Michigan voters remain steadfast in support of post-Labor Day school start

Once again, Michigan voters have overwhelmingly spoken in favor of starting the school year after the Labor Day holiday, according to a statewide survey of 1,075 likely 2016 voters conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications August 8-10, 2015.

The survey of Michigan voters found that nearly three-fourths support the law requiring all public school districts to start after Labor Day. Support remains strong at 64% even when Labor Day falls late in the calendar year as is the case this year. The poll also found that August was the most favorite month for Michigan family vacations, by a seven point margin over July.

"Michiganders overwhelmingly want to keep all of their summer vacation, especially in the month of August," said Dave Clouse, chairman of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (MLTA) and general manager of the Quality Inn Forward Conference Center in West Branch. "A post Labor Day School start means more time to make family memories that last a lifetime."

Support for the post-Labor Day school start crosses all age, race, gender, political, and geographic segments. "Michigan voters continue to embrace starting school after Labor Day," said Steve Yencich, President and CEO of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association. "Summer is by far our industry's biggest season and July and August are the most predictably warm months. Voter opinion and plain old common sense tell us starting school after Labor Day is as good for Michigan families as it is for our state's economic future." said Yencich.

In addition to valuable family time, a later school start grows tourism, Michigan's third largest industry. In 2014, tourism generated $19.5 billion in economic activity, 214,000 jobs and over $1 billion in state tax revenue. The vast majority of these impacts are generated during the summer, especially in July and August.

CLICK HERE for actual survey results and cross tabs.

Formed in 1905, MLTA represents markets and educates lodging property and tourism business owners around the state.

Award-Winning Michigan Authors M. Christine Byron & Thomas Wilson Release Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes

Since the early 1900s, tourism organizations and destinations have been promoting the scenic 116-mile, three-county M-22 highway for its year-round natural resources, quaint coastal towns and unparalleled vistas. The latest title from award-winning Michigan authors M. Christine Byron and Thomas Wilson, published by Vintage Views Press, is an impressive collection of the advertisements, brochures, postcards, maps and travel memorabilia used to market this treasured trail—many items of which are from the couple’s extensive personal collection.

The 248 page, hardcover coffee table book, Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes, will be publicly released on Wednesday, June 17. A presentation will begin at 7pm at the Grand Rapids Public Library main downtown branch. A Northern Michigan Book Launch is planned on Sunday, June 21 (1-3pm) at the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor.

Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes follows a trail of vacationers and travelers along one of Michigan’s most scenic roads as it winds through northern Manistee County, along the western side of Benzie County and outlines the Leelanau Peninsula.

Vintage postcards, photographs, maps and advertisements illustrate a time when M-22 first beckoned motorists to come north to the land of beautiful beaches and sand dunes, lakes and rivers, forests and woodlands, farms and orchards. Featured are quaint towns and villages, old hotels and resorts, and attractions along the road.

Through the pages of Vintage Views Along Scenic M22, you’ll stop at lighthouses and lifesaving stations, take a trip in a dunesmobile, fish for Mackinaw trout and shop for souvenirs. You’ll also visit state parks and learn how Sleeping Bear Dunes became a National Lakeshore in the 1970s.

Christine and Tom share a love of Michigan and a fascination with its history, especially the development and growth of Michigan tourism. Their collection of antique postcards and tourist and travel ephemera has inspired a total of five books: Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes (2015); Vintage Views Along the West Michigan Pike (2011); Vintage Views of the Mackinac Straits Region (2007); Vintage Views of the Charlevoix – Petoskey Region (2005); and Vintage Views of Leelanau County (2002).

Three of these titles have won Michigan Notable Book awards from the Library of Michigan; the West Michigan Pike also won a 2012 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.

Christine and Tom are active in many heritage and travel related causes and initiatives, including consulting and contributing artifacts for exhibits with the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing; contributing to the History Detectives program at the Grand Rapids Public Library; and this summer’s historical recognition of Pulitzer Prize winning author Carl Sandburg, who vacationed in the southwest Michigan community of Harbert, in an area known as Harbor Country.

Tom also operates Vintage Views Prints, which specializes in Michigan and Great Lakes travel prints adapted from travel guides, maps and brochures, dating from the 1800s to the 1960s.

Christine retired from her position as the Local Historical Collections librarian for the Grand Rapids Public Library in 2012; Tom is retired from Sears Roebuck and Company and serves on the board of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. Christine and Tom are members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, Historical Society of Michigan, Leelanau Historical Society, West Michigan Postcard Club and Society for Commercial Archaeology.

The couple lives in a 1912 Arts & Crafts bungalow in East Grand Rapids and they love spending as much time as possible touring Michigan’s scenic roads or vacationing at their cottage on Glen Lake on the Leelanau Peninsula. They are regular contributors to Michigan BLUE Magazine, penning a column called “Vintage Views” which highlights historic travel destinations around the Great Lakes State.


Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes
ISBN: 978-0-9962173-0-9 Michigan History ($40).


UPCOMING EVENTS
Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes

Wednesday, June 17 (7pm)
Book Launch – Grand Rapids Public Library (Main Downtown Branch)

Sunday, June 21 (1-3pm)
Northern Michigan Book Launch – Cottage Book Shop, Glen Arbor

Thursday, July 2 (1-4pm)
Leelanau Books, Leland

Thursday, July 16 (TBA)
Northport Historical Society

Saturday, July 18 (11am-1pm)
Leelanau Historical Museum, Leland

Thursday, July 30 (TBA)
Lansing Historical Society @ East Lansing Public Library

Friday, July 24 (2-4pm)
Happy Owl Bookshop, Manistee

Saturday, July 25 (1-3)
Black River Books, South Haven

Friday, July 31 (4-6pm)
Horizon Books, Traverse City

Sunday, August 2 (TBA)
Old Settlers Picnic Area, Burdickville

Saturday, August 8 (10am-4pm)
Port Oneida Days, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Leelanau Peninsula)

Friday, August 21 (7pm)
Empire Area Heritage Group, Empire Town Hall

Thursday, Sept. 10 (4pm)
Benzie Area Historical Society @ The Mills Community House, Benzonia

**To book a program in your community, please contact Dianna Stampfler, publicist, at Dianna@PromoteMichigan.com.

Manistee County Visitors Bureau Launches Mobile App To Guide Tourists and Locals to Area’s Top Sites and Attractions

The Manistee County Visitors Bureau has launched a comprehensive new travel tool to guide visitors and locals to the area’s vast recreational, historical and natural attractions. Developed VisitApps, with content development by RIGHTside design in Manistee, this innovative mobile app offers turn-by-turn directions to more than 500 outdoor recreation sites, lodging properties, shopping destinations, restaurants and historic sites, as well as a list of area events.

“This resource will bring the Manistee County region into the new age of travel and tourism. It is one of only a handful of mobile applications in the State of Michigan that are this comprehensive and available for free to anyone with a smartphone or tablet device,” says Brandon Jensen, owner/creative director at RIGHTside design. “This has been an amazing project to be a part of and I commend the Visitors Bureau and its partners for creating such a valuable resource for locals and visitors alike.”

The Manistee County mobile app is available in Apple and Android platforms, and can be downloaded directly by using these links:

• Apple
• Android

“This will quickly turn into your most valuable four-season digital resource when visiting the Manistee County region,” says Kathryn Kenny, Executive Director of the Manistee County Visitors Bureau. “Along with the M-22 and U-Pick Farm tours, the mobile app provides launching directions and float times for the Manistee and Pine Rivers, as well as staging areas for the snowmobile trailheads.”

The app also provides quick access answers to popular questions including how to find the Little Mac Suspension Bridge, Gravity Hill, Nordhouse Dunes and the North Pier Lighthouse, among other unique destinations.

“No matter what you’re looking for, or the time of year, it’s ALL there at your fingertips,” Kenny says.

Local business owners are also praising the app, as it provides information for those looking to visit, work or live in the Manistee area.

“If you’re looking to rent one of our distinctive vacation homes or condos, just click on the ‘More’ section at the bottom of the screen and then on ‘Lodging’ to access the CENTURY 21 Vacation Rentals’ interactive website. We can help you find a place to stay awhile … or forever!” says Owner/Broker Suzanne Riley. “You can also learn about our historic 1873 building/office (113 Maple Street) by clicking on ‘Tours’ and ‘Historic Buildings Tour.’”

Located along 25 miles of sugar-sand Lake Michigan beaches, Manistee is a Pure Michigan destination nestled in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. The scenic M-22 highway begins here, at the intersection of US-31, as it heads north 116.6 miles through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The Manistee County Visitors Bureau is an official travel and tourism organization, incorporated in 1997, as a non-profit agency, to promote Manistee County. Its mission is to promote Manistee County as a travel destination, to increase overnight visits and be the lead organization focusing on building the local tourism economy.

Promote Michigan Celebrates 10th Anniversary

On August 19, 2004, Dianna Stampfler left the security of her job of more than seven years to strike out on her own with PROMOTE MICHIGAN. Now, 10 years later, the one-person consulting company is going stronger than ever and racking up alliances with some of the state’s most esteemed associations, businesses and destinations – specializing in Michigan’s niche markets of culinary- and agri-tourism.

“My first client, signed two weeks to the day that I launched the business, was the Traverse Tall Ship Company,” Stampfler says. “I’m proud to say that they’re still with me. Captain Dave McGinnis was the first to believe in what I had to offer and he’s been supporting me ever since!”

Another project early on was a three-month stint with Travel Michigan, a position Stampfler says endorsed her on a statewide level and helped her get a solid foothold to move the business forward.

“I remember getting a phone call from Dave Lorenz at Travel Michigan within days after I announced Promote Michigan, asking if I was able to take on a short-term assignment,” Stampfler recalls. “During those three months, I was introduced to many statewide industry leaders and also strengthened existing relationships. Plus, having Travel Michigan in my portfolio gave me a level of credibility that I still respect and appreciate.”

Currently, Promote Michigan’s largest clients are the Michigan Brewers Guild (along with several individual breweries), ShowSpan (working specifically on the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival; Michigan International Auto Show and Grand Rapids Boat Show), The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort, Porterhouse Productions and, most recently, Hudsonville Ice Cream. Stampfler is also executive director of the Kent County Lodging Association and the newly formed Michigan Craft Distillers Association.

“There are so many other businesses, communities and organizations that have trusted me with their PR needs over the years,” Stampfler says. “Sometimes it’s a small project like a news release and other times, it’s a year-long marketing and promotions campaign. I think in the past 10 years, I’ve worked with well over 50 different entities in some way or another thanks to the word-of-mouth endorsements and referrals from past and present clients.”

Networking and relationship building are the foundation of Promote Michigan. “It’s about being out and about, talking with people, hearing and sharing their stories and finding ways to integrate yourself into their promotional plans with an unwavering level of passion and excitement,” says Stampfler. “I wake up every day thankful that I get to do what I love, with colleagues who have become friends. And I get paid for it! I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.”

In May, Stampfler was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Downtown Market – Grand Rapids and is a long-standing member of the Ferris State University Hospitality Advisory Board. She is also active with the Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance (on both a state and regional level), Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Michigan Agri-Tourism Association, Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association, Michigan Maple Syrup Association, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Kent Harvest Trails, Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan and West Michigan Tourist Association – the organization she worked at for more than seven years to hone her tourism promotional skills. She also served nine years on the Allegan County Tourist Council, including three years as its chair and served briefly with the West Michigan Film Video Alliance.

In addition to her promotional and media relations services, Stampfler is also a freelance writer and broadcaster. She is a regular contributor to Michigan BLUE Magazine and Grand Rapids Family Magazine. Her articles have also appeared in Michigan HOME & Lifestyle, West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide and Pure Michigan Travel Guide. She hosts a daily 90-second travel program on WAKV AM980; is a monthly guest with “Tourist Talk” on WGVU Public Radio in Grand Rapids, with Shelley Irwin; and is a regular guest on various radio and television programs around Michigan.

Stampfler holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Western Michigan University and in 2013, she became a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA). The mother of two adult children, she recently moved from her hometown of Plainwell to Traverse City – fulfilling yet another long-time dream.

3rd Annual Arts & Eats Tour Offers Pure Michigan Autumn Experiences - October 19-20

Check out the magnificent fall colors during the 3rd Annual Arts & Eats – a Southwest Michigan back roads art, food and farm tour, October 19-20. This free, self-guided driving tour collectively features more than 55 artist studios, eateries serving locally-grown food and farms that feature the best in Michigan specialty farm products. These venues, some of which are not normally open to the public, welcome visitors from 10am to 5pm each day.

As a kick-off to the tour weekend, New Holland Brewing Company co-owner and Beervangelist Fred Bueltmann will share insights about the culture of beer, food and entertaining from his new book, Beervangelist’s Guide to the Galaxy. The free program will take place on Thursday, October 18 from 7-8pm at the Old Mill Place, 717 E. Bridge Street in Plainwell (above the Old Mill Brewpub on the east end of town).

“Arts and Eats is becoming the go-to getaway mid-October weekend event for travelers and locals alike,” says event co-founder Ginger Hentz and District 13 Coordinator - Michigan State University (MSU) Extension. “People travel with their friends, families take their kids to the farms to pet the animals and everyone has a good time learning about the area’s rich agricultural and arts communities, which are economic drivers to our local economy. Plus it is hard to beat a drive down a quiet, rural road when the trees are decked out in their full autumn regalia.”

Participants on the tour are encouraged to request an “Arts and Eats Passport” from any of the sites they visit. By collecting just six stamps, tour-goers can be entered to win one of dozens of great prizes donated by the artists, farmers and eateries. The more passports filled, the more chances to win.

ARTS: Visit galleries, studios and central venues to watch local painters, potters, photographers, sculptors and other artisans in action. Some farms – those that raise fiber-producing animals like alpacas and sheep – provide additional touring opportunities. Works are available for sale as well.

EATS: Explore farms where produce is grown, livestock is raised and artisanal foods are made. Then, stop by area farm/field-to-table restaurants to savor the bounty of the season. Participating restaurants feature special menu items using local products, with chefs using their creative culinary talents to pull together some fabulous menu items for the event.

In addition to the individual tour stops, four “Central Venues” are set up to house additional artist and serve as information stations for visitors. These locations include Gilmore Car Museum, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Hasting Fourth Annual Downtown Sculpture Exhibit and Bay Pointe Inn (Arts and Eats Headquarters).

The Interactive Public Art is a returning special event during the tour weekend. Aspiring artists and tour travelers can leave their mark on this year’s event by helping fill up two large canvases through a joint artistic expression. Stop by to paint in Plainwell at the Fannie Pell Park on Saturday, October 19 or the Gilmore car Museum on Sunday, October 20 (10am to 3pm each day). Both completed works of art will be given to the tour, so everyone may enjoy them for years to come.

New this year is “A Taste of Arts and Eats Wine & Cheese Bus Tour” presented by the Thornapple Arts Council. Here, visitors can board a bus and tour select stops along the tour route, while enjoying wine from Glass Creek Winery and cheese from local producers. The bus leaves downtown Hastings on Saturday at noon, returning at 6pm. The cost is $25 per person; space is limited and reservations are required. For more information on this tour option, or to reserve a seat, call 269-945-2002.

Planning partners: Allegan County Tourist Council, Barry County Tourism Council, Gilmore Car Museum, Hastings Public Library, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Promote Michigan, Thornapple Arts Council and Wayland Downtown.

2013 Sponsors: Barry Community Foundation, Downtown Hastings, Gun Lake Casino, Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, J-Ad Graphics, Michigan Rural Council, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Potawatomi Resource Conservation & Development Council, West Michigan Tourist Association and Wind Walker Ranch.

www.ArtsAndEats.org
www.facebook.com/ArtsAndEats
@ArtsAndEats

The Homestead to Host THRIVE Women’s Retreat

If you’re like us, your vacations are usually balancing acts in an attempt to accommodate different work schedules, diverse interests, and everyone’s needs. At The Homestead, we strive to provide something for everyone. But we also recognize that sometimes what you need is a little time just for you. Time to relax with a friend you haven’t seen for years, or to make new friends. Time to allow your body, mind, and spirit to be nurtured. That’s why we’ve partnered with licensed therapists Mia Moyad and Megan Gunnell to organize a weekend for women like you, for women like us.

Join us Thursday, January 24 through Sunday, January 27 for a women’s weekend of solitude, discovery, and replenishment. Experience the ambience of live harp music while engaging in group activities. Delight in cooking classes with healthful intent. Awaken the body through outdoor recreation. Luxuriate in rejuvenating spa treatments and unwind with yoga.

You’ll be welcomed to a community of women committed to experiencing THRIVE: Transform for enrichment; Harmonize with environments; Replenish for joy; Integrate mindfulness; Visualize for growth; Empower for strength.

Package prices begin at $217 per person, per night based on double occupancy or $195 per person, per night based on triple occupancy. No matter which option you choose, you price includes a stunning suite at Stony Brook Lodge, two dinners, two lunches, three breakfasts, and the many activities scheduled during the retreat. They do not include: spa treatments, or outdoor activities such as skiing, gratuity or tax and tariff on the room. An advance deposit of $350 per person is required at the time of reservation. Cancellation prior to 7 days is subject to fee of $50. Cancellation within 7 days forfeits deposit.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. 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. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

Saugatuck Brewing Company launches fall seasonal Bonfire Brown Ale

Saugatuck Brewing Company has introduced its fall seasonal offering, Bonfire Brown Ale. Brewed with ten different malts and Cascade and U.S. Goldings hops, it is a classic American Brown Ale with a slight smoky character. It is moderate in alcohol volume (5.5% ABV) with relatively low bitterness (20 IBUs). To celebrate the occasion, SBC will host a “Party on the Patio” Sunday, September 9th from 3-6 pm. Bonfire Brown is available in 6-packs and on tap throughout Michigan and will be available this fall in the Chicago market.

Saugatuck Brewing Company is a microbrewery with a traditional Irish style pub and upscale banquet room (“The Singapore Room”). Fifteen unique beer styles, all brewed in house, plus wine and hard cider are served daily in the Pub. “SBC” also distributes eight styles in 6 and 4-packs, plus kegs throughout Michigan (plus Chicago, fall 2012). The brewery features one of the only active brew-on-premise facility in Michigan, utilizing five copper kettles and an array of natural ingredients and recipes, for the public to become “Brewmaster for a Day.”

Saugatuck Brewing Company
2948 Blue Star Hwy. – Douglas, MI 49406
(269) 857-7222
www.saugatuckbrewing.com
www.facebook.com/saugatuckbrewingcompany

DEVASTING NEWS ABOUT LOSS OF AWARD-WINNING PURE MICHIGAN FALL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Editorial Cartoon by Mike Thompson, Detroit Free Press



Pure Michigan supporters lament loss of fall campaign

Pure Michigan ad campaign is in jeopardy

No employment, no hiring, no jobs, no slogan

Paul W Smith Podcast with George Zimmermann about Pure Michigan: WJR

Michigan cuts fall integrated tourism campaign

Pure Michigan goes dark this fall

Michigan tourism campaign canceled in Midwest cities

No "Pure Michigan" ads this fall because of budget cuts

Pure Michigan Campaign Cancelled For Fall

Budget ax cuts Pure Michigan tourism push

Michigan runs out of money for tourism advertising


JOIN IN THE FIGHT TO KEEP PURE MICHIGAN!
Tourism industry leaders will gather in Lansing on Wednesday, September 22 for the Michigan Tourism Legislative Conference.

Celebrate Summer’s Last Hurray at a Michigan Campground

Campsites still available for Labor Day Weekend at private facilities throughout Michigan

An estimated 1.2 million Michiganians will travel during the 2010 Labor Day holiday, according to a recent AAA survey. Among the top five most popular driving destinations in Michigan: Traverse City, Mackinaw City, Petoskey, Frankenmuth and Munising.

Most Michigan travelers – an estimated 98 percent – will go by vehicle to enjoy “summer’s last hurrah,” with campgrounds and resort areas among the popular destinations. This year’s Labor Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, Sept. 2 to Monday, Sept. 6.

Whether attending a specific holiday weekend event or enjoying the woods and waters that the Great Lakes State is known for, Michigan campers will find a variety of site options – from rustic to luxury full service set-ups – throughout the state. There are plenty of camp sites – for tenters, RVers and cabin-dwellers – available at private campgrounds from New Buffalo to Metro Detroit to the Straits of Mackinac and throughout the Upper Peninsula for the upcoming holiday weekend. The Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC) – Michigan has compiled a list of those campgrounds with availability for the holiday weekend; the list below and is posted online at www.MichCampgrounds.com.

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.

Campgrounds reporting availability for the upcoming holiday weekend include:

Ann's Putman Lake RV Park & Campground, Baldwin
231-745-2621 | www.putmanlake.com
Beaver Trail Campground, West Branch
989-345-7745 | www.beavertrailcampground.com
Big Cedar Campground, Germfask
906-586-6684 | www.bigcedarcampground.com
Cadillac Woods Campground, Cadillac
231-825-2012 | www.cadillacwoodscampground.com
Cedarville RV Park, Cedarville
906-484-3351 | www.cedarvillervpark.com
Clementz’s Northcountry Campground, Newberry
906-293-8562 | www.northcountrycampground.com
Crystal Lake Campground, Ludington
231-757-4510 | www.crystallakecamping.com
Drew’s Country Camping, Holland
616-399-1886 | www.drewscountrycamping.com
Dumont Lake Campground, Allegan
269-673-6065 | www.dumontlake.com
East Branch River RV Park, Tawas City
989-362-8000 | www.Eastbranchriverrvpark.org
Gaylord KOA, Gaylord
800-562-4146 | www.gaylordkoa.com
Grand Rogue Campground, Grand Rapids
616-361-1053 | www.michcampgrounds.com/grandrogue
Grayling Jellystone Park, Grayling
989-348-2157 | www.graylingjellystone.com
Hearthside Grove Luxury Motocoach Resort, Petoskey
231-347-0905 | www.HearthsideGrove.com
Indian River RV Resort & Campground, Indian River
888-792-2267 | www.indianrivercampground.com
Kampvilla RV Park, Bear Lake
800-968-0027 | www.kampvilla.com
Lake George Campground, Lake George
989-588-4075 | www.lakegeorgecamp.com
Leisure Time Campground, Irons
800-266-8214 | www.LeisureTimeCampground.com
Lighthouse Family Camping Resort, Mecosta
231-972-2112 | www.lighthousefamilycampingresort.com
Lucky Lake Campground, Rothbury
231-893-9608 | www.LuckyLakeCampground.com
Moscow Maples RV Park, Moscow
517-688-9853 | www.moscowmaples.com
Northland Outfitters, Germfask
906-586-9801 | www.northoutfitters.com
Petoskey KOA RV & Kabin Resort, Petoskey
231-347-0005 | www.PetoskeyKOA.com
Pickerel Lakeside Campground, Baldwin
800-464-1468 | www.LakeCamp-Cottages.com
River View Campground, Sterling
989-654-2447 | www.riverviewcampground.com
Rogers Resort, Jones
269-476-2655 | www.rogersresortinc.com
Sequoia Campground, Adrian
517-264-5531 | www.sequoiacamping.com
Snow Lake Kampground, Fenwick
989-248-3224 | www.snowlakekampground.com
Stony Haven Campground, New Era
231-861-5201 | www.campingfriend.com/stonyhavencampground
Timber Ridge RV Resort, Traverse City
231-947-2770 | www.timberridgeresort.net
Timber Trails RV Resort, Decatur
269-423-7311 | www.michcampgrounds.com/timbertrails
Traverse Bay RV Resort, Traverse City
231-938-5800 | www.traversebayrv.com
Welcome Woods Campground, Hastings
269-945-2803 | www.welcomewoods.com
Wooded Acres Family Campground Houghton Lake
989-422-6031 | www.woodedacrescampground.net

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 August 30, 2010. Availability subject to change. Reservations are required.


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.


Updated August 30, 2010


www.Facebook.com/MichCampgrounds

Beaver Island: Michigan’s Pure Eco-Tourism Destination

While on Beaver Island, the most remote inhabited island the Great Lakes, visitors can expect to discover a wealth of natural resources including nature preserves and state land available of walking and exploring. Approximately 35% of the Island – located about 30 miles north of Charlevoix in Lake in Northern Lake Michigan – is state forest land.

Most people come to Beaver Island for its abundant nature and solitude and much of what the island offers is free. With over 100 miles of scenic roads, old two-track trails and beaches, it is ideal for hiking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Pristine woods welcome nature lovers for bird watching and photography, as well as sportsmen looking or hunting and fishing opportunities.

Among the extensive natural activities on Beaver Island, one can find:

**Beaver Island Ecotours: Offering a wide variety of tours for outdoor enthusiasts, such as driving and walking tours, inland lake tours, biking tours and hiking and camping trips. Visit sandy beaches, bogs and inland lakes, marshes, cedar swamps and hardwood forests in search of loons, osprey, turtles, salamanders, deer and a variety of flora and fauna for family enjoyment. www.beaverislandecotours.com

**Bonadeo’s Beaver Island Boat Charters: Explore the outer islands of the archipelago such as High Island, Hog Island and Squaw Island, on half-day or full-day excursions ideal for singles, couples, families and groups. Learn the history of the island lighthouses and former residents as you play a modern day explorer in Northern Lake Michigan. www.beaverislandboatcharters.com

**Indigo Guide Service: Guided fly fishing and casting trips for smallmouth bass, carp and other species on Beaver Island and its surround islands make for some of the best flats-style fishing in the Midwest. www.indigoguideservice.com

**Inland Seas School of Kayaking: Paddle the clear-blue waters of the Beaver Island archipelago where a variety of outdoor experiences are offered for all ages, including sea kayak trips in the St. James Harbor and on Lake Michigan or naturalist-led kayak eco-tours on the inland lakes. Be on the lookout for loons, eagles, osprey and beaver lodges during the morning or afternoon excursions or take part in a full-moon paddle and learn lunar lore while listening to the nighttime sounds of Northern Michigan. www.inlandseakayaking.com

**Lakesports & Paradise Bay Gifts: This is the place to pick up a fishing pole, bait or tackle as well as rent canoes, kayaks, boats with motors, pedal boats, bikes and camp gear. Also offering hourly moped rentals.

**Paradise Bay Dive Shop: Located on Beaver Island’s Paradise Bay – one of the finest harbors in the Great Lakes. The water surrounding the island contains shipwrecks and other underwater scenery just waiting to be explored. Sign up for Scuba instruction, snorkeling, diving classes, cruises aboard The Resolute or out-island adventures. www.paradisebaydiveshop.com

Visitors will find two established campgrounds on Beaver Island, both owned and operated by the Island Townships and open from April 1 to the end of November. There are no reservations at either campground and primitive sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Both campgrounds provide pit toilets and hand pumps, there are no showers at either facility.

**Saint James Township Campground is located on the north end of the Island, off Donegal Bay Road one mile outside the St. James Harbor. The campground and its 12 sites overlook Lake Michigan and Garden Island, with views of Squaw and Whiskey Islands. ($5 per night, per campsite).

**Bill Wagner Peaine Township Campground is located on the east side of the Island, seven miles south of the harbor and accessible via the East Side Road. This 22-site campground is on the shore of Lake Michigan with a view of the west coast of mainland Michigan. ($10 per night, per campsite)

Beaver Island is also home to the Central Michigan University biological field station, offering academic classes in biology, other sciences, and the arts. Faculty and students utilize the woods and waters surround the Beaver Archipelago as their outdoor classroom for field trips and lectures.

After a day, or more, of exploring the rustic nooks and crannies of Beaver Island, visitors can find luxurious packages at the East Wind Day Spa & Hair Salon, where facials, massages, manicures and pedicures are offered to help relax both the mind and body. A variety of dining options can be found on the island, with Nina’s Restaurant at the Beaver Island Lodge offering a fine dining menu and extensive wine list.

Situated adjacent to Lake Michigan, Beaver Island Lodge has been a host to visitors since the 1950s and is one of many lodging properties on the island. Other noteworthy accommodations include The Brothers Place – a rustic Northwoods lodge originally built on a 20-acre parcel in 1928 as a retreat house by the Christian Brothers religious order and Shanoule B&B – a rustic three-suite bed-and-breakfast tucked away on a 40 acre secluded wooded lot.

Getting to Beaver Island is easy. The Beaver Island Boat Company (www.bibco.com) runs from early April through December, with limited runs in the early and late season. The 32-mile ride takes approximately two hours.

Fresh Air Aviation (www.freshairaviation.com) and Island Airways (www.islandairways.com) both provide plane service to the island. All three services operate out of Charlevoix.

Those searching for a truly removed up-north destination will find it on Beaver Island, one of the purist four-season vacation destinations in Michigan. When it comes to natural escapes, nothing compares to America’s Emerald Isle – Beaver Island.

Beaver Island Chamber
www.BeaverIsland.org

Tuesday's House Tourism Committee hearing on HB 5017-18 has been cancelled!

Tuesday's House Tourism Committee hearing on HB 5017-18 has been cancelled! The Speaker's office has asked the Chairman of the committee to delay consideration for a week or two. Please forward this email to all industry friends and supporters to help avoid anyone making an unneeded trip to Lansing. http://www.milodging.org

Tourism Leaders Invited to Funding Hearing at 10:30am on Tuesday, June 9

Timing is everything in life, and now is the time to get behind this new legislation aimed to provide funding for Travel Michigan and its award-winning “Pure Michigan” campaign. Every business in Michigan with an interest in tourism is asked to support this initiative by attending the hearing on House Bills 5017 and 5018 at 10:30 am in the House Tourism Committee this Tuesday, June 9th in room 521 of the House Office Building. We need a large presence with representatives from across the tourism industry to show the legislature the importance of funding tourism promotion in Michigan. This year’s advertising campaign is being seen across the nation on a many cable networks, producing great interest in visiting our great State! This is important and we may only have this one time to make a powerful impression on our legislators. All the information you’ll need about these bills is below. Feel free to forward this to anyone in your community who may be interested.

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Introduction of “Pure Michigan” Funding Package Hailed by Tourism Industry

Legislation would boost tax revenues - create jobs for Michigan

Lansing, MI – Legislation introduced to provide ongoing funding for the “Pure Michigan” campaign is being applauded by all segments of Michigan’s tourism industry; this state’s third largest industry. The package of bills is considered crucial as the current one-time placement of $30 million in funding is scheduled to drop over 80% to just $5.7 million on October 1st.

The legislative package consisting of two House bills and two Senate bills includes a temporary car rental assessment to be imposed largely on out-of-state visitors (HB 5017) and the creation of a segregated fund (HB 5018) to hold all revenues generated by HB 5017 and the Senate bills.

The Senate bills are designed to set aside sales and use tax revenues from tourism-specific businesses for reinvestment into the “Pure Michigan” campaign. Past studies have shown the State receives an average of $2.86 in new sales tax revenues for every dollar invested into the award-winning promotion campaign. Hearings on the two House bills are scheduled before the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, June 9.

“As Lansing looks to stimulate and grow its economy, Michigan’s tourism industry is our best, and perhaps, only option,” said Steve Yencich, president of the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association which is spearheading the campaign. “These bills will create new tax revenues and jobs that are simply not feasible in other industries such as manufacturing. That makes passage of the Pure Michigan funding package an important key to Michigan’s economic future. We applaud the House’s leadership on this issue, and hope the Senate will take prompt action as well.”

Here's a brief description, along with a link to each of the actual bills.

HB 5017 - (Representative Woodrow Stanley, D-Flint, et all)

Places a $2.50 per day assessment on car rentals, primarily near airports, train deports, bus stations, etc. Michigan insurance consumers are exempt from the assessment, which is largely paid by travelers coming from outside of Michigan. Assessment revenues will provide short-term funding for Pure Michigan (75% tourism promotion) and Upper Hand (25% business promotion)campaigns. The assessment sunsets after a defined period of time, making this a temporary car rental assessment.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/House/htm/2009-HIB-5017.htm

HB 5018 (Representative David Nathan, D-Detroit, et al)

Creates a special fund within the State's General Fund to receive revenues raised by HB 5017, SB 619, and SB 620 to be used to fund tourism and business promotion, (Pure Michigan 75% and Upper Hand 25%).

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/House/htm/2009-HIB-5018.htm

SB 619 (Allen, R-Traverse City)
Captures use tax revenue from tourism-specific businesses to provide long-term funding of the Pure Michigan and Upper Hand campaigns.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/Senate/htm/2009-SIB-0619.htm

SB 620 (Jason Allen, R-Traverse City)

Captures sales tax revenue from tourism-specific businesses to provide long-term funding of the Pure Michigan and Upper Hand campaigns.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/billintroduced/Senate/htm/2009-SIB-0620.htm

HB 5018 and HB 5019 will be up for hearings at 10:30 am in the House Tourism Committee on this Tuesday, June 9th in room 521 of the House Office Building.

If you support the Pure Michigan Funding Package - make plans to attend!

Please direct any questions to:

Steve Yencich, CAE
President/CEO
Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association
3815 W. St. Joseph Hwy. Suite A200
Lansing, MI 48917
stevey@milodging.org
(517) 267-8989
(517) 267-8990 (fax)
Visit our new site at www.milodging.org
Serving Michigan's Lodging & Tourism Industries