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Savor Outdoor Flavors with Grill on the Hill Cooking Team in Gaylord, Michigan - Gaylord

Savor Outdoor Flavors with Grill on the Hill Cooking Team in Gaylord, Michigan

Gaylordeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion but allows for standing and some light walking.

Overview

Discover how Grill on the Hill Cooking Team in Gaylord, Michigan brings outdoor cooking to life amid northern forests. Perfect for food lovers and adventure seekers, this experience pairs rustic flavors with wilderness skills.

Gaylord, Michigan

Grill on the Hill Cooking Team

Join us on May 3, at our 7th Annual Grill on the Hill Event!

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About This Adventure

Join fellow BBQ enthusiasts for a thrilling cooking competition where creativity and skill shine! Bring your own grill and compete for the coveted People’s Choice and Judges Choice awards. Enjoy a weekend of grilling, tasting, and camaraderie, complete with a welcome dinner and access to hospitality amenities.

Teams- This competition is open to any level of cooking skills as well as those who are just here for a good time! If you and your best friends are looking for a fun weekend up north and a place to share your love of grilling with other barbeque enthusiasts, this is the place for you. You will get the opportunity to share your special skill and creativity with the “tasters” who will be on the search for the best BBQ.

You are to provide your own grill but are limited to charcoal, wood, or pellet type ( no gas).

There will be one first-place winner chosen in each category of the People’s Choice competition. Winners are chosen by the “tasters”.

In addition to the people’s choice awards, there will be a team of judges who will make their rounds to each team’s booth. They will be judging each team using the following categories on a rating scale 1-10 (10 being the best):

• Appearance • Taste • Tenderness

We will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the “Judges Choice” competition.

Cooking Team Information:
• $300 Entry Fee (good for up to 4 cooking team members)
• 10x10 space to be used for cooking/supplies. • One 8ft table • Two 25lbs bags of ice • 2oz ramekins for sampling • 1 chafing dish with two sternos for keeping samples hot. • Access to our hospitality tent- including water, NA beverages, snacks, and beer.
• Friday night welcome dinner- 8pm at the Halfway Café chuckwagon buffet • 1 trash bin with additional liners • 16 tasting tickets for team to sample other teams’ proteins. • 4 drink tickets per team • One complimentary hotel room and discounted rate for additional rooms • Meat for Grilling Competition – Treetops Resort will provide this to you upon check-in. You get your choice of one of these protein options:
 25-30 lbs brisket
 25-30 lbs racks pork ribs  25-30 lbs pork butt

Adventure Tips

Bring layers for variable weather

Northern Michigan’s weather can shift quickly; dressing in layers keeps you comfortable during cooking sessions outdoors.

Stay hydrated by the fire

Even though you’re near fire, it’s important to drink water regularly during outdoor cooking activities.

Arrive with a good appetite

The hands-on cooking experience is rewarding—come ready to enjoy the delicious meals you help prepare.

Wear closed-toe shoes

Protect your feet around hot coals and uneven ground by wearing sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor terrain.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Red fox

History

Gaylord was established as a logging town in the late 19th century, shaping its outdoor culture and connection to the forest.

Conservation

Grill on the Hill emphasizes sustainable sourcing and practices to protect Michigan’s natural resources and reduce environmental impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Gaylord

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Weather-appropriate layers

Essential

To stay warm and comfortable during fluctuating spring temperatures.

spring specific

Sun protection gear

Essential

Hats and sunscreen protect you from strong summer sun while cooking outdoors.

summer specific

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Fall weather can bring rain and wind; a waterproof layer keeps you dry around the fire.

fall specific

Warm hat and gloves

Essential

Essential to keep extremities warm during winter cooking sessions outdoors.

winter specific