MyNorth News Service
(Press Release provided by West Michigan Tourist Association)
MACKINAC ISLAND: Mackinac Island’s premier Main Street hotels, The Chippewa Hotel and Lilac Tree Suites & Spa, are teaming up with the historic and award-winning Pink Pony Restaurant & Bar to kick off the 2015 season with a Michigan Craft Beer Weekend, May 8-10, 2015.
Brew Masters from around Michigan will gather for a weekend of beer sampling, education, afternoon patio BBQ and a five-course beer dinner. With packages beginning at just $175 per suite and bundled with the entire weekend of “Hops Fun,” it’s the perfect time to visit Michigan’s Island Gem. The weekend also includes live music and trivia night.
For reservations visit, www.chippewahotel.com or www.lilactree.com.
Here’s What’s On Tap for Opening Weekend at The Pink Pony!
Friday, May 8:
7:00PM-8:00PM: Meet and Greet – Meet with the Brew Masters from Petoskey, Bell’s, Cheboygan, New Holland and Mountain Town Breweries. Sample the new 2015 draft beers that we will be offering this season at the Pink Pony. Hors d‘oeuvres and light refreshments included.
8:00PM-9:30PM: Trivia Night – Join us in the Pink Pony Bar for a night of Trivia. Hosted by the Chippewa Hotel’s very own, Josh Carley, our questions will test your knowledge of beer.
9:30PM-1:00AM: Live Music with Myk Rise – Stop by the Pink Pony Bar to watch Myk Rise perform his solo act and rock the stage!
Saturday, May 9:
9:00AM-11:00AM: Pink Pony Educational Series – Head down to the Pink Pony for educational classes on Michigan-made beer. Classes will be taught by Brew Masters from Petoskey, Cheboygan, Bell’s, New Holland and Mountain Town Breweries.
12:00PM-2:00PM: Pony Patio BBQ – Swing by the Pink Pony Patio and join us for an All-American BBQ. Brats, beer and corn hole all while looking out over the beautiful Straits!
3:00PM-5:00PM: Brewery Showcase – Enjoy our select Michigan Craft Breweries as they showcase some of their best beers in the Pink Pony.
3:00PM-6:00PM: Live Music with Brian Thomas – Stop by the Pink Pony Bar to watch Brian Thomas perform his solo act and rock the stage
7:00PM: Beer Pairing Dinner – Enjoy a full 5-course dinner prepared by our Master Chef at the Pink Pony. All meals will be paired with Michigan Craft Beers. *Vegetarian options available.
9:30PM-1:00AM: Live Music with Myk Rise – Stop by the Pink Pony Bar to watch Myk rise perform his solo act and rock the stage!
Opening weekend getaways at the Chippewa Hotel and Lilac Tree Hotel & Spa begin at $175 per night, per interior suite plus taxes, and includes admission to all events, beer tasting glass and a welcome gift.
The Pink Pony Bar & Grill, Mackinac Island (Est. 1910):
“But Mackinac’s such a tourist trap,” many Michiganders will say, probably en route to Mackinac. And they’d be correct. But it’s also a place visited by 95% of the population, and it kind of rules. Located where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet in between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, the island has no cars, and can only be reached by boat or ferry. Which is a good thing, because odds are that whether you’re up for one of the annual sailboat races or just visiting for a night, you’re getting down at the Pony. The place — which looks like Bilbo Baggins and Barbie co-designed it — hosts live music, rowdy parties, and includes one of the most gorgeous patios in the country, with a panoramic view that hammers home the reason they’re not called “Pretty Good Lakes.” If this is a tourist trap, we’re glad to be ensnared.
Thrillist Names The Pink Pony Bar & Grill Michigan’s Most Iconic Bar:
From the team at Thrillist: The first known use of the word iconic comes from 1656, and, though most of these bars haven’t been around quite that long, some come damn close. Our rules for choosing an iconic bar were simple: it has to have been around since at least 1990, it has to be famous, and people need to still love going there. Sometimes this bar is a dive. Sometimes it’s in a fancy hotel where former presidents have had a drink or two. But for whatever reason, these 51 bars have stood the test of time, broken bottles, and health inspections, and they keep bringing the crowds back in.
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Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has worked to market the very best of West Michigan to travelers. Covering the entire west side of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island, WMTA presents information on the best attractions, lodging, events, and activities in West Michigan. For more information on this non-profit organization, please visit WMTA.org.