By John D. Gonzalez
Happy November, Michigan!
Even though I just said "November," I still can't stop thinking about September and October. It had to be one of the most incredible falls we've had in years. Along with the Northern Lights, our Pure Michigan weather of warm days and cool nights gave us some spectacular fall colors. In fact, Amy Sherman and I discussed our beautiful fall on last weekend's radio show from the iconic Cornwell’s Turkeyville U.S.A. in Marshall.
By the way, if you haven’t visited Turkeyville in years, it’s time to get back! It’s all dressed up and ready for the holidays. Yes, they do turkey dinners with all the trimmings, but they also feature an old-fashioned soda fountain, house-made ice cream with specialty flavors for the holidays, Simpler Life classes through the winter where you can learn to bake bread, can goods, decorate cookies and more! We also were lucky to meet members of the Winter Wonderettes who were rehearsing for their upcoming holiday show that features Christmas classics. The production runs Nov. 7-Dec. 21. Many shows are already sold out. Get your tickets now at turkeyville.com. Oh, and don’t forget a visit to the massive gift shop. It’s the perfect place to find something for that hard-to-buy-for person in your family.
Speaking of things to do, Amy and I thought it would be a good idea to bring back our popular monthly list of things to do all over Michigan. Enjoy.
If you have an event you want me to include on this list or future lists, email me at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Now, here is our list of things to do in Michigan.
NOVEMBER 2024
STOMP - Three nights, 7:30 p.m. each night Nov. 6-8; Wharton Center, East Lansing. More info at whartoncenter.com.
ELF: THE MUSICAL - Variety of show times, Nov. 6-10, Fox Theatre, Detroit. More info at 313presents.com.
Dino Adventures - Last weekend, Nov. 6-10, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids. More info at jbzoo.org.
41 NORTH FILM FESTIVAL - Nov. 7-10, Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Michigan Tech University, Houghton. Now in its 10th year. More info at MTU.edu.
East Lansing Film Festival - Nov. 7-14, Station C, Meridian Mall, Okemos. More info at elff.com.
WINTER WONDERETTES - Nov. 7-Dec. 21, Turkeyville USA, Marshall; variety of show times; this is dinner theater where you eat a three-course meal and then see the show. Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Winter Wonderland.” Tickets at turkeyville.com.
Good Truckin’ Diner 10th Anniversary - Nov. 7-10, specials each day from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. in REO Town, Lansing. (Gonzo and Amy selected Good Truckin’ as one of the best diners in Michigan for their creativity and locally sourced products.) Check their Facebook page for menu items and specials.
“142 YEARS OF TIBBITS OPERA HOUSE” GALLERY SHOW - Nov. 7-11; Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater. No tickets are needed to participate in this event. Gallery is open one hour prior to performances and by appointment M-F 9am-5pm by calling (517) 278-6029. More info at tibbitsoperahouse.com.
GIG: The Art of Michigan Music - Concerts, art and presentations supporting Michigan music; Nov. 8-10, Jackson. More info at lifeinmichigan.com/gig.
95th Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition - Through Nov. 13, Muskegon Museum of Art. More info at muskegonartmuseum.com.
BLISSFIELD YULETIDE FESTIVAL, Elfie Scavenger Hunt, Food Tent, Yuletide Cheer; Nov. 8-10, Blissfield. More info on the Facebook event page.
Flapjack & Flannel Festival - Timber Ridge Resort, Traverse City; 12-5 p.m., Nov. 9; $10 (cash) for parking. Learn more at flapjackandflannelfestival.com.
TRAVERSE CITY BEER WEEK - Nov. 8-16. Discover the ingenuity and creativity of the Traverse City brew scene throughout the region. Full details, including lodging and transportation at traversecity.com/tcbw. Also, track your tour in a special passport by checking in to the places you go and you'll be eligible to win prizes! https://bit.ly/3oRfp6l
Jackson County Restaurant Week: Burger Edition - A variety of participating restaurants county-wide will each offer a special $15 menu featuring a unique Burger + Side selection; Nov. 11-17. More info at experiencejackson.com.
SHIPWRECK LECTURE AT THE MICHIGAN MARITIME MUSEUM - “Lost on the Lady Elgin,” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov, 13; 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven. Free to members/$10 non-members. More info at WMTA.org.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN - Nov. 14-15, Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo (tickets); and Nov. 16-17 at Whiting Auditorium, Flint (tickets).
Grand Rapids Comic-Con - Nov. 15-17, DeVos Place, Grand Rapids. More info at grcomiccon.com.
CHRISTKINDL MARKT 2024 - Sixty outdoor vendors, activities for families, holiday food favorites; Nov. 15-Dec. 22, Downtown Market, Grand Rapids. More info at christkindlmarktgr.com.
Black Star Farms Holiday Bubble Glazing & Wine Workshop - 1 p.m. Nov. 17 and Dec. 1; Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay; a fun and interactive class to glaze five, pre-made pottery ornaments. Your ticket includes a glass of wine. $55. More info at blackstarfarms.com.
Charlevoix Circle Holiday Market - Nov. 20-Dec. 28; featuring over 30 local artists and designers' exquisite handmade gifts for everyone on your list. More info at charlevoixcircle.org.
Nature Trivia Night - Nov. 21, 6 p.m. Short’s Pull Barn in Elk Rapids, presented by Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire; teams of 2-6 players, family-friendly trivia. Don't worry if you're not a nature expert; questions will draw from other areas of knowledge - like movies and music - as well. $5 per player, which supports GRNA. Players will pay upon arriving at Short's. More info at WMTA.org.
17th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GRAND RAPIDS WINE, BEER & FESTIVAL - Now in its 17th year, this Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants; Nov. 21-23. Tickets are $25 per person Nov. 22-23. Tasting tickets are 50 cents each. Tickets to the special event on Nov. 21 are $150. More info at GRWineShow.com.