As leaves begin to swirl in a kaleidoscope of fall colors and apples ripen in hues of yellows, reds, and greens, it’s time to celebrate Southwest Michigan’s harvest at Apple Fest 2024. Hosted by award winning Virtue Cider, enjoy live music, orchard and farm tours, tastings of their proper farmhouse cider, and much more on their sustainable solar-powered farm.
The festivities kick off on Saturday, October 12th from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. EST (2170 62nd St., Fennville, MI) with live bands, a pig roast, face painting, and a bustling bonfire where guests can relish the crisp autumn air while exploring the charming Norman French-style cider houses. The celebration continues on Sunday, October 13th from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. EST with a variety of programming open to all ages. Guests over 21 have the option to delve into the world of cider making with founder Gregory Hall and Virtue’s cidermakers on a production tour, exploring the intricacies of the fermentation, blending, and barrel-aging processes — or talk all things apples and proper farmhouse cider on a guided cider tasting.
Guests of all ages can also join a guided farm and orchard tour to experience Virtue Farm’s flora and fauna, visit the heritage breed animals, and meander amongst the orchards. No reservations or entry fees are required for this exciting celebration, but those interested in booking tours and guided tastings can do so in advance on Virtue’s website here.
ABOUT VIRTUE CIDER: Founded in 2013 by award-winning Goose Island Beer Company brewmaster Gregory Hall, Virtue Cider crafts proper farmhouse cider from local heirloom fruit on a sustainable solar-powered farm in Fennville, Michigan. Following a two-month pilgrimage to study the craft of cider in England and France, Hall brought traditional techniques from faraway lands to Virtue Farm, located in one of the country’s best apple-growing climates.
The Norman French-style cider houses are located on over 48 acres of grasslands, surrounded by an array of Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs and chickens, and house several below-ground fermentation tanks, naturally cooled and heated by the Michigan climate.
Virtue Farm also features a full taproom with tasting flights, handhelds, and charcuterie selections, offers guided tastings and tours, and supplies seasonal bottle selections for Virtue Cider’s national Cider Society subscription service.
This November, taste your way through Old Mission Peninsula during the annual Mac & Cheese Bake-Off! Spend the day with family and friends touring the rolling hills and stunning views as the OMP Wine Trail Wineries once again partner with local chefs for a favorite wine and food pairing event that’s perfect for cheese lovers on Saturday, November 30th from 10am-5pm.
The Mac & Cheese Bake-off pairs the exquisite wines of Old Mission Peninsula with deliciously unique macaroni and cheese recipes from local chefs partnered with each of the ten OMP Wine Trail wineries. Each dish will be expertly paired with an Old Mission Peninsula wine from the partner winery along with special wine features, discounts, and more. Event goers are in control of the competition—each given the important task to vote for their favorites: best pairing, cheesiest dish, and best overall. Winners will receive their rightful place in history as winners of the 2024 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off.
Arriving on the heels of Thanksgiving, this annual event lets you break the monotony of leftovers to indulge in a classic, cheesy, comfort food. “Our favorite part is the creativity that the chefs show in their interpretations of macaroni and cheese, and how each pairs with the wine,” comments Caitlin Hammond, Director of Operations at Peninsula Cellars. “We love showcasing Traverse City’s great culinary talent and feel so lucky that local families and friends continue to make our wineries a part of their holiday traditions.” Tickets for the 2024 Great Mac & Cheese Bake-Off are now available. This is a sell-out event with a limited number of tickets available.
Tickets include a souvenir glass in addition to food and wine pairings. New this year, attendees can purchase the Noodle Fanatic Package to receive macaroni merchandise along with their ticket! Designated Driver tickets are also available for purchase. (DD ticket holders do not receive a souvenir glass, but tickets do include food and non-alcoholic beverages.)
Participating wineries include 2 Lads, Black Star Farms on Old Mission Peninsula, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Peninsula Cellars, Mari Vineyards, and Tabone Vineyards.
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, a collection of ten distinct wineries, is an unparalleled experience on the Old Mission Peninsula of Traverse City, Michigan. Stretching 19 miles into Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula is only four miles wide at its broadest point. Old Mission Peninsula’s stunning appellation and proximity to Lake Michigan provide not only an ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes, but a breathtaking travel destination as well.
For your enjoyment, here’s a winning recipe and wine pairing from the past.
Winner: Best Pairing
Smokehouse Mac Shack Taco Mac & Cheese with Mari Vineyards 2016
Scriptorium Riesling
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef
1/4 cup chopped lettuce
1 chopped tomato
1/2 chopped yellow onion
2 cups of your favorite noodles
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons of flour
Salt & pepper to taste
Taco seasoning
Scallions & sour cream for garnish
Instructions
Add chopped onion to oil in a skillet. Cook until translucent.
Add ground beef and taco seasoning and cook through, and drain of oil and set aside.
Cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a new pan, add butter, flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux. Add cheddar cheese. Add heavy cream
until sauce is creamy.
Add noodles to cheese sauce & stir.
On a plate, layer corn chips. Add 1/3 cup of Mac & cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup of ground beef.
Dream Yacht Worldwide is expanding its cabin charters and offering new itineraries, more departures and new fleet additions lined up for 2025! There are more opportunities for non-sailors to travel by sea as well! Thought you might be interested in what’s new with Dream Yacht Worldwide. Let me know if you have questions!
Dream Yacht Worldwide (DYW), a leading global sea-based vacation company, has announced a renewed focus on its tourism products geared toward customers with no sailing experience. Making vacations at sea more accessible has long been a Dream Yacht motto and the expansion of its cabin charter program is an important step in opening new customer segments for Dream Yacht.
Great options for groups, solo travelers, and couples, cabin voyages are ideal for those with limited or no sailing skills and offer one of the most relaxing sailing opportunities. Cabin charters offer travelers a private ensuite stateroom on a spacious catamaran with meals, boating operations and activities included and overseen by Dream Yacht’s seasoned sailing staff.
“Cabin charters are a fantastic way to experience the joys of sailing! By booking an individual private stateroom on a large crewed catamaran, cabin charters offer one of the most affordable and hassle-free ways for singles, couples, or groups to comfortably explore the world by sea and meet other world travelers,” shared Loïc Bonnet, founder of Dream Yacht Worldwide.
The company has announced new global cabin charter sailing offerings with additions to its fleet and itineraries:
NEW CABIN CHARTER DESTINATIONS / ITINERARIES
Explore more of Thailand year-round: “Koh Samui Dream Premium” (offered May to Oct) – Travelers embarking on a trip to Thailand can now include Koh Samui on their travel bucket list. Offered from May to October, guests can sail Koh Samui during Phuket’s low-season since both areas have inverted monsoon climates, allowing travelers to enjoy Thailand any time of year. Highlights of the 8 days/7 nights “Koh Samui Dream Premium” itinerary include Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Starting from $1,989 per person.
Simpler Sailing in Greece: Travelers can enjoy “Athens Dream Premium” on a Bali 5.4 to cruise the Saronic Gulf going through Aegina, Hydra, Spetses, Epidavros, and more. Due to lighter winds than in the Cyclades, the Saronic Gulf is a suitable sailing vacation destination for non-sailors. Starting from $1,386 per person.
Explore French Polynesia: Guests can now benefit from a 4 nights/5 days one-way itinerary from Raiatea to Bora Bora called “Bora Bora Pearl Dream” – this itinerary is particularly well suited for guests combining resort stays on these beautiful islands with a sailing vacation to see even more of French Polynesia’s natural beauty. This new option compliments other Dream Yacht cabin charter vacations in the region: “Rangiroa Dream Premium” (4 nights), “Bora Bora Dream Premium” (7 nights – now starting on Thursdays), and “Polynesia Dream Premium” (10 nights). Starting from $1,139 per person.
FLEET EXPANSION
Due to the high demand for “Dream Capri Premium” cabin cruises from Naples, Italy, Dream Yacht is expanding its fleet and is happy to offer twice the capacity for departures during the Mediterranean high season from mid-June to mid-September in 2025 compared to 2024. On this carefully curated cruise of the Amalfi coast and Phlegraean Islands, guests can see Procida’s colorful waterfront, Ischia’s Sant’Angelo bay, Capri village and the Li Galli islands. The impressive beauty of Positano, Sorrento and Ravello is jaw-dropping. Starting from $1,386 per person.
Dream Yacht is also increasing the number of available departures in French Polynesia on its “Bora Bora Dream Premium” itinerary through the addition of three new 54-ft-sailing catamarans to the fleet. The 8 days/7 nights cruise offers a hassle-free tour of the best of French Polynesia cruising including Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine and the crown jewel of French Polynesia, Bora Bora. Starting from $1,661 per person.
The fleet in Martinique will also receive three new six-cabin-catamarans. A significant investment into the Martinique fleet which translates into better availability for Dream Yacht’s “Dream Grenadines Premium” cabin charters. This itinerary sets sail in the calm anchorage at Le Marin on Martinique. The islands of Bequia, Mustique, and Mayreau are next. Afterwards the Tobago Cays will welcome guests with their beautiful reefs. Trips to Saint Lucia and Saint Anne round out this unforgettable 8-day-adventure. – Starting from $1,309 per person
The constant rejuvenation of its fleet allows Dream Yacht to consistently provide great comfort on board their catamarans. All cabins come with en-suite bathrooms. Spacious common areas are available inside and outside the yacht for guests to relax and enjoy the ever changing views while the crew takes them to the highlights of each chosen destination.
SPECIAL EDITION CRUISES
These special cabin charter itineraries are not part of Dream Yacht’s regular program and only available for a limited time on select dates. For 2025 the special edition destinations will be:
The Bahamas: “Abacos Dream Special Edition”, offered weekly for 4 consecutive weeks starting March 1, 2025. Highlights of the 8 days/7 nights itinerary include a visit to Nippers Bar on Great Guana Cay for their famous Sunday hog roast, snorkeling at Sandy Cay N.P., a visit to the well-photographed red and white striped lighthouse on Elbow Cay, and putting your toes in the soft white sand of Tahiti Beach. – Starting from $2,305 per person
Croatia: “Dubrovnik Dream Special Edition”, offered weekly for 4 consecutive weeks starting June 21, 2025. Highlights of the 8 days/7 nights itinerary include: Korcula with some of the best beaches in the area to explore by boat and small-town wineries for an authentic taste of Croatia, forest-shrouded Mljet national park and historic Dubrovnik with its thick city walls. Starting from $2,063 per person.
NEW SAIL SHARE ITINERARY
Sail Share charters are a special type of cabin charter package with set itineraries, half board meals and watersports included. Guests can now enjoy a week of social sailing on a spacious 47-ft-monohull with skipper and host(ess) through the Kornati islands on “Sail Share Kornati”, leaving from Zaton, Croatia. Natural sights like the Telascica Park with its towering cliffs, the turquoise, crystal-clear waters around Kaprije Island, and the beautiful waterfalls in the Krka national park await. Starting from $919 per person.
Other available Sail Share destinations are Dubrovnik, Croatia and Corfu, Greece.
For more information on Dream Yacht Worldwide and its global sailing experiences, visit www.dreamyachtcharter.com.
Expanded Programming Offers Visitors an Inside Look into the World of Whiskey Making, Beam Family History, and Eight Generations of Craftsmanship as the Clermont Campus Celebrates 90 Years of Craftsmanship.
Behind the Beam
A behind the scenes tour with the First Family of Bourbon, taste our finest whiskies and a few of the most sought-after new releases paired with a Kentucky inspired lunch at The Kitchen Table and storytelling led by a Master Distiller.
Making America’s Native Spirit isn’t a process. Here in Clermont, it’s a 225-year tradition. Get a glimpse behind the scenes at the production methods that helped the First Family of Bourbon build the World’s Favorite Bourbon and an innovative portfolio of small batch whiskies.
In Behind The Beam, you’ll be guided on a behind the scenes tour of the Fred B. Noe Distillery, bottle your own Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve, and enjoy tasting and storytelling led by a Master Distiller. Following the tour, you’ll be treated to some of Beam’s finest whiskies and a few of the most sought-after new releases paired with a Kentucky inspired lunch at The Kitchen Table.
In addition to your tour, tasting, and Kentucky-inspired lunch each experience will highlight a different aspect of the production process or how to utilize Beam Distilling made whiskies in your favorite cocktails.
2024 Behind the Beam Dates & Theme:
Themes:
Behind The Beam – Maturation Matters
Ever wonder what it’s like to go select barrels with a Master Distiller? Join Fred and Freddie Noe on an experience through the historic warehouses of James B. Beam Distilling Co. where you’ll learn the secrets of how time, temperature, and wood impact the World’s #1 Bourbon.
Behind The Beam – Little Book® + Country Ham
When Freddie Noe set out to make his own mark on the bourbon industry, he wanted to honor his grandfather Booker by creating a product with one attribute in mind: Flavor. Little Book™ was born with the goal of creating the most flavorful American Whiskey on the planet, using a variety of bourbons, ryes, and single malt whiskeys in the final blend.
Join Freddie Noe as he takes you through the process of blending a new batch of Little Book and taste Little Book against other traditional bourbons to showcase the contrast and what blending can do to elevate flavors. After, you’ll join Freddie to showcase how his innovative flair extends to a family heirloom: Freddie’s country ham. Whether it be in bourbon or cooking, the Beam family has always pushed the boundaries of flavor.
Behind The Beam – Cocktails
Fred and Freddie love nothing more than using Beam bourbons to make libations the world over. Yet with so much mixology experience, what are the favorite cocktails of the Master Distillers of the First Family of Bourbon? An immersive mixology experience in which you’ll explore which cocktails pair best with Beam Distilling brands.
2024 Behind the Beam Dates & Theme:
Thursday October 24th, 2024 – Little Book® + Country Ham
France ranks first in the list of top destinations for wine lovers with the highest amount of wine production, contributing to the highest wine consumption per capita as well.
Spain has the largest vineyard area, at 945K hectares, supporting a wine production of 2,833 million liters.
Argentina offers the most affordable mid-range wine at $4.00 per bottle.
Ubuy recently analyzed more than 50 countries to identify the best for wine lovers. Key factors included wine production volume, consumption per capita, vineyard areas, wine imports, and the price of mid-range bottles. The composite score was calculated considering all five metrics for each country.
Country
Population
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) (Markets)
Wine Consumption per Capita
Vineyard Surface Area (in hectares)
Wine Production (millions of liters)
Wine Imports (millions of liters)
Composite Score
France
64,756,584
$8.70
53.7
792,023
4,803
595
88.09
Italy
58,743,490
$7.62
40.3
719,955
3,829
203
73.37
Spain
47,486,443
$7.62
29.3
945,061
2,833
54
67.65
Germany
83,264,727
$6.52
25.2
103,687
860
1,357
61.03
Portugal
10,229,884
$5.44
50.3
182,000
752
297
57.78
United States
341,347,980
$15.00
13.9
391,538
2,429
1,227
54.06
United Kingdom
67,903,439
$12.05
27.5
3,800
–
1,233
50.08
Argentina
45,985,165
$4.00
24.0
204,847
881
1
46.79
Chile
19,651,487
$5.52
21.8
172,000
1,103
2
44.73
China
1,425,341,345
$13.86
–
755,719
317
249
43.80
France ranks first among the top countries for wine lovers, with a composite score of 88.09. The country has the highest wine production, which contributes to its also having the highest wine consumption per capita at 53.7. With one of the highest vineyard surface areas at 792 thousand hectares, France secured its top spot in the list.
Italy ranks second with a composite score of 73.37. Italian vineyards, covering 719 thousand hectares, contribute to wine production, while Italians enjoy a strong 40.3 liters per capita annually. The price per mid-range bottle in Italy is $7.62.
Spain is the thirdcountry on the list for wine lovers, with a composite score of 67.65. Its high position is secured by its largest vineyard area, at 945 thousand hectares, supporting a wine production of 2,833 million liters. People drink an average of 29.3 liters of wine per person, enjoying bottles priced at $7.62.
With a composite score of 61.03, Germanyis fourth, thanks to its wine imports of 1,357 million liters, which is the highest on the list. With its diverse preferences, the German market enjoys mid-range wines priced at $6.52 per bottle.
Portugal, with a composite score of 57.78, is the fifth country on the list for wine lovers. The country earned its position by having the second-highest per capita wine consumption, at 50.3 liters, with 752 million liters of wine produced from 182,000 hectares of vineyards.
The United States is ranked sixth on the list of the top countries for wine lovers,scoring 54.06. Although it has the third highest number of wine imports, the country has the lowest consumption rate at 13.9 liters per person and the highest price for a mid-range bottle at $15.
The United Kingdom comes in seventh place, with a composite score of 50.08. The country has the smallest vineyard area, at only 3,800 hectares, which explains why it has the second-highest wine import volume, totaling 1,233 million liters. The UK’s wine consumption per capita stands at 27.5 liters, with a higher mid-range bottle price of $12.05.
Argentina ranks seventh with a composite score of 46.79. It offers the most affordable mid-range wine at $4.00 per bottle. The country has 204 thousand hectares of vineyards, producing 881 million liters of wine. Argentina’s wine consumption is high at 24.0 liters per capita.
https://www.totalwine.com/wine/chile/c/000271Chile claims the ninth spot with a score of 43.80. The country offers a slightly higher mid-range wine price at $5.52 per bottle compared to Argentina. Chile’s vineyards span 172K hectares, supporting a wine production of 1,103 million liters. Although wine consumption per capita is lower at 21.8 liters, Chile effectively uses its vineyard space to produce quality wines.
China is rounding up the list of the top countries for wine lovers, with a composite score of 44.73. China’s wine production is relatively low at 317 million liters despite having a large vineyard area of 755,719 hectares.
Having a great time attending last year’s Bourbon Classic, I was more than happy to hear that weekend tickets are now on sale for the 2025 annual celebration of the best of the best in Bourbon, culinary and cocktails after shattering attendance records in 2024.
Tickets are available at BourbonClassic.com. The event will be held February 19 – 22, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.
The 2025 Bourbon Classic weekend events will take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Louisville, an easy walking distance to the nearby urban distilleries.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN BOURBON
The Bourbon Classic weekend promises an unforgettable experience for Bourbon lovers. Signature events include:
Cocktail and Culinary Challenge (Friday, February 21) – Witness the masters at work as bartenders create exquisite Bourbon cocktails paired with delicious Bourbon-inspired cuisine from the region’s top chefs.
Bourbon University (Saturday, February 22) – Deepen your Bourbon knowledge with industry experts leading discussions, demonstrations, and tastings.
TASTE (Saturday, February22) – The grand finale features tastings from top Bourbon brands, delectable food pairings from featured restaurants, and unique Bourbon-inspired products.
ENHANCING THE EXPERIENCE IN 2025
Early Entry for VIP: VIP ticket holders will now enjoy early access to the Amber Lounge, allowing them to get a head start on exploring the exclusive VIP tastings and experiences before doors open to the main event.
Speedier Entry: All ticket holders can look forward to enhanced procedures to minimize wait times and get into the Bourbon fun faster.
Expanded Bottle Sales: Attendees can look forward to an enhanced bottle sales experience.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Classic back to the KICC and continue providing an intimate, top-shelf experience for all. We’re proud of our partnership with the Bourbon and hospitality industries, and excited for the future!”
– Bourbon Classic co-founder Seth Thompson
The Bourbon Classic is operated by Tony Butler of FSA Management Group and The Bourbon Review’s Seth Thompson.
EVENT DETAILS AND TICKETS
Tickets for the 2025 Bourbon Classic weekend events are available for purchase now at BourbonClassic.com. Information about additional events will be announced soon.
PARTNERING HOTEL (Preferred Rate)
A preferred rate is available at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 W. Jefferson St. The hotel is a short walk to the weekend venue, the Kentucky International Convention Center. The terrific downtown location is in close range to Whiskey Row, dining, and major visitor experiences. CLICK HERE to access the preferred rate.
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Founded in 2012 by FSA Management Group and The Bourbon Review, Bourbon Classic brings together the best of the Bourbon and culinary worlds through a collection of rare, interactive events. Infused with exceptional tastings, workshops and unrivaled sips, these events are sure to thrill any Bourbon connoisseur and enthusiast. Bourbon Classic events will take place February 19 – 22, 2025, in Louisville, the gateway to all the heritage and innovation of Kentucky’s Bourbon Country. Information is available at https://www.bourbonclassic.com.
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Creekside Growers, this Field to Vase Dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the artistry of local wine paired with the beauty of locally grown flowers, the bounty of Michigan’s agriculture, and the culinary delights that highlight the best of local produce. Guests will dine amidst the blooming fields, enjoying a farm-to-table meal that showcases the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Farmhouse Deli. Photo courtesy of Farmhouse Deli.
Michigan Wine Collaborative member wineries Modales, Domaine Berrien, and MAWBY will be providing the wines for the dinner. prepared by Chef Christine Ferris of Farmhouse Deli in Douglas, Michigan. Guests will delight in a curated menu that emphasizes local and sustainable ingredients, and of course expertly paired with local and sustainable wines.
Southwest Michigan is home to two of the state’s AVAs with Fennville being the oldest AVA in Michigan and the third to be established in the United States. Modales calls Fennville home. Their commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture and to the people who make the finished wines possible shine through in each glass of wine produced on the estate.
Their neighbors to the south, Domaine Berrien, are the first and only Rhone Rangers not only in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA but the entire Midwest. Specializing in the Rhone Valley varietals, Syrah, Viognier, Rousanne, and Marsanne, Domaine Berrien also hosts a wide array of vinifera and hybrid varieties.
Representing Leelanau Peninsula AVA is another significant producer, MAWBY, who planted its first vines in 1973. MAWBY is the authority on sparkling wine production in Michigan. For 50 years MAWBY has helped Michigan sparkle. With an emphasis on classic production techniques, sustainable farming methods and quality customer service.
These three producers are coming together to provide a variety of wines for Field to Vase that will represent the diversity and prestige of the Michigan wine industry. Just like the flowers and the food, the wine will be 100% local as well as expertly paired.
“This collaboration of agriculture, artistry, and passion will prove to be a vibrant experience that guests of the dinner will cherish for years to come.” Says Emily Dockery, Executive Director of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, “We hope that these guests will form an emotional connection with Michigan wine that inspires them into planning trips to Michigan wine country regularly and emboldens them to demand local wines at their favorite wine shops, retailers, and restaurants.”
Tickets for the Field to Vase Dinner at Creekside Growers are limited and expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Eventbrite page.
About Certified American Grown. Certified American Grown is a diverse community of cut flower and foliage farmers from across the
United States. As the voice for domestic farms, CAG works towards sustainability and prosperity through a unified voice, effective advocacy, and strategic promotion. Certified American Grown flower and foliage farms participate in an independent, third-party supply-chain audit to verify both origin and assembly of the flowers and foliage grown. When it appears on bouquets, bunches, packaging or signage, the iconic brand mark instills consumer confidence in place of origin. For more information about Certified American Grown, visit americangrownflowers.org.
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is the voice of the Michigan wine industry. Our mission is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting wineries, growers, and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry – today and for future generations.
For media inquiries and more information, contact us by reaching out to info@michiganwinecollaborative.com or send us a message on social media.
Voting Michigan Wine Collaborative Members and Premium Vintage Michigan members are eligible for exclusive discounts on admission to the dinner. Those members will be emailed instructions for purchasing discounted tickets. Feel free to CONTACT US for that code or Join MWC OR Vintage Michigan to unlock benefits and discounts all year long!
The highly anticipated Aurora Season in Fairbanks begins on August 21, once again offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring northern lights. Spanning August 21 to April 21, this eight-month viewing period allows countless opportunities to experience the aurora borealis in all its glory.
Aurora Season in Fairbanks is consistent each year due to the area’s prime location under the Auroral Oval, where aurora activity is concentrated. This advantageous position ensures that Fairbanks remains one of the best places on Earth to view the northern lights, regardless of the solar cycle.
The solar cycle, which spans approximately 11 years, influences the level of activity on the sun’s surface, including sunspots. These sunspots are closely tied to aurora activity. During the solar maximum, when sunspot activity peaks, there is an increase in aurora displays at lower latitudes, such as the northern part of the Lower 48. Conversely, during the solar minimum, when sunspot activity is low, aurora visibility is generally confined to areas under the Auroral Oval, such as Fairbanks.
Fairbanks’ location under the Auroral Oval means that any aurora activity, even at the lowest levels, is visible here, making Fairbanks a top destination for aurora viewing.
Explore Fairbanks invites travelers from around the world to experience the magic of Aurora Season. With the return of the aurora borealis, visitors can expect unforgettable experiences, from guided aurora tours to cozy accommodations offering prime viewing opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or a first-time visitor, Fairbanks offers the perfect backdrop for witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. Plan your visit today and prepare to be captivated by the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.
About Explore Fairbanks
Explore Fairbanks is a non-profit marketing and management organization whose mission is to be an economic driver in the Fairbanks region by marketing to potential visitors, optimizing the visitor experience and advocating for a thriving year-round visitor industry. Explore Fairbanks markets Fairbanks as a year-round destination by promoting local events, attractions and activities to independent travellers, group tour operators, travel agents, meeting planners and the media as well as by developing public policy and infrastructure to achieve marketing objectives. Find out more at explorefairbanks.com
I will giving a talk and signing copies of my books tomorrow at Forever Books in downtown St. Joseph at 6:30 EST.
Among the books I’ll be talking about is Classic Restaurants of Michiana. Here is what my publisher wrote about it:
“Once a stagecoach stop, The Old Tavern Inn has been open since the time of President Andrew Jackson. Tosi’s is known for its gorgeous starlit garden and gastronomic traditions stretching back almost a century, and The Volcano was amongst the first pizzerias in the country. These restaurants and other classic eateries remain part of the thriving local food scene. But the doors of others have long been closed. Some like Mead’s Chicken Nook and Robertson’s Tea Room linger in memories while The Owl Saloon, O. A. Clark’s Lunch Rooms, and Lobster Lounge are long lost to time.
“Award-winning author Jane Simon Ammeson leads a culinary road trip through Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.”
I’ll also be discussing America’s Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness, a true crime story that took place in LaPorte, Indiana back around the turn of the last century.
Millions of viewers tuned in to watch scores of people line the banks of the Seine River to witness the first floating parade of nations, the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron in the Jardin des Tuileries, and televised segments spanning French culture and craftsmanship. In honor of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, luxury travel company Zicasso is thrilled to announce their latest customizable 14-day Highlights of France tour.
The itinerary seamlessly blends the excitement of the Olympic spirit with the timeless allure of France’s most iconic destinations, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and luxury without the Olympic-sized crowds. From the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil vineyards of Bordeaux, and the sun-drenched coastline of the South of France, each day will immerse travelers in the rich heritage that will be on full display.
Prices for this 14-day itinerary through France start at $9,795 per person and includes stops in:
Arrival in Paris with a private transfer to your 4-star accommodation;
Taste authentic food products at local markets and enjoy a private cooking class;
Explore France’s legendary craftsmanship at the famed haute-couture stores along the Champs-Élysées, including Louis Vuitton, the maker of the 2024 Olympic Medal Trunk, Torch Trunk, and the Medal Trays for the medal ceremonies;
Discover the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral (pending availability during continued restoration work) and the artistic treasures of the Louvre on a private tour.
Indulge in the opulence of Monaco, with visits to Monte-Carlo Casino and scenic city tours;
Conclude with a final wine-tasting tour in the Provencal countryside before departure.
Courtesy of Saint Paul De Vence
With the global spotlight on France during the Olympics, interest in visiting the cities and countryside locations is sure to reach new traveling audiences. This itinerary not only showcases Zicasso’s carefully curated trip planning, but also offers an unparalleled experience that continues the celebration of France’s culture and heritage beyond the Olympic Games.
Priced at $9,795 per person, the 14-day Highlights of France tour as described includes premium accommodations, meals as listed, guided tours and tastings, as well as all ground transfers (international airfare is not included). As with all Zicasso itineraries, this itinerary can be completely customized to an individual traveler’s interests or needs.
