One of my husband’s and my favorite spots for a weekend getaway is Traverse City. Recently we had a chance to celebrate our anniversary in that area and enjoyed every minute.

We stayed at the Bayshore Resort (view from our room shown above!). Although the beds were a bit on the hard side, the views were spectacular, the rooms were clean, and the breakfasts decent.

We decided to try the Filling Station Microbrewery before heading out for dinner. The beer was OK, the atmosphere very loud. It’s a nice place to head with friends for some flatbread (as long as you don’t plan on talking).

From there, we went to dinner at Red Ginger. The halibut with lobster risotto was spectacular! I loved the atmosphere and high quality of the food.

On Saturday, we decided to check out two wineries that were fairly new. We have been to most of the wineries several times, so we sought out Good Neighbor Organic and Silver Leaf Vineyard. My husband and I enjoy talking with the owners and prefer wineries that actually grow some (if not all) of the grapes. These two definitely fit the bill.

My husband was excited upon finding out that Good Neighbor also carries beer! Their cider was delicious, not too sweet, definitely clean. Our favorite was the Sunset Peach cider – perfect for sipping on the porch.

At Silver Leaf, we found the tasting room to be beautifully decorated with local artwork. There were several wines we liked here, too, including the Purple Passion which is a great sangria wine. Our tastes were skewed towards the sweet side on this trip–perhaps because it was our anniversary?

We could have spent several more hours touring, but decided to get lunch at Boone’s Prime Time Pub and head back to the hotel for a short nap before the winemaker’s reception, where we would get the scoop on all things Leelanau Peninsula. We love to visit Boone’s – it’s so cozy and you are guaranteed a good burger.

Our weekend was capped off by a reception with samples from the wineries and local restaurants. I discovered some new wines and restaurants that I will definitely want to try when I go back! There are simply too many wineries and good restaurants to just spend a weekend and not return. You can eat pretty much anywhere (non chain) and find a delightful surprise.

So, next time I go, what are some wineries and restaurants that YOU’D recommend?

Disclosure: Lodging and reception provided by the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner’s Association.

PRESS RELEASE

This Saturday, May 5th Fulton Street Farmers Market will open for business under a new roof following a short ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:45 a.m. The opening marks the success of a portion of the capital campaign “Our Goodness is Growing.”

Guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony will include Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and City Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss, Rockford Construction Project Manager Tim Marcus, Architect Ted Lott, Midtown Neighborhood Association Board President Mark Stoddard, Market Manager Melissa Harrington, FSFM Development Project Manager Christine Helms-Maletic, market vendors Case Visser and John Platte, and Campaign Chairperson Diane Griffin.

The Our Goodness is Growing campaign, which began its community phase on July 13, 2011, has successfully raised over 90% of the funds needed for the significant renovations and upgrades to the Farmers Market. These funds allowed the Midtown Neighborhood Association, which manages the city owned property, to replace the storm-water retention system, rebuild a 75-year-old retaining wall, regrade the site for wheelchair accessibility and remove 4,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil, all as a first phase of the improvement project. During Phase II, MNA added an all-new, open-air shed area for vendor stalls with multiple plumbing and electrical fixtures; re-configured the traffic flow of the parking areas with a turn-around area at the north end; and built a new plaza area with separate space for seating, bike storage and hot food vending to hungry customers.

Fundraising for a planned Phase III continues in order to raise the money needed to construct a year round building to allow the public to enjoy locally grown, wholesome foods throughout the winter.

“While the entire community of donors has been extremely generous, we still need to raise $225,000 in order for us to be able to afford the construction of the year-round building and additional north-end restrooms,” says the Market’s Development Project Manager, Christine Helms-Maletic. The giving opportunity to sponsor a brick or a paver for the Fulton Street Farmers Market has re-opened for a second round of orders to be installed mid-summer. Order forms are available at the Market office, and contributions can be made on-line at www.ourgoodnessisgrowing.org.

“This project is so exciting because not only does it have a significant visual impact on the neighborhood, it will ensure that the Fulton Street Market continues to contribute to community health and to support economic development for decades to come,” says Diane Griffin of Griffin Properties and chair of the farmers market’s Our Goodness is Growing campaign.

In 2010, the Market served nearly 200,000 visitors annually, averaging 10,000 customers per week and generating over $1.75 million in annual revenues for its collection of local vendors. The Market is an important venue linking urban and suburban residents, it occupies vital frontage on a key gateway into downtown Grand Rapids, and provides an essential source of quality foods for low income homeowners in the region.

As you may know, I occasionally contribute to The Rapidian, the online, hyperlocal news source for Grand Rapids. April 23-29 they are holding their first ever fund drive, and I’d like to encourage you to show them support!

Even though I don’t live in Grand Rapids proper, I definitely consider it my home. The Rapidian provides an excellent source of news that’s relevant to me–including lots of excellent beer and food coverage. I also love that any citizen journalist can write a story about what’s interesting to them, not what’s dictated by some corporation.

Why not head over now and make a donation? Help ensure that we have a free voice in West Michigan!

With help from Bruce of Schuler Farms, a few weeks ago I ripped out my overgrown perennial beds and greatly expanded the gardening space in my front yard. Now what?

I hope to use a mix of perennial flowers, annuals, herbs, and vegetables to create an edible landscape. Of course, there are lots of great nurseries and greenhouses in our area, but I’m always looking for ways to vote with my dollars. There are two upcoming local plant sales that benefit great causes:

Calvin College Native Plant Sale (Saturday, May 5, 10 to noon)

Plant list available a week before the sale.

Kent Conservation District Native Tree and Plant Sale (orders due by May 5, pickup date May 12)

Note there is also a workshop on May 9 from 6-8pm if you would like to learn more about Landscaping with Native Michigan Plants. Please call the office to register. 942.4111 x 4 Cost is $5 and refreshments will be served.

In addition, I recently discovered a really cool source for perennial vegetables called Oikos Tree Crops. They are based in Kalamazoo and I read about them in Mother Earth News. (Small world!)

Of course, the farmers market is also a great place to pick up herbs and plants at great prices.

Are there any upcoming plant sales that you’d like to recommend? Post below!

Vander Mill Cider Display, taken with Instagram

With the plethora of wine tasting events this month, it’s difficult to know which event to attend. I decided to go to the Spring Vintage Unveiling in Hudsonville last week, since it was only $15 and featured wineries from our region–plus it was raising money for a good cause (Healing with Hope and Happiness).

I have to admit that the husband (DH) and I don’t do much wine touring and tasting in West Michigan. We LOVE Traverse City and the two peninsulas of wines there. While we love Fenn Valley, many of the lower West Michigan wines tend to be overly sweet. I have been known to refer to St. Julian’s as the Boone’s Farm of Michigan.

When we walked in the door, DH was pleasantly surprised to see many cider makers there, including one of our favorites, Vander Mill. He had just judged the Great Lakes Cider and Perry Competition last weekend. We were also excited to discover that people from the actual wineries were at the tables (although not serving, for some weird alcohol rule). I can’t tell you how many events we’ve attended where the pourer had absolutely no knowledge of the beer or wine they were serving. For wine and beer geeks like us, it’s awesome to be able to talk about the processes and differences between varieties with people who also appreciate a good drink.

We were careful to ask for dry wines, and even though there weren’t many that were what one would consider dry in the traditional sense, we did manage to avoid any overly sweet wines. The big surprise of the evening was how much we enjoyed Cody Kresta’s wines–we went back and spent a few extra tickets at their booth. Plus the photos of their homestead have inspired us to schedule a trip to tour other wineries on the lakeshore.

If you have a little time, it’s worth making the trip, either around town or slightly south, to visit some of these wineries. While the quality is not as spectacular as some of Traverse City’s wineries, there are some good picks and it’s a heck of a lot closer.

In honor of Michigan wine month, I’d like to draw your attention to Michigan Wines, which is the official website of The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, and should be your first stop when exploring Michigan wine!

It’s a great place to get your bearings before heading off to the wineries. The site is chock-full of information such as

• A listing of all the wineries and vineyards, separated out by geographic region so you can plan your tour
• Winery tour maps
• News about Michigan wines
• A calendar of events
• A wine & food section featuring restaurants that carry Michigan wines, plus food pairing ideas
• An online version of the magazine Michigan Wine Country

Since this blog is based in West Michigan, you’ll want to check out the Southwest and Northwest wine scene throughout the month. So grab a glass, pour your favorite wine, and head over to http://www.michiganwines.com so you can read all about Michigan wines and all the awesome events that are happening.

PRESS RELEASE

(GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan) – The Fulton Street Farmers Market (FSFM), located in the southeast corner of the Midtown Neighborhood, is the last remaining of three original Grand Rapids farmers markets established in the early 1900s. Originally constructed in 1922, the market has retained its regional popularity over the years. Drawing more than 10,000 patrons per week during the peak of the season, the market generates millions of dollars worth of revenue for local growers each season.

With the recent influx in “buy local” initiatives, the Fulton Street Farmers Market is seeing resurgence in both the number of participating growers and in customers. As such, the market is literally busting out at its seams. In 2011 a $2.6 million dollar “Our Goodness is Growing Campaign” was announced by the Midtown Neighborhood Association, to generate funds to provide much-needed infrastructure improvements to the space, including:

• Permanently covered, open-air sheds with increased water and electricity access points
• Reconstructed plaza with added space for seating, bicycle storage and vendor overflow
• A small LEED-certified building with indoor stalls for year round vending
• Traffic flow reconfiguration
• New parking area pavement, landscaping and striping
• Two sets of wheelchair-accessible restrooms
• Complete site re-grading to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards
• Upgraded heating / cooling systems, insulation and wiring
• Rebuilding of the east side retaining wall
• Storm water retention system reconstruction

“When complete, the renovated Market will offer a better overall experience, more capable of serving local neighbors, area shoppers and our regional farming vendors,” says Diane Griffin, Campaign chair. “Most importantly, the facility upgrades will provide a space where people can continue to enjoy the finest in locally-grown food, flowers and other goods.”

To date, nearly $2,100,000 of the project funds have been raised, leaving just $500,000 to go.  Thanks to the strong fundraising efforts and a dedicated group of community leaders and volunteers, organizers  broke ground on the underground infrastructure and permanently covered shed housing the outdoor vending stalls in November 2011 and will celebrate the grand re-opening of the open-air Market in May, 2012.  But to complete the project, with a 2000-square foot, indoor, year-round building and wheelchair-accessible restrooms at both ends of the Market , the balance of the funds must be raised.

An upcoming fundraising event to benefit the Fulton Street Farmers Market “Our Goodness is Growing” campaign is:

• Wednesday, April 25, 2012  (5-9pm)
  An Evening in the Piazza
  Tre Cugini’s La Scala Banquet Room – 125 Ottawa, Downtown Grand Rapids (Ledyard Building)

Mingle with other FSFM fans and friends in an open-house atmosphere.  Groove to the music of Western Michigan’s most loved jazz group, the Fred Knapp Trio. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Tre Cugini’s culinary team – using locally-grown ingredients. Participate in thesilent auction for goods and services donated by local businesses, including an original Paul Collins painting. A cash/credit card  barwill be available.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased by cash or check at:

o   BarterTown Diner (6  Jefferson Street, 616.233.3219)

o   Grand Central Market ( 57 Monroe Center Street, NW,616.454.5300)

o   Tre Cugini (122 Monroe Center Street, NW,616.235.9339 – ask for Jim)

o   Bluedoor Antiques (946 East Fulton Street, 616.456.7888)

o   Call 616.328.9547 or e-mail: cmaletic@sbcglobal.net

A credit card may be used to purchase tickets by accessing the Eventbrite web site via:

o   Eventbrite.com         OR

o    http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2832964473
Owned by the City of Grand Rapids and managed by the 501(c)3 Midtown Neighborhood Association, improvements to the Market fall under the auspices of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. All charitable gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal law.

It’s that time of year again! Whether you are starting a garden for the first time or just thinking about taking the plunge, there are lots of resources to help West Michiganders get out in the dirt and growing food in your own backyard–can’t get more local than that.

Not sure how to get started?

There are lots of workshops coming up that provide a lot of knowledge for just a little dough. Consider the following:

March 15, 6-7:30 PM: 3 Season Gardening Workshop, Blandford Nature Center, $5.

March 15, 7:30-9 PM: Seed Starting Class, Nourish Organic Market, $20 (includes take-home starter pack)

March 17, 8 AM – 4 PM: Sustainability Conference, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, $50 for non-members (includes workshops on permaculture and gardening)

March 29, 6:30-8 PM: Companion Planting, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, $18 for non-members

April 21, 1-3 PM: Mushroom Log Workshop, Blandford Nature Center, $30 per log

For even more events, check out the West Michigan Garden Calendar - it also lists garden club meetings, which you might want to check out even if you’re not new to gardening.

No space? Consider a Community Garden

Rather than bemoan a shady yard or no yard at all, consider a community garden! The basic idea is that you can rent space from an organization and garden there. Grand Rapids Natural Living has a listing of community gardens in West Michigan.

What are YOUR gardening plans this year?

This year, attendees at the West Michigan Home & Garden Show will be treated to an emphasis on seasonal, local produce.

In addition to a special exhibit, “Cultivating Change: A Showcase of Local Food Organizations,” there will be several cooking workshops.

Chef Angus Campbell of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at GRCC will be demonstrating seasonal recipes at the The Standard Kitchens Cooking Stage.

“As a chef I’m always trying to find the best ingredients for a dish, and when it comes to produce the best nearly always means the freshest,” said Campbell. “Visiting your local farm market to buy what’s in season, or going out to your own garden and picking what’s ripe is a fantastic way to use the very best ingredients in your cooking.”

Demonstrations include:

Thursday, March 1

5 PM Spring Asparagus – Pasta / Salsa / Vinaigrette

7 PM Summer Blueberry – Superfruit Infused Beverage / Barbecue Lacquer / Slaw

Friday, March 2

3 PM Summer Blueberry – Superfruit Infused Beverage / Barbecue Lacquer / Slaw

5 PM Autumn Butternut Squash – Rosemary Scones / Manicotti Florentine / Hash Browns

7 PM Winter Potatoes – Kettle Chips / Crusted Shrimp / Gnocchi

Saturday, March 3

12 PM Spring Asparagus – Pasta / Salsa / Vinaigrette

1 PM Three Fresh-From-Your-Garden Recipes – with WZZM 13′s In the Kitchen With Kal!

2 PM Summer Blueberry – Superfruit Infused Beverage / Barbecue Lacquer / Slaw

4 PM Autumn Butternut Squash – Rosemary Scones / Manicotti Florentine / Hash Browns

6 PM Winter Potatoes – Kettle Chips / Crusted Shrimp / Gnocchi

8 PM Spring Asparagus – Pasta / Salsa / Vinaigrette

Sunday, March 4

1 PM Autumn Butternut Squash – Rosemary Scones / Manicotti Florentine / Hash Browns

3 PM Winter Potatoes – Kettle Chips / Crusted Shrimp / Gnocchi

Interested in growing your own produce this year? You might be interested in these demonstrations at the Garden Stage:

Thursday, March 3

6:30 PM Vegetable Gardening in Containers (Ana Bosma – FMG&SP Horticulturalist)

7:00 PM Super Charged Veggies! (Craig Koetsier – Koetsier’s Greenhouse)

Or, sign up for the whole MSU Extension Stuck on Gardening conference from 9 AM – 4 PM.

Hope to see you there! Tickets are $9.

Photo from http://www.mi-maplesyrup.com

According to a recent Detroit News article, the unusually warm weather we’ve had has caused many to tap their trees earlier than usual.

Balmy spells can shorten the tapping season by pushing the tree to start budding. If that happens, it could squeeze a multimillion-dollar state industry that seeks the richest, sweetest topping for pancakes, cookies and other foods. “Everybody is calling me and asking me what I think,” said Larry Haigh, president of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association, who has a syrup-making and supplies business in Bellevue near Battle Creek. “I’m saying: ‘Get ready. If it warms up, I’d go at it.’”

According to the Michigan Maple Syrup Association, Michigan ranks 5th in the U.S. for maple syrup production. They also have a handy list of producers on their website so you can get it directly from the source. (Of course, it’s also a great item to pick up at farmer’s markets)

If you’d like to make a family outing of maple syrup festivities, you might want to check these out:

Backyard Maple Sugaring at Blandford Nature Center (March 1, 5-7 pm)

Have you ever wanted to tap into that large sugar maple in your backyard and make some maple syrup? Then this is the class for you. Join us for this sweet evening and discover the wonderful world of maple sugaring. This demonstration will walk participants through the maple syrup process from beginning to end, including tree measurements, tapping and hanging buckets, filtering, cooking and syrup finishing. Adult program. Limit to 30 participants.$10 Members, $12 Non-members.  Please RSVP (616)735-6240.

Science of Sugaring at Blandford Nature Center (throughout the  month of March)

March is the month of maple syrup processing. We have school tours every weekday and special sessions open to the public. Public tours are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2-5PM and require RSVP at 735-6240.  Saturdays tours are also open from Noon to 5PM.  Cost is $5.

Circle Pines Center Maple Syrup Weekends (March 9-11 and 16-18)

With a little help from mother nature, the sweet smell of boiling sap will fill the air these weekends. Join us for a weekend in the sugar bush when the forest transforms into this agricultural opus. Learn how to tap trees, hang buckets, collect and boil sap, and create the ambrosial nectar we call maple syrup. The climax of the weekends’ efforts will be a pancake breakfast where we savor the smoky, sweet fruits of our labor. We’ll also be inviting a local musician to help entertain us on Saturday night. Two nights and five meals. COST: $130 (non-members); $110 (members); Kids (4-17) 1/2 price!

Kalamazoo Nature Center Maple Sugar Festival (March 17 & 18)

Join us for our 47^th Annual Maple Sugar Festival!  Maple treats and fun activities await you at this celebration of the coming of spring.  Start your day off with pancakes and real Michigan maple syrup!  Take a stroll through the woods on a maple sugar tour to see how maple syrup is made in our sugaring shack.  A maple carnival full of games and activities for the whole family will be set up in the Interpretive Center. Finish off your day with a maple syrup and ice cream treat!

Blandford Nature Center Sugarbush Festival (March 24, 9 am – 5 pm)

Come discover the Science of Sugaring! Witness the amazing process of maple syrup making from the tapping of the trees to the boiling of the sap….. and then try some on your pancakes! This event features a pancake breakfast all day long and admission includes both a one-hour sugarbush tour and a pancake breakfast! Join us for some educational family fun in a natural setting. This is a public event and all are welcome. The more the merrier! $10 Adults, $5 Kids.

Crystal Mountain Maple Syrup Festival (March 31)

Tree tapping demonstrations, maple syrup vendors, cooking demos, chainsaw wood carving demonstration, and pancakes drenched in delicious northern Michigan maple syrup are just a few of the highlights.

Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival (April 27-29)

Shepherd, Michigan (on US 127 between Alma and Mt. Pleasant)

Activities: Pancake, syrup, and sausage meals; 5K run; Tractor pulls; Sugar Bush open house and syrup sales; Amusement rides; Arts and Crafts; Parade; Classic Car and Antique Tractor displays; Historical Society, Train Depot, and Little Red School House Museums.

Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival (April 27-29)

Vermontville, MI (Southwest of Lansing, MI)

Several programs throughout the weekend, typically featuring activities at the Maple Manor (maple syrup, blacksmith, and woodworking demonstrations), arts & crafts show, breakfasts, dinners, BBQs, Little Miss Maple Syrup Pageant.

Want to know what to do with all that syrup (other than topping pancakes, of course!)? Check out 10 Maple Syrup Recipes at my blog The Local Cook.