FALL 2026 ISSUE
MICHIGAN
WAT E R F RO N T L I F E
Golden Escapes
$5.95 MIBLUEMAG.COM
Meet Danielle and Mark Danielle and Mark moved to West Michigan from Chicago in search of more space. Thanks to the Eastbrook Homes process, they felt confident in designing their new home from afar. Danielle and Mark’s experience is a reflection of the trust our customers place in us. With 58 years of experience, we have grown to understand what makes our customers feel at home. That’s why we’ve developed numerous buyer safeguards to protect our customers from market uncertainty. Customers who purchase now are protected by the Eastbrook Guarantee, where they’ll benefit from having a locked-in price, realistic timeline, and access to exclusive financing programs. We also cover the cost of construction, eliminating the need for you to secure a construction loan.
Want to learn more about the Eastbrook Guarantee?
Scan Here to Learn More!
616-779-8939 | EastbrookHomes.com
““We Wewere wereliving livingininthe theChicago Chicagoarea areaduring duringallallthe theinitial initial planning planningand andbuilding, building,and andEastbrook Eastbrookmade madeititeasy easytoto work workthrough throughthe thedetails detailsuntil untilwe wemoved movedtotoMichigan.” Michigan.” - Danielle - Danielleand andMark Mark How How How did diddid you you you incorporate incorporate incorporate your your your family’s family’s family’s lifestyle lifestyle lifestyle into into into your your your home? home? home?
View View View more more more photos photos photos of ofof this this this home! home! home!
After After After 15 1515 years years years between between between New New New York York York City City City and and and Chicago, Chicago, Chicago, we wewe were were were craving craving craving space—a space—a space—a big bigbig yard, yard, yard, room room room to tospread to spread spread out, out, out, and and and lots lots lots of of of natural natural natural light. light. light. The The The Sebastian’s Sebastian’s Sebastian’s open open open layout, layout, layout, with with with so soso many many many windows, windows, windows, fit fitour fit ourour day-to-day day-to-day day-to-day perfectly. perfectly. perfectly. We WeWe both both both work work work from from from home, home, home, so soso we wewe also also also planned planned planned for forfor two twotwo separate separate separate offices offices offices to tokeep to keep keep work work work and and and family family family life lifelife running running running smoothly. smoothly. smoothly. What What What is isyour your is your decorating decorating decorating inspiration? inspiration? inspiration? We’re We’re We’re still stillstill in inprogress, in progress, progress, but butbut we’re we’re we’re drawn drawn drawn to toneutral, to neutral, neutral, earthy earthy earthy tones tones tones and and and plan plan plan to tolayer to layer layer in inbold in bold bold artwork artwork artwork to tobring to bring bring each each each room room room to tolife. to life.life. What What What do dodo you you you love love love about about about your your your Eastbrook Eastbrook Eastbrook community? community? community? Our Our Our neighbors neighbors neighbors are areare wonderful—lots wonderful—lots wonderful—lots of offamilies of families families with with with kids kids kids around around around the thethe same same same ages—yet ages—yet ages—yet the thethe neighborhood neighborhood neighborhood stays stays stays quiet quiet quiet and and and peaceful. peaceful. peaceful. We WeWe love love love being being being near near near bike bike bike trails trails trails and and and the thethe beach, beach, beach, and and and just just just aashort short a short drive drive drive from from from Holland Holland Holland and and and Grand Grand Grand Rapids. Rapids. Rapids. Do DoDo you you you have have have any any any tips tips tips or ortricks or tricks tricks for forfor new new new homeowners? homeowners? homeowners? Trust Trust Trust the thethe process—it process—it process—it can can can feel feel feel long long long when when when you’re you’re you’re so soso excited excited excited to tothe to thethe end, end, end, but butbut it’s it’sit’s worth worth worth it. it.Tour it. Tour Tour as asas many many many homes homes homes as asas you youyou can can can to tolearn to learn learn what what what you youyou love love love and and and what what what you youyou might might might want want want to tocustomize to customize customize for forfor your your your own. own. own. And And And ask askask aalot lot a lot of ofquestions of questions questions --everyone everyone - everyone isishere here is here to tohelp to help help you. you. you. “We’re “We’re “We’re grateful grateful grateful for forfor how how how seamlessly seamlessly seamlessly everything everything everything came came came together together together and and and excited excited excited to tokeep to keep keep personalizing personalizing personalizing our ourour space space space as asas our ourour family family family grows. grows. grows. Eastbrook Eastbrook Eastbrook helped helped helped us usus create create create aahome home a home that that that fits fitsfits our ourour life— life— life— now now now we wewe get getget to tofill to fillit fill itwith with it with moments.” moments.” moments.”
IfIf you’re If you’re you’re interested interested interested in inin learning learning learning more more more about about about building building building or oror buying buying buying new new new with with with Eastbrook Eastbrook Eastbrook Homes, Homes, Homes, our our our team team team is is is here here here to toto help. help. help. Reach Reach Reach out out out today today today with with with your your your questions questions questions and and and dreams, dreams, dreams, and and and we’ll we’ll we’ll help help help turn turn turn them them them into into into aa reality. reality. a reality.
616-779-8939 616-779-8939 616-779-8939 ||EastbrookHomes.com EastbrookHomes.com | EastbrookHomes.com
Inspired by tradition, engineered for tomorrow
MADE IN USA
Whether you’re preserving a historic cottage, restoring a country retreat, or designing a classic suburban residence, AZEK Lap Siding imparts the charm of real wood without the need for re-painting or any other wood upkeep. Pros appreciate AZEK quality, ease of installation, and the backing of a Lifetime Limited Warranty. It endures harsh weather, resisting fading, cracking, and peeling for a beautifully resilient home.
AZEK Lap Siding in Classic White
AZEK Trim & Moulding
Lap Siding Rabbeted Corner
AZEKexteriors.com Order free samples
Leaf your cares behind. FALL INTO THE LOCAL COLOR OF NORTHEAST MICHIGAN
Start your adventure at VisitAlpena.com
GRAND RAPIDS 616-245-0808
GRAND LEDGE 517-622-8696
TRAVERSE CITY 231-941-6825
HOLLAND 616-396-9420
TROY
248-926-7994
infusionshowrooms.com
KALAMAZOO 269-888-0834
WIXOM 248-624-6905
Here, you don’t need a compass to fin d your true north. When it comes to what matters, it’s easy to find it here.
IT’S KINDA UNREAL.
SKYBRIDGE MICHIGAN AT BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT
PetoskeyArea.com
Inspired by nature, born from technology
FIND US AT
Order free samples at TIMBERTECH.COM Featuring TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection® in English Walnut® Classic Composite Series with Drink Rail
TimberTech Decking blends the warmth and beauty of natural wood with splinter-free comfort, low-maintenance ease, and long-lasting durability—including top-rated fire resistance in select collections. Crafted with proprietary technology and a majority of recycled materials, it offers a more sustainable choice than wood so you can create a beautiful, resilient outdoor space that lasts for decades.
CONTENTS
FEATURES M I C H I GA N B LU E FA L L 2026
Light pours into a beautifully renovated home on Strawberry Lake, near Pinckney.
36 with a View This lakeside renovation helps a family live large. By Khristi S. Zimmeth
42 P hoto Essay:
Reflect & Restore
A fine-art photographer inspires observers of her photos to immerse themselves in stunning atmospheric scenery. By Sheen Watkins and Megan Swoyer
47 C ulinary
Color Tour Celebrate fall with a progressive dinner paired with gorgeous foliage on the grounds of a northern Michigan golf course. By Megan Swoyer
50 2 026 Best
of BlueAwards The results of our readers’ favorites poll transport us to places and activities all over the state, from tasting fudge to perching atop a lighthouse and sipping wine in a vineyard. On the following pages, we reveal our online survey picks. Congratulations to the winners!
On the Cover Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is one of hundreds of diversions in the Traverse City region, which took first place for Best Vacation Town/North in the Best of Blue Awards. Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism 8
M I C H I GA N B LU E
PHOTO BY ANDREW HASELTINE, KNIGHTWING MEDIA
36 R ooms
SUMMER ADVENTURE EXPLORE STARTS HERE. THE CHANGE. As the landscape transforms with the season, Ludington’s unspoiled natural beauty offers the quintessential “Up North” experience— without the long drive. Pure Ludington blends unmatched outdoor recreation with the charm of a welcoming small town. From scenic trails and fall color tours to craft beer festivals and cozy stays, If your no idea of the perfect is sugar-sand beaches, clear blue there’s shortage of ways vacation to savor the season. along 28 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, outdoor waters
adventures, climbing to the top of historic lighthouses, or exploring Take advantage of fall lodging specials,
aincluding charming downtown, Ludington your destination for Pure 50% off your second nightis night—now’s —now’s Michigan unspoiled natural resources offers a the perfectfun. timeLudington's to get up and go. quintessential “Up North” experience all within easy reach located at
PURELUDINGTON.COM
the intersection of U.S. 31 and U.S. 10. Now is the time to get up and go. Start planning your Summer adventures now at:
PURELUDINGTON.COM
CONTENTS
18
WATERWAYS 16
Sky, Sand & Surf Find your Zen at popular northwest resorts. By Megan Swoyer
17
Field Guide
Trophy fish species on the rise, catching fall color along the Keweenaw Peninsula’s Copper Country Trail National Byway, and exploring Grand Traverse Bay on a sailboat.
18
Get Outdoors
Every fall, millions of birds provide opportunities to spot a diversity of species along the state’s migration highway, and fascinating and imaginative creations adorn five must-see sculpture parks.
ANCHORS AWEIGH 62
By Chris McElmeel and Bill Semion
24
30 64
Paging Readers
Writers craft three new novels that feature settings you may know. By Megan Swoyer
64
Studio Visit
Artist Stephanie Schlatter captures the special shadows, light, and scenery of Leelanau.
66
The Elements
Making homemade chili, veggie soup, or a pot of stew for fall gatherings? These stylish items are the perfect ingredients.
68
Design Stars
A cool plunge pool and pool bath showcase some excellent planning skills. By Giuseppa Nadrowski
Holland’s cozy Lovejoy invokes a feeling of hospitality, combined with a high-end experience.
Book It
The Blue Mystique Inn pampers guests in a luxurious setting, complete with seasonally focused breakfasts and chef-curated dinners.
By Dianna Stampfler
By Giuseppa Nadrowski
33
Dining Out
By Amy S. Eckert
By Katy Klimczuk
32
A love of agriculture and northern Michigan makes for a perfect storybook setting at this Petoskey microbrewery.
By Dianna Stampfler
DESIGN CURRENTS 30
Tasting Room
Discoveries
Lightly traveled routes along Michigan’s sunrise side and in the U.P. provide magical fall color shows. By Bill Semion
IN EVERY ISSUE 12
Reflections
Recipes for Success. By Megan Swoyer
72
Postcard
A photographer finds the value in being present.
Text and photo by Steve Jessmore
10
M I C H I GA N B LU E
PHOTOS, TOP TO BOTTOM, COURTESY OF NATHANIEL WILLSON, STEPHANIE SCHLATTER, LOVEJOY
M I C H I GA N B LU E FA L L 2026
By Ron Garbinski
REFLECTIONS
M
y brother had asked me to make our mom’s cookies. I didn’t have to ask which ones, since everyone knew which were his favorites. When I brought them to a family dinner at his house, he couldn’t wait to take a bite — but as he sunk his teeth into the clove/ cinnamon/ginger delicacy, he nearly broke a tooth! Not one to ever mince words with his sister, he exclaimed, “What in the world happened? These are like hockey pucks!” Eager to please, I was dismayed, of course, and thought he was kidding — but upon taking a bite myself, and after further review of the recipe and my baking steps earlier that morning, I realized I had left out the baking soda (two teaspoons)! One missing ingredient and the ship is sunk. My mother’s “Ginger’s Snap” (her name was Ginger) cookies always get rave reviews and I treasure that recipe. Whenever I see my brother, he hopes I’m carrying a large tin jammed with the confectioner’s sugar-topped spicy goodies, even after my misstep. The other day, a neighbor down the street was sitting on his porch and, as I walked by, he asked me what was up. I told him I had just baked some “Ginger’s Snaps” and decided to bring him a few to try. He took one bite and about fell out of his rocking chair. That specific recipe and baking in general became the topic of our discussion. A perfect blueprint that garners the chef’s kiss, the buonissimo!, the yum! is a treasured keepsake, an heirloom not to be lost. Here’s another great concoction: Ina Garten’s Caprese salad. I made it recently at our cottage, following her video, which simply combines tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese with basil — but it’s the dressing that makes the difference. Garten prefers red wine vinegar and olive oil. And, yes, it was buonissimo!
12
M I C H I GA N B LU E
mswoyer@hour-media.com
Volume 21 | Issue 4
mibluemag.com
Group Publisher: Jason Hosko
EDITORIAL
Editor: Megan Swoyer Travel Editor: Ron Garbinski Copy Editor: Anne Berry Daugherty Contributors: Amy S. Eckert, Andrew Haseltine/ Knightwing Media, Steve Jessmore, Katy Klimczuk, Chris McElmeel, Giuseppa Nadrowski, Bill Semion, Dianna Stampfler, Sheen Watkins, Khristi S. Zimmeth
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Creative Director: Lindsay Richards Art Director: Mike Wagester Junior Art Director: Sabrina Seldon Production Manager: Crystal Nelson Account Manager: Elizabeth Kowalik Special Projects Managing Editor: Olivia Sedlacek Graphic Designer: Joe Salafia
SALES
Advertising Inquiries: advertising@hour-media.com Media Advisers: Maddy Gill, Nick Irwin, Stephanie Scott Media Associate: Ariana Biondo
DIGITAL
Director of Digital Strategy: Travis Fletcher Digital Strategy Specialist: Alessandra Taranta Digital Development Manager: Matthew Cappo Senior Digital Development Specialist: Luanne Lim Digital Development Specialist: Brian Paul
IT
Director of IT: Jeremy Leland
CIRCULATION
Director of Audience Development: Geralyn Wilson Circulation Manager: Riley Meyers Senior Circulation Coordinators: David Benvenuto, Rachel Moulden Circulation Coordinators: Cathy Krajenke, Michele Wold Circulation Customer Service: 866-660-6247
MARKETING
Marketing & Events Manager: Regan Wright Marketing & Events Coordinator: Puja Trivedi Marketing & Events Assistant: Lachlan O’Neill Email Marketing Coordinator: Mitch Ackerman
ADMINISTRATION
Director of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian Accounting Associates: Stephen Diaz, Jenna Glod, Austin Schmelzle
PUBLISHED BY HOUR MEDIA, LLC
CEO: Stefan Wanczyk | President: John Balardo
Michigan Blue magazine is published quarterly by Hour Media. Publishing office: 5750 New King Dr., Suite 100, Troy, MI 48098. Telephone 616-459-4545; fax 616-459-4800. General email: info@hour-media.com. Copyright ©2026 by Hour Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Blue magazine,1965 E. Avis Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071. Subscription rates: one year $14.95, two years $24.95, three years $34.95, U.S. only. Single issue and newsstand $5.95 (by mail $8.95). To subscribe or to order back issues, please contact Circulation at 866-660-6247. Advertising rates and specifications at mibluemag.com or by request. Michigan Blue magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.
PORTRAIT BY JEAN LANNEN
Recipes for Success
On another night, I made Garten’s winning recipe to complement Michigan corn on the cob and chicken salad. Alas, I was out of red wine vinegar, so I used a different type of vinegar. The salad wasn’t even close to good! There’s no doubt that one ingredient can make it or break it. In this issue, the folks at Treetops Resort near Gaylord share the recipes they often serve during their annual Culinary Color Tours. The program invites participants to drive golf carts around the Robert Trent Jones Masterpiece course, where beautiful tree-lined rolling hills are glazed in autumn’s light and peppered with reds, golds, and oranges. Participants stop along the way to enjoy appetizers paired with wines, beers, and other beverages al fresco, before settling in for a full autumn-themed meal at the resort’s restaurant. Speaking of recipes and ingredients, restaurants, artists, inns, resorts, designers, adventure guides, and other subjects we feature among Blue’s pages almost always focus on the perfect ingredients. I’ve discovered that the ultimate recipe for success is to, first and foremost, follow the recipe. I’m reminded of actor Matt Damon and his year-long program to get in shape for his starring role in The Odyssey. He told talk-show viewers that there’s a system, a process to success, and if you follow the recipe, it works. It certainly did! Owners of establishments featured in our annual Best of Blue also follow the recipe. Thank you, readers, for voting in our online poll, and letting us know what you regard as the best in our beautiful state. And congratulations to the winners! As for secret ingredients or extra touches, those are important, too. I believe the best product is created when you follow the tried-and-true, but consider adding your own intuitive twist, too. Winners in the Best Festival category, for example, have discovered this by injecting new elements into or fine-tuning their time-tested agendas. When I make my brother’s favorite cookies (I’ll never leave out baking soda again!), I always channel our mom and sense that although the recipe calls for a certain amount of cinnamon, she always added a dash more. Sometimes, just a little bit of something extra is all it takes to create excellence.
GRAND RAPIDS
TACO SPECIALS ALL WEEK!
OCTOBER 12-18, 2026
EAT TACOS. EARN POINTS. WIN PRIZES.
SCAN ME
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL APP FOR PARTICIPATING
RESTAURANTS AND EVENT INFORMATION.
GRTACOWEEK.COM
FOR SPONSORSHIP OR PARTICIPATION INQUIRIES, REACH OUT TO ADVERTISING@HOUR-MEDIA.COM
PRESENTED BY:
SPONSORED BY:
Lakeshore Living at its finest
AMENITIES • Prime location on the historic Muskegon Country Club golf course
Find out more about purchasing your premier club home! LakesideDunes.com • 616.450.4345 REDWATER
• Located between Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake with direct access to parks and beaches • Free-standing, high-end club homes on a peaceful, private road • Customizable floor plans and designs with homes up to 3,516 square feet • Easy golf cart access to Muskegon Country Club golf course, pool, and restaurant
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATHANIEL WILLSON
M I C H I GA N B LU E FALL 2026
WATERWAYS
Stunning works by glass artist Dale Chihuly are on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in Grand Rapids. Find out more about the 12 pieces on display outdoors — and even more indoors — inside this section.
S K Y, S A N D & S U R F
Ahhhhhh Find your Zen at popular northwest resorts BY
Megan Swoyer
Clockwise from top right: Yoga lovers head out to a Yoga in the Sky session on SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort. The North Peak Hike & Sound Bath invites guests to hike, ride a chairlift, and relax. At Sunset Sound Healing at the Inn at Bay Harbor, guests gather on the lawn and tune into crystal, singing bowls, chimes, and more.
16
M I C H I GA N B LU E
D
anielle Cameron remembers her favorite outdoor yoga experience, but it wasn’t just any class amid Mother Nature. The one she loved best was held more than 100 feet above the ground, looking out into a forest canopy. “It was amazing, so beautiful and serene up there,” the Boyne City resident says. She’s referring to the Yoga in the Sky program, which runs on SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, with views of the surrounding Boyne Valley. That unusual program — and two other unique offerings at Boyne properties — inspires visitors to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the natural world around them. A mountaintop sound bath at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, and lakefront sound healing at the Inn at Bay Harbor, join the sky yoga offerings. “They’re each distinctive wellness experiences that are rooted in the landscapes that make northern Michigan breathtaking,” says resort publicist Erin Ernst. The North Peak Hike & Sound Bath invites guests to meet at the Main Lodge and then ride a chairlift and hike to the summit of Boyne Mountain’s North Peak. With open views of the surrounding northern Michigan landscape as a backdrop, a guide leads a one-hour sound bath before the group descends back to the base together. Water and light refreshments are provided. Sunset Sound Healing runs at the Inn at Bay Harbor and brings one of the inn’s most beloved experiences to the lakefront lawn on Little Traverse Bay. “This program’s been happening for the past few years and is very popular,” Ernst says. Participants can settle in as the waves of Lake Michigan blend with the resonant frequencies of quartz crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs, and drums, accompanied by gently guided meditation and intentional breathing; then they’re led through a deeply restorative and meditative experience. Guests rise restored, in time for a breathtaking Little Traverse Bay sunset. A yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye pillow, and water are provided. What, exactly, is sound healing? It’s a process that uses specific tonal frequencies, vibrations, and rhythmic sounds to promote physical and mental relaxation, reduce stress, and balance the body’s energy As for the yoga sessions held 118
feet above the valley floor, they’re most definitely equal parts adventure and mindfulness, Cameron says. Each class, which runs about two hours, begins with a 30-minute guided 1-mile hike along a paved path up Boyne Mountain, rewarding participants with panoramic valley views at the summit. From there, they settle in for a 45-minute guided yoga class on SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, with the landscape stretching out in every direction. Every session includes full-day access to SkyBridge Michigan and the scenic chairlift, giving participants the opportunity to keep exploring long after their final downward-facing dog. Cameron says it’s completely different from indoor yoga or on-ground yoga. “It’s like you’re in a sphere of nature and it’s very peaceful and quiet,” she says. Each of the participants enters onto the bridge single-file and they perform yoga in single-file, as well. You lay your yoga mat down on the bridge, Cameron says, and the instructor walks along the bridge, helping class attendees with poses. “There’s plenty of room,” Cameron adds. “At first I was a little intimidated, but once you’re up there for a while and once you zone into what your body is doing and the practice, your fears go away.” Cameron says to bring a light sweatshirt, as it can be chilly up on the bridge. She also suggests having water and sunglasses for the walk up. A yoga mat is provided. “A friend told me she saw a bevy of doves take off from under the bridge and it was just beautiful to see as she was doing yoga,” Cameron shares. And lest you think you need to be proficient at yoga or sound healing to enjoy these programs, that is not the case! Says Ernst: “Each wellness offering is open to all levels, with no prior experience necessary.” Bring on the ahhhhhs.
Plan It!
The sessions, which are open to guests and non-guests, run from about $40-$60, and are for participants ages 13 and older. Check out the Boyne schedules and reserve a spot (advanced reservations are required) at boynemountain.com, highlandsharborsprings. com, or innatbayharbor.com.
PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP, COURTESY OF BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT, THE HIGHLANDS, AND INN AT AT BAY HARBOR
WATERWAYS
WATERWAYS
Walleye is now the top harvested fish in Michigan’s vast Great Lakes fishery, according to a recent DNR report. Here, happy anglers celebrate a nice walleye catch on the Detroit River.
Exploring Michigan: Tips, trends, and tidbits
PHOTO COURTESY OF PURE MICHIGAN
Field Guide NEW TROPHY FISH: Walleye has become the most harvested fish in Michigan’s Great Lakes, according to a statewide angler survey recently released by the Michigan DNR. That’s mostly due to a change in the food chain caused by the invasion of mussels in Lake Huron and, to a lesser extent, Lake Michigan. The invasive species feasts on phytoplankton and has contributed to the disappearance of alewives, which were a main source of food for salmon and lake trout. Populations of both types of fish had significantly declined in Lake Huron. Alewives ate the eggs and fry of other species; as a result of their disappearance, walleye populations are growing. Lake trout numbers, once devastated by sea lamprey predation and the loss of alewives, are increasing again. Survey results suggest Lake Huron today accounts for more than half of all the fishing effort in Michigan’s Great Lakes fishery. www2.dnr.state. mi.us/publications/pdfs/dnrfishlibrary/ fisheriesreports
BUCKET LIST DRIVE: The Keweenaw Peninsula’s Copper Country Trail National Byway shines as a delightful U.P. fall color route. This Pure Michigan gem blends history and natural beauty while meandering 47 miles mostly along U.S. 41 from Houghton-Hancock’s Portage Lake Lift Bridge north to Copper Harbor on the shores of Lake Superior. Fall color enthusiasts can venture off at M-203 or M-26 to explore other treasures. Designated a national byway in 1994, this scenic corridor includes small towns with beautiful architecture and notable sites, such as massive mine shafts that served as the backbone of the U.S. copper boom of the 1860s. You’ll discover opportunities to hike among 300-yearold giant pines, trek to neat spots such as Jacob’s Falls, bike through the towns and catch the stunning fall colors along the way, or visit the amazing A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum in Houghton and the Keweenaw National Historical Park in Calumet. visitkeweenaw.com
EXPLORE THE BAY: Here’s a new way to enjoy Little Traverse Bay on a sailboat outing offered by Harbor Springs’ Colonial Inn, which is now open year-round. The 130-year-old retreat, with 42 rooms in the historic West Wequetonsing neighborhood, recently launched its Call of the Wild private sailing charter experience for guests and visitors. The inn offers two- and four-hour private day sails for up to six passengers, with extended private charters available. The three-hour sunset cruise features stunning views of the sun dipping below the Lake Michigan horizon. Snacks and spirit-free beverages are included on board. Guests also can purchase bar bites and alcoholic beverages from the inn’s Bar 1894 before departure. Captain Charlie MacDonald tailors each outing on the 44.5-foot Hunter Passage sailboat to feel personal as guests view the bay’s waterfronts; select routes extend across Little Traverse Bay toward Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Charlevoix. Advanced reservations are recommended. harborsprings.com/sailboat — Compiled by Ron Garbinski
Have news that pertains to Michigan’s natural resources, travel, or exploration? Send a note to MSwoyer@Hour-Media.com.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
17
WATERWAYS
Left: Guided birding adventures offer expert insights into Michigan’s treasure trove of bird life. Below: The common redpoll is often spotted in the Upper Peninsula in the winter.
GET OUTDOORS
Wings Over Michigan
M
ichigan’s waterfront becomes one of North America’s busiest migration corridors every fall. Millions of birds moving south from Canada and the northern United States follow the contours of the Great Lakes, concentrating along shorelines, marshes, dunes, and river valleys as they search for food, shelter, and favorable weather. For birders, it’s the equivalent of a seasonal road trip. Warblers fill shoreline woods, hawks ride thermals above coastal bluffs, waterfowl gather by the thousands in wetlands, and rare species can appear almost anywhere.
18
M I C H I GA N B LU E
BY
Chris McElmeel
“Fall is a great time of year to see a diversity of species,” says Sam Burckhardt, an AuSable Valley Audubon (AVA) member and former secretary of Michigan Audubon. “You get a chance to see birds that don’t nest in your area. You see migrating birds that are just passing through to reach their wintering destination.” Better yet, fall birding often comes with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, colorful scenery, and fewer biting insects than spring. For newcomers, birding can be as simple as bringing a pair of binoculars and slowing down long enough to notice what’s happening around them. “Learn to listen, then look for the bird that’s making the noise,”
explains Bill Roth, president of AuSable Valley Audubon. Michigan offers hundreds of places to do just that, but a handful of waterfront locations stand out for their ability to attract a concentration of birds and create unforgettable viewing opportunities. TAWA S P O I N T ’ S F R O N T- R O W S E AT
If there’s a place that perfectly captures the drama of migration, it’s Tawas Point State Park in East Tawas. Located on a narrow sand spit extending into Lake Huron, Tawas Point functions as a natural rest stop for weary travelers. Some
PHOTOS COURTESY KONNIE SPENCELEY (TOP); GARY NELKIE (INSET)
Every fall, millions of birds provide exciting opportunities to spot a diversity of species along the state’s great migration highways
WATERWAYS
birds arrive after flying hundreds or even thousands of miles. When they reach the point, they need food, shelter, and a chance to recover before continuing south. “Tawas Point is a migration trap,” Roth says. “Birds need Tawas Point for survival, both in terms of rest and food.” Because the point extends into Tawas Bay, it creates one of the few safe stopping places available along this stretch of shoreline. Hungry warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other songbirds gather in surprisingly high numbers, creating a birding experience that attracts visitors from around the world. The geography helps explain why. Surrounded by Lake Huron and rich with insects and natural shoreline habitat, Tawas Point concentrates migrants into a relatively small area. Songbirds, raptors, and water birds all move through the area during fall, creating opportunities to see dozens of species in a single visit. The experience isn’t limited to expert birders carrying expensive optics. A simple pair of binoculars and a willingness to pay attention can reveal an entirely new layer of life along the shoreline.
Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula, the narrow point is famous for waterbird migration. In the fall, birders gather along the shoreline to watch loons, grebes, ducks, and other species streaming past on their southbound journeys. The location is especially renowned for species that are difficult to find elsewhere. Jaegers, scoters, and long-tailed ducks are among the highlights, while migrating owls and hawks add excitement during certain weather conditions. According to Kylie McElrath, Michigan conservation manager at Audubon Great Lakes, nature rarely follows a script at this migration hotspot. “At Whitefish Point, a visitor might see hawks and falcons moving along the shoreline, flocks of waterfowl crossing Lake Superior, and songbirds feeding in nearby forests. Conditions can change every day, which is part of the excitement.” With Lake Superior stretching endlessly toward the horizon, birding here feels less like a stroll through the woods and more like witnessing a living river of wildlife flowing across the water. It’s one of those rare places where every scan of the lake could reveal something unexpected.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARY NELKIE (TOP); AUSABLE VALLEY AUDUBON (RIGHT)
WHITEFISH POINT’S WAT E R B I R D H I G H WAY
M A R S H M A G I C AT P O I N T E
Nearly 300 miles north of Tawas Point, Whitefish Point offers an entirely different migration experience. Jutting into Lake Superior from
MOUILLEE
At the opposite end of the state, Pointe Mouillee offers a completely different perspective on migration.
“Michigan’s east coast also has the distinction of overlapping two flyways. Birds from both the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways move through the east coast, particularly the Thumb and Detroit River areas,” explains Zach Cooley, a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “The flyways appear as distinct lines on a map for regulatory purposes, but the birds themselves often cross between the two.”
Right: A longtailed duck is a fun species to seek out. You might see them in Tawas Bay and the East Tawas area along Lake Huron during migration, or at the Upper Peninsula’s Whitefish Point. Above: The long-eared owl forages and hunts in open spaces.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
19
WATERWAYS
Here: The pretty purple finch charms with its fascinating coloring. Below: Birders love to spot snowy owls and have had luck in late fall where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie at Pointe Mouillee.
Even casual visitors often find themselves pausing along a trail or beach access point, binoculars in hand, watching birds move through the landscape against a backdrop of towering dunes and sparkling blue water. It’s proof that birding doesn’t require a remote expedition. Sometimes the adventure begins with simply paying closer attention.
DUNES, BEACHES, AND RARE BIRDS
LET SOMEONE ELSE
Along Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire combines spectacular scenery with exceptional birding. The lakeshore’s 35 miles of beaches, forests, dunes, and wetlands provide habitat for hundreds of bird species throughout the year. During migration, nearly every patch of shoreline vegetation becomes a temporary refueling station. Birders may encounter migrating warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers moving through the forests. The area is also famous for nesting piping plovers, one of the Great Lakes’ most endangered shorebirds.
L E A D T H E WAY
20 M I C H I GA N B LU E
For travelers looking for a deeper experience, several guided birding adventures offer expert insight into Michigan’s fall migration. The Nature Trail Birding Expedition, based in the Tawas City area, explores some of the most productive birding habitats in the Saginaw Bay region, including Tawas Point State Park, nearby Tuttle Marsh, and other migration hotspots. Mid-September is often considered one of the best times to visit, when waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds overlap in impressive numbers. The tour gives participants multiple opportunities to experience the remarkable diversity of the Saginaw Bay region, which is regarded as one of the Midwest’s premier birding destinations. Another unique option is the Charity Island Bird Watching Tour. Located in the middle of Saginaw Bay between Tawas Point and Fish Point, Charity Island serves as an important stopover site for more than 200 species of migratory birds. With nearly 300 acres of forest, an inland lake, and miles of undeveloped shoreline, the island offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of the bay’s most significant migration locations while learning about its fascinating natural and maritime history.
LOOKING UP
Experienced birders often say that the more you learn, the more you see. “It’s all about knowledge. Get to know the common birds in your area, and then rare birds will stand out,” says Matt Hegwood, AVA member and local naturalist. “Some birds you may never get a good look at, but you’ll know they’re there by sound. Many of the most secretive birds are marsh-dwellers, but species like cuckoos are often heard well before birders ever catch sight of them sitting quietly in the trees.” That’s part of birding’s enduring appeal. Every outing offers the possibility of discovery. A shoreline walk becomes a treasure hunt, and a quiet morning by the water becomes a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest journeys. “Many experienced birders are especially thrilled during fall migration by the chance to find a rarity, or by spotting a bird that has wandered outside its typical migration route,” McElrath says. Whether you’re watching warblers refuel at Tawas Point, scanning Lake Superior for migrating loons at Whitefish Point, exploring the marshes of Pointe Mouillee, or following trails through Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan’s waterfront offers countless opportunities to connect with the natural world. And every fall, millions of birds provide a reason to get outside and do it.
Michigan Bird-Watching Resources
audubon.org/great-lakes ausablevalleyaudubon.org charityisland.net/bird-watching michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/wildlife-viewing/ birding naturetravelbirding.com/birding-in-northamerica/
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUSABLE VALLEY AUDUBON (BOTTOM); GARY NELKIE (TOP)
Located where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie, the sprawling complex of marshes, diked ponds, and wetlands is widely regarded as one of Michigan’s premier birding destinations. Here, water is the attraction. Shorebirds probe exposed mudflats. Waterfowl gather in impressive numbers. Herons and egrets patrol the marshes. Depending on water levels, birders can encounter an astonishing diversity of species throughout the fall season. “The snowy owls later in the fall are always popular, and the hawk migration is always a big draw,” Cooley says. Places such as Pointe Mouillee give migrants a chance to rest, refuel, and rebuild the energy reserves needed for long-distance flights. Without reliable places to feed and recover, many simply wouldn’t have the strength to complete their journey. That’s a sobering reminder that birdwatching isn’t simply recreation. It also offers a window into the importance of conserving the habitats that make migration possible.
WATERWAYS
W
hen someone says, “Let’s go to an art exhibit,” your mind probably jumps to an indoor museum, not this: must-see sculptures by everyone from internationally known artists to local talents who create beauty from literal leftovers. There are parks you can see for free, as well as some that are whimsical. The five parks featured here are a perfect way to mix a fall color tour with imaginative art, and they’re waiting to add a fun accent to any trip around Michigan. C H I H U LY AT M E I J E R G A R D E N S
Here and above: At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, visitors can see some of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly’s most masterful installations.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATHANIEL WILLSON
GRAND RAPIDS
Dale Chihuly of Seattle is a master at creating beauty out of silica, soda ash, and limestone. His playful, delicate works of glass are recognized worldwide as treasures. Only one show of his works is currently going on in North America, and it’s at Grand Rapids’ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park through Jan. 10, 2027. That’s one major reason you should go to view it — and the other fabulous art at the 158-acre park. Chihuly is credited with bringing glass art to the masses, and you can see his works throughout the gardens, says John VanderHaagen, director of communications for Meijer Gardens. “We’re the only place in the United States where you can see a temporary Chihuly exhibit. The only other place in the world you can see one this year is Venice,” he says.
BY
Bill Semion
GET OUTDOORS
Outdoor Art Wonders Immerse yourself in fascinating and imaginative creations at these five must-see sculpture parks FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
21
WATERWAYS
M C C O U R T I E PA R K SOMERSET CENTER, IRISH HILLS
If you’ve driven through the Irish Hills along U.S. 12 near the small community of Somerset Center, you may have noticed McCourtie Park at the corner of South Jackson Road and U.S. 12. This 42-acre park, overseen by Somerset Township, is considered by many to be the home of one of the largest collections of faux bois (false wood in French) structures in the country — maybe even the world. It was the former farm of concrete magnate and Michigan native William H.L. McCourtie, who founded a cement compa22
M I C H I GA N B LU E
M I C H I G A N L EG AC Y A R T PA R K C R YSTA L M O U N TA I N THOMPSONVILLE
I first visited here in winter, snowshoeing uphill on the cut-in trails to view the
Top: One of some 52 sculptures, some temporary and some permanent, at the Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain resort near Thompsonville. Right: Visitors can cross 17 bridges at the 42-acre McCourtie Park in the Irish Hills. It’s home to one of the largest collections of faux bois (false wood) in the United States.
works of art found among the 30 acres of hardwood hills above the resort’s ski slopes. It’s grown since it was first envisioned by Detroit artist David Barr and opened in 1999, notes Lindsay Greer, director of the park’s programs and public engagement. The MacInnes family, owners of Crystal Mountain, wanted to keep the area forested and agreed the art park was a perfect fit. On its 30th anniversary, the family transferred the land for $1 to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, which now oversees it. “There are more than 52 sculptures — some temporary, some permanent — and there’s a 1.9-mile hike through mixed terrain to do the entire collection,” Greer says. There’s also an accessible half-mile trail featuring community art projects. This year’s theme is Michigan quilts. Golf cart tours are available for those who prefer not to walk. “We’re trying to do, little by little, more fall events, and we typically do the dedication for the collaborative project and the artist-in-residence in the fall. We’re also trying to offer more guided tours in the fall,” Greer adds. Two of the most striking pieces are “Five Needles,” by Michigan artist Michael McGillis, and “Gateway to Black Eden,” by Detroit artist M. Saffell Gardner. Gardner’s work was inspired by the town
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHIGAN LEGACY ART PARK (TOP); SHANIA KULCZYCKI (RIGHT)
The pieces in the exhibition, called Chihuly: Radiant Forms, are showcased at 12 locations outside, as well as inside the indoor gallery. “The show represents more than 40 years of his illustrious career, from early works to his most recent, and it includes some early sketches. It’s taken over the gardens inside and out,” VanderHaagen says. The largest concentration is in the Japanese garden. “Because of the intricacy of some (of the works), we would comfortably say there are thousands of individual pieces,” he explains. Outdoor tours are weather-dependent, including the guided half-mile walking tour. There’s also a hopon, hop-off tram. The outdoor displays are available to visitors with general admission; the interior show can be viewed with a timed-entry ticket. The Gardens also offer select nights when they’re open until dusk.
ny. While living in Texas and making his fortune in oil, he grew to admire the “trabajo rustico” (rustic works) created there. He purchased his family’s farm in the 1920s and built a summer home where he could entertain guests. Some say underworld figures were among those who visited his retreat, since it was replete with an underground “lodge” and out-of-sight parking spaces. Faux bois trees disguised the underground lair’s chimneys and ventilation (McCourtie called his estate Aiden’s Lair). Visitors can walk across 17 bridges created by Mexican artisans Ralph Corona and George Cardosa. You’d swear the structures are made of sun-bleached wood, so intricate are the scrapes of bark, crooks of limbs, and the bends of the false trunks both in the bridge floors and roofs. The chimneys look like dead, hollow trees. The park is on both the state and national registers of historic places, and it’s a great stop for a fall picnic while traveling through the beauty of the Irish Hills. It’s open daily, dawn to dusk. The underground Rathskeller is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays in the summer.
WATERWAYS
Left: The Walk of Art Sculpture Park in Elk Rapids continually changes as pieces are purchased and new ones are brought in. Below: The whimsical elephant is one of more than 100 sculptures made from scrap iron at the Lakenenland Sculpture Park in Marquette.
WA L K O F A R T S C U L P T U R E PA R K E L K R A P I D S DAY PA R K ELK RAPIDS
At Walk of Art, you can not only view works along a trail and on the East Grand Traverse Bay beach — and you can shop for them, too. Walk the trail through the color-strewn woods to see up to 39 works both in the woods and while you’re enjoying the bay’s sandy beach. As the sculptures are sold, new ones take their place. They range from art created using recycled materials by artists from as far away as Iceland and as near as Suttons Bay. A favorite of many is the “Singing Pail of Dreams,” by Williamsburg artist John Goss. It’s a 7-foot stainless lattice beach pail with two sand shovels. The works are looked after by ArtRapids, which has been showing pieces here since 2013. All of the pieces are positioned along a walking trail among the park’s hardwoods, according to Antrim County Parks director Lindsey Eccles. Walk the
route, then enjoy nature’s palette on the park’s quarter-mile beach. Entry is free. L A K E N E N L A N D S C U L P T U R E PA R K MARQUETTE
Approaching Marquette from the east along M-28, you’ll see an arching sign on the highway’s south side that often evokes an “I wonder what that is” reaction from fall color-watchers heading to destinations such as the Keweenaw Peninsula. Pull back on your reins and drive in, and you’ll discover more than 120 whimsical metal sculptures created by retired welder Tom
LAKENENLAND PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM LAKENER; WALK OF ART SCULPTURE COURTESY OF ARTRAPIDS
of Idlewild and its unique African American entertainment history in Lake County. Although the park depends heavily on donations, there’s an annual park membership available and the entrance is typically staffed during the fall to collect a $10 fee. Entry is free to veterans and active-duty military, but, Greer says, “we never turn anyone away.”
Lakenen, who began this project about 20 years ago. “I’d create them and put them in front of the house, and the township didn’t like it. So, I moved them into the backyard, then ran out of room and nobody could see them,” Lakenen recounts. He purchased 37 acres nearby, pushed a half-mile dirt road through the trees and added a one-third-mile walking trail, and placed his self-taught scrap-style art there. The result is a beloved U.P. landmark that’s open 24/7. “I’m always looking for more scrap. My daughter is an ironworker and my son’s a heavy equipment mechanic, so they come across scrap on their jobs. I keep the parking lot plowed in winter and you can drive in or walk through it with boots, snowshoes, or on cross-country skis,” he adds. Lakenen also hosts school programs and other events. “I usually tell people I’m recreating the scenes I saw until I quit drinking. Anybody can come here, especially people who can’t afford other (art parks). This is someplace they can come to and not worry about digging a $20 bill out of their wallets,” he says. “A lot of times something doesn’t come out (the way) I intended, but I keep playing around until it turns into something. Stop in any time. It’s always open.”
Plan It!
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park meijergardens.org McCourtie Park hillsdalehistoricalsociety.org/mccourtie-park Michigan Legacy Art Park michlegacyartpark.org/plan-a-visit/ Walk of Art Sculpture Park artrapids.net/walk-of-art-active-sculptures Lakenenland lakenenland.com
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
23
WATERWAYS
Here: There’s nothing like reading outside during the fall and taking in the beauty of the season’s colors. ’
’
24 M I C H I GA N B LU E
PA G I N G R E A D E R S
Michigan Inspiration Writers craft three new novels that feature settings you may know
incorporate a new tradition and memory.” Rouse’s special pre-launch event for The Bluff is at the Mackinac Island Public Library in conjunction with Island Bookstore. It begins at 2 p.m. Oct. 10. Rouse is a USA Today and international best-selling author of 22 books, including three holiday novellas written under his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman. A former journalist, he lives in the Saugatuck area and Palm Springs.
BY
Megan Swoyer
Right: All kinds of happenings occur upon a family’s return to Mackinac Island for Christmas in “The Bluff.” (Cover illustration by MIRA/ Harper Collins.) Inset: Author Wade Rouse.
WADE ROUSE PORTRAIT BY IVAN HUNDRIC PHOTOGRAPHY; TOP PHOTO ADOBE STOCK
’T
is the cozy season, which means many of us are looking for good books to read. These three recently or soon-to-be published novels — “The Bluff,” by Wade Rouse (also known as Viola Shipman); “Garden Cottage” (Mackinac Cottages Series – Book 4), by Carrie Fancett Pagels; and “The Noel Cottage,” by Olivia Miles — all share a Great Lakes sense-of-place. Rouse’s “The Bluff” is set on Mackinac Island — and much of it takes place in a historic family cottage. As you read the book, you’ll likely think of how your own family behaves and interacts during the holiday season. Are your holidays filled with beautiful traditions, or drama? Who makes your holidays special, and who tends to make them tense? This all comes into play with a mixture of intriguing characters who embrace traditions (let’s take the family photo on the staircase, like we always do) and who likes to embrace the present (let’s take the family photo on the beach!). You get the picture. As for Rouse’s preference, he says, “I’m a total traditionalist. Family photo on the staircase. I still honor and use all of my family’s heirlooms at Christmas, including Grandma’s felted tree skirt, ornaments, Grandma’s and Mom’s Christmas cookie cutters (plus their cookie recipes), same Spode Christmas tree plates ... That said, we do try one new thing each year to
WATERWAYS
Left: Everything’s growing, from friendships to vegetables, in “Garden Cottage.” (Cover illustration by Lorna Bricco.) Inset: Author Carrie Fancett Pagels.
’
Meanwhile, Pagels’ book focuses on family, hope, and love. Facing a summer alone, Paula, a widowed librarian, heads to her family’s cottage on Mackinac Island. The author of a book on grief, Paula reconnects with an intriguing reader, Gennaro, a famous chef who works at a resort on the island and has kept a low profile since his wife’s tragic death. He’s quite a gardener, and after he starts working with Paula on her vegetable garden, a deep friendship grows. But when personal and family secrets erupt, can these two find healing for themselves? Pagels, who grew up in the eastern Upper Peninsula and adores the island, has 27 years of experience as a psychologist — and an overactive imagination. “I have 10 novels/novellas set, or at least partially set, on Mackinac Island, and several more novellas with characters somehow related to or coming from or to Mackinac Island,” she shares. Now living in Virginia, the author returns to the island every year to soak up more inspiration. “The Island Bookstore told me a few years back that they had sold more than 14,000 copies of my books! That’s a huge blessing.” Pagels says she believes her book’s heroine, Paula, is a lot like herself. “Don’t get me wrong — I’m not Paula, she’s not me, and my life is quite different, but I loved being able to let her react like I would in the situations she’s in.” In Miles’ new book, “The Noel Cottage,” readers visit a fictional Michigan lakefront town called Silver Bay. They’ll meet three sisters and watch a Christmas
season unfold in which a new beginning for the siblings could become their favorite gift. When single mother Alicia rents her family’s former cottage for Christmas, she hopes to recreate holiday magic for her daughter — and reconnect with her sisters. But returning to Silver Bay stirs up more than memories. Harper, an interior designer, has spent years keeping her distance from the only place that ever felt like home. Janie, a struggling baker, is running out of ways to preserve her mother’s legacy. And Alicia can’t stop wondering what might have been if their family had never lost the cottage that once held them together. As old traditions resurface, the sisters begin rebuilding the bond they’ve been missing. Meanwhile, although new
possibilities for the future are on the horizon, old resentments and unanswered questions arise, too. And, yes, there’s romance! Miles is a two-time USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming small-town romance. Her stories often explore themes of love, hope, friendship, and second chances — all set in picturesque towns that readers want to return to again and again. After growing up in New England, Miles traded salt water for fresh water, and now lives on the shores of Lake Michigan and vacations often in southwest Michigan. “With a few exceptions, I’ll be focusing on Michigan or the Great Lakes region for the settings of all future books, starting with ‘The Noel Cottage.’ I’m bringing it all back to the lake that I love,” she says.
Read Them!
For Wade Rouse’s October release, visit harpercollins.com and search for Wade Rouse. More author information is online at waderouse. com or violashipman.com. Visit amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com to order Carrie Fancett Pagels’ new book. It’s also available at Island Bookstore on Mackinac Island or Teysen’s in Mackinaw City. For Olivia Miles’ holiday book, visit oliviamilesbooks.com.
Follow the muse Writers share their favorite Michigan spots for sips, sweets, and sparks of the imagination Cheers! “On Mackinac Island, I love drinks on the patio at the Iroquois and at the Pink Pony (mentioned in the book),” Wade Rouse says. Near his home, Rouse says, “My love for Uncommon Coffee Roasters (in Saugatuck) knows no bounds ... the best coffee and pastries in the world ... my go-to is the Caramel Silk latte and carrot cake muffin or the blueberry streusel muffin. I read (and often write) in their garden.” Porch to Cafe “I like a glass of rosé or reading on the porch at the Grand Hotel — that’s top of my list!” Olivia Miles says of her Mackinac picks. She also likes to get drinks to go and take them to favorite lookout points. “And I’m always happy to stick around the Watercolor Cafe on a sunny morning or enjoy a cocktail at the Jockey Club on a chilly evening (so cozy!)” When she’s in southwest Michigan, she enjoys coffee at “cute places like Bundes Bakery Cafe in South Haven or patio drinks at The Stray Dog Bar & Grill in New Buffalo, but when it comes to reading, the shoreline is always it for me.” Above: Readers of “The Noel Cottage” will feel like they’re smack dab in the middle of a Michigan lakefront town during the holidays. Inset: Author Olivia Miles.
Java Joy Carrie Fancett Pagels gives Lucky Bean, on Mackinac Island, a big thumbs up. “Carolyn May Fairbanks, the amazing owner, made it into more than one of my contemporary novels,” Pagels says, adding that favorite drinks include a mocha or caramel frappe. “And something nice from her bakery case like a chocolate muffin.” As for quiet time, Pagels says when she lived and worked on the island as a teen, she’d sit behind the charming library and read. – MS
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
25
TOP MICHIGAN CONSUMER LAWYERS BASED UPON A SURVEY OF THEIR PEERS
These LEADING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Michigan. Jesse M. Reiter Jennifer M. Grieco Patrick T. Barone Donald F. Carney Jr. John J. Schrot Jr. Harvey B. Wallace II Britt Cobb Randi P. Glanz Howard H. Collens Jeffrey D. Moss Laura E. Eisenberg Mekel Sebestyen Miller Amy M. Spilman Roy A. Luttmann Daniel T. Geherin Peter J. Bill Robert A. Bryant Kellie S. Devito Kara S. Ferrara Julius H. Giarmarco David G. Gorcyca Keela P. Johnson Salvatore J. LaMendola Matthew S. Weaver Sandra User Green Manvir S. Grewal Sr William M. Azkoul Thomas R. Behm J. Paul Janes Benjamin W. Mills William F. Mills Thomas J. Worsfold Mark A. Snover George M. Malis Heidi S. McAra Michelle D. Bayer Barry F. LaKritz Joseph A. Simon Todd J. Stearn Kimberly Leigh Dibartolomeo Vincenzo Manzella Robert J. MacDonald Arthur L. Malisow Sanford J. Mall Harley D. Manela Brian J. McKeen Irika N. Mellin Kristen L. Robinson Jennifer Lynne Taylor Jonathan B. Merel Brandon M. Hewitt Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer
ABC Law Centers (Reiter & Walsh PC) Bloomfield Hills 248.593.5100 Personal Injury: Professional Malpractice Altior Law PC Birmingham 248.372.9884 Personal Injury: Professional Malpractice Barone Defense Firm Birmingham 248.594.4554 Criminal Defense: DUI Berry Moorman PC Birmingham 248.645.9680 Trust/Will/Estate Berry Moorman PC Birmingham 248.645.9680 Family Berry Moorman PC Birmingham 248.645.9680 Employee Benefits; Trust/Will/Estate Britt M Cobb Law Offices Ada 303.351.1628 Criminal Defense: DUI; Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors Clark Hill PLC Birmingham 248.988.5860 Family Collens Estate Law Huntington Woods 248.265.3176 Elder; Trust/Will/Estate Dawda PLC Bloomfield Hills 248.642.1485 Tax: Individual; Trust/Will/Estate Eisenberg & Spilman PLLC Birmingham 248.358.8880 Family; ADR: Family Eisenberg & Spilman PLLC Birmingham 248.358.8880 Family Eisenberg & Spilman PLLC Birmingham 248.469.0613 Family Frasco Caponigro Wineman Scheible, et al. Troy 248.334.6767 Trust/Will/Estate Geherin Law Group PLLC Ann Arbor 734.263.2780 Criminal Defense: DUI; Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7201 Trust/Will/Estate Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7215 Trust/Will/Estate Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7108 Family Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7136 Trust/Will/Estate Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7200 Trust/Will/Estate Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7195 Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7087 Family Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7204 Trust/Will/Estate Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Troy 248.457.7044 Family; ADR: Family Green & Green PLLC Farmington Hills 248.932.0500 Family Grewal Law PLLC Okemos 517.393.3000 Family; Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury: Professional Malpractice Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Grand Rapids 616.235.5500 Personal Injury: General; PI: Professional Malpractice; ADR: Personal Injury Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Grand Rapids 616.235.5500 PI: General; PI: Prof’l Malpractice; PI Plaintiff: Product Liability; ADR: PI Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Grand Rapids 616.235.5500 Civil Rights; Ins Cov: Cons Insur; PI: Gen; PI: Prof’l Mal; PI Plntff: Prod Liab Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Grand Rapids 616.235.5500 Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury Plaintiff: Product Liability Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Grand Rapids 616.235.5500 Civil Rights; PI: General; PI: Prof’l Mal; PI: Transport; PI Plaintiff: Prod Liab Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Grand Rapids 616.235.5500 Civil Appellate; Personal Injury: General Hauer & Snover Bloomfield Hills 248.258.0800 Family Howard & Howard PLLC Royal Oak 248.645.1483 Trust/Will/Estate Howard & Howard PLLC Royal Oak 248.723.0339 Trust/Will/Estate Joelson Rosenberg Farmington Hills 248.626.9966 Employment: Employee Lakritz Law Bloomfield Hills 248.723.4747 Personal Injury: General; ADR: Personal Injury Law Offices of Joseph A Simon PLLC Ann Arbor 734.887.6200 Criminal Defense: DUI; Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors Law Offices of Todd J Stearn PC Southfield 248.744.5000 Personal Injury: General Lucido & Manzella PC Clinton Township 586.228.3900 Bankruptcy: Individual; Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors Lucido & Manzella PC Clinton Township 586.228.3900 Criminal Defense: DUI; Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors; Family MacDonald & MacDonald PLLC Flint 810.234.2204 Personal Injury: General; Social Security Disability; Workers’ Compensation Mall Malisow & Cooney PC Farmington Hills 248.538.1800 Elder; Trust/Will/Estate Mall Malisow & Cooney PC Farmington Hills 248.538.1800 Elder; Trust/Will/Estate Mall Malisow & Cooney PC Farmington Hills 248.538.1800 Elder; Trust/Will/Estate McKeen & Associates PC Detroit/ Southfield 313.961.4400 Personal Injury: General; PI: Prof’l Malpractice; PI Plaintiff: Product Liability Mellin Robinson PC Troy 248.614.9005 Family; ADR: Family Mellin Robinson PC Troy 248.614.9005 Family; ADR: Family Mellin Robinson PC Troy 248.614.9005 Family; ADR: Family Merel Family Law Troy 248.716.7000 Family Michigan Auto Law Grand Rapids 616.333.0606 Personal Injury: General Mika Meyers PLC Grand Rapids 616.632.8000 Family; ADR: Family
www.LeadingLawyers.com
Karl P. Numinen Matthew I. Paletz Anthea E. Papista Neil S. Rockind Nancy Komer Stone Kari B. Schlaff David J. Shea James F. Graves Kevin Z. Komar Michael E. Larkin Brian K. Lawson Brian A. McKenna George T. Sinas Stephen H. Sinas Thomas G. Sinas Catherine E. Tucker Bryan J. Waldman Steven H. Weston Patrick Lannen Parker G. Stinar Shirley A. Kaigler John F. Schaefer E. Powell Miller Roquia Kamal Draper Richard A. Roane Nazli G. Sater William S. Stern Donna Marie Medina Michelle H. Bass
Numinen Deforge & Toutant PC Paletz Law Papista & Papista PLC Rockind Law Rotter & Stone PC Schlaff Law Group PLLC Shea Law PLLC Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Stinar Lannen PLLC Stinar Lannen PLLC Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP The Law Firm of John F Schaefer The Miller Law Firm PC Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Warner Norcross + Judd LLP William Stern PC Williams Williams Rattner & Plunkett PC Wolfson Bolton Kochis PLLC
Marquette 906.964.6977 Criminal Def: DUI; Crim Def: Felonies/Misdemeanors; Family; PI: General Troy 248.593.9090 Real Estate: Associations/Condominiums; Real Estate: Residential Detroit 313.965.1688 Family; Trust/Will/Estate Bloomfield Hills 248.208.3800 Criminal Defense: DUI; Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors Franklin 248.855.5200 Family West Bloomfield 248.320.5978 Family Southfield 248.354.0224 Insurance Coverage: Consumer Insureds; Personal Injury: Prof’l Malpract Lansing 517.394.7500 Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury Plaintiff: Product Liability Lansing 517.394.7500 Insurance Coverage: Consumer Insureds; Personal Injury: General Lansing 517.394.7500 Personal Injury: General Grand Rapids 616.301.3333 Personal Injury: General Saint Clair Shores 313.496.9416 Personal Injury: General Lansing 517.394.7500 Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury Plaintiff: Product Liability Lansing 517.394.7500 Insurance Coverage: Consumer Insureds; Personal Injury: General Grand Rapids 616.301.3333 Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury: Transportation Lansing 517.394.7500 Insurance Coverage: Consumer Insureds; Personal Injury: General Lansing 517.394.7500 Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury Plaintiff: Product Liability Kalamazoo 866.758.0031 Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury Plaintiff: Product Liability Birmingham 248.565.2690 Class Action/Mass Tort Plaintiff Birmingham 248.565.2690 Civil Rights; Class Act/Mass Tort; PI: Gen; PI: Prof’l Mal; PI Plntff: Prod Liab Southfield 248.351.3000 Elder; Trust/Will/Estate Bloomfield Hills 248.642.6655 Arts/Entertainment/Sports; Family Rochester 248.841.2200 Class Action/Mass Tort Plaintiff Bloomfield Hills 248.784.5081 Family Grand Rapids 616.752.2367 Family Bloomfield Hills 248.784.5178 Family Southfield 248.353.9400 Social Security Disability; Workers’ Compensation Birmingham 248.642.0333 Adoption/Reproductive Technology; Family; ADR: Family Troy 248.247.7070 Bankruptcy: Individual
These EMERGING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Michigan who are age 40 or younger OR who have been admitted to the practice of law for 10 or fewer years. Sarah E. Pangburn Emily D. Hessenthaler John J. Giarmarco Adrianna Agosta Nichol Angelo Donofrio Paige D. Ryterski Lauren Kissel Kelly Todd Max Waldman
Blue Chip Estate Planning PLLC Eisenberg & Spilman PLLC Giarmarco Mullins & Horton PC Howard & Howard PLLC Lucido & Manzella PC Ryterski Law Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm Sinas Dramis Law Firm
Farmington Hills Birmingham Troy Royal Oak Clinton Township Birmingham Lansing Lansing Lansing
248.873.3244 Elder; Trust/Will/Estate 248.469.0613 Family 248.457.7202 Elder; Tax: Individual; Trust/Will/Estate 248.723.0497 Trust/Will/Estate 586.228.3900 Criminal Defense: DUI; Criminal Defense: Felonies/Misdemeanors 586.265.2645 Family 517.394.7500 Personal Injury: General 517.394.7500 Personal Injury: General 517.394.7500 Personal Injury: General
A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading or Emerging Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading or Emerging Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to
www.LeadingLawyers.com A Division of Law Bulletin Media – est. 1854
Sit back, relax, and enjoy homeownership sooner with LMCU. The hunt for your new house is at your local LMCU branch. Our neighborhood experts will simplify the mortgage process with personalized service, industry-low closing costs, and down payments as low as 3%.* So pull up a chair and connect with a loan officer who knows your local market: visit LMCU.org/Mortgage or call (844) 754-6280. *For well-qualified borrowers. LMCU NMLS #442967
MTG_2026_14578 MI Blue Magazine Print Ad_Fall v2.indd 1
DowHomeStudio
AldenBDow
8/3/26 9:07 AM
Explore this Mid-Century Modern oasis of nature, architecture, and inspiration.
Tours available Tuesday-Saturday 315 Post Street Midland, MI Reservation required, visit abdow.org or call 866.315.7678.
PHOTO BY TONY MEYES, MICHIGAN DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY
M I C H I GA N B LU E FALL 2026
DESIGN CURRENTS
A saltwater plunge pool is just what the doctor ordered for this Saugatuck homeowner. Interested in adding one to your backyard? Read about this home’s most popular spot inside this section.
S BY
Katy Klimczuk STUDIO VISIT
Plein Air on the Peninsula Artist Stephanie Schlatter captures the shadows, light, and scenery of Leelanau 30 M I C H I GA N B LU E
tephanie Schlatter began her career as a hairdresser, but once she picked up a paintbrush, she couldn’t stop painting. She took art classes at Grand Rapids Community College and then traveled to Mexico, Italy, and Spain to study with native artists. In Mexico, she learned to paint what she felt. In Italy, it was more about keeping the painting true to reality. “Different cultures value different things about art,” Schlatter explains. Other early sources of inspiration include the Fauvists and Picasso. “I’m attracted to audacity in art when an artist might leave a small amount of canvas showing or not correct themselves or blend colors,” she says. “Boldness attracts me.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHANIE SCHLATTER; PORTRAIT BY MARC SCHLATTER
This page, clockwise from top: “We’ll Make It Through,” by Stephanie Schlatter, conveys absolute serenity as cool tones mingle amid a few warm shades. Schlatter, in her element. The artist’s “Interlude” draws the eye inward and beyond.
DESIGN CURRENTS
When it comes to her thoughts on plein air painting, artist Stephen Duren, who was the first artist she knew who painted on location, came to mind. “A little seed was planted, but my preference to paint plein air is about the lifestyle,” she says. While she finds her style most closely aligned with modern Impressionism, she says she doesn’t like to be defined by a category. Rather, the bold artists who have gone before her inspire her to continue searching, hoping she never fully arrives. Loyal to landscapes, the oil painter can regularly be found near her home in Glen Arbor. Schlatter grew up in Grand Rapids but regularly traveled up north, craving the beauty of nature and the solitude that it offers. After many years of quick visits, she decided to put down roots in her favorite place, and settling in Glen Arbor has provided near-immediate access to all the beauty the Leelanau Peninsula has to offer — including Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan, both daily sources of inspiration. In northwest Michigan, an artistic haven, plein air painting sessions are regularly offered through local art centers. “Each art center does a plein air weekend or day-long competition annually, just once a year. I also belong to two plein air groups that meet weekly at different locations
throughout the season,” she says. Although this gives artists like Schlatter access to private properties and plenty of inspiration, she finds opportunities on her own, as well. “I’ve been in the dunes endlessly. I love the rolling hills, I love to tailgate-paint out the back side of my car — these gorgeous vistas and roads lead to lakes that just lead to beautifulness.” As enticing as it may sound, however, painting plein air isn’t for the indecisive. Due to the rapidly-changing light and weather, Schlatter’s outdoor paintings must be completed in three and a half hours or less. “That’s the longest I paint one painting. Sometimes I work on them later in the studio, but during a competition they must be completed on location that day. You’ve just got you and that one canvas having a dialogue, and you’ve only got so long to do it,” she says. Plein air painting in autumn in northern Michigan is both rigorous and rewarding. The symphony of colors that fall provides is a painter’s dream. Like Monet painting haystacks in different light, artists like Schlatter often paint the same subject throughout different seasons and in different types of light. She says she returns to favorite trees, roads, and the dunes in the fall, motivated by the sharp color contrast
the autumnal light provides. Schlatter says a hush falls over the Leelanau Peninsula come autumn. There are fewer people and events, opening up her soul to a more contemplative experience. “It’s like painting the grand finale of a fireworks display,” she says.
More Information
Stephanie Schlatter’s artwork can be found at Arbor Gallery (of which she is a co-owner), in Glen Arbor. You can follow along with her artistic adventures on Instagram: @stephanieschlatter, or visit her website: stephanieschlatterfineart.com.
Top: Schlatter’s “Coming Home” showcases the artist’s passion for northwest Michigan. Right: “Tumbling the Dice” was painted on location along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Empire.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
31
DESIGN CURRENTS BY
Giuseppa Nadrowski
2
1
4 3
5 12
6
8
11
10 7
9
THE ELEMENTS
Cozy Cooking Making homemade chili, veggie soup, or a pot of stew for fall gatherings? These stylish items are the perfect ingredients! 1. Le Creuset’s Mini Pumpkin Cocotte is back this season, and perfect for individual portions of soup, casseroles, and more. $50, ACORN FARM, Milford, acornfarm.com, lecreuset.com. 2. For 2026, Le Creuset gives its iconic Pumpkin Collection a fairytale twist with rich hues, textures, and tones inspired by the season’s harvest. ACORN FARM, Milford, acornfarm.com, lecreuset.com. 3. Sustainably sourced from FSC®-certified teak forests and crafted using a zero-waste production method, the Teak Haus Traditional Carving Board is an eco-conscious staple for your kitchen. $140, THE BUTLER PANTRY, Saugatuck, thebutlerpantry.com. 4. Crate & Barrel takes the classic Oven Mitt and gives it some edge with a chic fall plaid pattern and a luxurious, organic cotton fabric. $16.95, CRATE & BARREL, Novi, crateandbarrel.com. 5. Not only does Vietri’s Wildlife Pheasant Handled Olive Oil Bottle feature a handpainted design crafted by Italian artisans; it’s also the ideal way to store and serve your finest olive oils. $124, CUTLER’S, Petoskey, cutlersonline, vietri. com. 6. Elevate the everyday with Ferm Living’s Cairn Grinder at Design Within Reach. This sculptural piece works for a variety of spices including salt, pepper, coriander, and more. $115, area DESIGN WITHIN REACH stores, dwr.com. 7. Whether they’re used for hosting the main dish or for styling some sides, Vietri’s Wildlife Deer Handled Deep Serving Bowl is sure to add a rustic yet refined element to any meal. $200, CUTLER’S, Petoskey, cutlersonline, vietri.com. 8. Featuring a hand-painted finish, this Fantastical Forest Stoneware Pheasant Tureen from Pottery Barn ensures dinner will be served in style. $149, area POTTERY BARN stores, potterybarn.com. 9. Hay’s terracotta Barro Bowls were fashioned by Portuguese designer Rui Pereira, and are sure to add a warm and timeless aesthetic to your table setting. Set of 2, $49, area DESIGN WITHIN REACH stores, dwr.com. 10. Flatware that’s anything but, Vietri’s Settimocielo Sauce Ladle is sure to glimmer when it’s stove-side. $90, CUTLER’S, Petoskey, cutlersonline, vietri.com. 11. The Butler Pantry’s owner, Stephanie Burt, loves this green Staub Dutch Oven — a French-made classic — for soups and stews. From $160, THE BUTLER PANTRY, Saugatuck, thebutlerpantry.com, staubc.com. 12. From its heat-treated, high-alloy Swedish 14C28N steel to the dark walnut wood magnetic Saya-style sheath and the ergonomic handle, the AKKA SERIES 5.5-inch Prep Utility Knife from Cangshan Cutlery ensures a razor-sharp edge when chopping your veggies. $69.95, THE FRONT PORCH, Suttons Bay, frontporchsuttonsbay.com, cangshancutlery.com. 32
M I C H I GA N B LU E
DESIGN CURRENTS
D E S I G N S TA R S
Cool Pool Bath Before or after a dip or dive, this space keeps the splashy vibes going BY
Giuseppa Nadrowski PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Joseph Tiano
Clockwise from left: This pool bath is swimming in beauty with a window treatment that features a polka dot pattern and whimsical Fabricut trim, while the ceiling steals the show with a Harlequin aquatic print wallpaper. Designer Ruth Casper dipped into her treasure chest of creative ideas for this project.
W
hen interior designer Ruth Casper was called to renovate the poolside bath of a client’s home, the initial goal was to blend “functionality and aesthetics.” The homeowner, having already completed multiple renovations spanning some 16 years — “I did my first project in this home,” says Casper, whose studio is based in Troy’s Michigan Design Center — wanted to transform this formerly dark and dated, chocolate-hued
space into an elegant, water-inspired retreat. “(The homeowner) loves a little glam, so we wanted to do something dynamic,” Casper says. “She’s out of the box and trusts me to do the fun things.” Evoking the shimmering hues of the adjacent outdoor pool, Casper wanted something that was energetic but also calming. When she discovered the wallpaper that she eventually used on the ceiling — a gorgeous abstract aquatic print from Harlequin called Reflected Obsidian — the design direction officially set sail. “That wallpaper was the launching point,” Casper says. “We designed a custom vanity (from Hollywood Cabinets in Shelby Township) in more of a calming palette, so the wow factor was on the ceiling — like an accent wall.” To add some sparkle, Casper chose cabinet pulls from Sietto that are crafted in a glimmering white glass. High-shine fixtures like the Brizo Invaria faucet, Hudson Valley Harlem sconces, and the Uttermost Lennox mirror deliver just the right amount of glamour, while custom drapery from Anna Elisabeth with a Fabricut trim in Rivulet Sapphire lend a pop of the unexpected. “We played a lot with texture and different materials to give the space cohesiveness,” the designer says. Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light, a tranquil pale blue, was used on the walls and custom millwork, to bring focus to the statement tiles on the flooring and in the shower (both from Viriginia Tile). “We wanted everything else to just be a calming accent,” Casper adds. While the bath is situated just outside the home’s pool and patio, it’s also in a portion of the residence that can easily be transformed into a mother-in-law suite, if need be. Because of that potential, creating a room that was ADA-accessible was also a priority for Casper. She added a stylish grab bar and a custom floating seat to the shower, and designed the space to accommodate a scooter with a zero-clearance flooring transition and room for maneuverability. She chose materials that are easy to maintain and can withstand moisture, but also “look wonderful.” Casper is delighted with how the bath turned out, noting that the client hosts a lot of parties throughout the year and people are always like, “Go check out that bathroom!” Says Casper: “It’s become a conversation point!”
More Information Ruth Casper Design ruthcasperdesign.com
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
33
DESIGN CURRENTS
BY
Giuseppa Nadrowski D E S I G N S TA R S
Backyard Oasis A stylish plunge pool with some nifty landscaping injected a big dose of fun and relaxation into this home
says. “A few years later, a friend showed me a Del Prado Pools & Spa installation of a Soake Pools in a local magazine, and I reached back out.” Plunge-style pools originated in Europe and Asia, and have been trending recently due to their smaller scale and wellnessfocused hydrotherapy. Since 2014, Soake Pools, a family-owned and operated business, has sought to bring these revolutionary designs stateside with their original, USA-made, saltwater plunge pools crafted in-house and delivered fully complete and
Below: Christine Marvin’s pretty plunge pool layout, at her Saugatuck home.
POOL PHOTOS BY TONY MEYES, MICHIGAN DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY
A
“
private little resort” is what Christine Marvin was hoping to create at her home in Saugatuck when she called on Jon Kramer, of Douglas-based Kramer Services, to transform her patio with 700-pound pavers. “The backyard started as an open, uneven space, and I really wanted it to feel warm and inviting,” she says. “Once (the patio) was in place, the pool eventually fell into place around it.” And that’s where New Hampshire-based Soake Pools dived in to help. Knowing that she wouldn’t be swimming laps, Marvin said a full-size pool “didn’t feel necessary.” Soake Pools, known for their compact, year-round, pre-cast concrete plunge pools, instead “felt genuinely luxurious compared to a hot tub or swim spa,” she says. “And because it’s in-ground, it blends nicely into the surroundings, rather than feeling like something just set down in the yard.” Marvin first discovered Soake Pools in 2021. At that time, the company didn’t have a local installer, so the idea of having her own “went on the back burner for a bit,” she
DESIGN CURRENTS
KRISTEN STONE PORTRAIT COURTESY OF SOAKE POOLS
Right: The homeowner’s backyard retreat is replete with comfy lounge chairs, alluring landscaping, and the ever-inviting plunge pool. Inset: Soake Pools’ Kristen Stone says to give the location a lot of thought when planning for a plunge pool.
ready to install at your home. Soake Pools works with installers nationwide to help facilitate the final installation, and thanks to their partnership with Del Prado Pools & Spa in Grandville, Marvin’s vision to create her very own retreat was one step closer. “Tim Walcot and his team were amazing,” she says. “They collaborated closely with the Soake Pools team and all of our subcontractors, and made what could have been a complicated process feel remarkably seamless. It was worth the wait.” What has really helped Soake Pools’ petite powerhouses gain attention is that not only do their pools offer less maintenance (their plunge pools hold just under 3,000 gallons of water, whereas a traditional larger-style pool uses well above 10,000), but they also make year-round use possible, notes Sasha Mulcahey, director of marketing at Soake Pools. “Some people just don’t want a large pool to take up their entire backyard, and it can only be used for three months.” The temperature of Soake Pools is controlled from an app and can be altered throughout the day, allowing you to have a cool place to dip in the day and a hot tub at night. “I love that it’s easy and ready to go,” Marvin shares. “I don’t really have to think about it until I’m ready to jump in.” Soake Pools offers four different sizes; the largest, at 7 by 13 feet, is what Marvin chose for her home. The company also offers a 4-by-4-foot cold plunge. Adding an automatic cover is also an option, and one Marvin selected for peace of mind. “The decision to go with the automatic cover was multifaceted. There’s the safety side — I have a dog, and we back up to the woods, so there’s no shortage of deer and wildlife wandering through,” she says. But, she notes, “It’s just convenient. It keeps
debris out and retains heat so we can use the pool year-round, which we did this winter.” Every Soake Pool comes hand-tiled, and with countless options to choose from. For Marvin, an ivory and beige check (which appears aqua from the water’s reflection) fit right into her backyard oasis. “Soake Pools had shared a pool featuring the checkered pattern, and I was really drawn to it,” she says. “It’s fun, but still timeless. From there, I worked with my interior designer, Nancy Von Ins (of west Michigan’s NV Interiors), to help me pick out the right tile color.” Additional options include adding seating, a current, and deciding whether you want the pool semi-raised or flush-mounted, as Marvin chose. “She knew she was going to do a flush installation, which is a little more modern,” Mulcahey says. To complete her personal sanctuary, Marvin worked with Von Ins to layer in all the details that she says make it feel like a true destination. “Nancy helped me curate the pergola, furniture, and all the finishing touches to help create zones that felt warm and intimate,” she says. For plantings and landscape design, she worked with Scotty Jacobs from ScottyGrows in Fennville. “I wanted the greenery to add whimsy and joy, and leaned on (Scotty’s) expertise to make sure everything was wildlife-friendly. When it came time to install the pool, Nancy and I worked with the Del Prado and Soake Pools teams to tie everything together. Tim at Del Prado suggested using concrete pavers to connect the patio and pool spaces. It’s simple, but really unifies the yard.” With her oasis complete in 2025, Marvin was able to host people around the pool this past winter — but she was most excited to share it over the summer, “in the season I really envisioned it for,” she says.
More Information Del Prado Pools & Spa delpradopools.com Kramer Services Kramerservices.com NV Interiors nvinteriorsmi.com ScottyGrows scottygrows.com Soake Pools soakepools.com
Soake Pools’ expert team offers some tips to consider for planning “the plunge” Location, location, location. “The client should keep in mind the placement of their pool,” says Kristen Stone, Soake Pools’ northwest territory manager. “Where will it be best? Where will it be easiest to get outside on cold days and most comfortable on a super-hot day, too? Should I put it right off a slider? Do I want to be able to sit at my kitchen window and look out at it?” R&R or movement? “Is the pool more for sitting and enjoying a glass of wine or iced tea after work, or might you want to work out in this pool?” Sasha Mulcahey, director of marketing at Soake Pools, asks. The team notes that Soake’s plunge pools aren’t just for soaking; there are options that transform the pools for active swimming by adding in a slipstream that creates a fully adjustable speed current. Hostess with the mostess. Interested in hosting guests? The team advises considering how much seating you’ll want. “We have customizable interior seating,” Mulcahey says, adding, “if you have a semi-raise, you can add even more seating around the pool.” Etcetera. Need the pool by a certain date? Mulcahey notes that while their lead times are only six to eight weeks, “the biggest thing clients should think about is who’s going to be their landscape partner (for installation).” While Soake Pools is happy to offer suggestions on partners in your area, Mulcahey says, “If you have your own landscape contractor, we’ll help (ensure) that team is as educated and trained up as possible.”
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
35
BY
Khristi S. Zimmeth PHOTOS BY
Andrew Haseltine, Knightwing Media
This lakeside renovation helps a family live large 36 M I C H I GA N B LU E
Expansive windows and 80 feet of lake frontage allow the owners of this Strawberry Lake residence to take in beautiful views year-round.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
37
A giant built-in fish tank in the foyer was among the list of negatives when the owners of a 1977 home contacted Ann Arbor-based Meadowlark Design + Build about renovating. Dark, rustic finishes, a cramped main-level kitchen with too many doorways and not enough storage, and an awkward floor plan were among the other less-than-loved features, shares Melanie Grabarkiewicz, the designer who helped the family with the project. The 2,650-square-foot house had one major positive: its location, which includes almost 80 feet of frontage on Strawberry Lake, near Pinckney. “The homeowners bought the house for the lakefront,” the designer says, explaining that they had been looking for a property on water, and the house fit the bill. Frequent entertainers
with a blended family, they also liked the half-acre lot and walk-out lower level, but the star attraction was its prime location on a chain of lakes with ample opportunity to fish, kayak, and boat on multiple waterways. Living on the water full time, they say, offers more opportunities to enjoy the activities they love, both by themselves and with family and friends. What the couple didn’t love was the fact that the four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home had small windows that didn’t maximize those views. Fans of cleaner lines and aesthetics, they also wanted a more contemporary look, with some softness including wood tones and a more efficient and open floor plan to take full advantage of the available space and views. The renovation, the designer says, offered the couple a “chance to bring a more cohesive and current style to the home, while shaping it around how they actually live.” The original house “was very 1970s” and felt “small and boxy,” the designer remembers, adding that “everything felt very closed off.” The project’s goals included improving both the function and aesthetics of the main floor, including the kitchen/ dining/living area, and maximizing lake
Both pages, clockwise from left: A guest bath features grays and slate blues, with complementary brass accents. The eating area and kitchen are no longer small and boxy, as it was pre-renovation. An open and airy pass-through allows for both excellent function and beautiful aesthetics.
38 M I C H I GA N B LU E
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
39
Right: The homeowners are especially fond of the main floor living space, with its sparkling lake views and eight skylights that allow them to watch the clouds.
Left: The lowerlevel’s stylish bar is welcoming, whether sitting at the counter or lounging in a comfy chair. College sports decor adds to the inviting ambience.
views and access with larger windows and sliding doors. Other changes included recladding the main floor living area’s rustic stone fireplace with a more contemporary porcelain tile (“they wanted a clean, simple look without a lot of fuss,” the designer notes), adding new windows, and replacing the floor’s original patchwork of materials with consistent flooring. The team upgraded the kitchen by stealing space from a first-floor office and hall, giving it a more open and contemporary feel, and adding room for a much-needed pantry (it replaced the aquarium) to make entertaining easier. A crisp black-and-white palette in the kitchen unites the new area with the nearby living area; black accents throughout the home tie the renovated spaces together. “Even though there are dark accents, the house feels bright,” the designer says, adding that the homeowners are especially fond of the main floor living space, with its sparkling lake views and eight skylights that allow them to watch the clouds. The initial plan was to tackle the lower level later, but ultimately the homeowners 40 M I C H I GA N B LU E
decided to go ahead and create the entertaining room they dreamed of rather than waiting. The lower-level part of the project included incorporating a deck, patio, and fire pit, and ensuring easy access to the lake. “They wanted all the levels to feel cohesive, and (they wanted) a stronger connection between indoors and out,” the designer explains. The lower-level family room boasts a stylish bar and is now a place where their blended family and adult children can play games, listen to music, enjoy sporting events, or work out in the new gym. The deck and nearby dock offer perfect perches for watching boats, fishing, and relaxing. The result is a flexible, inviting home that balances sleek design with everyday comfort, the designer says. The homeowners say the renovation accomplished everything they had hoped for, including giving them both the opportunity and the perfect place to slow down, relax, and savor lake living. “Most evenings,” the happy homeowners say, “we just sit outside and enjoy the view.”
DESIGN SAMPLER
A few of designer Melanie Grabarkiewicz’s favorite elements
1. Visual Comfort Agnes Pendant (pendants over the island) “With its sleek matte black exterior and warm gold interior, this pendant strikes the perfect balance of beauty and function. The reflective interior casts a soft, inviting glow while providing the task lighting every hardworking kitchen needs.”
as a work of art suspended above the dining table. Its aged brass finish adds warmth and elegance, while casting a beautifu, ambient glow that brings the room together.”
4. Top Knobs Riverside Pulls in Honey Bronze (kitchen cabinet hardware)
2. HexArt Deco Blanco 8-inch Porcelain Tile (bar backsplash) “This bold blackand-white hexagon tile offers endless possibilities for customization, allowing the pattern to become a oneof-a-kind design feature. It’s a graphic statement that brings artistry to the entertaining space.”
PORTRAIT COURTESY OF MEADOWLARK DESIGN + BUILD
3. Visual Comfort Grace 30 Chandelier (dining chandelier) “More than a light fixture, this sculptural chandelier serves
“Clean lines and a refined profile give these pulls a timeless appeal, while the honey bronze finish introduces warmth without the brightness of traditional brass. It’s a subtle detail that elevates the entire kitchen.”
5. Thompson Traders Rivera Copper Prep Sink (bar sink) “A hand-hammered copper sink adds an unexpected moment of character to the bar area. The rich finish and artisanal texture create depth and warmth, proving that even the most functional elements can become standout design features.”
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
41
Fine art photographer Sheen Watkins inspires observers of her photos to immerse themselves in stunning atmospheric scenery Text by Megan Swoyer Sheen Watkins, inset photo, is a fine-art photographer and writer whose work reflects the connection between presence, places, and the natural world. Rooted in Michigan for more than 30 years, Watkins says she finds inspiration in the state’s beautiful blue lakes, forests rich in flora and fauna, and everchanging light. While she embraces travel across the U.S., she always looks forward to returning home to Northport, where Lake Michigan offers many shades and hues of her favorite color — blue. From pastel sunrises to bold night skies glowing with an intense Aurora Borealis, she creates imagery that invites viewers to pause, reflect, and experience the landscape on a deeper level. Her photographs blend artistry with a strong sense of atmosphere, as she captures moments of beauty, solitude, and discovery across all four seasons. Beyond photography and Michigan, Watkins writes about art, travels, nature, and the stories that emerge when we slow down enough to notice them. Watkins says her work is guided by curiosity, daily joys found in the natural environment, and a desire to inspire meaningful connection.
A cherry farm in Northport, with Lake Michigan beyond, was photographed with a drone. Come sunset, the fall colors in the trees' foliage become even more astounding.
42 M I C H I GA N B LU E
That short period during twilight, just a few minutes before sunrise, is one of Sheen Watkins' favorite times to capture Great Lakes beauty. Here, at the marina in Northport, Watkins managed to blend a feeling of fleeting stillness that's enhanced with rose pinks and smoky violets envelopng sleeping sailboats. Good photographers are ready at a moment's notice for whatever Mother Nature has up her sleeve. Here, at about 1 a.m., Watkins' diligence paid off as the northern lights shone over Lake Superior at the Porcupine Mountains State Park/Union Bay campground. The spectacular sky show, also known as the aurora borealis, occurs when charged particles from the sun travel toward Earth and crash into gases in our upper atmosphere.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
43
Caption here.
Lake Fanny Hooe, a 227-acre wonder in the Upper Peninsula's Keweenaw County, is awe-inspiring when viewed right before sunrise. The photographer used a drone for this breathtaking image. The lake sits adjacent to and is partially bordered by Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor.
44 M I C H I GA N B LU E
A mid-morning stop in October along the shores of Lake Superior between Marquette and Munising paid off in glittery golds and oranges complemented by cobalt and sapphire blues. Add in smooth sands and intricate rock formations and you get pure Upper Peninsula.
Watkins refers to this painting-like photo, taken in Empire during the late afternoon, as "Lake Michigan Blues." Between and around the curls and lips of the mesmerizing Lake Michigan waves the energetic water dances, emitting a multide of blues — from cerulean and azure to turquoise and indigo. Whitewater tops are icing on the cake, making the blues pop even more. Meanwhile, the sky's soft palette caps the overall mood.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
45
At around sunset, Watkins used a drone flying from her yard in Northport to depict the never-ending beauty along Lake Michigan. Located near the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, the Northport region lies on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay, providing countless photo opportunities for the photographer.
Sheen Watkins, who has served the local art community as a long-term board member of the Northport Arts Association, is the organization’s current president. She’s also a docent for the Leelanau Conservancy, and credits the group for giving her the inspiration to move to Northport from Birmingham several years ago. You can view Watkins’ photography at sheenwatkins.art, and read her reflections behind the work at apertureandlight.com.
46 M I C H I GA N B LU E
GOLF COURSE PHOTO BY MEGAN SWOYER; FOOD PHOTO COURTESY OF TREETOPS RESORT
Celebrate fall with a progressive dinner paired with gorgeous foliage amid northern Michigan’s beautiful hills and valleys
PHOTO BY MEGAN SWOYER
M
y husband and I jumped into our golf cart at the Robert Trent Jones Masterpiece Golf Course and headed out with other fall color enthusiasts to take in some brilliant autumn scenes, thanks to the undulating elevations at Treetops Resort near Gaylord. Although we weren’t sure what to expect after registering for the resort’s Progressive Fall Color Dinner, we were not disappointed. Each tour element was a surprise — including the yummy nibbles, Michigan-made wines and beers, and the amazing photo ops at every turn. Our guide gave us ample time to enjoy the hors d’oeuvres, wines, beers, and more atop expansive golf greens, tee boxes, and other gorgeous spots before ending the outdoor tour at the resort’s restaurant, where a
BY
Megan Swoyer
Event participants tour the course.
special table had been set for the tour participants. “We’ve been doing this event since 2019 and it’s always popular. I think people like experiences and doing something different, and this sure isn’t a typical dinner out,” the resort’s general manager, Barry Owens, says. Treetops Resort, known for its collection of five premier golf courses, has a culinary team that’s led by Food and Beverage Director Brian Smith. Smith says this year, he’ll be offering the following fare on the course tour: • An autumn cucumber salad that features thinly-sliced cucumbers, pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, shaved FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
47
carrots, and crumbled feta, all lightly dressed with oil and vinegar and finished with a balsamic reduction. • Meatballs glazed in a sweet and smoky Michigan cherry sauce. • Velvety butternut squash bisque, served with a crispy garlic crostino.
Plan It!
Progressive Fall Color Dinners run Oct. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10, and are $154.99 per person. Or consider the resort’s overnight package, which is $240 per person and includes lodging, the fall dinner experience, and breakfast. Reserve a spot by visiting treetops.com or calling 888-TREETOPS (989-732-6711).
Here: Photo ops, camaraderie, and a Michigan autumn evening are a few of the progressive fall color dinner ingredients.
Above: This braised short rib dish is on the menu this year at Treetops’ progressive fall color dinner.
Past and Current Culinary Color Tour Recipes from Chef Brian Smith, Treetops Resort Braised Short Rib with Roasted Root Vegetables, Buttermilk Mash, and Apple Cider Demi-Glace A comforting fall entrée featuring tender, slow-braised beef short ribs, creamy buttermilk golden potato mash, roasted seasonal root vegetables, and a glossy apple cider demi-glace. Rich, hearty, and full of autumn flavor, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or special seasonal gathering. Serves 4
Braised Short Rib Ingredients 2½ to 3 pounds beef short ribs 2 dried ancho peppers 1 dried guajillo pepper 3 garlic cloves ½ yellow onion, roughly chopped 4 to 6 cups beef bone stock, or enough to just cover the short ribs ½ cup white wine 1 to 2 tablespoons oil, for searing Salt and pepper, to taste
48 M I C H I GA N B LU E
Preparation Preheat oven to 300°. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, then remove from the pot and set aside. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom to build flavor. Place the dried ancho and guajillo peppers in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, or until softened. Blend the softened
peppers with the onion, garlic, and a small amount of beef bone stock until smooth. Add the blended pepper mixture to the pot, then return the short ribs. Add enough bone stock to just cover the meat. Cover and braise in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are forktender and pull apart easily. Remove the short ribs from the braising liquid and keep warm until ready to serve. Serve on croutons or crackers.
GOLF COURSE PHOTO BY MEGAN SWOYER; FOOD PHOTO COURTESY OF TREETOPS RESORT
The final stop is at the resort’s Top of the Hill restaurant, where guests will enjoy live entertainment and can choose from entrées including braised beef short ribs with mashed potatoes and roasted root veggies; bourbon maple pork chops, served with mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts; roasted airline chicken breast, also with mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables; or Great Lakes walleye with all the fixings and an apple cider beurre blanc. Vegetarians will appreciate the roasted autumn vegetable risotto option, which is served with roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and more. If guests still have room after the main course, they can enjoy a warm French apple cake served with ice cream and caramel sauce. Recipes follow.
Roasted Root Vegetables
black pepper, and the slightest hint of Dijon mustard. Keep warm.
Ingredients ½ red onion 1 carrot 1 parsnip 1 small sweet potato 1 to 2 tablespoons oil Salt and pepper, to taste
Cider-Glazed Root Vegetables Ingredients 1 cup parsnips, peeled and diced 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 cup red onion, roughly sliced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ cup apple cider Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Preheat oven to 325°. Cut all vegetables into even-sized pieces. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper, then spread onto a sheet tray in a single layer. Roast for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
Buttermilk Golden Potato Mash Ingredients 2 pounds golden potatoes, peeled if desired ¼ cup sour cream 4 tablespoons butter ¼ cup buttermilk, plus more as needed Salt and pepper, to taste Preparation Steam or boil the potatoes until tender. They should fall apart easily when pierced with a fork. While the potatoes are still hot, place them in a mixer with the sour cream, butter, and buttermilk. Whip with the whisk attachment until smooth and creamy. Add more buttermilk as needed to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ADOBE STOCK
Apple Cider Demi-Glace Ingredients 1 cup demi-glace ½ cup apple cider 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons minced shallots 1 garlic clove, smashed 1 tablespoon butter or oil 1 sprig thyme 1 small sprig rosemary 1 small bay leaf 1 teaspoon Dijon
mustard 1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup, optional 1 tablespoon cold butter, to finish Salt and pepper, to taste Preparation In a small sauce pan, sweat the shallots and garlic in butter or oil until soft and fragrant. Add the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, and bring to a boil. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Reduce the mixture until syrupy and reduced by about two-thirds. Add the demi-glace and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Just before serving, whisk in cold butter for a smooth, polished finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To Plate Spoon the buttermilk golden potato mash onto the plate and top with the braised short rib. Arrange the roasted root vegetables alongside the beef. Finish with a generous spoonful of apple cider demi-glace over the short rib and serve warm.
Iron-Seared Amish Chicken with CiderGlazed Root Vegetables and Foraged Mushroom Cream This dish captures the rustic elegance of farmstead cooking — earthy mushrooms, sweet cider-kissed roots, and perfectly seared Amish chicken — crafted with slow,
deliberate care. Serves 4 Iron-Seared Amish Chicken Ingredients 4 Amish chicken breasts or thighs, skin on Salt and cracked black pepper 2 tablespoons neutral oil or clarified butter Preparation Pat the chicken dry and season generously. In a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, sear skin-side down until deeply golden and crisp. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken reaches 165° internally. Let rest briefly. Foraged Mushroom Cream Ingredients 2 cups mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, or foraged varieties) 1 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon flour (for roux) ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (just a touch) Salt and pepper, to taste Preparation Preheat the oven to 275°. Spread the mushrooms on a baking tray and roast slowly until deeply browned and crisp around the edges — nearly “burnt” in appearance, with concentrated flavor (about 45-60 minutes). In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a light roux. Stir in the heavy cream and let gently thicken. Add the roasted mushrooms to the cream mixture and puree until silky. Season with salt,
Preparation Toss the parsnips, sweet potato, and red onion with a touch of oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 275° until tender and caramelized around the edges. In a sauté pan, melt the butter and add the roasted vegetables. Splash with apple cider and cook until the liquid reduces to a glossy glaze. Adjust seasoning to taste. To Plate Spoon a bed of mushroom cream onto each plate. Nestle the iron-seared chicken over the sauce and arrange the ciderglazed root vegetables alongside. Finish with flaky salt or fresh herbs if desired.
Mediterranean Flatbread with Merguez, Pickled Onion and Mint A vibrant expression of Eastern Mediterranean flavors, this flatbread layers smoky sausage, creamy hummus, and bright herbs over firekissed naan. It’s rustic, bold, and meant to be shared. Serves 4 Flatbread Ingredients 4 pieces of naan, grilled or warmed 8 oz. sausage (Merguez is a chef favorite), cooked and sliced 1 cup hummus (classic or roasted garlic) ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled Fresh mint leaves, torn or chiffonade
Sausage and Naan Base Preparation Lightly char the naan over a grill or in a castiron pan to develop smoke and warmth. Brown the sausage in a skillet until cooked through and crisp at the edges. Slice into coins or crumble. Pickled Onions Ingredients 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced ½ cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt Quick Pickled Onions Preparation In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add sliced red onions and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight, for deeper flavor). Drain before using. Assembly Spread a generous layer of hummus over the warm naan. Top with Merguez sausage, pickled onions, and crumbled feta. Finish with fresh mint for a cool, herbal lift.
Tuscan Bruschetta with Gigande Bean Purée and Pepper Conserva
A refined take on classic bruschetta, this Tuscan-inspired bite celebrates simplicity — creamy white beans, sweet, preserved peppers, and sharp pickled onion layered over golden focaccia. Earthy, sweet, and tangy in perfect balance. Serves 6-8 (as an appetizer) Focaccia Crostini Ingredients 1 loaf focaccia, cut into thick slices Olive oil, for brushing Flaky salt Preparation Brush focaccia slices with olive oil and toast in a hot oven or grill until crisp at the edges but soft within. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Gigande Bean Purée Ingredients 2 cups cooked Gigande or large white beans (can substitute butter beans) 2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, grated or minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice Salt and black pepper to taste Preparation In a food processor, blend the beans with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning to taste — it should be rich, earthy, and bright. Pepper Conserva Ingredients 1 cup roasted red peppers, finely diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar Pinch of chili flake (optional) Salt, to taste Preparation Toss roasted peppers with olive oil, vinegar, chili flake, and salt. Let marinate to deepen the flavor. Pickled Onion Ingredients 1 small red onion, thinly sliced ½ cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt Preparation Combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add onions and let sit at least 30 minutes. Drain before serving. Assembly Spread each focaccia crostini with a swoosh of Gigande bean purée, then spoon on the pepper conserva and top with a few strands of pickled onion. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs if desired. To Serve Arrange on a wooden board or platter. Serve at room temperature.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
49
2026 BEST OF BLUE
Here: The best Town for Dining in the Upper Peninsula is Mackinac Island, according to Blue readers. A handmade poppie and a cool beverage at the island’s Watercolor Cafe create quite a stir.
The results of our readers’ favorites poll transport us to places and activities all over the state, from tasting fudge to perching atop a lighthouse to sipping wine in a vineyard. On the following pages, we reveal our online survey picks. Congratulations to the winners! 50 M I C H I GA N B LU E
Best Town with Unique Shops
North Inn at Bay Harbor
Southwest Big Red, Holland
Southwest Saugatuck/Douglas
Upper Peninsula Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
North Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington
Campgrounds
North Petoskey
Southeast Algonac State Park
Upper Peninsula Big Bay Point Lighthouse, Big Bay de Noc
Upper Peninsula Mackinac Island
Southwest Holland State Park
Town for Dining and Entertainment
North Petoskey State Park
Southeast Detroit
Upper Peninsula Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon
Southeast Marine City
Southwest Saugatuck/Douglas North Traverse City Upper Peninsula Mackinac Island
Beach Town Southeast Luna Pier Southwest South Haven North Traverse City Upper Peninsula Grand Marais PHOTOS COURTESY OF MACKINAC ISLAND TOURISM BUREAU (OPPOSITE PAGE); PETOSKEY AREA VISITORS BUREAU (THIS PAGE)
2026 BEST OF BLUE
Boating Town Southeast Port Huron Southwest Saugatuck/Douglas North Harbor Springs Upper Peninsula Les Cheneaux Islands
Hotel with a Water View Southeast St. Clair Inn Southwest Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
Below: Roast & Toast coffee shop, in Petoskey, is one of several unique stops in this northwest Michigan mecca. Michigan Blue readers named the town the best Town with Unique Shops in the north.
Vacation Rental Agency Southeast MiCasa Stays, Port Sanilac Southwest Bluewater Vacation Rentals, South Haven North Wander North Rentals, northern Michigan Upper Peninsula Freshwater Vacation Rentals, Upper Peninsula
Spot to View a Great Lake Southeast Port Huron, Lake Huron Southwest Pere Marquette Beach, Lake Michigan North Traverse City, Lake Michigan Upper Peninsula Whitefish Point, Lake Superior
Lighthouse Southeast Pointe Aux Barques, Port Hope
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
51
2026 BEST OF BLUE Festival Southeast Maritime Days, Marine City Southwest The Tulip Festival, Holland North National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Upper Peninsula State Fair, Escanaba
Scenic Road/ Highway Southeast M-29, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River Southwest Blue Star Highway, Lake Michigan North M-119, Lake Michigan Upper Peninsula M-185, Mackinac Island
Sunrise Location Southeast Albert E. Sleeper State Park, Caseville Southwest Silver Beach County Park, St. Joseph North Three Mile Beach, Oscoda Upper Peninsula Mackinac Island
North Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas Upper Peninsula Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, Copper Harbor
Swimming Beach Southeast Marine City Beach, Marine City Southwest Oval Beach, Saugatuck/Douglas North Empire Beach Village Park, Empire Upper Peninsula Miners Beach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Beach with Amenities Statewide Clinch Park Beach, Traverse City
Dog-friendly Beach Statewide Buttersville Beach, Ludington
Hidden Gem Beach
Sunset Location
Statewide Champagne Hill Sand Dune/Au Sable River, Oscoda
Southeast Harsens Island
Inland Lake
Southwest South Haven
Southeast Kent Lake, Kensington Metropark, Milford
North Petoskey Upper Peninsula Keweenaw Peninsula
State Park Southeast Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin
52
Southwest Holland State Park, Holland
M I C H I GA N B LU E
Southwest Gun Lake, Barry County North Torch Lake, Antrim County Upper Peninsula Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains State Park, Ontonagon County
“The Pointe Aux Barques lighthouse (Lighthouse/Southeast) brings back great memories for me. As a cottage owner in Caseville, we’d take our kids there often. The keeper’s house and tower are restored and you can observe how life was in the lighthouse. Plus, there’s a wonderful view of Lake Huron from the lighthouse.” — Lucy Simone, Troy and Caseville
2026 BEST OF BLUE
River for Fishing
Place to Buy a Boat
Yacht Club
Southeast St. Clair River
Southeast Rose Marine Services, Algonac
Southeast Bayview Yacht Club, Detroit
Southwest Gull Lake Marine, South Haven
Southwest Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, Holland
North Irish Boat Shop, Traverse City, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix
North Bay Harbor Yacht Club, Bay Harbor
Southwest Muskegon River North Au Sable River Upper Peninsula Two-Hearted River
Golf Course with a Water View Southeast Mystic Creek Golf Course & Banquet Center, Milford Southwest Gull Lake View Golf Resort, Augusta North Bay Harbor Golf Club, Bay Harbor
Upper Peninsula R&R Marine Supply, Sault Ste. Marie
Upper Peninsula Mackinac Island Yacht Club, Mackinac Island
Here: The Mackinac Island Yacht Club won first place in the Yacht Club/Upper Peninsula category. It’s housed in a 1901 cottage across from the original members’ dock.
Upper Peninsula Wild Bluff Golf Course, Brimley
Hiking Trail Southeast Bald Mountain, Lake Orion Southwest Kal Haven Trail, South Haven to Kalamazoo
TOURISM BUREAU (TOP RIGHT)
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL (ABOVE); WILL GARBINSKI (RIGHT); MACKINAC ISLAND
North Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Maple City
Above: The 100-yearold National Cherry Festival, in Traverse City, won top honors in the Festival/ North category. The DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade, the final major event of the festival, features the first official public appearance of the newly crowned National Cherry Queen. Here, Magdalen Kleinrichert waves to the crowd.
Upper Peninsula The Escarpment Trail, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
“My dad encouraged my husband to join the Mackinac Island Yacht Club (Yacht Club/Upper Peninsula) as a way to connect with the island community, and that’s now carried through generations. We love the club’s Thursday night dinner tradition!” — Leslie Benser Luciani, Birmingham and Mackinac Island
Bike Trail Southeast Bridge to Bay Trail, St. Clair County Southwest Kal Haven Trail, South Haven to Kalamazoo North Little Traverse Wheelway, Charlevoix to Harbor Springs Upper Peninsula Iron Belle Trail
Here: Mystic Creek Golf Course & Banquet Center, in Milford, garnered rave reviews in the Golf Course with a Water View/ Southeast category. With three nine-hole tracts, it’s a fun course to play, golfer Hutch Held says. FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
53
2026 BEST OF BLUE
Paddle Sports River Statewide Au Sable River
Outfitter Statewide True North Trout, East Jordan
Fishing Charter Statewide Plumber’s Helper Charter Service, Petoskey
North Ugotta Regatta, Little Traverse Yacht Club, Little Traverse Bay/ Harbor Springs Upper Peninsula Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Vacation Town Southeast Marine City Southwest Saugatuck/Douglas
Boating Race/ Regatta
North Traverse City
Southeast Bayview Mackinac Race, Port Huron
Upper Peninsula Marquette
Southwest Tripp Cup Memorial Race, Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, Macatawa
Waterfront Restaurant Southeast Mike’s on the Water, St. Clair Shores
bestof WINNER
54 M I C H I GA N B LU E
2026 BEST OF BLUE
“Mike’s on the Water (Waterfront Restaurant/ Southeast) is a popular hangout spot. If you’re craving a lobster roll or coconut shrimp, with a view, this is the spot. Regarding those lobster rolls, it must be the way they cook the lobster; they’re just fantastic.” — Skip Starr, Grosse Pointe Park
Southwest Sandy Point Beach House, West Olive North Breakers, Topinabee Upper Peninsula Horn’s Gaslight Bar & Restaurant, Mackinac Island
Bakery Southeast La Crème Pastry, Wyandotte Southwest Retro Bakery, Saugatuck North Gildas’ Lake Street Bakery, Boyne City Upper Peninsula Ramonas Bakery, Calumet
Breakfast Spot Southeast M-29 Diner, Ira Township Southwest Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, Holland North Boathouse Restaurant, Traverse City Upper Peninsula Harbor Haus, Copper Harbor
Beachtown Bar Southeast Gord’s Bar, Marine City
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT MUSKEGON (THIS PAGE); PURE MICHIGAN (ABOVE)
Southwest The Deck, Muskegon North Brandy’s, Bay Harbor Upper Peninsula Pink Pony, Mackinac Island
Brewery Statewide Shorts Brewing Co., Bellaire
Winery Statewide Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay and Traverse City
Coffee Shop Southeast Mad Hatter Coffee, Marine City
Southwest Happystance Dinette, Douglas North Alice’s Restaurant, Cheboygan Upper Peninsula Slim’s Café, Mohawk
Opposite page: The Bayview Mackinac Race is the No. 1 pick for Boating Race/Regatta/ Southeast. The Bayview Yacht Club held its inaugural competition in 1925. Below: What’s a beach town without a good waterfront bar? The Deck, in Muskegon, took first place in the Beachtown Bar/ Southwest category. Whether you’re there for the barbecue or the beautiful Lake Michigan views, this is one happening destination, with lots of unique seating options.
Southwest Infusco, Sawyer North Crooked River Coffee Shop, Alanson Upper Peninsula Provisions MQT, Marquette
Distillery Statewide Gypsy Distillery, Petoskey
Burger Southeast Mike’s on the Water, St. Clair Shores
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
55
Southeast Edsel & Eleanor Ford House’s Continental Restaurant, Grosse Pointe Shores Southwest Liquid Assets, Muskegon North Provisions Lounge, Boyne City Upper Peninsula Mary’s Bistro Draught House, Mackinac Island
Outdoor Dining Southeast WaterMark Bar and Grille, St. Clair Shores
56 M I C H I GA N B LU E
Southwest Captain Lou’s, South Haven
Upper Peninsula Loading Zone II, Lake Linden
North Weathervane Restaurant, Charlevoix
Pasty
Upper Peninsula Fitzgerald’s Restaurant, Eagle River
Pizza Southeast Detroit Beach Pizzeria, Monroe Southwest Silver Beach Pizza, St. Joseph North Vivio’s, Indian River
Statewide Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties, Traverse City
Fudge Southeast The Sweet Tooth, Marine City and St. Clair Southwest Sweet Temptations, Grand Haven North Kilwins, Petoskey, Ludington, Boyne City
Above: Cutler’s, in downtown Petoskey, won top honors in the Cottage Decor Shop/ North category. We can see why: It’s a long-standing, familyowned specialty gift and kitchen store that’s been operating since 1965. Shoppers will find a curated selection of upscale cookware, kitchen gadgets, home decor, tabletop accessories, and more. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETOSKEY AREA VISITORS BUREAU
Happy Hour
2026 BEST OF BLUE
Upper Peninsula Original Murdick’s Fudge, Mackinac Island
Place to Buy Furniture Southeast GW Home, Detroit Southwest Talsma, several locations North Quiet Moose, Petoskey Upper Peninsula Shunk Furniture, Marquette
Cottage Décor Shop Southeast Yellow Dog Marketplace, Clarkston Southwest The Porch & Co., Muskegon North Cutler’s, Petoskey Upper Peninsula Little Luxuries, Mackinac Island
Builder Southeast Kelly Building and Development Co., Birmingham Southwest North Cove Builders, Hudsonville North The Cottage Company, Harbor Springs Upper Peninsula Dickinson Homes, Iron Mountain
Art Gallery Southeast David Klein Gallery, Ferndale
“We absolutely love Monroe’s 60-plusyear-old, family-owned Detroit Beach Pizza (Pizza/Southeast) for its delicious pizza and pasta. It’s a place most would probably drive by, but their hand-tossed dough is one of our favorite pizza doughs — not too thin, not too thick, and just the right amount of cornmeal on the bottom. The baked mostaccioli is smothered in a cheese that’s baked to perfection.” — Lori Goins, Monroe
Southwest J. Petter Galleries, Douglas
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
57
2026 BEST OF BLUE
North Twisted Fish Gallery, Elk Rapids
Southwest Sears Architects, Grand Rapids
Upper Peninsula Zero Degrees Gallery, Marquette
North White & Liebler Architects, Petoskey
Interior Design
Upper Peninsula Barry J. Polzin Architects, Marquette
Southwest Jami Eldean at Shippers Construction, Holland North Cottage Company Interiors, Harbor Springs Upper Peninsula Mae Proper Interiors, Iron Mountain
Landscaping
Dock Company Southeast American Marine, White Lake Southwest Tucker Marine Construction, Saugatuck North Dock & Hoist Services, Traverse City
Southeast Mosher Design, Royal Oak
Upper Peninsula Feighner Boat Lifts & Docks, Gwinn
Southwest Alfresco Landscapes, Grand Rapids
Realty Company
North Drost Landscape, Petoskey Upper Peninsula Northern Landscapes, Marquette
Architect
Southwest The Sandi Gentry Team, Grand Haven Northern Michigan Kidd & Leavy Real Estate, Petoskey, Boyne City Upper Peninsula Gina Feltner Bouws – Re/Max 1st Realty, Marquette
PHOTO (RIGHT) COURTESY OF BETH SINGER
Southeast Kevin Hart & Associates, Birmingham
Southeast Kathy Broock – Kathy Broock & Co., Birmingham
Right: This sunroom, in a home with interiors by Cottage Company Interiors of Harbor Springs, showcases why the firm is the top pick of Blue readers in the Interior Design/North category. Classic, creative, and cozy are the company’s designers’ goals time and time again. Below: The Twisted Fish (Art Gallery/ North) is an art lover’s paradise.
58
M I C H I GA N B LU E
PHOTOS CREDIT TK TK TK TK TK TK TK TK TK TK
Southeast Jones-Keena & Co.
Caption
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
59
DE
No
TROI T
v. 2 - 8 , 2 0 2 6
ONE WEEK. COUNTLESS FLAVORS. EAT LOCAL. EARN POINTS. WIN PRIZES.
Dine your way through Metro Detroit's top restaurants during Detroit Restaurant Week. Enjoy exclusive three-course prix fixe menus for $36, $56, or $76 at participating restaurants across the region. Plus, $1 from every meal benefits the Rugiero Foundation, Pewabic Pottery, and COTS. Download the Detroit Restaurant Week app to check in, earn points, and compete for up to $1,000 in prizes.
Adelina Antonio's Cucina Italiana Antonio's Piccolo Ristorante Bell Bistro Besa
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS OUR SPONSORS:
Brome Cibo The Great Commoner Hiroki San Hyde Park Prime Steak House
PROCEEDS BENEFIT:
DOWNLOAD THE APP
RESTAUR ANTWEEKDETROIT.COM
Ike's Restaurant Le Supreme Novi Craft House Roman Village Cucina And More To Come!
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARSENS ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
M I C H I GA N B LU E FALL 2026
ANCHORS AWEIGH
Harsens Island, in the St. Clair River near Algonac, is accessible only by a car ferry or boat. Read about its wildlife refuge, which hosts an awesome waterfowl migration in the fall, in this section’s Discoveries department.
ANCHORS AWEIGH
S
TA S T I N G R O O M
Neighborly Drafts A love of agriculture and northern Michigan makes for a perfect storybook setting at this Petoskey microbrewery This page, clockwise from above: Elder Piper Beer + Cider founders Eeva and Trace Redmond. The brewery, with its welcoming environment, has become a popular meeting spot. Trace has up to 400 recipes under his belt.
62 M I C H I GA N B LU E
BY
Dianna Stampfler
Redmonds returned to Michigan, where Trace landed a job as head brewer at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs. Back in her neck of the woods, Eeva was drawn to her childhood neighborhood, which had recently launched an aggressive revitalization campaign. Focused on a dream of owning their own business, in 2023 they began renovating a 4,500-square-foot building at 923 Baxter St. that was constructed in 1929 by Bell Telephone. They then began the arduous process of turning the industrial building into a neighborhood gathering place. “A good part of our success is that we’re tucked into a neighborhood,” Eeva admits, referencing several new residential projects nearby, as well as the expansion of the paved Downtown Greenway, which
PHOTO OF INTERIOR COURTESY OF CHUCK MARSHALL, LIFE IN MICHIGAN; PORTRAIT AND BEER PHOTO COURTESY OF ELDER PIPER
omething magical is brewing in Petoskey’s Old Town Emmet neighborhood, where Eeva and Trace Redmond are taking their passion for craft beer and cider and turning it into a source of community pride at Elder Piper Beer + Cider. A native of Petoskey, Eeva grew up in the very neighborhood where the brewery now sits. She spent her senior year of high school as an exchange student in Belgium, where she fell in love with beer and the sense of culture it provides. Upon returning stateside, Eeva made her way to Kalamazoo College to study art history. There she met Trace, who was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and their fairy tale began to take shape. In addition to studying biology and chemistry, he was conducting academic ecological research on Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island and home-brewing on the side. After graduating in 2013, the couple made their way to Grand Rapids, where Trace launched his career at Founders Brewing and Eeva worked at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology. Two years later, they headed east to the upstart Roak Brewing in Detroit; from there it was off to Asheville, N.C. — a city that’s often in competition with Grand Rapids for the title of “Beer City USA.” Eeva ran tour operations at Sierra Nevada before joining Trace at the award-winning Highland Brewing Co. In the wake of the pandemic, the
ANCHORS AWEIGH
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK MARSHALL, LIFE IN MICHIGAN
follows a former railroad corridor and allows for easy access to the city’s main business district as well as the lakeshore and beyond. The outreach and support for Elder Piper extends well beyond the neighborhood or city limits, and became apparent to a wide range of people when USA Today readers ranked it the No. 3 “Best New Brewery” in the U.S. earlier this year. “It really validates what we’re doing here, and to have a rural community (like Petoskey) be recognized on a national scale brings perspective and attention to our area,” Eeva says proudly. With more than 400 recipes under his belt, Trace’s curiosity and confidence in blending ingredients and developing distinct flavor profiles allow his beverages to reflect the region in which they’re made. Having access to locally grown agricultural products — Michigan hops, corn, barley, apples, maple syrup, honey, and more — certainly helps bring his seven-barrel brewhouse to life. Among the more widely recognized offerings is the Yuzu Ginger Cider, which was awarded Best in Class Silver in the “Specialty Cider and Perry-Dry” category for the second year in a row at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry competition.
Ward 4 Neighborhood Lager, honoring the brewery’s second anniversary, features Michigan-grown corn malted by Great Lakes Malting in Traverse City and Mystique hops from Strasburg Farms in Monroe. Don’t let the Ghost Pipe Black Lager deceive you. Despite its rich hues, this brew — named for a mushroom-looking plant that’s native to northern Michigan — offers a lighter finish than you’d expect. Several community and business groups have found the distinctive beverages and welcoming environment at Elder Piper ideal for casual gatherings. One of those is the Northwest Lower Michigan Chapter of Wild Ones — a national organization that promotes native plants and natural landscapes for healthy ecosystems, thus restoring ecological biodiversity. “We get together to talk about native plants, gardening challenges such as invasive plants, books we’ve read, hikes we’ve gone on, and really anything else,” member Karen Pollard says. “It gives us an opportunity to talk and get to know each other, as well as to learn. One month we even had a Wingspan tutorial — one of the many games Elder Piper has available to play.” Among the most common questions the Redmonds are asked, naturally, is how they
came up with the name for their company. Trace credits his mother, who, through her genealogical research, discovered a relative with the first name Elder and the middle name Piper — surnames from his ancestors, each representing a separate branch of the family tree coming together. Whimsical and poetic, it was a natural choice. The logo boasts an illustration of a pitcher’s thistle or dune thistle, a rare federally threatened species that’s native to and vital to stabilizing ecosystems around the Great Lakes. Trace was introduced to this deep-rooted plant while working on Beaver Island and recognized that the way it holds together its community of other plants was symbolic of Elder Piper’s business philosophy. Elder Piper is open year-round, and offers draft beverages as well as bottled and canned products to go (complete with labels featuring designs from local artists). There’s often a food truck in the beer garden, and a handful of packaged snacks are available at the bar. Guests can also bring in food or have it delivered.
Plan It!
Elder Piper Beer + Cider elderpiperbeer.com
Right: Built in 1929 by Bell Telephone, the building is now the beautifully renovated Elder Piper Beer + Cider, a gathering spot that features indoor and outdoor seating. Nearby is the city’s main business district as well as the lakeshore. The logo on the side of the building showcases a pitcher’s thistle or dune thistle, a rare federally threatened Great Lakes species.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
63
ANCHORS AWEIGH
64 M I C H I GA N B LU E
DINING OUT
Creating Warmth Holland’s cozy Lovejoy serves up hospitality combined with a high-end experience BY
Amy S. Eckert
PHOTOS COURTESY OF 1983 RESTAURANTS
L
ast January, Lucas Grill opened the doors of his new restaurant in downtown Holland: Lovejoy. Locals were curious. The location had been home to Grill’s popular Spanish-inspired restaurant, Poquito, since 2019, and people wondered what they could expect in the remodeled space. “I think the most important thing is warmth,” Grill says of Lovejoy’s vibe. He points out the dining room’s wildflowerpatterned wallpaper, its soft green table accents, and its bar, which includes not only the expected assortment of spirits, but a selection of family-owned cookbooks and framed photos of a young Lucas with his grandmothers. “I want visitors to walk in and immediately feel the hospitality,” he says. Lovejoy’s transformation goes beyond mere aesthetics. The new restaurant includes a menu that harkens back to classic comfort food. Grill promises to offer customers predictability, coziness, and value for their dollar while preserving a high-end dining experience. These are the qualities he thinks customers long for in 2026, and they’re the characteristics he seeks out in his own dining experiences. Lovejoy’s dinner menu references dishes that his grandmothers used to make: a Sunday roast plated with mashed redskin potatoes (his dad’s favorite); Lake Michigan perch topped with tartar sauce, slaw, and lemon zest; and meatloaf with mushroom gravy and a side of onion rings. “I remember so clearly walking into my grandmothers’ kitchens as a kid and feeling that sense of belonging,” Grill says. “And then the food would come out to the table, and you just knew everything was going to be all right.” The menu item Grill seems most excited about, though, is Lovejoy’s layer cake.
Inset: Lucas Grill is excited about his latest culinary creation, Lovejoy, in Holland. Right: The chef/ entrepreneur graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and Michigan State University’s Hospitality Business School, so you know entrees like this Sunday Roast will be delightful.
ANCHORS AWEIGH
“Every year my grandmother Mildred made me this fantastic layer cake for my birthday,” he says. “Audrey, my other grandmother, made the best coffee cake, made with real coffee. And Cathy, my mom, makes the best carrot cake.” Grill melded elements of all three cakes to create Lovejoy’s version, with a sherry cask rum butterscotch and cream cheese frosting. “That’s the concept of Lovejoy,” Grill explains. “It’s a place that’s inspired by and pays homage to these three amazing, strong women in my life who loved to cook.” If nostalgia for Grill’s grandmotherers guides Lovejoy’s concept, the restaurant’s menu offers some decidedly 21st-century tweaks to its recipes: A rich red wine reduction glazes the Sunday roast; the cheeseburger is topped with a triple crème brie; and the short rib hand pie — a riff on a classic U.P. pasty — includes red wine jus and Dijon-truffle aioli. Lovejoy’s menu incorporates a few holdovers from Poquito, the restaurant that preceded this one. Bacon-wrapped medjool dates and warm goat cheese with focaccia were fan favorites, and they appear on the new menu, too. The restaurant also offers a carefully curated wine list. “I cherry-picked some of my favorites from the old menu,” Grill says, “because
I knew our customers love and expect them.” He admits a personal appreciation for red wine and an inclination toward sharing little-known producers with his dining room guests. And wine is a natural inclusion, given Grill’s sommelier certification with the London-based Court of Masters. The first sign of Grill’s future profession appeared when, as a third-grader, he asked for and received an Easy-Bake Oven for Christmas. As an adult, he went on to graduate from the Culinary Institute of America and Michigan State University’s Hospitality Business School. After working in Michelin-starred kitchens at Jean-Georges and Aquavit in New York, and at Tru in Chicago, Grill — who had always known he would return to Michigan at some point, since he had grown up here — moved on to cook at the 1913 Room in Grand Rapids’ Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. When the 1913 Room closed in 2011, Grill felt ready to strike out on his own; his time in Grand Rapids had convinced him of the need for more casual fine-dining restaurants in the region. Grill shares that he was raised on a family farm in Fowlerville, on Lovejoy Road, which inspired the name of his newest restaurant. Lovejoy ranks as Grill’s fifth Hol-
land-area food and beverage concept, all of which have been under the umbrella of 1983 Restaurants. He opened Public, in nearby Zeeland, in 2012. In 2017, Grill unveiled Seventy-Six in downtown Holland, which was followed two years later by conjoined food and beverage spaces Poquito and Obstacle No. 1 — the latter a sophisticated craft cocktail lounge, also in downtown Holland. Now, Lovejoy fills the area once occupied by Poquito. Given his penchant for launching new restaurants, you might have expected Grill to have opened Lovejoy as an additional dining space. But it’s clear that, while developing restaurants has been important to his career, Grill’s appreciation for family has grown, as well. “At some point we’ll probably hit the gas pedal again,” says the restaurateur, who, along with his wife, is raising four children, ages 6 to 16. “But right now, I really want to be a good dad.”
Plan It!
Lovejoy lovejoyholland.com
Right: Lovejoy’s most popular dishes include layer cake, Sunday roast, crab wontons, Lake Michigan perch, and short rib hand pie, as well as other specialities.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
65
ANCHORS AWEIGH
Both pages, clockwise from left: It’s all about pumpkins, gourds, and cornstalks at The Blue Mystique Inn come autumn. Chef Joshua Curtis develops recipes for intimate six- to eight-course meals, served not only to guests, but the public as well. A comfortable guest room welcomes after a day of sightseeing in nearby Manistique.
BOOK IT
BY
Dianna Stampfler
In the Heart of Manistique The Blue Mystique Inn pampers guests in a luxurious setting, complete with seasonally focused breakfasts and chef-curated dinners
M
anistique’s newest boutique inn offers a trueblue experience. Elizabeth Douglas has spent much of her career in the service industry, first as a salon and day spa owner, then providing recreational rentals for bikes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. She now focuses her attention on creating a luxurious lodging experience at The Blue Mystique Inn. Built in 1905, this classic 3,200-squarefoot Colonial-style home operated as a bed-and-breakfast from 1984 until 2008, known as the Royal Rose Inn. Douglas purchased the former vacation rental in January 2024 and quickly transformed it into her dream destination property, nestled in the heart of this charm-
66 M I C H I GA N B LU E
ing coastal town. “When the home came on the market, I knew I didn’t want to run it as an Airbnb or vacation rental,” says Douglas, who was raised in the Upper Peninsula. “I wanted a place where I could pamper people and cater to their needs.” The main floor common areas are meant for relaxation. A cozy sunroom boasts windows on three sides, allowing natural light to fill the space while offering neighborhood views. Both the sunroom and the living room — which flow into each other through two arched doorways — feature gas fireplaces that add warmth and ambience. Indoor afternoons here are often spent reading, playing board games, or listening to vinyl records. Views of the Manistique
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BLUE MYSTIQUE INN AND JENNIFER LAMPIN PHOTOGRAPHY
ANCHORS AWEIGH
River, which flows into Lake Michigan, can be seen from the side porch, as well as from three rooms on the upper floors. Five renovated guest rooms, each with their own private bath, are sprawled out along the second level. The Balcony Room, Garden Room, Reading Room, and Royal Rose Room are outfitted with queen beds. The larger Harbor View Room features a king bed plus a jetted tub and full shower. A third-floor penthouse is meant for couples traveling together who are willing to share a bath with those on the floor below. Throughout, luxury linens and artwork from local artists create a distinctive flair that sets each room apart from the others. “The Blue Mystique Inn is our go-to when staying in Manistique,” says Ann Price. She and her husband, Eric, work at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and commute from their home in Gladstone, 40 miles away. “We’ve stayed at the inn two times, in two different rooms. We absolutely loved it each time,” Price says. “If we work late or have events in Manistique, Elizabeth’s place is our home away from home. She provides a warm and
welcoming atmosphere, and a delicious breakfast. The Chef’s Table is also an experience not to be missed.” Each morning, Douglas prepares seasonally focused breakfasts, sourcing ingredients from the weekly farmers market at Triangle Park, just down the road from the inn. She also designs impressive charcuterie boards, usually featuring local smoked Lake Michigan whitefish and a selection of cheeses and other accoutrements. The Chef’s Table dinners, curated by Chef Joshua Curtis, have put The Blue Mystique on the map. Having honed his skills at various Wolfgang Puck restaurants around the country, Curtis uses this intimate culinary experience to share how he develops his recipes and selects his ingredients before whipping them together into the final, plated dishes. “We started off small, offering dinner just to our guests, and the demand quickly grew,” Douglas says. “We now offer this event to the public, Thursdays through Sundays.” The six- to eight-course meals, served in the inn’s formal dining room, are limited to a maximum of 12 guests. The Blue Mystique is open spring
through autumn; the winter schedule is still to be determined. The fall color tour season has quickly become a favorite, with leaf-peepers heading off to sites such as Fayette State Park along the Garden Peninsula, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver, Kitch-iti-Kipi at Palms Book State Park, and the U.P.’s newest quirky attraction, Benny the Beard Fisher at Northland Outfitters in Germfask. When it comes to exploring Manistique and the surrounding area, Douglas provides everything her guests may need. There are blankets to snuggle under while soaking up a sunrise or sunset on the deck, towels for a day at the beach, and bikes for pedaling around town to discover the various shops, such as Paper Mill Books, Bostique, and Michigan Made. It’s this kind of care and attention to detail that guests are most appreciative of, and about which Douglas prides herself on offering. The inn’s guests may also notice a collection of top hats scattered around, which Douglas happily admits is a nod to her favorite movie, “Groundhog Day.” Donning the hats during social time has become somewhat of a tradition, and it brings as much joy to Douglas as it does to her guests. At the end of the day — or the stay — having a good time and slowing down to enjoy life is ultimately what The Blue Mystique Inn is all about.
Plan It!
The Blue Mystique Inn thebluemystiqueinn.com
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
67
ANCHORS AWEIGH
Dreamy Drives BY
Bill Semion
Lightly traveled routes along Michigan’s Sunrise Coast and in the U.P. provide magical fall color shows
M
ichigan overflows with opportunities for fall color drives. Here are two lesser-traveled possibilities, hundreds of miles apart, but each with its own very worthwhile color show.
WAT E R G A L O R E O N M - 2 9
Called Jefferson Avenue to the south, near and through Detroit, and St. Clair River Drive or M-29 farther upstream, this is a compendium of routes that all lead to attractions ranging from dining establishments to farm harvests. The road skirts Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River from roughly New Baltimore, and then heads north. People say there’s something inexplicable about the connection between the water and the watery land. Fans of this region say they feel pulled to the islands and narrow streaks of blue water that cut through the world’s largest freshwater delta, and the cute riverside towns you’ll find along the way. At Algonac State Park, you’re just a few steps from the river — where you can watch up to 19 percent of the 68 M I C H I GA N B LU E
world’s fresh water slip by, while passing lake and oceangoing ships cause the ground to vibrate and hum with each propeller turn. Take the ferry across to Harsens Island, home of a state wildlife refuge; it’s where hundreds of thousands of migrating waterfowl rest up for their southbound journey. If you’re a kayaker, you can enjoy the quiet “highways” and bays that are part of more than 150 miles of water trail routes outlined by the Blueways of St. Clair and the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area. On the island, the menu at Kristin and Tony Bane’s Harsens Island Schoolhouse Grille includes their specialty Shoyu chicken, with hints of Hawaii gathered from Kristin’s time there. A boater’s favorite is Brown’s, on the Middle Channel across from McDonald Island, where typical St. Clair Flats cottages perch on underground pilings and other supports bordering the vast marshland. You’ll also pass the now-fallow Stewart farm, which has been there since 1815. It’s the site of the island’s annual community Halloween party in mid-October and is also a stop on the St. Clair County Quilt Trail.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISCOVER MICHIGAN’S THUMBCOAST
DISCOVERIES
Above: Follow M-25 into the Thumb and you won’t be disappointed with the lovely Lake Huron coastline views, including this one near Port Sanilac.
ANCHORS AWEIGH
U . P. D E L I G H T S
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HARSENS ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY AND SAULT STE. MARIE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Back on the mainland, learn more about this playground for the likes of the Ford, Firestone, and Edison families at the Algonac Maritime Museum, or view passing ships live via the Shipcam. Then stop to replenish at on-the-water spots such as AJ’s Salt Docks, or enjoy the wonderful meals and lodging at either the St. Clair Inn or The River Crab Blue Water Inn. Farther north and just off M-29, which flows into M-25 at Port Huron, farm stands and fun await at spots such as O’Hair Farms in Croswell. It has cider, pumpkins, a fall corn maze, a sunflower walk, and a zipline. The O’Hair family farms 1,200 acres, 10 of which are used for produce for its serve-yourself stand. Meanwhile, near Jeddo, north of Port Huron, you’ll find The Property Farms and McCallums Orchard and Cider Mill, where you can pick 15 varieties of apples. At the more-than-12-mile Wadhams to Avoca Trail, you can walk, ride, or blade across the late-1800s 640-foot Mill Creek Trestle, the longest of its type in the state. For more fun, follow M-25 into the Thumb for vibrant late-fall color viewing at state parks such as Sleeper in Caseville and Port Crescent in Port Austin, a dark sky site.
Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula holds a treasure of lesser-traveled highways such as M-123 between St. Ignace and Paradise, and a special route that starts in Sault Ste. Marie and hugs Whitefish Bay along Lake Superior. Highlights of a drive along this road — variously called West Six Mile Road, West Lakeshore Drive, Iroquois Road, and Curley Lewis Highway — include Brimley State Park and the Bay Mills Indian community on Lake Superior’s Waiska Bay. You’ll also see the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, which has guided ships to and from the Soo Locks since 1870. The lighthouse is a great stop for watching the freighter traffic. Farther west and north, Naomikong Overlook and the 3.2-mile out-and-back Naomikong Point Blue Trail offers a hike to a sandy Lake Superior beach, where, if you’re brave and lucky, you can swim in Superior at its likely warmest temperature of the year. An easier 1.5-mile route to the beach is just to the west along Lakeshore Drive, and there’s easy beach access a bit farther down the road at a roadside park. The Point Blue Trail crosses a suspension footbridge that’s part of the 4,800-mile North Country Trail, which passes through eight states. This stretch joins the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, otherwise known as M-123, on its way to the tip of Whitefish Point, then west toward Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. TIPS: Fall color often is best in the St. Clair/Algonac area from mid- to late
October. In the Upper Peninsula, the colors along Lakeshore Drive and Whitefish Point are often best from late September to midOctober. Driving through the northern Lower Peninsula on I-75 north of Indian River is also majestic in the fall. Hit the road, and savor the magic of autumn!
Plan It!
Blueways of St. Clair bluewaysofstclair.org Discover Michigan’s Thumbcoast thumbcoast.org Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau saultstemarie.com
Clockwise, from top left: At the northernmost part of Lake St. Clair, you’ll find Anchor Bay. At the mouth of the St. Clair River, Harsens Island can be reached via ferry from a port in Algonac. The Naomikong area on Superior Shoreline Road impresses autumn travelers, while Point Iroquois Lighthouse is a favorite stop on West Lakeshore Drive northwest of Sault Ste. Marie.
FALL 2026 | M I B LU E M AG .CO M
69
POSTCARD
A mute swan glides peacefully across misty Reeds Lake.
The Splendor Next Door Photographer finds the value in being present TEXT AND PHOTO BY
Steve Jessmore
72
M I C H I GA N B LU E
F
or five years, I’ve spent mornings returning to the same 241-step boardwalk at Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. More than 250 visits later, I’m still surprised by what waits around the next bend. This image was made on an autumn morning when the lake seemed determined to show off. Peak color had arrived overnight. The shoreline was painted in shades of red, orange, and gold, while a thin layer of mist hovered just above the water’s surface. The scene felt almost too perfect to be real. Then a lone mute swan drifted into view. One of the lessons Reeds Lake has taught me is that nature rarely follows a script. You can study the weather, watch migration forecasts, and arrive with a plan, but the moments that stay with you are often the ones you never anticipated. On this morning, the swan became the final piece of a scene I didn’t know I was waiting for. As a photographer, it’s easy to become focused on action and behavior. Birds doing something. Chasing, feeding, courting, or defending territory. But places like Reeds
Lake remind me that there’s value in simply being present. Sometimes the reward isn’t a dramatic moment, but a quiet one — a bird moving through beautiful light, a reflection, a patch of fog, or a landscape transformed by the changing season. This photograph ultimately became one of my favorite images from “The Splendor Next Door,” my upcoming book documenting five years of birds, wildlife, and changing seasons at Reeds Lake. More than anything, I hope my work represents what the project has been about from the beginning: showing that extraordinary moments don’t always require extraordinary places. Sometimes they can be found close to home, waiting for us to slow down, pay attention, and notice. Steve Jessmore is a Kent County-based bird photographer whose work documents birds, freshwater ecosystems, and vanishing habitat throughout the Great Lakes region. His first book is available in October at stevejessmore. com. “I spent more than 250 mornings on a boardwalk experiencing birds and nature. The book (‘The Splendor Next Door’) tells that story,” he says.
REAL ESTATE. REAL RESULTS. CALL: 616.935.1150 EXPLORE: SANDIGENTRY.COM 18131 N FRUITPORT RD, SPRING LAKE: Introducing Timber Cove, a rare waterfront estate on Spring Lake with 7+ private resort-style acres and 137 feet of shoreline. This luxury log home features a chef’s kitchen, stunning primary suite, guest quarters, and walkout lower level. Enjoy an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, waterfalls, pickleball and basketball courts, lakeside fire pit, private dock with two boat lifts, and panoramic views just minutes from Lake Michigan.
VISIT: REMAX LAKESHORE 133 WASHINGTON, GRAND HAVEN
600 WASHINGTON AVE, GRAND HAVEN: This is Truly One-of-aKind Grand Haven Historic Landmark. Completely renovated into a stunning 8,000 sq ft home carefully thought out while keeping the original character and modernizing with today’s amenities. Some of the original materials include wood pews, ceilings, doors, & bell tower which have all been repurposed to accentuate the stunning architectural details.
19201 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, SPRING LAKE: Summer Wind - A Timeless Lake Michigan Estate - Set along Spring Lake’s most prestigious shoreline, Summer Wind is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship offering 115 ft of low-bluff Lake Michigan frontage and over 7,500 sq ft of refined living space. Built by Sytsma Construction and designed by architect Chuck Posthumus, this 5-bedroom, 4 full and 2-half bath estate embodies the perfect balance of elegance, function, and durability.
318 RACHAELS WAY, SPRING LAKE: Welcome home to this beautifully renovated Victorian in the heart of Spring Lake, where timeless charm meets modern living. Original architectural details blend seamlessly with stylish updates, including a gourmet kitchen, luxurious bathrooms, and a spacious primary suite. Situated on a rare double lot, this exceptional home is just steps from waterfront views, parks, restaurants, shops, and year-round community attractions.
18215 SPINDLE DR, GRAND HAVEN: Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers a blend of comfort, and breathtaking natural beauty. With private frontage and over 3,000 sq ft of well-designed living space, this is an opportunity to own a serene, lakeside haven where every detail invites you to relax, entertain, and savor the view. Originally built with care and fully remodeled in 1999, this home exudes warmth throughout.
3652 118TH AVE, ALLEGAN: Perched on a private wooded waterfront, this exceptional 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offers striking architecture and panoramic views. Features include a glass-enclosed sunroom, chef’s kitchen, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and multiple living spaces. An underground tunnel leads to the boathouse, while expansive decks, a heated workshop, detached garages, and private waterfront access make this a truly one-of-a-kind retreat.
215 S 1ST ST, GRAND HAVEN: Meticulously renovated by Adam Hass Fine Home Building, this exceptional Grand Haven property combines luxury, flexibility, and prime location. The main residence features beautifully crafted living spaces, while the accessory dwelling unit is ideal for guests, rental income, or a private office. Enjoy maintenancefree landscaping, a heated driveway, and a third-floor deck with stunning channel views, just steps from downtown and Lake Michigan.
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS