As winter blankets Traverse City in a snowy embrace, January and February bring forth a host of events and activities that add a touch of magic to the season. At Lakemore Lodge, we invite you to plan your winter getaway around these exciting events that promise to make your stay in Traverse City unforgettable. In this blog post, explore the winter wonders awaiting you in January and February, ensuring a cozy and eventful retreat at Lakemore Lodge.

1. ICE WINE WEEKEND (Late January): Building on 30+ years of ice wine making and hospitality expertise, Chateau Chantal will host its annual Michigan Ice Wine Harvest Festival. Known as the "Nectar of the Gods," Ice wine is made from grapes frozen on the vine.  Harvested during temperatures between 15 to 18 degrees F, the grapes are pressed while still frozen, this year, on January 10th. The wine is known for its incredible natural sweetness and fruitiness, with all the delicate characters of a fine Riesling wine.   Decadent apricot, toasted caramel, and baked apple drench your palate with balanced sweetness in this stunning dessert wine.  In celebration of this remarkable wine, festival events will range from family friendly snowman building and ice sculptures to outdoor fire pits with roasted treats.  The winery's walking trail will be open for snowshoeing or skiing.  Bring your own snow gear to experience winter in the vineyard.  The festival will culminate with a multi-course Ice Wine education dinner on Saturday, including a tour of the cellar and winemaking process.  Samples of multiple Ice Wines and pairing will be on hand all weekend.

2. TRAVERSE CITY COMEDY FEST (Late January): Laughter is the best medicine, and the Traverse City Comedy Festival delivers doses of hilarity to warm up your winter nights. Enjoy performances by talented comedians at various venues across the city, bringing joy and mirth to the season.

3. 11TH ANNUAL IRON FISH DISTILLERY FAT CHANCE FAT TIRE BIKE RACE (Late January): Fat Chance is the staple of fat biking in Northern Michigan, and is back again for another legendary race at Crystal Mountain with new and familiar faces. The Fat Chance Fat Tire Bike Race is part of the Tour De Fat Race Series.

4. TURTLE CREEK CASINO & HOTEL 250 SNOWMOBILE RACE (Late January): Midwest International Racing Association (MIRA), the fastest growing snowmobile organization in the country, announced the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel 250 race will commence at the Grand Traverse Town Center in Acme on Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28, 2024. Traverse City has always been a snowmobile mecca with great topography for riding and racing, plus, it offers all the amenities needed for a large scale event.

5. 48TH ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN VASA RACE (Early February): Since 1977, the North American Vasa has celebrated winter sports and an active, healthy community. The race has constantly evolved, challenged skiers, and focused on fostering a community of winter athletes that has grown to include classic and skate skiers, fat bikers, and snowshoers!

6. THE CHILLY CHILI COOK OFF (Early February): Join the fun Saturday February 10th from 2-5pm on the Piazza at The Village in Traverse City for an afternoon of rock music and Chili! Northern Michigan businesses will prepare their best chili for a chance at People’s Choice favorite Chili. Tickets required.

7. TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK (Late February): Savor the flavors of Traverse City during Restaurant Week, a culinary celebration that showcases the city's diverse and delectable dining scene. Participating restaurants offer special menus and discounts, making it the perfect opportunity to indulge in a winter feast.

8. MAPLE SUGARING DAYS (Early March): Join the fun on March 2-3, 2024, from 10 am-3 pm for Maple Sugaring Days, the first-ever maple sugaring event at the Lakeshore. Come experience the sugaring process through time. Learn the history of maple sugaring from the Anishinaabe, then travel to the present day at the Olsen Farm. End your adventure by sampling warm syrup or making maple taffy. Maple Sugaring Days is presented by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in partnership with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. This event is in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians' Natural Resource Department.

Traverse City's January and February events add a special charm to the winter season, offering a variety of activities for every interest. Whether you're a foodie, a comedy enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the arts, Traverse City has something for you. At Lakemore Lodge, we invite you to plan your winter getaway around these exciting events, providing a cozy retreat after a day of winter wonders in Traverse City. Let the city's festive spirit and Lakemore Lodge's warm hospitality make your winter stay truly magical. Book your stay at Lakemore Lodge HERE.