Grand rising, West Michigan. Happy New Year from Lakeshore Current! We hope your holiday celebrations were memorable and shared with the people you love. 🤗 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Muskegon Luge Opening 🛷 

• Rare Yellow Cardinal Sighting 🐤 

• Two Cups Of Joe Closes ☕️ 

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Muskegon Luge Opening This Weekend

Crews at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park are working tirelessly to prepare for winter sports amid a recent cold snap. This unique facility features one of only four luge tracks in the U.S., crafted from natural ice rather than refrigeration.

Starting Friday night, the team focused on the longest curve, the Verizon Curve, transporting snow to build the track. Partnering with Avdek Landscape Service, they’ve used 20 dump trucks of snow to create the necessary conditions for luge.

With a dedicated crew of nine putting in around 35 hours over three days, they aim to smooth and scrape the track for its first test run, planned for Wednesday. Meanwhile, the cross-country and snowshoe trail teams are hoping for lake-effect snow, and the ice rink team is working to ensure a smooth surface. Updates here.

Rare Yellow Northern Cardinal Spotted In Michigan

In Bath Township, Michigan, a rare yellow northern cardinal has caught the attention of local birders Arlene and John McDaniel. With nearly four decades of birdwatching experience, the couple was amazed to spot the striking bird at their feeder just before Christmas. Scientists estimate this yellow mutation occurs in about 1 in 10 million cardinals, making it a remarkable sight. Michigan Audubon’s Chad Machinski emphasizes the importance of observing the bird respectfully to avoid stressing it. Ornithologist Geoffrey Hill explains that the yellow coloring results from a genetic mutation that affects the production of specific proteins necessary for the bird's typical red feathers. This unique phenomenon continues to intrigue scientists, who are eager to study the genetic aspects further, especially if the McDaniels can provide yellow feathers from Donovan.

Northern Michigan Top Trending Winter Destinations

Manistee, Michigan, is emerging as a popular fall and winter destination for 2025, according to HomeToGo's travel forecast. Known for its stunning Lake Michigan beaches and Victorian charm, Manistee has seen a remarkable 194% increase in vacation rental searches for the upcoming off-season. The trend highlights a growing preference for "delaycations," with travelers seeking to avoid crowds and high prices during peak times.

Manistee ranks eighth on HomeToGo's list of top U.S. destinations for fall and winter 2025, the only Michigan location included. Popular activities recommended by Manistee Tourism include fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and even northern lights viewing. As couples increasingly opt for immersive getaways, Manistee's unique offerings position it as a must-visit destination in the upcoming seasons.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Tulip City Brewstillery To Open In March Under New Name

Tulip City Brewstillery, now under new ownership, plans to reopen in March as Tulip City Bar and Grill after $850,000 in renovations. The updated venue at 430 W. 17th St. will feature a second bar, expanded community space, and a full kitchen, allowing Spice Boys Food Truck to operate indoors. The brewery's size has increased from 5,500 to 8,500 square feet, doubling the seating capacity to around 300 and enhancing the game room. The new owners, Carlos Mendoza Jr. and his father, aim to contribute to the community and offer signature brews in partnership with Burzurk Brewing Co.

Two Cups Of Joe Closes In Muskegon

Two Cups of Joe, a brunch spot that opened in October 2023, has closed its doors after just over a year of operation. Owner Joe Hoerle aimed to provide quality food and drinks at reasonable prices. Head Chef Jonathan Messenger announced on Facebook that the cafe's last day was January 5. He cited decreased foot traffic, misinformation about hours, and financial strain as reasons for the closure, especially during the slow winter months. Despite the closure, Messenger expressed gratitude for community support and hopes to assist Hoerle in future endeavors.

SPONSORED BY SIMULATOR CONSULTANTS

Looking to improve your golf game or hosting an event?

Based in Grand Haven, Michigan, Simulator Consultants is a locally owned and operated, customer-focused company that provides high-quality golf simulator installations and mobile event rentals. Our installations cover commercial and residential settings, simulator equipment sales, custom designing, and consulting services to accommodate virtually all spaces. Additionally, Simulator Consultants offers mobile golf simulator rentals for a wide range of events, including parties, weddings, corporate events, marketing events, trade shows, expos, and other gatherings both big and small. We take great pride in the personalized experience our team provides to each and every customer.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

MUSKEGON

Thursday - Wonderland Distillery - Trivia Night 7pm

Friday - The Block - Lisa Sung Quartet Jazz Quartet

Frauenthal Center - Silent Sky Presented by Muskegon Civic Theatre 7:30pm

Saturday - Winter Farmers Market 9am-2pm

Muskegon Museum of Art - Super Saturday 11am-2pm

Frauenthal Center - Silent Sky Presented by Muskegon Civic Theatre 7:30pm

Sunday - Unruly Brewing - Sunday Grooves 5pm

Frauenthal Center - Silent Sky Presented by Muskegon Civic Theatre 3pm

Monday - Pigeon Hill - Holiday Trivia Night 7pm

GRAND HAVEN

Thursday- Grand Armory Live Music

Friday- Odd Side Live Music 8-11pm

Saturday- Grand Armory Live Music

Sunday - Grand Armory - Sunday Euchre 2pm

Monday - Odd side - Pub Trivia Night

HOLLAND

Thursday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

Friday - Park Theatre - Award Winning Karaoke Night 7:30-11pm

Knickerbocker Theatre - Strike Time Performance 7-10pm

Saturday - Holland Farmers Market 9am-1pm

Knickerbocker Theatre - Strike Time Performance 7-10pm

Jack H. Miller Center - HSO 2025 Norbert Mueller Memorial Young Artist Competition 1-2pm

Sunday - New Holland Brewing - Trivia Night 6pm

Park Theatre - G. Love & Special Sauce 7-11pm

Monday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

WEATHER

Thursday

33 🌡️ 28 | 🌨️ |

Friday

33 🌡️ 22 | ⛅️ |

Saturday

29🌡️ 14 | 🌧️ |

Sunday

32 🌡️ 24 | ⛅️ |

Monday

35🌡️ 30 | 🌨️ |

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Grand Armory I Keith Scott Blues I 6:30pm

Sandy Point I Tony Reynolds & Greg Miller I 6pm

Friday

Grand Armory I Serita's Black Rose Duo I 6:30pm

Oddside I Jake Vs. Jayk I 8pm

Itty Bitty Bar I After Party I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Tombo I 7pm

Saturday

Grand Armory I Brian Fedewa wsg Frederick Kidd I 6:30pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Edge Of Midnight I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Velvet Mushroom Syndicate I 7pm

Sunday

Odd side Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5pm

SPORTS

Sunday - Detroit Lions NFC Division Champs- Bye week

THANKS!

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