Girlfriend Getaway and Rejuvenating Retreat

Bring a girlfriend or come solo for a mid-winter retreat in Whitehall that combines relaxation with a touch of self-expression, exploration, food and fun.

Choice of dates: Wednesday, Feb. 24 or Saturday, Mar. 13

The day begins with a group welcoming ice-breaker followed by alternating sessions of personal writing, chair massage and a hands-on art project. Amherst Writing Program Instructor Jean Martinelli of North Muskegon will facilitate personal discovery through writing. Proprietor of Quiet Time Massage Joyce Brownell, certified massage therapist, will offer chair massage throughout the day. And to bring out your creative expressiveness, paint a bowl for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry annual fundraiser, Soup’s On Along the Lakeshore!

Of course, no getaway would be complete without food. Salad luncheon will be served at Quiet Time Massage. Once the day’s activities wrap up, adjourn to neighboring White Swan Inn B&B for a buffet dinner and pajama party. Overnight accommodations at White Swan Inn and breakfast are included in the registration.

Space is limited and reservations must be placed by either Feb. 22 for the Wed, February 24th event or by Mar. 11 for the Sat. March 13th event. Rate is $139 per person for this all-inclusive event. Each participant will also receive a goody bag with shopping incentives from select White Lake area businesses. Visit www.whiteswaninn.com for more information.

Whitehall, Michigan Sesquicentennial

Let the birthday celebration begin! Whitehall, Michigan has reached the 150 year milestone.

Beginning on Jan. 11, 2010 with a mayoral proclamation acknowledging the formal recording of the plat for the Village of Mears (now the city of Whitehall) on January 10, 1860, festivities will continue throughout the year. Each month of the year will feature unique Sesquicentennial events, lectures, workshops, exhibits, tours, parties and so much more.

Jan. 11 kick-off reception will be at the Nufer home on Mears Ave. The oldest residence in the city seems a fitting spot to begin the year-long celebration. On Feb. 3 will be a lecture on the Lewis House at the White Lake Community Library. The Lewis House is a stately historic home on Mears Ave with an interesting history.

White Swan Inn, another historic home on Mears Ave, welcomes you to experience history first-hand at a Sesquicentennial event. Come join the fun.

Movie Night at the Howmet Playhouse

There once was a little theater that sat empty for most of the year. A darkened marquee gave no hint as to what excitement might grace the stage. Such a sad and lonely existence.

But all that has changed in recent years as people, lights and activities have created a year 'round performance venue. Stage productions, lyric and musical theater, jazz, blues, folk and classical concerts, and screen presentations continue the great traditions of this historic building. What a treat for the community.

Free movie night at the Howmet Playhouse began in 2008 with sponsorship from the HarborLight Credit Union, White Lake Community Library and the Arts Council of White Lake. Free admission, 50 cent popcorn and the opportunity to view a classic film has become a new tradition for the White Lake area community.

Upcoming schedule includes:
Jan. 7 Inherit the Wind (1960)
Feb. 4 Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Mar. 4 Dr. No (1962)
Apr. 1 Harvey (1950)

White Swan Inn B&B is just across the street from the Howmet Playhouse in the "theater district".

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.

Christmas Programs at the Howmet Playhouse

December is always such a busy month. The year is winding down; gatherings and party invitations seem to be almost non-stop. Not enough time to take it all in!

But save an evening or two for a fun get-together at the historic Howmet Playhouse in downtown Whitehall. Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4 pm, enjoy "A Christmas Tree-O" the spirit of the season in three mini plays as part of the Hometown Holiday Weekend activities. Master Arts Theatre of Grand Rapids celebrates the season through the arts. A family-appropriate production sharing "the meaning of the season" with the series: "A Christmas of Many Parts" (the story of the Nativity); "Window of His Love" (follow Mary and Joseph through their fascinating journey) ; and as a special bonus "Traditional Mime Performance" will be included. This program is sure to delight and inspire!

The holiday festivities and family fun continue at the Howmet Playhouse on Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm. "Christmas Carol Concert Benefit" hosted by the Howmet Playhouse will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas musical performances by local musicians and former Playhouse staff, Christina Inez Bell, Cassidy Anne Caswell, Jailynne Peppel and Lorrell Peppel. Local and syndicated author, David Walks-as-Bear will present American Indian traditional gift-giving stories. The evening will conclude with a chorus and audience classic holiday sing-along.

Located directly across the street from the White Swan Inn B&B, Howmet Playhouse is such a wonderful treasure for Whitehall and the surrounding area.

Howmet Playhouse

Directly across the street from White Swan Inn B&B is the historic Howmet Playhouse. Located in downtown Whitehall, MI, the Howmet hosts a variety of music, theater, dance and other entertainment options throughout the year.

This week (Friday, Nov. 20) is Rachel Davis and Friends in concert. Ticket price: $12 What a deal! Check out the current schedule at www.howmetplayhouse.org

About White Swan Inn

"Gracious hospitality in a relaxing setting" says it all. Since 1995, we have welcomed guests with a smile and a friendly greeting. White Swan Inn is an award-winning B&B, located in a charming resort town along the Lake Michigan shoreline, half-way between Chicago and Mackinac Island.

Built circa 1884 and if walls could talk, this lovely home would have many tales to tell. The first owners were the Covell family, co-owners of the Staple-Covell Shingle Mill on White Lake. Over the years, several families enjoyed life in this grand house, treating it with respect. While there have been changes and alterations over the years, all have been done with integrity and forethought. Original details are still evident throughout the house: lovely woodwork graces the rooms; an intricate inlaid hardwood floor in the dining room; interior shutters at most of the windows feature both louvered and raised panels; and the walnut staircase is a sight to behold. Experience these features and more with a visit to the White Swan Inn in Whitehall, Michigan