Michigan BLUE Spring 2024

Skipping into Spring!

Adventures Aplenty

Mackinac’s great outdoors | Paddling the Soo Locks Fresh-fish recipes | Houghton/Hancock tours

10 SW diversions | A pontoon voyage Vintage canoe lowdown

PLUS:

Dreamy homes on Devils Lake + Lake St. Clair

View more photos of this home!

“We love our home and we’re so happy with the decision to move to Michigan!”

— Cathy

View more photos of Molly’s home!

Meet Cathy

Cathy and her husband needed a space that could both support their at-home work and provide the ideal environment for raising their newborn. By customizing their home plan to include two home offices and a nursery, they managed to create a design that perfectly met their needs.

Keep reading about Cathy’s building journey, learn about her home design vision, and see more of her gorgeous Sebastian home!

616-226-3891 | EastbrookHomes.com

Are you ready to begin your Home Building Journey?

Download our Free Interactive Home Building Guide Today!

How did you incorporate your family’s lifestyle into your home?

We wanted to make sure we had enough bedrooms and a playroom for any future kids, two offices since we both work from home, and a nice guest space for friends and family who visit from Chicago. We also made the island huge because we love gathering in the kitchen.

What is your decorating inspiration?

Modern and clean, but still cozy and inviting.

What do you love about your Eastbrook community?

Our neighbors! We got so lucky. It’s always fun going for walks and running into so many friendly faces!

What are your favorite features in your home?

Probably the kitchen, the wooded views, the double doors, and our peanut’s nursery.

What was your Eastbrook Experience like?

It was good! Everyone we worked with was super friendly. We knew what we wanted coming in and Eastbrook was able to bring our vision to life!

What does “home” mean to you?

We are both homebodies, so for us, home is our favorite place to spend time together. Home means safety, love, comfort, and fun!

Do you have any tips or tricks for new homeowners?

Look at a lot of other homes ahead of time so you know all the finishes Eastbrook can offer, and ask lots of questions about options! Seeing other homes after moving in made us realize things we would have loved to add to our home in hindsight.

If you’re interested in learning more about building or buying new with Eastbrook Homes, our team is here to help. Reach out today with your questions and dreams, and we’ll help turn them into a reality.

CONTENTS

Features

42 Making Memories

A waterfront dream home in Lenawee County checks off all the boxes.

By Megan Swoyer

50 Off the Beaten Path Houghton and Hancock mix outdoor adventures and historic attractions with tasty dining and college-town appeal.

By Chris McElmeel

56 Ship-Shape

This three-level marina condo has all the amenities of a fine hotel and a state-ofthe-art lake house, plus a custom boat that’s ready to go.

By Patty LaNoue Stearns

64 Lured to the Table

Fishing for cooking compliments? Look to Michigan’s lakes.

By Honey Murray

68 For Fun, Rent a Pontoon

A 45-mile voyage takes boaters through Michigan’s longest connected chain of lakes, which stretches nearly across the state’s northern tip.

By Bill Semion

42

“We love working with (designer) Tiffany (Birch), as she grew up on this lake as we did as children, and she gets the lake vibe.”

— HOMEOWNER, DEVILS LAKE

ON THE COVER

Off Main Street: Adventurous, outdoor diversions — from skipping stones to paddleboarding — await Mackinac Island visitors. See the “Sky, Sand & Surf” section for ideas. Photo by Sara Wright.

YOUR SPRING ADVENTURES START HERE.

YOUR SPRING ADVENTURES START HERE.

Before the hustle and bustle of summer begins, spring is the perfect time to explore Pure Ludington. While it can be hard to predict when it will arrive or how long it will last, spring is a "secret" season to be enjoyed by all. Hit the trails by foot or by bike to explore nature's re-birth. Wander down a secluded stretch of shoreline or grab a bite to eat and a locallymade brew on a nearby patio. No matter what you're seeking - fun for the whole family, a beach or outdoor adventure, a peaceful get-away, or just a community of friendly faces - you can find it here.

Before the hustle and bustle of summer begins, spring is the perfect time to explore Pure Ludington. While it can be hard to predict when it will arrive or how long it will last, spring is a "secret" season to be enjoyed by all. Hit the trails by foot or by bike to explore nature's re-birth. Wander down a secluded stretch of shoreline or grab a bite to eat and a locallymade brew on a nearby patio. No matter what you're seeking - fun for the whole family, a beach or outdoor adventure, a peaceful get-away, or just a community of friendly faces - you can find it here.

PURE LUDINGTON .COM

PURE LUDINGTON .COM

16

“Depending on the wind and currents, the lake can be as calm as a small pond or as roaring as an ocean.”

— ANTHONY ARABIE, MANAGER AND GUIDE, GREAT TURTLE KAYAK TOURS

WATERWAYS

14 Sky, Sand & Surf

The Kirtland’s warbler rises from endangered species status, and summertime options for exploring Mackinac Island include fun times on land and in the water.

By Julie Bonner Williams

and Glen Young

19 Get Outdoors

Vintage canoes create an emotional bond among their owners, and guided five-mile kayaking trips take Upper Peninsula paddlers through the world-famous Soo Locks.

By Julie Bonner Williams

and Dianna Stampfler

22 Page-Turner

“Making Waves” is packed with stories about the birth and continued growth of Michigan’s boating industry.

By Chuck Warren

24 Staff Picks: 10 to Try

From galleries to cafés, here are our favorite seasonal must-do’s in southwest Michigan.

26 Headwaters

Mission Point Resort’s groundskeeper found a way to keep his grandfather close while working, thanks to a delightful handcrafted birdhouse.

By Megan Swoyer

DESIGN CURRENTS

30 Studio Visit

Holland Bowl Mill in Holland turns out 800 to 1,000 bowls a week. See how they do it.

By Patty LaNoue Stearns

34 Design Stars

Meet the family behind O’Grady Development in Traverse City. They’re on a roll.

By Megan Swoyer

36 The Elements

Tennis and golf items for the home, rattan furnishings, and powder room essentials.

By Jamie Fabbri

ANCHORS AWAY

80 Dining Out

Watermark Bar & Grille sets seafood standards for dining along Lake St. Clair.

By Ellen Creager

82 Book It

Onekama history and welcoming vibes fill the rooms inside the Canfield House B&B.

By Amy S. Eckert

84 Discoveries

With two big annual events, Mesick rates as the place to be in May.

By Mark Spezia

86 Tasting Room

Gilchrist Farm Winery in Suttons Bay expands its farm-to-table offerings.

By Mark Spezia

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 Reflections

A Sense of Place

By Megan Swoyer

88 Postcard

Escaping the workaday world, a photographer and his friend head to Miners Falls.

By Ben Lew

OXBOW HOUSE

J VISSER DESIGN

HOMES AND COTTAGES BY

A Sense of Place

While touring the National Steinbeck Center recently and learning about 1962 Nobel Prize in Literature recipient John Steinbeck, images of Michigan popped into my mind. There I was in Salinas, Calif., in the state’s gorgeous Central Coast region along the Pacific Ocean, and I had the Great Lakes on my mind.

As I learned more about Steinbeck’s genius at describing places in his writing, I thought of my Michigan. Examples of his narratives, such as “… mountains full of sun and loveliness and a kind of invitation, so that you wanted to climb into their warm foothills …” or “… sits on the slope of a hill, with a blue bay below it and with a forest of tall dark pine trees at its back” are inspiring.

And consider what he wrote about our state in his “Travels with Charley”: “… the deep topsoil, the wealth of great trees, the lake country of Michigan … dressed and jeweled. It seemed to me that the earth was generous and outgoing ...” His sense of place was the key to ceating a great novel. (For those travels, incidentally, Steinbeck and his dog cruised America in a camper from Wolverine Camper Co. in Gladwin, Mich.)

Boundless allure, to be sure, and surrounding those inland oceans are treasures aplenty, especially in the spring. “Michigan isn’t just another new state I’m visiting,” Samantha told me, “it’s a pure experience.”

This May, Grant and Samantha will return, and this time they’ll be welcomed by a state that’s donning its spring cap. Many of Michigan’s appealing attributes are apparent in the spring, when carpets of blinding-white trillium spread through the forests, popping against vibrant, fresh greens.

Among them, elusive, delicious morels poke their caps through crisp leaves, resting their bodies against old tree stumps and awaiting discovery and a sauté pan. Flying above the trillium and morels are the chipper gray-and-yellow Kirtland’s warblers. These rare birds, which adore Michigan more than any other state, are searching for young jack pine forests for their breeding grounds.

Also in the air, fresh fudge aromas waft through the north as candy shops gear up for another busy season. Meanwhile, mouths water in the greater Keweenaw area, including in the Houghton Hancock region, as the Upper Peninsula’s iconic Cornish pasties bake to a toasty brown.

Once a copper miner’s favorite lunch, savory pasties continue to lure fans.

Last summer, my son Grant’s girlfriend, Samantha, visited Michigan for the first time. Born, raised, and now living in California near where Steinbeck grew up, she was blown away by the Great Lakes. “They’re so big!” she exclaimed while cruising aboard a Shepler’s ferry headed to Mackinac Island. She had previously discovered the island on Instagram and made a comment about it. My son was quick to tell her that he would be a good tour guide, as he’s been going to the island every year since he was a toddler.

Her observations: “I thought I knew vastness. The Pacific Ocean stretching out under endless skies was my measuring stick. Then I saw the Great Lakes. These weren’t just lakes; they were inland seas, their horizons mimicking the ocean’s boundless allure.”

Throughout the state, resplendent rows of da odils and tulips populate the landscapes, thanks to Michigan’s chilly temperatures during their growing season (these bulbs prefer maturing in 40-degree or below temps). On Belle Isle, the blooming of thousands of da odils is celebrated in an annual gathering called Da odils4Detroit (this year, April 17); meanwhile, tulips take center stage at Holland’s Tulip Time Festival (this year, May 4-12).

If Steinbeck had had the time to explore more and write more about Michigan and its sense of place, he’d surely have a lot to include, don’t you think?

Volume 19 | Issue 2 mibluemag.com

PUBLISHER: Jason Hosko

EDITORIAL

EDITOR: Megan Swoyer

TRAVEL EDITOR: Ron Garbinski

COPY EDITOR: Anne Berry Daugherty

WRITERS/STYLISTS: Ellen Creager, Amy S. Eckert, Jamie

Fabbri, Ben Lew, Chris McElmeel, Marla Miller, Honey Murray, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Bill Semion, Mark Spezia, Dianna Stampfler, Patty LaNoue Stearns, Chuck Warren, Julie Bonner Williams, Glen Young

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Lindsay Richards

ART DIRECTOR: Keagan Coop

SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST: Stephanie Daniel

CONTRIBUTORS: Jeff Garland, Joe Tiano, Sara Wright

SALES

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: advertising@hour-media.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Maddy Gill, Nick Irwin, Jessica Laidlaw

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Jenine Knox

SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Jill Berry

PREPRESS ARTIST: Jonathan Boedecker

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Rachel Beltowski

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jim Bibart

DIGITAL DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY: Travis Cleveland

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Matthew Cappo

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS: Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Luanne Lim, Connor McDonald

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT: Robyn Banks

HOUR CITY STUDIOS

VIDEO PRODUCER: Nicole Toporowski

VIDEOGRAPHER: Heather Moody

IT IT DIRECTOR: Jeremy Leland

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Geralyn Wilson

CIRCULATION MANAGER: Riley Meyers

SENIOR CIRCULATION COORDINATORS: David Benvenuto, Rachel Moulden

CIRCULATION COORDINATORS: Susan Combs, Cathy Krajenke, Michele Wold

CIRCULATION CUSTOMER SERVICE: 866-660-6247

MARKETING

MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER: Jodie Svagr

MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR: Jaime Presnail

COMMUNICATIONS AND PR: Regan Blissett

ADMINISTRATION

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS: Kathie Gorecki

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER: Natasha Bajju

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE: Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES: Kate Manley, Austin Schmelzle

PUBLISHED BY HOUR MEDIA, LLC

CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | PRESIDENT: John Balardo

Michigan BLUE

PHOTO BY SARA WRIGHT

WATERWAYS

Owners form bonds with their classic wooden canoes, and kayakers can paddle through the Soo Locks.

“Making Waves” is packed with notable stories about the birth and continued growth of Michigan’s boating industry.

Warm-weather options for exploring Mackinac Island beyond Main Street include fun times running, hiking, biking, swimming, and paddling.

From galleries to cafes, here are our favorite seasonal must-do’s in southwest Michigan.

Mission Point Resort groundskeeper installs a handcrafted purple martin birdhouse as a way to honor Grandpa.

19 Get Outdoors

14 Sky, Sand & Surf State’s endangered Kirtland’s warbler makes a comeback, while Mackinac Island offers lots of energizing options.

22 Page-Turner

26 Headwaters

24 Staff Picks

FIELD GUIDE

Exploring Michigan: Tips, trends, and tidbits

FISH UPDATE: Through a partnership that includes more than 50 members, 2,000 arctic grayling from the Marquette State Fish Hatchery’s surplus brood stock were introduced last November into three Michigan lakes: 400 in Alger County’s West Johns Lake; 1,300 in Manistee County’s Pine Lake; and 300 in Houghton County’s Penegor Lake. In 2015, the Michigan DNR and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians partnered to form the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative to help reintroduce the once-abundant fish species back into state waters. migrayling.org

ECONOMIC ENGINE: The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park generated some $138 million in Grand Rapids-area economic activity during 2023, according to a January study by researchers at Grand Valley State University. That’s up from about $75.6 million in GVSU’s 2017 study. Attendance also is growing, up to around 755,000 visitors in 2023 compared with 686,763 in 2022. Most of 2023’s visitors (62 percent) were from outside of Kent County, home of the destination. About half of the non-local visitors were experiencing the complex for the first time, while some 48 percent of the local visitors said they come six or more times per year. meijergardens.org

TAKE A PEEK: Get your Mackinac Island fix with views of the getaway provided by live webcams. The latest was launched in November by the local Town Crier newspaper, and looks east down Market Street. Other webcams are at Mission Point Resort, overlooking the property’s Great Lawn and the Straits of Mackinac; at Horn’s Bar, showing Main Street; at the Chippewa Hotel, scanning the island’s harbor; and at the Windermere Hotel, where the camera takes in Windermere Point and island ferry traffic. Search “blogs” at mackinac island.org for webcam links.

–

Compiled by Ron Garbinski

Have news that pertains to Michigan travel and exploration? Send a note to MSwoyer@Hour-Media.com.

The pretty Kirtland’s warbler. Opposite page: These birds prefer to nest in jack pine trees that must be younger than 20 years old. The rare, yellowbreasted bird measures barely 6 inches tall.

A Growing Population

Michigan’s rarest bird rises from endangered species status

By Julie Bonner Williams

Like the mythical phoenix, the Kirtland’s warbler, a gray and yellow songbird, rises from the ashes. And that’s its greatest obstacle.

The bird, measuring barely 6 inches, is one of the rarest in North America. It’s found from Oscoda northwest to Kalkaska, as Michigan is its home.

Describing the Kirtland’s warbler habitat as “extreme” and “harsh,” Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance board member William Rapai says the area that’s home to the bird is unique, as it was created by “outwashed plains left behind from a glacier withdrawing about 10,000 years ago.”

The birds nest on the ground under jack pines that must be less than 20 years old, at which time they drop lower branches. In the past, the necessity of finding younger trees left Kirtland’s warblers reliant on fire to clear aged trees and allow renewal through new growth. Today, they’re reliant on humans to manage the habitat.

Long ago, nature took care of the bird; lightning strikes set the trees ablaze, ensuring new growth. Later, indigenous populations were the first humans to interact with the bird — but in the Kirtland’s warblers’ favor. They lit fires that burned uncontrolled, eliminating older trees and clearing the land to attract wildlife they could hunt.

It was more recent human populations that worked against the brilliantly hued bird. As mankind’s efforts to suppress fires escalated, the cycle of old trees out/new trees in was interrupted. The result? Kirtland’s warblers nearly became extinct.

In 1957, conservation efforts were taken to restore the species’ population. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 put the Kirtland’s warbler on a protected list, where it remained until 2019. According to Rapai, as of 2023 there were about 2,000 pairs of Kirtland’s warblers. Of those, about five or six pairs are in Ontario, and 20 are in Wisconsin. The rest live in northern lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

The population increase is largely due to the combined efforts of the Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Natural Resources, which works to plant and sustain jack pine forests.

“Everything in that jack pine ecosystem is reliant on fire. Fire belongs there, and if we can’t let fire do what it does naturally, we humans have to manage the ecosystem for the Kirtland’s warbler,” says Rapai, the author of the Michigan Notable book, “The Kirtland’s Warbler: The Story of a Bird’s Fight Against Extinction and the People Who Saved It.”

PLAN IT!

Kirtland’s Warbler Alliance Check site for May 25June 30 birding tours. kirtlandswarbler.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILLIAM RAPAI (BOTH PAGES)

Nowhere does it seem more crowded in the summer than downtown Mackinac Island, where visitors pilot bikes as they wobble between carriages and passersby clog the sidewalks to watch fudge-makers at work.

As an island regular and a guide for Great Turtle Kayak Tours, I’ve experienced many facets of this beautiful escape. The following suggestions will get your heart pumping and help you avoid the crowds, even in the midst of the busiest days.

Runner Delights

If you like to run, Mackinac Island offers plenty of places to counter the congestion by venturing into the trees nearly anywhere just beyond the east or west bluffs, which face the Straits of Mackinac. There are two track-like stretches I recommend. One is near the airport and the other is a bit deeper into the island, where

Beyond Main Street

Ready for some action on Mackinac Island? Summertime options for exploring the getaway include fun times on land and in the water

By Glen Young

you’ll find plenty of single-track options and your only companions are birds, squirrels, and maybe a white-tail deer. Early spring means a carpet of delicate trillium or lady slippers, while autumn turns the leaves into a palette of vibrant harvest colors.

If you like your runs organized, check out the events coordinated by Gault Race Management, with options from May through October ranging from the fivemile-long Fort2Fort and the Great Turtle Half Marathon. While these events tend to traverse mostly paved roads, you’ll still enjoy scenes from interior woodlands views to wide-angle Great Lakes vistas.

Mark Ware, vice president at Mission Point Resort, loves running on Mackinac Island and uses the organized events to prepare for Iron Man competitions. He says Mackinac Island’s trail system provides great training options, and he also appreciates how runners and joggers can take even unfamiliar turns without

Mackinc Island’s shoreline contains stones ideal for skipping. The island hosts an annual stone-skipping contest every July 4 that’s open to both amateurs and pros, who often record more than 20 skips.

worrying about getting lost.

“The best part is that you’re never too far away and can feel free to explore paths knowing that eventually you’ll wind up along the shore or a main road that will lead you back to town. You can run an easy 5K or a challenging 17-miler or anything in between,” Ware says.

Island Freewheeling

If you prefer pedaling to plodding, there are many possibilities beyond the main streets. Rent a bike or take your own uphill a bit to Fort Holmes Road, above the cemeteries, to discover vistas of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. From there you can sweep your gaze from the Les Cheneaux Islands in the north and back to the Mackinac Bridge in the west. Directly across the straits from the island’s highest point, the Round Island lighthouse, about a mile away, looks close enough to reach out and touch.

Jim Fisher, owner of the Mackinac Wheels bike shop, says the island’s interior is a great escape from the crowds. “When you’re out on the trails you rarely run into anyone,” he says. “It’s peaceful and relaxing, no matter what kind of riding you want to do.”

With more than 30 miles of single-track paths, adventurous bikers can snake alongside swamps or traverse limestone ledges before angling beneath towering evergreens. On the island’s northwest side, facing St. Ignace, your likeliest trailside companions might be barred owls or pileated woodpeckers.

Getting Wet

With a little effort, visitors can discover plenty of good swimming spots, but be forewarned that the beaches are mostly rocky. Those wanting to wade into the surf can easily find pockets of privacy at places like Brown’s Brook or Point Aux Pines. While Petoskey stones are rare finds on island beaches, rocks that look custom-made for skipping are plentiful.

More swimmers also are discovering Mackinac Island’s organized events, including the ÖTILLÖ’s SwimRun relay and

If you’re feeling more adventurous, try paddling beyond the harbor breakwalls into the Straits of Mackinac, toward uninhabited Round Island.

Mackinac Island Swim’s shoreline loop, both of which take place in August.

Jon Vos says what brings people to the Mackinac Island Swim is the combination of conditions and location. “The crystal-clear water is really what draws everyone,” he says, adding that it isn’t only swimmers who enjoy the event. “It’s probably one of the most spectator-friendly swim events. You can have your whole family come out and see you swim the entire length of the event.”

Paddle Pleasures

If you’d rather be on the water, you can opt for a kayak or a paddleboard. Popular routes might find you threading through the marina toward Arch Rock, where you can leave the ferry boat traffic behind.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, try paddling beyond the breakwalls into the Straits of Mackinac toward uninhabited Round Island, no more than a mile south. Early morning paddlers can follow the sunrise, and often share the water with chattering otters or ghost-like herons.

Never paddle alone and be prepared

PLAN IT!

Gault Running – runmackinac.com

Mackinac Wheels – mackinacbikes.com

ÖTILLÖ SwimRun – otilloswimrun.com

The Mackinac Island Swim – swimaroundmac.com

Great Turtle Kayak Tours – mackinackayak.com

for any possibility, says Anthony Arabie, longtime manager and guide at Great Turtle Kayak Tours, who knows how the conditions can change quickly. “Depending on the wind and currents,” he explains, “the lake can be as calm as a small pond or as roaring as an ocean.”

Whatever your preference, from running to paddling and more in between, Mackinac Island offers wonderful woods and the water to counter the crowds — even during the busy summer season.

Above: Those looking for paddleboard adventures can find routes from the marina to Arch Rock, or on quiet sections of the lake beyond downtown’s traffic.

Left: The annual Lilac Festival Run and Walk, this year on June 8, is an energizing way to take in the island’s beauty during the event’s morning activities.

Wooden Wonders

The allure of vintage canoes creates an emotional bond among their owners

By Julie Bonner Williams

Sometimes a canoe isn’t just a canoe. It’s a depository of memories; a hulled chest filled with voices of those we’ve loved across decades of our lives. It’s irreplaceable moments: parting gentle waters with a single oar in the breaking day; passing cattails and waterlilies, enveloped in the sounds of birds; and the sight of curious fish beneath the glassy water.

Michiganders share the bond of freshwater living, and that bond led Eaton Rapids resident Russ Hicks to start the Michigan chapter of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association in 1995. The WCHA, established in 1979, was sparked when a Wisconsin couple noticed a birch canoe atop a car. Today, the association boasts 22 chapters as far away as Alaska, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

How does one wooden canoe launch an international group for enthusiasts that’s still going strong 45 years later? The answer lies in the allure of vintage canoes —

and it seems wooden canoes hold a place of particular esteem.

The connection to old canoes is so powerful that Hicks, a 73-year-old retired English teacher, often pauses to collect himself as he discusses their impact. “Family ties to these old canoes is very strong. It’s very emotional. It’s a tie that binds families together. At boat shows, people will come up almost reverently. They look at a wooden canoe differently, and they’ll start their story, ‘Oh, my uncle …’ or ‘Oh, my granddad…’ ”

Attachment runs so deep that when families decide to sell their canoes, usually due to selling lake homes or preferring that the canoes have a chance to be on water instead of in storage, detailed conversations with prospective buyers often follow.

“In the world of wooden canoes, there’s such a strong family connection. I’ve been interviewed to see if I’m worthy of ‘grandpa’s canoe,’ ” says Hicks, who

admits he owns “a mere 12” vintage canoes and rowboats today.

One such conversation led Hicks to acquire a 1911 Rushton American Beauty. It was one of only 60 made, and one of only two known to survive. The acquisition was the result of a random phone call from a Portage couple whose great-great grandfather had purchased the vessel in 1915.

“People who haven’t had a canoe in the family can’t understand. These canoes transcend time and space,” Hicks says. “They take you back to a special time, a special place, special people.”

PLAN IT!

Russ Hicks started the Michigan chapter of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association to share his love of vintage vessels, such as these classic beauties.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIE BONNER WILLIAMS (TOP); RUSS HICKS (RIGHT)

It’s a thrill for kayakers on a Bird’s Eye tour to experience water levels in the Soo Locks, which drop 22

Superior Adventures

Guided five-mile kayaking trips take Upper Peninsula paddlers through the world-famous Soo Locks

By Dianna Stampfler

Michigan is blessed with an abundance of magnificent places to kayak, including the unparalleled adventure of paddling through the world-famous Soo Locks with Bird’s Eye Outfitters in Sault Ste. Marie.

The St. Marys River flows 75 miles and connects Lake Superior with Lake Huron, serving as a border between the United States and Canada. Before Europeans arrived in the Great Lakes region, the Ojibwe traveled this area they called Baawitigong, which means “at the cascading rapids.” The rapids were created by a 20-plus-foot drop in water levels at

the stretch between the twin border cities of Sault Ste. Marie.

The first Sault lock was constructed in the late 1700s to aid trade canoes, but it was destroyed during the War of 1812. A new lock opened in 1855 on the American side, followed by one 40 years later in Canada. Today, this collective modern marvel is the busiest lock system in the world, accommodating more than 10,000 ships annually.

Gliding through this busy waterway, where birchbark canoes once passed and today thousand-foot freighters navigate daily, provides an exhilarating one-of-akind paddling experience.

Ken and Wilda Hopper opened Bird’s Eye Outfitters in 2015, with the hope of encouraging locals and visitors to explore the northeastern Upper Peninsula while reconnecting with nature physically,

feet from Lake Superior to Lake Huron.

mentally, and spiritually. They initially consulted with a team from The Power of Water outfitters in Lansing about their plans, and then began developing a safe paddling route for excursions through the high-traffic St. Marys River.

The Soo Locks trip begins in the Upper St. Marys River at the Ahsmun Bay boat launch and travels clockwise past the American locks entrance and the rapids to the less congested, recreational Canadian Lock. Once paddlers have safely navigated into the canal — measuring 253 feet long, 51 feet wide, and 44 feet deep — the upper gate closes and the water slowly lowers, like a draining tub.

“When the water levels are lowered down 22 feet from Lake Superior to Lake Huron, you get a real appreciation for how large the rapids in this area used to be,” says Jodi Wizauer, who works at the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as Bird’s Eye Outfitters.

After about 15 minutes, the lower gate opens and the kayakers simply float out into the St. Marys River. Carefully navigating marine traffic — freighters, tour boats, sailboats, and other leisure watercraft — paddlers travel back across the international border, past the historic

PLAN IT!

Bird’s Eye Outfitters birdseyeoutfitters.com

Bird’s Eye also operates a year-round retail store specializing in outdoor gear for silent sports, as well as a rustic café serving up lattes, smoothies, teas, gluten-free baked goods, and a healthyliving menu, including Buddha grain bowls and sandwiches. Its full bar has 13 rotating taps, as well as domestic beer in bottles and cans, wine, and cocktails crafted with house-made flavored syrups such as vanilla, lavender, and jasmine.

Edison Sault Electric Hydropower Plant and the Museum Ship Valley Camp, and then pass the Soo Locks Campground, where the trip concludes. From there, the Bird’s Eye crew transports everyone back to their vehicles at the put-in point.

“I’ve been on the trip several times, and it’s truly a unique and very fun way to experience the Soo Locks firsthand,” Wizauer says. “It’s an enjoyable route, since you’re only going downriver.”

Between June and September, weather permitting, Bird’s Eye guides take small groups on this five-mile international tour. Passports aren’t required because no one sets foot on Canadian land.

The length of the trip varies, depending on the slowest paddler, but it typically lasts three to four hours. On busy summer days, there can be a trip or two a day scheduled, at a cost of $125 per person. The price (which may change this season) includes renting a kayak, paddle, and life vest.

Safety is always paramount on all open-water outings, and while paddlers should have some kayak experience, the trip is open to almost anyone. “Kids as young as 7 have completed the trip with no problem,” Wizauer notes. “There’s no age limit on adventure.”

Above: Kayakers on the tour often can take in freighter views once they’re beyond the Soo Locks. Right: After resting for about 15 minutes while the lock empties, the gates open for kayakers to continue their adventure on the St. Marys River.

Insights into Famous Nautical Names

A wind-up toy sparks author’s interest in Michigan’s boat-building history

By Chuck Warren

With 3,200 miles of freshwater coastline, Michigan boasts a rich maritime history. The Wolverine State also has played an important role in the foundation of the pleasure boating industry, launching a variety of well-known names like Tiara Yachts, Avalon Pontoon Boats,

Four Winns, and, of course, Chris-Craft. Published in 2015 by the University of Michigan Press, Scott M. Peters’ book, “Making Waves,” highlights the history of the boating industry in Michigan from 1865 to 2000. The book is packed with stories about the birth and continued growth of the boating industry on Michigan’s shores.

Born and raised in Flint, Peters’ parents helped fuel his early interest in Michigan boating history. “They took me to a cabin on Hubbard Lake in the 1960s where we always had a rental boat,” Peters recalls. “In the 1970s, we would go camping in Algonac, where my dad loved to watch and photograph the big ships as they passed by” on the St. Clair River.

During college, Peters worked at the Alfred P. Sloan antique car museum, where he helped keep things clean and gave guided tours. With a growing interest in museum work, Peters decided to attend graduate school for museum studies at Case-Western College in Cleveland. After graduation, he returned to the Alfred P. Sloan Museum to become curator of collections from 1981 to 1984. It was there that a new display once again ignited an interest in Michigan’s boating history.

The museum was showing an exhibit on toys, and one of the pieces was a windup wooden racing boat named “Miss

Above: Scott Peters’ new book is available from the University of Michigan Press. Left: Peters often is a guest speaker on the topic of Michigan maritime history. Michigan BLUE learned about the book when he visited Troy Historic Village.

America.” Wanting to learn more, Peters began to dig into the history of early 1900s boat racing legend Garfield “Gar” Wood and his onetime partner, ChrisCraft founder Chris Smith.

Growing up in Algonac, 13-year-old Christopher Columbus Smith built his first wooden duck boat with his brother, Henry, in 1874. Chris Smith’s interest in fast boats grew until he was tasked with building his first racing boat in 1905.

Smith’s innovative hull designs led to a partnership with industrialist Gar Wood, and the construction of several worldrecord-holding racing boats. In the early 1920s, Smith and his sons broke away from racing to focus on building reasonably priced runabouts and created the company that would become Chris-Craft.

“Once I learned about Gar Wood and Chris Smith, things just snowballed,” Peters says. “I spent the next 30 years digging around for articles and (learning about the) history of boat racing.”

In 1985, Peters left the Sloan Museum to become curator of collections at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing, while his interest in Michigan boating history continued to grow. “There were well over 1,000 boat-builders in the state,” Peters explains. “I’ve put together a list that’s closer to 1,200, and I know I don’t have them all.”

Quite a few boat-builders sprang up on the shores of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, although plenty more were operating elsewhere around the state.

“There were lots of interesting characters in the industry,” Peters says, “such as Cli ord Brooks.” A former newspaperman, Brooks began designing and selling patterns for boats to anyone who wished to build their own at home. As the business grew, Brooks Boat Co. began shipping “knock-down” boat kits, which included all the pre-cut pieces needed to build the boat at home.

Other boat-builders played key roles during Prohibition — on both sides of the law. It’s estimated that 75 percent of all the illegal alcohol smuggled into the U.S. crossed Lake Huron during Prohibition.

PLAN IT!

Scott Peters’ book, “ Making Waves ,” is available from the University of Michigan Press. press.umich.edu/books/m/ making-waves

Rum-runners were constantly looking for faster boats to outrun the law, while law enforcement agencies wanted boats fast enough to catch the outlaws. However, because of the short distance between Detroit and Windsor, Canada, tugs, planes, and even submarines were employed.

During World War II, many Michigan boat-builders shifted their focus to designing and manufacturing vessels for the war — building landing craft, utility boats, command boats, quartermaster ships, and target boats for the war e ort. ChrisCraft even had a hand in important design changes to the landing craft that transported soldiers to the beaches of Normandy.

The postwar period saw an increase in demand for pleasure boats, and the industry continued to grow. Many boat manufacturers emerged during this time, including Thompson Boat Co. and Slick Craft.

Michigan’s pleasure boating history continues to be an essential part of the state’s identity, and “Making Waves” does an excellent job of capturing the story of the industry’s innovation, passion, and growth. Still a boating enthusiast, Peters often is a guest speaker on the topic of Michigan maritime history and enjoys taking his kids out to enjoy the water in his aluminum runabout.

Above: A historical photo from Peters’ book shows the Chris Smith and Sons boat manufacturing plant in Algonac. Inset: The book shares stories about boat racing legend Garfi eld “Gar” Wood (right) and his onetime partner, Chris-Craft founder Chris Smith.

TEN TO TRY

From galleries to cafés, here’s a sampling of our seasonal favorites in southwest Michigan

(FROM 1-10) PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIM ZAHNOW; SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN TOURIST COUNCIL; SAUGATUCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; USS SILVERSIDES MUSEUM; STEVE VAN BELKUM; L.A.’S COFFEE CAFÉ; ELLEN CREAGER; WOODROWS DUCKPIN; JUDY WILLIAMS; COVE LAKESIDE BISTRO

7

4

5 6

1 Pinots ’n’ Paintings: Located on Michigan’s Art Coast in Douglas, J. Petter Galleries invites patrons to sip and see. You can enjoy a glass of wine while checking out unique paintings, sculptures, and more. Boutique wines, artisan cheeses, and hand-poured chocolates in the wine bar and shop await. jpettergalleries.com

2 Follow the Guide: There’s been an explosion of new wine, beer, spirits, and cider offerings in southwest Michigan. For a tasty look at what’s new, check out the Makers Trail Passport app, which lists Berrien County’s more than 40 popular stops, participating hotels, and maps. There are tours and even prizes for frequent visits. makerstrail.org

3 Take a Hike: Saugatuck’s Mount Baldhead boasts unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River valley. This is an adventure-lover’s destination, requiring climbing 302 stairs to reach the observation deck.

Breathe and keep going up — the views are worth it. For a cool-down exercise, consider a nature walk on the park’s one-mile loop. saugatuck.com

4 Climb Aboard: The USS Silversides submarine served 14 patrols in the Pacifi c during World War II. Now retired and docked in Muskegon, she can be toured; visitors will get a rare look at life in a submarine. A two-story museum on-site includes artifacts and tells the stories of those who served in the war. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane also is available to explore. silversidesmuseum.org

5 21st Jamboree: Spring Lake’s annual Heritage Festival, June 8-14, started as a community picnic in 1972 and has grown into a week-long fusion of fun activities for all ages, including an artisan market and boat show. slheritagefestival.com

6 Java Joy: L.A.’s Coffee Café, a quaint, family-run coffee shop with great coffee and amazing pastries, is situated on the Rocky and St. Joseph rivers in the middle of Three Rivers, near Kalamazoo. Which concoction to order? On any given day you might fi nd a fresh chickensalad croissant or a London Fog (steamed milk and Earl Grey tea with a splash of lavender and vanilla) on the menu. lacoff eecafeweebly.com

7 Fields of Color: One of America’s most colorful events, Holland’s 95th Tulip Time Festival, runs May 4-12. Plan a visit this spring to take in the parades, millions of tulips, fl oral immersion experiences, Dutch dancers, entertainment, and photo opportunities galore. tuliptime.com

8 Let it Rip: The lanes are shorter, the balls are smaller, and the pins are lighter than regular bowling, but duckpin bowling is a big-time blast. Reserve a lane and gather family, friends, or colleagues for some trashtalking and lots of laughs at Woodrows DuckPin bowling sports club in Grand Rapids’ Amway Grand Hotel. No special shoes, ball — or even skill — are required. You can even BYO food! woodrowsduckpin.com

9 Tasty Treats: A tucked-away treasure on a wooded road in Fennville, Evergreen Lane Creamery is a scrumptious year-round favorite. Plan a visit to check out their artisan goat cheeses made on-site, crackers, and cold drinks, and say hello to the attention-loving goats that call the farm home, including Falyn, the retired resident goat. All the milk the creamery uses is locally sourced. evergreenlanefarm.com

10 Lake View, Please: Looking for an eatery on the water that satisfi es everyone from vegans to seafood lovers to meat eaters? Head to Cove Lakeside Bistro, on West Lake in Portage. You might fi nd vegan mushroom stew, gluten-free chicken confi t, baked lasagna, or pineapple upside down cake on the menu. Quinoa burgers, French onion steak dip, and whitefi sh sandwiches are popular items. covewestlake.com

An Idea Takes Flight

JBy Megan Swoyer

oseph Swatzell thinks of his grandfather, Joel Swatzell, quite a bit during his workday as he looks over the magnificent landscape at Mission Point resort on Mackinac Island. As the grounds supervisor, Joseph continually ensures that all is looking pristine, from the gorgeous swathes of tulips and da odils that spring forth

A Mackinac Island resort groundskeeper keeps his grandfather close while working, thanks to a delightful handcrafted birdhouse

every year in May to the towering purple martin birdhouse that’s located along the resort’s shoreline.

The birdhouse is near and dear to Joseph’s heart, thanks to an idea he had in 2022 that involved inviting his grandfather, from Flushing, to build the aviary.

“My grandfather loves purple martins and had a purple martin birdhouse that

Both pages: Joseph Swatzell’s grandfather built the birdhouse to resemble the main lobby of Mission Point resort. Six months after it was installed, purple martins made it their home.

he made for as long as I can remember,” Joseph says.

“I was out working one day and thought about him. He’s 86 and can’t really come here to see me now, but I thought I could have him near me if we installed a purple martin birdhouse. I did some research on how and where these birds would most benefit from the house and then contacted my bosses at the resort, sharing why we might consider having a purple martin house on the property.”

The resort’s owners embraced the idea. “I was actually going to purchase one, but then I talked to my grandpa and he wanted to build it,” Joseph says.

That was in November of 2022. “I brought it here the following March. My dad (Paul) came up and we dug a 4-footdeep hole and secured it with concrete.”

Recalls Paul: “When we dug the hole, at about 2 feet down we hit an anchor chain. It’s probably been there for at least 150 years. We decided to (continue the installation), knowing we could follow the chain with a metal detector. It was so fascinating that we dug the hole where the chain was.”

By May, several purplish iridescent birds were calling the house home.

Joseph says the acrobatic seasonal songbirds, which nest in the birdhouse, like to be near water and love open space. “They also like to eat bugs, so I have it located near a wet area. They leave in September.”

Graceful in flight with musical predawn singing, this big swallow is a favorite among bird lovers. The birdhouse has an extra-special design, as it resembles the massive main lobby of the resort, complete with a high ceiling and a teepee-style shape.

Known as the largest swallow in North America, the pretty birds leave behind their Amazon Basin winter homes and arrive in Michigan in the spring, in time for breeding, nesting, and raising a family.

If the houses are successful and the birds’ landlords follow some simple rules, the season can be a delightful time for watching how these chipper creatures live their daily lives, whether they’re grabbing food, guarding the nest, or fighting o predators like owls and hawks.

Coming into his fourth season at the resort, Joseph says, “Joel is my only grandparent still alive; I wanted him to come up, but he can’t. This is the next best thing — having his handcrafted birdhouse near me as I work.”

WATERWAYS Headwaters

Joseph Swatzell, grounds supervisor at Mission Point, brought his heartfelt idea to life when he asked resort owners if he could add a purple martin home to the facility’s property.

SummitMarine.1-2h.BLUE.Wi24.indd

10/16/23 4:38

DESIGN CURRENTS

The new homes in Peninsula Shores on Old Mission Peninsula are one - of-a- kind, its developers say, because of the lay of the land, the water frontage, and the drop - dead gorgeous views Learn more inside this section

Michigan BLUE Design Awards kicks off, great beeswax candles, decoy art, and new suites.

30 Studio Visit Holland Bowl Mill in Holland turns out 800 to 1,000 bowls a week. See how they do it.

34 Design Stars Meet the family behind O’Grady Development in Traverse City. They’re on a roll.

36 The Elements

Tennis & golf items for the home, rattan furnishings, and powder room essentials.

30 Designers’ Notebook

DESIGNERS’ NOTEBOOK

Enter Your Best Work: Attention architects, designers, builders, and others in the design industry! Michigan BLUE magazine is launching a waterfront living design awards competition. Entries will be accepted beginning July 1. Visit mibluedesignawards. com July 1 for more information on how to enter everything from beautiful bathrooms to landscaping, dock areas, and more.

New Lakeside Lodging: Waters Edge Suites, 809 W. Ludington Ave. in Ludington, is now open. Located just across the street from Lake Michigan, the suites offer lake views and they’re just a short walk from downtown. watersedgerentals.com

Something Fishy: The Great Lakes Fish Decoy Carving Association’s 2024 World Championships is slated for Sept. 12-14 at Lake Cadillac Resort. Cadillac is home to Oscar Peterson, considered one of the most influential folk art decoy carvers of his time. Peterson produced thousands of carvings from the early 1900s until his death in the 1950s. The weekend includes a tour of sites related to Peterson’s life, including where he lived and made his carvings. glfda.com

Burning Desire: Beeswax candles are the best for burning. Beeswax has the highest melting point of any wax, which means the candles burn longer than paraffin. They also don’t release soot into the atmosphere. Some favorites include those made by St. Clair Apiary, which has a small farm and apiary in St. Clair. This summer, the “Bee Experience” will welcome visitors to learn about bees and beekeeping, and even suit up. On Facebook: St. Clair Apiary

— Compiled by Megan Swoyer

Have news about home design and waterfront living?

Email MSwoyer@Hour-Media.com

Bowled Over

Large, small, or in between, these wooden wonders from the Holland Bowl Mill will last several lifetimes

By Patty LaNoue Stearns

Most people know the West Michigan harbor town of Holland for its Tulip Festival and Dutch ancestry, but for nearly a century, the Holland Bowl Mill has been a destination for people looking for wooden bowls of all shapes and sizes. Today the bowls are still turned by hand — nearly a lost art in our modern world — and they’re so sturdy, they come with a lifetime guarantee.

What started in 1926 as a wooden shoe factory run by Chester VanTongeren is now the largest solid wood bowl production facility in the world. The business is owned by VanTongeren’s grandson, Dave Gier, and great-grandson, Kory Gier.

“I grew up around the company,” says Kory, who started working at Holland Bowl Mill in high school, continued working there during his college years, and then went full time in 2013. He watched the mill’s expansion in 2002, and over the past five years he’s witnessed the opening of a new retail showroom in Holland, as well as the introduction of “a ton of new products,” including serving trays, taco boards, French rolling pins, and airplant holders.

The products, which also include cutting and serving boards, chopping bowls with mezzaluna knives, plates, platters, kitchen and salad utensils, home décor, and Bee’s Oil wood preserver, are sold in Holland Bowl’s retail store, in the mill’s showroom, and in

350 kitchen/housewares shops across the U.S. and Canada.

Gier says the mill produces 800 to 1,000 bowls a week, ranging in price from $15 to $550 and in diameter from 6 inches to 20 inches. No two bowls are alike.

“Each bowl tells its own story,” says Gier, adding that in their production, “each bowl is touched hundreds of times — there’s a whole lot of love put into our products.” You can browse through a variety of styles, including fruit bowls

with holes so they drain after rinsing; bowls that are live-edged, torched, or ebonized; and bowls with four corners.

The showroom’s best-sellers are in the “imperfect” section, where items with knots and other blemishes are discounted. For many wood aficionados, those are the most interesting qualities.

“There are tons of displays in the showroom,” Gier says. “People tend to spend a lot of time here.”

He lauds Holland Bowl’s talented team of employees, who are given wide creative berth to try out their ideas and make prototypes for new products. If an item is out on the floor and is popular, it becomes part of the product line. Each piece is made from American hardwoods including cherry, walnut, beech, hard

This page: Holland Bowl Mill produces 800 to 1,000 bowls a week. Opposite page: This large bowl, made from an American hardwood, showcases the wood’s beauty and comes in handy for large gatherings.

“Each bowl tells its own story, each bowl is touched hundreds of times — there’s a whole lot of love put into our products.”

— Kory Gier

maple, and red oak — and none of the wood cutoffs are wasted.

“We’re a zero-waste company,” Gier says, explaining that Holland Bowl purchases logs from local tree companies, and the leftover shavings are donated to local horse stables. The rest is sold for firewood.

Want to see how these products are made? Take a free mill tour, where visitors get a sensory experience watching as the aromatic blocks of wood are turned into heirloom-quality items, most of which are displayed in the mill’s 1,500-square-foot showroom. Groups of under 10 can walk in without an appointment six days a week. Tours take place a couple of times a day.

Another customer-friendly perk: If you’d like your bowl or other product engraved, it’s free for up to 55 characters and can be done while you wait.

MORE INFORMATION:

Right: The company’s handy taco stand undoubtedly makes Taco Tuesdays extra fun!

Above and right: Cutting and serving boards, chopping bowls, plates, platters, kitchen and salad servers, and more make up the product offerings at Holland Bowl Mill.

Build your future.

When planning a new home construction project, it's important to choose the right lending partner. GreenStone’s financing process is designed to support your project from blueprints to closing. We custom build each loan, offering both do-it-yourself and fully-contracted options. To get started on your future home, contact your local GreenStone team today. 800-444-3276

www.greenstonefcs.com

Family Ties

Traverse City-based brothers and their parents celebrate their development company’s 30-year anniversary with a look back and forward

By Megan Swoyer

Mtry, running a family business, and the company’s relatively new Peninsula Shores development. His family’s company, which has been based in Traverse City for a decade, worked with the real estate firm Live Traverse City on this project.

ichigan BLUE magazine enjoyed an insightful chat with Kyle O’Grady, a 28-year-old partner at O’Grady Development in Traverse City. O’Grady — together with his brother, Kevin, 29, and their father, also named Kevin — runs the 30-year-old company. “It’s a small family business,” says O’Grady, who explains that he handles sales and project development, while his brother is project manager. The company, once called Insight Building Co., was originally based in metro Detroit. Over time, they’ve built north of 500 homes, including condos, houses, and quadplexes. “We changed the branding when my brother and I graduated from Albion College,” O’Grady says.

In our interview, O’Grady, who grew up in Waterford and attended Clarkston schools, shed light on the building indus-

Michigan BLUE: Did you know at a young age that you wanted to get into development and work for the family?

Kevin O’Grady: I think so. My brother and I grew up in the industry, since our dad was in it. We swept curbs and vacuumed houses. We got our start early, in general labor. And, of course, our mom (Vicki) is our manager, and has always kept all of us guys in check.

MB: Would you say the Peninsula Shores development is the grandest in your company’s portfolio?

KO: For sure. It’s on Old Mission Peninsula and is one of a kind because of the lay of the land, the water frontage, and the views. Each home comes with a boat slip in East Grand Traverse Bay. Ten of the homes have private beaches, while the others share a quarter mile of water frontage. No matter where you are, you

Left: An inviting home in Peninsula Shores, on Old Mission Peninsula. It’s one of a kind because of the lay of the land, the developers say. Insets: Nearly every spot in each home has a wonderful lake view. O’Grady Development’s Kyle, Vicki, Kevin, and Kevin O’Grady.

hop into your golf cart and head down to the sandy beach, the dock. It’s a natural, beautiful bluff, and each home has views that look out to the water.

MB: When you got involved with the property, it had been for sale for about 20 years. At the time of this issue’s press date, you’ve completed about 21 homes out of a total of 41, and 15 are occupied. Each features four bedrooms and ranges in size from 3,500 to 6,000 square feet, is that correct?

KO: Yes, that’s right.

MB: Did you get caught in the Covid pandemonium during the development process?

KO: Oh, yes. We got the road in and then we were scratching our heads on how to push forward. The first day the governor said our industry could go back to work is the day we started construction on the first home.

Quality runs throughout the residences, including in the kitchens. “We have a great group of contractors,” Kyle O’Grady says.

MB: Are most of the residents from Michigan?

KO: Many are, but some come from Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Some families use the homes as their summer getaway, while a few live there full time.

MB: What sets this development apart from other waterfront complexes?

KO: The huge appeal is the construction quality. We have nothing to hide with the quality of our construction. It stands apart in the state of Michigan. We have a great group of contractors, and the same group builds every home. Meanwhile, it’s the view! We’ve got windows, windows, windows. We don’t spare any expense for windows, and there are lots of views of water from various parts of each home.

MORE INFORMATION: ogradydevelopment.com

It’s

Tennis or Golf, Anyone?

Styled by Jamie Fabbri

game, set, and match with a collection of winning accessories

1. This Golf Cheese Board & Knives Set by MARK & GRAHAM is a hole-in-one addition to your spread. $95, markandgraham.com

2. Get kids in on the fun with the Good Wood Kids Mini Golf Set by WONDER & WISE . $69, wonder andwise.com

3. The Tee Time Dish by MACKENZIECHILDS makes a perfect small serving dish or trinket tray. $148, Cutler’s, Petoskey, cutlersonline.com, mackenzie-childs.com

4. POTTERY BARN ’s solid dark brown wood Golf Putting Game blends right into a traditional home aesthetic. $199, Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com.

5. Bring game day indoors with this Walnut Pool Table plus Wall Rack, Accessories, and Table Tennis Kit by IMPERIAL USA for CRATE & BARREL . $7,199, Crate & Barrel, Novi, crateandbarrel.com.

6. You’ll be ready to hit the courts in style with this MARK & GRAHAM x SPARTINA Tennis Backpack. Starting at $169, markandgraham.com.

3.

(866) 315-7678

abdow.org

The Best of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture

The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio engages the imagination and elicits emotional responses in all who experience this powerful statement of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern architecture. Planted into an encompassing pond, the Home and Studio is alive with reflective light, soaring roof lines, diverging angles, brilliant color and the perfect balance of enticement and tranquility. It truly is an “oasis of architecture and inspiration.” Schedule your visit for architectural tours, educational programs, Michigan history and much more.

Build with Michigan’s #1 construction lender.*

We offer a one-time closing for both land and construction financing, saving you time and money.

Connect with one of our expert loan officers today at LMCU.org/Mortgage or call (844) 754-6280.

A Laid-Back Lifestyle

Rattan, straw, and bamboo are quintessential materials for the cottage life

Styled by Jamie Fabbri

6.

4.

1. SERENA & LILY ’s Balboa Rattan Counter Stool is an effortless choice for the kitchen. $828, Serena & Lily, Birmingham, serena andlily.com.

2. The Giro Black Rattan Small Pedestal Table by MERMELADE ESTUDIO for CB2 is a perfect resting place for plants, sculptures, and more. $249, CB2, Birmingham, cb2.com.

3. The Levene Chandelier by CORBETT LIGHTING is inspired by the silhouette of an oversized straw hat. Price upon request, Lighting Resource Studio, Michigan Design Center, Troy, michigandesign.com.

4. This Bamboo Four-Piece Cheese Set by SABRE is crafted of the fi nest stainless steel and natural bamboo. $115, Serena & Lily, Birmingham, serena andlily.com.

5. BRETT BELDOCK serves up a traditional bar cabinet with a twist: the Avalon Rattan Bar Cabinet for CB2. $999, CB2, Birmingham, cb2.com.

6. The Caydon Table Lamp by ARHAUS is complemented by a rattan-wrapped shade for a simplistic, organic touch. $699, Arhaus, Ann Arbor and Troy, arhaus.com.

2.

3.

5.

Powder Room Pretties

These

1. Make a bold and beautiful statement with this “Thistle” art piece by PAMELA ALEXANDER ART. Price upon request, Resource Center, Michigan Design Center, Troy, michigandesign.com, pamela alexanderart.com.

Styled by Jamie Fabbri

2. This grapefruitscented Rainbow Beach Glass Soap by SEALUXE ORGANICS will leave your hands feeling clean and invigorated. $20, The Happy Woman Store, Suttons Bay, sealuxe.ca, thehappy womanstore.com.

adornments add panache to the bath

3. Nothing transforms a space like new wallcoverings, and this Climbing Leaves wallpaper by KRAVET COUTURE makes the perfect powder room choice. To the trade, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Cen-

ter, Troy, kravet.com, michigandesign.com.

4. Soy Wax Candles by HOUSE & HARBOR add a luxurious touch to your powder room. $36, House & Harbor, Ludington, houseandharbor.com.

5. SERENA & LILY ’s Wave Bath Towels are an exquisitely soft and chic essential for you and your guests. $238/set, Serena & Lily, Birmingham, serenaandlily.com.

6. Glass Bathroom Canisters by mDESIGN offer a sleek storage solution. $20, mdesign.com.

1.

3. 4.

6.

2.

One of several porches on the home looks out to pretty Devils Lake. Designer Tiffany Birch says she chose a specific blue paint for the ceiling that’s similar to the color seen on many Mackinac cottages.

Making Memories

BY MEGAN SWOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF GARLAND

A waterfront Lenawee County dream home checks off all the boxes

years ago, a man and his business partner purchased an old lakeside home at an auction. The two eventually had the home torn down and they split the property into two lots of about three-quarters of an acre each. The man and his wife waited several years before building their dream home on idyllic Devils Lake — the largest lake in Lenawee County, with a maximum depth of 63 feet.

Interior designer Tiffany Birch embraced the opportunity to work with the couple, who had a cottage (now sold) on the same lake and own a farmhouse in the area where they raise bees and chickens. “Our families have had cottages here since the 1920s and we’ve had a summer lake house here since 1979,” the homeowner says.

“I got to know them well when the husband

hired me to do interior design work for the Devils Lake Yacht Club,” says Birch, who runs Ann Arbor-based Birch Design Associates. “He’s very involved with the club.”

Birch worked with architect Greg Richard of Remington Architecture on both the yacht club and the home, while the home’s builder was Gabriel Wallace, of Wallace Building Co. in Toledo.

The goal was to create a home where the couple’s three grown daughters would love to gather with their families and enjoy many fun moments. They were also after a kid- and dog-friendly vibe. To that end, Birch says it was a must to have synthetic deck flooring and a luxury vinyl tile for the interior, both of which can handle water, water, and more water. “Most of the fabrics are indoor-outdoor, so no one has to worry

about getting water on, say, the sofas,” she adds.

Birch certainly understands the cottage vernacular, as she grew up spending every summer on Devils Lake. Years later, she owned a cottage on Portage Lake, one of the Huron River’s chain lakes, and now enjoys time spent at a log cabin that’s right on the Huron River.

“We love working with Tiffany, as she grew up on this lake as we did as children, and she gets the lake vibe. She’s a good listener, easy to work with, and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many choices when making selections,” the homeowner says.

A popular spot in this new-build is the main-floor porch, where comfy, weatherproof furnishings (from Arhaus) invite one to stay awhile and soak up the waterfront views. “The family loves Mackinac, so they wanted the home to feel Mackinac-ish with a white wood shake exterior (Snowbound, Sherwin-Williams), wooden garage doors, and custom rails. The porch ceiling is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Waterscape, which is very close to Haint blue — a pale shade of blue-green that mimics sky and water tones and is traditionally used to paint porch ceilings in the Southern states, supposedly to ward off ghosts or evil spirits. It’s frequently found on Mackinac Island homes, as well.

The couple loves antiques, so it’s no surprise that

old ship lanterns and brass propellers adorn the spacious porch. The pendant lighting is by Visual Comfort & Co., and the ceiling fans are from Gross Electric in Ann Arbor.

The walk-out lower area features a charming room where family and friends can store bathing suits and sunbathing essentials. A large sign reads: Go Jump in the Lake. Of course, everyone is more than willing to obey that command!

Above: The walk-out lower area features a charming room where family and friends can store bathing suits and sunbathing essentials. Opposite page, top: Beaching and boating are almost always on the agenda at this family’s home. Opposite page, bottom: A side porch off the main deck is another great gathering spot.

The lower area also has a kitchen, family room, and a dining nook (one of Birch’s favorite home elements), as well as a charming banquette area that showcases the designer’s signature must-have — a built-in bench. This one’s snappy with navy-andwhite-striped upholstery and beadboard appeal. “Stripes are very nautical,” Birch asserts.

The homeowners found an artist (Curt Baldwin, who has a home on a lake nearby) who specializes in depicting boats and lakes. They fell in love with a large, head-turning oil painting of a woman floating atop an inland lake in a classic inner tube, and it takes center stage on the wall behind the banquette. “We didn’t want anything coastal, because

this isn’t an ocean, it’s a Michigan lake,” Birch says with a laugh. “This artist’s work is all about that ‘growing up on a lake’ feel.”

When it comes to beadboard, Birch made a point of not overdoing the look. “We mixed it with other types of wood around the house and we don’t have everything going vertically or horizontally,” she says.

An inviting porch on the lower level is located next to a storage area for paddleboards and other toys, and beautiful landscaping by Underwood Nursery of Adrian and Brookwood Landscaping of Toledo surrounds the home.

More gathering and chilling spots await in the expansive main-floor dining area, which looks out

Above: Birch’s signature must-have: a charming, built-in banquette. Wall art by Curt Baldwin evokes Michigan lakelife vibes. Above right: Another perspective of the home, which is situated on the largest lake in Lenawee County.

“WE LOVE WORKING WITH TIFFANY, AS SHE GREW UP ON THIS LAKE AS WE DID AS CHILDREN, AND SHE GETS THE LAKE VIBE.”

— THE HOMEOWNER

Left: An inviting area near the large dining table is the perfect spot for a before- or afterdinner cocktail. Top: Bright blue cabinets in the kitchen are a nice nod to lake style. “The homeowner loves her farmhouse sink,” Birch says. Above: To the right of the dining table is a cozy area for reading or just enjoying lake views.

to the lake, while two nearby nooks provide perfect perches. “A seating area to the left of the dining table is a great spot for enjoying a before- or after-dinner drink, and a red lounge chair is wonderful for reading,” Birch says. “Everything is open, but there are places to sit — quiet spots where you can just be, yet still feel a part of the action.”

Many vibrant pops of rich reds show up in other areas around the house, too. “Red is the homeowners’ favorite color,” Birch says, “and I go with what clients love.” Complementing the reds are the blues found in the fabrics and millwork.

Several one-of-a-kind elements adorn the home, and old barn beams were used on many of the ceilings. “A barn fell at their farmhouse and we had that wood cut, hewn, and stained. We’ve also incorporated a console table, located in the great room, which was made from that wood.” The couple’s Brunswick bar — originally built by the Brunswick company in Iowa, which produced bars beginning in the 1880s — was crafted from an old bar that came from a pub. “Our carpenter retrofitted it perfectly,” Birch says. Another vintage element is the towel rack in the powder room, which was made from the fallen barn’s wood.

What’s a dream home without a space to create? The designer says she’s crazy about the first-floor craft room. “It’s got a desk, seating, and extra-deep drawers that pull out of a custom-built island to hold a lot of the wife’s sewing projects,” she notes. There’s also an organized area for wrapping gifts — a practical spot for preparing gifts for birthdays and other celebrations. And you can bet those parties that begin and end right here, in a beautiful home overlooking Devils Lake, are some of the family’s most treasured memories.

Left: The craft room has plenty of space for sewing and wrapping gifts. Below: Who wants dibs on this guest room? We do! Lake blues and greens mingle with pretty cream tones to provide a peaceful retreat. Opposite page: The primary bathroom features a fresh look with rich blues and bright whites. Brass and gold fixtures provide a classic feel. Beams made from old barnwood adorn the kitchen. The homeowners’ favorite red shows up in the way of island chairs. The doors lead to a side porch, or, as the homeowners call it, the “grilling porch.”

BUYER’S GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGN, Birch Design Associates, Ann Arbor, birchdesignassociates.com

BATHROOM, PRIMARY

Bathtub – Kohler, Etna Supply, Wixom

Faucet / Fittings – Kohler, Etna Supply, Wixom Floors – Marble, Herringbone Pattern, Ann Sacks, Michigan Design Center, Troy; Bostwick, Homecrest Flooring

Lighting – Brass & Crystal, Visual Comfort, Gross Electric, Ann Arbor

Tile, Shower Wall – L Quartz (Book Matched), G Viatera

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

BEDROOM, GUEST

Bed – Ethan Allen

Bedding, Coverlet – Pottery Barn

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest Flooring

Lamp, Table – Pottery Barn

Pillows (Custom) – Ralph Lauren, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michgan Design Center, Troy Rug – Arhaus

Table, Side – Ethan Allen

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

CONVERSATION NOOK

Chairs – Linen Performance Fabric, Arhaus

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest Flooring

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

CRAFT ROOM

Cabinets – Custom Color, Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Countertops – Quartz, LG Viatera

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest

Flooring

Lighting – Visual Comfort, Grosse Electric, Ann Arbor

Stools, Counter – Woven Leather, Grandin Road

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

Wallpaper – Spoonflower

DINING NOOK

Art – Curt Baldwin

Banquette – Custom; Fabric, Lee Jofa (Back) and Schumacher (Seat), Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils and Schumacher, Michigan Design Center, Troy Bench, Table – Vintage

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest

Flooring

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

DINING ROOM/ READING NOOK

Chairs and Table – Arhaus

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest

Flooring

Lighting – Visual Comfort, Gross Electric, Ann Arbor

Lounge, Chaise – Vintage

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

KITCHEN (ISLAND/ RANGE WALL)

Backsplash and Countertops –Quartz, LG Viatera (Book Matched)

Barstools – Wayfair; Fabric, Schumacher, Perforated Velvet, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Cabinets – Custom Color, Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest

Flooring

Lighting – Brass, Visual Comfort, Gross Electric, Ann Arbor

Range – Wolf

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

KITCHEN (SINK WALL)

Cabinets – Custom Color, Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Countertops – Quartz, LG Viatera

Dishwashers – Bosch

Faucet and Sink – Kohler, Etna Supply, Wixom

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest

Flooring

Pulls – Jeffrey Alexander, Brass, Hardware Resources

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

MUDROOM

Baskets – Pottery Barn

Flooring – Bostwick, Homecrest

Flooring

Towels – Lands End

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

PORCH (LAKEFRONT)

Fans – Gross Electric, Ann Arbor

Flooring – Azek Decking

Furniture and Rug – Arhaus

Lighting, Pendant – Visual Comfort, Gross Electric, Ann Arbor

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

EXTERIOR

Building Materials – Fiber Cement Woodshake, Nichia Landscaping – Underwood Nursery, Adrian; Brookwood Landscaping, Toledo, Ohio

Masonry – Ledge Mix Granite, Boston Blend Ledgestone

Paint Color – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

Roofing – Grand Manor, Colonial Slate, CertainTeed; Standing Seam Metal, Custom Solid Copper Flashing

Windows – E-Series 400, Andersen Windows

EXTERIOR (DINING)

Chairs and Table – Arhaus

Flooring – Azek

Wall Paint – Sherwin-Williams, Snowbound

Off the Beaten path

Houghton and Hancock mix outdoor adventures and historic attractions with tasty dining and college-town appeal

BY CHRIS MCELMEEL

Houghton is a thriving college town; its twin-city neighbor, Hancock, is just across Portage Lake.

eparated by only the Keweenaw Waterway, which slices across the Keweenaw Peninsula, the twin towns of Houghton and Hancock sit perched on opposite shores of the scenic Portage Canal. The towns are just 46 miles south of Copper Harbor, which is the farthest point from an interstate highway anywhere in the lower 48 states.

“These beautiful Upper Peninsula waterfront towns are connected via the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which serves as the only land crossing point into the rugged Keweenaw Peninsula,” explains Jesse Wiederhold, public relations coordinator at Visit Keweenaw. “It’s a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and you can check out everything from outdoor adventures to the historic attractions the Copper Country has to o er.”

Thousands of years before European settlers arrived in the area, Native Americans mined the region for copper. Later, Cornish and Finnish immigrants arrived looking for work in the mines, which were scattered throughout the landscape. Today, long after the last copper mine closed, these sister towns still proudly showcase the cultural influences early groups had on the region, which still attracts visitors from around the world.

Houghton, an energetic college town with more than 7,700 students at Michigan Tech-

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT KEWEENAW

nological University, has about 8,300 residents. Hancock is home to around 4,500.

Even with their mostly college-age population, the towns’ proud mining history is preserved in photos hanging on the walls of local establishments, and the past is celebrated everywhere you look. In fact, MTU owes its existence to mining. Back in 1885, the Michigan Mining School was established with 23 students and four faculty members, who held classes in the basement of a local fire station. Today, the university stretches across 925 acres and consists of 36 buildings. MTU o ers 140 degree programs in its five colleges and schools.

MINING MEMORIES

You can’t talk about mining without mentioning the legendary Quincy Mine, which was known as “Old Reliable,” as it paid dividends for its investors for 50 consecutive years. When this engineering marvel ceased production in 1945, the Quincy No. 2 Shaft was the world’s longest at 9,260 feet, and the operation used the world’s largest steam engine mine hoist to lower and raise workers and ore.

Both full tours and above-ground-only tours of the No. 2 Hoist House and the seventh level of the mine are available year-round.

“When visitors tour this historic shaft

house, they’ll take the same tram tracks miners took to the seventh-level mine entrance,” Wiederhold says. “They’ll see the equipment the miners used and the working conditions they had to endure daily. Proudly overlooking the cities of Houghton and Hancock, it’s important to understand the role this mine played in making the Keweenaw what it is today.”

For a more in-depth look into local history, the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw o ers exhibits, community events, a self-guided walking tour, and virtual programs including a video seminar hosted by MTU Professor Emeritus Susan Martin, who explores early Native American cultures in the region. The museum is open year-round and admission is free.

HOCKEY AND MORE

Copper isn’t the only claim to fame for Houghton. It’s also recognized as the birthplace of professional hockey; the Portage Lakes Hockey Club was established in 1904. Historic Dee Stadium still stands on the waterfront in downtown Houghton, and you can visit its History of Hockey exhibit.

Since those early days, the towns’ love for the sport has skyrocketed, and 4,200 fans regularly pack the John Macinnes Student Ice Arena to watch the MTU Huskies compete in NCAA Division I men’s hockey. With three national championships and seven Western Collegiate

Above: Both full tours and above-ground-only tours of the No. 2 Hoist House and the seventh level of the Quincy Mine are available year-round. Bottom Left: The Massto Hiihto/Churning Rapids Loop offers a prized backcountry hiking adventure.

The unique Houghton-Hancock Bridge, known as the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, is the only double-deckdesigned lift bridge in Michigan.

Hockey Association championships to their name, there’s a good chance the Huskies may still be playing games through the end of March.

A number of noteworthy hiking and biking trails snake through Copper Country. The Nara Nature Park in Houghton, for example, includes a 50-mile network of trails on the south end of the MTU campus, o ering a range of scenery, from urban to heavily wooded. For a more outof-the-way excursion, the Massto Hiihto/ Churning Rapids Loop in Hancock is an intimate backcountry experience where outdoor lovers can hike their way to the prized jewel of this wildlife preserve: the Swedetown Creek Gorge.

TASTY OPTIONS

Cities don’t attract a world-renowned chef like Gordon Ramsay to town unless the local fare is either irresistibly delicious or o -the-wall unique. Since Houghton-Hancock delivers on both, Chef Ramsay visited in 2019 to sample what Keweenaw restaurants have to o er.

One sure bet is The Den on Shelden Avenue in downtown Houghton. With its wood-fire grill and creative cocktails, this casual dining spot serves up insanely scrumptious and original plates like maple syrup butter-glazed salmon, pork schnitzel in mushroom sauce, and its signature Beast Burger, consisting of bison, elk, wild boar, and wagyu beef.

“They recently added a new outdoor patio that o ers gorgeous views of neighboring Hancock and Portage Lake,” Wiederhold explains, “so whether you dine inside or out, it’s an absolutely amazing experience with exquisite dishes in a modern, upscale environment.”

A mainstay of the twin cities is the historic Ambassador restaurant, where stained glass, chandeliers, and signature painted murals adorn the interior and help maintain the establishment’s proud history. Family-owned since 1965, its menu includes salads, sandwiches, pasta, and, of course, its award-winning pizza, which earned a spot in Pizza Magazine’s Pizza Hall of Fame.

A handful of original recipes on the

Ambassador menu were served when the restaurant opened 58 years ago, and all are made from scratch.

Croissants and cinnamon rolls aren’t just for breakfast in Copper Country. The newly opened NISU Bakery & Cafe deals in authentic Nordic region recipes, including Finnish rhubarb pie, Swedish spinach soup, the Nordic Spruce sandwich, and its delectable centerpiece, cardamom NISU, a Finnish sweet bread.

“NISU arguably has the best baked goods in Keweenaw,” Wiederhold says. “Everyone loves the chocolate cardamom croissant or the cardamom cinnamon roll with a Finn brewed co ee.”

Looking for authentic Mexican food this far north? Try La Cantina of Hancock — which also has locations in Iron Mountain and Madison, Wis. — for traditional Mexican plates and drinks.

As miners from Cornwall, England, arrived in the Upper Peninsula to apply their trade, they brought with them the U.P.’s most beloved, iconic food — the pastie. There’s no shortage of places that

“IT’S A UNIQUE ESCAPE FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF EVERYDAY LIFE, AND YOU CAN CHECK OUT EVERYTHING FROM OUTDOOR ADVENTURES TO THE HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS THE COPPER COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER.”

– JESSE WIEDERHOLD

The Nara Boardwalk features a 4,500-footlong, ADA-accessible pathway along the banks of the Pilgrim River.

sell these folded beef, potato, onion, and rutabaga (or carrot) delights. Here are a few worth sampling:

• Suomi — This Houghton favorite and authentic Finnish eatery serves delicious, beefy pasties in mini and regular sizes.

• Slim’s Café, Mohawk — These pasties are as delicious as they are beautiful, with the shape of the U.P.

carved atop the golden-brown crust.

• Roy’s Pasties & Bakery — Roy’s is known for a wide variety of delicious pasties, including turkey cranberry, chicken broccoli, and bacon cheeseburger.

• Toni’s Country Kitchen — Twenty minutes north of Hancock in Laurium, Toni’s award-winning Cornish pasties are worth the drive.

SETTLING IN

There are a good variety of places to stay in Houghton-Hancock, from the moderately priced Hampton Inn & Suites, Ramada by Wyndham, and Holiday Inn Express to The Vault Hotel, named for its location inside of an old bank.

“The Vault is a luxe boutique hotel with three uniquely designed floors of guest rooms, making it the most distinctive lodging experience in the Upper Peninsula,” owner Jen Julien asserts.

The Vault Hotel’s doors almost never opened. Julian and her husband, Jon, were looking for the right building to

PLAN IT!

bring their unique lodging experience to downtown Houghton. The couple put in an offer on the Houghton National Bank Building, but the Chicago broker handling the listing basically laughed them out of the room and the deal fell through. Two years later, the couple received a phone call from that same broker.

“He asked if our offer was still on the table,” Jen says. “At that point we were living in California with our first child and another on the way, but we decided to take the jump and acquire the historic bank building, in turn creating The Vault Hotel.”

The Richardson Romanesque-style building was the first stone and masonry structure in Houghton and features iconic Jacobsville sandstone. Inside, a modern design meshes perfectly with the building’s classic architecture. There’s even a craft cocktail speakeasy that’s exclusive to guests and members — The Counting Room — located in the hotel’s basement level.

Above: Each guest room on the three floors of The Vault Hotel showcases a different look. Top: The Vault Hotel was created inside a refurbished former bank building.

The Den restaurant features a variety of wood-fired, grilled, and original plates at its casual dining room in downtown Houghton.

SHIP-SHAPE

This three-level marina condo has all the amenities of a fine hotel and a state-of-the-art lake house, with a custom boat floating below

BY PATTY LANOUE STEARNS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE TIANO

Thie page: On the main floor, there’s a handsome Calacatta

Retro stone porcelain fireplace, providing a warm glow.

Opposite page: The homeowners’ Harrison Township retreat includes beautiful views of the water.

atthew and Lori Schulz live in East Grand Rapids, but they wanted a retreat downstate where they could entertain their relatives and moor their boat during the warm summer months.

They found a perfect corner-unit condo in Harrison Township on Lake St. Clair, but the décor wasn’t their style. Thanks to a recommendation from a mutual friend, the couple called Jennifer Asmar of Asmar Interiors in Troy to help them make their condo sing.

“They wanted to transform the space so the second floor would feel like a luxurious hotel and

the main floor would feel like a sophisticated lake house,” Asmar says. Her deadline was daunting: She had from September of 2022 through the end of July 2023, when 70 guests were being invited to come and celebrate Matthew’s birthday.

“It was a fun project,” says general contractor George Sommers of LaBelle Construction in Mount Clemens, who took the condo down to its bare bones and navigated the existing steel structure, masonry walls, and a narrow circular stairway. The condo’s square footage measures 1,023 on the top level, 916 on the main, and 916 on the ground.

Above: The Schulz family wanted the main floor to feel like a sophisticated lake house. Their goals were met, including in the kitchen. Right: The condo was taken down to its bare bones. It now features plenty of open space between the living area and kitchen.

Asmar drew up her plans and quickly went to work. “I designed the whole condo, from the layout to the last candle on the table,” she says.

Asmar completely reordered the second floor’s confusing layout (guests had to walk through the master bedroom to get to the bathroom) by adding a new corridor leading to two ensuite bedrooms, each with walk-in closets, plush king-size beds, and custom furnishings. They fit in a laundry room with lots of storage and, nestled into the balcony over the living room, they created an office area.

Heated porcelain floors throughout the condo

Right: Unique adornments blend well with the lakeside vibe.

keep things toasty when Michigan’s unpredictable chill sweeps over Lake St. Clair.

On the main floor, there’s a handsome Calacatta Retro stone porcelain fireplace with a leathered finish. The chic furniture was custom made to fit the smaller-scale living room and dining area. A galley kitchen, with high-end built-in appliances, offers seating for four. There’s also a pretty powder room with custom cabinetry.

Lots more seating is found outside on the 28-by27-foot patio, located through a double-door doorway off the living area. With a fire pit and expansive lake views, it’s ideal for relaxing in the sun

with a crisp chardonnay or enjoying an after-dinner brandy under the stars.

The garage, or maritime level, below is another entertainment area with a bar, refrigerator, built-in HDTV, a laundry room, and an industrial-sized ice machine perfect for filling coolers before getting on the boat that’s moored in the covered well below. Picnic tables provide even more outdoor seating.

The “garage” also features a full bath with a hook-topped bench for hanging towels and beachwear, so guests can rinse off the day’s suntan oil or sunscreen. “It’s so convenient,” Lori Schulz says. “People can come in from a day on the boat, and

Opposite page, top: There’s plenty of room for family and guests in this entertaining area. Opposite page, bottom: An office niche in the loft above the great room features modern furnishings and plenty of light.

Heated porcelain floors throughout, including in the inviting dining room, keep things toasty when Michigan’s unpredictable chill sweeps over Lake St. Clair.

“I’ve grown up on the lakes around Michigan, so I really planned it so that it’s not only beautiful, but it’s functional for (the homeowners’) needs.”

— Jennifer Asmar

they can change and shower right away.”

Clearly, much thought about style and creature comforts went into this rebuild. Not a thing is missing. “It’s a tighter space than I’m used to designing,” says Asmar, who praises Sommers and the LaBelle crew for their expert workmanship and congeniality during the job, ensuring that all the niceties and necessities of the best luxury retreats fit neatly inside.

“Lori gave me her list and I gave her my list,” Asmar says, adding: “I’ve grown up on the lakes around Michigan, so I really planned it so that it’s not only beautiful, but it’s functional for their needs.”

Amazingly, Asmar and Sommers’ crew made their 10-month deadline, and on the day of Matthew’s big birthday bash, the condo was ready. Guests arrived and the party began, the food was great, everyone had a fabulous time, and this condo’s debut was perfect in every way, right down to the last detail.

Top and bottom: “(The homeowners) wanted to transform the space so the second floor would feel like a luxurious hotel,” designer Jennifer Asmar says.

BUYER’S GUIDE

INTERIOR DESIGN

Asmar Interiors, Troy, asmarinteriors.com

BATHROOM, POWDER

Sconces, Adjacent to Mirrors –Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy

Sconces, Over Mirror –Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Sink, Glass – Wittock Kitchen and Bath, Birmingham Tile, Shower – Virginia Tile, Troy

BATHROOM, PRIMARY

Cabinet, Double-Sink – KSI Kitchen & Bath, Macomb Countertop – Cristallo Iceberg, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Flooring – Virginia Tile, Troy Mirrors – Robern, Herald Wholesale, Troy

BEDROOM, PRIMARY

Bed Frame, Cream – Bernhardt, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Bedding, Circle Pattern – Hotel Collection, Macy’s Chandelier, Circles – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy Dresser – John-Richard, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Lamps, Bedside – John-Richard, Asmar Interiors, Troy Mirror, Long – Custom Tables, Bedside – John-Richard, Asmar Interiors, Troy

DINING ROOM

Artwork – CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy Centerpiece, Table – JohnRichard, Asmar Interiors, Troy Chairs, Dining – Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Chandelier – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy

Table, Dining – Vanguard Furniture, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

ENTERTAINING AREA

Chairs, Kitchen – Palecek, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Fan – Minka, Herald Wholesale, Troy

Flooring – Epoxy, LaBelle Electrical Contractors, Mount Clemens

Lighting, Ceiling – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy

Sconce – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy

Table, Kitchen – Palecek, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

GUEST ROOM

Bed Frame, Rectangle

Upholstery – Custom, Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Bedding, Solid – Hotel Collection, Macy’s

Cabinet, Single-Sink – KSI Kitchen & Bath, Macomb

Chandelier, Star – Visual Comfort, Herald Wholesale, Troy

KITCHEN

Bar Stools – Palecek, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Cabinetry – KSI Kitchen & Bath, Macomb

Countertops – Opal White, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy

LIVING ROOM

Armchairs – Thayer Coggin, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Artwork – Geode, John-Richard, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Cabinetry – KSI Kitchen & Bath, Macomb

Candleholders – Global Views, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Chandelier – Elk Lighting, Herald Wholesale, Troy

Chest, Console – John-Richard, Asmar Interiors. Troy

Drapery – Custom, Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan

Fireplace – Calacatta Retro, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy Flooring – Virgina Tile, Troy

Mantle – Custom

Ottoman – Custom, Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan

Pillows, Accent – Custom, Kravet, Kravet | Lee Jofa | Brunschwig & Fils, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Rug – Stanton Carpet, Professional Rug Works, Troy

Table, Coffee – John-Richard, Asmar Interiors, Troy

OFFICE

Chair, Desk – Design Master, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Desk – John-Richard, Asmar Interiors, Troy

Doors, Barn – Custom

Lamp, Floor – Visual Comfort, CAI Designs, Michigan Design Center, Troy

Left, top: A guest room awaits friends and family. Bottom: A powder room gleams with style, thanks to elegant sconces and a peaceful palette.

Whether you catch them yourself or purchase them at a specialty market, fish suitable for grilling are plentiful in Michigan.

he birds are chirping excitedly as dawn breaks, and we may even wake up with a bright tune in our head or on our lips (Here Comes the Sun? It’s a Beautiful Morning?). And although many of us have enjoyed being outdoors in the winter months — hiking, skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling — there’s nothing quite like the coming of spring, with its longer (and warmer) days, and more opportunities to absorb some natural and much-needed vitamin D. Stories about the importance of maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D are prevalent in the media. The Mayo Clinic has published information

LURED table to the

Fishing for cooking compliments? Look to Michigan’s lakes.

BY HONEY MURRAY

stating that, in addition to promoting healthy bones (because it’s needed for the absorption of calcium), vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support muscle function, brain cell activity, and immune health. The Mayo Clinic shares that our bodies make vitamin D “when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin (calciferol)” and reports that it’s also present in some foods, including fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and trout. With lakes surrounding us, Michiganders are extremely fortunate not

What’s better than a walleye sandwich with a side of potato chips?

only to have close access to fresh and flash-frozen fish (both high, also, in health-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids), but to the lakes where we can fish for ourselves. In the spring, Lake Michigan yields brown trout, lake trout, yellow perch, walleye, and Coho salmon. In Muskegon Lake — and in the Detroit River — it’s possible to catch 6- to 8-pound walleyes. Spring trout are plentiful in the Fox and Au Sable rivers, and smallmouth bass can be caught in Lake St. Clair. Whether you catch them yourself, buy them at one of our state’s many specialty fish markets, or even crave tuna (technically not a freshwater fish), you’ll be treating your family and guests to great flavor and giving them a health boost when you serve fish.

Todd Marsee, a graphic designer who works with Michigan Sea Grant (a cooperative program of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that funds research, education, and outreach projects to support science-based decisions regarding the use and conservation of our state’s great lakes), shares recipes and photos on the organization’s “Freshwater Feasts” blog (freshwaterfeasts.com).

“I enjoy making fish recipes for my family,” Marsee says, “and they’re a little different every time, depending on what’s available in the refrigerator or garden. I recently whipped up tasty grilled walleye sandwiches with slaw and sage.

“When trying a new recipe with Great Lakes fish, it’s hard to go wrong with walleye. These native fish are a member of the perch family and thrive in warmer, shallower waters like Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie,” he continues. “Whether you catch your own or buy from a local fish market, walleye fillets are a great fit for this flavorful sandwich.”

GRILLED WALLEYE SANDWICH WITH SLAW AND SAGE

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

“When I make these sandwiches, I season the fillets after flipping them from meatto skin-side down. I butter all the fish, then sprinkle to taste with sea salt, garlic powder, and freshly chopped sage from my garden,” Marsee says.

INGREDIENTS

Walleye fillets: usually one fillet per two sandwiches, depending on their size; if desired, additional fillets can be grilled for another meal, like fish tacos

Brioche or pretzel buns: one per sandwich; if buns aren’t available, feel free to use toasted sourdough or another type of large sandwich bread

Grilling seasonings of choice: possibly including butter, sea salt, garlic powder, and freshly chopped herbs (sage is used here)

Coleslaw: purchased or homemade (see recipe in this article) Tartar sauce: purchased or homemade (see recipe in this article)

PREPARATION

While the grill is heating to a hot temperature, remove as many bones as possible from the fish. Marsee advises looking closely at the shoulder area, which is the thicker side of the fillet.

Put the fillet on the hot grill, meat-side down, and cook for one minute. Flip over, so the skin side is on the grill. Season and cook until done, about 7-9 minutes, depending on thickness.

Spread tartar sauce on the top bun, put the grilled walleye on the bottom bun, and top the walleye with a layer of slaw.

LET’S EAT!

While these scrumptious sandwiches offer the creaminess of tartar sauce, the bite of a tart coleslaw, and the heartiness of a fresh roll, the gluten-free grilled fillets can also be enjoyed on their own, with homemade coleslaw.

SEA GRANT (BOTH PAGES)

TODD’S COLESLAW

INGREDIENTS

Shredded carrots, green cabbage, and red cabbage to fill about 3 cups 3 tablespoons honey

1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard (most Dijon mustards are free of gluten, though some may be made in factories that manufacture other products with gluten)

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients.

LET’S EAT!

“I chose a slaw recipe without mayonnaise,” Marsee says, “since the tartar sauce will add its own creamy texture to the sandwich. But feel free to substitute with your favorite slaw.”

TIP FOR SUCCESS

Stir very well and adjust the measurements to taste.

Dill weed is optional but highly recommended for a good tuna salad.

Fresh onion is a nice touch, too.

TUNA SALAD

If you’d like to offer a lunch option of fish to your family and guests without grilling or cooking, a simple tuna salad sandwich is a wholesome comfort food that people can serve themselves at any time. Makes 8-10 sandwiches or salad scoops.

TIP FOR SUCCESS Add mayonnaise gradually, to obtain the desired consistency.

INGREDIENTS

Two 11-ounce pouches of light tuna in water ½ cup mayonnaise (optional add-ins for added slightly tangy flavor: 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon maple syrup) 2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 large rib of celery, chopped

1½ tablespoons onion powder or 2 tablespoons minced, fresh onion ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper Optional: 1 tablespoon dried dill weed

PREPARATION

In a medium bowl, add the lemon juice to the tuna, mixing with a fork. Sprinkle in the onion, black pepper, and dill weed (if using). Mix with fork. Add mayonnaise gradually, mixing gently with a spoon to the desired consistency. Fold in the celery.

LET’S EAT!

This tuna salad is nutritious and convenient, and lasts in the fridge for four days. It’s gluten-free and delicious scooped on a bed of lettuce greens instead of as a sandwich.

Honey and Dijon mustard are the two go-to ingredients for coleslaw success.

HOMEMADE TARTAR SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon granulated onion or 1 tablespoon minced fresh onion

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper

Dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)

½ teaspoon dried dill or parsley (optional)

Light drizzle of maple syrup (optional)

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients and stir gently. For best results, chill for at least an hour.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Feel free to substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt (at least 4 percent fat) to greatly reduce the sauce’s fat content. Also, when combining the ingredients, fold gently to avoid breaking down the mayo mix.

Be sure to use a clean fillet knife while preparing your fresh-caught fish.

FISHING FOR MORE INFO?

There are many great websites offering information on fishing for, purchasing, preparing, and eating Michigan fish:

• midnr.maps.arcgis.com: The “Family-Friendly Fishing Waters” section has an awesome map of Michigan locations.

• freshfishfinder.org: Fish markets of all types, listed by state.

• freshwaterfeasts.org: This is a blog created by Michigan Sea Grant (michiganseagrant.org), educators, communicators, and research scientists who love the Great Lakes.

• michigan.gov/eatsafefish: Provides guidelines for safely eating Michigan’s fish.

Recipes for Tartar Sauce and Tuna Salad by Honey Murray. Recipes for Grilled Walleye Sandwich with Slaw and Sage via freshwaterfeasts.com by Todd Marsee.

It’s the finely chopped dill pickles that make this tartar sauce so good.

Michigan ranks as a top state in the nation for pontoon ownership. You can try one out through rental programs on various inland waterway routes.

For Fun, Rent a Pontoon

A 40-plus-mile voyage takes boaters through Michigan’s longest connected chain of lakes, which stretches nearly across the state’s northern tip

BY BILL SEMION

Michigan is, indeed, a water wonderland. Heck, it’s even part of our nickname. So, it’s no wonder that we have some unique places to bolster that brag.

One of those places is something many of us have only caught a glimpse of from I-75 at Indian River in the northern Lower Peninsula, while traveling elsewhere. Peer over the bridge and, on the west side,

you’ll see a shore lined with homes, a marina or two, and perhaps boats meandering through the channel. On the other side, a large wetland stretches east, with a hint of more water beyond.

On your next trip north, look beyond those guardrails to discover a true Michigan treasure — one that, in fact, showcases nearly every reason people visit our

Thanks to lots of boatfriendly stops along the way, cruising in a pontoon is one of the best ways families and groups can enjoy a relaxing cruise on the inland waterway.

Great Lakes State: the inland waterway.

Along its 40-or-so-mile length are five inland lakes, including two of the state’s largest, all flowing to one Great Lake: Lake Huron. Connecting them are three rivers and two sets of locks, waterside camping, local and state parks, resorts ranging from the cozy mom-and-pop variety to chain hotels, some of the region’s most inviting restaurants, great fishing, and loads of fun, whether you want to relax or party on for a few hours or a few days.

Michigan’s longest connected chain of lakes waterway stretches nearly across the tip of the state’s mitten. The route has been used for literally thousands of years, starting with the people of the First Nations, who hunted, fished, used it to travel between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to avoid storms, and lived along it. Now it’s used by vacationers, whether they’re in a boat, a car, or on a bike.

That, says Michael Ryan — co-owner of the Indian River Marina, located in the town of the same name, which straddles the waterway — is the lure and allure of this jewel. Ryan’s marina is one of several that rent pontoon boats — probably the easiest way to tour the route if you don’t have your own.

PLAN IT!

Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau cheboygan.com/ visitors-bureau

Indian River Chamber of Commerce irchamber.com

Budget about $250$550 daily for a pontoon rental. Avoid a wait list and reserve well in advance, as the pontoons book quickly and early, says the Indian River Marina’s Michael Ryan. The Crooked River portion is generally limited to boats up to 25 feet. As with any boating trip, keep an eye on the weather. Don’t want to float? You can drive most of the waterway along U.S. 27 and U.S. 31, where you can explore the area’s vast hiking and biking trail network. In August, watch the two-day 76th annual Top O’ Michigan Outboard Marathon race on the inland waterway.

Above, left: A pontoon traverses the Cheboygan River Lock. Above, right: For those who don’t own a pontoon boat, renting one is a great option and lets you spend unique time on the water.

“The allure is, frankly, the variety of boating that’s available along the waterway,” Ryan says. “That’s the best part. You have Burt and Mullett lakes, and sand bars where you can drop anchor. You have undeveloped wetlands and nature preserves, and restaurants along the way, so even on the windiest of days you can get into the river and enjoy.”

Echoing him is Tom Eustice, retired Cheboygan city manager, a trustee of the Cheboygan Community Foundation, and an inland waterway booster, who adds that besides the water route, Cheboygan County has more land trails than any other county in Michigan.

“I would say it’s the peacefulness,” Eustice adds. “We don’t promote the waterway as much as we should. It’s a well-kept secret, and some like it that way.” Judging from how quickly reservations fill for his 12 pontoons and those at the other marinas, the

most popular way to make the trip isn’t as secret as it once was, Ryan confirms. I’ll list some highlights here, divided by section. You can do the entire trip in maybe five hours, but many people stretch it into one or two days, staying at waterside inns or campgrounds. Docking or beaching your boat at most of the locations I mention is easy. The channel and its two locks are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and the river channels are dredged to 5 feet. The locks can handle boats up to 65 feet, but the waterway is best for craft 25 feet and under.

A map of the waterway outlines the 40-plus-mile route and is available on the Indian River Chamber of Commerce website at irchamber.com

CROOKED LAKE TO BURT LAKE

The official waterway stretches between 2,300-acre Crooked Lake on the west to Cheboygan, ending at Lake Huron. Round Lake, close to Lake Michigan at Petoskey State Park, is also on the waterway, but the connector creek to Crooked Lake is floatable only with a canoe during high water.

West of Alanson is the westernmost lock, which will lower you about a foot to continue. You’ll pass several wildlife refuges and preserves to reach Alanson’s swing bridge, the world’s shortest of its type. The 5.6-mile-long meandering Crooked River enters Burt Lake’s northwest end at Maple Bay. Bring your fishing gear because Maple Bay is smallmouth bass territory. The rest of Burt Lake holds walleye, northern pike, brown trout, and sturgeon.

Stay at resorts along the way, such as the Crooked River Lodge, or bring your camping gear if that’s what you prefer.

BURT LAKE AND INDIAN RIVER

Within sight of the entrance to the 4-milelong Indian River is Burt Lake State Park’s campground and large sandy beach. The Indian River name is a nod to the local Ojibway who lived along it, fished it, and even fought other tribes to maintain control of the river. Wind past homes, marinas, and waterfront restaurants such as the Pinehurst Inn, then twist through the wetland into Mullett Lake.

Overnight, you can stay at the state park or Maple Bay State Forest campground, or select one of the resorts on 10-mile-long Burt Lake, the state’s fourth largest inland lake.

MULLETT LAKE

TO THE CHEBOYGAN RIVER

Enter Mullett Lake, the state’s fifth largest, where more walleye, bass, and sturgeon swim, and where you can overnight at Aloha State Park or one of the many lakefront cottages. On the lake’s east end, a huge sand bar is a favorite summer weekend gathering spot, especially when live music flows from a small floating stage there on Saturdays. Just beyond the entrance to the 7-milelong Cheboygan River is the Hack-Ma-

Tack restaurant, celebrating 130 years in business. It’s one of this waterway’s — and Michigan’s — most iconic restaurants. According to current caretaker Robert Redding, it’s built on the site of a former Native American village. Redding and his wife, Julie, took over running the inn when his parents decided to retire.

Hack-Ma-Tack is a Native American word for tamarack trees, which the inn is constructed of, Redding says. Pull up and dine amongst an outdoorsy motif on locally caught whitefish and mouth-watering prime rib. The establishment is open May through mid-October.

You can also try other waterfront restaurants, such as the Breakers, with dockage on Mullett Lake. Spend the night at spots such as the Landings Resort or others on Mullett Lake.

CHEBOYGAN RIVER TO CHEBOYGAN

The waterway is more developed here. You’ll glide past the mouth of the Black River (where you could take a side trip to explore, if you have more time), and pass through the Cheboygan Lock. Operating since the 1800s, the lock features a 16-foot drop, taming the rapids that once were here.

Dine at the riverside Pier 33, located at the M-33 bridge near downtown Cheboygan, or walk a block from the city’s pier to Main Street to enjoy the offerings at Nourish, which also features vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on the menu and in its niche store in back. The Best Western River Terrace, on the water, is another good spot to overnight.

If you have your own boat, Eustice suggests heading past the Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw into Lake Huron to view the city’s efforts to dress it up before coming about to enjoy your trip in reverse.

If your craft is big enough, you also have the option to continue 15 miles north to Mackinaw City.

“This is a great boating area,” Eustice says. At Cheboygan, “you’re 15 miles from Mackinac Island, eight from Bois Blanc Island, it’s 21 miles to the Mackinac Bridge, and 60 miles to Canada’s North Channel. We don’t promote the waterway as much as we should.”

Maybe not, but it looks like the secret is out!

The 130-year-old Hack-Ma-Tack restaurant is a favorite spot on the Cheboygan River, right at the mouth of beautiful Mullett Lake.

Dalton & Tomich, PLC

PPart of the joy of living in Michigan is the abundance of waterways, whether it’s inland lakes, the Great Lakes, or the many winding rivers. The opportunity to own property on the water is truly a privilege, but it can come with its own set of challenges. Before taking the plunge to purchase your dream lakefront or riverside property, it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to docks, water access, and what’s considered fair use. If you’ve already secured a property and are experiencing issues or see them on the horizon, it’s paramount to have the right guidance and counsel in your corner.

Dalton & Tomich, PLC are attorneys who focus on land use and zoning, with an emphasis on riparian and waterfront

issues — a unique and nuanced area of legal practice. They deal with permitting through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and can assist with neighbor conflicts and preparing and appealing permitting decisions. Based in Detroit, Dalton & Tomich serves all of Michigan, and has experience and knowledge in this area of specialization that most attorneys don’t.

Clients seek out Dalton & Tomich for various waterfront-related issues — and often, it isn’t because of a dispute. The team may also provide due diligence or expert analysis prior to a waterfront property purchase. Larry Opalewski, who leads the land use and zoning practice

area, says, “We prefer to avoid litigation in most cases because it takes time and money, and doesn’t help to foster neighborly relationships.” In the event that litigation does become necessary, the team at Dalton & Tomich has the vital experience to achieve a good outcome. A free, 30-minute consultation with the team can help you decide next steps. Visit daltontomich.com to learn more.

Dalton & Tomich, PLC

719 Griswold St., Suite 270

Detroit, MI 48226

313-859-6000

daltontomich.com

ANCHORS AWAY

Gilchrist Farm Winery’s secret to success:

“We’re simply being hospitable, inviting anyone into our home and offering them a drink, scrumptious fresh food, and a mouth-watering dessert,” says business manager George Brittain.

80 Dining Out

Watermark Bar & Grill on the Nautical Mile showcases tiki themes and great Lake St. Clair waterfront views.

82 Book It

Local history and dreamy hominess on the shores of Portage Lake add to the appeal of Canfield House B&B.

84 Discoveries

A mushroom festival and Jeep Blessing weekends make Mesick, in northwest Michigan, the place to be in May.

86 Tasting Room

Gilchrist Farm Winery in Suttons Bay now offers a full menu and is producing its first estate-grown wines.

Nautical Themes and Water Views

Watermark Bar & Grille sets seafood standards for dining along Lake St. Clair

By Ellen Creager

Anice summer night, waterfront dining, and a tiki bar. What more could you ask for?

What sets the Watermark Bar & Grille apart is that it has the best view on the Nautical Mile, plenty of parking, and it’s easy for boats to dock on-site. The Nautical Mile is a stretch of Jefferson Avenue between 9 and 10 ½ Mile roads in St. Clair Shores. A string of restaurants is tucked away there, each one located down a long marina

drive. They’re places to savor a meal and great views amid the thousands of boats docked on Lake St. Clair. Watermark faces a wide canal that links Jefferson Beach Marina with the open lake. A favorite of locals, Watermark also draws boaters who dock there for dinner; a big houseboat once docked there.

The eatery opened seven years ago on the site of the original Brownie’s, and replaced two more recent restaurant/nightclubs, Beach Grill and Tin Fish.

Over time, the spacious restaurant with

Watermark Bar & Grille’s lunch and dinner offerings include everything from salads and surf & turf choices to gnocchi bread bowls and lakeside favorites such as sautéed walleye and a refreshing cold Mule drink (left).

a tiki twist has won fans with its friendly, relaxed approach. Unlike some restaurants along Lake St. Clair, it’s open year-round and offers Tuesday through Sunday hours.

The lobby features nautical themes and soothing blue colors. Up a few stairs to the left is a massive rectangle bar with seats for more than 40.

Three nitro taps serve beers with a smooth finish, or guests can enjoy wine and specialty cocktails ranging from the sophisticated (Greyhound Mojito) to the casual summery surprise (Peach Palmer, made with peach Crown Royal plus iced tea and lemonade).

Near the bar is the main dining area. Its big windows face the water and can be opened in summer. It has a high ceiling with navy beams, and is decorated with nautical-style chandeliers and lighted palm trees in planters. Guests can choose from tables or booths.

On the other side of the lobby is a sleek banquet room that also has a water view, gold Chiavari chairs, and chandeliers of modern crystal glass. The space has a separate banquet menu and seats 50-130 guests for parties, meetings, showers, and weddings.

Watermark’s highlight is its outdoor dining. A wide, curving patio deck along the water has a tiki bar and full dining options. In spring and summer, the crowded deck is the place to be for live music. In the winter, you can dine in a heated igloo amid the cold and snow — a cool idea invented during the pandemic that’s still popular.

The restaurant’s longtime plans to add a rooftop patio were slowed by the pandemic but are still in the cards. In 2024, Watermark will offer more live music and make additions to the menu.

This spring and summer, the menu will showcase weekly features as well as diner favorites. A crowd-pleaser? The tomahawk grilled pork chop — a big, bone-in chop with a garlic butter sauce.

The appetizer that put Watermark on the map is its char-grilled octopus, with sizable tentacles draped over the plate, but the most eye-catching dish may be the Watermark kabob. With either shrimp

or chicken, it’s served on a hanging pole with a skewer, and when the servers put it down it’s hanging right in front of diners.

The restaurant opens at 9 a.m. on Sundays for breakfast. Among the offerings are crepes, steak and eggs, build-your-own omelets, and peanut butter-stuffed French toast. Add a Bloody Maria to that, which includes jalapeno for a kick, or a Cherry Bomb 10, with champagne, pineapple, and cherry juice.

The lunch and dinner offerings are wide but not pretentious. Watermark has pizza,

Above: The wide, curving deck along the water is a popular spot to enjoy the outdoor tiki bar and full dining options.

Left: This spring and summer, the menu will showcase weekly features in addition to diner favorites.

PLAN IT!

Watermark Bar & Grille watermarkbarandgrille.com

sandwiches, paninis, pasta, salad, and surf & turf choices, including everything from a gnocchi bread bowl to lakeside favorites like sautéed walleye. An elaborate and interesting seafood salad includes octopus, shrimp, mussels, and salmon mixed with salad fixings and feta.

In 2023, Watermark’s owner bought The Whiskey Six restaurant in the city of Grosse Pointe and now runs both. While it’s all about the food, the great view and its accessibility to Lake St. Clair sets Watermark apart.

PLAN IT!

Visitors to Onekama’s Canfield House Bed & Breakfast sense its historical heft as soon as they pull into the driveway. Guests typically come for the B&B’s peaceful northern Michigan ambience, but according to owner and innkeeper Ryan Berndt, “Everyone wants to know its history.”

The Moorings, as the house was originally called, was constructed in 1900 by Charles and Belle Canfield, who couldn’t wait to build a new lake house. Charles’ Manistee-based lumber baron father, John Canfield, had died unexpectedly, leaving the couple with an inheritance estimated at $12 million in cash and businesses. One year later, the 6,000-square-foot Dutch Colonial cottage was completed.

Portage Lake Retreat

Onekama history and welcoming vibes fill the rooms inside the Canfield House B&B

By Amy S. Eckert

On the banks of Portage Lake, Belle and the couple’s two young children looked forward to whiling away summers at The Moorings while Charles managed the family businesses in Manistee. The house included seven bedrooms, servants’ quarters, and an airy front porch that stretched the entire length of the house.

In 1901, the Canfields commissioned a lavish boat for The Moorings. The 130foot steam-powered yacht Cangarda would be tied up at the couple’s Portage Lake beachfront, where the Canfields planned to embark on leisurely summer cruises. As many as eight passengers and a cook would set sail across the inland lake to ports on Lake Michigan and throughout the other Great Lakes, perhaps even venturing into the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Charles and Belle’s marriage ended in divorce before their new yacht ever made it to Portage Lake, destroying visions of lavish cruises with their elite friends. But the couple’s dreamy summertime cottage survived the scandal, eventually becoming a cozy bed and breakfast inn 45 miles southwest of Traverse City and just one mile outside of Onekama.

The Moorings’ history and the Canfield

The common area is dominated by an original fieldstone fireplace. Adding to the mix are lakethemed artwork, original leaded glass windows, and wainscoted walls.

The inviting front porch, furnished with swings and wicker chairs, faces 215 feet of lake frontage.

family’s drama are recounted today within the Canfield House’s common areas, where historic photos, original furnishings, and a model of the Cangarda attract guests’ attention.

“This building was pretty luxurious by 1900s standards,” says Berndt, who teamed up with his wife, Elise, and a business partner to transform the home into an inn in 2021. “Still, we had to make a lot of changes to meet the standards of modern B&B guests. When we bought the house, there was a lot of work to do.”

Since the Canfields and subsequent owners had only used the lake house in the summer, the building had no heat except for the fireplace in the family room. There was no air conditioning and there weren’t nearly enough bathrooms to meet the demands of paying guests. Additionally, the Canfield House required structural maintenance, repairs, and design updates.

The new owners added radiant heat, separate in-room thermostats, and air conditioning. They also built ensuite bathrooms in each of the seven guest rooms, constructed a private innkeeper’s suite, and revamped the property’s gardens.

In late 2023, the Berndts took over sole ownership and management of the Canfield House, and decided it was time to re-

vitalize the inn once again. They dove into another design refresh, focusing on a color scheme of pale grays and blues, melding vintage and contemporary furnishings, and adding a simplified elegance to the overall design. Large windows with views of Portage Lake and the Canfield House’s gardens flood each guest room with lots of natural light and scenery.

The Berndts also created an environment that’s friendly to families and children.

“We have young kids,” says Ryan, who works as a professional trumpetist when he isn’t managing the Canfield House. He and his wife, an attorney, are the parents of three boys between the ages of 2 and 7.

“They’re a part of our daily lives, so when we’re here, chances are at least one of them is here,” Ryan says. The couple discovered their guests love the presence of the young boys, and many people began asking to bring their own children. “We like being able to offer a B&B experience to others with kids,” he adds.

An open staircase leads up to the inn’s second-story guest rooms, furnished with queen- and king-sized beds, armoires, and side chairs, many of which are period pieces. Downstairs, the inn’s common area is dominated by an original fieldstone fireplace surrounded by reading nooks and a collection

of books, board games, and jigsaw puzzles. Honey-colored hardwood floors and wainscoted walls are adorned with lakethemed artwork, original leaded glass windows, and a box telephone that was installed when the house was constructed in 1900. Just off the common area is the expansive front porch, furnished with porch swings and groupings of wicker chairs. The inn offers free bike and kayak rentals and access to 215 feet of lake frontage.

“Many of our guests feel so comfortable at the Canfield House, they come year after year,” Ryan says. “The B&B, Portage Lake, and Onekama have become part of their summertime routine.” Consequently, the innkeeper says, many guests get to know each other over the years. It’s not uncommon to hear recommendations for local shopping, dining, and beachcombing over a homemade breakfast, a hearty two-course meal that includes omelets stuffed with local morels and spinach, waffles topped with fresh strawberries or blueberries, or strata layered with Michigan cherries.

Those homey touches and a sense of restful retreat appear to be precisely what the Canfields envisioned when they built their dream cottage. Nearly 125 years later, the Canfield House aims to make their dream a reality.

Above: Windows with broad views of Portage Lake and the inn’s gardens flood this guest room with lots of natural light. Above, right: Each of the seven guest rooms, with ensuite bathrooms, are furnished with queen- or king-size beds, armoires, and side chairs. Many are period pieces.

A Morel Hunter’s Paradise

With two big annual events — the Mushroom Festival and the Jeep Blessing classic — Mesick rates as the place to be in May

By Mark Spezia

Come spring, Dorie Kastl watches her usually quiet, quaint village roughly 20 miles northwest of Cadillac come alive when the Mesick Lions Mushroom Festival begins.

Home to about 400 residents, Mesick more than quintuples its population during the Mother Day’s weekend celebration of the area’s morel-hunting heritage, which will be marking its 65th year in 2024.

“It causes traffic jams in a town that’s certainly not used to having them, but in a good way,” says Kastl, who first attended the festival in 1983 and has helped organize its hobby and craft show since 2014. “For me, it’s a great weekend of getting together with friends and family after our

long winters, and seeing people come in from all over to enjoy a lot of things that are happening in our small town.”

While venturing into the Manistee National Forest and other public lands surrounding Mesick to search for morels and participating in a largest-mushroom contest are the focal points, the festival packs plenty into its three days. This year’s event, slated for May 10-12, includes the craft show; a massive flea market; the hugely popular mud bog, softball, and cornhole tournaments; a grand parade; a street fair; live music; an antique car show and cruise; and a carnival. Admission for everything other than the mud bog and carnival is free.

Kastl runs the craft show with other

members of the Mesick Women’s Club and, each year, she eagerly anticipates what unique creations will appear. “It’s nice for us to just go through and see what people have made, because you never know what somebody might bring this time,” she says. “There’s really something for everyone during the weekend, which is why it’s worth the trip for people who haven’t attended before. I had fun playing in the softball tournament when I was younger, and I love watching the mud bog and everything else.”

While the Mushroom Festival wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of local organizations and residents like Kastl, the main organizing body is a core group of roughly 10 dedicated Mesick

State and federal lands around Mesick and beyond often provide a treasure chest of prized finds for morel hunters.

Lions Club members, led by President Ashlee McCormick.

“Every year, as our small group plans it, I’m reminded what an incredible feat it is just to make the Mushroom Festival happen,” McCormick says. “We’re so thankful to other organizations that handle things like the softball tournament, craft show, and mud bog. All the work is worth it because the festival offers a great time and is a great way to get outdoors, check out our many vendors, and enjoy (all there is) to do.”

For those who are serious about harvesting morels, one of the Lions’ $6 mushroom kits is essential. It includes a Wexford County map showing all the state and federal lands open for mushroom-hunting, a Morel Mushroom Guide, and an onion bag that allows spores to fall back to the ground.

Recommended hunting areas include the Manistee River and North Country trails south of Hodenpyl Dam Pond, the MacKenzie Trail System near the Caberfae Peaks ski area, and the Cadillac Pathway.

According to general guidelines published by the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, black morels grow near ash, sycamore, aspen, and coniferous trees, and in forested areas that have burned within the past two years. Lighter-colored morels grow near a variety of hardwood trees like poplar and ash, as well dead or dying elm trees and older apple orchards.

Just don’t bother asking locals to narrow down where the hot spots for morels are.

“It seems like everyone around here who regularly looks for mushrooms has different secrets about how and when to look for them, and where the best places are,” McCormick says. “They’re probably not going to reveal those secrets. Personally, I don’t get caught up in mushroom-finding strategy, but I just enjoy exploring the woods while looking for them.”

PLAN IT!

Mushroom Festival mesick-mushroomfest.org

Jeep Blessing facebook.com/groups/jeepblessing

Fortunately, coming home with morels doesn’t require foraging. They’re sold at several places during the festival, including the Ellens Corners BP gas station.

The mud bog, a highlight of the weekend for many, features trucks roaring through a mud pit to thunderous cheers. Competitors are divided into classes based on tire size, with the largest class reserved for tires more than 42 inches high.

The flea market includes nearly 180 vendors, while the Friday night street fair has children’s games, a bounce house, a treat walk, and fire truck rides. The Saturday parade usually features more than 50 floats, and awards are given for the best float, marching unit, color guard, ribbon horse and rider, and pre-1979

automobile. Mothers enjoy free carnival rides on Mother’s Day when accompanied by a paid child. Awards for the classic car show are determined through a vote of attendees.

“The festival is a very busy time around here, with so many people doing so many things,” McCormick says. “It’s cool that everything doesn’t take place in a single spot. People spread out all over town to enjoy the fun.”

Mesick hosts its annual Jeep Blessing, which also draws thousands, on May 4. The popular tradition, now in its 23rd year, celebrates what makes the Jeep an iconic and thrilling mode of transportation. Hundreds of Jeeps invade the town, and some owners test them on four obstacle courses that offer varying degrees of difficulty. Obstacles include steep and tall mounds of dirt, logs, tractor tires, mud, and rocks.

It’s all part of why locals say Mesick is really the place to be in May.

The annual Mushroom Festival features a midway, craft show, live music, car show and cruise, mud bog, a parade with more than 50 floats, and a flea market with 180 vendors.

Home-grown Hospitality

Gilchrist

Farm Winery pivots to a full farm-to-table menu and plans to produce its first estate-grown wines this season

By Mark Spezia

Just a block from the popular public beach, marina, and Leelanau Trail in Suttons Bay sits an inviting structure that started off as a cozy yet spacious home around the turn of the 20th century.

Now, with an exterior adorned in a shade of robin’s egg blue and windows surrounded by crisp, white trim, the building is home to Gilchrist Farm Winery, one of the Leelanau Peninsula’s newest tasting rooms.

The business beckons both connoisseurs of fine wine and consumers of farm-totable goodness with the promise of wine tatings and great food.

Not long after its opening last September, Gilchrist’s business manager, George Brittain, struck up a conversation with a patron who was sampling one of the menu’s signature wines along with pie made from purple potatoes. “He was complimenting us on everything, including how fresh and good the pie tasted,” Brittain says. “I was like, ‘Well, thank you, we just dug those potatoes out of the ground last week.’ ”

That’s just one example of what those visiting Gilchrist will experience: wine offerings paired with an ever-changing menu of handcrafted dishes created with many ingredients grown on the 86-acre Gilchrist Farm, located roughly six miles to the west.

“Our approach is that we’re simply being hospitable, inviting anyone into our home and offering them a drink, scrumptious fresh food, and a mouth-watering dessert,” Brittain says. “This space was originally a charming home and we wanted to preserve that kind of atmosphere.”

Gilchrist’s four chefs creatively pair its biscotti (above), bison gumbo (top right), and a variety of other farm-totable dishes with a signature collection of 12 wines available at the Suttons Bay location.

Inside, artwork depicting nature, wildlife, and Great Lakes living hangs on walls that are a mix of white and the same shade of blue found on the outside. There are plenty of windows, and the floor plan includes a series of smaller rooms that open up into one another. Seating consists of stylish wooden chairs and benches, along with wooden tables of varying sizes. Kid-sized furniture is available, as are both outdoor and indoor patio dining, thanks to a greenhouse-like structure.

A room with a fireplace is decorated with nautical charts of the Great Lakes, while a small, semiprivate room off the main seating area offers a cozy nook for dining and sipping. A private room for meetings and celebrations is also available.

The building’s interior décor is the work of Alyssa Brittain, George’s wife, who serves as the designer of all things Gilchrist. “Alyssa’s handiwork is all over everything, from the furnishings to the paint colors, the look of the menu, logos, merchandise, and our social media pages,” George says.

Owners Marc and Elizabeth Huntoon, Alyssa’s parents, founded Gilchrist Farm in 2018 after retiring from their jobs as physicians. The Huntoons’ happy place away from work was tending to their grapes and winemaking, and doing so on a larger scale in retirement is a dream come true for the Michigan natives.

“Marc is our wine guy, working closely with our incredible winemaker, Drew Perry,” Brittain says. “My in-laws have traveled to different wine regions in Europe and Chile, and gained extensive winemaking knowledge. On the farm, Marc is usually working in the (22 acres of) vines or is on a tractor doing something. Elizabeth is the green thumb and can grow pretty much anything we need for our menu.”

Laurel Huntoon, Alyssa’s sister, is the farm’s soil scientist and practices regenerative agriculture. That means no chemical fertilizers or insecticides are used, and organic material like grape pomace, spent grain from brewing operations, wood chips, and chaff from coffee-making help regenerate the soil.

George, with a background in business development and hospitality, was a

PLAN IT!

Gilchrist Farm Winery gilchristfarmwinery.com

natural fit for his role. He and Alyssa also own the Anchor Inn, a waterfront lodging establishment about 13 miles south of Gilchrist on Grand Traverse Bay.

Hiring Perry, a decorated winemaker, was huge. In 2021 alone, three of his wines earned top honors at the prestigious Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition. Gilchrist has produced a wine menu that includes four red wines, five whites, a rose, and bubbly chardonnay.

“Four Daughters — named after the Huntoons’ four daughters — has been our best-selling red wine,” Brittain says. “Our top-selling white is the Barrel Chardonnay. It’s not overly oaky tasting and is also great to have in winter. I would also recommend our pinot noir, which is certainly the best I’ve had from the region.”

About 90 percent of all the grapes used to make Gilchrist wines are custom-crushed by local growers. The Red Deer and Highlander red wines feature West Coast grapes. Gilchrist’s vineyard, planted in 2020, will produce its first estate-grown wine this spring.

The farm-to-table food offerings frequently change, depending on the availability of ingredients and the creativity of four chefs — head chef Deanna Mikalauskas, Aaron Davis, Christian Stawiarski, and Alex Koepfer.

“When it comes to food, we’re certainly serving more than a traditional tasting room that offers only snacks like cheese and crackers,” Brittain says. “We’re lucky to have such visionary chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds, and we encourage them to be as creative as possible when coming up with dishes.” There's the 100-percent-local Shepherd's pie featuring ingredients sourced from small, local farms. Visitors will enjoy ingredients from Up North Heritage Farm, Leelanau Cheese, and Second Spring Farm, to name a few sources. Recently, Gilchrist tansitioned into a full-service restaurant and now also offers brunch on Sundays. Adds Brittain: "We’ll be making more of our own jams and preserves for sale, and we’re excited about holding more special events.”

The winery was once a turn-of-the-20thcentury home. Guests here can enjoy wine tastings and great food.

Falling for Water

Escaping the workaday world, a photographer and his friend head to Miners Falls

Story and photo by Ben Lew

With the exhilarating feeling that spring air brings, a yearning awakens for the pursuit of beautiful things. As my dear friend Amy and I headed to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to escape the hustle and bustle of work and life, we had one mission in mind: See some waterfalls. Having been to Pictured Rocks many times in my life, I set our route to include the best waterfall in the park: Miners Falls. Nestled in the woods, this relatively short out-and-back trail leads to a sight every Michigander

needs to see, regardless of the season. The maintained trail makes it super easy to navigate, and there’s an easy lookout spot at the end. For the adventurous, like my friend and I, an unimproved trail beckons. It has been well-used over the years by many like-minded spirits.

There’s a captivating beauty in feeling the atmospheric pressure change as you get close to the waterfall. Even from a distance, you can hear the deep roar of the water as it tumbles into the river below, where it runs free and unhindered.

As Amy and I approached the waterfall, we could feel the mist created by the falls, which only added to the refreshing sense of being surrounded by nature. The sound of the water crashing down was so loud, we had to raise our voices to talk to each other — but it also had a calming effect on us.

We stood there for a while, taking in the beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding woods. The view was breathtaking, and we felt lucky to be able to witness it.

Making our way back to the trailhead, we couldn’t help but smile and feel grateful for this experience. Moments like these make us appreciate the simple things in life, and remind us to take a step back from our busy lives and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer.

Ben Lew owns Rochester-based Immersion Culture (a photo and film production company), and his work has taken him around the world by means of adventure travel, business development, and humanitarian efforts. When not traveling, preparing for extensive backpacking trips, or on site for productions, you can find him honing his craft at immersionculture.com.

P.S. Miners Falls is in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and is located on Miners River in the western portion of the park, in Alger County. The fast-flowing Miners River drops about 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop, creating the park’s most powerful waterfall. A small parking lot is located a half-mile off Miners Castle Road (H-11), 4 miles north of Alger County Road H-58. The walk from the parking area to the waterfall is 0.6 miles one way. This is an especially beautiful trail in the springtime, when the wildflowers are abundant.

218

15035

600

13585

16073

16120

18250

18619