7 Winter Activities to Try This Year
If you’ve been reading this blog or following along on Instagram, you\’ll know that I embrace winter. And that\’s a good thing, too. Living in Michigan, our winter season can begin as early as October and end with final snowflakes in as late as May. This year has been weird, we haven\’t gotten an accumulation of snow, but I am not letting that get me down. I have already started to plan winter activities.
If you’re looking for ways to get out and enjoy the snowy season, why not try out a few of the following?
7 Winter Activities to Try This Year
1. Support local trail systems
One of the ways I like to help out the local trails is by getting out and hiking or snowshoeing. Here in Michigan, we are blessed to have a wide variety of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, fat biking, hiking, and so much more.
2. Snowshoe through the woods
One of the best things about snowshoes is the freedom you have to trek through deep snow with ease. I love adventuring through snowy pines and trees in the winter.
3. Cross-country skiing
When I lived in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan I would go cross-country skiing often. You can find groomed trails in state parks and forest areas. Downstate it’s a little harder to find trails, but they\’re still around. It’s always fun hopping back into a pair of skis and heading out onto the trail.
4. Fat-tire biking/snow biking
I’m sure you’ve seen those bikes with the insanely large tires? Well, they’re not just for the summer, they’re great for the winter as well. Head down trails, and check winter out from a different perspective. If you haven’t tried fat biking yet, check local bike shops, parks, or ski resorts to see if they offer rentals.
5. Snowboarding or skiing
Full disclosure, this is not on my winter to-do list. However, it is on most Michigander\’s list, and I figured it should be added here. Truth be told, I have only tried skiing once and never made it off the beginner “hill” with the “escalator” to the top. I would love to take lessons though, and get on a chair lift for the first time!
6. Build a snowman
You can’t let winter slip by without building a snowman. Create a traditional snowman or get creative. The possibilities are endless.
7. Go sledding or tubing
There’s nothing like grabbing a sled and heading for the hills. Or find somewhere to go tubing, and experience something new.
Get out there and enjoy the snow this year!
2021 Michigan Winter Night Hikes
One of my favorite things to do in the winter is hike or snowshoe in the dark, in the snow. It is one of the most relaxing experiences, especially when the snow is gently falling. How can you make the experience even better? Darkness + lanterns (or candles) and your Hallmark movie has come true.
I was recently searching for 2021 night snowshoe adventures around Michigan and there is no doubt candlelight hikes are becoming more popular here in Michigan. Below, you will find my list of 2021 night hikes, I hope they inspire you to bundle up and embrace the winter.
Some events require advanced registration, and as always make sure to double-check that these events are still happening BEFORE traveling.
2021 Night Hikes in Michigan
January 9
Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark
Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.
January 21
Jackson
6:00 pm
3225 4th St., Jackson, MI 48203
Explore the Night
Join Ella Sharp Museum and the Dahlem Center for a wonderful night under the stars! The night walk led my Dahlem Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham. Afterward, Ella Sharp will be providing guided telescope observation. Telescope observing is dependent on clear skies. $8 for members (either Dahlem or Ella) / $10 for non-members.
Learn more here.
January 22
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike
Embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers (unless snow levels prevent skiing) and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
January 23
Big Rapids
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
701 W. Cloverdale Rd., Big Rapids, MI 49058
Candlelight trails under the wolf moon
Take an evening to enjoy the quiet, peaceful sounds and sights of winter at night along candlelit trails. Choose between a half-mile and a two-mile trail loop, weaving through prairies, forests, and wetlands. Wrap up the evening with a grab-and-go snack and a take-home activity kit. If weather conditions permit, a limited number of snowshoes will be available. Participants must select a start time when registering and space is limited to 50 participants per start time. Pre-registration by Friday, January 22 is required.
Learn more here.
January 28
Dexter
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
4800 Dexter-Pinckney Rd., Dexter, MI
Hudson Mills Metropark full wolf moon hike
Take a walk in the full moonlight at Hudson Mills Metropark. During this one-mile guided hike, you’ll discover some moon lore and myths as you explore the park and nature trails. During this time of the year, the trails could be snow-covered and icy. We will be walking in low flashlight and moonlight. If you have them, bring binoculars to view the moon up close and a flashlight wrapped with red cellophane. Social distancing and face coverings are required. $5 per person Pre-registration is required by January 27 at 4 p.m. Pre-register by calling 734-426-8211.
Learn more here.
January 29
Burton
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton, MI
For-Mar Nature Preserve full moon hike
Hike at For-Mar under the magical glow of the full moon! Join a naturalist for a full moon hike and see firsthand how beautiful and peaceful the park is after dark. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes or boots. This hike is approximately 2 miles in length. The trail has some small hills and exposed roots. $5 per person. Pre-registration required by January 28 and space is limited to 20 participants.
Learn more here.
February 6
Metamora
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
3871 Herd Road, Metamora, MI 48455
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area – Candlelight Cross-Country Ski
Enjoy an evening of cross-country skiing on a groomed trail illuminated by candles. Snowshoers are welcome to walk alongside the groomed ski track as well. Participants should bring skis or snowshoes and dress for the weather. If there is a lack of snow this will become a hike. To ensure we are meeting the requirements outlined in the MDHHS gathering order, pre-registration is required this year and will become available on January 15.
New this year visitors may reserve a fire ring in the campground for their group to warm up by or roast hotdogs and s\’mores for a small donation of $20. A fire circle comes with a bundle of wood but is not pre-started. Food and other supplies are also not provided.
This event is weather dependent and may be canceled due to poor weather/driving conditions. For more information, call the park at 810-797-4439. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark
Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.
February 13
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 19
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike
Embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers (unless snow levels prevent skiing) and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 20
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 26
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike
Embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers (unless snow levels prevent skiing) and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Holly
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442
Seven Lakes State Park – lantern-lit
Self-guided lantern-lit hike through the snow-covered forests of Seven Lakes State Park. There will be 1.5 miles of trail lit with lanterns to guide visitors over forested hills. Pre-registration is required this year and will become available on January 1.
If you think you will work up an appetite while hiking? Bring hotdogs and S\’mores materials, and reserve a campfire for your household. Campfires will be available in the campground for a small donation of $20 which includes a bundle of wood and the fire starting.
If you have questions please call the park office at 248-634-7271. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 27
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark
Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.
31 Things to Do in January (Quarantine Edition)
Happy New Year! Goodbye 2020, hello 2021! 2020 flipped our worlds upside down, and it definitely challenged us to think outside the box when it comes to things to do. We don\’t know what 2021 holds, but I am excited for whatever adventures may pop up. Since Michigan is still shut down (no eating out among other things), this month\’s things to do will be lockdown friendly. Without further ado, let\’s get into 31 things to do in January during a time of COVID.
1. Create a vision board and select one word or motto to focus on in 2021.
2. Start a journal.
3. Hygge your home. Light some candles, make hot cocoa, grab a book, and snuggle under a warm blanket.
4. Try a new recipe. I am thinking of making a chowder.
5. Find a place that does a lantern snowshoe adventure.
6. It\’s Cuddle Up Day! Whether you\’re single or in a relationship, you can celebrate cuddle up day with junk food, cute pajamas, and a movie of course.
7. Play in the snow. Build a snowman, go sledding, or make a snow angel.
8. Dine in an igloo.
9. Support a local business.
10. Treat yourself to a hot beverage today. I am a big fan of coconut milk chai tea lattes.
11. Start a new series.
12. Try a new craft. I am personally loving these copper kits.
13. Give snow tubing a try.
14. It\’s Dress Up Your Pet Day! Dress to match and take a cutesy family photo.
15. Be a tourist in your own town.
16. Go ice skating.
17. Perfect a chili recipe.
18. Build a snow fort.
19. It\’s National Popcorn Day. Grab your favorite popcorn and chow down while you enjoy a movie.
20. Try a new nail polish shade.
21. Get out into nature and enjoy a hike or walk through the woods.
22. Have a snowy bonfire.
23. Take a virtual cooking class.
24. It\’s Compliment Day! Find something positive to say to at least five people today. Leave little positive notes around town.
25. Learn to snowboard.
26. Do a puzzle.
27. Get carryout from a new (to you) restaurant.
28. Spend a night in a cozy cabin.
29. Go for a sleigh ride.
30. Enjoy a brunch charcuterie board.
31. Buy all things pink in anticipation of Valentine\’s Day.
Review: Eleanor\’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical
All I want for Christmas is to watch a musical again!
If you\’re like me and miss musicals you\’ll be excited to know that Broadway in Detroit is bringing Eleanor\’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical VIRTUALLY to you! Now through December 27, 2020, you have the chance to watch this adorably sweet musical from your living room.
Eleanor\’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical is sweet and lighthearted. Really, it is everything you\’d want to see in a holiday musical. Eleanor is a rag doll that lives at the North Pole, and unlike the other toys that are specifically made for good little girls and boys, Eleanor was still at the North Pole instead of in the hands of a little girl who would love her.
Eleanor starts to question why she is still at the North Pole and learns that once a little girl wrote a letter to Santa asking for a doll. The elves created Eleanor and then Santa received another gift from that little girl that she was too old for a doll, and Eleanor the cutest and sweetest ragdoll you ever did see remained at the North Pole. Of course, there is a happy ending to this musical, and it\’s one I think you\’ll enjoy.
Eleanor\’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical is based in current times and refers to things such as Instagram within the musical. The costumes are so much fun, and it truly is just a fun and lighthearted holiday musical you definitely will want to see.
How to Make Hot Cocoa Bombs
In case you\’re just hearing about this trend hot cocoa bombs or hot chocolate bombs are little balls made of chocolate and have been filled with hot cocoa and sweet surprises like marshmallows and sprinkles inside. Place the hot chocolate bomb inside an oversized mug, pour hot milk (bring it to a boil) over the hot cocoa bomb and it will start to melt and begin to magically release the marshmallows and hot chocolate that are hiding inside.
If you\’re looking to make these fun hot chocolate bombs at home, you\’ve come to the right place. I am sharing a step-by-step guide on how to make hot cocoa bombs, that is packed with tips and tricks including the secret most videos leave off to creating the perfect closure.
What are hot cocoa bombs?
Hot chocolate bombs are chocolate spheres filled with hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and other sweet surprises. When you place a hot cocoa bomb in an oversize mug and pour steaming hot milk over the top of your hot chocolate bomb the chocolate will begin to melt away and release the contents of the hot cocoa bomb.
What kind of chocolate to use?
You want to use good quality chocolate. I like to buy some from a local candy store, however, you can buy bar chocolate like Lindt, use Wilton chocolate wafers, even the Aldi melting chocolate is great, and more. I actually used Good and Gathered melting chocolate from Target for these hot cocoa bombs.
How to melt chocolate?
To melt your chocolate you can either use a double boiler or melt it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish on defrost in 15-second intervals, stirring in between.
What kind of mold do you need to make hot chocolate bombs?
You can use a sphere chocolate mold or a silicone sphere mold.
How do you apply the chocolate to the mold?
If you\’re using a silicone mold you will want to use a paintbrush. If you\’re using a hard plastic mold you will just pour in some chocolate and circle it around the sphere.
How do you put the spheres together?
This part is key to getting your hot cocoa bombs to stay together and is the part many videos and how-tos leave off. However, it is the MOST important step and the way for you to get a flawless seam.
1. Place a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
2. Once the cookie sheet is hot, take it out of the oven and set the chocolate half you will be filling onto the hot cookie sheet.
3. Swirl it around until all the sides are even.
Pro Tip: This is critical if you want your two halves to line up. If you do not create an even surface then your hot cocoa bombs will not properly line up and you will have to add chocolate to them and it won\’t look great.
4. Remove it.
5. Then you will fill that half of your hot cocoa bomb with your hot chocolate goodies.
6. Once you have it filled, repeat the same process with the other half of the cocoa bomb, but instead of filling it, you will place it on top of the filled one.
Pro Tip: Make sure that this half is even so it will seamlessly attach to the other half.
Note: If you have a hole, place some melted chocolate in a plastic baggy, cut the corner of the bag off and pipe it onto the hot cocoa bomb wherever there is an opening.
What kind of hot chocolate mix should you use in hot cocoa bombs?
Use whatever hot chocolate mix you prefer. I personally like Trader Joe\’s and Aldi\’s hot chocolate.
What kind of marshmallows should you use to make hot chocolate bombs?
Any mini marshmallows or dehydrated marshmallows you\’d like!
Can you decorate the outside of a hot chocolate bomb?
Yes, you can decorate the outside of the hot chocolate bomb. Just remember that this will become apart of your hot chocolate. If you\’re adding a bunch of glittery sprinkles to the top, ultimately that will be apart of the hot chocolate that you\’re drinking.
How to make Hot Cocoa Bombs:
Now that you\’ve read all my tips and tricks on how to make the perfect hot cocoa bombs at home. I am going to go through step-by-step how to make them. This process is the easiest one I have found that creates the most flawless
1. Melt your chocolate
I prefer buying melting chocolate that comes with a tray. Not only does it make cleanup easy, but the chocolate melts perfectly.
Pro Tip: If melting your chocolate in the microwave you want to always make sure you\’re melting it on defrost in short intervals.
DO NOT USE CHOCOLATE CHIPS. They will not work!
2. Add chocolate to mold
Paint or pour your melted chocolate into the mold. You don\’t want it two thin or two thick – so look at the bottom and if you can see through to the top you\’re going to want to add more chocolate.
3. Place in the freezer to allow the chocolate to set
Once you have the mold-covered in chocolate place it in the freezer to allow the chocolate to set. This will typically take a couple minutes.
Pro Tip: Don\’t leave the long in the freezer too long or your chocolate will get white spots.
4. Remove from the mold
Once the chocolate has set you will want to remove it from the mold. I like to line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and tap the mold to get the chocolate to release.
5. Warm up a cookie sheet
Place a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
6. THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP
Once the cookie sheet is warm, remove it from the oven. Place half of the hot cocoa bomb you will be adding the hot cocoa and goodies to onto the hot cookie sheet. Swirl it around to create a completely smooth surface.
Pro Tip: During this step, you will be able to remove any flaws that may affect the two halves from seamlessly going together.
7. Fill \’er up!
The half you just made even, you will now fill with hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, candy cane pieces, sprinkles etc.
Pro Tip: For the best-fit start with sprinkles, candy cane pieces.. etc, then marshmallows and top with the powdered hot cocoa.
8. Sealing the two halves together – IMPORTANT
Repeat step 6 with the half that does not have the cocoa and marshmallows in it. Immediately place it on top of the half that is filled. The two halves should seamlessly go together.
Pro Tip: If the halves do not seal properly together, you can add some melted chocolate to a plastic baggy, snip a small piece of the corner of the baggy, and pip some chocolate in the areas that need to be sealed shut and smooth it out with a spoon.
9. Decorate
Decorate your hot cocoa bombs however you\’d like. If you\’d like to add chocolate swirls on top you can simply put some chocolate in a baggy, snip a small piece of the corner of the baggy off and pipe your desired lines or design.
Pro Tip: The possibilities are endless. Just keep in mind everything on the outside and the inside of the hot cocoa bomb ultimately makes up your hot cocoa.
10. Gifting
If you\’re giving the hot cocoa bombs as a gift, I recommend placing them in a cupcake liner and then putting them into a clear bag and attaching a decorative tag with instructions.
11. HAVE FUN!
Good luck and have fun making these adorably delicious hot cocoa bombs. If you have any questions feel free to reach out and ask me!
Hot Cocoa Bomb Flavors:
If traditional hot chocolate with marshmallows is not your thing, and you\’re more interested in something gourmet, here are some great ideas.
Peppermint
Peppermint is my personal favorite way to enjoy hot chocolate. I love adding a candy cane to my hot cocoa, and thought I would take my hot cocoa bombs to the next level by adding crushed up candy canes to the inside of the bomb with the marshmallows and cocoa.
Coffee
My mum is a huge fan of hot chocolate and coffee mixed together. So in her hot chocolate bomb, I added a teaspoon of instant coffee (or expresso).
Add a little spice
If Mexican hot chocolate is more of your speed add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the inside of the hot chocolate bomb.
Sea salt
I don\’t know about you, but I am a huge fan of chocolate and sea salt. You can add some flaky sea salt to the inside or outside of your hot chocolate bomb.
Fashion meets Food 