Kick off Summer at a Michigan Campground

Travelers looking for destinations and activities that will stretch their minds and imaginations, without stretching their wallets, are invited to give Michigan camping a try this summer season. Camping is ranked the #1 outdoor vacation activity in the United States by the Travel Industry Association of America.

There are plenty of camp sites – for tenters, RVers and cabin-dwellers – available at private campgrounds from Southwest Michigan to Metro Detroit to the Straits of Mackinac and throughout the Upper Peninsula for the upcoming holiday weekend. The summer season officially kicks off May 28 with the four-day Memorial Day holiday weekend, when 1.1 million Michiganians are expected to be on the open road, according to AAA Michigan.

Campgrounds reporting availability for the holiday weekend include:

Ann's Putman Lake RV Park & Campground
Baldwin | 231-745-2621

Big Cedar Campground
Germfask | 906-586-6684

Cedarville RV Park
Cedarville | 906-484-3351

Clementz’s Northcountry Campground
Newberry | 906-293-8562

Coolwater Campground
Wellston | 231-862-3481

Covered Wagon Camp Resort
Ottawa Lake | 734-856-3058

Crystal Lake Campground
Scottville | 231-757-4510

Duggan’s Canoe & Campground
Harrison | 989-539-7149

Dumont Lake Campground
Allegan | 269-673-6065

East Branch River RV Park
Tawas City | 989 362 8000

Gammy Woods Campground
Weidman | 989-644-2267

Gaylord KOA
Gaylord | 800-562-4146

Grand Rogue Campground
Belmont | 616-361-1053

Heart of the Forest RV Park
Wellston | 231-848-4161

Hearthside Grove Motorcoach Resort
Petoskey | 888-GROVE88

Hidden Hill Family Campground
Harrison | 877-801-CAMP

Holiday Camping Resort
New Era | 231-861-5220

Insta Launch Campground
Manistee | 231-723-3901

Irons RV Park & Campground
Irons | 231-266-2070

Petoskey RV & Cabin Resort
Petoskey | 800-562-0253

Twin Oaks Campground
Wellston | 877-442-3102

Whispering Surf Camp Resort
Pentwater | 231-869-5050

Whispering Pines Family Campground
Mancelona | 877-479-5005

White River Campground
Montague | 231-894-4708

Wooded Acres Family Campground
Houghton Lake | 989-422-3413

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park
Grayling | 989 348-2157

Type and date(s) of site availability vary by property. This is not an all-inclusive list. This list includes campgrounds that responded back to a survey indicating availability, as of May 24, 2010. Availability subject to change. Reservations are required.

Throughout the summer, ARVC Michigan is once again teaming with Michigan Blood – www.miblood.org – for a series of summer blood drives at member campgrounds. Over the holiday weekend, blood drives will be held at the following ARVC member campgrounds:

May 29
• Grand Rogue Campground (10-3) Belmont (GR)
• Lakeside Camp Park (9:30-1:30) Cedar Springs
• Lincoln Pines Resort (12-5) Gowen
• Whispering Waters Campground (5-8) Hastings

May 30
• East Lake Camping (12-4) Hopkins

ARVC represents 200+ member campgrounds with more than 32,000 sites available throughout the state. Whether pitching a tent, parking an RV or reserving a rustic or modern cabin, Michigan campgrounds offer a great way to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with families. Campers in Michigan enjoy the great outdoors while fishing or canoeing on the countless lakes, rivers and streams or hiking, biking and riding on the miles of trails that wind throughout the state. There’s definitely no shortage of activities, no matter where the campground is located.

The 2010 Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC – Michigan, is now available at various locations statewide, including all Welcome Centers. A PDF version is also available for viewing online at www.michcampgrounds.com. The directory not only lists campgrounds by region, but also includes helpful information on the type of sites available, various amenities such as restroom, laundry and dumping station facilities; recreational offerings such as pools and golf courses; and seasons of operation. Campgrounds that now offer wireless internet access onsite are also identified. www.Facebook.com/MichCampgrounds

-end-

ARVC Michigan’s mission is to lead in the development of the RV Parks and Campground industry through education, communication and representation. ARVC Michigan is a member of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (www.gocampingamerica.com).


UPDATED: Monday, May 24 ** This list will be updated again on Wednesday, May 26. **

Michigan HOME and Lifestyle magazine unveils new branding

Stadel Media Inc., has introduced the rebranding of its popular quarterly magazine as Michigan HOME and Lifestyle (formerly Michigan Home Resource Guide), with its spring 2010 issue – which was released this week.

“We changed our name to reflect our vision for this growing publication more accurately,” says Dennis Stadel, President/CEO of Stadel Media Inc. “As we explore much more in interior design, architecture and the everyday activities of making a home– not just building a house – in Michigan, you will see the publication move more towards being a magazine about living in Michigan.”

The magazine will continue to feature the finest in home design styles and practices, as well as offer insight in areas such as culinary arts, decorating and design, outside living and landscaping, and even travel and events of interest to homeowners in Michigan, all written by experts in their respective industries.

First published in the fall of 2005, Michigan HOME and Lifestyle is printed quarterly, reaching more than 350,000 consumers annually throughout Michigan and at select locations in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Currently, it is available via subscription and at nearly 1000 retail outlets in the Great Lakes region.

www.MichiganHomeResourceGuide.com

ARVC-Michigan Announces 2010 Blood Drive Campaign

Blood donations in Michigan tend to decline during the summer months, when residents are on the road vacationing with family and friends. To help bolster collections, the Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds – Michigan has once again partnered with Michigan Blood to bring the collection sites to the campgrounds – where the travelers are congregated.

“This is our third year with this exciting community-driven promotion and we’re hopeful to exceed our donations once again,” says Tom Briggs, ARVC-Michigan Marketing Committee Chairperson and owner of Grand Rogue Campground in Grand Rapids. “Since 2008, we have had 687 registered donors (242 first timers) with 499 units of blood collected, meaning that our member campground efforts have had the potential to save 1,497 lives. That’s impressive.”

In 2010, 12 member parks collectively will host nearly two dozen blood drives – with holiday weekends – Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day – expected to be big collection weekends.

Michigan Blood will set up in the campground clubhouse or they will bring in their Blood Bus – a self-contained donation station. The drives will be open to campground guests as well as the general public. The initial goal is to have at least 20 individuals donate during each event, to make it a worthwhile collection day for the Blood Center.

“Blood needs don’t go away in the summer,” says Kona Kenny, Mobile Recruiter for Michigan Blood in Grand Rapids. “Many donors are away from home, so keeping the blood supply pumped up is a big seasonal challenge. We’re really looking forward to working with the ARVC members to help us keep up with state-wide needs as well as increase awareness about our program.”

Hospitals in five major regions of the state count on Michigan Blood for 100 percent of their regular blood supply. After these hospitals, and their patients, have the blood they need, Michigan Blood regularly shares this precious resource elsewhere across the country, including the U.S. Military, upon request. This way, every drop of donated blood is put to the best possible use. For more information on Michigan Blood, or blood donation, visit www.miblood.org.

A copy of the ARVC-Michigan 2010 Summer Blood Drive schedule is below. New dates and locations will be added throughout the summer and will be posted on ARVC’s website at www.michcampgrounds.com.

MICHIGAN 2010 SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULE

ARVC Michigan is once again teaming with Michigan Blood – www.miblood.org – for a series of summer blood drives at member campgrounds.

May 29

• Grand Rogue Campground (10-3)- Belmont (GR)
• Lakeside Camp Park (9:30-1:30) - Cedar Springs
• Lincoln Pines Resort (12-5)- Gowen
• Whispering Waters Campground (5-8)- Hastings

May 30

• East Lake Camping (12-4) - Hopkins

June 11

• Lakeshore Outdoor Adventure (2-6) - Davison

July 2

• Lincoln Pines Resort (12-5)- Gowen

July 3

• Grand Rogue Campground (10-3)- Belmont (GR)
• River Ridge Campground (9-2) - Breckenridge
• Snow Lake Kampground (9-1) - Fenwick
• Timberline Campground (10-2) - Benzonia

July 10

• River Ridge RV Resort (10-2) - Stanwood

July 16

• Lake of Dreams Campground (5-9) - Merrill

July 17

• Lakeside Resort Campground (9-1) - Ionia

July 25

• Whispering Waters Campground (5-8)- Hastings

July 31

• East Lake Camping (12-4) - Hopkins

August 19

• Lakeshore Outdoor Adventure (2-6) - Davison

August 28

• Lincoln Pines Resort (12-5)- Gowen

September 4

• Grand Rogue Campground (10-3)- Belmont (GR)
• Lakeside Camp Park (9:30-1:30) - Cedar Springs
• River Ridge Campground (9-2) - Breckenridge

September 18

• Grand Rogue Campground (10-3)- Belmont (GR)

September 25

• Lake of Dreams Campground (5-9) - Merrill


ARVC represents nearly 200 member campgrounds with more than 30,000 sites available throughout the state. ARVC Michigan’s mission is to lead in the development of the RV Parks and Campground industry through education, communication and representation. ARVC Michigan is a member of the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (www.gocampingamerica.com).

Beaver Island Hosts a Variety of Events in 2010

When it comes to unique events, there’s no better setting than Beaver Island – the most remote inhabited island in the Great Lakes. This year is no exception. Below is the list of events scheduled for 2010. Festival attendees are invited to travel to the Island aboard the Emerald Isle or Beaver Islander, which travels daily from Charlevoix across 32 miles of Lake Michigan (approximate travel time, 2 hours).

June 25 - 27, 2010
BEAVER ISLAND BIKE FESTIVAL
Your chance to experience the unique unspoiled beauty of Lake Michigan’s most remote island in a fun festival atmosphere. Bikers will ride at their own pace and enjoy incredible scenery, Island monuments, historic sites, a beach picnic lunch, a downtown after party and all the friendly hospitality Beaver Islands residents are famous for. www.beaverislandbikefestival.com

July 4, 2010
FOURTH OF JULY
Events start with live music downtown starting at noon followed by the 4th of July Parade down Main Street. Then the kids can have a ball at the annual carnival. The Clyde Fogg Memorial Boat Parade begins at dusk on the harbor. Fireworks over the harbor will follow the boat parade.

July 15 - 17, 2010
BEAVER ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Promoting the variety and tradition of all music and art. We want to create opportunities for all artists, be an educational resource, and strongly encourage community and family involvement in an outdoor environment combining nature, renewable energies, music, and artwork. Our main goal is to bring attention to the beautiful world that we live in (especially Beaver Island) by uniting all of these talents and people. www.bimf.net

July 19 - 24, 2010
MUSEUM WEEK
Discover Beaver Island history with the annual Museum Week full of informative and entertaining events. Music, presentations on nature, oral history, and Native American culture; nature walks, a pet show and art show.

July 28 - August 1, 2010
BAROQUE ON BEAVERUnder sponsorship of the BICAA, professional and student musicians will gather to present Baroque on Beaver…A Festival of Classical Music. The festival is a four concert series ranging from small ensembles to a full orchestra and chorus concert.

August 6 - 8, 2010
HOMECOMING
Island-wide celebration and time to come together for all Islanders, as well as the famous softball tournament.

September 4, 2010
RUN BEAVER ISLAND MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON
This Boston Marathon qualifying event, introduced in 2009, returns for its second year. www.goodboyevents.com/BeaverIsland.shtml

October 2, 2010
BITE OF BEAVER ISLAND
See what the best professional and amateur chefs on the Island have to offer - sample a wide variety of treats.

October 2, 2010
THE ISLAND BOODLE 5K RUN
Come and join us for the eighth annual 5K/Run/Walk starting in scenic St. James and offering a fast, beautiful lakefront-and-trails course.

Beaver Island Boat Company has been providing the most relaxing, affordable transportation for people, pets, vehicles, and freight to Beaver Island for over 25 years. Reservations for passengers are never required. A trip to Beaver Island aboard the Emerald Isle or the Beaver Islander adds to the overall experience, reinforcing the adage that in life – it’s the journey as much as the destination!

For a complete schedule, rates and package tour details, call 888-446-4095 or log onto www.beaverislandboatcompany.com. Become our FAN on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/beaverislandboatcompany

For information on Beaver Island: www.BeaverIsland.org

Celebrate Spring in Bloom with The Homestead's Wine Tour Weekend (May 14-16)

There’s no better way to welcome spring to Northern Michigan than with a tour of the award-winning wineries of Leelanau Peninsula. The Homestead Resort’s annual “Spring in Bloom Wine Tour Weekend,” May 14-16, this year will visit three wineries on the east coast of the peninsula: Chateau de Leelanau, L. Mawby Vineyards and Shady Lane Cellars.

The package includes two nights’ lodging (in Fiddler’s Pond, Little Belle or The Inn), continental breakfast each morning, and a tasting tour of the three Leelanau Peninsula wineries on Saturday – with transportation and to-go lunch. On Saturday evening, guests will enjoy an exquisite five-course winemaker dinner – featuring local wines – prepared by The Homestead’s Executive Chef, John Piombo. Packages start at $238 per couple, per night.

The Leelanau Peninsula, flanked by Lake Michigan to the west and Grand Traverse Bay to the east, is an ideal grape-growing region – one of four federally recognized American Viticultural Areas in Michigan. The waters of Lake Michigan help with the warming and cooling of the land – a “lake effect” that pairs well with the area’s placement along the 45th Parallel to create a “cool climate” region like no other. Throw in the rolling hills, sprawling vineyards and orchards and quaint charm, and you have the premier scenic destination.

The wineries, all located in Suttons Bay, include:

• Chateau de Leelanau – Experience the fresh allure of Leelanau Peninsula estate wine, handcrafted for your enjoyment – where a love for the vines, a desire to let the grapes speak for themselves and a passion for expressing over a dozen styles of wines, makes this the perfect place to experience award-winning vintages of cold-climate varietals. (www.chateaudeleelanau.com)

• L. Mawby – The first vines were planted here in the spring of 1973. The emphasis is on sparkling wines, both methode champenoise and cuve close. The current annual production is about 8,000 cases, and the winemaking style remains pure – small lots, made with minimal handling. (www.lmawby.com)

• Shady Lane Cellars – Located on a historic 150-acre farm between Traverse City and Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula and strategically situated to benefit from the meso climate created by Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, this is a prime vineyard site. (www.shadylanecellars.com)

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community, located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – a unit of the National Park Service. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi.