It is an evening filled with all the best of Northern Michigan! The horse-drawn carriages take your group through the wooded resort, over a wooden bridge that crosses The Thunder Bay River as guides fill the ride with interesting stories, facts and history of Northern Michigan and the elk. The ride continues into the Preserve; here you will get an up-close look at majestic bull elk and this seasons new calves. Make sure to bring your camera for this trip! Then it's on to the charming Elk Antler Log Cabin filled with antiques, trophy mounts and a massive split stone fireplace. Sit back and enjoy as culinary artist Jan Matthias prepares your hearty gourmet five course dinner before you on antique wood cookstoves. As attentive servers see to all your dining needs, guests will have the opportunity to sample up to seven local wines throughout dinner. As dinner draws to an end, owners Jack and Jan Matthias share a few fun Northern Michigan stories. Then it is back aboard the carriages/sleighs for the return trip. This memorable event is available May through August as a summer event. September through mid-October is spectacular fall color and exciting fall rut season; hear the bulls bugle and see them spar for dominance. It is truly amazing! December through March, the event is a cozy sleigh ride through the woods.

Experience Thunder Bay's Elk Viewing Carriage Ride Gourmet Dinner as part of an interesting 3 day, 2 night itinerary showcasing Northern Michigan including lighthouses, tall ships, a Dinner Cruise to a lighthouse, a National Maritime Museum with shipwrecks, and wineries. Looking for a quick trip to Northern Michigan? Thunder Bay also offers 2 Day, 1 Night itineraries. Just have half a day available? Thunder Bay's Carriage Ride and Gourmet Dinner Event is also available as a four hour stop over. Do you host Quilter's or Scrapbookers? Thunder Bay offers outstanding 4 day, 3 Night Quilting Retreat's complete with vendors, instructors, meals and prizes. Designed by and hosted by veteran quilter Pam Achatz they are "The Perfect Quilter's Retreat". (www.quilterretreat.com) Bring a coach of scrapbookers for 3 days and 4 nights filled with instruction, food, vendors and fun. Both retreats include the Elk Viewing, Gourmet Dinner, and Wine Tasting event.

However you experience this outstanding event, it promises to be memorable.

Call Melanie at 800-729-9375,

or cell: 989-657-6911 for information and availability.

Many attractions locally available for day tripping.