If staying cozy during the winter months is your preference, Pure Ludington has quite a list of indoor activities to keep you entertained! Here’s a round-up of our 5 local favorites you could try when you visit this season:
1. Go Line Dancing
Take a line-dancing class specially designed for beginners any Thursday at Ludington Area Center for the Arts (6-7:30 p.m.). Instructor, Amy Christian, creates and teaches unique choreographed line dances to brand new songs, classics, pop, Latin, country, Irish, Bollywood, and more. Cost is just $10.
The Custer Boot Scooters line-dancing group also meet weekly at the Church of Christ in Fountain (6 p.m. Thursdays) and welcomes newcomers. Wear comfortable shoes and join a fun way to get some exercise!
2. Skate/ Learn to Curl
West Shore Ice Arena has weekly sessions for open figure skating, as well as sticks and pucks. Open skating is from 11 a.m.-12:50 p.m. Monday-Thursday; and 1-2:50 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Skates are available to rent on site for just $3. If you choose the family pass, up to five people can enjoy a session, making this a very affordable choice (includes skates).
Learn-to-Curl clinics are also offered at the ice arena, and no equipment or experience is necessary to try it! Come out to learn something new and “throw some stones.” Clinics are held at 4 p.m. Sundays at a $20 cost.
3. Visit a Ludington Brewery
For some time, visitors and locals alike have been tapping into some of the best Michigan beer around, thanks to three popular places in Downtown Ludington: Jamesport Brewing Company, Ludington Bay Brewing Company, and The Mitten Bar. In 2000, Jamesport Brewing lit a fire and led the way in introducing the West Michigan area to stouts, IPAs, Scottish ales, and many more craft beer styles. JBC features 12 of its house-crafted beers on tap, including eight mainstays and four rotating seasonals.
Ludington Bay Brewing Company is the newest brewery to open its doors and leave an impression on Ludington’s beer scene. As you sit inside its stunning tap room or outside in an igloo, you will be dazzled by its carefully curated menu meant to pair perfectly with its artisan ales and lagers.
The Mitten Bar, voted by Draft Magazine three year's straight as one of the Top 100 Beer Bars in America, this a must when visiting Ludington. Located in the heart of downtown Ludington, this cozy bar serves up exclusively Michigan made beer, liquor, wines and food!
Brewery tours are offered at Jamesport and Ludington Bay upon request. Be sure to ask how you can take a look behind the scenes of brewing at these locations!
4. Listen to Live Music
Every week in Ludington brings a new lineup of musicians who are ready to perform during dinner at area restaurants. You will want to stay up-to-date on events by checking out the Facebook pages of Jamesport Brewing Company, Ludington Bay Brewing Company, The Mitten Bar and Stix Bar. In February, The Mitten will host Chirp on Feb. 4 and Sophistafunk on Feb. 24. Additionally, weekly karaoke is offered at The SandBar downtown, giving you a chance to take the mic.
5. Custom-make a Candle
Try your hand at a new hobby when visiting Ludington’s newest business, The Port Ludington, which offers drop-in candle-making in its beautiful Downtown Ludington storefront. Grab a seat with friends and create your own original, scented candle on site. The friendly staff will be there to guide you through the experience.
In the same building, Faire Heart has regular art classes, as well as drop-in DIY craft projects to create from start to finish. Have a seat at the craft bar for big inspiration and an experience you won’t soon forget!
While you’re there, you might also enjoy a warm drink from HumaniTea, lunch or dinner from The Cluck Bucket, and dessert from Britter’s Twisted Whisk.
Did you enjoy one of these activities? Share your photos with us on social media using #PureLudington.
