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.

Traverse Tall Ship Company Offers Multi-Day Autumn Excursions Aboard the Schooner Manitou

Leave your busy schedules and the daily grind in the wind as you head out on the freshwaters of Grand Traverse Bay aboard the Schooner Manitou. The Traverse Tall Ship Company is once again offering a series of educational and entertaining multi-day cruises throughout the fall color tour months of September and October. During these trips, guests enjoy a relaxing, stress-free get-away, while visiting quaint coastal villages and soaking up the panoramic views of the northern Michigan shoreline. This is definitely a Pure Michigan experience.

Excursions with remaining availability for this fall include:

• 4-Day Wine Cruise (September 11-15, 2014) – Cost $739 per person.

Explore the great wine regions of the world with expert Chaad Thomas. Each evening aboard Manitou we will discuss the winemaking histories and taste the varietals of different countries. Dinners will feature paired wines chosen as a perfect complement to our meals.

Thomas, a partner in the Ann Arbor-based U.S. Wine Imports, came into the wine business through working in restaurants – where he learned and practiced the art of wine and food pairings. From there, a retail wine shop stint introduced him to the commodity side of the business and stirred an interest in the supply chain, linking the vineyards to the wine glass, which ultimately led him into importing and wholesale distribution.

Founded in 2006, U.S. Wine Imports initially specialized in Italian wine, but has grown over the years into a more complete, global portfolio – including wines from across Europe, South America and the United States, including Michigan. The company serves primarily independent restaurants and retail shops with family-owned, small production boutique wines.

• 4-Day Astronomy Cruise (September 25-29, 2014) – Cost $739 per person.

Astronomer Mark Nussbaum will be our guide as we study the brilliant northern Michigan heavens. Hillsdale College professor and avid amateur astronomer Mark Nussbaum will be our guide to the moon and stars as we study the brilliant northern Michigan heavens.

Charting a course just like sailors centuries before, this is a weekend for those who are awed by the vast wonders of the sky. Passengers will see how the stars rise and set, just like the sun, and appear to circle around Polaris (the North Star) as the earth rotates. Passengers may bring their own small telescope or binoculars. A telescope and half-dozen pairs of binoculars will be aboard the ship for the group to share.

Nussbaum will provide star charts and discuss the distances and sizes of the stars and how it is that we are actually looking back in time as we view deeper into space. A professor of analytical chemistry and chemistry for non-science majors, Mark has taken courses in astronomy and astrophysics and has taught astronomy at the college level. He’s also led or assisted at outdoor viewing sessions on several occasions.

• 4-Day Photography Cruise (October 2-6, 2014) – Cost $659 per person.

This cruise offers the extraordinary experience of traveling with seasoned photographer Chris Bickes — who appreciates whatever camera skills you may have or equipment you bring, and will work with you in capturing your unforgettable vacation story through camera management and photo composition.

Bickes has been hosting photo-walks and photo workshops in Northwest Michigan for the past three years. Workshops have included Ansel Adams Black and White Winter Sculpture, Sunset & Evening Photography, Classic Car Photography, and Wild Flower & Nature Photography. Previous to that Chris was a summer instructor at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite California and is a former student of Ansel Adams.

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.

Trips are limited to 24 individuals, with accommodations provided in 12 double-bunk cabins. Fare includes lodging, all meals and sailing activities.

To make reservations for any of the 2014 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.

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.

Local Culinary Offerings Highlight Tall Ship Manitou's 2013 Sailing Season

Traverse City has been touted as the “Culinary Capital of Michigan” and throughout the summer months, the Tall Ship Manitou offers countless opportunities for visitors to savor tasty

Moomers Ice Cream – voted #1 scoop on “Good Morning America” – is served up during every afternoon sail. Guests are served up two delicious flavors, including Moomers prize winning “Cherries Moobilee.”

Wine Tasting Cruises, featuring wines from Leelanau Cellars and Left Foot Charley paired with savory cuisine from Silver Swan Homemade Foods, are offered on Tuesday and Thursday evening sails.

Sunday evenings deliver the Microbrew & Pizza Cruise, featuring beer from Short’s Brewery and tasty Crusted Creations Pizza.

Specially-catered picnic meals are included during each evening sail, throughout the summer. Served up by local deli “Dockside,” the meals includes a delicious turkey or vegetarian wrap, pasta salad, cookie for dessert and a beverage.

Cooking aboard Manitou is a unique experience. The galley boasts an authentic 1926 woodburning stove and old school ice box. Veteran schooner chef Laura Cavender will be serving up a variety of fresh homemade meals for bed and breakfast and Windjammer guests. Seating for 24 is available in wooden booth-style tables (which later are used for card and board games by overnight guests).

During the “Floating Bed & Breakfast” (offered Tuesday thru Saturday, June to August) guests are served a full breakfast, cooked from scratch, featuring fresh baked goods. Imagine yourself lounging on a warm summer morning with a fresh mug of coffee as the sun rises over Old Mission Peninsula – that’s what relaxing is all about in Northern Michigan.

Three meals a day are provided to passengers during the multi-day Windjammers in September. This one-of-a-kind experience is available for up to 24 passengers, based on various themes – including a Wine Tasting Excursion with sommelier and restaurant proprietor Amanda Danielson from Trattoria Stella in Traverse City. During this unique excursion, passengers learn winemaking histories and taste varietals from different countries, as well as being served dinner featuring wine pairings.

About the Manitou
Since 1987, the Traverse Tall Ship Company has been offering sailing adventures on the freshwater Grand Traverse Bay – and beyond, into Northern Lake Michigan.

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 59 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), internet, email and definitely no itinerary.

In addition to public day sails and multi-day windjammer cruises, the schooner Manitou works with Inland Seas Education Association, providing hands-on environmental education to school kids from throughout the region and state. The Manitou is also available for private charters, making it ideal for corporate outings, wedding parties and family reunions.

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 2013 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.

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Multi-Day Windjammers Offer One-of-a-Kind Sailing Experiences Aboard Traverse City’s Tall Ship Manitou

Since 1987, the Traverse Tall Ship Company has been offering sailing adventures on the freshwater Grand Traverse Bay – and beyond, into Northern Lake Michigan.

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.

Each September, the Manitou offers its popular windjammer excursions. These multi-day outings give passengers a one-of-a-kind experience to head out into the open waters and enjoy a relaxing, stress-free get-away, while visiting quaint coastal villages and soaking up the panoramic views of the northern Michigan shoreline.

The 2013 sailing schedule includes the following sailing trips: 4-Day Astronomy Cruise (Sept. 13-16 $685pp), 4-Day Wine Tasting Cruise (Sept. 20-23 $685pp) 4-Day Fall Color Cruise (Sept. 27-30 | $635pp). Accommodations are provided in 12 double-bunk cabins, and fare includes lodging, all meals and sailing activities.

Throughout the summer months, three two-hour day sails are offered each day – at Noon, 3pm (Moomers Ice Cream Sail) and Evening (6:30pm). Speciality cruises include Microbrew Tastings on Sunday evenings featuring Short’s Brewing Company, Entertainment Cruises with “Song of the Lakes” on Wednesday evenings, and the Wine Tasting Cruises featuring Leelanau Cellars (Tuesday evenings) and Left Foot Charley (Thursday evenings) both including specially-catered Mediterranean cuisine from Silver Swan Homemade foods. In addition, passengers have the option of experiencing an adventuress overnight aboard ship followed by full breakfast as part of the “Floating Bed & Breakfast.”

With a 59 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), internet, email and definitely no itinerary.

In addition to public day sails and multi-day windjammer cruises, the schooner Manitou works with Inland Seas Education Association, providing hands-on environmental education to school kids from throughout the region and state. The Manitou is also available for private charters, making it ideal for corporate outings, wedding parties and family reunions.

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 2013 Manitou sailing adventures, call toll free 800-678-0383 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.