Traverse Northern Michigan, September 2025

SIP, STAY, SAVOR 0 9 . 20 2 5

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Endless ways to relish the season.

INSIDE

Inspired Life

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SEPTEMBER 2O25

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Easy, Mama Bear

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I didn’t want to teach them to be fearless. Just how to hang when the trail got hard and things got weird.

BY K A N DAC E C H A P P L E

/ 30 30//

A Different Way

George Kleiber spent his professional life as a cardiologist, working to cheat death. But in art, he found a way to live life.

BY CA R A M C D O N A L D

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The Wine Country Weekend You Didn’t Know You Needed After summer’s whirlwind, an escape to a vineyard farmhouse holds the key to a surprising reset.

BY LY N DA W H E AT L EY / PHOTOS BY T I M H U S S EY

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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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Traverse

NORTHERN

MICHIGAN A MyNorth Media Publication

Vol. 45 | No. 4

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cara McDonald

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matthew Dursum

PROOFREADER

Caroline Dahlquist

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Allison Jarrell Acosta Lissa Martin Meagan Francis Carly Simpson

ART DIRECTOR

Tim Hussey Theresa Burau-Baehr

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, SPECIAL SECTIONS

Rachel Watson

57

departments

Lisa Froning

DIRECTOR OF SALES

07 | Editor’s Note 09 | Up North

Rachel North Leland Pavlinac

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Asher Considine

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Ashlyn Korienek

She turns beach finds into jewelry, plus the secret shops we love in September.

15 | Travel

Escape to a newly restored luxury Edwardian estate on Mackinac Island.

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES

17 | Outdoors

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

Our favorite Petoskey hikes.

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

57 | Culinary North

Visit MyNorth.com/Account to renew your subscription, change your address or review your account.

The best sips from Townline Ciders, plus a don’t-miss dish at Leland’s Riverside Inn.

Subscribe to Traverse Northern Michigan at MyNorth.com/Subscribe.

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

photos: Dave Weidner

Traverse Northern Michigan, (ISSN10713719) is published monthly by Heritage Broadcasting Company of Michigan, 415 Cass St., Traverse City, mi 49684.

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.

63 | In the Kitchen

Got tomatoes? We’ve got the recipe for Raduno’s secret sauce.

64 | Love of the Land Glimpse a wild and scenic stretch of the St. Mary’s River.

17 Follow Us On Social Media

facebook.com/mynorthmedia instagram.com/mynorthmedia

ON THE COVER Bel Lago’s Vineyard Farmhouse Photo by Tim Hussey

SEPTEMBER 2025

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Editor’s Note

I

WHERE YOU ARE

t’s 6:55 a.m. and i’ve already dressed, poured bowls of Cheerios, given the dog breakfast and water, loaded up the car, driven to the airport, unloaded duffle bags, kissed my boys goodbye, driven back home, walked the dog on our usual loop, changed into work clothes, made a smoothie, and finally, sat down.

Alone on the couch for the first time in months, the quiet is unnerving.

My kids spend the end of each summer in Colorado with their dad, and it usually comes at a time when I’m ready to kiss their fusty heads and send them off for adventures and time together. Time for me to be quiet.

But this summer has been sweeter than I thought it might be. For context, last year was the summer of Too Long. Without enough friends, without escapes, without consistent teen jobs. Too long shooting hoops in the driveway, or at a soggy dishwashing job, or without Mom home.

The bright spots—beach days, hikes at the Timbers, brunch at Red Spire—seemed too few to support the sagging canvas of their summer expectations.

This summer, however. It was the summer of having a teenaged driver to take the car to be washed, pick up a gallon of milk, drive his brother to the Ace to buy screws to fix the weed wacker. The summer of a free student gym membership and of I Used Your Credit Card Because We Were Out of Peanut Butter. Of stopping to rescue a giant snapping turtle in the road and yurt camping in the U.P. and elaborate strawberry birthday cake requests. The summer of me finally sitting down with them to watch their favorite gross cartoon and of driving to the beach while listening to Spotify playlists and having the rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar patiently explained, twice.

So the kitchen is clean, the countertops unstickied. The dirty socks freed from the sofa cushions. Now what? I

might, as I tell myself each August, get to work on a book that wants to be written. Or maybe just barely keep up with the weed wacking.

The stories in this issue converged on me in a funny way right as I’m facing this sudden quiet. Kandace Chapple’s misadventures with her boys and a riled-up bear, Lynda Wheatley’s guilt-ridden mom getaway, artist George Kleiber’s life of creativity and beauty. I could relate to Lynda’s jangled relaxation, feeling half somewhere else as she settled in for a night without her family. I get Kandace’s desire to parent the hell out of her kids for these last few years and wanting to pack them with life lessons. And as for George?

His parenting days are behind him and he exists in a near fever of creative output—writing, painting, gardening, renovating his hilltop bungalow. Poems pour out of him the way tomatoes tumble from his garden vines. I wonder at it, the energy and focus that exist in so much abundance for him, stuff I don’t have.

It’s a push-pull—get it done and reset to zero, start again.

Keep the plates spinning, but stop for the turtle. Soak in the last of the summer warmth, go, hike, play, rest deeply. Write the book. Bake the cake. But sleep while you can, before the 6:43 a.m. school bus re-orders your circadian rhythm.

The best you can say to all of it is, it’s where you are, and it will be changing sooner than you are ready for. September is a month that is especially good at reminding you of where you are and hints, with its bittersweet edge, at the end of a pretty wonderful chapter. I’m grateful that it’s kind enough to do it gently, with warmth that can almost pass for the summer that’s sneaking out the door behind it.

Cara McDonald, Executive Editor cara@mynorth.com

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Up North

local buzz · nostalgic finds · travel inspo

“

... a wild tranquil escape into nature that’s only 10 minutes from your cushy hotel bed.

—ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

EDITORS’ PICKS: OUR BEST DISCOVERIES P. 11

A ROCK LOVER’S BOUTIQUE P. 13

STAY AT AN EDWARDIAN MANSION ON MACKINAC ISLAND

photo by Dave Weidner

P. 15

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Up North Curiosities

Dress Me Up

EDITORS’ PICKS

top photo courtesy of Nature Walk Studio // bottom photo courtesy of EB2 Vintage

The secret discoveries we tell our friends about.

Take a Walk

Empire’s sweet Nature Walk Studio is home to an endearing collection of forestcore art, home goods and wearables: lichen pins, silver fern-frond rings, mushroom-shaped baskets, local dunes-inspired prints. We were swooning over a luna moth cropped sweatshirt and a foragers journal, and the medicinal maple syrup and a spiced cranberry and orange peel candle feel just right to bring home for fall. – Carly Simpson

When the farmers markets tables are groaning with produce and the harvest is in full swing, I feel a sort of quiet inner frenzy to make the most of it. Enter one of my favorite shops—Fustini’s (they’ve got storefronts in both Petoskey and Traverse City). It’s the perfect place for strolling and sampling, and the staff will make suggestions and swirl oil and vinegar combos that will surprise and delight. The last time I stopped

by I was looking for blood orange olive oil, just a quick in and out for a cake I was making, but left with that plus the perfect pairing—grapefruit white balsamic vinegar. The two make a bright and brilliant salad dressing, or the vinegar adds a sweet and sour punch to plain seltzer just like a shrub would. – Cara McDonald

Vintage with a Twist

Nestled on 8th Street in Traverse City, EB2 Vintage houses a curated mix of refurbished furniture, home decor, and women’s apparel from local vendors and artists. From hand-made candles and soaps to unique antique treasures, I find something new every time I visit. Some have made it home with me—a beautiful vintage waterfall desk that was brought back to life—and some, like the miniature cross-stitch art, have made perfect gifts for friends. Stop in Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., and say hi to Rosie, the shop’s adorable shop dog. – Rachel Watson SEPTEMBER 2025

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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.

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Up North Buzz

STEPPING STONES

by LISA BLAKE

How a self-taught silversmith and mother of two is paving her own entrepreneurial path.

photos courtesy of Silver Slag & Stone

I

n leelanau county, rockhounding can feel like winning the lottery. Plucking washed-up finds from the tightly hugged shoreline, marveling over delicately lined Petoskey stones, watching light reflect on beach glass and agates and scoring smooth nuggets of coveted Leland blue slag is akin to finding buried treasure.

It’s this finder’s-keepers buzz that hooked Markie Zimmer as a young girl combing Northern Michigan shores with her mother. Her fascination with these beach gifts blossomed over the years, and when she and her now husband Jake were planning their wedding in 2017, she’d created her “something blue” from a large piece of Leland blue. This eye-catching ring elicited requests of, “Oh my God, that stone is amazing! Could you make me one of those?”

Today, 38-year-old Zimmer and her husband fill their Suttons Bay stone company and jewelry store with custom bracelets, cufflinks, earrings, necklaces and bolo ties designed with stones from the Great Lakes. Their two daughters pull on waders and help rock hunt, Jake cuts and grinds the stones into cabochons and Zimmer silversmiths in her “she shed” late into the night after the kids go to bed.

Spurred on by her husband after three successful years as a pop-up artist at Fishtown’s Art Shanty, Zimmer opened Silver, Slag & Stone in January 2024. The Suttons Bay boutique is gaining momentum as a beloved destination for keepsake jewelry. Zimmer’s hand-crafted Leland blue stone stacker rings, triple stone necklaces and dangling droplet earrings are best sellers.

“What was supposed to be my hobby turned into a profession,” she says. “When I went all in, it was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done, besides having children.

Now, I can’t believe this is my life. I get to rock hunt, make jewelry and have this store. I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

Find Silver, Slag & Stone at 206 N. St. Joseph Street in downtown Suttons Bay. silverslagstone.com SEPTEMBER 2025

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Up North Travel

A GRAND REVIVAL

by CARLY SIMPSON

High above the bustle of Mackinac Island’s main drag, a timeless Edwardian retreat has reemerged—and it’s more enchanting than ever.

photos courtesy of the Inn at Stonecliffe

T

he family dubbed it “stonecliffe”— a Tudor-style Edwardian mansion nestled into an 150-acre estate on Mackinac Island. It was elegance-meets-lake-life, a cool, green respite from the stifling hot Chicago summer days in the early 1900s, when it was built by wealthy Irish immigrant and Chicago meatpacker, Michael Cudahy.

More than 120 years later, that elegance has come roaring back to life as the historic mansion-turned-inn underwent a two-year, $40 million transformation—an investment not just in structure, but in spirit—as the Inn at Stonecliffe.

The inn offers 16 guest rooms in its whopping 18,500 square feet with luxury amenities the original occupants could only dream of (like air conditioning and in-room espresso machines). A classic example? Woodcastle Room, with its soft blue palette and sitting area overlooking Lake Huron. The entire property has a crisp, lake-life palette and vibe, and the building’s timeless architecture and old photographs inspired much of the design, including careful restorations of the moldings, original hardwood floors, stained glass windows, fireplace mantels, gables and timberwork.

New to the now-15-acre property are three private lakeview cottages for families, each with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. A smaller, one-bedroom bungalow, the Love

Shack, offers cabin-like vibes near the water and is tailored for a couple’s getaway—the porch’s rocking chairs are a sublime sunset perch.

While there’s plenty to explore on the island, you’ll also want to stay put and settle in for onsite dining. Start your day with ricotta pancakes layered with toasted walnuts and cherry-maple glaze, then wander the working apple orchard among softly clucking chickens and buzzing bees.

Mosey over to the Wellness Center for a massage appointment or take a dip in the adults-only pool. (Don’t worry, littles, there’s a fam-friendly pool, too.) Browse the list of complimentary on-site activities, ranging from watercolor workshops and beekeeping lessons to fudgeand-wine pairings. At day’s end, find yourself tucked into a bar seat beneath the warm glow of a golden chandelier at Horsey’s Pub. The Inn at Stonecliffe is a place for lingering, for leisurely afternoons on the lawn, for a pool day with cocktails, for s’mores and a night view of the Mighty Mac, its lights shimmering on the water below. Here, time slows down just enough to remind you that luxury isn’t always about what’s new—it’s about what’s beautifully preserved, thoughtfully reimagined and rich with character.

Carly Simpson is a freelance writer and the former managing editor of Traverse Northern Michigan magazine.

SEPTEMBER 2025

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16 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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Up North Outdoors

Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve

WOODED WONDERS

by ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

One trip. Two treks. This Petoskey sweet spot is perfect for a weekend adventure.

W

e love an off-the-grid, no-signal, lost-in-the-woods moment as much as the next hiker. But sometimes you want the best of both worlds: a wild, tranquil escape into nature that’s only 10 minutes from your cushy hotel bed. And this … is that.

Whether you’re a local looking for a quick staycation, or you’re visiting and want to explore off the beaten path, we’ve got you covered with these two neighboring nature preserves (protected by Little Traverse Conservancy) that deliver on lush, leafy trails, with close proximity to dining, shopping and lodging in the sweet burg of Petoskey.

photo by Dave Weidner

Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve

Head to this 172-acre idyllic nature preserve for quintessential Up North summer vibes—quiet woodland trails, meadows bursting with wildflowers, a boardwalk through a cedar swamp. Your backdrop: a mosaic of hardwood trees and impressive red-pine stands. And as you explore the roughly four miles of trail (well-marked, easy-tomoderate loops), you’ll run into the crown jewel of this property: 3,400 feet of frontage along Minnehaha Creek.

Spring-fed and crystal clear, this creek acts as a brook trout nursery, flowing through the preserve on its way to Crooked Lake.

GET THERE

This Little Traverse Conservancy property is just over six

miles east of Petoskey—about a 10-minute drive. West Parking: 1565 Berger Road, Petoskey; East Parking: 1790 Maxwell Road, Petoskey.

Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve

The hilly terrain here was made for mountain biking. At 1,300 feet, the highest point of this 236-acre forest reserve—formerly known as Christmas Mountain—is about 100 feet shy of the tallest point of nearby Nub’s Nob Ski Resort. From the top, you’re treated to views of Little Traverse Bay and Crooked Lake (Pickerel Lake appears once the autumn leaves have fallen).

The seven-plus miles of trails include three loops that accommodate a range of biking terrain, from beginner- to expert-level. Worth noting: These trails are open to both hiking and biking, so visitors are asked to pay attention to the property’s signage and follow the directions (bikers yield to hikers, and travel clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on the day of the week).

GET THERE

Tanton is just two miles east of the Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve—a quick three-minute drive (or a 10-minute bike ride). Address: 1447 Maxwell Road, Petoskey.

Allison Jarrell Acosta is a regular contributor and former associate editor of Traverse Northern Michigan magazine.

SEPTEMBER 2025

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WHERE THE SEASON PEAKS SEPTEMBER 3–21, 2025 Final Grand Prix Sundays  2 PM Sunday, September 7 — $120,000 Agero CSI3* Grand Prix  2 PM Sunday, September 14 — $340,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI5*-W  2 PM Sunday, September 21 — $340,000 American Gold Cup CSI5* World-class sport. Northern Michigan in its finest season.

PLAN YOUR VISIT General admission supports local charities.

Abdel Said (BEL) & Calvaro. Photo: Megan Giese

Tickets, schedule + more at TraverseCityHorseShows.com/Visit

Flintfields Horse Park · Williamsburg, MI

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Horse Show 101: A Spectator’s Guide Equal parts sport and social op, the horse show scene is booming in Northern Michigan—here’s the inside scoop on enjoying it to the fullest.

by CARA MCDONALD

O

ver the last few years, Northern Michigan’s horse show scene has bloomed, with the growth of the Flintfields Horse Park and Traverse City Horse Shows. On any given day, more than 1,000 horses are onsite for competition.

The show season culminates in September with the Tournament of Champions, a three-week series of highstakes show-jumping including the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup and American Gold Cup, events that draw Olympians and some of the world’s top equestrian competitors.

For horse enthusiasts, the scene is buzzy and action packed, but even those who just want a beautiful backdrop and a glass of bubbly find the shows to be an amazing place to gather.

Here’s how to feel at home in the horse-show world and make the most of your day.

Flintfields Horse Park you can grab a frosé from the Bonobo Bar, relax under a shade umbrella or browse boutique vendors with a drink in hand. Families sprawl with babies and dogs on the lawn, couples perch in Adirondack chairs. Groups from book clubs to bachelorette celebrations enjoy bubbly and snacks in the Cabana Coast boxes. The Overlook offers light bites and an elevated, covered lounge, while the VIP lounge offers a full dining experience daily– with showstopping buffets during major competitions.

WHAT TO WEAR (AND BRING)

At most shows, guests dress for the day, leaning into the weather forecast. At Traverse City Horse Shows there’s no dress code: Opt for summer casual attire, including sundresses, shorts and polos and shoes that are comfortable on grass. There’s plenty of shade, but sunscreen and a hat are a yes, and throw rain gear in the car just in case (it’s Michigan). If you’re visiting the VIP Club or attending a dinner, you might step it up slightly, but the tone stays relaxed and welcoming.

photo by Gary Howe

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Even if you’re new to the sport, show jumping is exciting and easy to follow. Riders navigate a timed course of obstacles, aiming to leave every rail in place. The stakes (and fences) get higher as the week builds, culminating in a Grand Prix—a featured event that draws top horses, major prize money. Arrive early to explore the grounds, catch warmups, or stop by the Hilltop Market and vendor area before the competition begins. Pro tip: Read up on some of the horse and rider duos competing—many of them Olympians and international stars—and find a pair to root for.

MAKE IT SOCIAL

Horse show regulars know that the sport is only part of the scene, as much of the fun is soaking up the atmosphere and enjoy local sips and delicious bites in a beautiful setting. At

STAY AWHILE

With multiple competition arenas and a full schedule daily there’s always something to watch, so plan to make a day of it. The Traverse City Horse Show leans into hospitality hard—under the guidance of sommelier and Food & Beverage Director Mindy Lopus, there are new ways for spectators to settle in and enjoy the community at Flintfields. A coffee bar with a full-service barista and a permanent food truck offer all-day options, and the newly launched Farm to Stable dinner series features chefs with James Beard Award and Michelin star pedigrees, including James Rigato, Sarah Welch and Joe VanWagner. The season culminates with a benefit dinner raising scholarship funds for the Great Lakes Culinary Institute—a grand finale for a long and lovely summer season.

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THE WINE COUNTRY WEEKEND YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

by Lynda Wheatley

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After summer’s whirlwind, an escape to a vineyard farmhouse holds the key to a surprising reset.

T he moment I turn my car off the pavement and begin the slow roll up the long, sunbaked road that leads to the vineyard farmhouse I’m about to call home for the night, I expect to be overtaken.

First, by tranquility.

Then, probably euphoria.

Immediately thereafter—because in middleaged-working-mother years, a solo night away equates to roughly 26 minutes, and this dusty road has already eaten three—I’m banking on rapture: angels, harps, parting clouds, several uninterrupted hours of Hallmark TV. But as the first corner of the tidy white clapboard home edges into view, I’m assaulted by another, altogether unexpected feeling: guilt.

The farmhouse, a beautifully restored and updated gem of 19th century Leelanau County, was built by and for family: originally, one of the area’s pioneering Bohemian lines, the Houdeks, and then multiple other farming families since.

Simple and unassuming on the outside, airy and undeniably upscale-farmhouse chic on the inside, the renovated homestead is today part of Bel Lago Winery’s North Farm vineyard property.

According to the VRBO listing, it sleeps 14.

photos by Tim Hussey

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Between the two-story mainhouse and windowwalled cellar suite below, the place boasts five bedrooms, two gas fireplaces, 4 ½ baths, and not one but two chef ’s kitchens.

Across the velvety grass of the backyard—where a communal fire pit sits inside concentric circles of Adirondack chairs, aromatic lavender hedges and the cozy glow of string lights—there is yet another lodging option, the Granary. Named for its former function and duly updated, it sleeps up to six additional guests.

I recognize that all these open beds are excessive for one woman whose sole companion is her eBook reader.

But understand, I was gifted this night on the heels of a weeklong beach “vacation” spent in close quarters with my husband, our ever-squabbling 8-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, and nearly a dozen muchbeloved (but also perpetually bickering) in-laws.

At that time, serenity seemed more delusional myth than attainable circumstance; and the prospect of a night without sand, stuffies or flailing, sugared-up kidlimbs sneaking into my sheets felt less a luxurious indulgence than a vital organ transplant.

Nevertheless, as I emerge from my car and stand before the wide, welcoming porch beckoning with shade in the afternoon sun, I hesitate. Was I too hasty in deciding to come alone? Too silly? Too … selfish?

I climb the steps to the front door and gently nudge it open. Save for the shuffle of my flip-flops on the gleaming wood floor as I enter, the house is utterly silent.

Empty. And, much unlike my own home, immaculately devoid of piles of dishes, laundry, pet hair and people.

No, I promptly decide. If I am anything, I am too late in doing exactly this.

I drop my overnight bag and immediately run upstairs to the bedrooms, charging from room to room.

Although the hallway bathroom—featuring chandelier,

clawfoot tub, and the prettiest wallpaper I have ever laid eyes on—is lovely enough to merit an all-night soak, I opt to sleep in the master bedroom down the hall. I stake my solo claim with an exuberant full-body fling onto its king-sized sanctuary of fluffy white bedding.

Out the bedroom window, row upon row of vines stretch toward the horizon, a leafy tapestry under an impossibly blue September sky. As tempted as I am to lie here, swooning in the stillness until it’s time to check out tomorrow, I force myself to get up, out and explore.

Carlee, the vineyard’s property manager, sets me loose with a handful of cattle biscuits and only one rule to abide: Roam anywhere, just don’t open any gates. For the next several hours, I do just that, poking around like a quiltwoman’s needle across the vast patchwork of pond, pasture, orchards, native wildflowers and forested hills that make up North Farm’s carefully tended ecosystem.

The 180 acres of near-to-bursting grapes and goldtipped leaves carpeting the farm’s terraced hillscapes are the star of this late-summer show. But despite the sublime views—all the way to the Manitou Islands from the vineyard’s highest point, in fact—I’m captivated most by the Scottish Highlander cows grazing in the pasture below.

Like the world’s largest and most loyal dogs, these

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Out the bedroom window, row upon row of vines stretch toward the horizon, a leafy tapestry under an impossibly blue September sky.

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broad-horned behemoths lumber over when called. Some of the friendliest of the bunch press their square, wet noses between the fence wires and into my open palm, nibbling up each offered biscuit so gently I barely feel a breath or chin whisker before it vanishes.

As dusk begins to paint the sky in hues of orange and purple, I return to my temporary abode to crack open a bottle of Bel Lago’s bright and creamy Auxerrois Brut and honor my newfound peacefulness with a celebratory

pop. I sip and snack contentedly on the porch, watching the light fade over the hills.

The cicadas begin their nightly chorus, a rhythmic hum as soothing as the back and forth of the glider I’m rocking in. Briefly, I consider calling home, but then think better of it. They’re probably fine; I am definitely better.

The night is cool and still. I curl up with my Kindle but find myself simply staring out at the darkening sky, the quiet scene punctuated only by the occasional twinkle of a headlight far off in the distance, the soft lowing of the cows. The calm is profound, almost palpable. It’s the kind of peacefulness that lets my thoughts unfurl, unhurried and unjudged.

As I sip and munch, I imagine the early farm families who sat here 50, 100, 200 years before me, generation after generation sprawled across the porch’s rockers and railings and steps after a long day in the fields.

In my mind’s eye, they’re sipping night-cooled sun tea from glass jars, mulling over their upcoming harvest, with no clue that centuries on, this land would yield far more than their means to survive. It’d pour forth fountains of pinot noir, riesling, and dozens of other varietals, feeding new generations with new dreams, sustaining new, yetunknown folks who would meld the ancient art of winemaking with modern commerce, yet—just like their ancestor—continue nurturing the same soil for the next

season, the next year, the next generation to come.

I picture an early, unnamed matriarch, sitting where I sit, her hair in a loose bun, apron stained with berry juice from the day’s canning. I imagine her beaming at her robust clan and this vibrant, fruitful life they’ve carved from the richness of Leelanau’s loam.

I wonder then what she’d think of me, an equally but modern-day-tired mom—hair also tied in a loose bun, T-shirt speckled with crumbs of pre-packaged snacks that stood in for dinner—sitting alone on her family’s porch, beaming at no one and nothing but the inky darkness.

Like the sliver of moon rising over the distant trees, my old reliable—guilt—reappears. I know that my exhaustion isn’t borne of the daily effort of survival, soaping the clothes of eight children on a washboard, or plucking the chicken I’ve beheaded to feed them dinner. I’ve lost no babies to flu, endured not one winter without adequate fuel or food.

My exhaustion, if you can call it that, stems not from tilling fields or battling blizzards, but from the relentless, low-grade warfare of modern motherhood: protracted negotiations over screentime, daily skirmishes with sassy backtalk, and, perhaps the most Sisyphean task in my otherwise charmed life, the existential dread of figuring out, at the end of eight brain-taxing hours at my computer each day, what in the name of all that is holy to make for dinner. Again.

No doubt the heroic pioneer woman I’m envisioning didn’t whine about any of that, let alone sandy sheets, beach vacations with bickering in-laws or too many piles of pet hair on her floors. She had far bigger fish to fry; considerably wilder chickens to pluck. And yet, I’m certain, she simply got on with it.

I make up my mind to do just that. Tomorrow.

Tonight, I will simply be. I will let the profound quiet of this old farmhouse seep into my bones. I will listen to the cicadas, the gentle rustle of the leaves in the breeze, and the creak of the porch floorboards as I glide back and forth, back and forth—a symphony far more soothing than any Hallmark rom-com.

Later that night, before I head upstairs to my bed, I peek my head out from under the eaves of the porch and take one last look at the sky. The moon is higher now, and bright, laced with a small smattering of clouds. I watch them for a full minute. None of them part. But it still feels a lot like rapture.

Lynda Wheatley is a former Traverse Northern Michigan staffer. She lives in Traverse City with her family.

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Tonight, I will simply be. I will let the profound quiet of this old farmhouse seep into my bones.

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by Kandace Chapple

EASY, MAMA BEAR I didn’t want to teach them to be fearless. Just how to hang when the trail got hard and things got weird.

illustration by Tim Hussey

he summer my two sons were 11 and 13, I decided to take them on a new mountain bike trail every Friday.

I had started biking the summer I was 32, the summer I was grieving my own mother. I had lost her to breast cancer; she was just 59. And the summer that followed—and every summer in the 9 years since—I had filled with biking. Not on roads. Not on paved trails. But on dirt trails. In the woods, out in the weather, under the sky—where I felt closest to her.

So I wanted to show my boys what biking could do for the soul. How to handle the falls, the scratches, the cold and rain. How to get lost and remember landmarks for navigation. How to get back up and back on the trail. How to overcome an “oh sh!t” kind of hill.

How to keep going.

Each ride, I knew, would give them a little more of the grit they’d need to get through life. I didn’t realize how much grit I was about to throw at them, though.

I usually raced the Peak2Peak mountain bike race held every October at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. (When I say “race,” I mean to the burger and beer tent afterward.) The route was a looped and hilly 12-mile course that left Crystal’s property and snaked down into the Betsie River Valley.

This was one of my favorite trails. Wild and unruly.

No one around for miles. All kinds of terrain—open fields, maple forest, pine needle carpet. I didn’t tell the boys that stretches of it were swampy and desolate, and that more than once, the snap of a twig under the weight of a mighty squirrel had startled me and SEPTEMBER 2025

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brought me to my knees. But, in reality, I’d never seen anything scarier out there than a guy in too-tight spandex bike shorts.

It was the third Friday in June. I had warmed them up with a couple easy trails the first few weeks of summer; now it was go time. We’d hit the P2P trail in Benzie County. We didn’t have a cell phone or a trail map. We didn’t need one. We had me, and my countless miles on this very loop.

Things started out well enough until we came across a swath of clear cutting that was new—and the landmarks were gone. Saplings had reseeded themselves and were growing tall, reaching over our handlebars, obscuring the trail altogether.

It was then that my radar went off. This trail was challenging—perhaps too challenging in the months before it was maintained for the race itself. And it was extremely

entirely. We stopped and dragged our bikes over the huge trunk, its ominous root ball towering beside us, in a threestep process: one leg, bike, other leg.

Next up: A water hole I knew well and had once taken a digger in during the Peak2Peak race.

“Keep your speed up, stay to the right of it, and don’t stop,” I called over my shoulder to the boys, knowing the hole was deep with both mud and contempt.

The boys did as they were told—following my line through the muck and, with fanfare (mine), they made it through.

Past the river, we came upon another downed tree. We weren’t on a bike ride anymore; we were on some kind of death march that would involve laundry.

At this point, I was truly second-guessing myself.

Should we turn back? The trail continued to deteriorate, along with my hopes of getting us back to the car in one

THE MAMA BEAR was back, standing

in the trail, where we’d just been. She didn’t move and she didn’t look away. She was watching us depart, her legs spread, her cubs out of sight behind her, my heart in her throat.

devoid of people. No one would be riding this until at least September. We were quite alone. And I found myself scanning for the trail—where the hell was it again?—and other hazards, remembering that it wasn’t just me out here if something went wrong. I figured I should probably get the boys back in one piece, too.

About then, I looked back to see that the boys were loving it. What did they have to worry about? They had their fearless mother-in-spandex in the lead, and school was out for the summer. I had assured them that I’d biked this trail many times before. I had failed, however, to tell them that I did so with my earbuds in, sporting tunnel-vision and sprinting it for all I was worth, for fear I’d hear a squirrel.

With some bushwhacking, I was able to find the trail until we dumped back out to somewhere I recognized.

Unfortunately it was the spot I was always skittish about: a gloomy stretch down by the Betsie River. The squirrels loomed large here.

There were oak leaf clusters and limbs blown down, covering the trail all along the way. We had to slow up and pick our way through what winter had brought to the trail.

And the farther we got from civilization, the worse the trail conditions became.

Soon, we got to a fallen maple that blocked the trail

piece. My radar was clanging loudly now. I was putting the boys in an increasingly worsening situation by the minute (or should I say mile?).

And that’s when it happened. When Kendall said the very thing I had feared since leaving the parking lot.

“MOM”—his voice rang from behind me on the dark, debris-strewn trail—“DO YOU SEE THAT?” “What?” I called back.

“A BEAR!!!” he thundered back.

And my heart skidded sideways, much like my back tire had on that last fallen tree, and I looked up to see a sleek black snout and chubby bowed legs coming our way, on our very trail. She hadn’t seen us yet, but with Kendall’s shout, she heard us.

In an instant, she bolted to her left—running parallel to us on a little ridge above us. Skidding to a stop, straddling our bikes between our legs, we watched her go, her thick figure buffaloing her way through the ferns.

In the next instant, she was out of sight.

We looked at each other—eyes big, chests heaving, mouths gaping. Had that really just happened? Had we just seen an elusive black bear? Had we… lived?

“What should we do now?” Nelson asked.

I looked around and it turned out he was talking to me.

Ah yes, I forgot I was the adult in charge here.

“She doesn’t have any babies, so we’re ok,” I said, with

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confidence I was scrounging around for. I knew black bears would retreat unless forced to defend their fam.

Same as I would.

At that point, we were four miles into the woods, and the only thing that stood between the bear and our escape was one more enormous mud hole—a three-part number with logs and muck and 2x4s thrown over it. A minefield, if you will.

I had feared crossing it since the start of this ride, but we were able to cross it with ease—high on Michigan pleasure. I’d never seen a bear in the wild, not in my whole life here of 40-plus years, and it had finally happened. It was shocking and exciting and fun.

Until it wasn’t.

Because no sooner had we carefully crossed the last big mud hole, when a bush next to the trail rattled, and two BEAR CUBS tumbled out onto the trail.

I almost clipped one with my front tire.

I slid to a stop. The boys piled up behind me, and we watched as the baby duo took two long, floppy leaps down the trail and disappeared to the right.

I drew a swift, terrifying line between the cubs and the mama bear, and we stood directly between them.

“Get off your bike and get it in front of you!” I shouted.

We had to look bigger, scarier and, hopefully, inedible-ier.

We got off our bikes, hooking one hand around the stem and another under the seat, and held our wheeled swords in front of us. We stood, watching and waiting, in the quiet, lush forest, trying to figure out one thing and one thing only: WHERE WERE ALL THE D@MN BEARS? As we stood, a line of bikes in the air, Kendall asked, “What NOW, Mom?” The woods were silent. I had no clue which way to go, but decided we should ride away from the cubs… even if that meant toward her. But turning around meant the long way home—and clearing all those endless obstacles again.

This time under duress.

My panic may have been seeping through my bike shorts by then.

But it was our only choice. No way we could ride down the trail toward the cubs. The mama bear had to be watching our every move. So we turned our bikes around and mounted them. Slow and sure, I took the lead to maintain a calm pace, so that no one fell and excited the bear.

“Faster, granny!” shouted Nelson, who had the unfortunate position as sweep.

I laughed, but I picked up the pace a tad. He had a point.

First up, we had to cross the huge hole again.

“Steady,” I said, calm, my insides clenching. As the boys sailed over it without incident, I’d never been prouder. My boys were learning to navigate life on two wheels, without panicking. Unlike their mother.

I scanned again, looking for the mama bear. We were approaching where we’d last seen her. We carried on

toward the huge fallen tree again. This time, Nelson ran and leapt over it with his bike in the air above his head.

They were having fun! We were fine! The bears were… I looked back again and saw what would make an appearance in my nightmares for weeks to come: The mama bear was back, standing in the trail, where we’d just been.

She didn’t move and she didn’t look away. She was watching us depart, her legs spread, her cubs out of sight behind her, my heart in her throat.

“Keep pedaling!” I called to the boys. I didn’t want them to see my fear. And I didn’t want them to see the bear was back either.

Next, we went over a tiny tree (extra points awarded for wheelies performed under stress). After that, the mud hole that had beaten me before? We went through it like it was made of dry pavement.

Then—a small miracle—I remembered a short-cut back to a paved road nearby. It would take us into the back of Crystal Mountain and back to civilization sooner.

“Hang a right!” I shouted, steering my bear-defying peloton out of the swamp and down a two-track that we stayed on until we got to the top of a hill where we could see a long way behind us. When we stopped—out of breath and with no choice but to do so—we looked back.

There were no bears in sight.

A party atmosphere unfolded on the top of that hill.

There was hooting and high-fiving and double-checking: No bears? No bears! We couldn’t believe how close we’d come. I was shaking with adrenaline and hugging the boys—and they started rewriting the story.

“Wouldn’t it have been cool if the bear had ‘clotheslined’ mom off her bike?” Nelson asked.

Kendall howled with approval, but I laughed. I couldn’t even be mad.

This was actually what we’d come out here to do. To be a part of something bigger. Something wilder. Something that would build us up in ways you couldn’t find anywhere else.

I knew that life would come at us—come at them—in ways that they couldn’t yet imagine. And a mother wouldn’t always be there to defend. But out here they could get dirty and be brave and laugh through their fears. Through thick mud to cross and fallen trees to clear and blue sky to cherish and wild bears to witness—we’d handled it all. Whatever life had thrown at us today, we’d found our way, held steady, backtracked when needed, hung a right when we needed to reassess. We’d gotten through all of that, on our bikes, together. Mama Bear was pleased.

Kandace Chapple is a writer and wrangles Michigan Girl, a women’s group that gathers to hike, bike and otherwise get out under that Michigan sky. She can be reached at kandace@michgirl.com. Join her Facebook group for women at Michigan Girl Bike (& Hike!) Group.

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BY C A R A M C D O N A L D

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A

Way

Different

George Kleiber spent his professional life as a cardiologist, working to cheat death.

But in art, he found a way to live life.

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George

Kleiber’s invitation e-mail read like a poem: When you have some time late afternoon early evening Text or call for a visit to my garden.

THIS PAGE: GOLDEN TREE ROOTS OPPOSITE: TIME BECOMES ART SNOWY OWL

I pulled up to George’s house high on a Leelanau County hilltop, on the other side of Timberlee, where his cedar-shingled bungalow sits in a forest clearing. Evidence of a creative mind at work is everywhere: On the sides of his house and detached garage studio are paintings of his framed in acrylic and attached to the siding. Sculptures and statues tuck in and out of the plantings around the yard. Tibetan prayer flags flutter, woven among the lattices in the garden.

I was here to talk about George’s art, but in midsummer in Northern Michigan, when someone issues you an invite to their garden, you take it.

On the terraced hillside, raised beds are home to a cut flower garden, herb garden, vegetable garden, pollinator garden. Fences made of architectural salvage and bits of stained glass and driftwood wrap around a riot of herbs and flowers, most of them “happy,” as George points out, very few not. In the various beds, laminated poems invoking the pleasures of each garden are tied to stakes and fences, which are woven with copper wire and glass beads that glint in the late afternoon sunshine.

It’s a scene that has been a few years in the making as George and his wife, Diane, have set

about renovations on the home. The two settled here after retirement and a series of moves brought them North.

George is—was—a cardiologist. “A plumber,” as he describes it, as he introduced himself to his wife when they met. It’s true in essentials, he says. But first and foremost, he’s an artist. He was accepted to art school but turned it down in favor of becoming a medical doctor, a career marked by spending time with people who were often very sick, at the end of life, and fully in touch with the lived-ness of their time here.

The passion and the feeling behind his work reflects an intensity of emotional curiosity, one

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Divorce, death and “ winning the lottery

are life-changing events, but for me, bicycle riding became one, too. My first marriage ended in divorce, my second with the sudden death of my spouse at age 45; it was at the time that I was in a special moment in my life—full of questions. I had a lot of time to think. The boundless mind neither holds onto nor lets go of thoughts but does not suppress them either. How do I bridge the gap between drudgery, sadness and hard work? As a physician now bringing up my deceased wife’s child (she had a child by a previous marriage), the question was, how to regain spontaneous joy and play?

The answer was bike riding: giving myself time to think while seeking honest inspiration from my emotions. And, quite by accident, that was how I met my current wife.

Bike riding became a life-changing event.

also born from grief. His marriage of 25 years ended; his second wife died suddenly at 45, leaving him with her young son to raise. And just as unexpectedly, love eventually found him again, providing a depth and substance to his work to which people seem drawn.

His paintings have a sprawling imagination to it, many pieces combining local landscapes and animals with dreamlike scenarios, wild color and details tucked and hidden throughout. Occasionally scribbles of poetry and philosophy show up in and around the works, hinting at the feelings in the moment that inspired him to paint.

There is a joyful frenzy to George’s creative spirit—that whatever can be touched should be touched and made beautiful, and living this way is the path to a life full of wonder and joy. Five years ago he decided to compile his art into a book, The Art of Wisdom, and share his thoughts on art and creativity and the way they conspire to help us inhabit our love, curiosity, hunger and humanity.

“Art books don’t usually share the artist’s inspiration, or their thoughts behind the work or thoughts about art in general,” George says.

“For whatever reason, what I do touches people.

They tell me it changes them.” That resonance prompted him to compile a second book, Bridge of Light.

After my tour of the gardens and much talk about the inspiration that it is, it seems, everywhere, George hurries inside to get me a book; he wants to be sure to sign it with a message, one of appreciation. He sees these books as his way of offering healing for those with whom it resonates.

“I left medicine because it changed,” he says. “But art allows me a different way to help.”

“

Art is always

about research and time. Have confidence in your own mind and decide what is important; inquiring and searching is part of the process.

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“ Stay focused by minimizing distractions.

Keep learning and experimenting and understand why you create and stay connected to that story. Art is needed and helpful in today’s world as the human capacity for perception and responsibility can be one of the most beautiful things. In art and life you don’t always have a clear road, you hardly ever do, but that’s no reason not to start. Have confidence that you’ll get back into it along the way. The confidence allows the mission to evolve and create something perhaps unimaginable.

“

My life has

been about learning, and it has only strengthened my convictions. I believe the spark of the great spirit that I sense in myself is my soul.

This is hard to imagine but one has to go deeper than appearances and use the soul to render the invisible fragments of life. This is what I try to do with my painting.

Life is a rewarding adventure and one needs to reawaken the sense of wonder to perceive awesome mystery.

There is always more room in your life to grow, show more love, make things more interesting, beautiful, happy and free.

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“

choices, they are relentless, no sooner Life isthan you make one—another one is upon you.

I’m a curious person, curious George, always asking why.

If you don’t understand something stick with it ‘til You do. I have seen things common sense can’t explain.

The visible is not the only reality. I happen to like things I can see, as much as things I can’t. If you look carefully You can see things hidden in my paintings.

I want the viewer to think and I want to tell a story.

If you were to look inside your brain with a third eye, What would you see?

GEORGE K LEIBER’S LATEST BOOK IS BRIDGE OF LIGHT.

Cara McDonald is executive editor of Traverse Northern Michigan.

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INSPIRED LIFE LIVING BETTER AFTER 55 IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

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Redefining Wealth: The Power of Enough p. 50

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SEASONS OF STRENGTH

The Northern Michigan landscape invites an adventurous life—here’s how to embrace it at any age.

by MEAGAN FRANCIS

T

he years after 55 used to be seen as the season for slowing down. But today’s older adults are rethinking everything about that tired paradigm, instead expressing their vitality by embracing a new season of exploration, adventure and connection.

Few regions are more perfectly attuned to nature-based adventure than Northern Michigan, with its four distinct seasons and endless opportunities for outdoor play in jaw-droppingly beautiful surroundings. And that’s good news for those choosing to spend retirement years here, since science overwhelmingly supports continued adventure as we age, making activity an investment in longevity, vitality and independence.

Staying active in pursuits we love keeps us functionally fit, but the benefits of regular activity extend well beyond the physical.

Dr. Aubrey Jabour, owner of Northbound Physical Therapy and Wellness in Traverse City, has made it her mission to help people live pain-free, mobile and engaged lives. Most of her clients, she says, are people who either want to remain active in the sports and activities they love, or are looking for support as they return to movement after an injury or setback. And for those clients, she has one piece of advice: keep moving.

“I like the expression borrowed from Newton’s first law, ‘a body in motion stays

in motion,’ ” says Jabour. “Our bodies are designed for regular movement. If you keep moving, your body will typically keep doing the things you regularly ask it to do. But when you stop, your capacity declines: muscles weaken, balance fades and mobility suffers.”

Jabour recommends following the national guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity each week, and emphasizes the importance of spending those minutes doing something you enjoy, whether that’s a cold-water dip into Lake Michigan in the spring, paddling a peaceful river in the summer, crunching through newly fallen leaves on a fall hike or gliding over snowy trails on cross-country skis in winter.

Here’s our guide for staying active and strong, from season to season, all year long:

SUMMER

Kayaking and Canoeing. Paddling inland lakes, rivers or even the Great Lakes shoreline is a low-impact, meditative way to enjoy nature. Rentals and tours are available from The Outfitter of Harbor Springs or Big Bear Adventures in Indian River.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). Build core strength and balance while gliding across calm morning waters. Head to Zoll Street Beach in Harbor Springs or Elk Lake near Elk Rapids for beginner-friendly launch sites.

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Pickleball and Tennis. Fast-growing and easy to learn, pickleball is a favorite for active older adults. Indoor courts, like those at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA—where pickleball has been a steadily-growing trend—allows for a respite from very hot weather. Petoskey Pickleball Club and Bay Tennis and Fitness also offer indoor and outdoor play options.

Outdoor Yoga and Tai Chi. Many Northern Michigan towns offer seasonal outdoor movement classes in parks and along the lakeshore. Look for sunrise yoga at Petoskey State Park, tai chi on the beach in Marquette, and a variety of “moving meditation” opportunities throughout the region.

Ice Skating and Curling. Seasonal rinks pop up in downtowns and parks, like The Village of Walloon Lake and Suttons Bay. The Petoskey Winter Sports Park features outdoor skating and a community curling league, and Traverse City’s curling club has a steadily growing member base.

Indoor Aquatics and Fitness. Keep fitness gains and cross train when it’s icy outside with lap swimming, water aerobics or strength training. Harbor Springs Community Pool and Charlevoix Area Community Pool both offer winter programs for adults.

FALL

Hiking and Forest Bathing. Cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage make fall perfect for long hikes. Explore the trails at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springsor Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a variety of accessible trails for enjoying stunning shoreline scenery.

E-Biking and Gravel Biking. Take to the quiet country roads and forested trails that define Northern Michigan. E-bikes, including fancy mountainbike versions, help riders of all fitness levels enjoy longer rides and push through difficult climbs.

Suggested routes include the Leelanau Trail (from Traverse City to Suttons Bay), Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (through the national lakeshore), and the Little Traverse Wheelway (linking Charlevoix, Petoskey and Harbor Springs). The Top of Michigan Trails Council provides maps and trail recommendations for gravel and multi-use paths like the North Central State Trail.

WINTER

photo credit

photo by Dave Weidner

Nordic Skiing. Cross-country skiing is lowimpact and great cardio, and groomed trails abound throughout the region. Opt for a lesson at Forbush Corner, or hop on the groomed loops at Nub's nob in Harbor Springs, Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville or Vasa Pathway in Traverse City.

Snowshoeing. A peaceful way to explore snowy woods and open fields in snowier conditions.

Check out the trails at Bear River Recreation Area or Grass River Natural Area, which often offer guided hikes.

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Fat bikes let you ride all winter long Fat Biking. With wide tires made for snow, fat bikes let you ride all winter long. Glacial Hills Pathway near Bellaire and Crystal Mountain’s winter trails are both popular for groomed fat-biking routes; Grand Traverse Bike Tours runs guided fatbike adventures.

SPRING

Birding Walks. Spring migration is a treat for birdwatchers.

Join a guided walk to explore local habitats and spot returning species. Little Traverse Conservancy and Petoskey Audubon host spring birding events at preserves like Round Lake and Waldron Fen. The Straits are legendary for spring and fall raptor migration, and the Seney Wildlife Refuge in the U.P. is on every birder’s bucket list.

Cold-Water Swimming. Brave locals take to Lake Michigan and inland lakes in early spring, using wetsuits to manage the chill. It's invigorating and builds mental and physical resilience. The Happy Winter Swim Club in Traverse City meets weekly for cold-water dips, late October through May. Spring Foraging Walks. Early-season wild edibles like ramps, morel mushrooms and fiddleheads are abundant in Northern Michigan. Look for guided hikes and workshops through organizations like Kalkaska Conservation District.

Indoor Fitness Classes. As the weather warms but remains unpredictable, spring is a great time to refocus on strength, mobility and balance. Andrew Page, CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, notes that the Y is experiencing strong participation in group exercise classes year-round, particularly among senior members.

SAFETY IN STRENGTH

While outdoor adventures are a great way to connect with nature and stay moving, older adults are increasingly opting

to supplement their open-air adventures with focused indoor mobility and strength training to help them stay strong, stable and flexible.

At the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, Page notes that senior members make up a significant portion of group fitness classes and activities like swimming, weightlifting and resistance training, even during the typically quieter summer months.

Personal training sessions are also on the rise, often tailored to help participants prepare for seasonal sports like skiing or golf.

If your favorite activities are seasonal, Jabour recommends maintaining a baseline level of strength and cardiovascular endurance during the off-season. “That way, you’re ready to get back into it safely and enjoyably when the time comes—think of it as off-season training for real life,” she says.

MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE—AND CONNECTION

Sports and outdoor recreation in later life isn’t just about muscles or mobility. It’s also one of the most effective ways to stay connected and combat loneliness, a major risk factor for declining health.

“Movement is even better when it’s social,” says Jabour.

“Joining a walking group, dance class or hiking club adds accountability, fun and a meaningful sense of connection. It supports your mental and emotional health as much as your physical well-being.”

In fact, one of the trends Jabour has noticed over the past decade is how many of her most active older clients stay engaged in their communities through group activities, whether it’s skiing with friends or volunteering at a local garden. “Studies have shown that what we believe about aging is powerful,” says Jabour. “If you expect pain and reduced mobility as you age, you’re less likely to stay active or seek help. That expectation becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Jabour believes that with the right mindset, tools and support, older adults in Northern Michigan can continue to enjoy plenty of adventures and even discover new ones.

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ccording to a 2021 AARP survey, nearly 80 percent of adults age 50 and older hope to grow older in the comfort of their own homes.

But aging in place isn’t always easy. As social circles shrink due to retirement, mobility issues or the loss of longtime friends and spouses, older adults often lose the everyday support and connection that make independent living possible.

The good news is that emotional connection can make a meaningful difference. While medical care supports physical health, strong relationships also nurture the brain and body—improving mood, memory and overall well-being.

When Leslie Knopp, co-owner of Comfort Keepers in Traverse City, reflects on the emotional side of aging, she thinks of a retired librarian who hired Comfort Keepers for light help two days a week. The woman, who was living alone and uneasy about driving, was “frustrated and unhappy at first,” Knopp says. “But over time, we became her support system and our role evolved.”

The relationship lasted over a decade. Eventually, the Comfort Keepers team worked alongside hospice to care for her through her final days. They read to her, watched “Dancing with the Stars” together and helped her die peacefully at home. “She laughed and enjoyed life right up until the end,” Knopp recalls. It’s a simple story, but a powerful reminder that emotional connection matters.

CONNECTION AND COGNITIVE HEALTH

Studies show that older adults with regular social interaction experience slower memory loss, lower stress levels and even greater longevity.

“People often think of aging in terms of physical decline,” Knopp says. “But mental and emotional well-being are equally vital.” Connection keeps people sharp and can translate to better sleep, improved appetite and a greater desire to stay active.

BARRIERS TO STAYING CONNECTED

Of course, staying socially engaged isn’t always simple.

“Hearing loss can make conversation frustrating,” Knopp says. “Losing a spouse or the ability to drive can limit access to the people and places that once brought joy.”

But with creativity and the right support, older adults can remain connected. Nearby family members may help, but many appreciate outside help—whether arranging transportation, adapting technology or bringing social activities into the home.

THE ROLE OF IN-HOME COMPANIONSHIP

While in-home caregivers may assist with meals or errands, their deeper impact is often emotional. Having someone to talk to and share routines with plays an important role in keeping seniors mentally and emotionally engaged. What thriving looks like is deeply personal, but with the right support, older adults continue to grow and find joy. “When people feel seen and valued, they come alive again,” Knopp says.

Hiring a caregiver can feel daunting, but Knopp says that her company customizes every option and, just as important, truly cares for each individual. “All of our caregivers are screened for empathy. They’re also trained not just to do for clients, but to do with them.” That spirit of collaboration supports independence and dignity—and helps cultivate meaningful connection.

THE TAKEAWAY

As you support aging loved ones, remember that emotional connection is just as essential as physical care. Whether it comes through a trusted caregiver, a neighbor’s visit or regular check-ins from afar, consistent moments of presence can make a lasting difference. “Thriving in later life isn’t just about safety or health,” says Knopp. “It’s about purpose, dignity and connection.”

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4 Keys to Thriving in Retirement Thoughtfully designed communities in Northern Michigan show that where you live impacts how you live.

by KIRSETIN K. MORELLO

W

hat does it mean to thrive in retirement?

For many, it’s less about slowing down and more about leaning in. People who thrive in retirement stay curious, connected and active. Thriving means having the time and freedom to focus on what brings joy and purpose. At its core, it’s about living with intention.

Moving to a retirement community can be a natural next step in that journey. The right environment makes all the difference. Thoughtfully designed communities, like The Village at Bay Ridge in Traverse City, help residents remain engaged, active and fulfilled.

“We often hear from new residents that there’s a welcoming liveliness and community,” says Kelse Berndt, marketing director at Bay Ridge. “There’s a sense of energy here that’s contagious.”

Thriving in retirement often comes down to four key factors: learning, purpose, community and wellness.

They can also boost participation by encouraging residents’ interests, as Bay Ridge does with resident-led activities, like tai chi. “There’s a real sense of ownership here,” Berndt says.

“We help promote activities, but the momentum comes from the people who live here.”

PHYSICAL WELLNESS AND MOVEMENT

Regular movement supports both physical and mental health—and retirement is an ideal time to prioritize both.

Communities that emphasize wellness make it easier to stay active and feel your best. Where a community is situated can make a big difference, too.

LIFELONG LEARNING

Staying mentally active is a powerful way to remain sharp.

Enrichment opportunities, like health seminars or nutrition workshops, play a big role. When evaluating retirement communities, ask what they offer.

“We bring experts into Bay Ridge to talk about everything from diabetes management to local history,” Berndt says.

By feeding curiosity and encouraging reflection, programs like these go a long way toward keeping the mind engaged.

PURPOSE AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

One of retirement’s greatest gifts is time—time to give back in meaningful ways. Volunteering, staying civically engaged or attending local events can offer a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

For example, some residents at Bay Ridge volunteer with nonprofits; others attend concerts, civic events or group outings. “Our seniors want to contribute in ways that make sense for this season of life,” explains Berndt. “We’re here to help that happen.”

SOCIAL CONNECTION

Connection is key to well-being in retirement. Because studies consistently show regular social interaction boosts mood and improves longevity, it pays to look for a community that fosters connection. Communities can help residents nurture relationships through events like weekly social hours and game nights.

Thanks to its setting in Traverse City, Bay Ridge’s residents enjoy easy access to the YMCA, TART Trail and The Village at Grand Traverse Commons—perfect for hiking, biking or a scenic stroll followed by coffee or lunch. On site, residents participate in instructor-led classes like Zumba Gold, work out in the gym or walk peaceful paths around the pond.

Wellness seminars and visits from local organizations round out the offerings. “There’s something for everyone,” Berndt says.

REIMAGINING RETIREMENT

Thriving in retirement starts with a mindset, but communities that emphasize learning, purpose, connection and movement give residents the tools to flourish.

“People tell us they didn’t realize how much they were missing until they got here,” shares Berndt. “Now they’re more active, connected and joyful. That’s the magic of a community built for living well.”

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Redefining Wealth: The Power of Enough

by KIRSETIN K. MORELLO

For years, the pursuit of wealth centered on accumulation: more assets, higher returns, faster growth. But today, many are rethinking that approach.

i

nstead of accumulating money for its own sake, many Gen X and Boomers are focusing on growing—and spending—their wealth with intention to create security and pursue what matters most.

If that mindset resonates but you’re not quite sure what “enough” looks like, you’re not alone. The first step is understanding both what you have and what you want your money to do for you. “It’s not just about growing the biggest account possible,” says Autumn Soltysiak, CFP®, of hemming& Wealth Management. “It’s about using wealth as a resource—to travel, spend time with grandkids and focus on what brings you joy, rather than what causes stress.”

CLARITY FIRST

That mindset shift requires both clarity and planning. “It starts with a written financial plan, created and reviewed regularly with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®,” says Holly Gallagher, CFP®, founder of Horizon Financial.

Her firm uses software that blends clients’ goals and values with the hard numbers.

They factor in things like Social Security benefits, life insurance and investment accounts to build a comprehensive financial plan. “It’s like how using GPS helps you get to your destination,” she says.

Understanding that full picture includes more than just assets and income. “It’s very important to understand a client’s

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value system when we think about creating a plan,” says Meghan Vanderlugt, CPWA®, founder of Valor Wealth Group.

“It’s not just about numbers, but about what their priorities are in this phase of life—it could be travel, charitable giving, leaving money to kids or any number of things.”

That’s why Autumn Soltysiak of hemming& Wealth Management encourages clients to begin with an honest inventory of their spending needs and resources. “We talk about a spending plan, not a budget, because we believe it’s about awareness, not restriction,” she says.

Many people, she explains, aren’t fully aware of where their money goes and often find they’re spending on things that don’t really serve them. “Enough isn’t just a number,” she adds.

“It’s the confidence that comes from knowing you can live the life you want with the resources you have.”

MOVING TOWARD FINANCIAL PEACE

For some, “enough” means the freedom to travel or start a second-act business. For others, it’s the ability to retire early or support a cause they care about. As you work to define what “enough” looks like for you, Soltysiak suggests asking yourself three key questions: • What does a joyful, fulfilling life look like to me?

• What would I do differently if money weren’t a factor?

• What keeps me up at night?

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“We always start by prioritizing what truly matters to our clients,” she says. For some, that means downsizing or simplifying; for others, it’s consolidating accounts, updating an estate plan or reassessing investment risk.

“Often, we’re talking about the things that wake clients in the middle of the night,” Soltysiak adds. “They worry about what will happen to their kids after they’re gone, or whether

“

pension or changes to Social Security, Gallagher says modeling possible outcomes in plain language often reduces anxiety.

Vanderlugt agrees that scenario planning helps clients gain clarity and confidence. “Modeling different outcomes, like varying market returns, long-term care needs or giving strategies, helps them understand what’s possible,” she says.

“It’s also important to discern how much risk is necessary to sustain their priorities, and to update the plan regularly as life evolves.”

Still, even the best-laid plan doesn’t always quiet fears rooted in deeper emotional concerns. “If fear persists,” Gallagher says, “we work with clients to explore the psychology of money, because sometimes it’s not about the numbers at all.” Once your values and priorities are clear, sharing them with the people who matter most can strengthen both your plan and your peace of mind.

Taking time to think through your options, and giving yourself permission to consider a different path, can be incredibly empowering.” they’re taking on too much market risk.” She emphasizes the importance of facing those concerns head-on. “The things you put off the most are often the things that bring the most peace once they’re resolved.”

For clients feeling anxious about whether they’ll have enough, Gallagher’s firm runs personalized “what-if ” scenarios.

“We walk beside them and play out those fears,” she explains.

Whether it’s a market downturn, the loss of a spouse’s

COMMUNICATION ACROSS GENERATIONS

Gallagher emphasizes the importance of an authentic, trusting relationship between you and your financial advisor and, for couples, involving both partners in the process. She also encourages families to prioritize open conversations about wealth across generations, especially with the largest wealth transfer in history now underway.

Cerulli Associates estimates that $124 trillion will be passed to heirs and charities by 2048. Without thoughtful planning, though, much of that wealth may not last. Research from The Williams Group found that 70 percent of family wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90 percent by the third. It’s a staggering statistic and one most families would like to avoid.

Experts say this kind of drop-off often happens when there hasn’t been enough open communication within the family, or when heirs simply aren’t prepared to take on financial responsibility. Including your financial advisor in family discussions, and clearly articulating your goals and intentions, can go a long way toward preserving wealth over time.

“We encourage families to involve children and grandchildren in these conversations,” Gallagher says, “so the next generation understands the purpose behind the wealth.” One family she works with agrees on shared values, then lets each child help choose which charities receive donations each year.

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Once those conversations are underway, the next step is helping families make thoughtful decisions about how and when wealth will be transferred. “Northwest Michigan families tend to be generous, with both the causes they care about and their children,” says Vanderlugt. “We work with clients to help ensure their kids understand the family’s values and priorities, and to guide them in making thoughtful decisions ahead of time about how and when their children will receive access to that wealth.”

These kinds of values-driven conversations help the next generation feel involved and respected, which often leads to better long-term outcomes. “It makes legacy planning meaningful, and even fun, instead of intimidating,” says Gallagher.

PEACE OVER PERFORMANCE

When you stop thinking about wealth solely in terms of outperforming the market and start thinking about how it can support your values and lifestyle, the shift can be liberating.

That was the case for one of Soltysiak’s clients, who left

SPAD

a high-stress job earlier than expected, even though he was considered young to retire. “We ran the numbers and looked at how much income the couple would need over the next few years,” she says.

The couple were interested in landscaping and realized they could leave the bigger paycheck behind and still meet their income needs by launching a small summer landscaping business. “It was a little unconventional,” Soltysiak says, “but they’re loving it. Taking time to think through your options, and giving yourself permission to consider a different path, can be incredibly empowering.”

As you reflect on what a fulfilling life looks like for you, it can be freeing to realize you have choices. When you understand what resources you need to support that life, you can let go of chasing more for its own sake and instead pursue financial peace. “True peace doesn’t come from your account balances alone,” Soltysiak adds. “It comes from clarity, confidence and living with intention.”

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LOCAL TICKE T S .

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

“

Apples are the cornerstone of our family, really.

—KRISTIE ALTONEN

A CIDER SEASON DESTINATION

photo by Dave Weidner

P. 59

TAPROOT’S MUST-TRY TORTA AHOGADA P. 61

RADUNO’S SECRET SAUCE P. 63

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The Cu l i nary North Destination Eats

THIS CIDER HOUSE RULES

by CARLY SIMPSON

An orchardside craft beverage haven makes the perfect roadtrip destination.

photos by Dave Weidner

J

ust inland from grand traverse bay’s east arm, between Traverse City and Elk Rapids, rows of apples stretch across the Altonen family’s South Farm. For nearly 70 years, the family has cultivated this land— and on any given day three generations are out working in the orchards. At 85, John Altonen, the family patriarch, still comes to the farm daily.

While the Altonens have long been known for cherries, “Apples are the cornerstone of our family, really,” says coowner Kristie Altonen. The result is Townline Ciderworks, a tasting room tucked along the edge of the orchard.

The atmosphere is deliberately low key: wide-open countryside views, Friday night music, an Adirondack chair waiting for you.

A bright orange food truck, Masala Magic by Anita, is parked out back slinging rich bowls of butter chicken masala, crispy samosa and garlicky naan. Pair your order with a glass of Brian’s Apricot, a stone fruit–infused cider returning to the lineup this month that’s on tap and available in cans for the first time. The fan favorite is a part of Townline’s South Farm estate series, which uses apples grown right next to the tasting room.

For tasting, there are eight ciders on tap, give or take, and a dozen more in cans, some pairing Altonen apples with fresh strawberries, tart cherries or raspberries in blends named after family and friends, including beloved farm market manager, Efigenia, a.k.a. “Giggles.” You’ll find cider spritzers and cocktail-inspired pours on the menu, too.

“Ciders are diverse in the sense that they can be spiced up or sweetened to taste with a variety of additions,” Altonen says. “A floater of frozen jalapeños seemed like the perfect addition to our dry Spitzenburg cider as an homage to spicy sauvignon blanc that’s having a moment.”(The internet is calling it the drink of summer 2025.)

In September, as kids head back to school and fairweather crowds fade, the orchard comes alive with bushels of apples taking center stage at local farmers markets and roadside stands. It’s a perfect time to settle into one of those Adirondacks, sip something unexpected and taste the fruits of nearly 70 years of family care.

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PENINSULA PERFECTION With rolling vineyards, roadside farmstands and endless water views, the 18-mile cruise up Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula is a most worthy road trip. Here are the stops we suggest to our friends.

First, we brunch. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive north on M-37 to Mission Proper. The Sunday menu gets a chef ’s kiss with fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes and avocado toast drizzled in hot honey.

Now, choose your own adventure: Just up the road is a short but sweet hike to Pyatt Lake and pickleball at Bowers Harbor Park where there are six outdoor courts with vineyard views. Or, get back on M-37 and keep heading north to Lighthouse Park at the tippy top of the peninsula. At the end of your drive, you’ll be rewarded with an amble-worthy arc of sandy beach, a forest full of hiking trails, the historic Hessler Log Cabin and the main attraction: the 1870 Mission Point Lighthouse, a prim white beacon of Great Lakes history that’s open seasonally for self-guided tours of the museum (yes, you can climb to the top of the tower!).

After you’ve explored the lighthouse, head south. On Mission Road, you’ll find the 1842 Dougherty Mission House (open seasonally for tours), where Old Mission Peninsula earned its name, and the old-timey Old Mission General Store, a purveyor of penny

candy and deli delights as well as pizza and fresh-made subs.

Dating to the mid 1800s, it’s one of the state’s oldest general stores.

You’ll pass lots of farm-stand goodies as you keep heading south on M-37 (also known as Center Road). Pick a bouquet at Old Mission Flowers, a self-serve cutting garden open dawn to dusk, or stop at The Farm at Cherry Hill where you’ll find beautiful arrangements ready to go in the roadside stand.

End your day on the patio at Hawthorne Vineyards. The secluded winery is surrounded by woods and grapevines; no roads in sight. And that patio, well it looks out over West Grand Traverse Bay. Watch the sun go down and know that you’ve experienced a perfect day Up North.

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The Cu l i nary North Bite

DROWNING IN GOODNESS

by CARA MCDONALD

photo by Tim Hussey

T

Crunchy, saucy, silky, spicy: Here’s a sandwich to fuel your fall adventures.

he origin of the torta ahogada was an accident—according to local lore, the “drowned sandwich” came about when a Guadalajara street vendor dropped a crusty baguette sandwich into salsa. The resulting spicy, dippable pork sandwich is a Mexican street food classic, and one that Taproot Cider House in Traverse City riffs on with delicious results.

Taproot’s iteration uses chicken and a lightly spicy broth, but it’s the interplay of textures that elevates this sandwich: the crunchy cabbage and tangy onion, the silky crema and molten cheddar, tender chicken and creamy beans. The broth delivers a flood of savory and spicy notes—think cumin, tomato, a gentle vinegar bite—balanced by the cooling richness of avocado crema.

It’s a dish that exemplifies the overall Taproot ethos: creative comfort, local ingredients and a playful global

influence. During a recent chat with owner Jen Viren, she dished that it’s been part of a long-evolving farm-to-table vision, one she’s held steady to as a wave of newcomers have come on board. There’s a touch of something seasonal in every Taproot offering, from the shortcakes bursting with summer’s first strawberries on up through artisanal cocktails studded with elderberry-blossom ice balls, all locally grown and foraged. The restaurant has always supported local growers, but adds to this with its own farm operation, which is expanding to include kitchen capacity and the ability to host onsite events.

With the swell of available produce, September is the perfect month to dip into the veg-forward Taproot menu, especially for ever-revolving specials. But for now, the torta ahogada is a mainstay to count on. Pair it with Left Foot Charley’s Cinnamon Girl cider for the ideal balance of sweet and spice, the perfect vibe for fall.

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Photograpy by Brons Imagery

26/27

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The Cu l i nary North In the Kitchen

THE LONG SIMMER

by CARLY SIMPSON

In September, when the season’s last tomatoes reign supreme, it’s time to whip up a classic sauce. Traverse City’s pasta queen shares her recipe.

I

t had been on her fifth trip to italy to perfect her pasta-making skills that former Italian-restaurant owner Janene Silverman met her husband, Beppe Canavero, and decided to stay and cook in the motherland.

For 20 years, she watched her neighbors carry gigantic pots of tomatoes outside, leaving them to simmer for 24 hours at a time, as they prepared jar after jar of sauce.

She learned their secrets, too: let the sauce spend lots of time over low heat, keep it chunky and always use high-quality fruit. “There is nothing better in life than a vine-ripened tomato,” Silverman says.

Today, Silverman is in Traverse City making pasta fresh daily at her European-style deli and cafe, Raduno, which means “gathering” in Italian. And while you can pair your pasta of choice with her rich Bolognese, basil pesto and cream, or perhaps prosciutto and zucchini, the tagliatelle and tomato sauce is always first on the menu.

^ Janene’s Tomato Sauce Yields 2 quarts

Olive oil 1 medium onion 1 medium carrot 2 cloves garlic 8 cups whole canned tomatoes 1 bay leaf Fresh herbs such as thyme, basil or parsley Salt and pepper, to taste 1. Pour olive oil into your pot, enough to cover the entire bottom.

2. Small dice the onion and carrot and chop the garlic, then add to the olive oil. Simmer on low until the onion is translucent, about half an hour.

3. Crush the tomatoes over the pot with your hands, adding them to the vegetables.

4. Add the bay leaf and simmer for an hour or so until the oil “surfaces” or separates. (As the moisture evaporates from the mixture, the oil that was previously blended in will become visible on the sides or top of the pan.)

5. Remove the bay leaf and add chopped herbs. Silverman uses basil in the summer and thyme in the winter. Season with salt and pepper.

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Love of the Land

get there

photo courtesy of Little Traverse Conservancy

JERRY AND EILEEN FHANER NATURE PRESERVE Situated on the vast St. Mary’s River in the eastern U.P., this 45-acre Little Traverse Conservancy property was protected last year, thanks to the conservancy’s Wild Shores Initiative, which aims to protect Great Lakes shoreline in the U.P. and on many of Michigan’s islands.

The preserve’s eponyms, Jerry and Eileen Fhaner, funded the purchase, which includes 2,885 feet of frontage along the St. Marys River—an area considered to be one of the most biologically important regions in the Great Lakes Basin.

This river system provides vital habitat for fish like trout, herring, walleye, white sucker, whitefish, salmon, steelhead and sturgeon. The preserve is mostly made up of boreal forest, and birders should keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, black terns, common terns, American bitterns and yellow rails.

Note: This LTC property is more of an ecological preserve, and does not have formal parking areas or trails, but it’s open to the public for “appropriate and respectful use.”

For more information, visit landtrust.org. –A.J.A.

64 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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