Celebrate Halloween during “Dinner with Genevive” at Mission Table

It is no secret that Mission Table – formerly known as Bowers Harbor Inn – is one of the most historic and haunted sites in Northern Michigan. Genevive Stickney – the wife of lumber baron J. W. Stickney – is said to walk the halls still consumed with sorrow after a torrid love affair between his wife and her nurse pushed her to hang herself in the mansion’s elevator shaft.

Over the years, Genevive has remained a continuous guest at the home-turned-restaurant – a prisoner among the walls that once confined her to a life ending in sadness and misery. Lights have been known to suddenly turn on, mirrors and paintings have fallen off walls, guests have reported a blurry female apparition in vacation photos. There’s even a report of the elevator starting up by itself in the middle of the night. The ghost of Genevive has been featured in several books and her antics have even appeared on the television show, “Unsolved Mysteries.” *

You are invited to investigate this historic haunt yourself. Join Head Chef Paul Olson, winemaker Cornel Olivier and partner Chris Baldyga from 2Lads Winery, and the staff at Mission Table, along with local “ghost whisperer” Tammy Schuster, for a possibly paranormal culinary experience at “Dinner with Genevive” on Saturday, October 30.

The evening begins with a reception at 6:30pm, followed by an elegant four-course locally-infused dinner – paired with award-winning wines from nearby 2 Lads Winery – beginning at 7pm. This year’s menu includes:

• Pan seared diver sea scallops
Cippolini onions, baby Brussel sprouts, pancetta, Old Mission apples, pea shoots

Paired with2 Lads Pinot Grigio

• Black pepper gnocchi
Duck confit, maytag bleu cheese, cream, spiced walnuts, crispy parsnips

Paired with 2 Lads Rose

• Buffalo short ribs
Cabernet Franc braised, pork belly, celeriac puree, Werp farms baby vegetables, braising jus

Paired with 2 Lads Cabernet Franc

• Pumpkin ice cream
Handmade by Jehni O, with ginger snap tuile, cream cheese frosting and vanilla sauce

Paired with 2 Lads Pinot Noir

Cost is $60 per person (plus tax/gratuity) and is limited to the first 60 individuals. To make reservations, call (231) 223-4222

The northernmost winery on the Old Mission Peninsula, 2 Lads boasts a 10,500 square foot modern winery and tasting room, with 22 acres of established vineyards in three separate blocks. Specializing in cool climate red and sparkling wines, 2 Lads also offers small runs of white to round out the lot. Sustainably farming the vineyards is paramount to the health of the soil, vines and grapes at 2 Lads Winery.

Mission Table proudly serves the crafted products from Northern United Brewing Co., which encompasses the North Peak, Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales craft beer brands, as well as the soon-to-be-released Civilized line of spirits. All of the beers and spirits under these brands are produced at either the new 5600-square-foot facility on Old Mission Peninsula adjacent to Mission Table (former Bowers Harbor Inn) restaurant or at the original Jolly Pumpkin facility in Dexter.

NUBC’s philosophy focuses on a dedication to conservation, inspiration and locally sustainable practices. Find NUBC products at stores, restaurants, and bars all throughout Michigan, including: North Peak Brewing Company, Mission Table and Jolly Pumpkin Brewery, all in Traverse City; Jolly Pumpkin and Grizzly Peak, in Ann Arbor.


*FOR MORE ON THE HISTORY OF GENEVIVE’S GHOST: www.missiontable.net/legend

For more about Tammy Schuster, check out this article in Northern Express from 2009:
http://www.northernexpress.com/editorial/features.asp?id=4194

BOOKING FALL & WINTER DATES: Promote Michigan Speaker's Bureau

Featured Presenter:
Dianna Stampfler, Promote Michigan
Since 1997, Dianna Stampfler has been presenting lively and upbeat programs about the area’s historic lighthouses, ghost towns, islands and other unique destinations and activities in her home state of Michigan. Dianna is a professional speaker, with a degree in communications from Western Michigan University and 23 years experience in radio broadcasting and public speaking. An established freelance writer, Dianna is a regular contributor to Michigan Blue Magazine and Grand Rapids Family Magazine, and has also been published in Michigan Living, Michigan Travel Ideas, Lake Michigan Circle Tour & Lighthouse Guide, Country Lines, Taster’s Guild International and Grand Rapids Magazine. Over the years, she has held memberships in the Great Lake Lighthouse Keepers Association and Historical Society of Michigan.

DETAILS: These programs, tailored at 30-90 minutes each, are ideal for museums, libraries, schools, historical societies, churches, life-long learning programs & senior centers and women’s groups.

PRESENTATION COST: $250 per program

EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT: 50 cents per mile, round trip from Plainwell, Mich.
*Additional expenses, such as a meal per diem and/or accommodations, may be required for destinations more than 150 miles from Plainwell or for those starting before 9am or after 8pm.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT: LCD projector (Presentations are presented on Microsoft PowerPoint)

CURRENT PROGRAMS:

Ladies of the Lights (Audience Favorite): They were women before their time, taking on the romantic, yet dangerous and physically demanding job of tending to the beacons that protected the shoreline. In all, some 40 women have been identified who excelled in this profession over the years — dating back as early as the 1840s and as recent as present day. Nearly 70 images of keepers, their families and their lights make up this presentation. The program includes readings from newspapers and autobiographies, as well as handouts including the list of featured ladies and additional reading references for attendees.

Michigan’s Ghostly Beacons (Audience Favorite): What is it about lighthouses that attract ghostly spirits? Maybe it’s simply a passion that will not go away. Lighthouse keepers were known to be extremely dedicated to their profession and it seems that many were never able to give it up — even after death. Nearly two dozen lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted. From the smell of cigar smoke at Seul Choix Point Light to the mysterious housekeeping at White River Light Station and the antics at Waugoshance Shoal, these stories will entertain all ages.

Michigan Tidbits & Trivia: Where will you find the World’s Largest Weathervane? What famous actor hails from Manistee County? In what Michigan city is Jiffy Mix made? How old is the State of Michigan? The answers to these — and dozens of other — questions will be revealed during this interactive program: “Michigan: Tidbits & Trivia.” This family program promises to be entertaining, as well as educational.

Bridge to Michigan’s Past: There are more than a dozen covered bridges throughout the state of Michigan, three within just a short drive of each other. Originally covered to protect the wooden floors from the elements, today they are one of the most photographed structures in the state. While some of these bridges remain open to automobile traffic, some limit their access to those traveling via foot or bicycle. Of course, you can’t talk Michigan bridges without referencing the most famous: The Mackinac Bridge and the Blue Water Bridge. Other uniquely significant bridges around the state will also be showcased.

Michigan Ghost Towns: Hundreds of 'ghost towns' dot Michigan's landscape throughout both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Some even still appear on state highway maps. Originally centered in logging, farming, and mining areas, these towns often faded into history when the natural resources were depleted. Only a handful remain standing, silent and abandoned, as a reminder of what once was. Settle in for an historic tour through Michigan’s past as you visit the ghost towns of the Great Lakes State.

Islands of Michigan: It’s no wonder that the Great Lakes State is graced with hundreds of islands, just waiting to be explored. From the rustic Isle Royale and Les Cheneaux Islands, to the North and South Manitou Islands (which once housed established communities) to the most noted Beaver Island (home of Michigan’s only King) High Island (former home to the House of David), Drummond Island and Mackinac Islands (where automobiles are not allowed), these islands are gems in Michigan’s history.

Michigan’s Historic One Room Schoolhouses: Nearly lost to time to consolidation of districts, Michigan’s thousands of one room schools once dotted the landscape every few miles. Fortunately, many have been preserved and have found a new place in historical villages. Some have been converted into homes, antique shops, art galleries and museums. A small number are still in use. Take an educational and photographic trip back in time and see those that have been lost -- and found.

Michigan’s Winter Playground: Michigan is a giant snow-filled playground when Mother Nature rolls out the winter carpet. Miles of trails available for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, dozens of slopes for downhill skiing and acres of wooded areas for snowshoeing are just waiting to be explored. There’s also plenty of opportunity for more extreme activities such as luging, rafting, ice sailing, camping and dogsledding. Those looking for less actual activity will enjoy one of many winter food offerings, including the Gourmet Glide, Zhivago Night, Mountaintop Dinners and Elk Viewing Carriage Rides. Don’t forget about the festivals such as Tip Up Town, Suds-n-Snow, Toast the Passion, Motown Winter Blast and the Women’s Winter Tour. Learn about all the exciting things just waiting to be experienced in Michigan during the winter season


TO BOOK A PROGRAM, CONTACT:

Dianna Stampfler, Promote Michigan
Dianna@promotemichigan.com

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