Louise Knott Ahern

lkahern@lsj.com

This is a scientific fact. You feel better about winter when you experience it from an open sleigh.

OK, maybe it's not scientifically proven. But there is enough anecdotal evidence to make it totally plausible.

Luckily for us, Michigan is home to several places where you can go dashing through the snow, sleigh bells and all.

Here are some of our recommendations.

Elk viewing at Thunder Bay Resort

Nestled half-way between Alpena and Gaylord, Thunder Bay Resort is famous for its elk viewing sleigh rides and wine tastings.

A team of Percheron draft horses will whisk you and your honey off for a romantic, snowy rendezvous over the Thunder Bay River. After viewing elk in the wild, you'll head to the Elk Antler Cabin for a five-course meal and wine tastings.

You can choose from several pricing options. The sleigh ride and dinner are $89.50 per person, or add one or two nights of lodging at the resort.

For more information: thunderbayresort.com.

A winter cook-out in the woods

Looking for a group activity? Head to Lachine, a village west of Alpena, for a sleigh ride and winter cook-out at Spragg's Belgians.

Owners Darrell and Lee Spragg offer two-hour sleigh rides for groups up to 100 every weekend. You'll enjoy a snowy adventure through moonlit forest trails before stopping to cook over an open fire (bring your own food).

For more information, call (989) 379-4403.

Make memories in the Upper Peninsula

Rosy cheeks and warm blankets. Dean and Peggy Krohn promise both when you climb aboard a handcrafted logging bob-sled for a 45-minute winter adventure in Bessemer, near the Big Powderhorn Mountain ski resort.

A team of Percherons will pull you along private trails under crisp winter skies, stopping briefly along the way to warm you by a fire. Then return to the barn for live music and other entertainment.

For more information, visit www.winterwindsleigh.tripod.com

Get a taste of the Old West in Traverse City

Take a scenic ride through the Boardman River Valley with the Belgian horses of Ranch Rudolf, an Old West-style resort near Traverse City.

The 45-minute sleigh rides wind through the woods and along the Boardman River before heading back to the ranch, where you can stay for dinner in the ranch restaurant.

Rides are $12 per person, and reservations are required.

For more information, visit www.ranchrudolf.com.

Enjoy scenic look-outs of Lake Michigan

Tucked in the picturesque peninsula of Leelanau County, Blackhorse Farm offers sleigh rides all winter long with scenic look-outs of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan.

Rides take about an hour and a half, and you'll stop half-way for hot chocolate.

Sleighs can carry up to 12 people, but each trip requires six people minimum.

For more information, visit www.blackhorsellc.com.