Looking out the window, I am watching the snowfall thinking about the days that I would have been out playing, building forts and having snowball fights with my friends. I can see my son and his friend shoveling my neighbor’s driveway, earning some money. While I feel a sense of pride, I also realize that as much as times have changed, some things have not.
With Ol’ Man Winter finally arriving here in The Mitten, there are a lot of things going on here in Lenawee that allow us to enjoy this winter wonderland. Today, Tecumseh hosted the Ice Sculpture Festival and soon Manitou Beach will host its annual Tip-Up Festival. Over the years, Lenawee has had lots of hotspots for some winter fun including sledding down the hills at Island Park, the Country Club, and Gerber Hill to name a few. There is always ice skating at Arrington Arena, which can be done year round, however, something about this weather makes you want to lace up your skates.
The Annual Tip-Up Festival will be in full swing Friday, February 8-10, 2019. Some of the various activities for you to check out include the Red Light Ride, fishing contests, snowmobile racing, ATV & Bike Oval Track Racing, and a hockey game. If you get a chance, check it out.
Manitou Beach has made great efforts to revitalize the lake area especially along Devils Lake Hwy. If you are looking for good places to eat and get warm during the Tip Up Festival here are a few recommendations…
- Manitou Food & Spirits: (Manitou Beach) Our unique 1/2-pound burger on our FAMOUS onion roll is always cooked fresh to your liking and is sure to tempt the taste buds of any beef-loving burger connoisseur. With toppings ranging from fresh guacamole, locally cut bacon, and even corned beef, they never disappoint. With many delicious selections on our appetizer, sandwich, and entree menus (yes, we have a kid’s menu also!) there is something for everyone. Whether it be the Sweet Heat Pulled Pork Nachos or made-to-order kids Mac & Cheese, you can’t go wrong! We ensure that our ingredients meet a high standard of quality that you can trust.
- Boot Jack Tavern: (Manitou Beach) Good selection of family-friendly entertainment, including live music, trivia nights, and free Wi-Fi. From fried cheese curds to pan-fried perch, you’ll find delicious selections in appetizers, entrees, burgers, and more. Discover the amazing variety of Michigan Craft Beers and Ciders. Located in Manitou Beach near Devils Lake and Round Lake. Open every day
- Sandbar Café, Coffey & Creamery (Manitou Beach) The Sandbar Café, Coffee & Creamery located in the Manitou Beach Village on Devils Lake Highway is a gathering spot where family, friends, neighbors and visitors can find a menu full of house-made breakfast and lunch items, with Signature Items that will be your go-to. Try new taste experiences through our Creations of the Moment! We offer made-in-Michigan favorites Zingerman’s Coffee and Mackinac Island Creamery premium ice creams. Relax in our comfortable indoor and outdoor dining areas. Stay a while and enjoy our free WiFi, play a board game or cards, take a book/leave a book or just enjoy the folks around you! We look forward to welcoming you!
- Poppa’s Place Dos: (Manitou Beach) Poppa’s Place Do’s is a Lakeside Spin-Off of Poppa’s Place in Brooklyn Michigan. Poppa’s is the hottest spot for BBQ ribs, pulled pork /pulled chicken / beef brisket sandwiches, or pulled pork / chicken and beef brisket entrees, famous baked beans, fries and onion rings, mac & cheese, coleslaw and cornbread. Dine-In, take-out and catering. Poppa’s Place Dos also serves breakfast and offers daily specials. Excellent service and a great menu makes Poppa’s Place Dos A can’t miss.
For those that like to work and play in the winter check out these local businesses.
- J&L Motorsports: (Tecumseh) Locally owned and operated since 2005, J & L Motorsports takes great pride in supporting a growing community of Power Sports enthusiasts. Our mission is to establish and maintain long-term, mutually rewarding relationships with the amazing variety of people who are now or soon will be participating in Power Sports activities. For your next Snowmobile, ATV, RZR, General, or Ranger, look to J & L Motorsports in Tecumseh, Michigan. We carry the latest from Polaris and other top manufacturers.
- Bills Service: (Blissfield) Looking for a new snow blower for the late arriving winter season? Contact a company with 3 Generations working in the Outdoor Power business. Our heritage, as a business and a family is a tremendous source of pride for us. Growing, expanding, and learning with our local community has given us great insight into what our customers need and has allowed us to provide them with personal experience they’d be unable to match elsewhere. We’ve also been fortunate to have had 3 generations work for the company. This allows us to sustain an extensive knowledge of equipment, from the most up to date, to those dating back generations, providing every decade of customers with information and service.
Blog Article by: Matt Garno
January 2019
