Season changes

Sept. 27, 2009

Season Changes
Boyne resorts offer exciting events to celebrate fall 9/28/09


While summer serves as the anchor to Northern Michigan’s tourism economy, current trends show that the fall color season is coming on strong. One of the premier resorts in the Midwest, BOYNE (Mountain, Highlands and Bay Harbor) has embraced this trend by offering a series of events to attract visitors and locals alike.

SKITOBERFEST
“We are pleased to announce Skitoberfest, taking place this weekend,” said Erin Ernst, BOYNE spokesperson. “The two-day event (October 3 & 4) will celebrate the fall foliage as we celebrate our transition into the coming winter season.”
Skitoberfest will take place at Boyne Mountain, in Boyne Falls, and will feature a variety of events with a Snowsports Summit hosted by Cary Adgate. Highlights include a meet and greet with Winter X-games gold medalist, Simon Dumont, and former U.S. Ski Team Coach, Greg Needell. The Snowsports Summit runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.
Skitoberfest is an Oktoberfest style brewfest, featuring a dozen Michigan breweries and homemade bratwurst of 30 varieties grilled by Tannery Creek Meat Market of Petoskey; and includes other gourmet food, live music and dancing.
For enthusiasts of Michigan beers, brats and wines, there will be a tasting event from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. For $20, participants will receive 12 tasting tickets and a chance to sample from the numerous wines made from the region and Michigan craft brews from Short’s, Bell’s, Founder’s, Arbor, Mt. Pleasant, Tri-City, Atwater Block, New Holland, Frankenmuth and Wolverine Brewing.
Skitoberfest is family friendly with local art exhibits and kids’ art, bounce house, instrument making, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, fall color chairlift rides, a parade and more.
Saturday also marks the big in-state football rivalry between Michigan State and the University of Michigan.
“No need to worry about missing out on the game,” said Ernst. “The Michigan versus Michigan State game will be broadcast live on a big screen and the celebration doesn’t end there. A live band will play in the tent from 8 p.m. to Midnight.”


HORSEBACK EXCURSIONS
A few years back, BOYNE created an equestrian program offering summer horseback excursions; and this fall they have expanded their program by offering one and two-hour guided scenic horseback tours at Boyne Highlands (Harbor Springs).
With more than 4,000 acres, the one-hour trail rides take place on the ground level through pathways exclusive for riders on horseback. One-hour rides are available Thursdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. and noon; and are $45 per person. The new two-hour mountain top scenic tour offers brilliant fall color views as riders ascend to the top of Boyne Highlands. Once there, all will break for photos and enjoy a snack of apple cider and donuts. The mountain top scenic tour is $59 and offered Thursdays through Sundays at 2 p.m. Fall color rides are available September 24 through October 18. Riders must be at least nine years of age. For reservations, call 231-526-3000.

SPA ‘COLOR’ TREATMENT
Want to experience the fall foliage and enjoy a little pampering along the way? Then Boyne Mountain’s Solace Spa Fall Color Nature Adventure is for you. It takes place October 3 and October 10. The adventure includes a group trail hike at Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City to the mountain’s top for panoramic views of the area’s fall colors. After taking a break to take in the scenery and snap some photos, the adventure continues to the Sturgeon River, considered to be the fastest river in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, for a two and a half hour rafting trip and midway stop for lunch.
The guides cover everything from sunscreen to snacks and the adventure also includes a 50-minute spa treatment at Boyne Mountain’s Solace Spa. The tour is $175 per person and participants can take advantage of a special package that includes the tour plus lodging on either Friday or Saturday in the resort’s Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa with breakfast the following morning for $233 per person.
To learn more about any of these fall opportunities at BOYNE, go to www.boyne.com or call 800-462-6963