Newsletter from the President
November Newsletter 2019
It’s beginning to look a lot like winter… Northern Michigan as the hills, valleys and meadows have a covering of snow. Time to get your sleds, skis and snowshoes out of the closet and ready for some winter fun!
Make your plans to visit and spend a full day discovering and exploring what the West Branch Area has to offer. Start your day in one of our local eateries for a hearty cook-from-scratch breakfast in places like Buck’s Country Cookin’, the Lumberjack Restaurant Food & Spirits, Mac’s Place, downtown at Logger’s Depot, G’s Pizzeria and A&B Coffeehouse. The hometown feel, getting to know your server, and getting information only the locals know is part of that Small Town America feel that is quickly becoming an experience of the past in other areas.
From there it is time to play! Irons Park in downtown West Branch is the ideal place for a day or afternoon of winter fun. Bring your sleds and let the kids go, while you and your partner take a walk along the path next to the river, through the covered bridge and around the winding park paths. Don’t be surprised to see nature at its best from geese & ducks to squirrels, an occasional porcupine and of course, whitetail deer. The downtown area really comes to life with the Santa Train pulling into town on December 7th. This will happen at the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau in the oldest standing building in West Branch as well as a historical train depot. There will be plenty of activity, vendors and an experience that you will only get in West Branch. From there, make your plans to join us for our annual Art Walk & Wine Tasting on December 7th from 5-9 pm. Enjoy some of the local made wines, art and chat with shop owners along the route. Our famous Christmas Light parade happens December 14th at 7 pm with a one of a kind parade celebrating the magic of the season. This is a family event that makes memories year after year!
After a full day of adventure, spend the night in one of our local hotels. Warm your bones in a hot tub or just enjoy an evening swim while experiencing the ambiance of northern hospitality and relax watching the snow fall. Want to plan a trip? Start at www.visitwestbranch.com or download our West Branch App- Soon to be launched!
There is still plenty of time to be in the woods for the deer or small game hunter. The West Branch Area has plenty of state and public lands with endless opportunities. This year there are some new rules set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resource. Our best assets are the informed guests that can share their knowledge of the woods and surrounding area. The DNR helps you discover, explore and hunt Michigan's diverse wildlife and the forests, woods and wetlands they live in. Learn about how we manage these valuable natural resources so they are here for you. Please look up www.michigan.gov/dnr to stay informed
We look forward to seeing you in the West Branch area!
Emil Rousseau, Visitors Bureau President