Traverse Northern Michigan, June 2025

RED HOT BEST!

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YOUR FAVORITE DOG-FRIENDLY HANGOUT, SECRET GARDEN, ARCHITECTURAL WONDER, ROAD-TRIP FOOD, ENDLESS STRETCH OF BEACH, WINERY, ART GALLERY, ICE CREAM SPOT, RESTAURANT, BOUTIQUE, LIVE MUSIC VENUE, HOTEL, BREWERY, OUTDOOR DINING PATIO...

PLUS:

OUR SUMMER CONCERT BUCKET LIST

Grab your chairs and blanket!

— A U.P. ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURE

JUNE 2O25

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MORE THAN A HORSE SHOW IT’S AN EXPERIENCE WORLD-CL ASS SPORT + FOOD & FUN

2025 TRAVERSE CITY HORSE SHOWS SEASON JUNE 4 – 29

Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel

JULY 2 – AUGUST 10

Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders

Discover Flintfields Horse Park

SEPTEMBER 3 – 21

Traverse City Tournament of Champions, culminating the season with two 5* Grand Prix

Located at 6535 Bates Road in Williamsburg—just a half-mile off M-72 TRAVERSECITYHORSESHOWS.COM/VISIT

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BUY TICKETS ONLINE OR AT THE GATE!

Open Wednesdays–Sundays Family-Friendly Atmosphere VIP Tickets Available

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Building and Renovating Northern Michigan’s Finest Residences

joel@joelpetersonhomes.com • 516 E. Front St., Traverse City • 231.994.2168

DISCO PEOPLE

502 S Grand Avenue, Leland Remarkable opportunity to build this picture perfect cottage home in the idyllic town of Leland. Situated just steps from North Lake Leelanau at the end of Grand Avenue, the main floor offers a primary suite, open kitchen, living and dining area, mudroom and 1/2 bath. The upper level brings three additional bedrooms, a loft area and full bath. The lower level features a 5th bedroom, bath and recreation room.

Amenity includes a one stall detached garage, landscaping, Pella windows, LP siding, hardwood floors, tile, quartz countertops, and Kohler fixtures. Owner is broker in the State of Michigan.

MLS:1930381 $1,650,000

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features 06.25

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A Vertical Perspective An avid outdoorsman and photographer takes us rock climbing in the wilds of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY L I A M K A I S E R

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Songs of Sand and Stone Three beach reads born from our Northern Michigan shores.

ESSAYS BY CA R A M C D O N A L D, L AU R A H U N T & JA S O N B E E R

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The Sweet Sounds of Summer

Ah, it’s concert season. Wherever you go, there’s music to be heard—in the most enchanted Up North venues.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT UP NORTH PEOPLE, PLACES, FOOD AND EVENTS.

75// / 75 SPECIAL SECTION:

photo by Liam Kaiser

NORTHERN HOME & COTTAGE

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BY J O S E P H B EY E R

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Red Hot Best 2025

The votes were cast. Now we’re revealing the winners and celebrating the people, places and experiences that make our region shine.

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Traverse

NORTHERN

MICHIGAN

112

departments

MANAGING EDITOR

Carly Simpson Allison Jarrell Acosta

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Caroline Dahlquist

PROOFREADER

Lissa Martin Meagan Francis Tim Hussey Theresa Burau-Baehr

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, SPECIAL SECTIONS

A homegrown Hancock business is crafting next-level hiking gear—and every stitch is made in Michigan.

Rachel Watson

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Lisa Froning

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rachel North Benjamin Roll

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Asher Considine

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Ashlyn Korienek

111

19 | Travel

photos (top) by Mark Smith; (bottom) by Todd Zawistowski

Cara McDonald

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

16 | Outdoors

112 | Love of the Land

Take the kids to Leo Creek Preserve to explore colorful gardens and a stream teeming with wildlife.

101 | Culinary North

Follow Us On Social Media

Discover six new wines to sip this summer; plus, a sammie worth stopping for in Northport.

facebook.com/mynorthmedia instagram.com/mynorthmedia

107 | Sip

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES

415 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: 231.941.8174 | Fax: 231.941.8391 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

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Please email other subscription inquiries to info@mynorth.com or call 800-678-3416 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.

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The buzz around town.

A lush June night calls for good friends and a carefree supper on the water.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

A swoon-worthy rockhounding beach near Grand Marais, June’s can’t-miss events, and the secret finds our editors are loving this month.

111 | In the Kitchen

Vol. 45 | No. 1

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

07 | Editor’s Note 13 | Up North

At Rocky Top Farms, a weekend away looks like coffee by the pond, slow walks in the meadow and spoonfuls of cherry butter on toasty sourdough.

A MyNorth Media Publication

ON THE COVER Rock hunting— a favorite pastime Up North.

Photo by Kate Headley

Traverse Northern Michigan, (ISSN10713719) is published monthly by Heritage Broadcasting Company of Michigan, 1 Broadcast Way, Cadillac, MI 49601.

Periodicals class postage paid at Traverse City, MI 49684 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Traverse Northern Michigan, 415 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Advertising rates available upon request. Subscription rate: $39.95 for 12 issues. Single issue price: $6.50.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2025, Heritage Broadcasting Company of Michigan.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

4 T R AV E R S E N O R T H E R N M I C H I G A N

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World Famous Smoked Pork Loin, Bacon, Ham, Hot Dogs, Bratwurst, and Smoked Fish.

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5166 Arrowhead Cir, Williamsburg Stunning 5/3 walkout ranch on The Bear golf course

2200 East Mitchell Rd. at the corner of Mitchell & Division Roads PETOSKEY 231-348-8100

Nationwide Shipping Available at Plathsmeats.com

Gorgeous golf course views • Spacious deck Recently renovated • Open concept main floor layout Gas fireplace • Large primary suite

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US Best Place to Buy a Book

Finished lower level with two additional bedrooms, full bath, storage, and versatile family room MLS 1931942 l $874,900

ANN PORTER

Ann Porter

ASSOCIATE BROKER / REALTOR

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ASSOCIATE BROKER

FindAnn@AnnPorterTC.com detailed listing information Visit for at AnnPorterTC.com www.AnnPorterTC.com more information.

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Your neighborhood grocery store.

WHEN OUR CLIENTS SPEAK, WE LISTEN. It’s a simple but effective way of helping people reach their financial goals - and it’s a way of doing business that Raymond James has pioneered for more than 50 years.

Make your voice count. Partner with one of our financial advisors and get guidance that’s in tune with your life. LIFE WELL PLANNED.

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Northport • Traverse City • Interlochen

James Spencer, ChFC®, AAMS® Financial Advisor

Jeff Jennifer K. Pasche, CFA Youker, CFP®, CRPC® Financial Advisor Senior Vice President, Investments Traverse City Complex Manager Dennis J. Brodeur Vice President, Investments Wealth Management Specialist Trevis E. Gillow Vice President, Investments Wealth Management Specialist Susan Carlyon First Vice President, Investments Wealth Management Specialist Keith Carlyon Senior Vice President, Investments

Cole T. Blades, MBA, AIF® Financial Advisor Courtney C. Jackson Complex Business Coordinator Susan Stepka Registered Client Service Associate

M. Bonaccini JenniferPaul S. Bunker ClientVice Service AssociateInvestments President,

Accredited Asset Management Specialist Tyne Hyslop Financial Advisor Jennifer Youker, CFP®, CRPC® Financial Advisor Eric H. Palo Financial Advisor James Spencer, ChFC, AAMS Associate Vice President, Investments Robert Fenton Financial Advisor

13818 S West Bay Shore Dr • Traverse City, MI 49684 • (231) 946-3650

13818 S West Bay Shore Dr. • Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 946-3650 • www.raymondjames.com/Traverse-City

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Raymond James® is a registered trademark of Raymond James Financial, Inc. Chartered Retirement Plan SpecialistSM, AWMA®, Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM; CRPC®, Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM and AAMS® are trademarks or registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning in the United States and/or other countries. CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (with plaque design) in the U.S.

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Editor’s Note

GOOD THINGS

H

ere’s a beautiful question: “what’s good?”

You can tailor it to your situation. What’s good with you? What are you working on that’s good? What’s good on the menu here?

I spend a lot of my day consuming information and sifting and sorting, both for work and in life, as we all increasingly find ourselves doing. We now can receive in a day the amount of news input we used to consume in a month. Although the instincts are similar, my job is more about discovery than it is news, and one of the best ways to discover is to ask the people in a position to know. My barista; my neighbor who’s lived in the house next door for 65 years; the bartender; the ticket person at the door; the farmer behind the market table.

“What’s good?” not only asks, “What should I turn my precious attention to?” but also suggests, “Your knowledge is important, and I trust you.” That’s a lot packed into two little words. So, I’ve taken to asking it when I can, in the hopes that the question will help reveal something surprising, maybe delicious.

My kids find this habit annoying and more than a little weird, but their information-seeking process (and capacity for small talk and pleasantries) will never be like mine. In asking, I’ve learned about a forest trail that leads to a lakeshore where sandhill cranes gather. I’ve tasted caramel syrup with cardamom, found a wide-open hill where the Blue Angels skim overhead as they regroup from each maneuver. I’ve discovered the work of an elderly poet that moved me to tears, a witchy house cleanser to free dark energy (it smells

so good), where to have the best cup of tea downtown, a strawberry hard cider that tastes like a June breeze.

I’ve learned to enjoy the subtleties of the response to the question, too. The enthusiastic recommendation? That’s a beacon to follow. The “well, a lot of people really like ________” tells me that the person I’ve asked has a different opinion than that of the crowd, and would, with a little coaxing, maybe reveal a different truth. And I love getting to the heart of it.

“What’s good?” can also be an exercise in humility. It’s a way to say, “I don’t know everything, and I’m open to being led somewhere new.”

Every year, we’re flooded with nominations and votes for our annual Red Hot Best awards, which at its simplest is nothing more than an online ballot where we can ask, “What’s good?” It’s a joyful crowdsourcing. We love to share the good things as much or more than we love to discover them.

Not every question prompts an easy consensus, however; so this year we’ve added something new, the Editors’ Choice category. Here, we share favorite things that would be near impossible to categorize, but which make us light up when we speak of them—like Best Road-Trip Bite and Best Beach Bonfire with Friends. We think you’ll appreciate the goodness. And if you come across a beautiful answer to that beautiful question in the course of your own adventures, please let us know. Because goodness shared is always delicious.

Cara McDonald, Executive Editor cara@mynorth.com

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YOUR ULTIMATE

CANADIAN ROAD TRIP!

hike at the l u if t u a e b Go on a Highlands enjoying Hiawatha Crystal Fa ls on the incredible Trail.

Voyageur stunning trail. e h t o t e ik Hike or b the Farmer Lake lookout on r, the io r e p u S e k a L Drive to seine the world! best lake d beers e w e r b y l a c o l Enjoy someome food in Sault Ste. and awes Marie!

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Off-the-Beaten-Path Soo These three terrific trails make for easy-access adventure in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.

by CARA MCDONALD

W

hen local trails get a little busy and trailhead parking lots feel more like tailgate parties, solitude-seeking hikers/bikers can look north—way north.

In the Algoma district of Ontario, the wild shores, pine and hardwood forests and granite crags shape a landscape that’s a haven for explorers hungry for terrain that promises to swallow you into sweet seclusion.

All of this peace and natural beauty is startlingly accessible from Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, a vibrant waterfront town that punches above its weight as an adventure basecamp and sits within striking distances of hikes and trail systems both breezy and heart-pumping.

So load up your day pack, lace up your trail shoes and strike off on a summer sojourn that’s close to town but far from the madding crowd. Here are three wonderful Soo-area hikes to explore.

LAKE SUPERIOR COASTAL TRAIL

You’ll have to drive a bit to reach it, but this 40-mile stretch of rugged, rocky trails hugs the shore of Mother Superior—and yields hushed forests and solitary beaches as the reward for those willing to explore. Hiking is slow going and rarely flat—the best way to tackle is in bite-sized chunks. The hike from Katherine Cove is a local’s favorite: quiet, far away, challenging, perfect and leads you to a secluded beach.

VOYAGEUR TRAIL

This continuous wilderness-style hiking trail is part of a system that parallels lakes Huron and Superior and runs from Sudbury through Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay. The good news? A section connects to the in-town trail treasure of the Soo, the Hiawatha Trail System. Park at Kinsmen Park and it’s a short walk to Crystal Falls, Minnehaha Falls and the Voyageur. Or, park at the end of Connor Road to take the Odena or Farmer Lake loops.

Fifteen minutes west of town, the Gros Cap loop on the Voyageur Trail hugs the edge of Lake Superior, with views of the distant Michigan shore, passing freighters and the Gros Cap Light.

photo by Richard Jones

HIAWATHA HIGHLANDS

Sault Ste. Marie has invested mightily in this in-town trail system, a beloved year-round destination for hiking, mountainbiking, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. This year, a new bridge at Wishart Park connects the Hiawatha to the Hub Trail, so visitors can ride from downtown to the trail system and never hit a road. The Farmer Lake and Crystal Lake systems are now connected and feature machine-built singletrack. The system’s also home to “Soonami” the longest continuous downhill trail in Ontario. All this trail development has led to the growing

popularity of (and respect for) the annual Salty Marie Trails Fest, a 3-year-old bike and running trail race where participants can really let it rip on terrain that’s unapologetically wild; this year’s race fest runs July 25–27.

Set up your basecamp. In Sault Ste. Marie you’ve got a host of lodging options—opt for one of the several hotels that overlook the boardwalk and St. Marys River or has views of the freighters gliding through the locks.

Before venturing out on your hikes, fuel up for real at cozy spots like The Breakfast Pig, a laid-back breakfast-all-day spot where the menu’s Benedicts, skillets, hash and poutines sing with locally sourced pork and seasonal-regional farm goodness.

And once you’ve gotten your trail fix, head back to town for dinner and a stroll along the water or hop on an evening cruise of the locks on the Miss Marie. Pro tip: On Thursdays all summer long, downtown Sault Ste. Marie comes to life with Ashmun Alive!—a weekly street fest with extended shopping hours, live food and local music.

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Monday-Sunday: 11a-6p

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Up North

local buzz · nostalgic finds · travel inspo

“

A place to slow down …

—HEIDI COOPER, ROCKY TOP FARMS

EDITORS’ PICKS: OUR BEST DISCOVERIES P. 15

HIKING GEAR WE WANT FOR SUMMER P. 16

A GLAMPING FARM GETAWAY P. 19

ROLLICKING JUNE EVENTS P. 21

A ROCKHOUND’S DREAM BEACH photo by Grant Piering

P. 23

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Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs

Old Mission

Building legacies from Frankfort to Harbor Springs

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Up North Curiosities

EDITORS’ PICKS

The secret discoveries we tell our friends about.

ngs

The Dreamiest Bean

My favorite coffee shop in the U.P. isn’t a shop at all; it’s a cherry-red 1966 VW bus named Stella parked in Grand Marais. If you’re rolling through this summer, The Dream Bean is a muststop for breakfast or lunch on the go.

Order a pancake latte (with maple syrup and butter) and gooey cinnamon rolls or Richie’s famous homemade pasties. Sit by the bus and soak in the Lake Superior breeze, or picnic at Agate Beach and hunt for its eponymous gemstones. – A.J.A.

Dream Bean owner Libby Lewandowski (and Toivo, the welcoming committee)

You Punk

My cousin Merrick was arguably the first punk rocker in my hometown, donning a chained wallet, spiked bracelet and a fried green Mohawk that breached the building codes of any standard doorway—all accessories to a pointy Cheshire Cat grin that read, “I’d love to disappoint you.”

sion

top photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta // left photo by Tim Hussey

He was my hero.

In 1978, his natural headquarters was a shotgun-style record shop called The Prism. Lit by a single slice of sunlight (with lava lamp support), and “managed” by Billy ’Bino and Johnny F***head, the institution maintained a nauseating, almost chewable plume of cherry incense that filled the narrow split between plywood racks of vinyl—suitable for two pale, slouching customers at a time. The Prism’s authenticity was born of a movement and cannot be replicated.

I did however find a damn good nod to that era in the cavernous and cozy confines of Eugene’s Record Co-Op in Traverse City. Greeted by a view of my own slumping self on four artfully stacked surveillance televisions, the matte black decor and carefully curated vinyl rows flanked by retro electronics brought me right back to those punk days. But don’t expect the same attitude. Owner Brian Chamberlain was warm, welcoming and knowledgeable—and the smell? Mostly pizza. So strong I had to grab a slice at neighboring Two Sons on the way out. – T.H.

Green Goodness

Last year I went on a whim; the weather was meh, but the food, music and chummy small-town vibes were stellar.

Was it worth standing in line in the rain for a basket of Joe’s Friendly Tavern’s asparagus tempura? Yes. Did I sip an asparagus beer? I did. Enjoy watching asparagus people on stilts? Sure. Lose myself in the dance-like-no-one’swatching music of cover band 5th Gear?

Guilty. And I’ll do it again this year at Empire’s Asparagus Fest, June 7. – C.M. JUNE 2025

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Up North Outdoors

TRAILBLAZERS

by ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

A homegrown Hancock business is crafting next-level hiking gear—and every stitch is made in Michigan.

A

ustin gongos and nathan ackerman crossed paths as first-year engineering students at Michigan Tech. It didn’t take long for them to bond over their love of hiking; together, they explored the Upper Peninsula’s trails and fell in love with the region’s wild beauty.

After graduating, the duo spent a summer hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, a path that runs 2,650 miles from Canada to Mexico.

They decided to sew their own lightweight packs and accessories for the trip to cut down on extra weight, and during the trek, kept getting questions from fellow hikers.

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photos courtesy of MEDC and Pure Michigan

“We realized there was a gap in the market for durable, ultralight, custommade gear,” Nathan says, “and with our engineering backgrounds, we knew we could combine our passions and design something better.”

The duo started small: in a Milwaukee apartment, sewing everything with a tabletop machine. They cut fabric by hand, tweaked designs after long hikes and filled orders one by one. They even enlisted fellow hikers who were trekking at least 1,000 miles to test their packs.

The young entrepreneurs had big dreams for Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear (CTUG for short). They wanted to design high-quality, durable gear built specifically for long-distance hikers. As engineers, their focus would be on efficiency, functionality and weight savings, without sacrificing comfort or durability.

They eventually moved back up to the Keweenaw—another apartmentbased operation—but as demand grew, Austin and Nathan knew they needed more space and better equipment. They set up a dedicated workshop, began growing their team and connected with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which helped them turn an idea into a scalable business.

A $10,000 Industry 4.0 grant allowed them to invest in advanced sewing machines and 3D printers.

MEDC also helped with supplier connections, international shipping guidance and networking opportunities—“all things that helped us grow faster and smarter,” Nathan says.

Today, their eight-person team in Hancock is a full-fledged manufacturing company. Chicken Tramper is also expanding into gear repair services, to help hikers keep their equipment in use longer and reduce waste. They rent gear, too, for folks who want to try the ultralight setup or are doing a one-off trip to Isle Royale or the Porkies.

“Our hope is that the more people we can help enjoy the outdoors, the more motivated people will be to help protect it,” Nathan says. “We’re committed to keeping our business in Michigan, supporting the outdoor industry and helping grow the U.P.’s reputation as a hub for adventure.”

WHY ‘CHICKEN TRAMPER’?

Tramper comes from a group chat with the trail family Austin and Nathan made on the PCT. They like that it’s a downright silly word, and in New Zealand, tramping means backpacking. Chicken comes from a hand sign—to visualize, touch your index finger to your thumb, the other fingers extended—used at their Michigan Tech fraternity that originated back in the ’80s with a man named Dan Lorenz. They called up Lorenz to see if they could use it in their name and logo; he happily agreed. chickentrampergear.com GEAR ON THE GO

Austin and Nathan have taken their ultralight gear all over the U.P., from multi-day trips to quick weekend hikes. Here are some of their favorites: Trap Hills Section North Country Trail The Maasto Hiihto Trail System Hancock Mt. Baldy Trail, High Rock Bay, Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary Keweenaw County JUNE 2025

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Up North Travel

SIMPLE PLEASURES

by CARLY SIMPSON

photo by Grant Piering

Y

At Rocky Top Farms in Ellsworth, a weekend away looks like coffee by the pond, slow walks in the meadow and spoonfuls of cherry butter on toasty sourdough.

ou can’t deny the romance of a tiny off-grid cabin with screened-in walls to keep the creatures, and (most) bugs, out. The allure of being out in the sticks; coyotes yipping in the distance; a night breeze tickling your cheeks. Add a cherry orchard, meandering trails and homemade preserves and you have a bucket-list getaway.

Secreted away on Essex Road, Rocky Top Farms is a nearly 300-acre nature lover’s dream. The second-generation family farm owned by Mike and Heidi Cooper and Mike’s father Tom Cooper grows 13 varieties of sweet cherries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches and elderberries alongside nine acres of wildflowers and Heidi’s veggie and herb garden. In a small kitchen in the barn, they churn out seasonal jarred specialties like cherry butter and strawberry preserves for an honor-system gift shop where guests can

also browse works by local artisans. (Or swing by a retro camper right on US-31 where passersby can get their berry butter fix.)

Mike and Heidi have also diversified the property with a dozen camping and glamping sites, including that off-grid cabin called Pop’s Pride. The farm has three timber-framed cabins, each one a labor of love, hand-built by Mike and Heidi with help from friends. The “Little Cabin” has more amenities—a kitchen, hot tub, lofted sleeping area—if you want a rural experience and electricity. It’s a favorite for couples who want to have a rustic, whimsical wedding at the farm.

The property also has a popular 18-hole disc golf course (with league play), kayaks and canoes that guests can use in the ponds, a network of trails and incredible stargazing. It’s a place to slow down, Heidi says, to literally stop and smell the wildflowers.

JUNE 2025

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Enjoy a short drive along the bay for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Knot Just a Bar, where there’s a view to feed your soul

412 N St Josephs • Suttons Bay 231-252-4132

Open 7 Days a Week N West Bay Road, Omena, MI 49674 231.386.7393 | knotjustabar.com

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Up North Events HELLO, SUMMER

by CARLY SIMPSON

FRI / 1 Experience a rock-and-roll throwback at Castle Farms’ Nostalgia Night Tour & Concert Experience. The evening starts with a guided tour reliving the property’s legendary concert era (when Bon Jovi, Tina Turner and The Beach Boys all came to town) before rock cover band Derailed takes the stage.

FRI / 6 This year’s summer kickoff event in Ludington, Love Ludington Weekend, features a street party with kids’ games, bounce houses, music and more on Friday, followed by Saturday’s Blessing of the Boats.

FRI / 13 Mark your calendar for this year’s Pictured Rocks Days June 13–14 in Munising, one of the area’s largest festivals with food trucks, arts vendors, bounce houses, a beer tent, free live music and more.

SAT / 14 The Leland Wine & Food Festival has a rollicking lineup of wineries alongside local food favorites like The Village Cheese Shanty. Come-and-go wristbands let you savor the fest and explore nearby beaches, galleries and shops.

SUN / 15 This year’s Mackinac Island Lilac Festival (June 6–15) includes a vintage bicycle rally, music in the park, cornhole tournament, walking tours, planting activities with MSU master gardeners and more, all culminating in the Grand Parade on Sunday.

FRI / 20 Indian River Old Fashioned Days (June 20–22) is a summer celebration for the whole family. From a craft show to live music, beach games and a rubber duck race, there’s plenty to enjoy.

St. Ignace Car Show

photo by Rachel Haggerty

THUR / 26 The 49th annual St. Ignace Car Show Weekend, June 26–28, is one of the largest all makes, all models car shows in the country, with more than 800 vehicles gathering downtown on the shores of Lake Huron.

FRI / 27 Director Bill Church reimagines Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure as a 1970s-inspired urban thriller with enduring themes of justice, power and forgiveness. Join an exceptional cast of professional and emerging actors during the annual Interlochen Shakespeare Festival through July 5.

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WATER & RIPARIAN LAW WILLIAM CAREY & DANE CAREY

The Age of Steam Exhibit June 7th - noon to 4pm with a $5 off admission

Attorneys at Law (989) 348-5232 Opt 2 wcarey@carey-jaskowski.com wdc@carey-jaskowski.com

Advocates for lakefront property owners and lake associations throughout the state.

Representation on road end abuse, zoning, plat vacations, and riparian disputes.

Any attorney can claim they know riparian law.

Ask to see their resume.

See our published cases and bios at

www.careyjaskowski.com

Followed by the Blessings of the Boat from 4 - 10 pm.

Naational at ttiiio on o na n a h eerrrrrry y Festival ati ona nal all C herry he eessst tti iiv vva a sti tiv val all June 28 - July 5

8 NIGHTS NIGHTS NONSTOP N O N S T O P ENTERTAINMENT ENTER TTA AINMENT RT Featuring Tyler Hubbard, Collective Soul & Cheap Trick, Trace Adkins with Home Free, T.I., ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, 38 Special & Grand Funk Railroad and more!

FREE F R E E FAMILY FFA A M I LLY Y FUN FUN

Experience Free Family Fun with over 150 events—90% of them FREE! From awe-inspiring air shows, parades and fireworks, there’s something for every age to enjoy all week long.

Come Celebrate 99 Years of Tradition at the National Cherry Festival!

For 99 years, the National Cherry Festival has been a sweet slice of summer in Traverse City—where traditions are honored, families gather, and cherries take center stage. It’s more than a festival—it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the simple joys that make Northern Michigan home.

TIMELESS T I M E L E S S TRADITIONS TR ADITIONS RA

For nearly a century, the National Cherry Festival has celebrated the traditions that make Northern Michiga n special— cherries, royalty, parades, and the pride of being the Cherry Capital of the World .

WWW.CHERRYFESTIVAL.ORG

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Up North Nostalgia

WISH YOU WERE HERE Head east of Grand Marais, following a bumpy stretch of dirt road for about 12 miles, and you’ll find Perry’s Landing, a panoramic paradise of white sand and speckled stones as far as the eye can see.

This hidden oasis is a rockhound’s dream, and the kind of beach you can easily spend an entire day exploring. Take a dip and dry off while hunting for a rainbow of rocks, including Lake Superior agates, jasper, unakite and puddingstones.

Get There: There’s a gravel parking lot, and a small “Perry’s Landing” sign, just east of the Lake Superior State Forest Campground on H-58. Follow a short, somewhat steep stairway path down to the beach. -A.J.A.

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AT BLUSTONE VINEYARDS, EVERY VISIT IS MORE THAN A TASTING — IT'S A STORY YOU’LL TELL AGAIN AND AGAIN. Blustone Vineyards has been named a Red Hot Best winery five years running — offering an experience that goes beyond the wine. Perched on a hill with Napa Valley–worthy views, our tasting room invites you to savor the true spirit of Leelanau, one unforgettable glass at a time.

Join us this summer and discover why guests rave:

"The wine is world-class, the views are breathtaking, and the hospitality is unmatched."

Reserve your tasting experience today at blustonevineyards.com

Uniquely Made. Undeniably Leelanau.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Peak Wine Country Staff at a Red Hot Best Award–winning winery share secrets to a more immersive tasting experience.

photo courtesy of Blustone Vineyards

A

by EMILY TYRA

s the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail continues to propel itself into the spotlight as one of the hottest wine vacation destinations—MSN and Business Insider have called it the “Napa of the Midwest”—the 20-plus wineries on the trail strive to offer distinctive ways for guests to savor the wine and atmosphere.

Blustone Vineyards is nestled on 40 acres smack dab in the heart of the fruit-growing strip of land between Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. It’s the peninsula’s natural lake effect and gorgeous rolling terrain that create the exceptional conditions that put it on the map as an American Viticultural Area in the early 1980s, shares Matt Knighton, coowner at Blustone.

While he says each of the wineries on the trail offers its own “special sauce,” he’s especially proud of the experience-focused hospitality his team shares.

“We have been voted the #1 Red Hot Best Winery on the Leelanau Peninsula five years in a row, and we are very careful to create a high-quality tasting experience.” He notes perks like reserved tables, a curated tasting menu, gourmet small plates, and a Tasting room at Blustone space planned by a Napa Valley winery designer to optimize vineyard views and offer intimate nooks for a take-your-time tasting.

ASK WHAT’S GOOD TO DRINK RIGHT NOW He also says the bar is set by Blustone’s Retail General ManSchiller likes to curate a small menu with the wines that are ager Benjamin Schiller, who led cocktail and spirits programs at drinking best at that moment. “Wines, like whiskey, or anyMichelin-starred restaurant groups in Chicago before coming thing that is barrel-exposed, have curvature to their life—they north. Here, Schiller shares his insider tips for making the most can be underripe, and then there is the other side of that. To of a tasting when you are in wine country. time things right is the trick.” Seasonality is also key, “In the middle of July, you want lighter, crisper, delightfully refreshing SPEND MORE TIME AT EACH WINERY wine versus the heavier, more robust wines.”

Wine is meant to be savored, so Schiller advises shying away from wineries where “you might be waiting three-deep at the GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH bar, trying to get a server’s attention.” A sure way for tasters to Winetasting is a stellar way to sightsee the stunning Leelanau slow down and connect with the wines is to seek out wineries Peninsula, and Schiller notes the array of routes to soak up the that take reservations. While walk-ins are welcome at Blustone beauty. “Some wineries are 20 feet off the side of the highway. as space allows, they, along with a few other wineries, have Or, take a couple of turns from the main road and find bombshifted to reservations to offer “a more boutique, individualized shell vineyard views,” he says. experience,” says Schiller.

MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE WINE POURERS

Servers love to let you in on their knowledge! Rather than having a quick touch-and-go at the bar, find out what vintage the winemaker is most excited about, or what wine makes a worthy souvenir with potential for cellaring. Schiller says a server can share what wine to have with pizza that night—and where to find the best pizza in town.

JOIN THE WINE CLUB

“It’s always smart—you get a discount, of course, but also first opportunity to buy things that are more allocated.” He notes that many of Leelanau Peninsula’s smaller wineries and estate vineyards don’t source juice, so they are only making a few hundred bottles of some vintages. Clubs give access to limited-production wines, members-only events, and often a complimentary tasting for members and their guests.

JUNE 2025

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Best Pontoon fleet on the Lake featuring Bennington Kayak - SUPs - Canoe - Fishing boats Vacation Rentals Fuel Dock

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A Season of Growth and Dedication at Lobb Law While Traverse City celebrates cherries, we’re celebrating justice. At The Lobb Law Firm, we’re entering a dynamic new chapter—powered by growth, recognition, and a renewed dedication to client advocacy. Under the leadership of Cherie Lobb, recently named a Top 10 Attorney for 2025, our team continues to fight tirelessly for personal injury victims across Michigan. With recent accolades and a strong legal voice in landmark cases, we remain at the forefront of legal excellence. Our attorneys, including Shannon Reighard and Dan Groves, bring compassion, expertise, and results to every case.

Injured? Overwhelmed? We’re here to help.

Let Lobb Law be your advocate for justice and recovery.

thelobblawfirm.com • 248-591-4090 26 T R A V E R S E N O R T H E R N M I C H I G A N

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With Waldecker Homes, your dream home is more than a project— it’s a promise we’re proud to fulfill, ensuring you will love where you live.

Serving Benzie, Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties S. East Silver Lake Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 • 231-715-9797 • waldeckerhomes.com

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A VERTICAL PERSPECT VE

A N AV I D O U T D O O R S M A N AND PHOTOGRAPHER TAKE S U S ROC K C LI M B I N G ALONG THE WILD, CR AGGY SHORELINE OF MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA.

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY LIAM KAISER

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T H E R E ’ S

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as I dangle on a static line suspended over Lake Superior. Above me sits the cliff line of Presque Isle, where my rope is anchored. The air is cool and inviting; good weather for climbing.

It’s summer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A place north of the Mackinac Bridge and only a stone’s throw from heaven. Where fresh water is greeted by a rugged shoreline.

Michigan is best known for its ice climbing around the shores of Lake Superior. But there is rock climbing, too. It’s not Joshua Tree, with its divine desert granite, or Yosemite Valley with its towering walls, but there is excellent climbing to be found here and a community that supports it.

A small piece of gear secures me to my rope, ensuring I don’t plummet onto those rocks below.

Despite my harness restricting blood flow to my legs, I find myself quite comfortable. The sun’s reflection kisses the lake as it blushes a deep blue.

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For a moment, my worries fade away.

My friend Vaughn Rodriguez, 10 feet to my right, is leading our ascent up The Pinnacle, a stout climb with limited protection and few rests. He is not comfortable. In fact, I think it’s safe to say he is quite uncomfortable. I can see his body shaking with fatigue as he clings to the vertical wall. Nonetheless, he pushes on: the only way to go is up.

Opening spread: Mary Jane Baur comfortably climbing The Pinnacle on top rope; Vaughn Rodriguez racking up before leading the climb. No anxiety was present during the taking of this image.

But it will come.

This spread: Mary Jane prepping to belay.

A good climbing partner doubles as a therapist when nerves are high; Jane Fitkin bouldering at The Marquette Climbers Co-Op. That bouldering room has seen a lot of spilt beer and torn fingertips over the years.

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Sitting at 80 feet high, The Pinnacle overlooks the vastness of Lake Superior. With a difficulty rating of 5.10c, this is not a beginner climb, especially on lead. Online reviews agree—“mentally strenuous,” “runout,” “there is definitely a decent probability of a ground fall.”

The holds are crimpy, in climbing terms. For nonclimbers, it means you’re mostly climbing with your fingertips, as opposed to being able to grab a hold with your entire hand. Our friend, Mary Jane, is silently belaying Vaughn from below. There is a collective anxiety between us that grows as Vaughn gets farther from the ground.

This is the part where I’m obligated to say you shouldn’t read this story and go attempt something like this. Because climbing can be dangerous. You can get seriously hurt, whether it be from a ground fall, a rock that gets knocked loose from above, an avalanche, or getting stuck at a high altitude and freezing to death.

Rock climbing will always have its inherent risks.

R O C K O N : P E R I D O T I T E I S A D A R K A N D C O A R S E I G N E O U S R O C K F O R M E D T H O U S A N D S O F Y E A R S A G O W H E N M O LT E N L AVA C R Y S TA L L I Z E D A N D S O L I D I F I E D .

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There’s no getting around it. But, there are ways to manage and reduce the risks, and do it in a relatively safe way.

Back on The Pinnacle, Vaughn pushes upward.

Every inch feels like a mile. My camera’s shutter sounds like a pin dropping in an empty room. We hold our breath. Two moves till the top, one move, and then, it’s over. Howling to the big lake

with triumph, his voice echoes across the water.

The moment gives me goosebumps.

This place, with all its beauty, has a knack for inspiring adventurers. I only hope as the U.P. continues to grow in popularity, we acknowledge how special places like this are, and make a conscious effort to protect and preserve them for generations to come.

Liam Kaiser is a visual storyteller with a strong love for the outdoors and the grit that comes with it. Follow his adventures on Instagram @LiamKaiserCreative.

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This spread: Silver Mountain, a 140-foot basalt cliff in the heart of the Ottawa National Forest, is another favorite among climbers, offering sport and trad routes. Here, Vaughn and Keller Kanat are on the second pitch of their climb.

TA K I N G H O L D Rock and ice climbers have been visiting the Upper Peninsula since the early 1970s, according to Bill Thompson, owner of Down Wind Sports and founder of the Michigan Ice Fest—an event that’s been drawing some of the world’s best athletes for more than 30 years.

Thompson tells me you can’t talk about the Upper Peninsula’s climbing community without crediting Phill Watts. Locally known as the “Godfather of Marquette Climbing”, he was a catalyst for the climbing scene, teaching more than a thousand people during university courses. Watts brought the first climbing wall to Northern Michigan University, was a faculty advisor to the South Superior Climbing Club and was responsible for countless first ascents.

For those wanting to support or learn more about outdoor rock climbing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I recommend checking out the Upper Peninsula Climbing Coalition. A solely volunteer-based organization, the UPCC’s mission is to preserve and protect local climbing areas.

During my time in Marquette, I ran into my friend, Jane Fitkin, a former representative of the Marquette Climbers’ Cooperative, another central component of the climbing culture here. Fitkin describes the co-op as, “a space for folks to experience communal and intentional living and cultivate an inclusive climbing community.” The house hosts social events like gear swaps and “Beer and Boulder” and focuses on inclusivity for all. “Our wall and gear are open to all, free of charge, and are meant to foster a love for climbing and deepen relationships,” Fitkin says. “One of our core values is this is a safe space to fail—challenge yourself!”

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Three beach reads born from our Northern Michigan shores

Songs of Sand and Stone

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SWEPT AWAY

A sand castle teaches the beauty of impermanence.

photo by Paolo Boaretto

B Y CA R A M C D O N A L D

It was us versus the kids from cottage #11.

Number 11’s castle was a classic, a towering stack of layers like an unfrosted wedding cake. As their fortress rose in height and ornamentation—seaweed trim, driftwood pillars, windows formed by a careful finger poke—we began to look at our sand creation with doubt.

Ours was a canal dug into the cold, deep layers of sand on the beach. We built walls along it and, to keep up with the competition, stuck empty mussel shells here and there for decoration. At the end of the canal through a sand archway was our hope for victory: a pit, a miniature Circus Maximus for Happy and Beanie, two unfortunate painted turtles who’d come into our nets that week. They clawed around in awkward circles while we pressed handfuls of wet sand to the walls of their prison.

Though our design seemed boring next to the tower (ever taller, now with flags made out of toothpicks) we were counting on the turtle factor in a big way. At the judging we’d empty a bucket of lake water into the canal, where it would travel through the arch and into the pit, lifting our little captives up and into a swirling lagoon where they would be reanimated as their aquatic selves.

At last, it was judging time, and we ceremoniously emptied the bucket. In a tsunami of shells, sand and freedom-crazed turtles, the water smashed along the canal, through the pit and down to the lake, wiping out walls and softening the lines of everything we’d built until there was nothing left but a dark stain on the sand.

What had taken so much time and been so

real to us dissolved like sugar.

We did in fact win the contest, but it was cold comfort. With the experiment wrecked, the turtles fled, and I spent the evening morosely trying to recapture Happy with a green mesh net until finally it was too dark to see and my parents called me in to bed.

Impermanence is hard to accept as a child. Or as an adult, for that matter. But it’s the nature of water and rock to do this to each other, to change each other’s shape, to adhere and then scatter. In this way, the beaches that we love do not stay static. That sandy hill where you shared a kiss one year may be gone the next; the spit where we spread our beach towel swallowed up in a season.

Even sand’s life cycle is one of metamorphosis. Beach sand can be made of anything that water can pound—pulverized shells, coral, lava, stone. In Northern Michigan, ours came from the center of the Earth, as granite. Dragged by glaciers, thrashed by the elements, the granite boulders break down and the mica and feldspar components are ground fine into clay and silt.

What remain are granules of granite’s strongest mineral, quartz.

But the process continues. Now the water cushions one grain from the other, sets them afloat to be moved by the breakers, redistributed along the shore. The grains grow round, softened by waves that push them onto the beach. They dry and face a new master: wind.

Prevailing winds from the west push the grains into ripples, ridges, dunes. Into the air, across townships and counties. Back down to Earth, running off in streets and rivers, maybe to the lake once more.

There’s something mysterious about sand’s very nature that moves us to philosophy. Not only is sand impermanent, but it also represents the uncountable and the unimaginable. In a world where most everything can be measured and confined, maybe there’s some comfort in that. Our minds are boggled by the vast and the tiny, so sand delivers a double hit. If you hold it in your hand, a grain is nothing, dust. But together, the grains seem to outnumber the stars.

Think of it this way: At the end of your day at the beach, you are covered in both insignificance and infinity.

That’s one to sift through when you put the last shovelful on the castle and turn your back on the setting sun. Anything can change. Will change. But there will be a fresh stretch of beach tomorrow.

Cara McDonald is executive editor of Traverse Northern Michigan magazine.

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photo byDave Karczynski

W

hen I was 9, we had your typical Up North cottage vacation.

After a week of cranking around in a rented rowboat, fishing on the hot aluminum dock and feeding and then fleeing from Henrietta and Hortense, the terrifying resident swans, my sisters and I had burned through the fun options at the little resort and were looking for more. The time was right for a sand castle contest.

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THE HEART IN THE HEART OF MICHIGAN

When a stone becomes a symbol of love and longing.

B Y L AU R A H U N T

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randma,” my sixth and very curious granddaughter, Nan, began in her usual way as we walked along the shores of Little Traverse Bay. “Why are Petoskey stones our favorites?” She always starts her sentences or questions with “Grandma” to ensure she has my attention. But before I could answer, she danced away from me, little feet splashing through the lapping waves.

Her excitement for every shell, piece of driftwood and speckled bit of granite transformed each into a cherished gift from the lake. I shared that enthusiasm; only mine was underscored with abiding gratitude for every day spent near the waters of Lake Michigan.

Many strides ahead, she reached for something at the water’s edge and then ran to me waving it in one hand, her little blue bucket swaying in the other.

“This one is pretty,” she said showing me a smooth, milky quartz the size of a quarter.

“A keeper, for sure,” I said as I heard the rocks land in her pail with a muffled thunk. Then, to our delight, in the swash zone that encircled us she spied that tell-tale honeycomb pattern.

“Grandma,” she cried, “a Petoskey stone!” She grabbed it with a fistful of wet sand and pulled it to her heart as if it were a precious jewel. After a moment, she tugged at my pocket and pushed her prize deep inside. “Don’t lose this one, Grandma. It’s our favorite!”

We continued down the beach until her bucket, filled with crawdad claws, snail shells, rocks of every color and a

few battered seagull feathers became too much for her to carry. Happy to oblige my adventurer, I relieved her of her burden. Lighter, she skipped toward our towels stretched out in the sun. When I rejoined her, she asked me to dump the bucket on her towel and flopped on her stomach, chin in one hand, feet in the air, and made the outline of a heart with her treasures from the lake.

After a few final adjustments, Nan pushed herself to her knees and held out her hand. I knew what she wanted and pulled the Petoskey stone from my pocket, placing it in her open palm.

Dry and warm now, the stone’s honeycomb was barely visible. Undisturbed, Nan looked at me and when I nodded, popped it into her mouth, something she had seen me do many times. Her cheeks bulged as her tongue rolled the stone from side to side. Wide eyed, she opened her mouth, and I placed my hand under her chin to catch the wet stone.

“Look, Grandma! Magic!” she said, delighted at the reappearance of the pattern. With the air of a priestess, she laid the stone in the center of her creation. “Grandma,” she said, “I know why the Petoskey stone is our favorite—it’s the heart inside the heart of Michigan.”

Tears filled my eyes. I drew her close and nuzzled her head and whispered “thank you” to the sparkling lake.

The sun above signaled it was time for lunch. As we rolled up our towels, Nan said that she wanted to keep the Petoskey stone and proudly carried it back to the house. She placed it in the

small birch basket I had given her earlier in the summer for her keepsakes.

After lunch on the porch, we sat together on the wicker couch, a picture book in her lap and my journal in mine. I started to write down this morning’s words but felt the urge to hold the stone instead. Taking it from the basket, I saw that its lines had evaporated again. I licked it myself, and then pushed my reading glasses farther up my nose for a closer look.

I’d always thought the Petoskey stone was a remarkable work of art, but this one seemed quite extraordinary. Tiny white hash marks connected one hexagon-shaped cell to the next, as if they were stitched together.

These geometric designs matched up perfectly on the top and the bottom.

And there was more. In the center of each little shape was a dark spot, an eye, surrounded by a white halo with the finest of white lines radiating outward, giving the impression the stone was looking at you.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that there must be something more to the stone than its geological beauty. Perhaps something mystical. I reached for my laptop and typed the words “petoskey stone” into the search bar.

Like most people who love Northern Michigan, I had a basic understanding of the area’s natural history, which was confirmed in the first articles that popped up. Millions of years ago, before the time of glaciers, this region was covered by saltwater teeming with life among the coral beds that lined the bottom of these seas. Fossils of these strange and wonderful

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merchant, landowner and fur trader and was considered a respected leader of his community.

But he lived during a time of great upheaval and suffering for Indigenous people. When Michigan officially became a state in 1837, it refused to honor Petosegay’s deeds and instead sold his land to immigrants who were swiftly spreading across the state. In an ironic twist, the new arrivals named their settlement Petoskey, a tribute to the man they knew to be its founder.

I paused and let the cruelty sink in. I know this incident was just one of a multitude of land seizures by the government. Petosegay, the Odawa and many Indigenous peoples lost their ancestral homelands, culture and spirituality—violently at times. They were forced to leave their heart behind.

I set my computer aside and reached for the Petoskey stone. I

pulled it to my heart as Nan had done on the beach. The slightest vibration, like that of a pulse, startled me, and confirmed my thoughts that this stone had a spiritual quality. The transformation of this inanimate object to an animate one must have occurred when the stone was given the name of Chief Petosegay. A blessing that created a symbol of love and longing.

I closed my eyes and felt its resonance on my beating heart. I opened my eyes to see Nan looking at me wondering if I’d fallen asleep. It was time to head back to the beach. “I’m ready,” I said and reached for her hand placing it over my other hand, the Petoskey stone and my heart.

Laura Hunt is recently retired from a career in the non-profit sector and splits her time between Northern Michigan and Virginia.

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photo by Brad Switzer

creatures—of which the Petoskey stone is just one—are plentiful.

Skimming through these articles, my eyes landed on something new. It was an article about Chief Petosegay.

Despite the obvious connection, I knew little of this man except that the town of Petoskey, a campground on Pickerel Lake and the stone in my hand were named for him.

I learn that Chief Ignatius Petosegay lived in the 1800s and was the son of a French fur trader and an Odawa mother. He was raised in an Odawa settlement north of Harbor Springs near Middle Village. Through his marriage to an elder chieftain’s daughter, he earned the title of chief. Wanting to be closer to the lake, he resettled his family to the southern shores of Little Traverse Bay in the early part of the century where the town of Petoskey lies today. He became a successful

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ONE MORE DUNE TO CLIMB

Fearing the passage of time, a father hikes the Sleeping Bear Dunes with his son.

B Y JA S O N B E E R

O

nce the tent is up and our bags unpacked, my son and I drive north to the Dune Climb, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We park at the base where the giant hill rises more than 400 feet. Dozens of children are running up the face of it, or attempting to, though they’re not making it far. We are going to attempt the same—that and much more.

However difficult you imagine it is to climb a dune, it’s harder; but we do eventually make it up to the top. I assume we will see Lake Michigan up here, big and proud, but we only see more dunes. Behind us spreads Glen Lake, cinched in the middle where M-22 cuts through. We gaze at it for a few minutes, then return to the work ahead: the seemingly endless ridges of sand interspersed with islands of dune grass, Lake Michigan still two miles off.

My son Augie, who turns 10 this summer, and I have come up to the northwest corner of the Lower Peninsula to hike and camp. We’ve camped before as a family of five, though never just the two of us. He seems excited about the trip; he might be doing that for me.

The park’s website says Dune Trail, which begins at the top of the Dune Climb, is about 3.5 miles round trip. I’ve packed plenty of water and snacks, and it isn’t too hot, so I think we will make it. If we do have to turn back, I’m all right with that, though I’m motivated by the thought of swimming in the lake after the long hike. Mainly, I’m looking forward to the time with my son, time that doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

I’m generally not someone who

worries about it all being gone in a flash. I enjoyed it when my kids were 2 and when they were 8 and I enjoy it now. We have two boys and a girl.

Avram, our oldest, is 12 the summer of this trip, Rosie is 5. Trips are more difficult with Avram—he was born with global disabilities and epilepsy—and require additional planning and a few modifications. Avram is an amazing kid, but Augie is an amazing boy as well, and I want to climb big hills and make long treks with him, to take it in stride, so we can talk, tell jokes, discuss what to get for lunch. We both need this trip, I tell myself.

During the school year, I drive Augie to school each morning, just the two of us, and lately, there has been this awareness, this sense that what we have right now—car rides, P-I-G in the driveway, video games in the family room, unplanned ice cream trips, moments of intense joy followed by upheaval—will never again be what it is. That he is on the precipice of transformation.

For example: The other day at the park, after beating Augie in pickleball, I sat on a bench to watch Rosie on the swings. Augie sulked past, kicking mulch as he went, shoulders low. But then he took off in a flash toward one of the slides. He loves creating obstacle courses and having me time him, to see if he can beat his record, and in that brief turn and sprint, he reverted from the angsty teen he’s quickly becoming back to the little boy he’s been for so long, seemingly forever.

I’m getting both Augies on this hike. As often as he asks if the next dune is the last, he willingly digs his feet in and powers to the next summit,

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packs, retrace our steps.

I want to say the return trek is easier.

We at least recognize the signposts, know when we are getting close. Once back to the car, we drive up to Glen Arbor for pizza before heading back to camp.

When we finally lie down for the night, the wind kicks up. Augie is frightened. It is unsettling—to be out in the dark Northwoods, the branches beating and rustling, the trees bending and bowing, and our only protection a thin piece of nylon. Augie asks if we can sleep in the car, and for a brief moment—because I’m already in my sleeping bag, tired from the day, and I’m mostly confident nothing will happen—I nearly tell him to “tough it out and go to sleep.” As if toughness has anything to do with being afraid of a storm, in the middle of the woods, in the middle of the night.

To be honest, I’m not sure why I don’t say it. Maybe it’s because I don’t believe everything will be all right, and so I wouldn’t say it, even to my son.

Using our flashlights, we walk the quarter of a mile to the car. Augie falls asleep immediately, though I’m restless; too old to sleep in cars. The lack of sleep worries me because we’re driving back in the morning. But after a good shower, I feel refreshed. It’s one of those cool, evergreen-scented summer days. After breakfast and coffee, we drive home.

Lately, I’ve been fretting over how quickly another 10 years will go. Augie will be in college then, or working, possibly living with us, possibly not.

We won’t share our daily commute.

He may not want to go camping with his old man.

“The past is beautiful,” Virginia Woolf wrote, “because one never realizes an emotion at the time. It expands later.” And so, I cling to the memory of our hike, in the hopes that, like the dunes themselves, it is still expanding, still accumulating, and that, no matter the years, we have one more dune to climb.

Jason Beer is a writer and English teacher living in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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photo by Nicole Geri

a summit that I, too, hope will be the finale. The park’s website says it is a “strenuous hike” and can take two to four hours to complete. I hadn’t been keeping track of the time, but we should be getting close. These dunes took time to build—14,000 years by some estimates; it’s only fitting they take time to climb. Atop the next dune, though, instead of seeing the lake, the sand flattens and the trail narrows, the ground hardens and the sporadic grass turns to thistle.

Augie is quieter than usual. I think it’s because he’s tired, and the hike is harder than he imagined, or I had intimated. I hadn’t known either. But we do talk, and he’s wearing his Michigan Wolverines shirt, so we hear the occasional “Go Blue” from those on their way back. They seem vibrant enough, and a few tell us we’re almost there. I’ve never liked being told that on a hike; the suffering is still too heady to receive such news in the right spirit. We walk another half mile. The dunes return, though smaller here, and the trail dips to our right and cuts between a second rise.

Then we see it, broad and endless, the water expanding as far as we can see.

We made it to the lake.

Though we’ve arrived in late July, the water is still cold, startlingly so, and the stone bottom both hurts our feet and enhances the clarity. Once out far enough, I dive under. I squeal from the knowledge that I’m swimming with my soon-to-be 10-yearold son in a Great Lake, in this breath-snatching, brilliantly turquoise water.

I stay under as long as I can, clutching fiercely and spasmodically at time, unwilling to let it slip through. I eventually come up for air.

Augie is floating on his stomach, face down and goggles on. We bob in the blue for a time.

But he soon tires of it. I don’t blame him. It is cold. I tread water for a few minutes, reluctant to leave. It could be years before we return. And even when we do, it won’t be the same hike, and he won’t be the same Augie. We put on our shoes and shirts, adjust our

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AH,

IT’S CONCERT SEASON.

YOU COULD FIND BLISS IN A BLUEGRASS JAM BAND TUCKED AWAY IN A LOCAL FARM FIELD. OR ROMANCE IN THE SOUNDS OF RACHMANINOFF FLOATING UP AMONG THE VICTORIAN COTTAGES OF BAY VIEW. WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE’S MUSIC TO BE HEARD—IN THE MOST ENCHANTED UP NORTH VENUES. HERE ARE THE PLACES AND PLAYERS YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST EXPERIENCE THIS SUMMER.

BY JOSEPH BEYER

THE ALLUVION Year-Round Traverse City Vibe: Intimate, Micropolitan, New thealluvion.org

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Launched as an accessible and acoustically minded performing arts space in late 2023, The Alluvion now features a distinct marquee downtown, along with a loyal following of audiences and artists alike. What else would you expect from a venue that calls Commongrounds home (a mixed-use, community-owned building with apartments, offices, rotating art exhibits, common work and food and drink tenants all together)?

Grab a pre-show cocktail at NoBo downstairs with one of the best views in town of the Boardman River. When it’s showtime, walk up the modern open staircase to the second floor where most events let you grab one last beverage at the mini bar before you head in to enjoy.

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photos by Tyler Franz

The Alluvion is at the heart of the building and can accommodate up to 180 lucky guests on any night of the week for rotations of world-class jazz, visiting modern rockers and regional favorites like Andrew Dost’s Metal Bubble Trio. The stage lights are Instagram moody, and the baby grand piano was donated by partner Jeff Haas, who helped design the space.

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BLISSFEST FOLK & ROOTS FESTIVAL Somewhere north of Harbor Springs July 11–13, 2025 Vibe: Outdoorsy, Communal, Festive blissfest.org

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With tones of the iconic Woodstock and taking place on a private farm we can’t even disclose, Blissfest is an annual celebration of folk, roots and world music with multiple outdoor stages and a diverse musical lineup. Legend has it the fest started in 1981 with just one day of performances under a maple tree, but that tree now attracts fans from around the country and has planted itself as an institution of music love right here in our backyard.

photos courtesy of Blissfest

Blissfest is welcoming headliners Trevor Hall, Elephant Revival, Ozomatli and Lindsay Lou to its 43rd annual edition this summer. You’ll need a wristband pass to attend all three days of shows, workshops and events. Spots for camping and bringing your tow-behind toys are all offered on a first-come basis. Blissfest is also a family affair where supervised kids are allowed, making it an intergenerational memory waiting to happen.

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photos courtesy of Interlochen

INTERLOCHEN ARTS FESTIVAL Interlochen June 13–Aug. 18, 2025 Vibe: Special, Outdoorsyish, Sometimes Epic interlochen.org

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Stroll the south lawn for the best pre-show lake views and enjoy regional beers and wines before the show or at intermission. We really shouldn’t tell you this, but if you want to get even closer to the action, check out the sidelines on the stage right side where you can dance with freedom, beat the rush to the portable restrooms and generally feel very VIP with other die-hard fans … before one last look at that sunset.

LAKE ANN BREWING CO. June–August 2025 Lake Ann Vibe: Festive, Family-Friendly, Downright Fun lakeannbrewing.com

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The 1949 building has been a snack shack, sold fishing supplies, operated as a diner café, and finally, in 2014, local Matt Therrien took his homebrew skills and passion for craft beer and gave the place a new lease on life.

Since then, it’s grown to include an outdoor patio with live music on a stage he helped build with his own two hands. It’s all a part of the Lake Ann Brewing ethos: where a cold beer and gifted visiting artists like Drew Hale, trio 1000 Watt Prophets and The Whiskey Charmers all feel right at home.

Guests love grabbing a beer and settling at one of the picnic tables; seasonal food trucks and pizza legend Stone Oven next door make it easy to grab food for the show, and the resulting backyard barbecue atmosphere is so comforting and lively there’s a darn good chance you’ll make new friends, too. During peak summer, you can take your pick from seven acts a week that create the brewery’s unique background soundtrack (and more than 10 taps to harmonize with).

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photos courtesy of Lake Ann Brewing Co.

Taking place, as it does, in the indoor/outdoor architectural wonder that is Kresge Auditorium, the top annual music and performing arts festival in the region has been packing in audiences since it opened in 1948. Maybe that’s why you can often feel like you’re stepping back in time— to when things were slower, and you could hold all 3,917 guests in full rapture through the power of music. Now, it’s the place to see some of the biggest guest artists and acts around, and to be seen yourself when you run into old friends walking onto campus or tailgating nearby.

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Late May to Secret Summer, 2025 Thompsonville Vibe: Hidden, Outdoorsy, Laidback ironfishdistillery.com

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The first time you venture down the mysterious dirt road to find Michigan’s first farm-to-bottle distillery, you might think you’ve gone the wrong way. It’s just part of the genuine charm of getting there, and discovering this 120-acre experience dedicated to the kind of sustainable, artisanal community that comes poured into classics like Old Fashioneds, martinis and Moscow mules.

photos courtesy of Iron Fish Distillery

IRON FISH DISTILLERY

On most weekends at the renovated barn, you’ll hear live music from regional favorites or traveling musicians who might be camping on the grounds between stops on their tour. With your feet kicked back and a memorable cocktail in hand, you’ll watch performances against the backgrounds of the fields where your drink was grown and listen to music with the sounds of horseshoes in the distance.

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MUSIC IN THE PARK June 26–Aug. 28, 2025 Mackinac Island Vibe: Something for Everyone, Dog-Friendly, Easygoing mackinacartscouncil.org

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With live performances carried on the winds of the Straits of Mackinac, and free admission for locals and visiting tourists alike, Music in the Park provides a Midwest lineup of country, rock, folk, blues or any beats that will get people moving together on the lawn of Marquette Park, at the foot of historic Fort Mackinac.

Seating is the best kind: first-come, first-served when you find the perfect stretch of grass, or a spot for your picnic blanket, or your pop-up lawn chair with that sidecar beverage holder you like.

Everything is laidback and provokes memories of a long tradition of music and performances on this special spot of land.

photo by Kristi Graham

Concerts are free every Thursday evening with standouts like Nathan Graham’s soul blues mashup, the songsters Ben Daniels Band (yes! related to musician, actor and dad, Jeff), and bluegrass act Full Cord in this summer’s crew, among others. Mackinac Arts Council Director Laura Raisch says, “We get people fired up, and when four to five hundred people are fired up here, it’s a great time.”

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Baroque on Beaver Executive Director Matthew Thomas says the lecture hall at Central Michigan University’s field station (built in 1959 and 32 miles out on the water of the Big Lake) has “the best acoustics on the island.” It’s one of several venues where, for a short invasion each summer, you can experience world-class classical and classically inspired music in formal and informal settings, under the dark-sky sanctuary that is Beaver Island.

A trip to the multi-day music festival will require passage by air or a two-hour ferry trip departing from Charlevoix, but your reward is intimate access to brass quintets playing popular favorites, woodwinds on the lawn, 20-voice choral groups like Vox GR or celebrated musicians like pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, who, after much international acclaim, will be returning this year for both a recital and solo performance with orchestra.

With a rich and unexpected history, Beaver Island seems the natural choice for this unlikely gathering of musicians and music lovers, who have been making the trek here since 2002.

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photo by Taffy Raphael Photography

BAROQUE ON BEAVER July 24–Aug. 2, 2025 Beaver Island Vibe: Adventurous, Outdoorsy, Classic baroqueonbeaver.org

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photo courtesy of All Call Music Festival

CEDAR POLKA FEST

ALL CALL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug. 21–24, 2025 Cedar Vibe: Nostalgic, Dance-Inducing, Spoko cedarpolkafest.org

Aug. 9, 2025 Traverse City Vibe: Hip, Diverse, Unexpected allcallmusicfestival.com

We don’t know if the “Big Tent” in Cedar (which houses the multiday celebration of all-things-polka) has been sitting there since the founding of the event in 1975, but it feels so frozen in time that it could be. That’s where, just off County Road 651, you’ll find the open parking lots filling up all night as the vibrant and contagious pulse of polka echoes from this sanctuary for Polish music, food, beer and an occasional accordion cover of a Guns N’ Roses song.

When Gary Jonas and wife, Allison, couldn’t find some of the cutting-edge pop, hip-hop, soul and diversity of music they craved after years of living in Brooklyn, they decided to create a pop-up music festival of their own right here—and they planted it at their own bar and patio: The Little Fleet. That was three years ago. Now, the All Call Music Festival is heading into its fourth iteration of being the go-to experience for new urban and internationally inspired artists who don’t often play the region.

photo courtesy of Cedar Polka Fest

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Vagabond performers make up the multiple stage lineups in Bohemian polka style as visitors attempt to carry large beers and sausages across the crowded space, while feeling the urge to do a little dance as they move through the crowd.

If it’s your first time to a polka fest, Midwest legends like the Alex Meixner Band and Bavarski will make it familiar and welcoming.

And the tasty treats and carnival atmosphere of people in costumes and flags everywhere makes you feel like you could actually—just for a moment—be in a dream you don’t want to wake from.

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It’s part of the vision that extends The Little Fleet’s fame as a gathering spot with a refreshing summer lineup of cocktails, beers and wines inside the cozy bar or outside on the buzzy patio.

And for one long day of musical lineups, the corner of Wellington and Front streets will close down for stages and tents and a dizzying array of sonic variations ranging from Dos Santos, Kairos Creature Club and “Tom O’Brien’s New Band” to a yet unnamed combination of regional creatives all playing at this year’s festival, among some other surprises. For the musically curious, it’s not to be missed.

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SUMMER SOUNDS AT MICHIGAN LEGACY ART PARK July 10–31, 2025 Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville Vibe: Outdoorsy, Artsy, Magical michlegacyartpark.org

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photo courtesy of Summer Sounds at Michigan Legacy Art Park

Tucked inside 31 acres preserved in the middle of Crystal Mountain Resort in Benzie County is an unlikely outdoor art park, home to 50 sculptures and a beautiful amphitheater. And most summers since 1996, the park has lit up for live music that has ranged from rock to opera. Donations are suggested and benefit the nonprofit which hosts the concerts and stewards the sculpture park that celebrates Michigan’s art, history and place in the world.

On Thursday nights, bring your own food and drink, or grab some from the resort’s market nearby, and don’t forget a lawn chair, blanket and dessert for the encores. Kids can explore the park nearby or join in the spontaneous dance sessions that sometimes break out in front of the stage. With treetops above you, Summer Sounds is one of the stops you won’t regret making. It’s a short but beautiful walk from the parking lot to the stage, but the park offers golf cart rides for those with accessibility needs, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who make it all happen.

Post Script Pro Tips: Your expert music-going summer extravaganza toolkit should include clear purses or fanny packs for entry (now required at some places like Interlochen Center for the Arts),

sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, snacks, a blanket or sweatshirt for the walk back to the car, and an adventurous ear for the power of music to refill our souls and bring us together.

Joseph Beyer is a writer and producer living on Old Mission Peninsula after positions at Sundance Institute, Redford Center, Traverse City Film Festival and Michigan Legacy Art Park.

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photo by Kate Headley

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S E B T O T H D EDHO R H 5 D 2 0 025RE R 5 2 T ST 202 S E B HOTBE D E From favorite breakfast spots and gift shops to standout lodging destinations, real estate agents and breweries, you, our Up North–loving readers, weighed in on the best of Northern Michigan, casting more than 85,000 nominations and votes. Now, we’re thrilled to reveal the winners and celebrate the people and places that make our region ours.

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photos by TKTKTKTTKTK

ABOVE THE BRIDGE & MACKINAC ISLAND

50 T R A V E R S E N O R T H E R N M I C H I G A N Mackinac Island 0625 RHB.indd 50

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FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

FLOOR COVERING

Tamlyn Tile & Flooring

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS Island Breeze Heating and Air Conditioning

HOME BUILDER/CONTRACTOR Harborview Builders, LLC

SALON

BOUTIQUES TO BROWSE & PLACES TO LOUNGE

TEACHER

ART GALLERY

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

HOTELS/RESORTS, MORE THAN 60 ROOMS

Lakeside Spa & Salon, Mission Point Resort

Amy Moser, Drummond Island Elementary Emily Duncan, MA, LLPC

Mackinac’s Little Gallery

Mission Point Resort

INNS/BED & BREAKFASTS, LESS THAN 60 ROOMS Lake View Resort, Drummond Island

LIVE MUSIC VENUE Pink Pony

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK Island Bookstore

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT North Haven Gifts

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY North Haven Gifts

Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island

HOME BUILDING SUPPLIES STORE FOR DIY Sune’s Home Center

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS

Erickson’s Furniture & Mattress Store

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Suzanne Sasso Kuusinen, Drummond Island Realty

BAKERY

Wild Blueberry Breakfast & Bakery

BREAKFAST SPOT Bear Track Inn

BREWERY

Les Cheneaux Distillers

BURGERS

PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR WORLD BETTER

Clyde’s Drive-In

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Lucky Bean Coffeehouse

DeTour Drummond Community Credit Union

CHIROPRACTOR

David Thurston, DC

DENTIST

Scott Elsey, DDS, Pickford Dental

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR

Josh MacDonald, Edward Jones

photos by Tim Hussey

BITES & BEVVIES TO SAVOR

COFFEE SHOP FOOD TRUCK

Chubbs Grill

ICE CREAM SHOP Joann’s Fudge

OUTDOOR DINING

Esther’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine

PIZZA

GYM/HEALTH STUDIO Gym 906

Drummond Island Country Store

PHYSICAL THERAPIST OFFICE

RESTAURANT

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER

WINERY

MyMichigan Rehabilitation Cedarville Office Christine Cordray, FNP

Joann’s Fudge, Mackinac Island

Esther’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine 1668 Winery

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photos by TKTKTKTTKTK

BENZIE & LEELANAU COUNTIES

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BURGERS

Art’s Tavern

COFFEE SHOP

Red Door Coffee House

FOOD TRUCK

Mary’s Asian Cuisine

ICE CREAM SHOP

Hill Top Coffee & Ice Cream

OUTDOOR DINING

Hop Lot Brewing Co.

Blustone Vineyards, Lake Leelanau

PIZZA

Market 22

FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

FLOOR COVERING

Classic Interiors & Design

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS

TIE: Lemcool’s Heating & Cooling Westshore Plumbing & Heating

HOME BUILDER/CONTRACTOR

Loney Custom Construction

HOME BUILDING SUPPLIES STORE FOR DIY photos: (opposite) Allison Jarrell Acosta; (top) courtesy Blustone Vineyards; (middle) Tim Hussey; (bottom) courtesy Crystal Mountain

Northwoods Hardware, Home & Garden

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Stacie Farmer, Rock Paper Scissors Designs

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS The Front Porch

REAL ESTATE AGENT

9 Bean Rows, Suttons Bay

TJ Shimek, Team Shimek Real Estate

PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR WORLD BETTER

The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Blustone Vineyards

RESTAURANT WINERY

Honor Bank, Honor Branch

CHIROPRACTOR

Jesse Carden, DC, Suttons Bay Chiropractic Center

Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville

DENTIST

Jacob Sorber, DDS, West Bay Family Dental

TEACHER

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR

Justin Keillor, Edward Jones

Jamie Robinson, Glen Lake Community Schools

GYM/HEALTH STUDIO

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

BOUTIQUES TO BROWSE & PLACES TO LOUNGE

ART GALLERY

Gwen Frostic Prints

HOTELS/RESORTS, MORE THAN 60 ROOMS Crystal Mountain

Onika Witzke, LMSW

INNS/BED & BREAKFASTS, LESS THAN 60 ROOMS

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

BITES & BEVVIES TO SAVOR

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER

BAKERY

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK

Betsie Hosick Health & Fitness Center Pursuit Physical Therapy Karen Volas, NP, Empire Family Care

SALON

Studio 817

9 Bean Rows

BREAKFAST SPOT Fiddleheads

BREWERY

Hop Lot Brewing Co.

Sleeping Bear Inn

Lake Ann Brewing Co. Cottage Book Shop

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT The Front Porch

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

Wandering Waters Design

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photos by TKTKTKTTKTK

CADILLAC, MANISTEE & LUDINGTON

Nordhouse Dunes, 54 T R A V E R S E N O R T H E R N M I C H I G A N Manistee

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FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

FLOOR COVERING

Haglund’s Floor Covering

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS Northlake Mechanical

HOME BUILDER/CONTRACTOR Thalman & Thalman

HOME BUILDING SUPPLIES STORE FOR DIY Bear Lake Ace Hardware & Supply

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Teresa Kieffer, Wellnested

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS VanDrie Home Furnishings

REAL ESTATE AGENT

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Tania M. LeBaron, MD

SALON

Beyond the Mirror

TEACHER

Zack Korienek, Ludington Elementary School

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

Lisa A. Bradley, Lighthouse Associates

BITES & BEVVIES TO SAVOR

BAKERY

Katy Castillo, Century 21 Northland

WildFlour Bakery

PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR WORLD BETTER

Trail’s End Baking Company

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

West Shore Bank, Ludington Branch

CHIROPRACTOR

Brian D. Sims, D.C., Sims Chiropractic Wellness Center

DENTIST

Geoffrey Paine, DDS, Water’s Edge Dentistry

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR

BREAKFAST SPOT BREWERY

Jamesport Brewing Company

BURGERS

The Outsider

COFFEE SHOP

Chunky Bear Coffee Roasters

FOOD TRUCK

Chico’s Taco House

Nicholas K. Callesen, CMT, AIF/Callesen Wealth Management

ICE CREAM SHOP

GYM/HEALTH STUDIO

OUTDOOR DINING

EVOLVE Yoga & Fitness

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

photos: (opposite and top) Dave Weidner; (bottom) Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Dynamic Physical Therapy, Manistee Office

Todd & Brad Reed Photography, Ludington

Tasty Treat

Jamesport Brewing Company

PIZZA

Pizza Plus of Cadillac

STIX, Ludington

RESTAURANT

Jamesport Brewing Company

WINERY

Pere Marquette Winery

BOUTIQUES TO BROWSE & PLACES TO LOUNGE

ART GALLERY

Todd & Brad Reed Photography

HOTELS/RESORTS, MORE THAN 60 ROOMS

Coyote Crossing Resort

INNS/BED & BREAKFASTS, LESS THAN 60 ROOMS Nader’s Motel & Suites

LIVE MUSIC VENUE STIX

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK The Windowsill Used & New Books

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT My Happy Place

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY Wexford Jewelers

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photos by TKTKTKTTKTK

CHARLEVOIX & THE CHAIN OF LAKES

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FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

FLOOR COVERING

Harbor Flooring

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS K&K Heating and Cooling

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR

Thomas Shelder, Third Coast Wealth Planning

GYM/HEALTH STUDIO

TBC Wellness Center

FOOD TRUCK

Happy’s Taco Shop

ICE CREAM SHOP

Ruthie’s Dairy Twist

OUTDOOR DINING The Landing

PIZZA Happy’s Taco Shop, Boyne City

Chef Chucks

RESTAURANT

Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen

WINERY

Cellar 1914

BOUTIQUES TO BROWSE & PLACES TO LOUNGE

ART GALLERY

Bier Art Gallery & Pottery Studio

HOTELS/RESORTS, MORE THAN 60 ROOMS

Hotel Earl of Charlevoix

INNS/BED & BREAKFASTS, LESS THAN 60 ROOMS

Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Short’s Brewing Company Bellaire Pub

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK Books & Things

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT HOME BUILDER/CONTRACTOR photos: (opposite) Todd Zawistowski; (above) Allison Jarrell Acosta; (right) Gately Williams

Hejka and Sons’ Construction

HOME BUILDING SUPPLIES STORE FOR DIY Alden Lumber & Hardware

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Jennifer Aenis, The Inner Structure

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS The Flying Pig

REAL ESTATE AGENT

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Active Recovery Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Elk Rapids Beautique

TEACHER

Rebecca Benson, Bellaire Elementary

PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR WORLD BETTER

BITES & BEVVIES TO SAVOR

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery & Coffeehouse

CHIROPRACTOR

DENTIST

Brian Rathke, DDS, Bellaire/Elk Rapids Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Gr8 Lakes Inspired, Mary Gocha

SALON

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

Dr. Trevor Darnell, DC, Torch Chiropractic Family Wellness Center

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

Rebecca Byrnes, DO

Kellie Sergent, Century 21 Northland

Alden State Bank, Elk Rapids Branch

Uniquely North

KaLeigh Shepard, LMSW

BAKERY

BREAKFAST SPOT

Ames Street Cafe

BREWERY

Short’s Brewing Company

BURGERS

Rapid City Tavern

COFFEE SHOP

M88 Morning Grind

JUNE 2025

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Let us help make your dreams a reality.

Happy’s Taco Shop, Boyne City

Mackinac Island’s Best Dining & Experiences.

Featuring the renovated Chianti and all new Lilac Lounge! Celebrate the extraordinary with us!

Specializing in custom design & designer collections One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 | missionpoint.com | 906.847.3000

wexfordjewelers.com • 231-775-1289

VOTED BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

tbacu.com

231.946.7090 Insured by NCUA

2025_Red_Hot_Best_TBA_.5.indd 1

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KALKASKA, GAYLORD & GRAYLING

AuSable River Festival, Grayling

FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

FLOOR COVERING

McLean’s Home Center Inc.

025 52025

Kalkaska Plumbing & Heating

HOME BUILDER/CONTRACTOR photo by Dave Weidner

ears. rs.

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS Chris’s Construction

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS

Woodland Creek Furniture & Gallery

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Hannah Techel, TheTEAM Real Estate Group

PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR WORLD BETTER

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

GYM/HEALTH STUDIO

Forest Area Credit Union, Kalkaska Branch

CHIROPRACTOR

Pete Jenema, DC, The Chiropractic Center

DENTIST

Jennifer Malicowski, DDS, AuSable Family Dental

Justin Cherwinski, GLP & Associates

Kaliseum Recreation Complex

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Pursuit Physical Therapy Kalkaska

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Andrew J. Long, DO

SALON

Las Vegas Tan & Salon

st Awards ards d. s This ered JUNE 2025

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PRO SHOP • CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT GOLF CART RENTALS • SCRAMBLES GROUP RATES • BIKE & HIKING TRAILS DAILY DRINK & FOOD SPECIALS LIVE MUSIC WED - SAT ALL SUMMER TWINBIRCHGOLF.COM KALKASKA, MI BRAND NEW

PRO SHOP • CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT

WE’LL KEEP YOU IN THE COMFORT ZONE Residential and Commercial HVAC & Plumbing

GROUP & COMPANY RATES

Thank you for voting us best Heating & Cooling Business BIKE CART & GOLF CART SCRAMBLES RENTALS

DAILY DRINK & FOOD SPECIALS WEDNESDAY NIGHT CONCERTS

TWINBIRCHGOLF.COM KALKASKA, MI

231-299-0031

northlakemechanical.com Family owned and operated

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Paddle Hard Brewing, Grayling

TEACHER

OUTDOOR DINING

Amanda Taylor Prusakiewicz, Otsego Christian School

Twin Birch Restaurant and Golf Course

PIZZA

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

BC Pizza Kalkaska

Rachel Hoppe, MSW-NCCMH

RESTAURANT Twin Birch Restaurant and Golf Course

photos: (top and middle) Dave Weidner; (bottom) Ashlyn Korienek

BITES & BEVVIES TO SAVOR

BAKERY

Goodale’s Bakery

BREAKFAST SPOT

Moose & Stella’s Cafe

BREWERY

Paddle Hard Brewing

BURGERS

Twin Birch Restaurant and Golf Course

COFFEE SHOP

Kalkaska Biggby

FOOD TRUCK Alpine Chocolat Haus, Gaylord

The Digs

ICE CREAM SHOP

Alpine Chocolat Haus

BOUTIQUES TO BROWSE & PLACES TO LOUNGE

ART GALLERY

AuSable Artisan Village

HOTELS/RESORTS, MORE THAN 60 ROOMS All Seasons Resort

INNS/BED & BREAKFASTS, LESS THAN 60 ROOMS

Kalkaska RV Park & Campground

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Paddle Hard Yard

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK Plot Bound Books

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT

Cherry Street Market

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY Hogan’s Jewelers

JUNE 2025

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PETOSKEY, HARBOR SPRINGS & THE STRAITS

Pond Hill Farm, Harbor Springs

FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

FLOOR COVERING

MI North Carpet & Flooring

photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS

Ballard’s Plumbing & Heating

HOME BUILDER/CONTRACTOR The Cottage Company of Harbor Springs

HOME BUILDING SUPPLIES STORE FOR DIY Preston Feather

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Cottage Company Interior Design

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS Flora Bae Home

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Will Baker, Graham Real Estate

PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR WORLD BETTER

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION 4Front Credit Union, Petoskey US-131 Branch

CHIROPRACTOR

Emily Brown, Bear River Chiropractic

DENTIST

Scott Eaton, DDS

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR Diana Eberhart, Edward Jones

GYM/HEALTH STUDIO Center City Gym

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center

JUNE 2025

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Teresa Kieffer Voted Best Interior Designer

HOME & LIFESTYLE STORE SPECIALIZING IN FURNITURE, DECOR AND SPECIALTY GIFTS Interior Decorating and Thoughtful Organization for Busy People 429 River Street, Downtown Manistee wellnested.com • 231.633.7653 • Open 7 days

Thanks for voting us Best Burger!

Burgers • Sandwiches • Subs Salads • Fish/Shrimp Baskets Find us on .

Forever Bae Permanent Jewelry

Bae Atelier Create your own Fragrance Bar

R CO DE RY L E HO JEW NTS A PL ME

9395 Valley Road, Rapid City MI 49676 231.331.5029

209 HOWARD ST. PETOSKEY, MI 49770

Lake Michigan Access

231.489.8152 WWW.FLORABAEHOME.COM

Burt Lake Frontage

3086 Forrest Avenue Harbor Springs 4 Bed 3 Full Bath 1 Half Bath 3206 SQ FT $2,000,000

1553 Nippissing Trail Indian River 4 Bed 3 Full Bath 1 Half Bath 2753 SQ FT $1,189,000

Lake Michigan Access

8310 Pine Ridge Drive Harbor Springs 1 Acre 200 FT Lake Access $214,000

Will Baker Licensed REALTOR

3086 Forrest Ave.

(231) 838-0722

Located in the desirable Menonaqua community, this exceptional cottage, originally crafted by Evening Star Joinery, is ready for its next owner to complete the interior design and finishing touches. Menonaqua offers access to one of the area's finest beaches, making it an ideal summer retreat. The exterior and mechanical systems are in excellent condition, and a full set of plans is available for the interior completion.

grahamre.com

|

198 E. Main Street, Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740

|

will@grahamre.com

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PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Julia Mueller, MD

SALON

Perry Hotel, Petoskey

Ilaria Hair Studio

TEACHER

Alise Robinson, Concord Academy of Petoskey

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

photos: (clockwise from left) Allison Jarrell Acosta; courtesy of Perry Hotel; courtesy of Cottage Company Interior Design; Dave Weidner

Tana J Nathe, LPC, NCC

Three Pines Studio & Gallery, Cross Village BITES & BEVVIES TO SAVOR

BAKERY

JoJo’s Cookie Co.

BREAKFAST SPOT

Julienne Tomatoes

BREWERY

Elder Piper Beer & Cider

BURGERS

Keyhole Bar & Grill

COFFEE SHOP

North Perk Coffee

FOOD TRUCK

Happy’s Taco Shop

Fox and Hound Boutique, Petoskey Cottage Company Interior Design, Harbor Springs

ICE CREAM SHOP Corner Scoops

BOUTIQUES TO BROWSE & PLACES TO LOUNGE

OUTDOOR DINING

ART GALLERY

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Three Pines Studio & Gallery

Pond Hill Farm

HOTELS/RESORTS, MORE THAN 60 ROOMS

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK

McLean & Eakin Booksellers

Stafford’s Perry Hotel

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT

INNS/BED & BREAKFASTS, LESS THAN 60 ROOMS

Fox and Hound Boutique

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

The Thirsty Sturgeon

PIZZA

Mighty Fine Pizza

RESTAURANT

Julienne Tomatoes

WINERY

Pond Hill Farm

The Terrace Inn

Hanni Gallery

JUNE 2025

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a luxe, warm salon experience Your happiness is at the heart of everything we do. Come in, unwind, and let us make your day extraordinary.

515 Bay Street Traverse City, MI 49684 231.421.1314 jthomassalontc.com Mon - Fri ~ 9am to 9pm Saturday ~ 9am to 3pm Sunday ~ beauty rest

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Boardman River, Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY & GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

FLOOR COVERING

Bay View Flooring

HEATING & COOLING BUSINESS

photo by Dave Weidner

Team Bob’s Heating, Cooling, Plumbing

HOME BUILDER/CONTRACTOR Waldecker Homes

HOME BUILDING SUPPLIES STORE FOR DIY Ace Hardware, Front Street

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Kitchen Choreography

PLACE TO BUY HOME FURNISHINGS

Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Holly Hack, Exit Realty

PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR WORLD BETTER

DENTIST

Tim Wentzloff, DDS, Rose Street Dental

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR Dawn Hemming, Hemming& Wealth Management

GYM/HEALTH STUDIO

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness

CHIROPRACTOR

Superior Physical Therapy

TBA Credit Union, Front Street Branch Kyle Konas, DC, Shift Health Center

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER Debra Graetz, MD

JUNE 2025

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5989 Lake Street, Glen Arbor 231-334-4223 www.cottagebooks.com • info@cottagebooks.com

In the palm of your hand.

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RESTAURANT

Poppycocks

WINERY

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

BOUTIQUES TO BROWSE & PLACES TO LOUNGE

ART GALLERY

Dennos Museum Center

HOTELS AND RESORTS, MORE THAN 60 ROOMS

Delamar Traverse City

INNS/BED & BREAKFASTS, LESS THAN 60 ROOMS

Brys Estate Winery Guesthouse

LIVE MUSIC VENUE The Alluvion

Dawn Hemming, Hemming& Wealth Management, Traverse City

photos: (clockwise from top) Tyler Franz; courtesy of Dawn Hemming; courtesy of Delamar Traverse

The Alluvion, Traverse City

SALON

J Thomas Salon + Med Spa

Delamar, Traverse City

TEACHER

Ashley Brown, Cherry Knoll Elementary School

THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

Kaylee Patterson, LPC, NCC

BITES & BEVVIES TO SAVOR

BAKERY

Potter’s Bakery

BREAKFAST SPOT

Red Spire Brunch House

BREWERY

The Filling Station Microbrewery

BURGERS

Slabtown Burgers

COFFEE SHOP

Higher Grounds Trading Co.

FOOD TRUCK

Full Send Ramen

ICE CREAM SHOP

Moomers Homemade Ice Cream

OUTDOOR DINING The Little Fleet

PIZZA

The Filling Station Microbrewery

PLACE TO BUY A BOOK Horizon Books

PLACE TO BUY A GIFT Nifty Things!

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

Miner’s North Jewelers

JUNE 2025

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Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations, Dawn!

Dawn!

Dawn!

Dawn!

Photo by Captured by Grace Photography

by Captured

by Grace Photography PhotoPhoto

by Captured

by Grace Photography

Thank you for voting Dawn Hemming as Traverse City’s 2025 Red Hot BestDawn Financial Service Advisor.

Thank you for voting Hemming as Traverse City’s 2025 Thank for voting Dawn Hemming asTraverse Traverse City’s 2025 Thankyou you for voting Dawn Hemming as City’s 2025 Empowering clients to live their best lives for over 28 years.

Red Hot Best Financial Service Advisor.

Red Hot Best Financial Service Advisor.

Red Hot Best Financial Service Advisor. hemming& Wealth Management, Inc. was awarded the 2025 Red Hot Best Financial Service Advisor on April 24, 2025, for the year 2025. The Red Hot Best Awards Empowering clients tonominations live their best lives for over 28 years.

Empowering clients to live their best lives for over 2828 years.

Empowering clients to their best lives for over are organized by 910 Media Group and are based on publiclive and voting. There has been no compensation given or received for this award.

Thisyears.

Photo by Captured by Grace Photography

recognition is not indicative of future performance and does not reflect the experience of all clients. hemming& Wealth Management, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisor. hemming& Wealth Management, Inc.Inc. waswas awarded the 2025 Red Hot Best ServiceService AdvisorAdvisor on Aprilon 24, 2025,24, for the year 2025.

The 2025.

Red Hot Best Awards hemming& Wealth Management, awarded the 2025 RedBest HotFinancial Best Financial foryear the 2025. year The Red Hot Awards Best Awards hemming& Wealth Management, Inc. was awarded the 2025 Red Hot Financial Service Advisor on April April 24, 2025,2025, for the The Red Hot Best are organized by 910 Media Group and are based on public nominations and voting.

There has been no compensation given or received for this award.

This are organized byMedia 910 Media andbased are based on public nominations and voting. has been no compensation or received foraward. this award. are organized by 910 GroupGroup and are on public nominations and voting.

ThereThere has been no compensation givengiven or received for this This This recognition isisnot indicative of of future performance and and doesdoes not reflect the experience of all clients. hemming& Wealth Management, Inc is a Registered recognition not indicative future performance not reflect the experience of all clients. hemming& Wealth Management, Inc is a Registered recognition is not indicative of future performance and does not reflect the experience of all clients. hemming& Wealth Management, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisor.

Investment Advisor.

Investment Advisor.

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RED HOT BEST

EDITORS’ CHOICE The fun, the funky, the under the radar, hard to categorize but delicious to discover. Our first annual Editors’ Choice Awards!

BEST PLACE FOR TIME TRAVEL

photos: (top to bottom) Courtesy of Mackinac State Park Collection; courtesy of Bayview Association; Allison Jarrell Acosta

It’s no secret that Mackinac Island is a portal to the past, where the air smells like lilacs and the loudest sounds are the clop of horse hooves and chiming of bicycle bells. It’s the kind of timeless place where people pay to sit and simply rock on a porch—albeit the longest, most beautiful porch in the world, at Grand Hotel.

But what many don’t know is that each fall the hotel hosts a marvelous gathering of nostalgic souls who come to relive the movie “Somewhere in Time,” the 1980 cult classic starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve about a lovestruck playwright who, during a visit to Grand Hotel, time-travels back to 1912 to meet a beautiful, doomed actress. When fans converge each October, the hotel is transformed as afficionados dress in period costume, watch the film, re-enact scenes, and meet some of the film’s actors who return year after year.

(Word is that for the October 2025 gathering, Seymour herself plans to attend.) BYO top hat and parasol. –C.M.

BEST OUTING FOR WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR VISITORS You’ve beached, you’ve shopped, you’ve U-Picked and winery hopped. And now you need something else—something special, beautiful, surprising and wholly Northern Michigan.

Point your car to Bay View, the National Historic Landmark community of fairy-tale Victorian cottages in Petoskey. Like other Chautauquas, Bay View is a haven for art, culture, music and learning, hosting concerts, lectures and performances all summer long, open to the public and worth planning an evening around, maybe after a meal at quaint Stafford’s Bay View Inn. But the cottages and village buildings themselves? Showstoppers. A host of architectural styles fill the community, like the highly ornamented Eastlake style, and the stalwart Shingle style, which has a more Colonial, seaside-cottage feel. Download a self-guided walking tour at bayviewassociation.org for a meandering stroll through one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the North. –C.M.

BEST HIKE FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO FEEL LIKE A WOODLAND FAIRY When I want to feel truly whimsical—like a forest sprite without deadlines and emails—I head to Benzie County’s Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve. This idyllic 230-acre property lies in the Platte River watershed, and it’s a refuge rich in biodiversity, home to more than 200 species of flora. You’ll hike among feathery ferns, native wildflowers and mushrooms of every shape and hue huddled along the forest floor. About a mile in, a boardwalk emerges, leading to a kayak/canoe launch pier with panoramic views of a serene, wooded shoreline—the silence only broken by an occasional echoing bird call. –A.J.A.

JUNE 2025

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LINK.MYNORTH.COM / VIP24

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RED HOT BEST

EDITORS’ CHOICE BEST SPOT FOR PRETENDING YOU’RE IN A MONET PAINTING Fluffy rows of fragrant lavender blossoms. Pollen-covered bees bumbling happily between bushes. Black-and-white striped umbrellas lending shade to garden-side picnics. The Secret Garden at Brys Estate is an Impressionist dreamscape, and my preferred place to spend a leisurely summer afternoon. Cut your own lavender bouquet, pick perennial flowers and herbs, and find a bench among the blooms to sip lavender lemonade with a fresh-from-the-oven shortbread cookie. Artistic inspiration at its finest. –A.J.A.

BEST FARM EXPERIENCE FOR ANIMAL LOVERS Among the pastures of De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery in Kalkaska, owners Henk and Jackie De Vor raise and milk their grass-fed Jersey cows to make award-winning Old World farmstead Gouda and a dozen varieties of ice cream, like triple berry and mint chocolate chip. A farm store is kept stocked with wheels of cheese that have been aged on Dutch pine planks, some for more than a year. (Ask about their apple pie Gouda, which just won third at the United States Championship Cheese Contest.) After your fromage stock-up, go cuddle the cows (!!!). The friendly herd loves nuzzling up to people. To meet these sweet gals, you’ll need to make a reservation: $50 per person for a 50-minute time slot, ages 15 and up. –C.S.

photos: (top) Allison Jarrell Acosta; (middle) courtesy of De Vor Dairy Farm & Creamery (bottom) Dave Weidner

BEST ROAD-TRIP BITE You’d be forgiven for overlooking Lynda’s Tacos, a small drive-thru cabin in the middle of a Charlevoix strip mall parking lot. But don’t be fooled by the humble exterior—LT’s is an institution, serving up the best homestyle TexMex comfort food around; think massive skirt steak burritos, flavor-packed al pastor tacos and sweet-and-savory pineapple quesadillas, all grilled on a barbecue out back. Brake for the barbacoa tostada wrap—packed with beans, cheese, sour cream and veg— en route to Tip of the Mitt faves like Fisherman’s Island State Park. –A.J.A.

BEST BEACH BONFIRE WITH FRIENDS The smell of woodsmoke and damp sand and lake breeze twirl as locals gather, pop their chairs and settle in for the community beach bonfires at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington. Set against the backdrop of a glowing Lake Michigan sunset, these enormous blazes on the fourth Thursday of the month capture the pure magic of summer, especially when paired with live music, like the Petoskey Steel Drum Band—beachy. Mark your calendars for June 26, July 31 and August 28, all free to enjoy. –A.K.

BEST ENDLESS STRETCH OF SAND FOR SUNSET STROLLS The 3,500-acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area near Manistee

JUNE 2025

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Tomorrow is more memories in the making Energy isn’t just power—it’s possibility.

It transforms a house into a home, bringing warmth, comfort, and the promise of moments that matter.

From preparing nutritious meals to sharing the joy of cooking with loved ones, the energy we deliver fuels family memories and sparks the moments that light up our lives.

Because with energy, we don't just cook—we create memories.

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northern home & cottage FOR THE WAY YOU L I VE UP NORTH

“The home has an intentional farmhouse feel to honor the fact that the land had once been part of a cattle farm.”

A TIMELESS VACATION HOME ON THE BAY P. 76 SUMMER-CAMP VIBES ON ELK LAKE P. 88 0625 NHC COVER.indd 75

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ALL TOGETHER NOW

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COZY FOR THIS COUPLE AND THEIR EXTENDED FAMILY, WHO CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF VACATIONING UP NORTH TOGETHER.

By L I S SA M A RT I N

Photos by JACQUELINE SOUTHBY

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T

he story of this spacious and gracious vacation home on East Grand Traverse Bay could well start with the famous opener: “It was a dark and stormy” … real estate market, when the homeowners began exploring property options in Northern Michigan. Their search, which began during the bidding wars of 2021, took them from Torch Lake to Leelanau County. In the end, they decided that Traverse City’s central location was perfect—as was its proximity to the airport, which allowed for easier work travel.

After being outbid on several properties, the couple decided to check out a parcel that they’d put off seeing

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST FLOOR COVERING IN GRAND TRAVERSE

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because, at least on paper, it seemed too close to the road. Once on site, however, they knew they’d found their dream property. Long and thin, the lot stretches along East Grand Traverse Bay on one side and a quiet road on the other. A fruit farm across that road offers even more privacy. Because it had a limited building envelope, the property had been on the market for months. As luck would have it, the day they put in a bid, a second one also came in. But as luck also had it, this time their bid was chosen.

At their Realtor’s recommendation, the couple hired architect Sarah Bourgeois and, at a friend’s recommendation, David Webster Construction. Of Bourgeois they say, “She was a joy to work with.” Of Fran Seymour, general manager of Webster Construction, and his team, well, the couple doesn’t seem to have enough words to adequately explain their skill, thoughtfulness and constant pursuit to go over and above.

The couple’s initial vision for their home was fairly straightforward. They

The kitchen “where butts don’t bump” is also extremely efficient. Note the two sinks, each flanked by a dishwasher. The homeowner’s asked the team at David Webster Construction for a table long enough to fit a gang. They came back with this live-edge walnut stunner.

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UpNorth design, inspiration, building ideas, & decorating tips straight to your inbox monthly.

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The three-season room off the great room is one of the most popular spots in the home, along with the wine-tasting room.

wanted a timeless classic feel, to make the most of the water view— and to be able to accommodate 20plus people at a time, so they could host family. Beyond enough beds and baths, the wife wanted a kitchen in which multiple cooks could work together in a comfortable way. “I didn’t want butts bashing into each other,” she says with a laugh.

Bourgeois took that wish list and turned it into a contemporary and lovely home. With its exterior knit of white board-and-batten and rustic stone work, the home has an intentional farmhouse feel to honor the fact that the land had once been part of a cattle farm.

Inside the foyer, the sight-line includes an open view of the water, as well as a glassed-in wine room with an adjacent tasting area that also looks out onto the water. From this elegant core, the home spreads into two wings—one that houses the great room and primary suite and another that houses four guest suites. A workout room, another

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Tucked into its own wing, the primary bedroom feels very private. Like the rest of the home, its soft-toned decor was selected to let the view of the lake out the window be the star.

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Photo by Maconochie Photography

The ultimate goal of the Architect is to create a paradise... every house should be a fruit of our endeavor to create an earthly paradise for people.

Elk Rapids Northville 231.498.2500 248.515.4477 josephmoseyarchitecture.com

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guest suite and bunk room are located on the upper level. Downstairs, off a comfy rec room, another guest room sleeps four.

Twelve-foot ceilings in the great room, banks of generous windows and a soothing white oak floor create an airy open feeling. The cabinetry and millwork by the craftsmen of Dovetail Custom Cabinetry and Webster Construction’s in-house cabinet shop, add to that the classic, timeless feel that the couple hoped for.

In the kitchen, there’s plenty of work space—enough so that once last summer, when six people were cooking together, no one so much as brushed a bottom. But the pièce de résistance

in this fabulous kitchen is a pantry big enough to house an extra refrigerator, pantry staples, cookware, appliances and a lovely coffee bar that guests can access themselves.

Yes, there is room enough for everyone in this home. But with its organic surfaces and connection to the outdoors, the space feels plenty cozy even when the couple is there alone.

The wife recalls a winter morning not long ago: As her husband worked upstairs, she clicked on the gas fire and began making soup. Outside, the snow swirled across the frozen lake.

“The warm house, the lake, the ice, the snow, the fire—I was happy, happy, happy,” she says.

Cheers to choosing your view in the wine tasting room—either the blue, blue waters of Lake Michigan or the elegant glassed-enclosed wine wall.

resources Builder: David Webster Construction Architect: Sarah Bourgeois Architects Interior Design: Michele Boggs Koken, MBK Designs Windows: Old Mission Windows Landscape: Traverse Outdoor

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COTTAGE, SWEET COTTAGE A YOUNG FAMILY HONORS THE ARCHITECTURAL TRADITIONS OF A VINTAGE RESORT COMMUNITY WITH THEIR NEW ELK LAKE HAVEN. B y L I S S A M A R T I N / Photos by MICAH REUS S

D ustin Deckrow’s roots run deep in Bellaire. His mother was raised in watery Antrim County—home to Torch, Elk and other lakes—and his grandparents founded the area’s largest marina, Dewitt Marine (formerly Redfern Marine). Dustin grew up spending summers on those lakes. So, when a rare lot went up for sale in Rex Terrace, a vintage resort community on Elk Lake, he didn’t hesitate.

Given that the new build would be only the second in the community in a long time, Dustin and his wife, Nicole, wanted a home that would accommodate their three kids and dog, and a design that would fit in. “We didn’t want to stand out among all these old, awesome cottages with really beautiful character,” Nicole explains.

To get that look, they hired architect Douglas Leahy of GETA Design in Elk Rapids. “For the last twentyplus years I have been specializing in generational heirloom cottages of all scales, but this one hit especially close to home—literally,” says Leahy. “I own a vintage cottage in Rex Terrace, so when the Deckrows approached me about designing a modest, functional cottage in our shared old resort

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Previous page: The clean contemporary exterior is warmed by timeless elements including wood trim, board-and-batten siding and a screened porch. This page: Earthy tones and a wide embracing chimney give the fireplace an Old World feel. The homeowners chose nickel gap paneling over shiplap for its more vintage look.

community, I was all in. Though they wanted a two-story home, it was important to me to keep the scale and proportions in harmony with the surrounding cottages.”

The first client/architect consult was held in the absolute purest of Up North venues: around a bonfire. “We told him what we were looking for, and the next morning he had a handdrawn image for us. We really didn’t change anything,” Nicole says.

The design Leahy presented them is a contemporary take on a traditional cottage, with board-and-batten siding and a partially screened front porch.

All the features the couple requested are efficiently tucked into two levels that add up to a sweet 1,600 square feet. “We really wanted it to feel like a cottage with everyone hunkered down together in the living area,” Nicole says, adding that the screened porch offers more space when the

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The cabinetry and walnut range hood were made by Amish craftsmen. Brass plumbing and lighting meld with the walnut island for a classic note.

slider door to it is open during warm weather. Touches like a kids’ loft hangout accessed by a ladder and an outdoor shower emphasize the simple, summer-camp feel.

Interior designer Kristie Koning (Kristie Koning Design) used natural and vintage inspired elements, including white nickel gap paneling on the walls and ceiling and wooden ceiling beams, to give the interior the clean, timeless feeling the Deckrows wanted. The hood and kitchen island are walnut and, like the cabinetry, were made in an Amish cabinetry shop that Dustin discovered in Fremont.

Like in any good cottage, the massive stone fireplace presides over the home and lifestyle. “The Deckrows NHC • MYNORTH.COM

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Features including this built-in banquette// storage cupboard make the 1,600-square-foot cottage roomy enough for the family of five.

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FLASKA LANDSCAPING 231.590.3734 96 N O R T H E R N H O M E & C O T T A G E J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 5

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wanted it to feel like it had been there for a hundred years,” Kristie says. In lieu of contemporary-looking stacked stone, the Deckrows chose a rough-surfaced, burnt earth-toned stone made by Buechel and called Antique Copper Fieldstone. A thick layer of naturalcolored grout (called over-grouting), gives it an Old World feeling, explains Daniel Van Der Woude of Belden Architectural Elements, where the stone was purchased.

Days at Rex Terrace are spent outside on the lake in the summer and at the nearby ski hill in the winter. Evenings, too, move with the seasons—for the Deckrows, it’s all about the screened porch in warm weather.

But evenings find the family snuggled together in their not-so-big great room beside that cozy, toasty fireplace.

resources Architect: GETA Design Designer: Kristie Koning Design Fireplace Stone: Belden Architectural Elements

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Lilac Festival Grand Parade

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Catch the June 15th livestream at 4pm on 9and10News.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

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The Cu l i nary North local restaurants craft drinks seasonal cuisine

“

Toast to the crickets and the Up North perfume of cool lake water and pine.

—CONTRIBUTOR EMILY TYRA

6 NEW WINES TO TRY

photo by Todd Zawistowski

P. 102

PROSCIUTTO AND FIG BLISS P. 109

A DOCKSIDE DINNER PARTY P. 111

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photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

The Cu l i nary North Sip

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Left Foot Charley

SUMMER BREAK SIPPERS

by CARLY SIMPSON

6 newly released wines to pour while flipping through your old yearbooks.

MOST LIKELY TO TRAVEL THE WORLD

MOST LIKELY TO GO SKINNY DIPPING

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This is Bel Lago’s first-ever amber wine, and it’s definitely for adventurous palates—raw, unfiltered, zero sugar. This complex wine is packed with character and flavors of ripe citrus and earth.

Partial carbonic maceration highlights the juicy fruit notes and zippy acidity in this light bodied, chillable red that’s a blend of blaufränkisch, cabernet franc and zweigelt. Think of it as your carefree alter ego.

A special-release rosé made in tribute to the endangered piping plover. This wine supports The Friends of Sleeping Bear’s volunteer conservation and rescue efforts, with a portion of proceeds going directly to the organization.

Bel Lago Nocturo

MOST LIKELY TO BE A GARDEN FAIRY

photo by Dave Weidner

2023 BOS Methode Agricole Winemaker Dave Bos was careful to preserve the delicate, natural effervescence of this pétillant naturel–style blend of valvin muscat and pinot blanc, resulting in soft, playful bubbles and tasting notes of lilac and lemon balm.

Folklor 2023 Lake Swimmer

Dune Bird Pink Plover

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Floral with a hint of peach and ripe pear, this non-alcoholic blend of aromatic white grape varietals is best enjoyed chilled. It recently earned the Judges’ Selection Best of Show at the 2025 TEXSOM International Wine Awards.

Food & Wine recently asked, “Could this be one of the best pinot blanc bottlings in America?” The answer is yes. It’s bursting with notes of apple, Meyer lemon and almond.

Chateau Chantal 0% Sparkling Brut

Left Foot Charley 2022 Island View Pinot Blanc

JUNE 2025

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Whether you head North for vacation or a day trip. Start planning your next adventure on MyNorth.com

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SUMMER CAMP

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SPONSORED

THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN A taste of the North's craft beverage scene.

WHAT’S BREWING AT STORMCLOUD We check in with brewery co-owner Rick Schmitt.

Bestseller: Rainmaker, a classic Belgian pale ale, won silver at the 2023 Brussels Beer Challenge. “We put our beer up against the best from those in Belgium and we came away on the podium—Rainmaker really is a musttry beer for us,” Schmitt says. It’s wellbalanced and medium-bodied with a super smooth, dry finish.

Summer sipper: SUNRUNNR is a sunshiny Kveik ale bursting with notes of candied orange peel, orange pith and dried apricot. Find cans on shelves across the North, or fresh and frothy in the pub.

photo by Mae Stier

The dish: The biggest beer-pairing surprise the Stormcloud crew has discovered over the years is that sure, Rainmaker goes great with a burger, but it’s even better with salads. Specifically, the roasted root salad with goat cheese and maple balsamic vinaigrette. The popcorn menu is also noteworthy, as are the brewery’s thin crust pizzas.

Insider tip: What secret tap? If there were a secret tap, which there isn’t, *but if there were*, it would likely have test batches and exciting new brews. Wink twice and ask your server about it.

Get Your Michigan Brewvine Passport

An easy-to-use mobile passport packed with deals and specials at your favorite Michigan breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries. mibrewvine.com

JUNE 2025

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Come Visit Us At Our New Natural Northern Foods Market Stand!

Fresh, Flavorful, Fun! Open M-F 10am - 3pm naturalnorthernfoods.com 5805 Sunset View Dr, Traverse City 0625_TVM_culinary north.indd 108

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The Cu l i nary North Bite

GETTIN’ FIGGY WITH IT

photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

by ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

I

The perfect grab-and-go sandwich for a sunny summer drive.

f you’re headed up the leelanau peninsula for a beach day (or just a super scenic road trip), brake for lunch at New Bohemian Café in Northport; specifically, for the Figgy Piggy sandwich.

This sweet ‘n’ salty delight is so beloved that it made its way from an occasional special to a regular menu staple. Savory Italian prosciutto and local greens are the perfect complement to a generous spread of fig jam and thick slices of Michigan-made triple cream brie. It’s the kind of crusty sandwich you’ll want to enjoy lakeside with a bevvy and a beach read.

For extra indulgence, grab a giant chocolate chip cookie—literally the size of your head—made with caramelly browned butter. We won’t judge.

JUNE 2025

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LOCAL TICKE T S .

ONE PLACE .

6/7 Comedy for a Cause - Traverse City Firefighters, Traverse City Comedy Club 6/14 Leland Wine & Food Festival, Leland Harbor 6/21 Traverse City Shop and Sip,Traverse City Horse Shows 6/27 Wine & Chocolate Tasting Workshop, Black Star Farms Suttons Bay M y N o rth T i ck ets.co m 8 0 0 . 8 3 6 . 0 717 0625_TVM_culinary north.indd 110

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The Cu l i nary North In the Kitchen

^ Coconut Iced Tea

DOCKSIDE DINING

by EMILY TYRA

A lush June night calls for good friends and a carefree supper on the water.

photo by Todd Zawistowski

G

o ahead and enjoy a plate of summer down on the dock.

We’ve crafted a vibrant meal with bold flavors and fresh Northern produce you can make ahead and eat at your leisure. Slip in a pre-supper swim, then dine with wet hair and bare feet dangling in the lake.

This meal is easy to tote, laid-back to serve—and the ingredients in every dish benefit from time allowed to mingle. Tangy, sunny gazpacho-soup shooters poured from a thermos—no spoons required. A pan bagnat–style sandwich with Provençal flavors that meld while it’s pressed in the bottom of the picnic hamper. A crisp carrot salad laced with cilantro and cayenne. Coconut iced tea with a little wild mint plucked from the shore.

When dusk falls, light some homemade Ball jar lanterns and enjoy a fabulous handheld summer dessert—blueberry purses with fresh berries and lemon zest inside. Then take a minute to toast to the crickets and the Up North perfume of cool lake water and pine.

Get the recipes online at: link.mynorth.com/dockside

In individual glasses, over ice, mix a splash of coconut rum with 9 ounces brewed iced tea.

Tips for Throwing a (Breezy) Waterside Dinner Party A little picnic packing foresight means you can dip your toes in and relax.

1. We like using real forks and serving utensils (much better tools when you’re eating on your lap) and cloth napkins (they don’t blow away).

2. Disposable bamboo plates are sturdier and more graceful than paper or plastic— and are biodegradable.

3. Throw a few lightweight blankets in for impromptu shore-or-dock tablecloths. You can use them to wrap up in once the sun goes down.

4. We used turquoise blue Ball jars and tea lights to make lanterns. Just make sure you bring a long lighter that can reach inside.

JUNE 2025

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Love of the Land

get there

photo by Mark Smith

LEO CREEK PRESERVE This long-beloved, family-friendly preserve lies just south of downtown Suttons Bay, right off the Leelanau Trail. Bring the kiddos and explore colorful native, pollinator and edible gardens, or take a wild walk along the banks of Leo Creek, a groundwater stream that feeds into Grand Traverse Bay. An easy 0.6-mile loop trail wends through towering white pines and is great for birding, but don’t forget to look down as well, especially as summer turns to fall, when the salmon that were born in the creek return to lay their eggs upstream.

Did you know? Suttons Bay nonprofit Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) has utilized Leo Creek as an outdoor learning classroom for years, teaching young people and adults alike about watershed ecology and how to be better water protectors. Earlier this year, ISEA was gifted the property, allowing them to continue that shoreside education, while keeping the preserve open for all to enjoy. –A.J.A.

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HIPS

KNEES

✓ TRAVERSE CITY ✓ PETOSKEY ✓ GAYLORD ✓ KALKASKA ✓ CADILLAC

WILLIAM A. AUSTIN md

ANDREW S. BOYCE do

CHRISTOPHER R. CHUINARD md

HIP & KNEE

TRAUMA, HIP &

SHOULDER & ELBOW

THOMAS H. FREEMAN md

TODD L. GALDES do

SPORTS MEDICINE,

HIP & KNEE

SHOULDER & KNEE

KNEE

B. SCOTT GROSECLOSE II md TRAUMA & FRACTURE CARE

THOMAS V. O’HAGAN md

MICHAEL J. PETERS II do

JOHN R. REINECK md

BRENT M. WIERSEMA do

SPORTS MEDICINE,

SPORTS MEDICINE,

SPORTS MEDICINE

SHOULDER

TRAUMA, HIP &

SHOULDER & KNEE

SHOULDER & KNEE

& KNEE

BRIAN J. KERR md

KNEE

Go forward, Go GLOC.

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