Sherwood Forest News November 2011

News from the Forest

November is here with its crisp weather and shorter days. There are still some leaves on the trees, but leaf peeping time will soon be over as Mother Nature lays down her multicolored carpet. It's a serene time of year to take a walk and enjoy the change of season. There's hot apple cider, millions of stars, and a refreshing chill in the air. So join us for some pre-holiday rest and relaxation--the perfect time to finally get to that book you've been meaning to read all summer. Also, for those thinking ahead to the holidays, don't forget about Sherwood Forest B&B gift certificates--quick, easy, and always appreciated!

Package of the Month
Bed & Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? We're offering a unique package that includes access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes, from light to dark, more than 70 different recipes are available. They'll also provide the ingredients and professional brewing equipment as well as the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3 to 4 hours to brew your batch and you return in two weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours, or you can have them bottle it and pick it up (an extra $20). You can even design your own labels using Microsoft Word (for an extra $27). For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/SWEETHEART.HTML or call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet! Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B--after the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246 or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan champagne. We'll also include for your gastronomic pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Shopping Specials
We've teamed up with 10 retail stores to offer you some great discounts and promotions in Saugatuck/Douglas, including clothing, food/drink, and art--what a great way to explore some of the distinctive shops this area has to offer, and on your arrival we'll be happy to share these promotions with you.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our cottage has 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From November through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, you provide your own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day weekends. You can see some of our past dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Hands-On Group Cooking Classes
Join Chef Jim LaPerriere for some fun and instructive cooking classes. LaPerriere worked for 6 years as sous chef at Biba's before leaving to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and graduated number one in his class. He worked with chef Mark Miller at Red Sage in Washington, D.C., studying Southwestern cuisine; he was sous chef at Mustards Grill in Napa Valley; and he was owner and executive chef at Enotria Cafe and Wine Bar in North Sacramento (earning and maintaining a four-star review). The interactive cooking class experience includes an evening of professional instruction designed around your groups' culinary interests, including ingredients, menu, recipes, beverages, and of course, a really good time. Instruction is available for 2 to 10 people. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Saugatuck/Douglas Holiday Previews
Let the shops of Saugatuck and Douglas entertain you this holiday season. The town will be decorated in colorful lights, and there will be music and refreshments to enjoy while shopping for that unique gift on November 19 until 9 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/.

Wine Dinner
Join the folks at Everyday People Café for their Food and Libation Sensation on November 16 and December 14 at 6:30 p.m. The 5-course dinners will be paired up with some fantastic wines. To wet your appetite, the third coarse is, Smoked Rainbow Trout, House smoked rainbow trout, Riesling cream, wilted winter greens & squash sauté paired with a Left Foot Charley Dry Riesling. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com, or if you wish to book a room with us and enjoy the wine dinner, give us a call at 800-838-1246 and we'll make the arrangements.

Fenn Valley Winery
Come and taste the first wine from this fall's vintage at the annual Nouveau Fest on December 3. There will be the featured nouveau wines, hors d'oeuvres, cellar tasting/tours, and plenty of space to visit with friends and relatives over a glass of nouveau. For more info, visit http://www.fennvalley.com or call 269-561-2396.

Comedy
Second City is coming to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts with their Laugh Out Loud tour on November 26 at 8 p.m. Had it with Thanksgiving leftovers and the relatives? Get out of the house for big laughs with America's famed comedy troupe. From the company that launched the careers of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more, comes the next generation of the comedy worlds best and brightest in an evening of hilarious sketch comedy and Second City's trademark improvisation. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

The Yamma Ensemble--Arts Midwest World Fest
On November 5 at 8 p.m. the SCA will present the Yamma Ensemble, transporting you around the world through music, song, and dance. The Yamma Ensemble is a 5-member band formed in 2004 by musicians who represent some of the many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds that call Israel home. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Jazz Legend Kenny Barron
Next in the line up for the Hope College Great Performance Series is jazz legend Kenny Barron on November 11 at 7:30pm?in Dimnent Chapel. His unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies, and infectious rhythms is what inspired The Los Angles Times to name him one of the top jazz pianists in the world. For more info, visit http://www.hope.edu/arts or call 616-395-7890.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in June. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Diego, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Music
The Salt of the Earth music series continues: November 3, Seth Bernard & May Erlewine (New Flower' album release); November 6, Neil Jacobs, (solo, 12-string guitar); November 10, Rachael Davis with Luke Winslow-King & the Ragtime Millionaires (original--traditional blues, jazz, and folk); November 13, Orpheum Bell (Country and Eastern); November 20, Red Tail Ring (Appalachian/old-time/original); November 27, Honky Tonk Leftovers Party (classic country--hosted by Delilah and Mr. Mark); and December 1, Peter Madcat Ruth, Randy Marsh, and Andy Wilson (Michigan Harmonica Summit); Dec 4, Cairn to Cairn, (celtic/original); Dec 11, Schrock Bros, (folk/rock/Christmas); Dec 18, Jim Hurst, (Traditional/original/acoustic guitarist extraordinaire); Jan 1, Nic Gareiss and Jesse Nieves, (Irish tunes and step dance). For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com.

Music at the Lucky Stone Pub
Join the folks at Saugatuck Brewing Company's Lucky Stone pub for some music and locally crafted beer: November 5, Greg Nagy Band (blues/covers); November 12, Lew Russ (covers); November 12, Formerly Hip (acoustic covers); November 19, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellies (bluegrass); November 26, Last Call Band (roots/rock). For more info, http://saugatuckbrewing.com.

Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies: November 1, East of Eden with James Dean, Raymond Massey, and Julie Harris; November 8, North to Alaska with John Wayne, Stewart Granger, and Ernie Kovacs; November 15, Alias Jesse James with Bob Hope, Rhonda Fleming, and Wendell Corey; November 22, The Glenn Miller Story with James Stewart and June Allyson; November 29, Suspicion with Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, and Cedric Hardwicke; and December 6, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with Kirk Douglas, James Mason, and Peter Lorre. All screenings are at 7 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Real to Reel Cinema Series
On November 10 at 7 p.m., the SCA will be showing the Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, RESTREPO, which chronicles the deployment of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley. The movie focuses on a remote 15-man outpost, "Restrepo," named after a platoon medic who was killed in action. It was considered one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. Award-winning journalists Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington created this entirely experiential film: the cameras never leave the valley; there are no interviews with generals or diplomats. The only goal is to make viewers feel as if they have just been through a 90-minute deployment. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Film Series
The Knickerbocker Film Series will continue with the film Life Above All on November 7-12 at 7:30 p.m. Life, Above All is an emotional and universal drama about a young girl (stunningly performed by first-time actress Khomotso Manyaka) who fights the fear and shame that have poisoned her community. The film captures the enduring strength of loyalty and a courage powered by the heart. Directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Schmitz, it is based on the international award-winning novel Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/knick/

About It Lecture Series
On November 3 at 7 p.m. at the SCA, Saugatuck-Douglas artists who were involved in ArtPrize will provide a re-cap and a review of the ArtPrize event. Saugatuck-Douglas' entry was different this year because it was a collaborative project created to represent both communities. Housed in the lobby of The B.O.B., hundreds of thousands of visitors experienced the 10X15 foot painting based on a 1970 work by Bill Olendorf. Join Douglas Community Development Director Ryan Kilpatrick, and others involved with the collaborative project, to talk about outcomes for the artists, the partners involved with the project, and the communities. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Visiting Writers
Next in the line up for the Visiting Writers Series on November 3 is fiction writer Jaimy Gordon. Gordon's fourth novel, Lord of Misrule, won the 2010 National Book Award for fiction. Lord of Misrule is a brilliant novel that captures the dusty, dark, and beautiful world of small-time horse racing, where trainers, jockeys, grooms and grifters vie for what little luck is offered at a run-down West Virginia track. On November 14, poetry writers Jennifer Grotz, who explores both Polish and American 20th-century poetry and its traditions, and Adam Zagajewski, he is one of Poland's most famous contemporary poets, will both read from selected works. For more info, call 269-395-7620 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/.

Exhibitions
Stop in at the SCA November 4-January 2 for an exhibition called Felt Inspired-a fiber show featuring felted wool designs. Though felting is an ancient and relatively simple process--subjecting wool to moisture, heat, and pressure--its modern applications can be breathtaking in scope and detail. A select group of national and internationally acclaimed artists demonstrate the endless possibilities for felted fiber, including clothing, jewelry, sculptures, vessels, hangings, and more. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Museum Exhibition
Through December 29, The Holland Museum presents: A. C. Van Raalte: Holland's Founding Father. This exhibition commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Holland's founder, A. C. Van Raalte. Late in 1846, he, his wife, and young family crossed the Atlantic, accompanying a group of devout emigrants who were seeking to escape economic hardship in the Netherlands. They wished to found a community where they could earn a decent livelihood and worship and educate their children. In early 1847 they settled in the wilderness at Black Lake, where other immigrants soon joined them, thereby establishing the Holland Colony. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/

Honorable Mentions

Nov 3, Saugatuck/Douglas Art Prize, Re-Cap of Re-View, Lecture Series, SC4A
Nov 3, Visiting Writers Series, Jaimy Gordon, Fiction, Holland
Nov 5, The Yamma Ensemble, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Nov 7-11, Movie, Life Above All, Knickerbocker, Holland
Nov 8, Movie, North to Alaska, Red Barn Playhouse, Saugatuck
Nov 10, Movie, Deception, Douglas Library
Nov 11, Holiday Craft Bazaar, Douglas
Nov 11, Kenny Barron Trio, Great Performance Series, Holland
Nov 14, Visiting Writers Series, Edward Hirsch and Adam Zagajewski, Holland
Nov 15, Movie, Alias Jesse James, Red Barn Playhouse, Saugatuck
Nov 19, Saugatuck/Douglas Holiday Preview
Nov, 22, Movie, The Glenn Miller Story, Red Barn Playhouse, Saugatuck
Nov 24, Thanksgiving
Nov 25, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 26, Second City-Comedy, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Nov 29, Movie, Suspicion, Red Barn Playhouse, Saugatuc
k Dec 1, Grand Rapids Ballet, Birthday Celebration w/The Nutcraker, SC4A
Dec 1, Movie, Unfaithfully Yours, Douglas Library
Dec 3, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
Dec 3, Luminary Lane, Doulgas-Santa-Say no More
Dec 3, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
Dec 6, Movie, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Red Barn Playhouse, Saugatuck
Dec 8, Movie, Kind Hearts and Coronets, Douglas Library
Dec 8, Movie, Reel to Reel Series, Bill Cunningham-New York, SC4A
Dec 9-11 & 6-18 Charles Dickens, Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
Dec 13, Movie, Carousel, Red Barn Playhouse, Saugatuck
Dec 17, Winterfest Weekend
Dec 20, Movie, The Magnificent Seven, Red Barn Playhouse, Saugatuck
Dec 31 New Years Eve and Fireworks Display

Books
Sue's Book of the Month is State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. In this expansive page-turner, Marina Singh, a big pharmaceutical researcher, is sent by her boss/lover to the deepest, darkest corner of the Amazon to investigate the death of her colleague, Anders Eckman, who had been dispatched to check on the progress of the incommunicado Dr. Annick Swenson, a rogue scientist on the cusp of developing a fertility drug that could rock the medical profession (and reap enormous profits). After arriving in Manaus, Marina travels into her own heart of darkness, finding Dr. Swenson's camp among the Lakashi, a gentle but enigmatic tribe whose women go on bearing children until the end of their lives. As Marina settles in, she goes native, losing everything she had held on to so dearly in her prescribed Midwestern life, shedding clothing, technology, old loves, and modern medicine in order to find herself. Patchett's fluid prose is superb and makes this book an out-there adventure, a trip to the crossroads of science, ethics, and commerce that readers will hate to see end. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785). And please remember to support your local independently owned bookstore!

Fox's Chicken Jambalaya

This recipe came to us from a descendant of the first Spanish explorer whose ship capsized off the coast of Douglas, Michigan in the year 1837, looking for a secret stash of Saffron that was said to be harvested by the local Pokagon band of the Potawatomi Indian Tribe (like they ever found the fountain of youth either). Being the only survivor, the Pokagon's accepted her into the tribe and to this day this recipe has been handed down through her family.

2 tp. olive oil
One-half cup chopped onio
n One-half cup chopped celery
One-half cup chopped green pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole skinless chicken breast, cut up into half-inch pieces
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1-cup water
One-half tp. ground black pepper
1 Tb. chili powder
1 can (14.5 oz.) low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10 oz.) Rotel mild diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained

Heat oil in a large pan; add next 5 ingredients (through chicken) and sauté 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Add rice and rest of ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes or until rice is tender. Serves 4-6.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Thanks to our friend Ted Swobada for some great photography, please check out his website at http://tedswobodaphotography.com/

Please check out Sherwood Forest B & B on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/pyeEsy

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News October 2011

News from the Forest

Fall is upon us, and the leaves are just starting their journey into the palette of many colors. What a wonderful time of year to go apple picking, take a hike along the lakeshore or in the wooded dunes of the Saugatuck State Park, or plan a color-tour drive (you might even want to share a Sherwood Forest picnic basket).

Some free press for Sherwood Forest! Urban Street Magazine, a cool local magazine distributed in Holland, MI, and the surrounding communities, stopped by recently and interviewed us and they're printing one of our recipes: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (the recipe is on our website under Rose's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread). Here's the link.

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies this summer. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan champagne. We'll also include for your gastronomic pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Shopping Specials
We've teamed up with 10 retail stores to offer you some great discounts and promotions in Saugatuck/Douglas, including clothing, food/drink, and art--what a great way to explore some of the distinctive shops this area has to offer, and on your arrival we'll be happy to share these promotions with you.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet! Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our cottage has 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From November through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, you provide your own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day weekends. You can see some of our past dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Hands-On Group Cooking Classes
Join Chef Jim LaPerriere for some fun and instructive cooking classes. LaPerriere worked for 6 years as sous chef at Biba's before leaving to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and graduated number one in his class. He worked with chef Mark Miller at Red Sage in Washington, D.C., studying Southwestern cuisine; he was sous chef at Mustards Grill in Napa Valley; and he was owner and executive chef at Enotria Cafe and Wine Bar in North Sacramento (earning and maintaining a four-star review). The interactive cooking class experience includes an evening of professional instruction designed around your groups' culinary interests, including ingredients, menu, recipes, beverages, and of course, a really good time. Instruction is available for 2 to 10 people. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed & Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique weekend package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes, from light to dark, with more than 70 different recipes available. They'll also provide the ingredients and professional brewing equipment as well as the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2 weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours, or you can have them bottle it and pick it up later (an extra $20). The cost runs from $512 to $695 depending on the time of year and the room. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed and Breakfast and Arnold Palmer Golf
Spend a couple of nights at Sherwood Forest, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer signature championship golf course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get: a 2-night stay at Sherwood Forest, 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines, and some great dinner recommendations so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing (cost ranges from $317-$615). To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html.

U-Pick
Cranes Orchards, just one of West Michigan's U-Pick Apple Orchards is less than 7 miles from our front door. They have 14 different varieties, such as Gala, Macintosh, Honey Crisp, Cortland, Golden Supreme, Jonagold, Empire, Jonathans, Ida Reds, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Red Delicious, Fuji, and Braeburn. For more info, call 269-561-8651 or visit http://www.craneorchards.comAnd there's also Earl's U-Pick Farm--through October 15, you can pick red or gold raspberries. For more info, call 269-227-2074 or visit http://www.earlsberries.com.

Haunted Corn Maize
Have a good scare at Crane's Orchards Haunted Corn Maize, a kaleidoscope of twists and turns and heart stopping boos (weather permitting), Thursday-Saturday, 7-10 p.m. in October. For more info, call 269-561-8651 or go to www.craneorchards.com.

Art
The Blue Coast Artists' 22nd Annual Fall Tour of Studios will be held October 1-2 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Travel the Blue Star Highway between South Haven and Saugatuck to discover some of Southwest Michigan's finest artwork, from stoneware and Raku pottery, sculpture and fine jewelry, to wood marquetry, blown glass, and painting. Visit the unique rural studios, galleries, and showrooms of these professional artists. For more information, visit http://bluecoastartists.com.

Oktoberfest
Downtown Douglas will be the site for this year's Oktoberfest on October 1. While it's not Munich, Germany, it does have a festive atmosphere to help you celebrate the traditional season's first batch of new brew. Beer will be provided from the Saugatuck Brewing Co. For more info, visit http://www.douglasmichigan.com.

More Art
Come join more than 20 tri-community galleries for the 33rd annual Saugatuck/Douglas Gallery Stroll on October 8-9 from noon-5 p.m. You'll be able to cruise through some of the Midwest's finest art galleries, sip wine, nibble hors d'oeuvres, and discern brushstrokes, pottery glazes, and photography techniques. You'll also have the chance to meet and greet some red-hot emerging artists.

27th Annual Goose Festival
You haven't lived until you've attended the Goose Festival--no really! On October 7-9, the weekend-long festival in downtown Fennville will entertain you to your heart's delight. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on October 8, and you'll be awed by this year's reining beauty queen, Miss Honker. You can attend the Carnival with amusement rides, craft show, a classic car show, and even listen to the goose calling competition. For more info, visit http://www.fennvillegoosefestival.com

Fall Funfest Day
On October 15 from 1-4 p.m. in Coghlin Park, downtown Saugatuck, there will be pumpkin carving and pumpkin launch, pie eating, food vendors, music, and a tug-of-war. For more info, call 269-857-1626 or visit info@saugatuckdouglas.com.

Chili Cook Off
Enjoy some chili from your favorite area restaurants and music from many of your favorite local performers in Saugatuck's Wicks Park from 1-5 p.m. on October 9.

Halloween
Halloween festivities will be going on in downtown Saugatuck on October 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., including country music, entertainment, storytelling, arts and crafts, and a kids' parade. That evening you do not want to miss the Douglas Halloween Celebration and Adult Parade at 10 p.m. It's definitely a fashion statement, whether you wish to partake (pull out that I Love Lucy costume), or if you're there for some interesting viewing (you'll laugh till you cry). For more info, call the Saugatuck-Douglas CVB at 269-857-1701.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market is at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday until October 7. Local farmers and growers bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in June. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Diego, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Music
The Salt of the Earth music series continues: October 9, Cornfed Girls (acoustic); October 13, Brian Cutean (wordless guitar); October 16, Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers (jazz); October 23, Stella (all-women, American roots); October 27, Putnam Smith (modern roots); and October 30, Who Hit John? (Old World Music). For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com.

Music at the Lucky Stone Pub
Join the folks at Saugatuck Brewing Company's Lucky Stone pub for some music and locally crafted beer: October 1, Hank and the Hawktones with Junior Valentine (blues); October 8, SBC Harvest Fest, music from 1-midnight with Full Cord, Andrew/Mark Schrock, and Nobody's Darlin'; October 15, Vincent Hayes (blues); October 22, Matt Gabriel (indie pop, acoustic); October 29, Halloween Party with Last Call Band and Bryan Michael Fischer Band. All performances are from 7-11 p.m. For more info, visit http://saugatuckbrewing.com.

The Enso String Quartet
Next in the line up for the Hope College Great Performance Series is The Enso String Quartet on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. the Dimnent Chapel in Holland. The group is equally at home in many styles, and is committed to the classics of the string quartet repertoire, as well as being strong advocates for new music. For more info, visit http://www.hope.edu/arts or call 616-395-7890

Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies: October 4, The Front Page with Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Susan Sarandon; October 11, Splendor In The Grass with Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty; October 18, The Man Who Would Be King with Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Christopher Plummer; and October 25, The Pit And The Pendulum with Vincent Price, Barbara Steele, and John Kerr. All screenings are at 7 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

More Movies
The Saugatuck-Douglas District Library in Douglas will present: October 13, It's a Wonderful World with Claudette Colbert and James Stewart; and October 27, The Mask of Dimitrios with Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre. For more info, visit http://www.sdlibrary.org/movie-night.html

Still Mo' Movies
On October 13 at 7 p.m., the SCA will be showing Inside Job. Directed by Charles H. Ferguson, Inside Job is the award winning, critically acclaimed documentary about the 2008 financial crisis. The film was screened at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival and won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Film Series
The Knickerbocker Film Series will continue with the film Mozart's Sister on October 10-15 at 7:30 p.m. A speculative account of Maria Anna "Nannerl" Mozart (Marie Feret), 5 years older than Wolfgang (David Moreau) and a musical prodigy in her own right. Originally she was the featured performer but gave way to Wolfgang as the main attraction. Approaching marriageable age and now forbidden to play the violin or compose, Nannerl chafes at the limitations imposed on her gender. But a friendship with the son and daughter of Louis XV offers an alternative. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/knick/

About It Lecture Series
From Scotland to Saugatuck: the Life of the S.S. Keewatin will be presented on October 6 at 7 p.m. at the SCA. Eric Conroy will share his experiences as a waiter and crewmember aboard the SS Keewatin in 1963 and 1964, and he'll introduce us to the workings of the ship during its storied career. From 1908 until 1965 the Keewatin sailed Canadian waters from near Toronto up to the top of Lake Superior. Sold for scrap, she sat locked in ice during the winter of 1966 until she was rescued and brought to Saugatuck in 1967. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Museum Exhibition
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum has unveiled its 2011 exhibit: A Village Patchwork: Everyday Life in Saugatuck and Douglas. The exhibit pulls together an array of photographs, artifacts, and stories to depict the cross-currents of daily working and living that characterized Saugatuck/Douglas formative years from 1890 to 1950, setting precedents for today's off-season, small-town lifestyle. Highlighting the exhibit is a centerpiece-curved wall presenting drawn birds-eye views of both Saugatuck and Douglas, detailing streets and structures as they existed in 1907. This exhibit is open daily, noon to 4 p.m on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Museum Exhibition
Through December 29, The Holland Museum presents: A. C. Van Raalte: Holland's Founding Father. This exhibition commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Holland's founder, A. C. Van Raalte. Late in 1846, he, his wife, and young family crossed the Atlantic, accompanying a group of devout emigrants who were seeking to escape economic hardship in the Netherlands. They wished to found a community where they could earn a decent livelihood and worship and educate their children. In early 1847 they settled in the wilderness at Black Lake, where other immigrants soon joined them, thereby establishing the Holland Colony. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/

Honorable Mentions

Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas
Oct 1-2 Annual Blue Costs Artists Fall Tour
Oct 6, Movie, Toast of New York, Douglas Library
Oct 8, Fifth Annual Road Rally-Harvest Country
Oct 8-9, Annual Gallery Stroll
Oct 9, Chili Cook-off
Oct 11, West MI Drum Circle, 6:30-8 pm, Felt Mansion-Saugatuck
Oct 13, Movie, It's a Wonderful World, Douglas Library
Oct 15, Fall Funfest Day, Saugatuck
Oct 22, 28-29, Haunted House-Coral Gables, Saugatuck
Oct 23, Last trip of the season- Star Of Saugatuck Boat Cruises
Oct 27, Movie, The mask of Dimitrios, Douglas Library
Oct 29, Halloween Celebration and Adult Halloween Parade in Douglas
Nov 3, Saugatuck/Douglas Art Prise, Re-Cap of Re-View, About it Lecture Series, SC4A
Nov 3, Visiting Writers Series, Jaimy Gordon, Fiction, Holland
Nov 5, The Yamma Ensemble, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Nov 7-11, Movie, Life Above All, Knickerbocker, Holland
Nov 10, Movie, Deception, Douglas Library
Nov 11, Holiday Craft Bazaar, Douglas
Nov 11, Kenny Barron Trio, Great Performance Series, Holland
Nov 14, Visiting Writers Series, Edward Hirsch and Adam Zagajewski, Holland
Nov 19, Saugatuck/Douglas Holiday Preview
Nov 24, Thanksgiving
Nov 25, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 26, Second City-Comedy, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Dec 1, Grand Rapids Ballet, Birthday Celebration w/The Nutcraker, SC4A
Dec 1, Movie, Unfaithfully Yours, Douglas Library
Dec 3, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
Dec 3, Luminary Lane, Doulgas-Santa-Say no More
Dec 3, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
Dec 8, Movie, Kind Hearts and Coronets, Douglas Library
Dec 9-11 & 6-18 Charles Dickens, Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
Dec 17, Winterfest Weekend
Dec 31 New Years Eve and Fireworks Display

Sarah's Buttery Apple Cake

Sarah is a Siren from the Isle of Man. Rumor has it she is descended from Princess Caraboo of the exotic isle of Javasu near the edge of the world. She was abducted by Portuguese pirates and was forced to cook her way through the western Asian routes where the pomaceous fruit grew wild (she escaped with this recipe). Sarah has placed in our care this beautiful apple cake of great wonder that is detectibly yummy. We are sure it's been changed a little because the pirates are still in hot pursuit (at least that's the rumor).

1 stick plus 1-tablespoon butter
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and cut into slices
Two-thirds of a cup all-purpose flour
One-half tsp. baking powder
One-half tsp. salt
2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla
1-cup sugar
One-half tsp. lemon zest
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan with 2-inch sides. In a large frying pan over low heat, melt the butter. Set aside 6 tablespoons of it into a small bowl. Add the apples to the frying pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and egg yolk until blended. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, vanilla, granulated sugar, and the lemon zest. Stir in the flour mixture. Gently fold in the apples. Spoon into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake until the cake is brown 35-45 then let cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan onto a rack and allow to cool completely.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Books
Michelle's Book of the Month is In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson. The rise of the Third Reich as observed by William Dodd, America's first ambassador to Hitler's Germany, and his free-spirited daughter is the chilling topic of Larson's impressive new book. The story unfolds for the reader, as well as for the ambassador and his family, as a slow recognition of the approaching threat. Through Dodd's diary; his daughter's scintillating account of her many affairs. Reading first-person testimony from victims. Increasing uneasiness creeps in as it becomes clear that the unthinkable is actually happening. With his gift for narration, Larson has once again created a work of history that reads as compellingly as a great work of fiction. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785). And please remember to support your local independently owned bookstore!

Thanks to our friend Ted Swobada for some great photography, please check out his website at http://tedswobodaphotography.com/

Please check out Sherwood Forest B & B on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/pyeEsy

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News September 2011

News from the Forest

The dog days of summer are here, and there's a whole lot happening, including fishing for salmon and trout on the Big Lake, the golf courses are in tip-top shape, off-Broadway theater has a fantastic line-up, and don't forget the best thing of all, Lake Michigan is right around the corner and it's saying, let's take a dip, mon ami! We've got some awesome lounge chairs by the pool, and our 1970s-era Schwinn Suburban bicycles are ready for your riding pleasure. Ahhh, it's a great time of year, so get out your calendar and schedule some free time soon!

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies this summer. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. From November through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, you provide your own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day weekends. You can see some of our past dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan champagne. We'll also include for your gastronomical pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially-made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Shopping Specials
We've teamed up with 10 retail stores to offer you some great discounts and promotions in Saugatuck/Douglas, including clothing, food/drink, and art--what a great way to explore some of the distinctive shops this area has to offer, and on your arrival we'll be happy to share these promotions.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our cottage has 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, washer/dryer, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Hands-On Group Cooking Classes
Join Chef Jim LaPerriere for some fun and instructive cooking classes. LaPerriere worked for 6 years as sous chef at Biba's before leaving to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and graduated number one in his class. He worked with chef Mark Miller at Red Sage in Washington, D.C., studying Southwestern cuisine; he was sous chef at Mustards Grill in Napa Valley; and he was owner and executive chef at Enotria Cafe and Wine Bar in North Sacramento (earning and maintaining a four-star review). The interactive cooking class experience includes an evening of professional instruction designed around your groups' culinary interests, including ingredients, menu, recipes, beverages, and of course, a really good time. Instruction is available for 2 to 10 people, November through April (2-night minimum stay required). The cost of the package ranges from $650 to $2150, depending on the time of the year and the room. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed & Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique weekend package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes, from light to dark, with more than 70 different recipes available. They'll also provide the ingredients and professional brewing equipment as well as the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2 weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours, or you can have them bottle it and pick it up later (an extra $20). The cost runs from $512 to $695 depending on the time of year and the room. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed & Breakfast and Charter Boat Fishing
Looking for the ultimate experience in Saugatuck fishing charters? Sherwood Forest B&B is offering an extraordinary package that includes some awesome lodging plus some great fishing with Best Chance Charters. For years, the Saugatuck port has provided some of the best salmon, trout, perch, and walleye fishing within the Great Lakes region. Whether you are a novice who wants special attention or an experienced angler who is looking for more of a hands-on trip, their professional staff is prepared to help make your Saugatuck fishing charter experience a highlight of your visit. Here are the details: you'll get 1 or 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B plus a fishing trip on Lake Michigan and some awesome bragging rights when you return home. The cost runs from $608 to $985, depending on the time of year and the room. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed and Breakfast and Arnold Palmer Golf
Spend a couple of nights at Sherwood Forest, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer signature championship golf course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get: a 2-night stay at Sherwood Forest, 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines, and some great dinner recommendations so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing (cost ranges from $317-$615). To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html.

U-Pick
Cranes Orchards, just one of West Michigan's U-Pick Apple Orchards (they might have some peaches left), is less than 7 miles from our front door. They have 14 different varieties, such as Gala, Macintosh, Honey Crisp, Cortland, Golden Supreme, Jonagold, Empire, Jonathans, Ida Reds, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Red Delicious, Fuji, and Braeburn. For more info, call 269-561-8651 or visit http://www.craneorchards.com And there's also Earl's U-Pick Farm--through October 15, you can pick red or gold raspberries. For more info, call 269-227-2074 or visit http://www.earlsberries.com.

Airplane Rides
Looking for a cool experience? How about a joy ride in a nifty Cessna 172 with a qualified, certified flight instructor? You'll be able to fly over the Lake Michigan shoreline along Saugatuck/Douglas and see from the air what makes this area so magical. Rides are $25 per person for a half hour, or $120/hour for up to three people. Advanced reservations are required. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Balloon Rides
Enjoy the soundless flight on the wisp of a breeze in a hot air balloon. Windmill Balloons specializes in champagne flights that last about 1.5 hours. You'll take off about 2 hours before sunset to capture the awesome view and colors as the sun lazily sets over the horizon. Advanced reservations are required and cost is $225 per person. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Fall Harvest Wine Event in Douglas
Enjoy fine wines, art, and hors d'oeuvres in downtown Douglas, September 10 from 2-8 p.m.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market is at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday until October 7. Local farmers and growers bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Heritage Festival
On September 17, the Heritage Festival Home Tour will celebrate the charming village character of Douglas. The buildings opened for this special event are modest in size but ideal for today's "small is beautiful" design and living sensibilities--and they range from the village's oldest (1851) to stylishly contemporary. See the various ways that historic structures have been preserved and re-imagined for contemporary use. Tours depart the Old School House at 1, 1:45, 2:30, and 3:15 pm. For more info, visit http://www.sdhistoricalsociety.org.

Music
On September 8 at 8 p.m., listen to Grammy-winning iconic singer/songwriter Janis Ian in a solo acoustic performance at the SCA. When she was just 15, Ian recorded her self-titled debut, which included "Society's Child (Baby I've Been Thinking)," a meditation on interracial romance written by Ian while waiting to meet with her school guidance counselor. The song went to the upper rungs of the pop charts and made Ian an overnight sensation. Her 1975 album, "Between the Lines," included the pop smash, "At Seventeen," which reached #1 on the U.S. charts and won Ian a Grammy. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

The Adams Family
You can enjoy a trip through popular music history as The Red Barn Theater brings back the rock quartet The Adams Family Band in a one-night performance at 7:30 on September 17 at the Red Barn Playhouse. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in June. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Diego, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Music
The Salt of the Earth summer music series continues: September 8, Danny Schmidt (singer songwriter); September 11, Grey Larsen and Cindy Kallet (new/traditional folk); September 18, Bill Bynum & Co. (bluegrass/country); September 19, Hoots & Hellmouth (twisted American roots); September 25, Anne Hills and Michael Smith (Chicago folk legends); October 2, Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo (modern, classical, world, jazz); October 9, Cornfed Girls (heartwarming acoustic music); October 13, Brian Cutean (wordless guitar); October 16, Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers (swinging hot jazz); October 23, Stella (all-women, American roots); October 27, Putnam Smith (modern roots); and October 30, Who Hit John? (Old World Music). For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com.

Music at the Lucky Stone Pub
Join the folks at Saugatuck Brewing Company's Lucky Stone pub for some music and locally crafted beer: September 3, Lew Russ (covers, dance music); September 10, Dragon Wagon (Michigan roots music); September 17, Formerly Hip (classic covers); September 24, Last Call Band (late 60s early 70s covers); October 1, Hank and the Hawktones with Junior Valentine (blues); October 8, SBC Harvest Fest, music from 1-midnight with Full Cord, Andrew/Mark Schrock, and Nobody's Darlin'; October 15, Vincent Hayes (blues); October 22, Matt Gabriel (indie pop, acoustic); October 29, Halloween Party with Last Call Band and Bryan Michael Fischer Band. All performances are from 7-11 p.m. For more info, visit http://saugatuckbrewing.com.

Female Impersonations
Join Michael Holmes on September 16 at 8 p.m. at the Red Barn Playhouse for The Judy Show. Holmes impressions of famous divas are dead on and hysterical in which he appears as Judy Garland. For more info, call 269-857-5300.

Movies
Documentary Premier
The movie Everyday People will premier on September 17 at 6 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. An independent film by Jeff Croley, Steve Croley, and Bridget McCormack, Everyday People is a unique look at the small West Michigan villages of Saugatuck and Douglas (nestled next to each other along the Kalamazoo River with populations of 1,000), both of which have a substantial population of gay and lesbian residents. As newcomers to the community, Croley and McCormack were struck by the seemingly unusual social integration of gays and straights. People don't merely tolerate one another, rather the two groups are thoroughly integrated-politically, economically, socially, religiously, among other ways. The film attempts to capture the spirit of the communities while also exploring both how and why gays and straights get along so well here. The film looks at historical influences and explores various possible explanations-including the influence of art and the nearby art academy, economic incentives, the advantages of small-town size, and the consequence of a resort mentality, as well as other sociological factors. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies: September 6, Treasure Island with Bobby Driscoll, Robert Newton, and Basil Sydney; September 13, Rally Round the Flag, Boys with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Joan Collins; September 20, Cast a Giant Shadow with Kirk Douglas, John Wayne and Frank Sinatra; and September 27 , The Benny Goodman Story with Steve Allen, Donna Reed, and Berta Gersten. All screenings are at 7 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

More Movies
On September 8 at 7 p.m., the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library in Douglas will present Living on Velvet with Kay Francis and George Brent; September 22, Wife vs. Secretary with Clarence Brown, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Myra Loy; October 2, Toast of New York with Cary Grant and Francis Farmer; October 13, It's a Wonderful World with Claudette Colbert and James Stewart; and October 27, The Mask of Dimitrios with Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre. For more info, visit http://www.sdlibrary.org/movie-night.html.

Theatre
On September 23-25 and 30-October 1, the Red Barn Theatre presents Sylvia, A. R. Gurney's modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog. Hilarious, you won't want to miss this great local production. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/.

Museum Exhibition
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum has unveiled its 2011 exhibit: A Village Patchwork: Everyday Life in Saugatuck and Douglas. The exhibit pulls together an array of photographs, artifacts, and stories to depict the cross-currents of daily working and living that characterized Saugatuck/Douglas formative years from 1890 to 1950, setting precedents for today's off-season, small-town lifestyle. Highlighting the exhibit is a centerpiece-curved wall presenting drawn birds-eye views of both Saugatuck and Douglas, detailing streets and structures as they existed in 1907. This exhibit is open daily, noon to 4 p.m on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Museum Exhibition
Through September 4, The Holland Museum presents Good Sports: Early 20th Century Team Photos. This exhibition is comprised of a variety of black and white photographs of Holland, Michigan, sports teams spanning the years 1900-1935, as well as period balls, pennants, trophies and other memorabilia. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market runs the last Sunday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the newest antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions

Sept 5, Labor Day Bridgewalk, Douglas
Sept 6, Movie, Treasure Island, Red Barn, Saugatuck
Sept 8, Janis Ian, Songwriter/Singer, SC4A, Saugatuck
Sept 8, Movie, Living on Velvet Douglas Library
Sept 10, Second Annual Wine Tasting, Douglas
Sept 10, Mount Baldhead Challenge, Saugatuck
Sept 13, West MI Drum Circle, 6:30-8 pm, Felt Mansion-Saugatuck
Sept 13, Movie, Rally Round the Flag Boys, Red Barn, Saugatuck
Sept 17 Eighth Annual Fall Heritage Festival, Douglas
Sept 17, Clothesline Art show, Wicks Park, Saugatuck
Sept 20, Movie, Cast a Giant Shadow, Red Barn, Saugatuck
Sept 22, Movie, Wife vs Secretary, Douglas Library
Sept 25, Allegan Antique Market
Sept 27, Movie, The Benny Goodman Story, Red Barn, Saugatuck
Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas
Oct1-2 Annual Blue Costs Artists Fall Tour
Oct 6, Movie, Toast of New York, Douglas Library
Oct 8, Fifth Annual Road Rally-Harvest Country
Oct 8-9, Annual Gallery Stroll
Oct 9, Chili Cook-off
Oct 11, West MI Drum Circle, 6:30-8 pm, Felt Mansion-Saugatuck
Oct 13, Movie, It's a Wonderful World, Douglas Library Oct 15, Fall Funfest Day, Saugatuck
Oct 22, 28-29, Haunted House, Saugatuck
Oct 27, Movie, The mask of Dimitrios, Douglas Library
Oct 29, Halloween Celebration and Adult Halloween Parade in Douglas
Nov 10, Movie, Deception, Douglas Library
Nov 11, Holiday Craft Bazaar, Douglas
Nov 19, Saugatuck/Douglas Holiday Preview
Nov 24, Thanksgiving
Nov 25, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec 1, Movie, Unfaithfully Yours, Douglas Library
Dec 3, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
Dec 3, Luminary Lane, Doulgas-Santa-Say no More
Dec 3, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
Dec 8, Movie, Kind Hearts and Coronets, Douglas Library
Dec 9-11 & 6-18 Charles Dickens, Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
Dec 17, Winterfest Weekend
Dec 31 New Years Eve and Fireworks Display

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/SWEETHEART.HTML Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/DINNERS.HTML.

Zen Jen's Peach Smoothie

Zen Jen, an original Siren of Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast, recently bestowed upon us a delightful yummy healthy smoothie, and it's changeable, you can substitute different fruits according to the season. Zen Jen has serenaded us with for some time and has many other talents one of which is she creates some masterpieces of tie-dye. You can see her products right here at http://etsy.me/qOVBtI. In the meantime, Smoothie Up.

Puree the following:
2 ounces silken tofu-seasonal, your choice
1 cup frozen fruit
1 quarter cup fruit juice
1 half cup soy milk
a little honey
She usually adds spirulina powder and bee pollen.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Books
Keith's Book of the Month is Moby Dick by Herman Melville. I've decided to read a few classics and the first journey into that vein is Moby Dick by Herman Melville. I know I should of read this along time ago, but somehow it missed the list, maybe it was all that sci-fi I dove into during my formative reading years. This is a book of whales and whaling, abundant with facts, legends, and memorabilia that Melville had accumulated from personal experience and scores of connections. There is the larger than life Captain Ahab lost his leg to Moby Dick, a monstrous white whale. There is vengeance and the proverbial eye for an eye against the whale. Ahab leads the crew of the Pequod on a pursuit that features constant adventure and horrendous mishaps. Moby-Dick is a vivid documentary of life aboard a nineteenth-century whaler. But as the quest for the whale becomes increasingly perilous, the tale works on allegorical levels, likening the whale to human greed, moral consequence, good, evil, and life itself. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785). If your out of town, please remember to support your locally independently owned bookstore.

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News August 2011

News from the Forest

The dog days of summer are here, and there's a whole lot happening, including fishing for salmon and trout on the Big Lake, the golf courses are in tip-top shape, off-Broadway theater has a fantastic line-up, and don't forget the best thing of all, Lake Michigan is right around the corner and it's saying, let's take a dip, mon ami! We've got some awesome lounge chairs by the pool, and our 1970s-era Schwinn Suburban bicycles are ready for your riding pleasure. Ahhh, it's a great time of year, so get out your calendar and schedule some free time soon!

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies this summer. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world) a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan champagne. We'll also include for your gastronomical pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially-made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Shopping Specials
We've teamed up with 10 retail stores to offer you some great discounts and promotions in Saugatuck/Douglas, including clothing, food/drink, and art--what a great way to explore some of the distinctive shops this area has to offer, and on your arrival we'll be happy to share these promotions.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm

Sherwood Forest Cottage
Our cottage is booked up for the summer, but if you're looking for a fall or winter getaway, those are also nice times to enjoy beautiful Douglas and Saugatuck. It sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and yes, it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Hands-On Group Cooking Classes
Join Chef Jim LaPerriere for some fun and instructive cooking classes. LaPerriere worked for 6 years as sous chef at Biba's before leaving to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and graduated number one in his class. He worked with chef Mark Miller at Red Sage in Washington, D.C., studying Southwestern cuisine; he was sous chef at Mustards Grill in Napa Valley; and he was owner and executive chef at Enotria Cafe and Wine Bar in North Sacramento (earning and maintaining a four-star review). The interactive cooking class experience includes an evening of professional instruction designed around your groups' culinary interests, including ingredients, menu, recipes, beverages, and of course, a really good time. Instruction is available for 2 to 10 people, November through April (2-night minimum stay required). The cost of the package ranges from $650 to $2150, depending on the time of the year and the room. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed & Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique weekend package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes, from light to dark, with more than 70 different recipes available. They'll also provide the ingredients and professional brewing equipment as well as the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2 weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours, or you can have them bottle it and pick it up later (an extra $20). The cost runs from $512 to $695 depending on the time of year and the room. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed & Breakfast, Dinner, and Off-Broadway Theater
Looking for a great getaway including fantastic lodging, dinner for two, and two tickets to some awesome off-Broadway theater? Sherwood Forest has put a great package together for you to enjoy this summer: you'll get 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B, a voucher good toward dinner for two at either Chequers in Saugatuck, a British-style pub offering English favorites, or Restaurant Toulouse, a French-American restaurant with warm French provincial ambiance. Then you'll be off to the Mason Street Warehouse, where you'll experience professional off-Broadway live theater. The line-up for this season: Five Guys named Moe (July 22-Aug 7); The 39 Steps (Aug 12-28); and Scott Nevin's One Night Stand (Aug 31-Sept 4). Package prices range from $260 to $560. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed & Breakfast and Charter Boat Fishing
Looking for the ultimate experience in Saugatuck fishing charters? Sherwood Forest B&B is offering an extraordinary package that includes some awesome lodging plus some great fishing with Best Chance Charters. For years, the Saugatuck port has provided some of the best salmon, trout, perch, and walleye fishing within the Great Lakes region. Whether you are a novice who wants special attention or an experienced angler who is looking for more of a hands-on trip, their professional staff is prepared to help make your Saugatuck fishing charter experience a highlight of your visit. Here are the details: you'll get 1 or 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B plus a fishing trip on Lake Michigan and some awesome bragging rights when you return home. The cost runs from $608 to $985, depending on the time of year and the room. For more info, e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Bed and Breakfast and Arnold Palmer Golf
Spend a couple of nights at Sherwood Forest, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer signature championship golf course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get: a 2-night stay at Sherwood Forest, 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines, and some great dinner recommendations so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing (cost ranges from $317-$615). To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html.

U-Pick
There are some great Michigan U-Pick's about 8 miles or less from our front door; Earl's U-Pick Farm is one of them. Through August, you can pick raspberries, such as Laurens and Chester's. Then at Krupka's Blueberry Plantation, beginning in early July, blueberries will be in season, with the Dukes, and then the delicious Jerseys will be ready after that. For more info, contact Earl's at 269-227-2074 or Krupka's at 269-857-4278.

Airplane Rides
Looking for a cool experience? How about a joy ride in a nifty Cessna 172 with a qualified, certified flight instructor? You'll be able to fly over the Lake Michigan shoreline along Saugatuck/Douglas and see from the air what makes this area so magical. Rides are $25 per person for a half hour, or $120/hour for up to three people. Advanced reservations are required. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Balloon Rides
Enjoy the soundless flight on the wisp of a breeze in a hot air balloon. Windmill Balloons specializes in champagne flights that last about 1.5 hours. You'll take off about 2 hours before sunset to capture the awesome view and colors as the sun lazily sets over the horizon. Advanced reservations are required and cost is $225 per person. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Sidewalk Sale
The Annual Saugatuck/Douglas Sidewalk Sale will be held August 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Saugatuck and Douglas. This is a great event where merchants unload their summer goods to make way for fall fashions and giftware. There will be bargains galore-the event will happen rain or shine.

Food
The Annual Taste of Saugatuck will be held on August 28 on Water Street in downtown Saugatuck from noon-7 p.m. Enjoyable foods from area restaurants will be featured, a gastronomical event that is sure to please everybody. For more info, call 269-857-1701.

Douglas Socials
Starting June 30 and continuing every other week on Thursdays through August 25, the Douglas Socials will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. in downtown Douglas. This is a real hometown happening that includes fun festivities for the whole family, including beer and brats, music, and lively conversation.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market is at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday until October 7 and on Mondays from 3-7 p.m. from July 11 to August 29. Local farmers and growers bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Art and All that Jazz
On August 6 and 13 from 6- 8 p.m., stroll through Douglas galleries and shops while viewing artist demonstrations and listening to the Jim Cooper Jazz Band. Don't forget to stop at one of the restaurants, cafes, or coffee shops to grab a drink or a bite. Dancing in the streets is allowed!

Music in the Park--Saugatuck
By the river next to the band shell in Saugatuck, you can listen to some free music this summer: August 3, Funktion (funk/soul); August 10, Life Support (disco/Motown); August 1, The Niche Classic (top 40); August 24, Los Bandits (Tex/Mex); and August 31, Schrock Brothers (rock). For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/

Music in the Park--Fennville
Free music every other Tuesday: August 9, Steel Wheels (Americana). The concerts will be held at Memorial/Paradise Park on north Maple Street in downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.greaterfennville.com.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in June. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Diego, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Music--Summer in the Studio
The SCA Summer in the Studio Series: August 1, Catie Curtis; August 8, Libby York; August 15, Theo Katzman; August 22, The Bergamot; and August 29, Lake Folk. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org/performances.php.

Music
The Salt of the Earth summer music series continues: August 2, My Sweet Patootie (Canadian folk/original); August 9, Mary Sue Wilkinson and Roger Brown (acoustic country); August 16, Drew Nelson (singer-songwriter); August 23, Steppin' In (Americana roots); August 30, Nobody's Darlin' (old-time string band) For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com/.

Chamber
The performance line up for the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck is as follows: August 4-5, Lasting Impressions with Debussy and Ravel; August 11-12, String Quartet with Spohr and Mendelssohn. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Saugatuck Woman's Club. For more info, visithttp://www.saugatuckmusic.org.

Music at the Lucky Stone Pub
Join the folks at Saugatuck Brewing Company's Lucky Stone pub for some music and locally crafted beer: Aug 4, Formerly Hip (classic covers); Aug 6, Lew Russ (covers, dance music); Aug 11, Delilah DeWylde (rockabilly). All performances are from 7-11 p.m. For more info, visit http://saugatuckbrewing.com.

Movies
Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies: August 2, King Soloman's Mine with Deborah Kerr and Stewart Granger; August 9, Bus Stop with Marilyn Monroe and Don Murray; August 16, The Sting with Robert Redford and Paul Newman; August 23, Notorious with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman; and August 30, The Way We Were with Robert Redford and Barbara Streisand. All screenings are at 7 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

More Movies
On August 25 at 7 p.m., the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library in Douglas will present Penthouse, starring Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy; September 8, Living on Velvet with Kay Francis and George Brent; September 22, Wife vs. Secretary with Clarence Brown, Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Myra Loy; October 2, Toast of New York with Cary Grant and Francis Farmer; October 13, It's a Wonderful World with Claudette Colbert and James Stewart; and October 27, The Mask of Dimitrios with Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre. For more info, visit http://www.sdlibrary.org/movie-night.html.

Theatre
On August 12-14, 19-21, and 26-27, the Red Barn Theatre presents The Buddy Holly Story, the story of the 3 years in which Holly became the world's top recording artist. The show features over 20 of his greatest hits, including Peggy Sue, That'll Be the Day, and Oh Boy. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com.

More Theater
The Hope Summer Repertory Theatre will present Into Children of Eden through August 12, a musical about parents and children, not to mention centuries of unresolved family business--it's freely based on the story of Genesis. Then it's Taking Steps from June 24-July 26, a wild ride in mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and dysfunctional relationships in this ridiculously hilarious farce spanning just one night. Then Forbidden Planet will run from July 8-August 11, integrating the works of Shakespeare and the hits of the 60s. And July 22-August 13 is I Remember Mama, a story of immigrants in America. All plays will be at the DeWitt Theatre, downtown Holland at 8 p.m. For more info, call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/hsrt/.

Museum Exhibition
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum has unveiled its 2011 exhibit: A Village Patchwork: Everyday Life in Saugatuck and Douglas. The exhibit pulls together an array of photographs, artifacts, and stories to depict the cross-currents of daily working and living that characterized Saugatuck/Douglas formative years from 1890 to 1950, setting precedents for today's off-season, small-town lifestyle. Highlighting the exhibit is a centerpiece-curved wall presenting drawn birds-eye views of both Saugatuck and Douglas, detailing streets and structures as they existed in 1907. This exhibit is open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/

Tuesday Talks at the Old School House
Every Tuesday at the Old School House in Douglas from 11 a.m.-noon, a presentation will coordinate this year's museum exhibit, Our Village Life. On August 2: The People Who Built All Saints' Church, Saugatuck; August 9, In the Path of the Great Tornado of 1956: Saugatuck's Lighthouse; August 16, Indian Joe's Dugout Canoe of 1844 and Native American Canoe Making; August 23, Looking at Paintings and Finding Self; and on August 30, The Douglas Root Beer Barrel: Good Times and Highway Architecture. For more info, visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/2011_tuesday_talks.htm.

Museum Exhibition
Through September 4, The Holland Museum presents Good Sports: Early 20th Century Team Photos. This exhibition is comprised of a variety of black and white photographs of Holland, Michigan, sports teams spanning the years 1900-1935, as well as period balls, pennants, trophies and other memorabilia. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market runs the last Sunday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the newest antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions
Aug 2, Talk, History of the Art Club Calendars, SC4A, Saugatuck
Aug 2, Tuesday Talks at the History Center (The People Who Built All Saints' Church) Douglas
Aug 3, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 5-6, Play Henry IV-Part I, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
Aug 8, Plein Air Painting Workshop, SC4A, Saugatuck
Aug 9, Tuesday Talks at the History Center (In the Path of the Great Tornado of 1956: Saugatuck's Lighthouse) Douglas
Aug 9, West MI Drum Circle, 6:30-8 pm, Felt Mansion-Saugatuck
Aug 10, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 11, Douglas Social
Aug 12-28, Play, The 39 Steps, Mason Street Warehouse
Aug 13, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
Aug 13, Fenn Valley Winery Annual BBQ
Aug 13, Art and All that Jazz, Douglas 6-8 pm
Aug 16, Tuesday Talks at the History Center (Indian Joe's Dugout Canoe of 1844 and Native American Canoe Making) Douglas
Aug 17, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 18, Saugatuck-Douglas Sidewalk Sales
Aug 20-21, Basket Factory Vintage Baseball Festival, Douglas
Aug 23, Tuesday Talks at the History Center (Looking at Paintings and Finding Self) Douglas
Aug 24, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 25, Douglas Social
Aug 25, Movie, Penthouse, Douglas Library
Aug 28, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 28, Taste Of Saugatuck
Aug 30, Tuesday Talks at the History Center (The Douglas Root Beer Barrel: Good Times and Highway Architecture) Douglas
Sept 5, Labor Day Bridgewalk, Douglas
Sept 8, Janis Ian, Songwriter/Singer, SC4A, Saugatuck
Sept 8, Movie, Living on Velvet Douglas Library
Sept 10, Second Annual Wine Tasting, Douglas
Sept 10, Mount Baldhead Challenge, Saugatuck
Sept 13, West MI Drum Circle, 6:30-8 pm, Felt Mansion-Saugatuck
Sept 17 Eighth Annual Fall Heritage Festival, Douglas
Sept 17, Clothesline Art show, Wicks Park, Saugatuck
Sept 22, Movie, Wife vs Secretary, Douglas Library
Sept 25, Allegan Antique Market
Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas
Oct1-2 Annual Blue Costs Artists Fall Tour
Oct 6, Movie, Toast of New York, Douglas Library
Oct 8, Fifth Annual Road Rally-Harvest Country
Oct 8-9, Annual Gallery Stroll
Oct 9, Chili Cook-off
Oct 11, West MI Drum Circle, 6:30-8 pm, Felt Mansion-Saugatuck
Oct 13, Movie, It's a Wonderful World, Douglas Library
Oct 15, Fall Funfest Day, Saugatuck
Oct 27, Movie, The mask of Dimitrios, Douglas Library
Oct 29, Halloween Celebration and Parade
Nov 19, Saugatuck/Douglas Holiday Preview
Nov 10, Movie, Deception, Douglas Library
Nov 24, Thanksgiving
Nov 25, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec 1, Movie, Unfaithfully Yours, Douglas Library
Dec 3, Christmas Parade, Saugatuck
Dec 3, Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Winery, Fennville
Dec 8, Movie, Kind Hearts and Coronets, Douglas Library
Dec 9-11 &a6-18 Charles Dickens, Christmas Carol, Saugatuck
Dec 31 New Years Eve and Fireworks Display

Books
Michelle's book of the month is A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. Her spellbinding, interlocking narratives circle the lives of Bennie Salazar, an aging former punk rocker and record executive, and Sasha, the passionate, troubled young woman he employs. Although Bennie and Sasha never discover each other's pasts, the reader does, in intimate detail, along with the secret lives of a host of other characters whose paths intersect with theirs, over many years, in locales as varied as New York, San Francisco, Naples, and Africa. A Visit from the Goon Squad is a book about the interplay of time and music, about survival, about the stirrings and transformations set inexorably in motion by even the most passing conjunction of our fates. This book is sly, startling, and exhilarating. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785).

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html. Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Michelle is a Siren who hails from the Island of South Manitou off the coast of the Leelanau. She is a descendant of the founder of Burton's Warf, the old trading post on the island. Rumor has it her great mother ancestor was of Moroccan decent and was shipwrecked on the island. When William Burton fished her out of the waters it was love at first sight. We heard the tales that this was the first dish she made for him and then it was love at first bite. Enjoy my friends.

Michele's Asian Rice Salad

One-half cup brown or basmati rice
One-half lb. green beans, asparagus, or snow peas
1 orange
One-half each red/green peppers, diced
1 can water chestnuts, rinsed and sliced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing:
One-quarter cup fresh orange juice
One-quarter cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
One-half cup vegetable oil
One-half teaspoons red pepper flakes

1. Cook rice in large pot of salted boiling water, uncovered, until tender, about 20-25 min. Drain well.
2. Blanch veggies and cut on the diagonal. Grate orange zest and divide orange into segments.
3. Mix dressing ingredients together well. Taste and adjust seasonings.
4. While rice is still warm toss with a spoonful or two of the dressing. Cool, and then mix in all remaining ingredients. Add more dressing as required and season to taste. Garnish with some extra chopped peanuts and chopped cilantro sprinkled on top.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News July 2011

News from the Forest

The summer is upon us, and there's a whole lot happening around here! The golf courses are in tip-top shape, the off-Broadway theater has a fantastic line-up, and Lake Michigan is saying, let's take a dip mon ami! We've got some awesome lounge chairs by the pool, and our 1970s-era Schwinn Suburban bicycles are ready for your riding pleasure. Ahh, it's a great time of year, so get out your calendar and schedule some free time soon.

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies this summer. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world) a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan champagne We'll also include for your gastronomical pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially-made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Shopping Specials
We've teamed up with 10 retail stores to offer you some great discounts and promotions in Saugatuck/Douglas, including clothing, food/drink, and art--what a great way to explore some of the distinctive shops this area has to offer, and on your arrival we'll be happy to share these promotions.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm

Sherwood Forest Cottage
Our cottage is booked up for the summer, but if you're looking for a fall getaway, it's a perfect time to enjoy beautiful Douglas and Saugatuck. It sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and yes, it's pet friendly. It goes back to nightly rental after Labor Day. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Bed & Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique weekend package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes, from light to dark, with more than 70 different recipes available. They'll also provide the ingredients and professional brewing equipment as well as the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2 weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours, or you can have them bottle it and pick it up later (an extra $20). The cost runs from $512 to $695 depending on the time of year and the room. For more info, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Bed & Breakfast, Dinner, and Off-Broadway Theater
Looking for a great getaway including fantastic lodging, dinner for two, and two tickets to some awesome off-Broadway theater? Sherwood Forest has put a great package together for you to enjoy this summer: you'll get 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B, a voucher good toward dinner for two at either Chequers in Saugatuck, a British-style pub offering English favorites, or Restaurant Toulouse, a French-American restaurant with warm French provincial ambiance. Then you'll be off to the Mason Street Warehouse, where you'll experience professional off-Broadway live theater. The line up for this season is Chicago (July 1-17); Five Guys named Moe (July 22-Aug 7); The 39 Steps (Aug 12-28); and Scott Nevin's One Night Stand (Aug 31-Sept 4). Package prices range from $260 to $560. To book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Bed & Breakfast and Charter Boat Fishing
Looking for the ultimate experience in Saugatuck fishing charters? Sherwood Forest B&B is offering an extraordinary package that includes some awesome lodging plus some great fishing with Best Chance Charters. For years, the Saugatuck port has provided some of the best salmon, trout, perch, and walleye fishing within the Great Lakes region. Whether you are a novice who wants special attention or an experienced angler who is looking for more of a hands-on trip, their professional staff is prepared to help make your Saugatuck fishing charter experience a highlight of your visit. Here are the details: you'll get 1 or 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B plus a fishing trip on Lake Michigan and some awesome bragging rights when you return home. The cost runs from $608 to $985, depending on the time of year and the room. For more info or to book this package, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Bed and Breakfast and Arnold Palmer Golf
Spend a couple of nights at Sherwood Forest, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer signature championship golf course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get: a 2-night stay at Sherwood Forest, 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines, and some great dinner recommendations so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing (cost ranges from $317-$615). To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html.

Hands-On Group Cooking Classes
Join Chef Jim LaPerriere to offer some fun and instructive cooking classes. LaPerriere worked for 6 years as sous chef at Biba's before leaving to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and graduated number one in his class. He worked with chef Mark Miller at Red Sage in Washington, D.C., studying Southwestern Cuisine; he was sous chef at Mustards Grill in Napa Valley; and he was owner and executive chef at Enotria Cafe and Wine Bar in North Sacramento (earning and maintaining a four-star review). The interactive cooking class experience includes an evening of professional instruction designed around your groups culinary interests, including ingredients, menu, recipes, beverages, and of course, a really good time. Available for 2 to 10 people, November through April (2-night minimum stay required), the cost of this package ranges from $650 to $2150. For more info or to book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246 or you can e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Culinary Tours
Our friend David has started local food tours, and your taste buds will be thanking you. The first, a 3-hour walking tour, offers a culinary peek into the food and life of Saugatuck and Douglas. Experience local products during several stops, with tastings that may include smoky meats, award-winning wines, hints of spice, delightful oils, richly roasted coffee, local fruit spreads, and bakery breads. The second features a driving tour showcasing the "farm to fork" movement of Allegan County. This Delicious Drive includes niche farms in operation, including organic fruits and vegetables, artisan cheese producers, wineries, orchards, a bakery, and a brew master. For more info, visit http://www.hungryvillagetours.com.

U-Pick
There are some great Michigan U-Pick's about 8 miles or less from our front door; Earl's U-Pick Farm is one of them. Through August, you can pick raspberries, such as Laurens and Chester's. Then at Krupka's Blueberry Plantation, beginning in early July, blueberries will be in season, with the Dukes, and then the delicious Jerseys will be ready after that. For more info, contact Earl's at 269-227-2074 or Krupka's at 269-857-4278.

Airplane Rides
Looking for a cool experience? How about a joy ride in a nifty Cessna 172 with a qualified, certified flight instructor? You'll be able to fly over the Lake Michigan shoreline along Saugatuck/Douglas and see from the air what makes this area so magical. Rides are $25 per person for a half hour, or $120/hour for up to three people. Advanced reservations are required. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Balloon Rides
Enjoy the soundless flight on the wisp of a breeze in a hot air balloon. Windmill Balloons specializes in champagne flights that last about 1.5 hours. You'll take off about 2 hours before sunset to capture the awesome view and colors as the sun lazily sets over the horizon. Advanced reservations are required and cost is $225 per person. If interested, give us a call at the B&B, 800-838-1246.

Douglas Socials
Starting June 30 and continuing every other week on Thursdays through August 25, the Douglas Socials will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. in downtown Douglas. This is a real hometown happening that includes fun festivities for the whole family, including beer and brats, music, and lively conversation.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market is at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday until October 7 and on Mondays from 3-7 p.m. from July 11 to August 29. Local farmers and growers bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Comedy
Join the SCA in welcoming the comedy group Capitol Steps on July 5 at 8 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. The Capitol Steps have recorded 30 albums, including their latest, Desperate Housemembers, featuring John Boehner and his new Republican majority, a bevy of dispirited Democrats, and a cast of international stars. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Music in the Park--Saugatuck
By the river next to the band shell in Saugatuck, you can listen to some free music this summer: July 6, Brenda Loomis Band (new country); July 13, Zion Lion (reggae); July 20, Bryan Michael Fischer Band (rock/blues/R&B); July 27, Creolization (zydeco/cajun); August 3, Funktion (funk/soul); August 10, Life Support (disco/Motown); August 1, The Niche Classic (top 40); August 24, Los Bandits (Tex/Mex); and August 31, Schrock Brothers (rock). For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/

Music in the Park--Fennville
Free music every other Tuesday: July 12, Madcat, Kane & Maxwell Street (blues); July 26, Zion Lion (reggae); and August 9, Steel Wheels (Americana). The concerts will be held at Memorial/Paradise Park on north Maple Street in downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.greaterfennville.com

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in June. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Diego, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Music--Summer in the Studio
The SCA Summer in the Studio Series starts on July 11 with Peter Mulvey; July 18, Zach DuBois; July 25, Excited But Nervous; August 1, Catie; August 8, Libby York; August 15, Theo Katzman; August 22, The Bergamot; August 29, Lake Folk; and September 8, Janis Ian. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org/performances.php.

Music
The Salt of the Earth summer music series continues: July 2, Red Tail Ring (Appalachian/old-time/original); July 5, Red Sea Pedestrians (world music); July 12, Hired Hands (folk- blues- Americana); July 19, Luke Winslow-King Trio (New Orleans singer/songwriter); July 26, Jake Armerding, (Boston singer-songwriter); August 2, My Sweet Patootie (Canadian folk/original); August 9, Mary Sue Wilkinson and Roger Brown (acoustic country); August 16, Drew Nelson (singer-songwriter); August 23, Steppin' In (Americana roots); August 30, Nobody's Darlin' (old-time string band) For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com/.

Chamber
The performance line up for the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck is as follows: July 7-8, Musical Tales with Stravinsky, Strauss and Beethoven; July 14-15, Art of the Harp with Hanson, Ibert and Pasculli: July 21-22, Aebersold & Neiweem with Mozart, Schubert and Liszt: July 28-29, All in the Family with Mozart, Martinu and Dvork; August 4-5, Lasting Impressions with Debussy and Ravel; August 11-12, String Quartet with Spohr and Mendelssohn. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Saugatuck Woman's Club. For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckmusic.org.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy Christy G, Entourage Tony Reynolds, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. Plus don't forget about open mike night on Mondays. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Music at the Lucky Stone Pub
Join the folks at Saugatuck Brewing Company's Lucky Stone pub for some music and locally crafted beer: July 7, Matt Gabriel (acoustic originals); July 9, Big Organ (organ jazz/funk); July 14, Fremont John (acoustic folk/originals); July 16, Mark Andrasko (classic covers); July 21, Lew Russ (covers, dance music); July 23, Last Call Band (roots rock); July 28, Ronn Burke, (acoustic originals); July 30, Jen Sygit/Sam Corbin (americana folk); Aug 4, Formerly Hip (classic covers); Aug 6, Lew Russ (covers, dance music); Aug 11, Delilah DeWylde (rockabilly). All performances are from 7-11 p.m. For more info, visit http://saugatuckbrewing.com.

Movies
Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies. July 5: The Great Escape with Steve McQueen and James Garner; July 12: Paleface with Bob Hope and Jane Russell; July 19: Ice Castles with Robby Benson and Colleen Dewhurst; and July 26: Spellbound with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. All screenings are at 7 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Theatre
The Red Barn Players present War of the Worlds, a live radio show with the original scripts on July 1-3, 24 & 29. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com.

More Theater
The Hope Summer Repertory Theatre will present Into Children of Eden from June 17-August 12, a joyous musical about parents and children, not to mention centuries of unresolved family business--it's freely based on the story of Genesis. Then it's Taking Steps from June 24-July 26, a wild ride in mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and dysfunctional relationships in this ridiculously hilarious farce spanning just one night. Then Forbidden Planet will run from July 8-August 11, integrating the works of Shakespeare and the hits of the 60s. And July 22-August 13 is I Remember Mama, a story of immigrants in America. All plays will be at the DeWitt Theatre, downtown Holland at 8 p.m. For more info, call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/hsrt/.

Museum Exhibition
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum has unveiled its 2011 exhibit: A Village Patchwork: Everyday Life in Saugatuck and Douglas. The exhibit pulls together an array of photographs, artifacts, and stories to depict the cross-currents of daily working and living that characterized Saugatuck/Douglas formative years from 1890 to 1950, setting precedents for today's off-season, small-town lifestyle. Highlighting the exhibit is a centerpiece-curved wall presenting drawn birds-eye views of both Saugatuck and Douglas, detailing streets and structures as they existed in 1907. This exhibit is open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/

Museum Exhibition
Through September 4, The Holland Museum presents Good Sports: Early 20th Century Team Photos. This exhibition is comprised of a variety of black and white photographs of Holland, Michigan, sports teams spanning the years 1900-1935, as well as period balls, pennants, trophies and other memorabilia. The exhibit poses the question of how being part of a sports team impacts the individuals that comprise it. When possible, one member of each team has been selected and a brief synopsis of their life has been included with the photograph. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market runs the last Sunday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the newest antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions
July1-17 Play, Chicago, Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck
July 2, Waterfront Invitational Art Fair, downtown Saugatuck
July 3, Comedy, The Capitol Steps, SC4A, Saugatuck
July 4, Independence Day & Fireworks
July 6, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 7-Aug 12, Chamber Music Festival Of Saugatuck
July 11, Green market Mondays, Saugatuck 3-7 pm
July 12, Talk, History of the Saugatuck/Douglas Art Club, SC4A, Saugatuck
July 12, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 14, Douglas Social
July 20, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 21, Clothesline Art Show, Saugatuck
July 22-Aug 7, Play, Five Guys named Moe, Mason Street Warehouse
July 23, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 23, 4th Annual Family Farm Fest
July 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 28, Douglas Social
July 29-30, Venetian Festival. Boat Parade and Fireworks
July 30-31, Play Bernhardt on Broadway, Red Barn Theatre
July 30, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 30, Village Square Art And Fine Crafts Fair
July 31, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 2, Talk, History of the Art Club Calendars, SC4A, Saugatuck
Aug 3, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 5-6, Play Henry IV-Part I, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
Aug 8, Plein Air Painting Workshop, SC4A, Saugatuck
Aug 10, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 11, Douglas Social
Aug 12-28, Play, The 39 Steps, Mason Street Warehouse
Aug 13, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
Aug 13, Fenn Valley Winery Annual BBQ
Aug 17, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 18, Saugatuck-Douglas Sidewalk Sales
Aug 20-21, Basket Factory Vintage Baseball Festival, Douglas
Aug 24, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 25, Douglas Social
Aug 25, Movie, Penthouse, Douglas Library
Aug 28, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 28, Taste Of Saugatuck
Sept 5, Labor Day Bridgewalk, Douglas
Sept 8, Janis Ian, Songwriter/Singer, SC4A, Saugatuck
Sept 10, Second Annual Wine Tasting, Douglas
Sept 10, Mount Baldhead Challenge, Saugatuck
Sept 17 Eighth Annual Fall Heritage Festival, Douglas
Sept 25, Allegan Antique Market
Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas
Oct 15, Fall Funfest Day, Saugatuck
Nov 19, Saugatuck/Douglas Holiday Preview
Nov 24, Thanksgiving
Nov 25, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Books
The Hunger Games. Time-line, the not so distant future. Place, the United States of America. The country has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war. Out of the ashes has risen the new government of Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book is a great read for teens and adults alike. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785).

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html. Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Felix says he used to be a cat that lived near a tribe of Trees ( The Oakster Tribe) that had the ability to walk, talk and sleep (gotta love that). One day while wandering aimlessly, Felix came upon the Oaksters who were picknicing in a beautiful field of wild watermelons. They were quite surprised by the intrusion and subsequently picked him up (and a few watermelons too) and threw them into a nearby fired of wild red onions. Felix dug deep into his magic food bag and not kidding here - made a delicious summer watermelon salad- sharing we are.

Felix's Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad
2 Tb. balsamic vinegar
2 tp. olive oil
1 Tb. sugar
¼ tp. black pepper
5 cups watermelon, cut into large chunks
1 cup vertically sliced red onion
½ cup chopped fresh mint

Whisk together first 4 ingredients; add rest of ingredients, stir and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. Serves 4-6.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News June 2011

News from the Forest

Memorial Day has come and gone, and for us that heralds the beginning of our summer season. Our hip and groovy pool is heated and ready for a dip, our friendly secret agent pool painter (Mr. Stu Art) touched up the mural and it's beautiful. The days are getting longer as we head toward the summer solstice, so we hope youll be able to make it for a visit soon to enjoy this delightful time of year.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (pet friendly)
Our Cottage is getting booked up for the summer, but heres what we have left: July 9-15. It goes for $1300 for the week and sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool privileges, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. And of course, there is still nightly availability for this spring and fall, and yes, it's pet friendly. For more info, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Sherwood Forest Picnic Baskets
Venture forth from Sherwood Forest with your own basket of goodies this summer. The picnic includes a fine selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and baguettes, along with fresh fruit and sweets to make your afternoon rendezvous complete. To wet your whistle, choose from spritzers or bottled water (vegetarian selection also available). Price: $55 for two.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan champagne We'll also include for your gastronomical pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially-made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit, you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. The cost for this R&R is $165 with one massage; $235 with two massages (does not include room rate). To view more specials on our website, go to http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html.

Shopping Special
We've teamed up with 10 retail stores to offer you some great discounts and promotions in Saugatuck/Douglas, including clothing, food/drink, and art--what a great way to explore some of the distinctive shops this area has to offer, and on your arrival we'll be happy to share these promotions.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Bed & Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique weekend package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes, from light to dark, with more than 70 different recipes available. They'll also provide the ingredients and professional brewing equipment as well as the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2 weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours, or you can have them bottle it and pick it up later (an extra $20). The cost runs from $512 to $695 depending on the time of year and the room. For more info, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Bed & Breakfast, Dinner, and Off-Broadway Theater
Looking for a great getaway including fantastic lodging, dinner for two, and two tickets to some awesome off-Broadway theater? Sherwood Forest has put a great package together for you to enjoy this summer: you'll get 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B, a voucher good toward dinner for two at either Chequers in Saugatuck, a British-style pub offering English favorites, or Restaurant Toulouse, a French-American restaurant with warm French provincial ambiance. Then you'll be off to the Mason Street Warehouse, where you'll experience professional off-Broadway live theater. The line up for this season is Chicago (July 1-17); Five Guys named Moe (July 22-Aug 7); The 39 Steps (Aug 12-28); and Scott Nevin's One Night Stand (Aug 31-Sept 4). Package prices range from $260 to $560. To book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Bed & Breakfast and Charter Boat Fishing
Looking for the ultimate experience in Saugatuck fishing charters? Sherwood Forest B&B is offering an extraordinary package that includes some awesome lodging plus some great fishing with Best Chance Charters, Saugatuck, Michigans premiere fishing experts. For years, the Saugatuck port has provided some of the best salmon, trout, perch, and walleye fishing within the Great Lakes region. Whether you are a novice who wants special attention or an experienced angler who is looking for more of a hands-on trip, their professional staff is prepared to help make your Saugatuck fishing charter experience a highlight of your visit. Here are the details: you'll get 1 or 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B plus a fishing trip on Lake Michigan and some awesome bragging rights when you return home. The cost runs from $608 to $985, depending on the time of year and the room. For more info or to book this package, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Bed and Breakfast and Arnold Palmer Golf
Spend a couple of nights at Sherwood Forest, and we'll arrange for you to play at The Ravines, an Arnold Palmer signature championship golf course, a sweeping, 18-stanza epic, where nature meets sport in ways you simply must witness to believe. Here's what you get: a 2-night stay at Sherwood Forest, 18 holes of golf for two (with a cart) with a guaranteed tee time at The Ravines, and some great dinner recommendations so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing (cost ranges from $317-$615). To book this package, call us at 800-838-1246. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html.

Hands-On Group Cooking Classes
Join Chef Jim LaPerriere to offer some fun and instructive cooking classes. LaPerriere worked for 6 years as sous chef at Biba's before leaving to study at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and graduated number one in his class. He worked with chef Mark Miller at Red Sage in Washington, D.C., studying Southwestern Cuisine; he was sous chef at Mustards Grill in Napa Valley; and he was owner and executive chef at Enotria Cafe and Wine Bar in North Sacramento (earning and maintaining a four-star review). The interactive cooking class experience includes an evening of professional instruction designed around your groups culinary interests, including ingredients, menu, recipes, beverages, and of course, a really good time. Available for 2 to 10 people, November through April (2-night minimum stay required), the cost of this package ranges from $650 to $2150. For more info or to book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246 or you can e-mail us at sf@sherwoodforestbandb.com.

Waterfront Film Festival
From June 9-12, head to Saugatuck for the coolest event of the year: the Thirteenth Annual Waterfront Film Festival. With close to 60 films (ranging from shorts, documentaries, comedies, and dramas), seminars, and panel discussions with experienced film industry veterans, it promises to be a great event. The opening kick off starts on June 9 with a street party at 7 p.m. on Culver Street with Shaggy, the Jamaican-born recording artist best known for his 1995 mega-hit single Boombastic, then followed at dusk with an outdoor screening of a soon-to-be-named film. For more info, call 269-857-8351 or visit http://www.waterfrontfilm.org.

More Movies
It's Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Saugatuck/Douglas Library in Douglas: June 16, The African Queen with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall; and June 30, Singing in the Rain with Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. For more info, visit http://www.sdlibrary.org/movie-night.html.

Still More Movies
Film Studies at the Red Barn Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies. June 7: The Spy Who Came Out of the Water with Doris Day, Rod Taylor, and Arthur Godfrey; June 14: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, with Robert Sterling and Joan Fountaine; June 21: The Mirror Cracked with Angela Lansbury, Elizabeth Taylor, and Tony Curtis; June 28: The Long Hot Summer with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Orson Wells, and Lee Remick; July 5: The Great Escape with Steve McQueen and James Garner; July 12: Paleface with Bob Hope and Jane Russell; July 19: Ice Castles with Robby Benson and Colleen Dewhurst; July 26: Spellbound with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck;. All screenings are at 7 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Farmers' Market
The Green Market is at the SCA from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday starting June 2 until October 7. There will also be the Monday Market (July 11-August 29) from 3-7 p.m. where local farmers and growers will bring fresh produce, flowers, and perennials, plus homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods to the SCA. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org/GreenMarket.html.

Wineries
Head out to Fenn Valley Winery on June 25 for their Wine Fest from 1-5 p.m. where once again they'll kick off the beginning of summer as they open their cellars for wine tasting, ethnic foods, and live music. Then on July 17, enjoy Blues in the Vineyard, bring a picnic basket and your lawn chair and park it for a day of live blues starting at 2:30 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-2396 or visit http://www.fennvalley.com.

Theater
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre will present Into Children of Eden from June 17-August 12, a joyous musical about parents and children, not to mention centuries of unresolved family business--it's freely based on the story of Genesis. Then it's Taking Steps from June 24-July 26, a wild ride in mistaken identity, misunderstandings, and dysfunctional relationships in this ridiculously hilarious farce spanning just one night. Then Forbidden Planet will run from July 8-August 11, integrating the works of Shakespeare and the hits of the 60s. And July 22-August 13 is I Remember Mama, a story of immigrants in America. All plays will be at the DeWitt Theatre, downtown Holland at 8 p.m. For more info, call 616-395-7890 or visit http://www.hope.edu/hsrt/

More Theatre
The Red Barn Players present War of the Worlds, a live radio show with the original scripts on July 1-3, 24 & 29. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://redbarnsaugatuck.com/

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in June. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Diego, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Dan Hicks and the Hot Lick
s On June 4 at the SCA, Dan Hicks, the long-time king of hipster-chic, will bring his sizzling sound to the SCA. For three decades, Hicks has worked with such artists as Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bette Midler, Brain Setzer, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffett. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Music
The Salt of the Earth summer music series continues: June 7 at 7:30 with a House Concert by Michigan favorites Rachael Davis and Joshua Davis; followed by a Tuesday in the Park concert afterglow show with the Folias Tango Duo on June 14 at 8:30; singer-songwriter Graham Parsons will be on June 21 at 7:30; and Grand Rapids Nicholas James Thomasma plays a Tuesday's afterglow on June 28 at 8:30. For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com/.

Music in the Park--Saugatuck
By the river next to the band shell in Saugatuck, you can listen to some free music this summer: June 22, The Searchers (Circle of Tribute); June 29, Don Middlebrook & Living Soul (rock); July 6, Brenda Loomis Band (new country); July 13, Zion Lion (reggae); July 20, Bryan Michael Fischer Band (rock/blues/R&B); July 27, Creolization (zydeco/cajun); August 3, Funktion (funk/soul); August 10, Life Support (disco/Motown); August 1, The Niche Classic (top 40); August 24, Los Bandits (Tex/Mex); and August 31, Schrock Brothers (rock). For more info, visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com/.

Music in the Park--Fennville
Free music every other Tuesday: June 14, Claudia Schmidt & the Funtet (jazz/folk); June 28, An Dro (Irish); July 12, Madcat, Kane & Maxwell Street (blues) ; July 26, Zion Lion (reggae); and August 9, Steel Wheels (Americana). The concerts will be held at Memorial/Paradise Park on north Maple Street in downtown Fennville. For more info, visit http://www.greaterfennville.com.

Museum Exhibition
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum has unveiled its 2011 exhibit: A Village Patchwork: Everyday Life in Saugatuck and Douglas. The exhibit pulls together an array of photographs, artifacts and stories to depict the cross-currents of daily working and living that characterized Saugatuck/Douglas formative years from 1890 to 1950, setting precedents for todays off-season, small-town lifestyle. Highlighting the exhibit is a centerpiece-curved wall presenting drawn birds-eye views of both Saugatuck and Douglas, detailing streets and structures as they existed in 1907. This exhibit is open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/.

Museum Exhibition
Through September 4, The Holland Museum presents Good Sports: Early 20th Century Team Photos. This exhibition is comprised of a variety of black and white photographs of Holland, Michigan, sports teams spanning the years 1900-1935, as well as period balls, pennants, trophies and other memorabilia. The exhibit poses the question of how being part of a sports team impacts the individuals that comprise it. When possible, one member of each team has been selected and a brief synopsis of their life has been included with the photograph. For more info, visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/.

Exhibition
ABOUT IT! Series - Eat. Buy. Love Local. Join us for this About It! conversation on the locavore food movement on June 2 at 7 p.m. Allegan County is currently the #1 agricultural county in the state, and we can literally reap the benefits daily in our community. We'll talk about the importance of buying local--from the health and flavor benefits to the potential economic impact. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market runs the last Sunday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the newest antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions
June 2, ABOUT IT! Series - Eat. Buy. Love Local. SCA, Saugatuck
June 2, An American in Paris, Movie, Douglas Library
June 3, Green Market, Fridays, Saugatuck opens 8-2 pm.
June 3-5, These Shining Lives-Movie, Red Barn Theatre, Saugatuck
June 4, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, SCA, Saugatuck
June 9-12, 13th Annual Waterfront Film Festival, Saugatuck
June 17-18, Cymbeline/Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company-Red Barn
June 18, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 18 Saugatuck Arts & Crafts Show, Saugatuck
June 22, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
June 25, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 25, Fenn Valley Wine Festival
June 25, Red barn Theatre, Past Present and Future, Saugatuck
June 26, Allegan Antique Market
June 28, Workshop No-Tech/Low Tech Portraiture, SC4A, Saugatuck
June 29, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
June 30, Douglas Social June 30, Movie, Singing in the Rain, Douglas Library
July1-17 Play, Chicago, Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck
July 3, Comedy, The Capitol Steps, SC4A, Saugatuck
July 4, Independence Day
July 6, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 7-Aug 12, Chamber Music Festival Of Saugatuck
July 11, Green market Mondays, Saugatuck 3-7 pm
July 12, Talk, History of the Saugatuck/Douglas Art Club, SC4A, Saugatuck
July 12, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 14, Douglas Social
July 20, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 22-Aug 7, Play, Five Guys named Moe, Mason Street Warehouse
July 23, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 23, 4th Annual Family Farm Fest
July 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 28, Douglas Social
July 29-30, Venetian Festival. Boat Parade and Fireworks
July 30-31, Play Bernhardt on Broadway, Red Barn Theatre
July 30, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 30, Village Square Art And Fine Crafts Fair
July 31, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 2, Talk, History of the Art Club Calendars, SC4A, Saugatuck
Aug 3, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 5-6, Play Henry IV-Part I, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
Aug 8, Plein Air Painting Workshop, SC4A, Saugatuck
Aug 10, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 11, Douglas Social
Aug 12-28, Play, The 39 Steps, Mason Street Warehouse
Aug 13, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
Aug 13, Fenn Valley Winery Annual BBQ
Aug 17, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 18, Saugatuck-Douglas Sidewalk Sales
Aug 20-21, Basket Factory Vintage Baseball Festival, Douglas
Aug 24, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 25, Douglas Social
Aug 25, Movie, Penthouse, Douglas Library
Aug 28, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 28, Taste Of Saugatuck
Sept 5, Labor Day Bridgewalk, Douglas
Sept 8, Janis Ian, Songwriter/Singer, SC4A, Saugatuck
Sept 10, Second Annual Wine Tasting, Douglas
Sept 10, Mount Baldhead Challenge, Saugatuck
Sept 17 Eighth Annual Fall Heritage Festival, Douglas
Sept 25, Allegan Antique Market
Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas
Oct 15, Fall Funfest Day, Saugatuck
Nov 19, Saugatuck/Douglas Holiday Preview
Nov 24, Thanksgiving
Nov 25, Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Books
Mama Carol's book of the month is All Is Forgotten, Nothing Is Lost: A Novel by Lan Samantha Chang. This book is absolutely well written, engaging me with so many questions I could barely put it down. An exploration of youthful love and ambition and how life rarely turns out the way we envisioned. The story is told in three major sections that eclipse through the years. We first meet Roman, Lucy, and Bernard in the poetry-writing class led by the famous, terrifying, charismatic and mysterious poet and professor poet Miranda Sturgis at the renowned writing school in Bonneville. After graduation, we follow Roman as he begins his own teaching career, marries Lucy, and struggles to complete a long-worked-on volume of poetry. When Bernard becomes homeless for a while, he spends several months with Roman and Lucy, so the friends are together again after many years, and their relationships are renewed and undergo changes. Then, in the third section of the book, we drop back in on the group ten years later for a final look. This book definitely worth reading, if only for Changs gorgeous and elegant prose style. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785) or at Treehouse Books in Holland (616-494-5085) or visit http://www.treehousebooks.net.

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesnt get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html. Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Zen Jen is the Tie Dye mistress; her creational energies have been a family secret dating back to when her parents drove a VW van to over 300 Grateful Dead Concerts in the 60's and 70's. Though the psychedelic bus no longer plies the byways of the planet, this awesome recipe was passed from mother to daughter. Now her children are the third generation of Fritter Lovers and of course the next generation of Deadheads.

Zen Jen's Zucchini Fritters

Shred 2 medium zucchini and one-half medium carrot. Whisk 3 eggs and add one-quarter tp. salt, one tp. dill, and small handful fresh cilantro. Stir and add zucchini/carrot, then drop 2 Tb. portions onto hot greased skillet, cook until lightly brown, flip and cook other side until lightly brown. Makes approx. 8 fritters.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News May 2011

News from the Forest

Spring is upon us, and Mother Nature is stretching her arms wide to show us her new wardrobe. The leaf buds are popping and the trees are reaching for those sun-filled days. The daffodils are singing a chorus of welcome to the newly arrived tulips, the forsythias are displaying their brilliance, and the trillium and Jack in the Pulpit are letting us know how special our little slice of the planet is. Our cool pool will be open by Memorial Day, and the bikes are all tuned up for that awesome ride along Lake Shore Drive or into town. So we hope you can make it for a visit soon!

Sherwood Forest Cottage (pet friendly)
Our Cottage is getting booked up for the summer, but here's what we have left: June 4-10, 11-17, 18-24, and July 9-15. It goes for $1300 for the week and sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool privileges, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. And of course, there is still nightly availability for this spring and fall, and yes, it's pet friendly. For more info, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Tulip Time Festival
Can you believe it? The third largest festival in the United States is just 15 miles north of Saugatuck/Douglas. The Tulip Time Festival dates back to 1929, and you can still experience some of the same traditional shows that started more than 75 years ago. From May 7-14, there will be Klompen dancers who perform Dutch folk dances, and of course you can tour Windmill Island (Queen Beatrice did) with an original working windmill. The grand finale of the festival will be the Muziekparade at 2 p.m. on May 11, with nearly 50 bands, giant helium-filled balloons, and so many floats you'll lose count. For more info, call 800-822-2770 or visit http://www.tuliptime.com.

Our Packages
Bed and Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes and the ingredients, the professional brewing equipment, and the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22-oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours. Or you can have them bottle it and pick it up (an extra $20). The cost runs from $512 to $695, depending on the time of year and the room.

Bed & Breakfast, Dinner, and Off-Broadway Theater
Looking for a great getaway including fantastic lodging, dinner for two, and two tickets to some awesome off-Broadway theater? Sherwood Forest has put a great package together for you to enjoy this summer: you'll get 2 nights at Sherwood Forest B&B, dinner for two at either Chequers in Saugatuck, a British-style pub offering English favorites, or Restaurant Toulouse, a French-American restaurant with warm French provincial ambiance. Then you'll be off to the Mason Street Warehouse, where you'll experience professional off-Broadway live theater. The line up for this season is Chicago, (July 1-17); Five Guys named Moe, (July 22-Aug 7); and The 39 Steps, (Aug 12-28) and last but not least Scott Nevin's, One Night Stand (Aug 31-Sept 4). Package prices range from $249 to $569. To book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

A Culinary Women's Cooking Vacation
Ditch the GPS (and the men). Sherwood Forest takes the cake with its girlfriends-only culinary weekends. Join Chef LaPerriere in his kitchen tucked back in the woods on a private lake, where you will hone your cooking skills. Chef LaPerriere will confidently guide you on a culinary journey, integrating his experiences, philosophies, and tricks-of-the-trade, leading you to a successful and rewarding experience in your own kitchen. His passion for food, thorough explanation of techniques, and easy-going approach to learning will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Cost runs from $650-$2450, call us at 800-838-1246 for more info.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan champagne We'll also include for your gastronomical pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially-made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Shopping Special
We've teamed up with some select stores in Saugatuck/Douglas to bring you fantastic discounts, deals, and freebies, from hip and cool clothing to kitchen appliances, wines from far away places, spices from the Orient, body butters, antiques, and artwork. If you're looking for that great gift or just want to splurge on yourself, all you need to do is book a night or two with us, then go exploring at some of the most unique shops the area has to offer.

Private Golf Lessons
Now that spring is here, it's time to dust off those golf clubs and hit the links. We've teamed up with the Ravines Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer signature championship golf course with some awesome PGA professionals who offer golf lessons for one or two persons. You'll get a 1-night stay at Sherwood Forest and a 30- to 45-minute golf lesson with a guaranteed lesson time at the Ravines Golf Club. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html

What's happening:

Douglas/Saugatuck Spring Preview
On May 14 from 5-9 p.m., preview some of the most exciting new items offered by the downtown shops of Douglas, from furniture and original paintings by area artists to accessories for the home. Douglas is being referred to as the Design Center of West Michigan, with many interior decorators, designers, and architects. You'll also be able to enjoy snacks and beverages while strolling through the shops. Visit http://www.saugatuckdouglas.com.

Theater
The Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck has announced its 2010 season, which will open on July 1 with Chicago, a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery--all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts. Opening July 22 is Five Guys named Moe--you'll meet Big Moe, Little Moe, Four-Eyed Moe, Eat Moe, and No Moe as they cajole, comfort, wheedle and advise our down-and-out hero Nomax with high energy jazz songs and dance. Then starting on August 12 is The 39 Steps--mix a Hitchcock masterpiece and a juicy spy novel with a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps. For more info, call 269-857-4898 or visit http://www.masonstreetwarehouse.org.

Timbao Bravo
On May 21, listen to some Cuban jazz for a command repeat performance at the SCA by the seven-piece band Timboa Bravo. The explosive sounds will have you moving, grooving, and dancing in the aisles. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Quixotic Fusion
On May 29, prepare for Cirque de SCA with the dazzling acrobatic "fusion" performance of Quixotic--an ensemble of dancers, aerialists, musicians, and choreographers who will present an exotic mix of athletic dance and aerial feats. Created for the SCA's theater space, this performance is appropriate for all ages. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks
On June 4 at the SCA, Dan Hicks, the long-time king of hipster-chic, will bring his sizzling sound to the SCA. For three decades, Hicks has worked with such artists as Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Bette Midler, Brain Setzer, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffett. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Music
Looking for some great music and microbrew? Head over to the Lucky Stone in the Saugatuck Brewing Company: May 7, Formerly Hip (acoustic covers); May 14, An Dro (Irish/Celtic); May 21, Lew Russ (covers/dance tunes); May 28, Jen Sygit and Sam Corbin (folk/americana). Also, May 16-22 is American Craft Beer Week, so they'll be celebrating with several special beer introductions, pitcher specials, and menu items. For more info, visit http://www.theluckystonepub.com or call 269-857-7222.

Jazz
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Saturday and Sunday in May. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by one of Saugatuck's favorites, Diego, and there's some cool jazz by vocalist Mary Rademacher and Edye Evans Hyde. Show times are 7-11 p.m. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Music
Visit Salt of the Earth in Fennville for music at 7 p.m.: May 8, May Erlewine and Seth Bernard (old-timey); May 15, Dick Siegel and the Brandos; (shake-up dancing music); May 22, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys (bluegrass/folk); and May 31, Scotland's North Sea (one of Scotland's most popular folk bands). For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com/.

Movies
On May 5, the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society will be showing The Red Shoes with Anton Walbrook, Marius Goring, and Moira Shearer; and on May 19, Henry V with Laurence Olivier and Robert Newton. The films will be shown at the Douglas Public Library at 7 p.m. For more info, visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/calendar.htm.

Waterfront Film Festival
From June 9-12, head to Saugatuck for the coolest event of the year: the Waterfront Film Festival. With close to 50 films (ranging from shorts, documentaries, comedies, and dramas), seminars, and panel discussions with experienced film industry veterans, it promises to be a great event. The annual free flick is on June 9 and starts with a street party at 7 p.m. on Culver Street, followed at dusk with an outdoor screening of a soon-to-be-named film. For more info, call 269-857-8351 or visit http://www.waterfrontfilm.org.

Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies: May 3, Sherlock Holmes Faces Death with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce; May 10, All About Eve with Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, and George Sanders; May 17, Utopia starring Laurel and Hardy; May 24, The Wild Bunch with William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, and Robert Ryan; and May 31, Captains Courageous with Spencer Tracy, Freddie Bartholomew, and Lionel Barrymore. All screenings are at 6:30 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Real to Reel Cinema Series
On May 12 at 7 p.m., the SCA will be showing The Stonewall Uprising. The most thorough documentary exploration of the 3 days of unrest beginning June 28, 1969, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a seedy Mafia-operated gay bar in Greenwich Village, turned on the police after a routine raid. Stonewall Uprising methodically ticks off the forms of oppression visited on gays and lesbians in the days before the gay rights movement. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Museum
The award-winning Saugatuck-Douglas Museum will unveil its 2011 exhibit: A Village Patchwork: Tales of Everyday Life in Saugatuck-Douglas. Photographs, artifacts, and text uncover the mysteries and stories of daily life in the Saugatuck area (1890-1950). This exhibit will open to the public on May 28 and will be open daily, noon to 4 p.m., until Labor Day, and on the weekends only in the fall. Admission is free. For more information, call 269-857-7901 or visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/ .

PIE: A Slice of Pure Michigan
This exhibition, created in collaboration with the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society, takes a look at how West Michigan's unique microclimate created a fruit growing industry worth millions of dollars. In turn, the seemingly endless bushels of fruit ultimately led to the basket factory, fruit grower's bank, the fruit exchange, and shipping industry right here in Saugatuck-Douglas. And ultimately, the Lloyd J. Harris Pie Company - which today is the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Museum Exhibition
Through May 22, The Holland Museum presents The Cat Under the Hat: The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss. Illustrator by day, surrealist by night, Seuss created a body of irrepressible and instantly recognizable work. Yet, the Secret Art often shows a side of the artist that those familiar with him only through his classic children's books may have never seen. Created over 60 years, the exhibition encompasses the entirety of Seuss's multi-dimensional talent. For more info, call 888-200-9123 or visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/.

About It! Lecture Series
Invasion! The Latest on Asian Carp and Invasive Plants. Join us for this up-to-the-minute conversation about some of the Michigan's most disruptive invasive species on May 5 at 7 p.m. Get an update on the status of Asian carp in Michigan waterways. How far have the fish come up the Mississippi River and what is being done to keep them out of the Great Lakes? And learn about invasive plants and how you can fight them in your own community and backyard. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market runs the last Sunday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the newest antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Honorable Mentions
May 1, Music, Colin Hay (Men at Work), SCA, Saugatuck
May 12, Real To Reel Film Series, Stonewall Uprising, SCA, Saugatuck
May 14, Spring Preview, Saugatuck-Douglas
May 21, Douglas Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
May 21, Tumbao Bravo, SCA, Saugatuck
May 27-29, These Shining Lives-Movie, Red Barn Theatre, Saugatuck
May 29, Allegan Antique Market
May 29, Quixotic Fusion, SCA, Saugatuck
May 30, Memorial Day
June 2, ABOUT IT! Series - Eat. Buy. Love Local. SCA, Saugatuck
June 2, An American in Paris, Movie, Douglas Library
June 3, Green Market, Fridays, Saugatuck opens 8-2 pm.
June 3-5, These Shining Lives-Movie, Red Barn Theatre, Saugatuck
June 4, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, SCA, Saugatuck
June 9-12, 13th Annual Waterfront Film Festival, Saugatuck
June 17-18, Cymbeline/Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company-Red Barn
June 18, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 18 Saugatuck Arts & Crafts Show, Saugatuck
June 22, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
June 25, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 25, Fenn Valley Wine Festival
June 25, Red barn Theatre, Past Present and Future, Saugatuck
June 26, Allegan Antique Market
June 29, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
June 30, Douglas Social
June 30, Movie, Singing in the Rain, Douglas Library
July1-17 Play, Chicago, Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck
July 4, Independence Day
July 6, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 7-Aug 12, Chamber Music Festival Of Saugatuck
July 11, Green market Mondays, Saugatuck 3-7 pm
July 12, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 14, Douglas Social
July 20, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 22-Aug 7, Play, Five Guys named Moe, Mason Street Warehouse
July 23, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 23, 4th Annual Family Farm Fest
July 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 28, Douglas Social
July 29-30, Venetian Festival. Boat Parade and Fireworks
July 30-31, Play Bernhardt on Broadway, Red Barn Theatre
July 30, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 30, Village Square Art And Fine Crafts Fair
July 31, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 3, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 5-6, Play Henry IV-Part I, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
Aug 10, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 11, Douglas Social
Aug 12-28, Play, The 39 Steps, Mason Street Warehouse
Aug 13, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
Aug 13, Fenn Valley Winery Annual BBQ
Aug 17, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 18, Saugatuck-Douglas Sidewalk Sales
Aug 20-21, Basket Factory Vintage Baseball Festival, Douglas
Aug 24, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 25, Douglas Social
Aug 25, Movie, Penthouse, Douglas Library
Aug 28, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 28, Taste Of Saugatuck
Sept 5, Labor Day Bridgewalk, Douglas
Sept 10, Second Annual Wine Tasting, Douglas
Sept 25, Allegan Antique Market
Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas

Books
Sue's book of the month was written by a friend of ours, Lorna Jane Cook, and is titled Outside Wonderland. This book deals with three adults who are living their lives 20 years after their parents died. The eldest, Alice, is an actress who doesn't really care for commitment. The son, Griffin, is a gay man who is in a mundane relationship of 11 years. And the youngest, Dinah, is a woman who is constantly trying to find herself, but knows that she doesn't like to be alone. At the end of each chapter the book changes it's point of view so that we are seeing it from the eyes of the mom, up in heaven. Very light religious touch, and not overdone. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785).

Sherwood Forest Staples
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html. Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Floating above the ground (in the side yard) the other morning was a guest who said he was from the ninth century (no, we usually don't believe humans when they inform us of being from another time dimension, but occasionally, yes, it does happen). His said in a really calm soothing voice that his name was Akbar and he was a Sufi Mystic. In his hand was a small mocha/espresso and the smell was so enticing, inviting and welcoming, Sue said a cup magically appeared in her hand. Loving coffee the way she does, and having received a small amount of the marvelous mocha powder from said Sufi Akbar, decided to share with our other revelers in the form of the delicious muffins, Sue added chocolate chips and believe me, They ROCKED!

Ms. Sue's Marvelous Mocha Chocolate-Chip Muffins

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4-cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and more for sprinkling on top
3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
3/4-cup sugar
3/4-cup milk
1/3-cup strong coffee, room temperature
1/3-cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl and add the wet ingredients to the dry. Stir ONLY till moistened. Grease muffin tin and fill with batter, then sprinkle some of the remaining chocolate chips on top of each muffin. Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News April 2011

News from the Forest

Mother Nature is welcoming in spring with warmer weather and longer, sunnier days--yeah! We've seen wild turkeys strutting through the back woods and deer drinking from the creek, along with the return of the robins. It's beautiful to witness, and it's a great time of year to stretch your legs, either at the beach or the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. So we hope you can plan a visit soon, and we'll help you shake off those winter blues.

Sherwood Forest Cottage
Our Cottage is getting booked up for the summer, but here's what we have left: June 4-10, 11-17, 18-24; and July 9-15. It goes for $1300 for the week and sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool privileges, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach. And of course, there is still nightly availability for this spring and fall, and yes, it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html.

Our Packages
Bed and Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes and the ingredients, the professional brewing equipment, and the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22-oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours. Or you can have them bottle it and pick it up (an extra $20). The cost runs from $512 to $695, depending on the time of year and the room.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

A Culinary Women's Cooking Vacation
Ditch the GPS (and the men). Sherwood Forest takes the cake with its girlfriends-only culinary weekends. Join Chef LaPerriere in his kitchen tucked back in the woods on a private lake, where you will hone your cooking skills. Chef LaPerriere will confidently guide you on a culinary journey, integrating his experiences, philosophies, and tricks-of-the-trade, leading you to a successful and rewarding experience in your own kitchen. His passion for food, thorough explanation of techniques, and easy-going approach to learning will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Cost runs from $650-$2450, call us at 800-838-1246 for more info.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm.

Birthday Bash
You provide the birthday, and we'll handle all the arrangements. All you need to do is bring your birthday suit (and suitcase). Upon arrival, you'll enter a celebration-filled room with helium balloons all inscribed with messages foretelling of the wonderful event taking place, a birthday bouquet, and a bottle of Michigan's champagne We'll also include for your gastronomical pleasure, the piece de resistance, a specially-made birthday cake (singing optional). Cost: $75.

Shopping Special
We've teamed up with some select stores in Saugatuck/Douglas to bring you fantastic discounts, deals, and freebies, from hip and cool clothing to kitchen appliances, wines from far away places, spices from the Orient, body butters, antiques, and artwork. If you're looking for that great gift or just want to splurge on yourself, all you need to do is book a night or two with us, then go exploring at some of the most unique shops the area has to offer. For more info, give us a call at 800-838-1246 or visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html.

Private Golf Lessons
Now that spring is here, it's time to dust off those golf clubs and hit the links. We've teamed up with the Ravines Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer signature championship golf course with some awesome PGA professionals who offer golf lessons for one or two persons. You'll get a 1-night stay at Sherwood Forest and a 30- to 45-minute golf lesson with a guaranteed lesson time at the Ravines Golf Club. We have lots of different packages, so for more info and prices, check out http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/golf.html

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

Tulip Time Festival
Can you believe it? The third largest festival in the United States is just 15 miles north of Saugatuck/Douglas. The Tulip Time Festival dates back to 1929, and today you can still experience some of the same traditional shows that started more than 75 years ago. From May 7-14, there will be Klompen dancers who perform Dutch folk dances, and of course you can tour Windmill Island (Queen Beatrice did) with an original working windmill. The grand finale of the festival will be the Muziekparade at 2 p.m. on May 11, with nearly 50 bands, giant helium-filled balloons, and so many floats you'll lose count. For more info, call 800-822-2770 or visit http://www.tuliptime.com.

Art
Come see first hand how the Blue Coast Artists create their work. All studios will be open on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Travel the scenic Blue Star Highway between Saugatuck and South Haven to discover some of Southwest Michigan's finest artwork, including pottery, sculpture, jewelry, weaving, blown glass, and paintings. For more info, visit http://bluecoastartists.com.

Shipwrecks
Join Valerie van Heest at the annual Mysteries and Histories Beneath the Inland Seas event at 7 p.m. on April 16 at the Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland. Working with noted author Clive Cussler's National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), MSRA has identified the remains of the Joseph P. Farnan, lost 120 years ago, in July 1889. For more info visit http://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org.

Wine Dinner
On April 23, The Fenn Valley Winery, a local vineyard, will host a culinary excursion to a foreign land. This year Christine Ferris will host a culinary excursion to Vietnam that will be paired up with wine and champagne from Fenn Valley. Reservations are required. For more info, call 269-561-2396 or visit http://www.fennvalley.com.

Indian Dance Performance
On April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, experience the rich traditions of Indian classical dance and the energy of American fusion during this performance, featuring three trained dancers performing some of India's most important dance forms, demonstrating a high-energy blend of American and Indian dance techniques that translate into sheer artistry. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Colin Hay
On May 1 at 8 p.m. listen to singer/songwriter/cult icon Colin Hay in a solo acoustic performance at the SCA. Though a generation knew Hay as the front man for the multi-platinum award-winning group Men At Work, a new generation knows the singer/songwriter from TV appearances and smash-hit movie soundtracks. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Music
Visit Salt of the Earth in Fennville for music at 7 p.m.: April 3, Madcat, Kane, and Maxwell Street (acoustic blues); April 10, Joel Mabus (mountain banjo, ancient ballad, Irish melody); April 17, Cairn to Cairn (acoustic traditional folk music); April 24, Red Tail Ring (Appalachian old-time and folk music); May 1, Shari Kane and Big Dave Steele (blues); May 8, May Erlewine and Seth Bernard (old-timey); May 15, Dick Siegel and the Brandos; (shake-up dancing music); May 22, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys (bluegrass/folk). For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com/.

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Friday-Sunday. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by some of Saugatuck's favorites: Suzanne, Christy G, and Wally Michaels. Show times are 6-9 p.m. and on Sunday noon-2. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com.

Film Studies at the Red Barn
Local Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward during the Red Barn Film Studies. Screenings are: April 5, Dial M for Murder with Ray Millard, Grace Kelly and Robert Cummings; April 12, The Caine Mutiny with Van Johnson and Humphrey; April 19, The Robe with Richard Burton and Victor Mature; April 26, Judgment at Nuremberg with Maximilian Schell and Spencer Tracy. All screenings are at 6:30 p.m. For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com.

Movies
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society will be showing: April 7, Meet me in St. Louis with Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien; April 20, Black Narcissus with Deborah Kerr and Flora Robson; May 5, The Red Shoes with Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook; and May 19, Henry V with Laurence Olivier, and Robert Newton. The films will be shown at the Douglas Public Library at 7 p.m. For more info, visit http://sdhistoricalsociety.org/calendar.htm.

Film Series
The Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland will present: The Illusionist on April 4-9 at 7:30 p.m., which details the story of a dying breed of stage entertainer whose thunder is being stolen by emerging rock stars. Forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theaters, garden parties and bars, he meets a young fan who changes his life forever. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/knick/.

Real to Reel Cinema Series
On April 21 at 7 p.m., the SCA will be showing Gasland, a timely documentary about the state of the Great Lakes. The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of natural gas" just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies, and contamination. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Theater
On April 15-17, The Red Barn Theatre in Saugatuck will present Little Red Riding Hood, The Opera! A Comedy with Music. The classic tale of Red Riding Hood but with a twist: Red finds out the secret to the Big Bad Wolf's weakness, a comedy with music that is for the whole family. For more info, visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com/schedule.htm or call 269-857-5300.

Exhibition
330 Million Faces: Meeting Hindu's Deities will be up at the SCA through April 25. From the permanent collection of Grand Valley State University, this exhibit features more than 25 pieces of Indian art including miniature court life paintings, sculptures of major deities, and folk art from various Indian villages. This exhibit gives a glimpse into the traditions and history of Hinduism and offers a feast for the eyes via a riot of color, texture, and detail. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Museum Exhibition
Through May 22, The Holland Museum will present The Cat Under the Hat: The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss. Illustrator by day, surrealist by night, Seuss created a body of irrepressible and instantly recognizable work. Yet, the Secret Art often shows a side of the artist that those familiar with him only through his classic children's books may have never seen. Created over 60 years, the exhibition encompasses the entirety of Seuss's multi-dimensional talent. For more info, call 888-200-9123 or visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/.

About It! Lecture Series
On April 12 at 7 p.m. the SCA will present Full Throttle: the Arts as Economic Engine. The non-profit arts industry, with $36.8 billion in annual revenue, is a potent force in economic development nationwide. Michigan has integrated the arts into its economic development arsenal, and our West Michigan community has long featured design and the arts as part of our economic mix. But ArtPrize hit the reset button, showing how innovative arts ideas can generate national media attention, cultural tourism, and millions of dollars in spending in our communities. What's next? Join us for this panel discussion exploring why a vibrant, multi-faceted arts scene is essential to a robust economy, and how the arts are bolstering our own regional economy. For more, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Visiting Writers
Next in the Hope College Visiting Writers series line up on April 14 is non-fiction and poetry writers Diana Joseph and Kevin McFadden. McFadden is the author of Hardscrabble, an inaugural selection of the VQR Poetry Series. Joseph has worked as a waitress, a short order cook, a typist and a teacher, but she is also the author of the forthcoming memoir, I'm Sorry You Feel That Way: The Astonishing but True Story of a Daughter, Sister, Slut, Wife, Mother, and Friend to Man and Dog. They will be reading from selected works at the Knickerbocker Theatre, downtown Holland, at 7 p.m. For more info, call 616-395-7000 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/.

Antiques
The Allegan County Antique Market will start up the season for two days on April 30-May 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allegan County Fairgrounds. The 400 exhibitors will be there rain or shine--200 indoor and 200 under canopies (the market is always the last Sunday of the month, April through September). For more info, call 269-735-3333. And don't forget about the antique hot spot in the area, the Blue Star Antique Pavilion at 2948 Blue Star Highway in Douglas.

Town Crier Run
The Town Crier Run will be on April 16 with a 5-K and 10-K RUN-WALK around historic Saugatuck plus a kids' fun run. For more info, call (269) 857-1116 or (616) 392-4314.

Honorable Mentions
April 2, Music, Natchez Trace, Saugatuck Brewing Co
April 13, Everyday People Café Wine Dinner, Douglas
April 14, Visiting Writers, Diana Joseph and Kevin McFadden, Hope College
April 21, Real To Reel Film Series, Gasland, SCA, Saugatuck
May 1, Music, Colin Hay (Men at Work), SCA, Saugatuck
May 12, Real To Reel Film Series, Stonewall Uprising, SCA, Saugatuck
May 14, Spring Preview, Saugatuck-Douglas
May 21, Douglas Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
May 21, Tumbao Bravo, SCA, Saugatuck
May 27-29, These Shining Lives-Movie, Red Barn Theatre, Saugatuck
May 29, Allegan Antique Marke
t May 29, Quixotic Fusion, SCA, Saugatuck
May 30, Memorial Day
June 2, ABOUT IT! Series - Eat. Buy. Love Local. SCA, Saugatuck
June 2, An American in Paris, Movie, Douglas Library
June 3, Green Market, Fridays, Saugatuck opens 8-2 pm.
June 3-5, These Shining Lives-Movie, Red Barn Theatre, Saugatuck
June 4, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, SCA, Saugatuck
June 9-12, 13th Annual Waterfront Film Festival, Saugatuck
June 17-18, Cymbeline/Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company-Red Barn
June 18, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 18 Saugatuck Arts & Crafts Show, Saugatuck
June 22, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
June 25, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 25, Fenn Valley Wine Festival
June 25, Red barn Theatre, Past Present and Future, Saugatuck
June 26, Allegan Antique Market
June 29, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
June 30, Douglas Social
June 30, Movie, Singing in the Rain, Douglas Library
July1-17 Play, Chicago, Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck
July 4, Independence Day
July 6, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 7-Aug 12, Chamber Music Festival Of Saugatuck
July 11, Green market Mondays, Saugatuck 3-7 pm
July 12, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 14, Douglas Social
July 20, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 22-Aug 7, Play, Five Guys named Moe, Mason Street Warehouse
July 23, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 23, 4th Annual Family Farm Fest
July 27, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
July 28, Douglas Social
July 29-30, Venetian Festival. Boat Parade and Fireworks
July 30-31, Play Bernhardt on Broadway, Red Barn Theatre
July 30, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 30, Village Square Art And Fine Crafts Fair
July 31, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 3, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 5-6, Play Henry IV-Part I, The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
Aug 10, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 11, Douglas Social
Aug 12-28, Play, The 39 Steps, Mason Street Warehouse
Aug 13, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
Aug 13, Fenn Valley Winery Annual BBQ
Aug 17, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 18, Saugatuck-Douglas Sidewalk Sales
Aug 20-21, Basket Factory Vintage Baseball Festival, Douglas
Aug 24, Music in the Park, Saugatuck, 7 p.m.
Aug 25, Douglas Social
Aug 25, Movie, Penthouse, Douglas Library
Aug 28, Allegan Antique Market
Aug 28, Taste Of Saugatuck
Sept 5, Labor Day Bridgewalk, Douglas
Sept 10, Second Annual Wine Tasting, Douglas
Sept 25, Allegan Antique Market
Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas

Books
Sue's book of the month is Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. His writing and his empathy for our frail human condition resonates throughout Verghese's novel. By tracing the development of a narrator unlike any other in our literature-from his nearly mythic beginnings in Ethiopia to his immigrant life in contemporary America. Verghese demonstrates that the supreme skill of a physician lies not in his hands but in his heart. A sweeping, emotionally riveting first novel - an enthralling family saga of Africa and America, doctors and patients, exile and home. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785).

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Deep in the heart of the Negev, in the Desert of Paran, there is a tribe named Keisuech, of Himyarite origin. Rumor has it they settled into the area sometime around 200 B.C and was were the original builders of the seven fortresses. Back in the day when cattle roamed the area and the landscape was green, there, next to the unleavened bread in an old stone oven. The first brisket was braised. It was savory, it was delicious and rumor has it Yahweh sent a couple of his angels down to the table and ask for the recipe. We found this recipe when we were hiking in the desert, next to some old scrolls. We didn't think anything of it until an old Kaballah scholar translated it for us. We call it the The Tribe of Keisuech's Braised Brisket.

The Tribe of Keisuech's Braised Brisket

INGREDIENTS

2.5 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
2 cups chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
one half cup chopped, pitted kalamata olives
14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

Sprinkle brisket evenly with one half teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven and coat pan with cooking spray. Add brisket to pan, cook 10 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove brisket from pan. Add onion and oregano to pan, sauté 3 minutes. Return brisket to pan and add one half cup water. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours. Add olives and tomatoes and cook 1 hour. Remove brisket from pan, let stand 5 minutes, then cut against grain into thin slices; return slices to pan. Cover and cook and over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Serves 8.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News March 2011

News from the Forest

Remember the movie Almost Famous? Well, we had an almost famous moment when Esquire Magazine asked us to do a photo shoot and a write up about our Culinary Mancation package. We had a blast putting it together (for the photo shoot Keith and 4 of his buddies went up to a local butcher shop and crowded around some really large sides of beef), and we joined up with an amazing local chef, Jim LaPerriere. We came close to being in the January issue (or so we're told) but at least we were ALMOST famous!

March is here and Mother Nature could throw in some more snowy days for those who enjoy cross-country skiing or sledding, or it's always nice to curl up by the fireplace with a good book. We've got lots of things for you to enjoy in our neck of the woods, so give us a call and we can hook you up with some great cooking classes, dining, massages, shopping specials, antiquing, star gazing, or even a sunset or two.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (pet friendly)
Looking for a summer getaway? Our Cottage is getting booked up, but here's what we have left: June 4-10, 11-17 & 18-24; July 9-15 & 16-22; and August 13-19. It goes for $1300 for the week and sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, pool privileges, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the Douglas Public Beach. There's nothing better than a summer vacation near the beach…and of course, there is still nightly availability for this spring, and yes, it's pet friendly. For more info, visit http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html or give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Our Packages
Bed and Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes and the ingredients, the professional brewing equipment, and the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22-oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in 2weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours. Or you can have them bottle it and pick it up (an extra $20). The cost of this package runs from $512 to $695, depending on the time of year and the room.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the real world), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

A Culinary Women's Cooking Vacation - $650 to $2450
Ditch the GPS (and the men). Sherwood Forest takes the cake with its girlfriends-only culinary weekends. Join Chef LaPerriere in his kitchen where you will hone your cooking skills, tucked back in the woods on a private lake. Chef LaPerriere will confidently guide you on a culinary journey, integrating his experiences, philosophies, and tricks-of-the-trade, leading you to a successful and rewarding experience in your own kitchen. His passion for food, thorough explanation of techniques, and easy-going approach to learning will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Call us at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. Now through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 days or more, and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer, including Chris Ferris, gourmet cheffette who can cook a Spanish paella like you've never tasted before; Tony & Dona Amato, the creative chefs behind one of Saugatuck's favorite lunch spots, The Red Dock Café; Keaton Stearns, chef extraordinaire of The Piper Restaurant; and Matt Balmer, head chef of one our favorite restaurants, The Everyday People Cafe. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your lives. Here are the details: dinner is $45 per person, guests must provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required (deposit is nonrefundable if cancellation is made within 30 days of the date). You pick the date (through April) and we'll pick the chef. Bring your appetite and whatever you need to wet your whistle, sit down, and dinner is served. To book a gourmet dinner, call us at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Gift Certificates
Give the most amazing gift on the planet. Imagine receiving a gift certificate from Sherwood Forest B&B! After the recipient jumps up and down and hugs that special someone, he or she will rush to the phone to book a room at Sherwood Forest (just gotta have that fireplace/Jacuzzi suite). Call 800-838-1246, or visit our gift certificate page at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/giftcert.htm.

Here's what's happening in and around the area:

St. Patrick's Day
There's a whole lot of green happening on March 12 in Saugatuck and Douglas. Did he really chase all the snakes out of Ireland and teach the Trinity using a shamrock? You'll have to debate that for yourself over a green pint or two. Here's the line up for all you leprechaun lovers: area restaurants will be serving up corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and fabulous desserts such as Bailey's Irish Cream cheesecake, and don't miss the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Saugatuck at 2 p.m. There will also be an Irish Pub Party at Coral Gables in Saugatuck from 6-9 p.m. with the proceeds benefiting the Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Society.

Wine
The Fenn Valley Winery, a local vineyard, will host a pre-release barrel tasting on March 12-13 and 19-20. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the new wines and taste them before they are bottled. Reservations are required. For more info, call 269-561-2396 or visit http://www.fennvalley.com.

Wine Dinner
Join the folks at Everyday People Café for their wine dinner on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. A brief tease to stimulate your palettes: the fourth course is Colorado lamb "pop" with pearl Israeli couscous and the dessert is a frozen chocolate mousse parfait. For more info, visit http://everydaypeoplecafe.com or call 269-857-4240.

Music
The Sky Hempy Keyboard Performance Series will feature Curtis-Smith on classical piano on March 13 at 2 p.m. at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Vocal Music
Next in the line up for the Hope College Great Performance Series on March 31 is The Rose Ensemble, which creates imaginative performances of vocal music, connecting each individual to past worlds with stories of spirituality and humanity. Each presentation brings research from the world's manuscript libraries to new audiences, illuminating centuries of rarely performed repertoire. The performance is at the Dimnent Chapel at 7:30 p.m. For more info, visit http://www.hope.edu/arts or call 616-395-7890.

Red Baraat
At the SCA on March 26, experience what the Wall Street Journal says is a Big Band for the world. Red Baraat is the first and only dhol 'n' brass band in North America, melding the infectious North Indian rhythm Bhangra with brass funk. Comprised of dhol (double-sided, barrel-shaped North Indian drum slung over one shoulder), drum set, percussion, sousaphone, and 5 horns, this NYC-based group plays fresh originals and Bollywood favorites with an explosive stage performance and presence. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit http://www.sc4a.org.

Mo' Music
Visit Salt of the Earth in Fennville for music: March 6, Neil Jacobs (singer-acoustic) and March13, Bill Staines (folk). For more info, call 269-561-7258 or visit http://www.saltoftheearthfennville.com/

Jazz/Blues
There is some awesome music being played at the What Not Inn (a neat little restaurant) every Friday- Sunday. Enjoy the heartfelt show tunes sung by some of Saugatuck's favorites: Suzanne, Christy G, and Wally Michaels. Show times are 6-9 p.m. and on Sunday noon-2. For more info, call 269-543-3341 or visit http://www.whatnotinn.com

Film
On Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, don't miss: March 10, The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara (a disgraced American boxer retires to Ireland, where he finds love, 1952); and March 24, Heaven Can Wait with Don Ameche and Gene Tierney (an old roué arrives in Hades to review his life with Satan, who will rule on his eligibility to enter the Underworld, 1943). For more info, visit http://www.sdlibrary.org/movie-night.html.

Movies
At The Saugatuck Brewing Company at 6:30 p.m., Douglas resident and film concept developer John Hardy will continue with the film series: March 1, Chariots of Fire with Ben Cross and Ian Charleston (two very different runners - a hotshot Jewish Cambridge scholar and a rigid Presbyterian missionary compete for the British team in the 1924 Olympics, 1981); March 8, Showboat with Ava Gardner and Robert Sterling (the daughter of a riverboat captain falls in love with a charming gambler, but their fairytale romance is threatened when his luck turns sour, 1951); March 15, Waking Ned Devine with Jimmy Keogh and Ian Bannen (when a lottery winner dies of shock, his fellow townsfolk attempt to claim the money, 1998); March 22, The Big Country with Gregory Peck and Charlton Heston (a New Englander arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between two families over a valuable patch of land, 1958); March 29, The Best Years of Our Lives with Harold Russell and Dana Andrews (three WWII veterans return home to small-town America to discover that they and their families have been irreparably changed, 1946). For more info, call 269-857-5300 or visit http://www.redbarnsaugatuck.com/schedule.htm.

Film Institute of South Haven
The Film Institute of South Haven will present the movie The Providence Effect on March 13 at 3 p.m. Award-winning network cameraman Robert Tutman will introduce the film and be on hand for discussion after viewing. The film tells the story of the remarkable Providence-St. Mel School in Chicago' s intercity where 100% of its multi-racial and ethnic graduates go on to college. Its success is revealed from the perspective of all interest/user groups: students, parents, teachers, principal, alumnus, board members, and neighbors. For more info, call 269-637-1041 or visit http://www.southhavenarts.org/fish.

Real to Reel Cinema Series
On March 17 at 7 p.m., the SCA will be showing Requiem for Detroit. Filled with images of Detroit's heyday projected against now-crumbling buildings, Julien Temple's new BBC documentary Requiem for Detroit tracks the Motor City's past, present, and future. Temple characterizes its decline as "a slow-motion Katrina that has had many more victims." For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Film series
The Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland will present Another Year, A married couple who have managed to remain blissfully happy into their autumn years, are surrounded over the course of the four seasons of one average year by friends, colleagues, and family who all seem to suffer some degree of unhappiness. Screenings are at 7:30 p.m. on March 14-19. For more info, call 616-395-7403 or visit http://www.hope.edu/arts/knick/

Hope College Visiting Writers
Next in the line is fiction and nonfiction writer Ben Percy on March 28-29. He is the author of a novel, The Wilding, and two books of short stories, Refresh, Refresh and The Language of Elk. His fiction and nonfiction have been read on National Public Radio, performed at Symphony Space, and published by Esquire and Men's Journal. He will be reading from selected works at the Knickerbocker Theatre, downtown Holland, at 7 p.m. For more info, call 616-395-7000 or visit http://www.hope.edu/vws/

About It! Lecture Series
On March 3 at 7 p.m. at the SCA, Harvesting the Wind: Big Win or Big Loss? will be presented. Michigan is aiming to tap 10% of its energy needs from alternate fuels by 2015, and renewable energy projects got a big boost in last year's federal stimulus package. During this conversation with two specialists in the wind power field, wind turbine farms and how they could impact our area's economy and our environment will be discussed. For more info, visit http://www.sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

Exhibition
Reading the Fine Print: Exploring the Print Maker's Art. This unique collection of fine art prints showcases both a variety of notable artists and printing styles from the 16th century forward. "Fine Print" includes pieces by Albrecht Durer, Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Nathaniel Steinberg, Margo Hoff, Bruce McCombs, and more. This show demonstrates the remarkable artistry of those working in this genre. "Fine Print" focuses on the multi-step process used to create the plates or woodblocks: designing, drawing, and finally etching or carving. For more info, call 269-857-2399 or visit www.sc4a.org.

Museum Exhibition
Through May 22, The Holland Museum will present The Cat Under the Hat: The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss. Illustrator by day, surrealist by night, Seuss created a body of irrepressible and instantly recognizable work. Yet, the Secret Art often shows a side of the artist that those familiar with him only through his classic children's books may have never seen. Created over a period of more than 60 years, the exhibition encompasses the entirety of Seuss's multi-dimensional talent. The artistic thread highlighted throughout the diverse collection is Geisel's wildly imaginative and surreal vision. For more info, call 888-200-9123 or visit http://www.hollandmuseum.org/.

Honorable Mentions
March 6, Music, Neil Jacobs, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
March 8, Mardi Gras Parade, 7 pm, downtown Douglas
March 12, St. Patrick's Saturday, Music, Kinfyre. Saugatuck Brewing Co
March 13, Sky Hempy Keyboard Series, C. Curtis-Smith, SCA, Saugatuck
March 13, Bill Staines, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
March 17, Real To Reel Film Series, Requiem for Detroit, SCA, Saugatuck
March 28-29, Visiting Writers, Ben Percy, Hope College
March 31, Great Performance Series, Rose Ensemble, Hope College
April 2, Music, Natchez Trace, Saugatuck Brewing Co
April 13, Everyday People Café Wine Dinner, Douglas
April 14, Visiting Writers, Diana Joseph and Kevin McFadden, Hope College
April 21, Real To Reel Film Series, Gasland, SCA, Saugatuck
May 1, Music, Colin Hay (Men at Work), SCA, Saugatuck
May 12, Real To Reel Film Series, Stonewall Uprising, SCA, Saugatuck
May 14, Spring Preview, Saugatuck-Douglas
May 21, Douglas Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 18, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 25, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
June 30, Douglas Social
July 4, Independence Day
July 14, Douglas Social
July 23, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
July 28, Douglas Social
July 30, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
Aug 11, Douglas Social
Aug 13, Douglas, Dutchers Vintage Baseball Game, 2 p.m. Douglas
Aug 20-21, Basket Factory Vintage Baseball Festival, Douglas
Aug 25, Douglas Social
Sept 5, Labor Day Bridgewalk, Douglas
Sept 10, Second Annual Wine Tasting, Douglas
Oct 1, Octoberfest, Douglas

Books
Sarah's book of the month is Incendiary by Chris Cleave. An East End of London woman decides to write a letter to Osama bin Laden after a team of his suicide bombers wreck her life by indiscriminately blowing up the crowd at a football match, killing both her husband and her four-and-a-quarter year-old son, along with over a thousand other football fans. The letter is written, mainly in the authentic language of an East End gal, but with snippets of people from other worlds. The grammar and punctuation is appalling, but it is totally in context. She relates, to Osama, all of the events and all of her feelings from immediately before the atrocity to many months afterwards. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785).

Sherwood Forest Staple
We will pamper you to your heart's content with one of our Sweetheart Specials (we now can include Godiva Chocolates), or you can try one of our in-house massages--doesn't get much better than that. And of course, there's our ever-popular Famous Chefs of Saugatuck Gourmet Dinners November through April. You can link to our Sweetheart Specials at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/sweetheart.html. Here's the link for gourmet dinner details and a sample menu: http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/dinners.html.

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

Stranger things have happened but not by much, we had a guest check in last weekend, we will call her Ms. Penelope. She sat at the breakfast table and spun a yarn about how she had traveled from a far away planet where the role of government was to make sure that everything manufactured was recyclable, that the waters were rivers and streams where clean, the air was pure and the food chain contained no pesticides, herbicides or antibiotics. I was laughing so hard I fell off my chair. The conversation that ensued (I won't bore you with the details-but it had to do with the wheat grown and how more and more people are becoming gluten intolerant). She stared at me and asked if she could borrow the kitchen for a moment and within a couple of hours came out with the delicious Gluten-Free Orange Juice Bread. From whatever planet you hail from Ms. Penelope, may your planet live long and prosper.

Ms. Penelope's Gluten-Free Orange Juice Bread

INGREDIENTS

1-cup brown rice flour
1 third-cup potato starch
1 fourth-cup tapioca flour
1 half teaspoon xanthan gumon
1 quarter teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, beaten
3 quarter cup sugar
1 stick butter, melted
Grated rind from 1 orange
Juice from 1 orange (if necessary add water to make 1 half cup)
1 tablespoon lemon juice concentrate

1-teaspoon sugar mixed with 1 quarter teaspoon nutmeg

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, combine next 6 ingredients and mix well, then stir in dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Pour batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan and sprinkle with sugar/nutmeg mix, then bake for 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool bread for 15 minutes in pan, then remove and let cool on rack.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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Sherwood Forest News February 2011

News from the Forest

Here at Sherwood Forest, the ice is edging out into Lake Michigan, the deer are sleeping in the backyard, and we've had quite a bit of snow. It's the perfect time for a quick getaway, whether it's for X-country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, or just to relax and sit in front of a fireplace with a good book. Call us soon for a much-needed respite.

Things we do in the off-season (and of course February):

Valentine's Offer
Stay one night (or more!) in any of our beautiful rooms on a Sunday through Thursday night in February and receive a beautiful red rose and a bottle of Michigan champagne for you and your loved one to enjoy. Just mention this offer when you book the room.

A Culinary Women's Cooking Getaway
Ditch the GPS (and the men) and head to the Sherwood Forest B&B. We've designed a culinary weekend you won't want to miss out on. Festivities kick off with martinis and risotto at a nearby restaurant--we'll recommend a great place to eat so you don't have to do the hit and miss thing. After a stress-free evening and gourmet breakfast, it's off to Saugatuck and Douglas, where you'll experience some awesome shopping, from hip & cool clothing to kitchen appliances, wines from far away places, spices from the Orient, body butters, antiques & artwork. Then it's off to Chef LaPerriere's kitchen, where you'll hone your cooking skills. Tucked back in the woods on a private lake, Chef LaPerriere will confidently guide you on a culinary journey, integrating his experiences, philosophies, and tricks-of-the-trade, leading you to a successful and rewarding experience in your own kitchen. His passion for food, thorough explanation of techniques, and easy-going approach to learning will have you cooking like a pro in no time. Here's what you get: 2 nights at Sherwood Forest and hands-on cooking instruction. Available for 2 to 10 people, the cost of this package ranges from $650 to $2450. For more info or to book this package, please call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Melt Your Stress Away Package
Upon your arrival, you'll find a beautiful wine and cheese basket with a bouquet of fresh flowers. During your visit you'll each experience a soothing massage in a style suited just for you and a $30 voucher good toward a romantic dinner at a fine restaurant. Upon your departure (which we're sure you'll want to delay as long as possible before returning to the "real world"), a gift from us: a compact disc of relaxing music and an illustrated guide to massage. Price: $235 (does not include room rate). If you wish to have this awaiting your arrival, give us a call at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Cottage (Pet Friendly)
Looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay? Our Cottage is perfect for that tranquil getaway or for spending time with friends or family. It sleeps up to 5 people, has a full kitchen, and is only 1/2 block from Lake Michigan and the public beach, and it's pet friendly. We rent it on a weekly basis in the summer, so give us a call and we can let you know what we have available. For more information, you can visit the cottage website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/cottage.html or call us at 800-838-1246.

Bed and Breakfast and Brewery
Looking for a weekend getaway involving brewing your own batch of beer? Sherwood Forest is offering a unique package that includes a 2-night stay plus access to Saugatuck Brewing Company's brew-on-site facilities. SBC will provide the recipes, from light to dark, over 70 different recipes are available. Summer Wheat to Red Ales to rich Porters. They'll also provide the ingredients and professional brewing equipment as well as the expertise to take you through the brewing process. You'll brew at least 11 gallons of beer (sixty 22oz. bottles). If 11 gallons of beer is more than you need, bring a friend or two and split the batch. It takes 3-4 hours to brew your batch and you return in two weeks to bottle and sample your beer, which takes about 2 hours or you can have them bottle it and pick it up (an extra $20). You can even design your own labels using Microsoft Word (for an extra $27). The cost of Bed and Breakfast and Brewery runs from $512 to $695 depending on the time of year and the room. For more info or to book this package, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246.

Sherwood Forest Gourmet Dinners (whole-house booking)
Now's the time to gather up that group of friends or family and plan a visit to Sherwood Forest B&B for one of our awesome Gourmet Dinners. Offered through April, let us wine and dine you. Book the entire B&B for 2 nights or more and we'll have such a feast catered, your taste palates won't allow any leftovers. We've cornered the market on the best chefs Saugatuck and Douglas have to offer. These epicurean wizards of gastronomic delights will amaze you in what will be your own private dining room, and you'll have the time of your life. Here are the details: dinner is $50 per person, guests provide their own alcohol, and a 2-night minimum stay is required. You pick the date November through April and we'll pick the chef. Black out dates are New Year's Eve and Valentine's weekends. To book a gourmet dinner, call Keith or Sue at 800-838-1246. You can see some of our past gourmet dinner menus at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/g-menu-sample.html.

Books
Miss Carol's book of the month is Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon. The reader is introduced to three main characters--Miles Cheshire, Lucy Lattimore, and Ryan Schuyler. Three seemingly unrelated characters and stories unravel slowly at first, but quickly pick up speed. The concept of identity--who we are and how the world perceives us and the notion that people can reinvent themselves presents itself here in an undefined amalgam of page-turner-thriller. We do it everyday in small measure in our lives, choosing what information we share with others, exaggerating or downplaying past experiences when we tell anecdotes from our lives, or simply by emphasizing different aspects of our personalities in different social settings. We are constantly shaping the way people perceive us. This book is gripping storytelling with a point. You can purchase or order this book at the Singapore Bank Bookstore in Saugatuck (269-857-3785).

Honorable Mentions
Jan 4, Movie, Meet Me in St. Louis, Saugatuck Brewing Co
Jan 11, Movie, On Golden Pond, Saugatuck Brewing Co
Jan 13, Movie, Great Expectations, Saugatuck-Douglas Library
Jan 18, Movie, The Philadelphia Story, Saugatuck Brewing Co
Jan 25, Movie, Days of Wine and Roses, Saugatuck Brewing Co
Jan 27, Great Performance Series, Claremont Trio, Hope College
Jan 27, Movie, Oliver Twist, Saugatuck-Douglas Library
Jan 30, Sky Hempy Keyboard Series, Deborrah Wyndham, SCA, Saugatuck
Feb 05, Music, Jen Sygit and Sam Corbin. Saugatuck Brewing Co
Feb 10, Movie, Nicholas Nickleby, Saugatuck-Douglas Library
Feb 10, Visiting Writers, Elizabeth Bradfield and Sean Hill, Hope College
Feb 12, Music, Justin Wierenga, Saugatuck Brewing Co
Feb 12, Holland Choir, Love Notes Cabaret, Saugatuck Brewing Co
Feb 12-15, Winterfest Weekend
Feb 13, Sky Hempy Keyboard Series - Roger MacNaughton
Feb 13, Music, May Erlewine and Seth Bernard, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Feb 17, Real To Reel Film Series, The Tillman Story, SCA, Saugatuck
Feb 20, Music, Nobody's Darlin, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
Feb 25, Music, The Hot Club of Detroit, SCA, Saugatuck
Feb 25-26, Great Performance Series, Circo Aereo, Hope College
Feb 27, Sky Hempy Keyboard Series, Bob Milne, SCA, Saugatuck
Feb 27, Music, Danny Schmidt and Carrie Elkin, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
March 6, Music, Neil Jacobs, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
March 12, St. Patrick's Saturday, Music, Kinfyre. Saugatuck Brewing Co
March 13, Sky Hempy Keyboard Series, C. Curtis-Smith, SCA, Saugatuck
March 13, Bill Staines, Salt of the Earth, Fennville
March 17, Real To Reel Film Series, Requiem for Detroit, SCA, Saugatuck
March 28-29, Visiting Writers, Ben Percy, Hope College
March 31, Great Performance Series, Rose Ensemble, Hope College
April 2, Music, Natchez Trace, Saugatuck Brewing Co
April 14, Visiting Writers, Diana Joseph and Kevin McFadden, Hope College
April 21, Real To Reel Film Series, Gasland, SCA, Saugatuck
May 1, Music, Colin Hay (Men at Work), SCA, Saugatuck
May 12, Real To Reel Film Series, Stonewall Uprising, SCA, Saugatuck

From the Sherwood Forest Files:

You remember Uncle William and his camel Mr. Thirsty. This time he has graced our cookbook with a delicious Moroccan Meat Loaf. Of course there was a note attached: "Dear Keith & Sue, sorry, Mr. Thirsty and I cannot share this delectable meal with you, we are attending a Tajine throwing class in the small town of Bir Lehlou in the Western Sahara with some local Sahrawis." Uh ok, let's eat while it's still hot.

Uncle William's Moroccan Meat Loaf

INGREDIENTS

1.5 lb. ground lamb
.5 lb. ground beef (or you can use all lamb)
2 Tbsp olive oil
one-half yellow onion, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped
2 Tbsp chopped garlic (about 6 cloves)
2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger (3-inch piece)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 quarter teaspoon cayenne
1 half teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 quarter teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
2 small eggs, beaten

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine the lamb and beef in a large bowl. Set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and ginger and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add the salt through pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to release the spice flavors. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
3. Stir the vegetables into the ground meat. Mix in the oatmeal and eggs. Transfer to a 1.5-quart loaf pan and set in a baking pan. Pour water into the baking pan to reach halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.
4. Bake the meat loaf for 1.5 hours, or until firm and cooked through. Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Unmold onto a plate and slice. Serves 4-6.

For more hip and groovy recipes, you can visit our recipes page on our website at http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com/recipe.html

Hope to see you soon!

Keith & Sue
Sherwood Forest Bed & Breakfast
938 Center St.
Douglas, Michigan
http://www.sherwoodforestbandb.com
800-838-1246

P.S. Peace on Earth

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