After the leaves have fallen and the days have gotten shorter, nothing can warm up a cold day like sharing. Of course, while November is a month of gathering the family and giving, others can't wait to get into the holiday spirit early. Here are a few things for you and some of your loved ones to do this month, prior to the snowfall.
Before the craziness of the holiday season begins, consider taking a mini-autumn vacation. Head to the Kirby House (294 Culver St.) in cozy Saugatuck and have a weekend away with your honey or group of friends. Sign up to master the art of French cooking with a weekend long class at the bed and breakfast. Chef Ray Riker will host a cooking class on Nov. 6 and 7 that will focus on a menu similar to what Julia Child learned while living in France. He'll be teaching the ins and outs of chopping, seasoning and cooking, all for a worthwhile conclusion; enjoying the foods with a perfectly paired wine.
"This is a great girlfriends weekend," Jim Gowran, who is part-owner of Kirby House, said. "We get lots of women who just want a weekend away before the madness of the holiday's starts!"
The modest class size allows one-on-one attention and encourages you to get to know your classmates, as a Friday evening meet-and-greet begins the class while the official class kicks off on Saturday at 12 p.m. For $495 per couple, you'll receive a complete weekend away: two nights, gourmet meals, and the souvenir of your experience and knowledge you've absorbed.
If you missed out on the cooking class and you're too comatose from Turkey Day, get out of the house and see the Saugatuck Sparkle, a family fun event in Saugatuck on Friday, Nov. 27. Show up at Wick's Park just before 7 p.m. and wait for the Village to set aglow with thousands of lights. This mesmerizing event should start anyone's Christmas season off on the right foot. Stick around late or come early to walk the streets to enjoy the lights in their full glory. Get prepared to enjoy the shopping of downtown or grab dinner at one of Saugatuck's awesome restaurants. Wick Park Bar & Grille (449 Water St, Saugatuck) has a menu to make anyone happy and is located near the water and festive lights.
Another opportunity to get in the festive Christmas mood is stopping by the Festival of Giving, a three-day event that allows the Holland community to admire an array of decorated trees and wreaths displayed at Claremont Court (29 W 8th St, Holland) Nov. 21-23. On the Nov. 23, the public can attend an auction to purchase the festooned trees and wreaths. All the proceeds go to the Holland Free Health Clinic (99 W 26th St, Holland), who provides healing ministry by assisting those in need of health care in the Holland/Zeeland area.
Still in downtown Holland and have some Christmas shopping to take care of? Stroll the sidewalks of 8th Street and revisit the memories of summer with fresh fruits and veggies. Check out the many homemade items available at The Holiday Kertsmarket, which will be downtown on weekends, starting after Thanksgiving. Vendors will be selling yummy warm treats, greenery and Dutch knick-knacks perfect for hiding under the tree next month.
If nothing else sparks your Christmas mood, perhaps a good old fashioned decorated tree will do the trick. Head on out to the Muskegon Festival of Trees for a 10-day event of festive fun. Beginning Nov.19, the activities include a Party in the Pines, a spiffy night of jazz and cocktails and a Teddy Bear Breakfast on Saturday for the kiddies. Besides the multitude of professionally decorated trees, there will be music, food, gifts and more.
Though celebrated in Mexico and by North American Latinos on Nov. 2, the Day of the Dead is the focus of the Muskegon Museum of Art's (296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon) Super Saturday program on Nov. 14. Take advantage of the free admission and learn about this ancient holiday that offers respect to those who have passed away. Watch a film, get a tour and decorate a skull replica at the museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
