Tee times are still available and spectators are also welcome for the 21^st edition of the Ice Tee event, located at Ehrhardt’s Restaurant in the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains. More than 300 golfers of all ages and handicaps are expected to compete for prizes and giveaways, including awards for lowest score and closest to the pin contests. Two nine-hole challenging courses will be created in 2012, complete with tree-lined fairways, greens, water traps, obstacles and rough.

Last year’s 20^th-anniversary field included a record 352 golfers, each of whom received a colored golf ball and scorecard with the course layout. Competitors are limited to their choice of two clubs, plus a putter, to play the course, with fairways lined by recycled Christmas trees.

Tee times will be every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for approximately 3 p.m. The cost to participate is $15 per golfer in advance or $20 at the door. Applications are available atvisit@lakeregioncc.com or by calling 570.226.3191.

2012 Golf-A-Round Card On Sale Now

The 2012 Golf-A-Round Card, which features tremendous discounts for eight courses, is now available.

Each card costs $40 and is good for the entire 2012 golf season. Cardholders can play twice per season for $25 a round with cart at each of the following participating courses: Fernwood Golf Course, Hideaway Hills Golf Club, Jack Frost National Golf Club, Mount Airy Golf Club, Pocono Manor Inn & Golf Course, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Split Rock Resort & Golf Club and Woodloch Springs Country Club.

Cards can be purchased now by calling 800.POCONOS (800.762.6667).

Fernwood Resort Purchased, Course Stays With Previous Owner

Commercial developer Jim Ertle and his family have purchased the Fernwood Hotel and Convention Center in Bushkill, with immediate plans to completely renovate the food-and-beverage areas, and revive the hotel and convention center.

The Bushkill Group, which owned the resort, will retain ownership of the golf course, the snow-tubing hill and 600-plus time-share units. Both groups will sell golf packages and cross-promote each other.

The ownership division is designed to benefit the facility long-term, allowing more management focus on the resort’s varied activities.

Pocono Mountains Upcoming Family Events and Specials

Banking on its tremendous 2011 success, Mount Airy Golf Club will reinstate its Golf & Slot specials every Tuesday during golf season in 2012. For $40 and golfers will receive 18 holes and a cart, in addition to $40 in slot money at the resort’s casino.

While golf is still a few months away, family winter activities in the Pocono Mountains are in full gear, including:

• Eagle Watches: Monroe County Environmental Education Center will offer field trips to the upper Delaware River in search of resident and wintering bald eagles on Jan. 20 and 27. Cost is $20/non-MCEEC members, $14/members (570.629.3061). Participants will meet at MCEEC at 8:30 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. Other area Eagle Watches include the Annual Bald Eagle Field Trip with the Eagle Institute at Promised Land State Park (Jan. 21; 570.676.9969) and Eagle Watch I at Pocono Environmental Education Center (Jan. 28; 570.828.2319).

• Crystal Cabin Fever – Lakeville, Pa., is home to the Sculpted Ice Works Factory, which hosts an annual ice carving and competition each February with an annual theme. See full log cabins made of ice blocks, slide on ice slides, sip a frosty beverage at the ice bars and more. Feb. 10-26. Admission is $10. See 800poconos.com for information or call 570.226.6246.

• Ski Shawnee Winter Carnival – This Feb. 26 outdoor festival for the entire family includes ice sculptures, demonstrations, outdoor barbecue and live entertainment. Combine with a day of snow tubing on the Pocono plunge. See 800poconos.com for information.

• Inn at Pocono Manor – The newly renovated Inn at Pocono Manor’s Ski Camelback Package – available seven days a week based on weather conditions through March 31 – includes an all-day lift ticket at Camelback Mountain Resort (skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding available), guest room accommodations and full breakfast buffet. Discount ski rental vouchers are also available. Rates start from $230 per package, per night, based on double adult occupancy, taxes and gratuities included, Sunday through Thursday (from $263 Friday through Sunday).

• Woodloch Resort – The Ski ‘N’ Stay Weekend Package at Woodloch Resort – available Friday through Sunday from Jan. 20-Feb. 5 – includes spacious and immaculate accommodations, one full-day Ski Big Bear lift ticket per person, per night; two-meal plan (breakfast and the family-style dinner included daily), endless activities and amenities and family-friendly nightly entertainment. Rates start at $340 per adult, per package, based on double occupancy. A two-night minimum stay is required.

See http://www.poconosgolf.com for a complete list of golf courses, resorts and activities; or view interactive planning map and live webcams throughout the Pocono Mountains at http://www.800poconos.com.

About the “Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret”

The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family-friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.

A venerable destination that has welcomed generations of travelers, the Pocono Mountains has undergone a renaissance over the last few years. While renovations have swept through stately and historic resorts, other properties have joined the mix. Gaming at Mount Airy Casino Resort and the award-winning Jack Frost National — named a “Best New” and “Best You Can Play” course by leading industry publications — are two of the many exciting additions.

Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:

•    Home to more than 30 golf courses with hundreds of holes for beginners and avid golfers alike; close proximity gives golfers chance to play 36 in a day
•    Two NASCAR races held annually
•    Golden Era of Golf Architecture period designs strongly represented by legendary designers Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast
•    Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities
•    Attractions, festivals and other special events
•    Meeting and conference facilities
•    Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants
•    Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts
•    Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues

The North American International Auto Show opens with a press preview on 9 January 2012 and closes on 22 January 2012. The VOK DAMS App offers information about hotels, restaurants, sights and other hot spots of Detroit so that visitors of the tradeshow will be able to find their way around town more easily.

The Detroit Guide is the tenth guide of the city guide series. The live-marketing experts already compiled everything worth knowing about cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Geneva, Paris as well as Berlin. Like its permanently updated predecessors, the Detroit Guide can be downloaded from the App Store under the keyword VOK DAMS.

Dark Skies, Bright Lights

There will be plenty to look at after dark during the inaugural Maine Starlight Festival Sept. 23 – Oct. 2. Observatories, planetariums, astronomy clubs, and science centers around the state will host star watch parties, solar viewings, educational talks and workshops. The World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness shows that Maine has darker, star-filled skies (http://www.starlightfestival.org/MSF/More_Stars.html) than any state east of the Mississippi River.

Family Friendly Oktoberfest Events

Bring the kids along to these Oktoberfest events that feature more than local beer. Taste samples of local pork dishes made by regional chefs, listen to local bands, and try fun activities like the chuck-a-chicken contest at the Swine & Stein Festival (http://www.gardinermainstreet.org/) Oct. 1 in Gardiner. Bring your camera for the foliage show, and enjoy hay rides, arts and crafts activities for children, and fall specialties at local restaurants during Octoberfest (http://www.belgradelakesmaine.com/Events.asp?Key=6&cmd=ResetAll) Oct. 8 in Belgrade Lakes. Harvestfest and Kidsfest (http://www.gatewaytomaine.org/index.php/events/oktoberfest) Oct. 15-16 are part of the month-long York Beach Oktoberfest celebration. There’s a corn toss challenge, live music, an ox roast, games and crafts for children, a pumpkin stroll and hay rides.

Wrap up Summer Like a Finn

While northern Maine’s Swedish Colony kicks off summer with a grand Midsommar festival, descendents of Finnish immigrants bring the season to a close with Finn Fling Day (http://www.finnheritage.org/FHH/FHH/exhibits_etc.html) in South Thomaston. The event happens Sept. 17 at the Finnish Heritage House with Finnish kantele music, dancing to live music, rug weaving demonstrations, homemade Finnish and American food, games for all ages, and tours of the Heritage House which displays the Finnish heritage of coastal Maine.

Maine’s Crop of Hard Ciders

Find one of these hard ciders made at Maine wineries and orchards. Fatty Bampkins (http://www.fattybampkins.com/) draft cider is fermented in bourbon and rye barrels at Blacksmith’s Winery (http://www.blacksmithswinery.com/) in South Casco. Sow’s Ear Winery (207-326-4649) in Brooksville uses wild apples in the recipe for its complex English-style cider made on the Blue Hill peninsula. Tanguay & Son Winery (http://www.tanguaywinery.com/) in Lewiston adds the juice from three pounds of crisp Maine McIntosh apples to every bottle of its Hard Frost Cider. Kennebec Cider (http://www.kennebeccider.com/home) in Winthrop makes a Traditional Hard Cider, Blueberry Hard Cider, and a Maine Ice Cider that won a silver medal at the 2011 Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition.

Pulling High-G’s Above Colorful Trees

Viewing Maine’s fall foliage from the air is exciting, but Acadia Air Tours (http://acadiaairtours.com/T-6_flights.html) “Advanced Training” and “Fighter Command” scenic flights are for true adrenaline junkies. Board a World War II era T-6 “Texan” to experience a series of aerobatic and combat maneuvers like the aileron roll, barrel roll, loops, flying upside down, and high-G training maneuvers above beautiful Mount Dessert Island.

Reporting Maine’s Foliage Color

The Maine Department of Conservation’s (DOC) public fall foliage reports begin Sept. 14, with weekly reports shared at http://www.Mainefoliage.com for at least five weeks. Maine Forest Service rangers began tracking leaf color change and leaf drop in 1959. The Maine DOC now has a Maine Fall Foliage Facebook page where the weekly reports are posted, and foliage fans can share their Maine photos, videos and trip ideas.

Learn more about Maine’s fall events, attractions and activities online at http://www.visitmaine.com/, or call 1-888-624-6345.

Organizers with the nonprofit tourism organization Seaway Trail, Inc., Sackets Harbor, NY, say they expect the total economic impact for the current supply of GeoCoins – tokens available once a certain number of caches are found – will be approximately $400,000.

Geocaching enthusiasts who use hand-held global positioning systems have embraced the fun and challenge of finding as many as 75 caches hidden in the landscape along the 518-mile length of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway. The byway parallels the freshwater shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania.

A total of 1,481 Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoCoins were claimed by those finding at least ten of 15 hidden caches in any of the byway’s five regions: Lake Erie, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Rochester/Central Lake Ontario, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the 1000 Islands/St. Lawrence River.

Cachers typically spent two or three days geocaching in each region, spending an average of $80 to $150 in each region.

“Nearly all the participants surveyed indicated they are caching along the entire Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail, spending nearly two weeks on the byway to do so,” said Seaway Trail, Inc. Director of Business Relations Kurt Schumacher.

“People have come from 26 US states, five Canadian provinces, and as far away as Australia to complete the GeoTrail. As we’re seeing more people from outside the byway region, we’re also seeing longer stays and higher average expenditures,” Schumacher added.

Sixty-one percent of those surveyed said their GeoTrail adventure was highly likely to influence their decision to travel on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail in the future.

Seaway Trail, Inc. President and CEO Teresa Mitchell said, “This ‘get outdoors on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail’ initiative is an accessible and affordable opportunity to enjoy healthy fresh air travel along the entire Great Lakes shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania.”

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail will continue in 2012. Logbooks are available at locations along the byway, including:

· St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Canton, NY

· 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Alexandria Bay, NY

· Seaway Trail Discovery Center, Sackets Harbor, NY

· Oswego County Tourism, Oswego, NY

· Cayuga County Tourism, Auburn, NY

· Wayne County Tourism, Lyons, NY

· VisitRochester, Rochester, NY

· Niagara USA Official Visitor Center, Niagara Falls, NY

· Visit Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo, NY

· Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Chautauqua, NY, and

· Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Erie, PA.

This geocaching travel initiative debuted in August 2010 with 75 caches – used military ammo boxes emblazoned with the Great Lakes Seaway Trail logo — hidden by a cadre of local volunteers working in collaboration with Seaway Trail, Inc. and GeoTrail coordinator Jim “Boots” Hooper.

Each cache includes a unique punch tool for marking logbooks. Sponsor sites validate the logbooks to issue the collectible GeoCoins. The colorful antique metal-finish square coins feature iconic byway landmarks: the St. Lawrence Seaway, historic Fort Ontario, Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, Niagara Falls and the Maid of the Mist tour boat, and the Flagship Niagara.

Cachers can learn more about the Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail and where to pick up a logbook by visiting www.seawaytrail.com/geotrail http://www.seawaytrail.com/geotrail

“We are in direct contact with our tourism partners in the region as power and phone service is restored in the region,” reports Carl Wilgus, CEO of the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau. “We want our visitors to know it is safe to visit, and to call their accommodations partners directly by Wednesday to confirm reservations.”

The following properties have issued reports, as of noon Monday:

Fully Operational; Reservations available for Labor Day Weekend:

Camelbeach Mountain Water Park, Tannersville, Penna.

CBK Mountain Adventures, Tannersville, Penna.

Chateau Resort & Conference Center, Tannersville, Penna.

Costas Family Fun Park, Hawley, Penna.

East Shore Lodging, Hawley, Penna.

French Manor Inn, South Sterling, Penna

Hotel Fauchere, Milford, Penna.

Ledges Hotel, Hawley, Penna.

Settlers Inn, Hawley, Penna.

Skytop Lodge, Skytop, Penna. – fully operational; using its alternate booking number for reservations and information: 541-322-5947

Split Rock Resort, Lake Harmony, Penna.

Lake Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours, Hawley, Penna.

Limited Service, with Power Outages reported (Generator Power available)

Bushkill Falls, Bushkill, Penna. – falls and visitor center are fully operational; some trails will be temporarily closed due to fallen debris

Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Penna. – 70% operational, expect to be fully operational by weekend

The Inn at Pocono Manor, Pocono Manor, Penna. – anticipated to reopen for the holiday weekend following power outage in the region

Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee, Penna. – anticipated to reopen Tuesday following river cresting report today; fully operational by the weekend

Woodloch Resort, Hawley, Penna. – anticipated to reopen by the holiday weekend

Reports are still arriving hourly; Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau partners are encouraged to call 800-POCONOS to deliver updated messages on their properties, events and operations for the upcoming weekend. The Pocono Mountains also encourages its citizens and visitors to assist in the effort to post updated and accurate information to its social media sites, for the benefit of the community.

The destination will offer regular updates to travelers and their families through its online portals, including:

Its website: http://www.800poconos.com

Its Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PoconoTourism

Its Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/PoconoTourism

“We are working directly with emergency management officials in Pennsylvania to monitor possible flooding corridors and assess evacuation plans as needed,” said Wilgus. “Right now, the safety of our guests is our number-one concern.”

About the Pocono Mountains

The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family-friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.

Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:

· Home to more than 35 golf courses with hundreds of holes for beginners and avid golfers alike; close proximity gives golfers chance to play 36 in a day

· Two NASCAR races held annually

· Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities

· Attractions, festivals and other special events

· Meeting and conference facilities

· Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants

· Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts

· Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues

FALL FUN:

• Harvest and Heritage Days (570.253.5492; www.visithonesdalepa.com) in historic downtown Honesdale, set for October 8 and 9, is perfect for every member of the family. This popular festival features music, a wing and chili taste-off, an antique car cruise, craft vendors, old-fashioned hay rides and pumpkin painting.

• Pennsylvania’s first Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains triathlon (http://www.ironmanpoconomountains.com) is scheduled for October 2, in and around the scenic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The event begins in Bushkill and concludes with a finish down Main Street in historic Stroudsburg. Ironman 70.3 Series races consist of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run. The day also will include a multisport expo and other interactive events.

• Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Days (570.325.5810; www.jimthorpe.org/) are held in Jim Thorpe on Saturdays and Sundays through October 23. There’s truly something for the entire family during these fall foliage weekends. Train rides, vendors, crafters and goodies from the Jim Thorpe Farmers Market are always popular. Or rent a bike and ride in the surrounding hills or along the Lehigh River on the newly-opened rail-trail. There’s also free entertainment at different venues throughout downtown, and seasonal specials at restaurants and shops.

FALL GOLF:

• The Country Club at Woodloch Springs and Skytop Golf Course are wonderful golf options near Honesdale. Woodloch Springs, nationally recognized by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, is an immaculately conditioned, challenging gem, but four tee boxes make it fun for all handicap and age levels. The fall-foliage views on the 16th hole are alone worth the green fee. The 6,656-yard Skytop has received 4.5 (out of 5) stars in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play.” The popular layout features wide, tree-lined fairways and small, challenging greens.

• Fernwood Hotel & Resort Golf Course and Mountain Manor Golf Club are both convenient for fans traveling to the Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains on October 2. Fernwood’s course, located in Bushkill, features beautiful surroundings, making it a perfect way to relax. Mountain Manor, with three nines averaging 3,260 yards apiece, also features lovely views, as well as a newly renovated golf shop, bar and grill.

• Jack Frost National – one of Golfweek’s top-10 “Courses You Can Play” in the state – sprawls across 200 acres of magnificent terrain 2,000 feet above sea level. The 7,200-yard beauty features forgiving fairways and undulating greens surrounded by wooded valleys that explode in fall colors. There’s also an impressive state-of-the-art practice facility.

FALL DEALS:

• Woodloch Resort’s (570.685.8000) Stay and Play Package includes lodging for one night in a beautiful guest home, 18 holes of golf with cart and range balls, dinner in one of the Woodloch Dining Rooms, nightly entertainment, and use of all resort facilities and amenities with endless activities. Guests receive a 10% breakfast and lunch discount, and 10% pro shop discount. Available seven days a week through October 31, rates start at $239 per person, per night, based on adult double occupancy, plus tax and service charge. Restrictions may apply. For more information visit: http://woodloch.com.

• The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, celebrating its centennial this year, offers a Golf Package (570.424.4000) that includes overnight accommodations, breakfast, cart, and green fees for 18 holes on its 18-hole championship island course. Available seven days a week through November 19, midweek rates start at $108 per person, per night. Includes tax and service charge. For more information visit: www.shawneeinn.com.

• Resort & Conference Center (570.629.5900), located in Tannersville, offers a “Golf ’N Stay Package: Fore for Four” special, which includes mountainside accommodations; 18 holes of golf (including cart) at a choice of nearby Jack Frost National, Buck Hill Falls Golf Club or Mount Airy Golf Club; a healthy start grab ’n go; 20% discount at the Mountainview Restaurant and Lounge; and 19th Hole Reception cocktail hour featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink specials. Midweek rates start at $94 per person, per night, based on double occupancy; includes tax and service charge; subject to availability. The special runs seven days a week through October 31. For more information visit: www.chateauresort.com.

About the “Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret”

The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family-friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.

A venerable destination that has welcomed generations of travelers, the Pocono Mountains has undergone a renaissance over the last few years. While renovations have swept through stately and historic resorts, other properties have joined the mix. Gaming at Mount Airy Casino Resort and the award-winning Jack Frost National — named a “Best New” and “Best You Can Play” course by leading industry publications — are two of the many exciting additions.

Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:

• Home to more than 35 golf courses with hundreds of holes for beginners and avid golfers alike; close proximity gives golfers chance to play 36 in a day

• Two NASCAR races held annually

• Golden Era of Golf Architecture period designs strongly represented by legendary designers Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast

• Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities

• Attractions, festivals and other special events

• Meeting and conference facilities

• Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants

• Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts

• Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues

www.800poconos.com

The “Tewa’a:raton lakwa’tswa:tha: Lacrosse, Our Game” exhibit created by Mohawk youth working with the Akwesasne Cultural Center Museum at Hogansburg, NY, will be at the Discovery Center July 9-17. The development of the exhibit was made possible with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“Lacrosse is hugely popular in the US, Canada and in many countries across the world, but many fans are unaware of the Native origins of the game. This traveling exhibit, co-curated by Mohawk youth, explores the origins of lacrosse and carries the Mohawk cultural message of ‘Think about how you play the game and how you live your life,’” says Akwesasne Museum Curator Sue Ellen Herne.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the number of boys and girls in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut has grown to more than 91,000, according to the US Lacrosse governing body. There has been a 40 percent increase in the number of children playing the game in the New York City area since 2006.

On July 9, at 6:30pm at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center, US Lacrosse Hall of Fame Coach Kirk Ventiquattro will present “Lacrosse: Origin and Application.” Ventiquattro started the lacrosse program at Carthage Central School in 1988 and has coached more than 30 players who became NCAA Division I college lacrosse players. He will present an overview of the “Baggataway” story and how he applies the game to prepare his players for life.

On July 16 at 6:30pm at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center, traditional handmade lacrosse stickmaker, coach and retired player Alfie Jacques of the Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan will present “The Art of Making Handmade Wooden Lacrosse Sticks.” Jacques has made box and field lacrosse sticks for more than 47 years. He is featured for his artisanship in the film “Sacred Sport” and his sticks are part of the Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame Museum in Baltimore, MD. He will share his personal collection of sticks at this July 16 program.

The evening program fee is $5; free with military ID.

For more information on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway and the Discovery Center, go online to www.seawaytrail.com, http://facebook.com/seawaytrail and http://twitter.com/#!/SeawayTrail or call 315-646-1000. #

Patten says, “These maps provide a fascinating look into America’s history as it occurred in New York State. Several show the local Northern New York area as well as all of New York state and parts of Canada and Pennsylvania, plus the waterways that people traveled to establish settlements and forts in such places as Oswego and Youngstown.”

Over the past 30 years, Patten has traveled to the Library of Congress and as far as Great Britain to obtain color copies of original maps, including some from the collection of King George III. Patten describes the hand-drawn maps as “works of art.”

The presentation by the retired New York State Trooper will include a look at French and Indian War artifacts, a British broadsword from a man-of-war used in the War of 1812, and a lesson on historic musket safety.

The exhibit of more than 50 historic maps will be on display Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5 pm at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center through June 26, 2011. The Center is located at 401 W. Main Street. Day admission is $4. Evening program admission is $5.

For more information on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center and the Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway, visit www.seawaytrail.com http://www.seawaytrail.com or call 315-646-1000.

Tickets are still available at the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center box office. This event is expected to sell out.

Sandusky Rollergirls St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Bout – Hellcats vs. Heartbreakers

Saturday, February 12th 2010. Doors open at 6:00 PM, bout starts at 7:00 PM.

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, 3319 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH, 44870.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of bout.

For more information, please call Renee at 419-626-4467.

About Ghostly Manor Thrill Center: Located just 2 miles north of Ohio State Route 2 at 3319 Milan Road in Sandusky, Ohio, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is an indoor entertainment complex featuring the #4 ranked haunted house in the United States as well as Ohio’s first and only XD 4D Theater and the iconic Skateworld. For more information, please call 419-626-4467 or visit www.ghostlymanor.com.

About Sandusky Rollergirls: Founded in 2010, the Sandusky Rollergirls are the first and only all female roller derby league in Erie County.

For more information, please visit www.sanduskyrollergirls.com and facebook.com/sanduskyrollergirls.

HO-HO-HO 101: Everyone knows that the Jolly One needs helpers to accomplish all he does during the Christmas season, and we can point you to the school that, in October 2011, will graduate its 75th Santa Claus class.

NORTH WOODS RETREAT: Henry and Edsel Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone fly-fished the storied waters of the AuSable River and stayed at this historic lodge with comfy accommodations, home cooking, and a guide who knows where to find those fish.

WINTER WANDER LAND

The crunch of snow underfoot, the crackling campfire, the way lit by the Full Moon—there’s nothing like the Lake Huron Nightlife Snowshoe and Campfire Dinner Outings guided by a naturalist in the Eastern Upper Peninsula on January 19, February 18, and March 19. We can connect you to the owner of the ecotour company with adventures for all seasons.

REALLY COOL FISHING

Ice fishers don’t have to worry too much about keeping their catch cold when temperatures plunge in January. Winter anglers can compete at the St. Clair Walleye Association annual ice fishing event on January 30. Kids are welcome to learn how to ice fish when parents come along. Don’t worry, a heated shelter is nearby. Give us a call to reel in more information about ice fishing in Michigan.

WHERE SNOW FALLS, FESTIVALS FOLLOW

The last week of January is filled with some great Michigan winter snow and ice festivals that attract thousands of visitors to see championship snow and ice sculpting teams, dog sled and snowmobile races, wacky contests, and even a polar bear dip in the icy waters of Portage Canal in Hancock. Ices skating, parades, fireworks and warming tents with entertainment and more make for Pure Michigan winter fun. We have all the information you need to pass on to your readers, listeners and viewers. And if you are ready to take the polar bear plunge, we will be happy to provide an après dip blanket.

WINTER MUSH

You don’t have to be a professional musher to enjoy this exciting sport in Michigan. Dog sledding is a great way to savor the beauty of winter and create memories to last a lifetime. Take a lesson in how to be a musher or visit one of the many great sled dog races taking place across the state. Contact us and we’ll help sniff out a mushing experience near you!

HI HO, IT’S OFF TO CAMP WE GO

For a change of pace, outdoor enthusiasts can pack their gear and head for the woods for some great winter camping experiences. They can rough it with little amenities or opt for a cabin or yurt to keep warm. Bonfires bring everyone together where the menu highlights are hot chocolate and tasty s’mores. Michigan’s state parks are taking reservations for sites in both peninsulas where campers can also get in some cross country skiing. We can help you map out some great winter camping adventures. Snowshoes are optional.

NASCAR ON ICE

Top sledders run their machines 500 miles on the one-mile oval ice track in the 43rd International 500 Snowmobile Race in Sault Ste. Marie on February 6. Contact us for fast facts about this thrilling event, which launched in 1969 and has grown up with the advances in snow machines.

ICE ON THE ROCKS

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore ranks among the Upper Peninsula’s top summer visitor destinations annually, and was most recently the backdrop for Kid Rock’s Born Free video. But there is a group who prefer to visit once the snow and ice fly for the annual Michigan Ice Fest climbing event. Climbers from all over the world will gather, February 2-6, along the frozen shores of Lake Superior to scale the massive ice formations that are as spectacular as the famous sandstone cliffs. Give us a call for more icy details.

WOMEN’S WINTER WONDERLAND

Women of all ages will gather Super Bowl weekend, February 4-6, to celebrate all things winter while supporting an important cause, domestic violence. The Women’s Winter Tour held at Crystal Mountain, features cross-country and downhill ski events, snowshoe tours, the Lunafest Film festival, great food, wine and chocolate. In addition to a fun and active weekend, participants are also able to enjoy spa specials at Crystal’s award-winning spa. Find out more about the tradition of this weekend and why women head for the Michigan hills for this special retreat.

www.michigan.org