Soups and Chilis, Bourbon and Bacon, and a Winter Walk in the Woods!

There’s a lot to do out there this weekend, starting with 2 days full of activities in Mackinaw City, or 3 days of Bourbon and Bacon at Boyne Highlands! You an enjoy a lantern-lit walk in the woods at the Grass River Natural Area, or sip and savor your way along the Old Mission Peninsula. And of course, don’t forget my favorite event of the winter season, the Downtown Traverse City Chili cook-off on Saturday-maybe I’ll see you there!
 
27th annual Winterfest, January 17th & 18th, Mackinaw City
Its a weekend of Winter Fun in Mackinaw City…with an art exhibit at Mackinaw Clothing from 3-5 on Friday, Snow sculptures at the Marina, and the Outhouse races, Poker Walk, Chili cook-off, Ice Fishing tournament and more on Saturday. Get the complete schedule of events at http://www.mightymac.org/mackinacitywinterfest.htm
  
2nd Annual Bourbon and Bacon Bash at Boyne Highlands, January 17th-19th
Enjoy bourbon and bacon inspired dining specials, the “Sizzler” slope style competition, an on-the-hill cookout, bourbon tasting, a Bourbon Pairing dinner and more. Get all the info at boynehighlands.com/events/2nd-annual-bourbon-and-bacon-bash
  
Lantern-Lit Snowshoe at the Grass River Natural Area, Friday, January 17th, 7-9pm
Join a naturalist on a guided hike through the Grass River’s forest at night to look for sights and sounds of nocturnal animals. Admission is $5. Snowshoes are available for rent for an additional $5. Meet at the Grass River Center and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Get details at grassriver.org
  
OMP Wine Trail’s Winter Warm-Up, Saturday, January 18th, 10am-5pm
Enjoy winter wine pairings with comfort foods on the Old Mission Peninsula. Your ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, plus food and wine stops at 10different wineries. Tickets are $30, or $25 for designated drivers. Get more info at ompwinetrail.com/event/winter-warm-up
  
Downtown TC Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, January 18th, 11am-3:30pm, Park Place Hotel
Local restaurants are bringing the heat, with their best chili recipes for you to sample. Taste your way around the room and vote for your favorite! Proceeds fund downtown TC events through the year, like the Halloween Walk. Get details at https://www.traversecity.com/event-detail/downtown-tc-chili-cook-off/11081/amp/