fall vacation package called “Benzie Treasure Trove” has a $300 value with over 20 free gifts and value priced offerings. The vacation package was created to help visitors explore more of Benzie County and have new experiences along the way. Visitors can plan their vacation getaway and participate in the “Benzie Treasure Trove” by signing up online at www.visitbenzie.com.
Make It Benzie Information
Benzie County is known amongst visitors as one of the top places in Michigan to experience outdoor exercise, sports and recreation year-round. Benzie has over 100 miles of trails and 60 miles of shoreline including the majestic Crystal Lake, among the top ten largest lakes in Michigan, and over 25 miles of coastline along Lake Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore borders Benzie County offering sandy beaches, high bluffs and hilly terrain, magnificent beauty, clean lakes and natural rivers. Sports and recreational events are held throughout all seasons.
Iconic lighthouses, art fairs & galleries and culture surround Benzie and include Interlochen Center for the Arts, Lakeside Shakespeare Theater, Michigan Legacy Art Park and the historic Garden Theater.
Benzie County is a perfect vacation getaway year-round with affordable rates at a variety of lodging locations, from a world class resort and historic hotels to cabins on a river or lake.Benzie is the smallest county in Michigan and includes the quaint towns and villages of Beulah, Benzonia, Elberta, Frankfort, Honor, Lake Ann and Thompsonville. Outdoor activities in the spring, summer and fall include fishing, golfing, biking, hiking, running, kayaking, and much more. Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Many unique and locally owned restaurants in Benzie appeal to many different palates. Restaurant options include delis, fresh fish, farm-to-table, Asian, Mexican restaurants and more. Shopping in Benzie ranges from high-end furniture design to art, antiques, boutiques, home décor, jewelry and gifts.
Make It Benzie Events
MAY
13th Annual Michigan Beer & Brat Festival
Crystal Mountain- Thompsonville
Saturday May 26, 2018
Enjoy a Memorial Day weekend tradition at Crystal Mountain at the Michigan Beer and Brat Festival.The event features live entertainment slope side while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan's finest microbrews, local hard cider and mead, and gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. Participating breweries include Stormcloud, Bell’s, North Peak, Founders, Shorts, Right Brain and more. For more information and pricing see http://www.crystalmountain.com/events/beerfest.
Micros on Mountain Top
Crystal Mountain- Thompsonville
Sunday May 27, 2018
Starting at Noon, your Crystal Mountain weekend can continue with a Sunday afternoon after-party on top of the mountain. Hop on the first chairlift ride of the season and enjoy Michigan microbrews, barbecue and live music from John Pomeroy. Microbrews from Bell’s Brewery and North Peak Brewing Company and others will be featured. For more information and pricing see http://www.crystalmountain.com/events/micros-on-mountaintop.
5thAnnual North Mitten Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
Crystal Mountain- Thompsonville
Sunday - May 27, 2018
Kick off summer with a running start at Crystal Mountain's 5th Annual Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k race. The North Mitten Half Marathon, 10k and 5k is a combination of paved roads, dirt roads and trails. The North Mitten route consists of primarily flat, open trails on Crystal Mountain property and does not climb the mountain. Both races will start and finish slopeside near the Crystal Clipper chairlift. This is a great spring race for beginners, as well as, experienced runners. Runners must register online (registration now open). Entry fee is non-refundable. For more information see http://www.crystalmountain.com/events/north-mitten or call the Park at Water's Edge, 888.968.7686, ext. 7000.
JUNE
Bike Benzie Tour & Fondo
Crystal Mountain- Thompsonville
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Created by the Benzie Sunrise Rotary Club and hosted by Crystal Mountain for the last ten years, the Bike Benzie Tour is an annual charity ride for the benefit of area youth. The event offers four picturesque rides - including 30, 45, 62 and 100-mile options -through beautiful northwest lower Michigan that challenge people of all ages and abilities. All four rides start and end at Crystal Mountain.
The Fondo Competition will be restricted to the 62- and 100-mile rides, with awards for both individuals and teams. Teams will consist of four riders in the men's competition and three in the women's, with the three fastest times counting in each category. Benzie County and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where a large portion of the 100-mile loop is located, provide a rare combination of incredible natural scenery and perfect cycling terrain. Also, great food stops along the way feature regional snacks and more.
Bike Benzie Tour offers four rides through beautiful terrain in Benzie County that will challenge riders of all ages and abilities. Register online at http://www.bikebenzie.org/ or call Crystal Mountain at (855) 995-5146 for more information and lodging details.
Inaugural Frankfort Elberta Restaurant Week
Frankfort & Elberta
June 4 – 10, 2018
The Frankfort Elberta Restaurant Week is a new event that will highlight the dynamic and growing culinary offerings along scenic highway M-22 and historic Betsie Bay. The inaugural Frankfort Elberta Restaurant Week will take place June 4-10, 2018 and will become an annual tradition along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Frankfort Elberta area is known for its thriving food scene with over 20 establishments participating in the inaugural event. From fresh baked breakfasts treats to full service dining and everything in between, the event will feature a two price ranges - $15 and $25 - with great deals on breakfast, lunch and dinner.Make your visit a culinary journey and be among the first summer visitors to discover the dining scene in beautiful Frankfort and Elberta during Restaurant Week. For more information see www.frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com/ or call the Frankfort - Elberta Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-6751.
Frankfort Craft Fair
Frankfort
June 16, 2018
This popular craft fair is held in Downtown historic Frankfort on Main Street on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. For more information see www.frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com or call the Frankfort - Elberta Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-6751.
Frankfort48 Film Contest
Frankfort
June 21-23, 2018
Aspiring filmmakers and those with photography and film interests are invited come to Frankfort, Michigan on June 21 for the second annual Frankfort 48! Participants will create a 3-to-5-minute film celebrating the beauty of Northern Michigan. Participants will have 48 hours to conceive their ideas, scout locations, film, edit, and present their masterpieces. Prizes will be awarded to the top three filmmakers. The public is invited to attend the film showing, featuring the winning films, on Saturday, June 23 starting at 6:30 pm – $10 fee to attend. For more information about participating in this competition see www.Frankfort48.com.
Michigan PGA Women’s Open Pro-Am
Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville
June 22-24, 2018
One of the premier Michigan golfing events, The Michigan PGA Women’s Open features some of the best professional and amateur women golfers from around Michigan and across the country. As is tradition, the weekend begins with the Michigan PGA Women's Open Pro-Am, a 36-hole scramble, featuring mixed– and women-only teams, open to everyone.
For more information see www.crystalmountain.com/events/michigan-pga-womens-open-pro-amor call (888) 968-7686 ext. 4000.
Michigan PGA Women’s Open Tournament
Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville
June 25-27, 2018
Crystal Mountain is proud to be celebrating 14 years as host of the Michigan PGA Women’s Open. During this PGA event they will welcome some of the top players in women's golf from throughout Michigan and around the country to their beautiful Mountain Ridge course. Over the last decade, Crystal Mountain along with its committed partners have created an event that consistently attracts current and former LPGA players, club professionals and top amateurs from across the nation and around the world. In six out of the past nine years, the three-round championship winners have been determined on the final hole of regulation, or during a final playoff. These dramatic conclusions have resulted in significant attention from print, broadcast and online media throughout the state of Michigan and beyond. For more information see www.crystalmountain.com/events/michigan-pga-womens-open-tournament or call (888) 968-7686 ext. 4000.
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville
Frankfort & Beulah
June 29 - July 4, 2018
Fourth of July celebrations are taking place throughout Benzie Countym in Frankfort, Beulah and beautiful Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Activities in many locations include fireworks, parades, a Firecracker 5K Footrace, Art in the Park in Frankfort and other fun-filled activities. For more information see www.visitbenzie.com or call (800) 882-5801.
JULY
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville
Frankfort & Beulah
June 29 - July 4, 2018
Fourth of July celebrations are taking place all over Benzie County – in Frankfort, Beulah and beautiful Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Activities in many locations include fireworks, parades, a Firecracker 5K Footrace and other fun-filled activities. For more information see www.visitbenzie.com or call (800) 882-5801.
Art in the Park & Annual July 4th Celebration
Frankfort
July 4, 2018
Enjoy the July 4thParade, Art in the Park, a Carnival, Sand Castle Sculpture Contest, & Fireworks! The Parade begins at 10 a.m., starting on Main St, down Michigan Avenue then up Forest Ave. Art in the Park starts at 10 a.m. at Mineral Springs Park. The Carnival Opens at 10 a.m. and continues through July 8th. The Sand Castle Sculpture Contest starts at Noon on Frankfort Beach. The Fireworks display will take place on Frankfort Beach at dusk (approximately 10:30pm). For more information see www.frankfort-elberta.com/frankfort-elberta-chamber-events or call the Frankfort - Elberta Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-6751.
Annual July 4thCelebrations & Fireworks
Beulah
July 4, 2018
Beulah’s July 4th celebration include fireworks, a parade, a Firecracker 5K Footrace and other fun- filled activities. For more information see www.clcba.org or Phone 231-383-1120.
Beulah Art Fair
Beulah
July 7, 2018
Artisans from the region gather in the quaint Northern Michigan village of Beulah. For more information see www.clcba.org or Phone 231-383-1120.
Port City Run
Frankfort
July 21, 2018
The Port City Running Events include a 5K Run and 5K Walk as well as a 1 Mile Fun Run. The races start at 8AM. The entire course is flat and fast along the Betsie Bay on the Betsie Valley Trail. For more information see www.Frankfort-elberta.com or call (231) 352-6751. See upcoming race information at www.facebook.com/PortCityRun/.
5th Annual Up North Stand Up Paddleboard Classic
Beulah on Crystal Lake
Frankfort on Lake Michigan
July 21, 2018
These two events, the Crystal LakeSup Challenge and Lake Michigan Down Wind Duel, are both challenging and fun! The Crystal Lake Stand Up Classic will consist of an elite 6 mile – 2 laps, 3 mile – 1 lap and a kid’s 1.5-mile challenge held on one of the most pristine lakes in Michigan. This race will have will have an open water start and finish. The Lake Michigan 4.6 Downwind Duel paddle will start at Pt. Betsie Lighthouse beach and finish on Frankfort Beach. This race will have a beach start and finish. All races are held under WPA rules. All racers must have a leash and a personal floatation device on board. Each race will be limited to 100 racers. For more information and to learn more about the courses and rules see www.upnorthsup.com or call (231) 882-2527.
AUGUST
Frankfort Art Fair
Frankfort
August 17 & 18, 2018
This fine arts juried fair includes the works of over 175 artists. For more information see www.frankfort-elberta.com/frankfort-elberta-chamber-events or call the Frankfort - Elberta Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-6751.
Frankfort Collector Car Show
Frankfort
August 18, 2018
With over 100 cars on display, this annual event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Mineral Springs Park in Downtown Frankfort. For more information see www.frankfort-elberta.com/frankfort-elberta-chamber-events or call the Frankfort - Elberta Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-6751.
Frankfort
Benzie Fishing Frenzy
Frankfort
August 24 - 26, 2018
With over $25,000 in cash and prizes, this annual salmon and trout fishing tournament at Mineral Springs Park is open to anyone. There are three Divisions with a Ladies Classic on Friday and Big Fish Only, Amateur Division, and Pro Division on Saturday. For more information see www.frankfort-elberta.com/frankfort-elberta-chamber-events or call the Frankfort - Elberta Chamber of Commerce at 231-352-6751.
SEPTEMBER
Tri Up North Triathalon
Frankfort
September 15, 2018
The Tri Up North is a Bike, Kayak and Run Triathlon.
Check back for more information at https://www.tri-upnorth.com/
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