Cajun Crawl - Blues Concert and Chili Cook-Off

Winter is still around but things are heating up Saturday, Feb. 26 with the Cajun Crawl at the Howmet Playhouse. Start off the evening at Pub 111 in downtown Whitehall with a Chili Cook-Off. $8 gets you chili options with all the fixings and dessert. Drink prices at Pub 111 are very reasonable. Chili served from 5:30 until it's gone!

Then "crawl" down the street to Howmet Playhouse (directly across the street from White Swan Inn) for a hot evening of cool blues. The Hawktones with legendary Grand Rapids blues artist, Junior Valentine will be rocking the house at 7:30 pm. Tickets are only $10!

Need more music? Head back to Pub 111 after the concert for King B and the Buzztones. Don't worry about finding a designated driver, book an overnight stay at White Swan Inn B&B and you can leave your car parked!

Winter Beach Visit

Wonder what it's like to visit the beach at Lake Michigan in the winter? Depending upon the day, the beach might be deserted, peaceful, picturesque, wild, cold, or just plain awesome. I decided to start 2011 with a visit to Lake Michigan and check on this incredible natural wonder. The closest Lake Michigan beaches (White Lake channel and Duck Lake State Park) are just a short drive from White Swan Inn.

The National Weather Service issued gale warnings for New Years Day - a great time to check out the waves! And yes, it was cold!!!!! There was a lone fisherman on the south pier of the White Lake channel. He obviously was dressed for the weather. The waves were rolling down the channel and the winds were gusting around 30 mph (maybe more.) I don't know what the wind chill temp was; all I know is that it was cold. Did I say it was COLD? ... and beautiful as well.

After taking photos, it was back in the car, got to love those heated seats, and back to White Swan Inn for some hot chocolate and a chance to warm up. Book a getaway at White Swan Inn and check out the winter beach scene for yourself.

Winter Sports for Outdoor Adventures

When the snow begins falling in December, everyone anticipates the opening of the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex at Muskegon State Park along Lake Michigan. The area has received measurable snowfall in the last week or so and all activities should be opening soon. Check on current conditions at http://www.msports.org

For winter fun, the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex offers a variety of options. Groomed cross-country ski trails, ice rinks for hockey and family skating, a new sledding hill, expanded ice skating trail, a luge track along with a warming lodge allow you to experience "the lake effect" for yourself. Future blog posts will highlight the unique activities that make up the Winter Sports Complex.
White Swan Inn B&B is just a short, scenic drive from winter fun in West Michigan.