Celebrate Michigan Craft Beer Month (July) Aboard Traverse City's Tall Ship Manitou

Tap Into Weekly Microbrew Tasting Sails (thru Labor Day Weekend) and a 4-Day Michigan Craft Brew Cruise

In recent years Michigan has made a name for itself as one of the premier craft brew states in the country. What better way to partake of these fine beverages than from the deck of a beautiful vessel resting in a peaceful harbor—aboard the Tall Ship Manitou in Traverse City.

On Sunday evenings, late June through Labor Day weekend, you’re invited to sample local beers paired with fresh, hot pizza during the Microbrew Tasting Cruise. Each Sunday will feature on a local brewery—including Short’s Brewing Company, Brewery Terra Firma, Rare Bird Brewery and Petoskey Brewing. Tickets: $57 per person. Space is limited to 58 and advanced reservations are recommended.

New this year is a 4-Day Michigan Craft Brew Cruise, September 24-28. Chef and craft beer aficionado Amy Sherman will serve as host and guide for enjoying tastes with hors d'oeuvres, followed by specifically-designed food pairings with dinner.

After graduating from Aquinas College, Amy Sherman found her true calling in the kitchen. A 20-year restaurant veteran, she’s held every job possible, from ravioli runner, prep chef, book keeper, waitress, to manager, sous chef and pastry chef. She has taught cooking classes throughout West Michigan, runs a catering company called Two Chicks and an Oven, and with her husband runs the local food company, Farmlink.

As the host of the Great American Brew Trail, Amy drank her way across Michigan, one pint at a time. She currently hosts a podcast called “Behind the Mitten” with MLive’s John Gonzalez, and leads culinary adventures here in the states and Europe. Her main job, however, is being mom to three ruffians in Grand Rapids.

Tickets for the 4-Day Michigan Craft Brew Cruise are $577 per person and include all accommodations, meals and beverage samplings. Space is limited to 22 individuals in 11-double-bunk cabins.

As one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes, the Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, Manitou measures 114 feet in length with more than 3000 square feet of sail.

There is plenty of space for sitting and moving around the decks while under sail. While aboard the Manitou, passengers are free to leave the sailing to the experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. An excursion aboard the Manitou allows you to remove yourself from the trappings of modern life: no TV, phone (cell phones are discouraged), internet, email and definitely, no itinerary.

Traverse Tall Ship Company is located at 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive (M22) in Traverse City and shares a dock with the fleet from the Maritime Heritage Alliance, creating a unique nautical experience for the area.

To make reservations for any of the 2015 Manitou sailing adventures, call toll free 800-678-0383, ext. 2 or order tickets online. Gift certificates are also available.

For additional information about the Manitou, including its corporate charters, log on to www.TallShipSailing.com.

Short’s Brewing Company Sets Sail Aboard Tall Ship Manitou for Sunday Evening Microbrew Cruises

Looking for a unique venue for sampling your favorite craft beers from Short’s Brewing Company? The Traverse Tall Ship Company is hosting its “Microbrew Tasting Cruise” every Sunday evening from July 3 -September 4 (6:30-8:30pm). Pizza from the popular Crusted Creations will also be served. The cost is $50 per person and space is limited to 60 per sail.

“What an awesome beer adventure,” says Jon “Woj” Wojtowicz, Short’s Beer Liberator. “I’m really excited about the rest of the summer and couldn't thank you enough for coming up with such an amazing idea.”

As the ship’s captain sails across Grand Traverse Bay, Woj (or another Short’s representative) will discuss and share four unique beer samples, and share Short’s brewing philosophy and role in Michigan’s overall craft brewing scene.

In addition to the Microbrew Tasting Cruises, the Tall Ship Manitou offers Moomers Ice Cream Sails – Mondays and Fridays from 3-5pm, through September 2; Wine Tasting Cruises – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm, June 28-September 1; and Entertainment Cruises – Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm, July 6-August 31.

Multi-day windjammers are held during the fall season including the Astronomy Cruise (September 16-19); Wine Tasting Cruise (September 23-26); and Music Cruise (September 30-October 3).

The Manitou also offers a unique “Floating B&B” experience which includes the evening sail (Tuesday through Saturday), accommodations in bunk-style cabins and breakfast the next morning.

Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with a family or as part of a group, a Tall Ship sail makes a memorable traditional Great Lakes adventure. As one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes, the Manitou is a replica of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, Manitou measures 114 feet in length with more than 3000 square feet of sail.

With a 60 passenger sailing capacity (24 overnight capacity), there is plenty of space for sitting and moving around the decks while under sail. While aboard the Manitou, passengers are free to leave the sailing to the experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. An excursion aboard the Manitou allows you to remove yourself from the trappings of modern life: no TV, phone (cell phones are discouraged), beeper, email and definitely no itinerary.

To make reservations for any of the 2011 Manitou sailing adventures, call toll free 800-678-0383. Gift certificates are also available.

For additional information about the Manitou, including its corporate charters, log on to www.tallshipsailing.com. (www.facebook.com/TallShipManitou)