BE SURE TO WATCH… PBS TV “Michigan Magazine” Airing NOVEMBER 19^th-25^th As Hosts Barry Stutesman and Del Vaughan talk with Michigan Vacation Guide Authors … Kathy Tedsen and Bev Rydel
We met on a warm and sunny spring afternoon in Suttons Bay … The day we met with Barry Stutesman and Del Vaughan, the amicable hosts of the popular Midwest PBS TV Show, Michigan Magazine, was an incredibly warm and sunny spring afternoon. The main purpose was to chat about the success of our book, “Michigan Vacation Guide: Cottages, Chalets, Condos, B&B’s” http://www.michiganvacationguide.com/ It was, however, an even better day to begin dreaming of another wonderful summer vacation in Michigan.
The beautiful Black Star Farms was the setting for our interview. This B&B is, perhaps, one of the most elegant lodgings in Michigan’s prime wine country (NOTE: see our “Featured Property of the Month” on the Main Page of our Web site www.MiVG.com for our review of Black Star). This remarkable lodging is particularly unique in that it is not only a distinctive bed and breakfast but also a fully operational winery, distillery and creamery. It’s home to an equestrian center where guests can watch horses going through their paces or stable their own while they’re visiting.
We shared our adventures and vacation property favorites. During our visit with Barry and Del, we chatted a bit about the challenges we faced during the initial publishing of our book, “Michigan Vacation Guide: Cottages, Chalets, Condos, B&B’s”. Being the first book of its kind back in 1991, it was a real effort to get major booksellers to realize its potential. Especially when our first edition was more of a test-market booklet rather than a typical book. After completing research and extensive marketing to regional buyers and sellers, we finally made it in to bookstores. Its success has grown from there. The Guide has gained recognition by major Midwest and Michigan travel writers … and readers … as the state’s most comprehensive resource on travel and lodgings. It was easy to talk with Barry and Del about our travels in Michigan … that, of course, always being a favorite topic of ours. We’ve had some incredible adventures during our 12 years of publishing that we happily shared with our new Michigan Magazine friends.	Evolution of the Michigan Vacation Guide
Don Coe, Black Star’s Property Manager, led us on a Grand Tour of the Inn and Estate’s Operations After our interview, we introduced the gracious and amicable property manager of Black Star Farms, Don Coe, to Barry and Del. Don then led us on interesting tour of Black Star’s operations. Black Star Farms, resting on 160-acres of vineyards and lush grounds, is a vacationer’s dream. Sitting well back from the roadway, a winding drive takes you to the grand-pillared home that houses the luxurious bed and breakfast. Breakfasts are impeccably prepared by their knowledgeable chef with visual presentation setting the stage for a sumptuous, palette-pleasing full gourmet breakfast (see “Featured Property Review” on the main page of our Web site at www.MiVG.com). As Don will point out during the show (airing later in the month of July and early August), there’s more to Black Star Farms than its bed and breakfast. Indeed, Black Star is a fully operational, award-winning winery and distillery. It is also home of the Leelanau Cheese Company producing traditional European style cheeses from pure, fresh, local cow's milk adding no color or preservative. Adding to the unique ambiance of Black Stars are the stables that hold up to 31 horses. This facility is designed for dressage training with indoor and outdoor arenas. To learn more about the wonderful Black Star Farms, check out our “Review” on the Main page of the Michigan Vacation Guide’s Web site: www.MiVG.com Of course, our wonderful time with Del, Barry and Don had to end. And end it did with Don treating us all to a select sampling of Black Star’s award winning wines… a very nice way to say adieu.	The luxury rooms at Black Star are indeed impressive. Even the “standard rooms” are abundantly comfortable. Black Star is also home to an equestrian center where guests may board their horses. Don Coe (above left) treats the Michigan Magazine (Del Vaughan and Barry Stutesman) and Michigan Vacation Guide (Kathy Tedsen, Bev Rydel) folks to a sampling of Black Star Farm’s award-winning wines.
About MIGHIGAN MAGAZINE. For those few unfamiliar with the weekly TV show, Michigan Magazine, Barry Stutesman and Del Vaughan are the energetic and friendly hosts. The show has been broadcast over PBS stations for more than 12 years and feature Michigan artisans and noteworthy businesses. Check your local PBS TV schedule for days/times shown in your area (in the Metro Detroit area, the show airs Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. on Channel 56). You can also visit the Michigan Magazine site to check out past and future episodes, upcoming events and find exact show times for your area.	Website: http://www.michiganmagazine.com/