Suds & Snow: Microbrews Meet Snowshoes in Traverse City

SUDS & SNOW: A WINTRY MICROBREW EXPERIENCE

IN THE TRAVERSE CITY WOODS

From the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau

          TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Every winter, beer aficionados in Michigan’s Traverse Bay region face the same problem.

          Thanks to its large German, Bohemian and Polish population, this Lake Michigan resort area has always had a healthy appreciation for the brewer’s art. In recent years a half-dozen microbreweries and brewpubs have sprouted up around the region, and as soon as the snow begins to fall, those talented brewmasters begin devising spicy wheat beers, fragrant ales, creamy porters and rich dark stouts for the discerning palates of their fans.

          Each deserves our respectful attention – but how in the world does one consume so much seasonal cheer without acquiring a waistline of Dickensian proportions?

          Kristin Levesque’s answer to this perennial problem is simple: snowshoeing. Nothing burns off excess carbohydrates faster than schlepping through a wintry pine forest on a pair of snowshoes, she says.

          And Levesque should know. She’s co-owner of the Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, an all-season recreation center in the forested hills above Grand Traverse Bay. With an extensive on-site trail system offering access to the famed North American Vasa Trail, Timber Ridge does a brisk winter business with cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Last year, the resort devised the perfect wedding of brew-tasting and exercise.

          The event is called “Suds & Snow,” and it’s a day-long celebration of specialty brewing, outdoor fun, food and music that allows microbrew aficionados, snowshoe hikers and other fun-loving types to mingle in midwinter – with all the proceeds donated to charity. The inaugural event was such a huge success that organizers expect to double their attendance this year.

          “People have been asking us about Suds & Snow since the day after the event last year,” said Levesque, who says she’s been looking forward to the March 1 event as if it were a party with her closest friends. “One thing we can say about this crowd, regardless of experience level, is that they all like to have a good time!”

          This year’s Suds & Snow will feature creations from such well-established Michigan breweries as Arbor Brewing, Bell’s, Dark Horse, Founder’s, Jolly Pumpkin and New Holland, as well as four microbreweries in the immediate Traverse City area: Leelanau Brewing, Right Brain Brewery, Short’s Brewery and Traverse Brewing.

          Russell Springsteen, whose Right Brain Brewery has just opened in Traverse City’s tiny warehouse district (where it shares space with a hair styling salon) said he’s excited at the prospect of introducing his new line of brews at Suds & Snow. “We’re happy to kick off our tasting tours right here in Northern Michigan,” he said.

          In addition, the menu will include some solid foods: palate-pleasing soups, sandwiches, and small plates from Mackinaw Brewing, TraVino, Freshwater Lodge, Schelde’s and other well-known Traverse City restaurants. There are even a few alternatives for attendees who don’t want to spend all their outdoor time on snowshoes – like live music and winter volleyball.

          Suds & Snow will last from 2 to 7 p.m. on March 1. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, while they last. (Purchase includes a commemorative pint glass, two tasting tickets, and a trail pass for on-site pick up.  Additional beer and food tasting tickets are $1 each.) The beneficiary of this year’s proceeds will be Bethany, a family-centered foster care and adoption agency.

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