State of Michigan Travel Blog | Pure Michigan Blog

Celebrate National Pie Day with Pure Michigan (Plus a Giveaway!)

January 17, 2013

We’re celebrating the fruits of Michigan during National Pie Day, next Wednesday, January 23^rd! Created by the American Pie Council, ‘Pie Day’ is dedicated to celebrating America’s love of pie. And in Pure Michigan, we know and love pie. In fact, Michigan produces:

More than 50 percent of the nation’s apple slices and is the largest supplier of apple slices used in commercially prepared apple pies.
Roughly 75 percent of the country’s tart cherry crop every year. Those are the ones that go into pies, juice and preserves.
25 percent of the national highbush blueberry crop (110 – 180 million pounds)

While there are many flavors and variations of this classic American dessert, nothing makes for a better pie than using pure, fresh ingredients and fruits – Michigan’s surrounding Great Lakes and rolling hills create a perfect climate for fruit-growing and is a leading producer of many popular pie fruits that can be found in local bakeries as well as national store-bought brands.

Among these establishments is Grand Traverse Pie Company, who makes more than 95 percent of its purchases locally – fruit, sugar and flour all come from growers and processors within the state. In honor of National Pie Day, each of their locations will be serving up a free slice of Michigan fruit pie with any purchase all day on the 23^rd.

To get in on the ‘Pie Day’ fun, we’ve teamed up with Grand Traverse Pie Company to offer fans on Twitter the chance to win an entire pie every hour between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST on the 23^rd. To be eligible to win, fans can simply tweet their favorite type of pie to both @PureMichigan and @GTPie. Tweets must include the hashtag #puremichiganpie and entrants must follow both Pure Michigan and Grand Traverse Pie Company on Twitter.*

Pure Michigan will choose one winner at random each hour, contacting winners through Twitter with details for obtaining their prize.

Additionally, we encourage fans nationwide to post photos of pies to the Pure Michigan Facebook wall during the week of January 21^st. One fan photo will then be featured at the end of the week. Bakers and fans alike can also add their favorite pie recipes to Pinterest, using the #puremichigan or #puremichiganpie hashtags.

Be sure to follow @PureMichigan and @GTPie for your chance to win a free pie on January 23^rd!

*Disclaimer: Users can only enter the Twitter contest once and those who make multiple accounts in order to enter more than once will be ineligible to win. Those who post the same tweet repeatedly or violate any of the other Twitter Rules will also be ineligible.

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5 Tips for Surviving the 2013 Detroit Auto Show (Plus a Giveaway!)

January 16, 2013

in Events,Exhibits & Shows,Guest Blogger

Cosmin Ghiurau, a native Metro-Detroiter who began his career at General Motors, returned to his roots this week to get a first look at what’s happening at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Below he fills us in on his experience and shares tips for navigating the show floor.

Will you be attending NAIAS this year? See the bottom of this post for your chance to win free tickets to the show!

The beginning of the year marks a magical time for Michigan and the Motor City of Detroit. It is a crowning time where a diverse set of people come together to converge on an emotional and aspirational product, the automobile. A moment where auto manufacturers, suppliers, press, both domestic and international coalesce with the true customer, you and I, to share with us their finest product, technology and dreams to come.

As someone that has lived almost their entire life in the Metro-Detroit area and for the past few years have relocated to the Dallas area, it is always refreshing to get an opportunity to come back to my home State of Michigan and especially the Metro-Detroit area. It is amazing to see the revitalization of the Detroit area during the past couple of years and how the automotive industry is seeing great signs of a tremendous comeback. The 2013 North American International Auto Show is evidence of this turnaround as it is laden with amazing new products with a clear focus on electrification of cars and a great deal of emphasis on smaller cars that fit the lifestyle of families.

Having an opportunity to be part of the Preview Week for the first time, it was great to get up close and personal with many of the new products, designers, engineers, and stories behind many vehicles. No matter what brand your loyalty is, this Auto Show will not disappoint. With an Auto Show so impressive, there were a few things along the way that I learned which helped me navigate and absorb as much as possible from every exhibit. Hopefully the following tips will help you and everyone that attends this Auto Show to fully experience the products that are on display.

To start things off, one thing is clear. Make sure to dedicate at least 6-8 hours at the Auto Show. Depending on your pace, this is a safe time to ensure you are able to take advantage of all that the Auto Show has to offer.

Tip 1 – Clothing

Before heading out to Cobo Hall, depending on the weather make sure you are prepared to leave behind some clothes at the coat check or in your car. With the combination of the cold January days in Michigan together with the long walk through the show floor, some people fail to realize is that it really requires lighter clothing.

As mentioned earlier, if you will be there for 6-8 hours, comfortable shoes are an absolute must. Most exhibits and walkways have carpeting to ease the feet; however nothing will replace comfortable shoes. While you are there, a trend is to bring your wearable technology such as the Nike Fuel band or FitBit products. This way you can measure your effort as well.

Tip 2 – The route

Once you enter the Auto Show make sure you grab a map of the floor space. Many people will first go to their favorite brand or the exotic cars that are there. Whatever the first stop is, make sure to map out the exhibits you plan to attend. If you don’t have a map, you will realize that you are going in circles really fast. One thing I noticed about this year’s Auto Show is that the brands are consolidated and the walk ways are well placed to go on a circle route and end up in the middle with the exotic and performance cars.

Tip 3 – The Food

If you will be there for most of the day, water is important to have with you at all times. There should be water vending machines throughout Cobo Hall and at concession stands. The food is adequate for this type of event, so be planned to have an appetite after all of the walking. Once again, water is extremely important so make sure to come prepared to buy enough.

Tip 4 – Your Tech

Auto Shows are a perfect opportunity to bring out your camera and video camera to capture memories. Make sure you are courteous to others as they take photos and more than likely you will get many requests to take a photo for someone. You will see DSLR Cameras, point and shoot cameras, and more and more people just using their smart phone camera.

One element I cannot stress enough is to make sure that you have a portable battery charger. Outlets are few and far in between, so I wouldn’t rely on them. For smart phones a portable battery charger is critical. These chargers can charge a smart phone battery to full capacity multiple times over. So make sure prior to arriving at the Auto Show you stop by a local electronic retailer to pick one up. Taking all of the photos and videos, will be a drain on your smart phone. As in most show floors carrier reception is spotty so this will add additional drain on the battery. A perfect companion is the portable battery charger. It is worth every penny.

Tip 5 – Pace yourself

As a final tip, make sure to pace yourself. If you are like me and want to spend a little extra time in the exhibit of your favorite brand or talking to representatives and inquiring about availability and price, pace yourself. Stop and rest. Before you know it you are walking for a few hours and you become exhausted to the point of missing out on a lot of great vehicles. Follow your route that you planned. Stay hydrated. Take time with the products.

To wrap things up, the 2013 North American Auto Show is a tradition for many in the Detroit Metro area and the entire region. It is a place where parents and kids can experience their dream cars. This Auto Show will not disappoint. Especially if you can survive it with these helpful tips and create memories for yourself and family. It truly is a unique Michigan experience that is open to all.

Mr. Ghiurau has a unique background in Business, Marketing and Technology with a Creative acumen. He is a native Metro-Detroiter who began his career in the Styling Studios at General Motors in Warren after finishing at College for Creative Studies in Detroit. He founded a Troy, Michigan based business, and has led digital and social media marketing for agencies and Fortune 500 brands. Learn more at cosguru.com or follow him on Twitter at @cosguru.

Do you want to score free tickets to NAIAS in Detroit? Simply tell us in the comments section below why you want to go to the Auto Show and which 3 people you would take with you. We’ll then select one lucky winner at random to win four tickets to the show. To be eligible, simply submit your comments (along with your email address) by this Thursday, January 17^th at 11:59 p.m. EST. We’ll contact the winner Friday morning using the email address provided (we won’t share it or sell it to anybody).

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Pure Michigan February 2013 Events Roundup

January 15, 2013

in Events,Monthly Event Roundup

Winter is in full swing and there are tons of fun upcoming events happening across the state! From cross country ski races to golf shows and restaurant weeks, there’s something for everyone this February in Pure Michigan.

Below are just some of the many events happening in February. Please visit michigan.org for a complete listing of Michigan events.

Week of January 28

Perchville USA – 2013
January 31-February 3, 2013, Tawas
Sixty-third Annual Perchville USA in the Tawases! The event includes a family tent, polar bear swims, chili cook-off, parade, hospitality tent with entertainment and much, much more! For more information visit the website or call (989) 362-8643.

Devils & Round Lake Tip-Up Festival
February 1-3, 2013, Manitou Beach
The Devils & Round Lake Tip-Up Festival at Manitou Beach features ice fishing, oval track races, a Fun For Run, ice skating, bikini and hot boxer contest, leg wrestling, auction and more. For more information call (517) 547-9726.

Ice Breaker 2013
February 1-3, 2013, South Haven
Come Enjoy “The Four Seasons of South Haven” Ice Breaker 2013 – February 1, 2 & 3. The Lake Michigan resort community of South Haven will heat up as it celebrates the 20th annual Ice Breaker festival. A major focus of the event is the sculpting of more than 50 blocks of ice, weighing 300 pounds each, into dazzling displays themed by “The Four Seasons of South Haven”. For more information on this event, visit the website link or call (269) 637-5171.

International 500 Snowmobile Race
February 2, 2013, Sault Ste. Marie
When you see drivers accelerate to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on the straight-aways your heart will race even faster! Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in February and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime. The checkered flag will wave on February 2, 2013. For more information on this event, visit the link here or call (989) 808-5266.

Taste the Passion
February 2-3, 2013, Traverse City
This special weekend celebrates wine, chocolate and love in anticipation of Valentine’s Day! The combination of winter’s beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasures of life always makes a wonderful weekend. The weekend starts on Saturday as participants head to their first winery stop to collect a souvenir glass. Then the fun begins with special pours and tasty chocolate treats offered at wineries between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, and Noon and 5 p.m. on Sunday. However, because one cannot survive on chocolate alone (tempting as it may sound), savory dishes will be served at a number of tasting rooms. For more information on this event, visit the link or call (231) 421-1172.

Week of February 3

Winter Carnival – 2013
February 6-10, 2013, Houghton
The 92nd Annual Michigan Tech University Winter Carnival will be held throughout the campus and various Houghton/Hancock locations February 6 through February 10. Events include the famous snow statues, sporting events, the queen contest, a torch light parade, fireworks, the Sno-Ball and more. For more information contact Blue Key National Honor Fraternity at (906) 487-2818 or visit the website here.

West Michigan Golf Show 2013
February 8-10, 2013, Grand Rapids
The excitement and promise of a Saturday morning foursome hits West Michigan in February. Golfers can plan vacations around the U.S. and Michigan, buy new equipment from huge retail displays and dream of golf. Lessons, skill contests, club demos and the world famous Par 3 Challenge. Click here or call (616) 742-6500 for details.

Motown Winter Blast 2013
February 8-10, 2013, Detroit
Motown Winter Blast is a unique combination of hip and fun winter events that are centered on Campus Martius Park. This fun celebration of Motown is one you will not want to miss! For more information see the website.

Central Michigan University International Film Festival
February 8-10, 2013, Mt. Pleasant
The CMU International Film Festival offerings will be presented over two weekends (Feb 8-10 and Feb 14-17) with special guest speakers Raymond Rolak and Kurt Reimink doing Q&A’s. Films are to be shown at CMU Park Library Auditorium and Celebration Cinema. For more information, visit the website link or call (989) 774-2694.

Alpenfrost 2013
February 9, 2013, Gaylord
The second annual Alpenfrost winter celebration in downtown Gaylord combines anchor events such as the Polar Plunge and a Craft Beer & Wine Festival at Treetops Resort with horse carriage rides, ice sculpting, and a flurry of downtown activities, games, and merchant sales from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a schedule of events or for more information click on the website link or call (989) 731-7378.

Week of February 10

Snowsfest in Les Cheneaux
February 14-17, 2013, Cedarville and Hessel
The 52^nd annual Snowsfest is one of Michigan’s longest running winter festivals! Most activities will be in downtown Cedarville, including children’s winter games, chili cook-off, hot dogs and beverages, dog show, Leader Dogs exhibit, Kitty Cat/Mini-Z/120 races for kids, the ceremonial snowman burning, and Winter Makers’ Market of hand-crafted art, food and home furnishings. The Ice Hole Golf on Ice, Frosty 5K & 10K, and Winter Wonderland Dog Walk will take place in Hessel. There will also be a Pub Shuffle, Snowsfest Poker Run and many more activities offered throughout the weekend. For more information, call (906) 484-3935 or see complete schedule of events at the website link.

UP200 Sled Dog Race
February 14-18, 2013, Marquette
The UP 200 is one of America’s premier 12-dog, mid-distance sled dog races. Mushers say this is one of their favorite races, not only because of the challenging race, but because of the cheering crowds and warm welcome they receive in the Upper Peninsula. The UP 200 trail covers 240 miles of challenging terrain through the areas of Marquette, Grand Marais, Wetmore, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and finishes at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette. Come join in the excitement for the start of the race located in downtown Marquette. For more information on this event, visit the website or call (906) 228-3072.

Hart & Pentwater WinterFest
February 15-16, 2013, Pentwater
On Saturday, February 15, there is a “Friday Night Lights Broomball tournament,” Hart Lake fishing tournament, free fishing weekend, snow putt golf, a chili cook-off at Cenzo’s, snowshoeing and skiing in Pentwater and the John Gurney Park will be open for x-country skiing. For more information please contact (231) 869-4150.

Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship
February 15-17, 2013, St. Ignace
The Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship drew a record 159 teams to St. Ignace in 2012. Come and play in one of the few pond hockey tournaments where the ‘pond’ is actually one of the five Great Lakes – Lake Huron! This is a USA Hockey sanctioned tournament, and players over the age of 21 are welcome to come and participate in the tournament! Many 75′ x 150′ rinks will be created on the ice of Moran Bay. There are many age divisions, so your team is sure to fit in one of them. For more information call (906) 643-7482 or (888) 878-4462.

Petoskey Winter Carnival
February 16, 2013, Petoskey
The Petoskey Winter Carnival features ice skating exhibitions, sledding, food and Petoskey’s own bump jumping competition – join the fun of this daylong event and enjoy the splendor of winter! Call (231) 347-2500 and ask for Parks & Rec for details.

Week of February 17

Winter Blues Festival
February 18-24, Petoskey
Beat the winter blues and come to Downtown Petoskey for a week of great events for the whole family including a hot dish cook-off, Petoskey’s Got Talent show, Snowman Building Contest, Whine and Dine progressive dinner, the Fur Ball and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Visit the website link for details or call Kathy Bardins at (231) 487-1188.

Cottage & Lakefront Living Show
February 21-24, 2013, Novi
Every aspect of cottage and lakefront living will be on display. There is sure to be something for cottage, lakefront property and vacation homeowners or those looking to buy, build or rent on display at the sixth annual pre-season Cottage & Lakefront Living Show. For information call (800) 328-6550 or click here.

Ice & Snow Sailing Festival
February 21-24, 2013, St. Ignace
Bring your kiteboards, wings, or sails to St. Ignace for fantastic ice conditions. This event caters to all skill levels. Participate in one of the fun competitions or just cruise the ice and enjoy. Invite friends or your local club – even ‘newbies’ to the sport will have exhilarating fun! Join and compare notes and share ‘war stories’ with others who love to be powered by the wind! World competitors have marveled at the ice and wind conditions. Now it’s your turn to fly across our ice! Find out more by calling (888) 878-4462 or visit the website.

Tri Winter Cup
February 23, 2013, Copper Harbor
The Tri Winter Cup features 8.67 mile ski, snowshoe and “anything” (must be human powered) races. Choose one race or complete the Marathon of all three for a chance at the Tri Winter Cup. The event takes place from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Click on the website link for more information.

Coopersville Outhouse 500
February 23, 2013, Coopersville
Join the hilarious and wacky fun of the Annual Outhouse 500 on Main Street in Historic Downtown Coopersville where teams parade then race their uniquely decorated outhouses down Main Street. For more information please contact (616) 997-5164.

Week of February 24

Traverse City Restaurant Week
February 24-March 2, 2013, Traverse City
The Downtown Traverse City Association will host the Traverse City Restaurant Week (TCRW) in response to the many accolades regarding great restaurants and food offerings in the Grand Traverse Region. This week promises to be the most delicious week of the winter where diners may perfect the art of dining by discovering new restaurants or enjoying their favorite at an affordable price. Participating restaurants will offer three course meals for $25 per person. For more information, visit this link or call the Downtown Traverse City Association at (231) 922-2050.

West Michigan Home & Garden Show 2013
February 28-March 3, 2013, Grand Rapids
West Michigan’s premier home and garden show will be at DeVos Place February 28 through March 3, 2013. The event will have more home products and services than ever before with interior and exterior remodeling, new construction, huge sprawling gardens, landscaping and retail garden centers filled with plants, trees and blooming flowers. For more information on this event, visit the website or call (800) 328-6550 for more details.

Suds & Snow
March 2, 2013
Beer tasting and snow shoeing go hand in hand at this fun event held all day at Timber Ridge Resort. Guests can enjoy an afternoon on the trails in snowshoes (no experience required) followed by a visit to the beer and food tasting trail station. The sampling continues at the indoor banquet facility with rockin’ live music at both the trail station and banquet facility. For more information contact (231) 947-2770.

Michigan Golf Show
March 1-3, 2013, Novi
The Michigan Golf Show kicks off the golf season highlighting over 400 exhibitors with great deals on every aspect of the golf game! Retailers! Resorts! Travel destinations! Great deals on Michigan golf courses! There will also be a variety of “hands-on” activities to get you ready for this season. For show hours, admission pricing and discount coupons visit the website.

Hair – Musical Performance
March 2-3, 2013, Detroit
Hair: a celebration of peace and love!, the 2009 Tony Award-Winning Best Musical Revival directed by Diane Paulus, will play the Fox Theatre for a limited engagement. Hair is part of the Fifth Third Bank Fox Theatre Series. For information call (800) 745-3000 or click here.

These are just a few of the many events happening next month in Pure Michigan. Please visit michigan.org for a complete listing.

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Sneak Peek at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

January 14, 2013

in Events,Exhibits & Shows

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is happening in Detroit next week! The show will officially be open to the public January 19 – 27, but we were able to snap some photos during media preview days to share. Check them out in the gallery below and learn more about the show at michigan.org.

Will you be attending NAIAS this year? If you’re looking for things to do in Detroit while in town, see suggestions here.

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The I-500 Race Returns to Sault Ste. Marie

January 9, 2013

in Events,Guest Blogger,Sports

The 45^th International 500 Endurance Snowmobile Race (or I-500) comes to Sault Ste. Marie in just a few weeks! Today, Mariah Goos of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau fills us in on what to expect at the race, along with her recommendations on other things to see in the area while you’re in town.

If you find yourself in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula February 2^nd, 2013, take a drive to Sault Ste. Marie and you’ll be in for an adventure. 500 miles of speed, thrills and spills will be waiting for you at the 45^th International 500 Endurance Snowmobile Race. The I-500, as we call it, is February’s answer to cabin fever for over 10,000 spectators. For $15 dollars a button you can watch 38 teams race at 100mph through the straightaway for a prize purse worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Did I mention that they race on a one mile ice oval track? Yes, ice. It takes three weeks, 1,800,000 gallons of water, and freezing temperatures to create the track.

You’ve never been, you say!? What’s to do, you ask? Between watching the snowmobiles careen around the ice track you might wander through the 12^th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Show. Sleds representing nearly every decade since the launch of the snow machine are present. Admission is included with the purchase of a button.

The I-500 race has a tailgate atmosphere filled with festive social spectators. Bring your cooler or purchase food and beverage from the local vendors that line the infield. Join this fun atmosphere to chase away your cabin fever, but remember to dress warm. You never know what the weather has in store during early February.

Truth be told, you can turn your Saturday I-500 Race adventure into a weeklong excursion.

Bring your ice skates and join in Monday night for skating on the smooth one mile oval track for free. Then, watch Tuesday through Thursday afternoons as teams practice and jockey for position in time trials. Ramp up Thursday night with the 20 lap Woody’s Challenge Pro-Am Race, followed by a live band to rock out the evening.

Finally, on Friday night cast your vote for the 2013 Miss I-500. Vote for your favorite contestant with your pocketbook; all funds donated to the Pink Ribbon Riders Breast Cancer patient assistance fund. Admission is free. Stick around after the crowning of Miss I-500 to watch the kids tear up the track in the Mini-Z Race. Enjoy the crackling bon-fire as Friday night wines down and you prepare for the fun of Saturday mornings green flag at 10:00am.

Fill in your race weekdays with amazing winter adventures in and around Sault Ste. Marie. Have you ever seen the Tahquamenon Falls? How about in the winter? The frozen cascade of the 50 foot falls is a site you have to see in person. How about speeding down an icy slope in an inner tube? Or, visit Sault Seal Recreation Area and experience all seven runs of varying inclines. And if you missed Monday night’s ice skating there are three indoor facilities to choose from right in town.

Whether you come for the day or the week, a trip to Sault Ste. Marie Michigan for the I-500 Race should be on your to do list for 2013. There are only three things you need to know about the race to fully appreciate it: Go Fast, Always Turn Left and DON’T Fall Off The Sled.

For information on Sault Ste. Marie please visit http://www.saultstemarie.com/. Information regarding the International 500 Endurance Snowmobile Race please visit http://www.i-500.com/.

Are you attending the I-500 race next month? Share with us below!

Mariah Goos is the Communication Coordinator for the Sault Ste. Marie, MI Convention & Visitors Bureau (http://www.saultstemarie.com/). She is the face behind a number of the social media interactions that comes out of the Sault. Mariah loves all three seasons in the Upper Peninsula and her motto is “No Coffee…No Workee”. Find her on Twitter (@VisitTheSault), Facebook, and Pinterest.