Movie Tidbits, Trivia & Events Along Michigan’s Lakeshore

With all the buzz about the upcoming Waterfront Film Festival and Michigan’s growing film industry, we thought we’d share some big screen tidbits, trivia and even some local movie event details with you from the Holland & Saugatuck Area Attractions Group.

Crane’s Pie Pantry
On Saturday, June 11, Crane’s Pie Pantry – located in Fennville (Goose City, USA) will be showing the 1996 “Fly Away Home” with Michigan’s own Jeff Daniels and Anna Paquin in what they’re calling Fennville’s own “One Night Film Festival.” This free family movie will be shown in the field own by the corn maze, behind the restaurant. The restaurant will be open until 8pm, so plan on a late dinner before the show begins. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and snacks (although concessions will be sold as well) and settle in for an evening of family fun. Admission begins at 8pm with the movie starting around 8:30/9:00pm (weather permitting). www.cranespiepantry.com |269-561-2297

Fenn ValleyGet your SIDEWAYS on right here at Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville. Winemaker cellar tours are offered at 3pm every Saturday (excluding 6/25) – providing a chance for you to taste from the barrels and tanks as you learn what makes Fenn Valley wines unique. Cost is $8 per person and includes a logo wine glass and $5 coupon. Reservations encouraged. Also, save the date for the Fenn Valley Wine Fest, June 25 (1-5pm), with great wines, tasty ethnic foods, a barrel aging demonstration and music by Natches Trace. Cost is $8 for adults. No reservations required. www.fennvalley.com | 269-561-2396

Dutch Village
Did you know that Nelis’ Dutch Village operates The Bioscoop (a movie theater)? This should be your first stop in the village, where you can enjoy a “Souvenir of Holland” and get a general overview of the Netherlands. Other documentaries are shown throughout the day; the schedule is listed in the daily visitor’s guide.

Dutch Village has been the setting for a Dutch documentary for the VPRO TV network in the Netherlands and has also hosted the filming of three movies and documentaries in the past two years: “What’s Wrong with Virginia” in 2009 and “Return to the Hiding Place” in 2010 (which was also filmed at Windmill Island). Set in 1941, this poignant and riveting World War II film centers around Corrie Ten Boom’s teenage army who fight to save the lives of the innocent during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. It is due out yet this year.

Also of note, wooden shoes – made at Dutch Village – have even been featured in the movie, Elizabethtown and in the series Sex and the City (season 6). www.dutchvillage.com | 616-396-1475

New Holland Brewing
The summer seasonal Golden Cap Saison pays homage to the “flying monkeys” from the Wizard of Oz – written by L. Frank Baum who vacationed in nearby Castle Park! A modern interpretation of a traditional farmhouse ale, Golden Cap is a soft, pale beer that embodies the flavors and aromas of summer fields. New Holland’s Mad Hatter proudly displays an original illustration of the popular character from Alice in Wonderland.

Celebrate Mad Hatter’s Birthday – on Saturday, June 11 (5pm-1am) with a full day of activities and several variations on the “Hatter” theme including seven different Hatter beers and even a couple of spirits. Festivities include a Beer and Cheese Smackdown followed by a Mixology Class. The Bike n' Bar will be available for rides. Guests can also enjoy a Photobooth, complimentary Tea Party snacks, raffle prizes throughout the evening and a Mad Hatter birthday cake you will have to see to believe!!! The cake will be on display through the evening with a carving and toast at 10:06pm. Throughout the night, DJ Snax will be providing the music. There is no cover for this event; no minors allowed after 11pm. www.newhollandbrew.com | 616-335-6422

Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises
Embrace your inner Tom Sawyer with a leisurely float on the Kalamazoo River aboard an authentic sternwheel paddleboat. Bring your binoculars and camera to observe the birds, water fowl and other animals in their natural environment. The shoreline is peppered with color as the spring wildflowers make their appearance for the season. On Friday, June 24, make reservations for the extended cruise from 7-10pm with live music, a picnic lunch and cash bar. Seating is limited and reservations are required. www.saugatuckboatcruises.com | 269-857-4261

Saugatuck Dune Rides
As you head out for your exploration along the Lake Michigan shoreline with Saugatuck Dune Rides (celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer), be sure to check out the former Pine Crest Cabins Motor Court, sitting adjacent to the ticket office on Blue Star Highway. This run-down motor lodge – with its open garage stalls that housed guests’ Model Ts – was used as a set in the 1920s-era movie Road to Perdition. Starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman, this 2001 movie featured a couple local scenes – including a cottage that was constructed (and later torn down) along the beach. www.saugatuckduneride.com | 269-857-2253

Windmill Island
The picturesque setting of Windmill Island & Gardens has been the backdrop for a couple films in recent years.

Holland-born and -raised Hopwood DePree (co-founder of Saugatuck’s Waterfront Film Festival, founder and CEO of TicTock Studios and appointee to the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council) wrote, directed and produced “The Last Big Attraction” which was filmed here in 1999. The film even received one nomination at the Hamptons international Film Festival and won three awards at the Newport International Film Festival. In the movie, Hopwood played Leed VanderWal – a young man poised to assume a key role in his family’s dynasty by inheriting the internationally-recognized tourist attraction – Windmill Island.

Most recently, in 2010, Windmill Island was a primary filming location for the movie, Return of the Hiding Place (which also filmed at Dutch Village). In several scenes in the movie, the authentic 250-year-old DeZwaan Windmill can be seen standing guard over the tulip farms that stretch out along the grassy lawn. The trailer for the movie can be seen online at www.hide-movie.com; the film is due out in 2011. www.cityofholland.com/windmillislandgardens | 616-355-1030

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Spring Arrives Along Lake Michigan Shoreline

In West Michigan, the truest sign of spring is the blossoming of tulips in Holland – just in time for the annual Tulip Time Festival, May 7-14. In addition to the 4.4 million tulips, the area is home to acres of fragrant apple, cherry and peach orchards. Vineyards stretch out along the rolling hillsides and colorful wildflowers dot sugar-sand beaches along the Lake Michigan coastline. You can even find the flavors of spring – and summer – in the form of locally crafted wine and beer. You are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring and all its natural wonders at these seven shoreline attractions:

Crane’s Pie Pantry
Blossoms are blooming throughout the orchards at Crane’s Pie Pantry (6054 124th Avenue (M89), Fennville). Stop out this month and pick up a map which identifies the trees, and walk the orchards which are full of fragrance this time of year. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of your visit (then consider entering the photos in the “Picture Yourself in Allegan County Photo Contest”). The walking tour is free but you must check in first at the Pie Pantry. Sorry, no pets. www.cranespiepantry.com |269-561-2297

Fenn Valley
Join Chef Christine Ferris for a Girls Afternoon out, May 14, as she demonstrates “Cutting the Cheese.” Everything you need to know about selecting, storing and cooking with cheese will be covered. Following the demonstration, participants will enjoy a brunch paired with assorted wines – including the new 2010 releases. Cost is $30 per person. Reservations are required. Winemaker cellar tours are offered at 3pm every Saturday (excluding 6/25) – providing a chance for you to taste from the barrels and tanks as you learn what makes Fenn Valley wines unique. Cost is $8 per person and includes a logo wine glass and $5 coupon. Reservations encouraged. Also, save the date for the Fenn Valley Wine Fest, June 25 (1-5pm), with great wines, tasty ethnic foods, a barrel aging demonstration and music by Natches Trace. Cost is $8 for adults. No reservations required. www.fennvalley.com | 269-561-2396

Dutch Village
Spring rings back a new bunch of animals at Nelis’ Dutch Village. The petting area has featured goats, rabbits, baby chicks and a llama named “Mr. T.” for the past few years, but 2011 brings mini animals to Dutch Village! “Taking a Goat for a Walk” has been one o the most popular attractions for the past two years, and should be again this year. This year’s new animal assortment includes mini pigs (under 12 inches tall), a mini cow, a mini mama horse and her baby and eight mini goats. All the miniature animals are brought in from a special hobby farm in Illinois called the Ahrens Hobby Farm. www.dutchvillage.com | 616-396-1475

New Holland Brewing
Tis the Saison! Or “season” as it translates, tne Holland Brewing Co.’s spring/summer brew, Golden Cap Saison, is currently available at the pub and on retailer shelves throughout the state. A modern interpretation of a traditional farmhouse ale, Golden cap is a soft, pale beer that embodies the flavors and aromas of summer fields. This brew was just awarded a Silver medal at the World Expo of Beer competition in Frankenmuth. In time for Cinco de may, it’s the el Mole Ocho: Mole’ inspired Ale – the spiciest addition to New Holland’s High Gravity family. This beer encompasses the brewer’s exploration into the flavors of mole – the legendary sauce of Central Mexico. El Mole Ocho features malty aroma and a rich, cocoa-laden body, laced with an invigorating tinge of dried chilies and coffee. It’s available in 22-ounce bottles or on tap at the pub. Of course, Tulip Time Festival wouldn’t be complete without New Holland’s Red Tulip Ale and Black Tulip Ale. Red Tulip Ale is brewed in homage to the festival, evoking spring’s renewing spirit. It’s available exclusively at the pub this year. While at the pub, be sure to ask your server or bartender about the selection of Library Beers, including vintage 2005 and 2006 Black Tulip. www.newhollandbrew.com | 616-335-6422

Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises
Explore the Kalamazoo River aboard an authentic sternwheel paddleboat, and view the arrival of spring along the riverbank. Bring your binoculars and camera to observe the birds, water fowl and other animals in their natural environment. The shoreline is peppered with color as the spring wildflowers make their appearance for the season. Trips will be offered at 1pm and 3pm on May 18 and 19. Then, coming up Thursday, May 26 take part in the “Marga-Relay-Ville” Relay for Life fundraiser from 7-9pm. Cost is $30 per person or 2 for $50. The evening will include games, snacks and a cash bar. Then, on Friday, June 24, make reservations for the extended cruise from 7-10pm with live music, a picnic lunch and cash bar. Seating is limited and reservations are required. www.saugatuckboatcruises.com | 269-857-4261

Saugatuck Dune Rides
Explore the Lake Michigan shore sand dunes like never before, with Saugatuck Dune Rides – in celebration of their 30th anniversary! Feel the wind in your hair as you travel out near the site of the former town of Singapore – dubbed Michigan’s Pompeii, as it is buried under the sands. Along the foredunes (the first ridge behind the beach) you’ll see beautiful clusters of yellow harry puccoon, the common milkweed, beach pea, sand cress, smooth rose, bearberry, wild grape, sand cherry and Pitcher’s Thistle (a Federally-threatened wildflower) growing proudly. Migratory birds, such as the Prairie Warbler (Michigan endangered), Eastern Kingbird, Brown Thrasher, Field Sparrow and the Northern Harrier (a migratory raptor listed on the Michigan special concern list), are often seen. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the dunes and all its natural residents! www.saugatuckduneride.com | 269-857-2253

Windmill Island
The focal point of this beautiful oasis on the edge of downtown is the 249 year old working Dutch windmill "De Zwaan" (meaning graceful bird). The windmill, which reaches 125 feet from the ground to the top of the blades, towers over 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes, canals and picnic areas. Spring has exploded on Windmill Island, as more than 150,000 tulips have come into bloom. In the summer, annual plants and flowers decorate the grounds in a sea of color. A visit this premier destination includes old-time Klompen dance performed by girls dressed in folk costumes and wooden shoes; an antique Dutch carousel, featuring hand-carved and painted wooden horses; and the miniature Netherlands Village made by the early settlers. While you’re here, listen to the antique Amsterdam street organ and learn how it works, sample world-famous fudge made with real Dutch cocoa and stop by the souvenir shop for some mementos of your visit, including stone-ground flour from the windmill. www.cityofholland.com/windmillislandgardens | 616-355-1030

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