/ INSIDE: NORTHERN HOME & COTTAGE /
THE EATER’S
GUIDE TO
M-22
08. 2026
THE RESTAURANTS, ROADSIDE STOPS, WINERIES, PATIOS, BAKERIES AND BEACH-DAY PROVISIONS WORTH A ROAD TRIP
PLUS:
THE $1 DAMS
What the sale of 13 aging dams could mean for the Au Sable River
THE LAKE, REIMAGINED
Sean McLain’s stunning vision of Great Lakes waves
AUGUST 2O26
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$6.5O
7/8/26 12:06 PM
You know where you’re going. We’ll help you get there.
At Greenleaf Trust, building and sustaining your wealth is not a sideline—it is our sole purpose. Our team is exclusively dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive wealth management services, trust administration, and retirement plan services. Client relationships begin at $2 million.
Financial Security from Generation to Generation | greenleaftrust.com KALAMAZOO
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|
GRAND RAPIDS
|
B I R M I N G H A M | T R AV E R S E C I T Y | B AY H A R B O R
| MIDLAND
| NAPLES
7/2/26 9:49 AM
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
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PetoskeyArea.com
7/2/26 10:09 AM
Let us help you get that “Yes” when you ask the big question.
Serving Northern
Michigan for over 30 years.
Specializing in custom design & designer collections wexfordjewelers.com • 231-775-1289 0826_TVM_TOC.masthead.indd 2
7/7/26 6:36 PM
Y S To Everything You Thought You Couldn’t Have.
Gluten-Free. Dairy-Free. Soy-Free. Vegan. Free Nationwide Shipping.
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7/8/26 11:28 AM
Step Into Our Our Curated European-style Experience Shop & Shop Studio 413EEEighth EighthStreet Street--Traverse TraverseCity, City,MI MI 413 Tues Fri 11-5 Sat 10-2 Tues - Fri 11-5 Sat 10-4 (Across from The Alluvion) (Across from Commongrounds Building) 0826_TVM_TOC.masthead.indd 4
7/2/26 10:09 AM
Deep Tissue Swedish Integrative Deep Tissue Sports Swedish Ashiatsu Deep Integrative Tissue Pregnancy Swedish Sports Integrative Ashiatsu Sports Pregnancy Ashiatsu Pregnancy
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zenmassage-tc.com Downtown Traverse City
Therapeutic - Intuitive - Superior
Therapeutic zenmassage-tc.com ~ Intuitive ~ Superior Downtown Traverse City
zenmassage-tc.com Downtown Traverse City
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7/2/26 10:09 AM
Building and Renovating Northern Michigan’s Finest Residences
joel@joelpetersonhomes.com • 516 E. Front St., Traverse City • 231.994.2168
Build this storybook in-town Leland cottage with J. Peterson Homes. Located just two blocks from the beach and three blocks into town. Designed by J. Visser, this modern village residence features an open main floor concept with a large kitchen and island, dining space, living room and game area. The upper level offers three bedrooms including a large private primary suite with vaulted ceilings. Contact Joel for information at 616-291-1816.
Celebrate your Tradition 231.994.2168
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7/7/26 6:37 PM
features 08.26
28
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT UP NORTH PEOPLE, PLACES, FOOD AND EVENTS.
Lake Ef fect
The ocean taught Sean McLain to ride waves; Lake Michigan taught him to see them. BY M AT T H E W D U R S U M A N D CA R A M C D O N A L D P H O T O S BY S E A N M C L A I N
//40 40//
The Eater’s Guide to M-22
//34 34//
Troubled Waters
A controversial sale could reshape the future of the legendary trout streams and waterways of Northern Michigan.
From Onekama to Leland, Northport to Traverse City, these are the restaurants, roadside stands, patios and picnic hauls worth building a summer drive around. BY CA R A M C D O N A L D , M AT T H E W D U R S U M AND NICOLE LANE
photo by Mike King
BY N I C O L E L A N E
55// / 55 SPECIAL SECTION:
Northern Home & Cottage AUGUST 2026
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7/6/26 9:43 PM
Crooked Tree Arts Center – Petoskey presents
MODERN MOVEMENT Martha Graham & Barbara Morgan MAY 22 - OCTOBER 31
A major exhibition of iconic photography is right here in Northern Michigan.
8
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience museum-quality photography close to home.
Plan your visit today Creating ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts in Northern Michigan since 1971.
crookedtree.org
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7/2/26 10:09 AM
• Historic downtown location
• Luxury condominium residences • Elevator access
• Dedicated parking
• Modern kitchens & premium finishes • Floor-to-ceiling windows
MULTIPLE UNITS AVAILABLE
in select residences
• Walkable to beaches, marinas,
dining & shopping
ANN PORTER
ASSOCIATE BROKER / REALTOR
231.944.4959
Ann@AnnPorterTC.com Ann Porter
85
ASSOCIATE BROKER
Find detailed listing information 231.944.4959 at www.AnnPorterTC.com
Ann@AnnPorterTC.com 521 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 Visit AnnPorterTC.com for more information.
521 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
departments 13 | Editor’s Note 17 | Up North
From giant mushrooms to pirate invasions, NoMI leans into its weirdest festivals in August.
25 | Travel
These under-the-radar campsites reveal a quieter side of Northern Michigan.
85 | Culinary North
Discover the vision behind Birch & Maple, wander Charlevoix with a treat in hand and make a golden salsa with the season’s sweetest bounty.
photo by Tim Hussey
96 | Love of the Land ON THE COVER
M-22 photo by Tim Hussey
AUGUST 2026
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7/6/26 9:45 PM