Gourmet Chocolate & Storytelling
Cruise on the Newest, and Sweetest, Windjammer
Tall Ship Manitou

The Gourmet Chocolate & Storytelling Cruise with Mimi and Norm Wheeler from The Grocer's Daughter and The Beach Bards, will sail September 26-29 Grand Traverse Bay, based in Traverse City, Michigan.

Chocolatier Mimi Wheeler, owner of "The Grocer's Daughter," will guide passengers through daily tastings of her chocolates, along with discussions of the many dimensions of chocolate; its history, health benefits, production and her trip to Ecuador to study the journey of the cacao bean from rain forest to market. Mimi is passionate about sustainable agriculture and organic practices and she brings this to her artful chocolate creations.

"My love for rich, dark chocolate and a deep connection to my garden inspired my truffles and other chocolate creations," says Mimi. "I use fruits, edible flowers and herbs from my summer garden and from the soils and the natural beauty of northern Michigan. Travels and studies of chocolate in France and Scandinavia also helped give birth to this production. I hope you will enjoy these handcrafted, artisan chocolates for their quality and their uniqueness."

Norm Wheeler, well-known member of the local storytelling and poetry troupe "The Beach Bards" (and also Mimi's husband) will recount myths, legends and poems under the stars.

Captain Dave McGinnis, owner of the Traverse Tall Ship Company LLC, said the extended sailing excursions provide a unique experience for those looking for a different type of Northern Michigan adventure. Packages range from $500 to $675 per person and include all meals, overnight accommodations and unlimited rest and relaxation.

"Life aboard the Manitou is fun and informal," says Captain Dave McGinnis. "The object here is to slow down and take things as they come. Many folks have told us that this is the best stress reliever they have ever found." 

Manitou is a replica of an 1800s "coasting" cargo schooner and is one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes. A traditional two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, Manitou measures 114 feet in length with more than 3000 square feet of sail.

With a 62-passenger capacity, there is plenty of space for sitting and moving around the decks while under sail. "All the cabins and entries have plenty of headroom and windows that can be opened for ventilation," said Captain Dave. "The wind and weather conditions help determine our course. After a good day of sailing we drop anchor at one of a variety of possible destinations, including Beaver Island, the Manitou Islands, Petoskey or in and around Grand Traverse Bay."

Edited by Patricia D. Sherman

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