EDITOR’S NOTE

LIVING (IT) UP HERE IN THE WINTER

Those of us who have lived year-round in Northern Michigan, season to season, are familiar with the oft-asked question posed by those who have never experienced it here past Labor Day: “What’s there to do around here in the winter?” The short answer usually includes outdoor sports— cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snow-biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, even curling at Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfort and Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse in Maple City. Bored? It usually feels like there are too many choices. If we haven’t glazed over our questioner with those answers, most of us year-rounders will tick off the fabulous craft brewpubs that dot almost every small town in our region and the way they host trivia nights and other lively games in the winter. And then there are our numerous wineries that stay open all winter (Bring your snowshoes to those open for a tramp in the vineyards!). And, of course, there is the excellent Northern Michigan food scene bursting with restaurants that range from our bigger towns of Traverse City and Petoskey, out to our small towns where you can always count on a tavern serving up great breakfasts and memorable burgers. But if I have really grabbed my listeners, I will add that loving Up North winters starts with your home nest. Some of the home essentials for cozying up from December through March? Windows to watch the snow falling on trees or a frozen lake—and a cardinal sighting always raises the spirits. A kitchen that you love to cook in alone or with family and friends. A large table for serving long candle-lit but casual dinners. A fireplace—wood or gas it doesn’t really matter; what matters is the way those flames warm your soul.

In this issue you will see two homes that are beautifully nestedout for winter by homeowners who spend a good chunk of the winter here. You’ll also meet the winners—builders, architects, designers and more—of our Home Sweet Home Awards. Be assured that these are some of the folks you’ll want to check out when you get to outfitting your home for living it up here in winter.

Here’s to what some people call the best season of all!

Elizabeth Edwards is senior editor of Northern Home & Cottage. Lissa@traversemagazine.com