Winter Activities

Be Thankful – Opt Outside!

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
lake with some snow on it with snow-covered trees on the shore

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Fall and winter hiking is an exhilarating experience, especially after a blanket of fresh snow. Don’t let the chilly weather hold you back; unless perhaps you are visiting snowbound Buffalo. The important thing is to be thankful that you have the opportunity to “Opt OutSide.” Make the day after Thanksgiving, a day to embrace the concept of Opt Outside! I’ll be out there too, not long after sunrise. I might even have a turkey sandwich stashed in my day pack along with a mug of hot cocoa.

The #OptOutside movement was started in 2015 by the outdoor retail company REI. The basic meaning of Opt Outside is to enjoy the outdoors on Black Friday instead of a crowded shopping frenzy. Since 2015, REI has closed its doors on Black Friday—inviting employees and members to spend time outside rather than shopping. This year, REI just announced their Opt Outside movement will be permanent for all their employees.

Many other retailers have joined a similar movement to close their doors on Thanksgiving Day to encourage employees and early bird shoppers to stay at home with their loved ones. In addition, Oakland County Parks and Recreation also hosts one of their Park Appreciation Days on Thanksgiving, when visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, playgrounds, dog parks and all park amenities.

There are plenty of adventures on the wilder side of Oakland County this season, whether you are taking advantage of Oakland County Parks Appreciation Day on Thursday, or Opting Outside on Friday (or both)!

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2020 Fire & Ice Festival in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

The Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester is back January 17th–19th for another year of family fun and winter festivities that you can enjoy for FREE. The three-day community celebration will be packed with events like tube sledding, ice skating, dog sled rides, cross-country skiing, ice sculptures along Main Street, fireworks on Friday and Saturday night, The Big, Bright Light Show, live music, TasteFest, and so much more!

The Fire & Ice Festival will be the inaugural event to commemorate Oakland County’s bicentennial year.

“We can’t think of a better way to kick off celebrating Oakland County’s 200th year than with the Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester,” said County Executive David Coulter. “We welcome everyone to attend our free winter festival to take part in the winter fun.”

The Fire & Ice Festival runs from 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, January 17; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, January 18; and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, January 19. The fireworks are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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2019 Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Experience the wonder at Meadow Brook’s Annual Holiday Walk! Spend the most wonderful time of the year at the Great Estate for self-guided tours through the decorated rooms of the mansion now until December 23rd.

“Landmark in Lights” features more than 50 glittering trees—including an all-new artist designed ice castle tree and a 10-foot tall Poinsettia tree created by 150 live plants—hundreds of feet of garland and thousands of twinkling lights. A trip to this signature holiday event in Oakland County is something you won’t want to miss!

Preview Meadow Brook Hall’s Holiday walk before you go:

Meadow Brook Hall During the Holidays

Meadow Brook Hall is bustling during the holiday season. In addition to their signature Holiday Walk Tours, Holiday Lights and Winter Nights,

Holiday Walk Self-Guided Tours

Visitors can enjoy a walk through the mansion’s grounds and halls, as well as two events for kids of all ages: Cleo’s Candy Adventure and Letters to Santa.

Daily tours take place now till December 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with extended evening hours until 8:00 p.m. on select nights.

The Final Weekend

The Final Weekend of festivities takes on a magical new atmosphere with a visit from Santa and two of his live reindeer! Guests will also have the chance to see the lights at night, while warming themselves by the bonfire and sipping seasonal adult beverages until 8 p.m.

Admission

Reservations are not required for Mead Brook Hall Holiday events. Tickets can be purchased the day of your visit in the Holiday Shop at Meadow Brook Hall and are valid for the entire day, but re-entry is not allowed. Visit Meadow Brook’s website for prices and special rates. Advanced tickets are not available.

For more information about these Holiday events or special group tours, call Meadow Brook Hall at 248-364-6200.

The History of Meadow Brook Hall

This 110-room Tudor style mansion was constructed from 1926 to 1929 and was once the home of Matilda Dodge Wilson. She loved spending her time filling Meadow Brook Hall with lavish furniture, paintings, and art from around the world spanning several centuries. Her collections are still kept in the home today and reflect the elaborate lifestyles of the American Industrialists of the early 20th century.

Fun Facts

For ticket prices and more information on the Great Estate, visit the Meadow Brook Hall website, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

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