While the hunters are away…the “dears” will play!
Deer hunting in Michigan is big business with hunters spending more time afield than in any other state or Canadian province. Last year 1.6 million hunting licenses were sold for both bow hunting and firearms.
On November 15 deer hunters will take to the road again in their camouflage attire as Michigan’s firearm deer hunting season opens and runs through November 30.
Since hunters spend more than $500 million every season for gear, food, lodging and other items, it makes an excellent case for hunting widowers to make tracks to indulge in their own weekend. From soothing spas, winery tours, power retreats to scrapbook sessions, Michigan offers up many ways non-hunting spouses can have their own shot at a great weekend.
Prime Outlets in Birch Run will offer the 15th Annual Deer Widows Weekend running from November 12-14. Shoppers can take aim at plenty of bargains and fun activities. On Saturday, doors open two hours early at 8:00 am, and on Sunday doors open two hours early at 9:00 am. Shoppers can take a side trip to Frankenmuth to visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland and enjoy a Bavarian or family style chicken dinner at the Bavarian Inn or Zehnder’s on Main Street.
Attend the Deer Widow’s Weekend on November 13 at the Holiday Inn Express in Petoskey. The event runs from 4 to 9 pm. The fee is just $10 and attendees can shop products from Lia Sophia, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware and Party Lite along with wine and food. Pre-register by completing the “Doe Permit” online to enter a drawing to win party vendor goods.
Pampering is the focus of the Ladies’ Weekend Expo at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, November 12-14. More than 200 vendors will be there with products and services including beauty, health, home décor, dance classes, massages, self defense, wineries, travel, food sampling and more. At the end of the day watch a performance by the Von Trapp Children. Be there from 10 am to 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
In Michigan’s Thumb the city of Lexington will host the 3rd annual Ladies Night Out on November 12 at the downtown Cadillac House. For only $12 per person enjoy dinner and prizes. Each business at the event will ask guests to sample products or play a game. Pre-registration is a must.
The Left Foot Charley Winery in Traverse City will host “Dear Camp” on November 13 and 17. Look for wine and cider discounts, food demonstrations and tastings. Make a reservation early.
Round up your gal pals for the November 18-19 Whitetail Widow’s Weekend at the Palmer House B & B in Albion. The package includes a light breakfast, body massage, shopping in Historic Marshal nearby and dinner at Michigan’s famous Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub in Marshall. Before bedtime take in a movie at the inn and wake up to a gourmet breakfast.
More Ways to Bag a Fun Weekend
And just for gals only, Chateau Chantal offers a Women’s Wine Weekend or Cooking Class Weekend. You can also choose between a rejuvenating massage or a gift certificate to shop in downtown Traverse City. Traverse City also continues to offer its Fab Fall Package with participating hotels, attractions and retailers.
Gather your girlfriends for the Just the Girls Spa package at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville. Enjoy cozy guestrooms, chocolate covered strawberries, wine and a choice of a 50 minute spa treatment, fitness classes, outdoor hot tub and more. The 18,000 square foot spa is the recipient of many awards including of the top 50 spas by Spas of America last year.
The Hexagon House B & B in Pentwater, ten miles south of Ludington, offers up more than their much talked about gourmet breakfasts. Make a reservation to include the Poker Divas night or the Tear-Jerker Movie Marathon, just two of many fun packages for a great weekend getaway in any season.
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