2020 MyNorth Vacation, Northern Michigan

2020 EDITION

Vacation!

FREE GUIDE

NORTHERN MICHIGAN BEACHES, TRAILS, DINING & MORE!

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BENZIE

CHARLEVOIX

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CADILLAC, FRANKFORT, MANISTEE

ALDEN, BELLAIRE, ELK RAPIDS

PETOSKEY

TRAVERSE CITY

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BOYNE CITY, MACKINAC ISLAND, WALLOON LAKE

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A supplement to

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YOUR SUMMER STARTS HERE.

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Vacation!

A MyNorth Media Publication

PRESIDENT/EDITOR IN CHIEF

Deborah Wyatt Fellows

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CONTENT

Emily Oakes Libby Stallman Kim Stewart

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BENZIE, MANISTEE & CADILLAC

Paddle the Platte, discover Benzie’s Sleeping Bear, celebrate Ludington State Park, fall in love with lighthouses and taste the craft libations scene.

CHARLEVOIX & CHAIN OF LAKES

Discover secret downtown Charlevoix, explore Fisherman’s Island State Park, wander charming small towns and sip away at cideries, wineries and distilleries.

33 LEELANAU A Supplement to

COVER PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

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Do the Sleeping Bear Dunes, order up picnic food, immerse yourself in maritime history, meet sweet small towns and belly up at cideries, wineries, brew pubs and distilleries.

PETOSKEY & MACKINAC STRAITS

Cruise and float waterways, dig in at Wilderness State Park, meet the people behind the Mackinac Bridge, love up small towns, linger at wineries and breweries and take the insider’s Mackinac Island tour.

TRAVERSE CITY

Play on Grand Traverse Bay, wash ashore on Power Island, bike the Vasa Trail, browse the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, hit the farmers market, take your dog along, explore Old Mission Peninsula and toast wine (and microbrew!) country.

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN DELIVERED,

WHEREVER YOU ARE!

Subscribe to a Digital Edition of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine for just $9.95 and read about life Up North from around the world, on any device.

Get started now: MyNorth.com/anywhere

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Vacation!

BENZIE MANISTEE & CADILLAC NORTHERN MICHIGAN

outdoor adventures, family fun (and lighthouses!)

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

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ARCADIA ∙ BEAR LAKE ∙ BENZONIA ∙ BEULAH CADILLAC ∙ ELBERTA ∙ FRANKFORT ∙ HONOR LAKE ANN ∙ LUDINGTON ∙ MANISTEE ∙ ONEKAMA SLEEPING BEAR DUNES ∙ THOMPSONVILLE

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ARCADIA DUNES OVERLOOK

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NORDHOUSE DUNES WILDERNESS

BIG SABLE LIGHTHOUSE

Go back to the 1950s at Crystal Falls Mini Golf in Benzonia, the A&W drive-thru in Frankfort and the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre in Honor.

Hang with your kids on Crystal Mountain’s zip line.

Paddle the Pine—the fastest river in the Lower Peninsula. Wooha!

PILGRIM VILLAGE RESORT

The Insider's

BENZIE MANISTEE & CADILLAC

PADDLE THE PINE

Check out these tips for making the most of a vacation to this beautiful region!

Charter a fishing boat out of Frankfort Harbor.

Explore all 3,500 acres at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area.

Hike 3.6 miles round trip from Ludington State Park to Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

Top it off with an ice cream cone at the park’s Lake Michigan Beach House.

Duck into the Pilgrim Village Resort and Fishing Shop in Cadillac to outfit yourself for fishing Lake Mitchell—tackle, boat and all!

Brake at Miller’s Northwood Market on M-22 in Bear Lake for fresh fruit and veggies and polished Petoskey stones.

Pack a picnic and linger over the bird’s-eye view of Lake Michigan at Arcadia Overlook on M-22.

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S BEST KEPT SECRET! LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM LAKE MICHIGAN & SLEEPING BEAR DUNES! Amenities: • Oversized Full Service Sites • Modern Bathhouse & Laundry Facilities • Wi-Fi Available • Walking Paths & Dog Walk Close to: Dining, Shopping, Golfing & More 231.352.7240

Frankfort Michigan

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POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE Near Frankfort

C A N O E

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T R I P S

Kayaks |Tubes |Canoes Rafts |Boats |SUPs

Rent and enjoy the charming Lighthouse Assistant Keeper’s apartment with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the Manitou Islands. This historic renovated apartment is just steps away from the beach and spectacular sunsets.

231-325-5622

www.canoemichigan.com

5042 N. Scenic Hwy Honor, MI 49640

FA C E T I M E B E AT S

S C R E E N

TI M E .

Trade your iPad for the splash pad. Your laptop for the lap pool. And emails for exhales. Because memories aren’t made sitting behind a screen.

They’re made in the waterpark, taking a trip down the alpine slide, relaxing by the campfi re, and on a long hike. It’s all happening this summer, at Crystal Mountain.

MAKE IT YOUR MOMENT.

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paddle

THE PLATTE

PHOTO BY MORGAN TAYLOR

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

From the swift, chilly waters of the Upper Platte to the warm, slo-mo Lower Platte, this 29-mile-long river is made for paddling and floating fun.

These outfitters offer trips that suit all ages and levels of experience.

Riverside Canoes in Honor will set you up with canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, tubes or white-water rafts. Choose from various length trips (on either or both the Upper Platte and Lower Platte, with a shuttle to your car included).

The fun headquarters is outfitted with a food concession, a grocery store with beer and wine, fishing supplies and anything else you might need on the river. canoemichigan.com Honor Trading Post offers tubing, kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard trips on the Upper and Lower Platte tailored to the way you want to enjoy this beautiful river. After-trip bonus: a piping hot, house-made pizza! canoeplatteriver.com

Discover more perfect paddle trips.

MyNorth.com/Outdoors

2020 2020 MYNORTH MYNORTH

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DO THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES!

Discover more must-dos.

MyNorth.com/SleepingBearDunes

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The 10,000 acres of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that line the Benzie County coast are waiting to be explored.

Here’s a taste of what awaits you.

GLORIOUS BEACHES

Find Platte Point Beach at the Lake Michigan river-mouth of Platte River and you’ve found paradise. Otter Creek emerges from its tree-lined banks into the wide-open blue of Lake Michigan at Esch Road Beach. Plan on staying through sunset. The winding, forest-lined Peterson Road leads to the sublime, sandy and secluded Peterson Road Beach.

GHOST FARMS

Step back in time at the Tweddle/Treat Farms. Now owned by the National Park Service, both farmsteads (separated by a lovely, half-mile wooded lane) offer a glimpse of pioneering life here. The jaw-dropping view of Lake Michigan just beyond Treat Farm is a bonus.

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

Deer, sandhill crane, trumpeter swans and fox are just some of the wildlife who call the park home. One sure place to see wildlife is on the quiet, 14.7-mile Platte Plains Trail that loops past Lake Michigan and around Deer and Otter lakes (where motors are prohibited).

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

Get directions and a park entrance pass at nps.gov/slbe.

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Paddle • Ride • Surf Apparel • Gear • Bike Shop Celebrating 26 years

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region of

LIGHTHOUSES

From Ludington to Manistee, these six lighthouses stand as picturesque tributes to this coast’s dramatic maritime history.

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN

Plan your lighthouse tour.

MyNorth.com/Lighthouses

1. POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE, FRANKFORT

This famously photogenic lighthouse, built in 1858, is open seasonally to the public—as are the keeper’s residence, fog signal building, boathouse museum and gift shop.

2. BIG SABLE POINT LIGHTHOUSE, LUDINGTON

The payoff for a two-mile sandy hike to get to this lighthouse in Ludington State Park is the 100-foot-tall, black-and-white circa 1867 lighthouse with its inspiring view of Lake Michigan. Open seasonally.

3. MANISTEE NORTH PIERHEAD LIGHTHOUSE, MANISTEE

This pretty piece of maritime history has been beaming ships into the Manistee harbor since 1872. The light is undergoing an extensive renovation and not currently open to the public.

4. LITTLE SABLE POINT LIGHTHOUSE, MEARS

Finished in 1874, Little Sable is set in the sand dunes of what is now Silver Lake State Park. Open seasonally.

5. FRANKFORT NORTH BREAKWATER LIGHT, FRANKFORT

Take a front row seat on the Frankfort Pier (at the end of Main Street) for fabulous sunsets. The lighthouse, built in 1932 at the pier’s end, ups the ambiance factor.

6. LUDINGTON NORTH BREAKWATER LIGHT, LUDINGTON

This lovely little 1924 lighthouse with its bright green light and its half-milelong pier is a main attraction in downtown Ludington. Open seasonally.

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Changes

And No Changes Much has been changed to be better for you.

But the favorites – the dunes, beaches, and sunsets – haven’t changed.

They are just as beautiful.

So, come, or come back and recharge with beauty.

Visit Us In Michigan: Cadillac • Traverse City • Manistee • Gaylord Fremont • Charlevoix • Petoskey • Rockford Grand Haven • Holland • Alpena • Saugatuck Escanaba • South Haven • Fenton • Iron Mountain St Joseph • Sturgis Frankfort • Minocqua GLIKS.COM

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cool things to do in

LUDINGTON STATE PARK

Whether you want to hike, bike, boat, paddle or just lounge in the sun, the 5,300-acre Ludington State Park offers fun for everyone. Ready, set, go!

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

Spread your towel on the wide sandy beach and break for treats at the Lake Michigan Beach House.

CIRCLES FROM BOTTOM: PHOTOS BY SHELBY SOBERALSKI // TAYLOR BROWN // SHELBY SOBERALSKI // SHELBY SOBERALSKI

Book one of the park’s three mini cabins. Cute as buttons, they sleep four and are outfitted with a microwave, mini-fridge, heaters, lights and an outdoor fire pit.

Rent a pontoon at Hamlin Lake Boat Rentals to go tubing, fishing or lounge in the sun on Hamlin Lake.

Take in the view from 112 feet up at the top of Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

It’s worth the 2-mile hike to get there!

Learn archery! One morning a week all summer long, the park offers a free introductory archery class at its archery range. You’ll learn all the how-to’s, and yes, you’ll get to shoot.

Rent a canoe or kayak from Hamlin Lake Concession (located in the park) and take the 4-mile canoe trail that skirts parts of Hamlin Lake that aren’t accessible on foot. Bonus: Time it so your paddle ends with the sunset.

Fish for salmon at the Hamlin Dam in the fall.

Rent a tube or paddleboard at the Hamlin Lake Concession and tube the Big Sable River to its mouth at Lake Michigan.

Discover more must-dos.

MyNorth.com/LudingtonStatePark

Find more info at michigan.gov/dnr

2020 MYNORTH

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Taste something new.

PHOTO BY LYDIA MEJIA

PHOTO BY MAE STIER

PHOTO BY COURTNEY JEROME

PHOTO BY SHELBY SOBERALSKI

MyNorth.com/FoodAndDrink

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SIP LIKE A LOCAL From Northwoods taverns to hip microbreweries and distilleries, this region is brimming with spirits!

BUZZY

Add an award-winning brewer to a charmer of a small town and let the fermentation begin. Set in Beulah, in a renovated 1950s building nicknamed the Quonset for its arched roof, Five Shores Brewing opened its doors in January and the crowds haven’t stopped coming. The newest craft brewery in the region, Five Shores is the love child of Oliver Roberts, formerly the head brewer at Wolverine State Brewing Co. in Ann Arbor, and Matt Demorest, a craft beer aficionado and businessman. Beyond its robust list of craft beers, Five Shores serves cider, wine, cocktails and light, inventive food.

CRAFTY

While Five Shores is the newest addition to this region, it is in good company. Check out Stormcloud Brewing Company in Frankfort, Jamesport and Ludington Bay brewing companies in Ludington, North Channel in Manistee, Clam Lake Beer Company in Cadillac and Lake Ann Brewing in Lake Ann. Each establishment has its own beer profile, but they all share conviviality, great live music and an eclectic mix of entertainment.

The craft touch is embracing the world of wine and cider in this region as well. Sip estate-produced wine and cider at Douglas Valley Winery in Manistee, where the tasting room is in a renovated bunkhouse that used to serve passengers on the Manistee & North Eastern Railroad. Over in the postage-sized town of Chief, Northern Natural Cider House and Winery boasts a menu of USDA-certified organic cider.

Mead—the ancient alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey—is the main attraction at St. Ambrose Cellars, where the owners have been making local honey for decades. St. Ambrose, set in the Beulah countryside, also makes wine and brews beer.

Turning the countryside into liquid gold? You've got the theme. Now meet Iron Fish Distillery, a farm-to-flask operation set on a 120-acre former wheat farm surrounded by forest. Besides handcrafted spirits from grains and other ingredients grown on the farm and locally, Iron Fish Distillery (named for the steelhead in the nearby Betsie River) has become a food and entertainment destination.

CLASSIC

When the evening calls for a laidback Up North vibe, these long-loved watering holes serve it up just the way you want it. At Lumberjacks Bar & Grill in Honor, the food is awesome, the pool table is center stage and Happy Hour starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 7 p.m. Monday–Thursday.

Jodi’s Tangled Antler (east of Beulah) pairs kicked-up classic tavern food with a game of pool. Note: Monday nights are pool-league nights and on Fridays the table gets moved to make way for karaoke.

Snap a selfie in front of the stagecoach at Manistee’s oldest operating bar, The Painted Lady Saloon, where the food is comfort and Bell’s and Michelob Ultra are on tap.

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Open 7 days a week at noon

We serve up good food and good times!

Daily Food & Drink Specials

Full carry-out menu!

Home of Lucilles’ St. Louis style ribs!

Served every Thursday from 5 until 9pm

Located 1.7 miles east of Crystal Mountain in Historic Downtown Thompsonville

www.genossportsbar.com | 231-378-2554

Made in Michigan by natives of the Mitt

The Michigan Layered Necklace. Available now in silver, yellow, and rose gold. Both Peninsula’s, one necklace.

www.wexfordjewelers.com

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127 W. Cass St., Cadillac MI 49601 231-468-3526 after26project.org

Full Service Breakfast & Lunch Tuesday - Friday 7am- 2pm Saturday - Sunday 8am - 2pm

Dedicated to employing adults with developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments

CHARTER FISHING

CHARTER FISHING 231.651.9995 www.charterfishinginmichigan.com

Aboard the INTIMIDATOR & the INTIMIDATOR II Big Lake Fishing for Salmon & Trout All Fish Cleaned & Bagged Sails out of Frankfort, MI

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Lake Ann Honor

Frankfort & Elberta Beulah & Benzonia Arcadia

Thompsonville

Bear Lake Onekama Manistee

Cadillac

Ludington

Small Towns, Big Charm These towns put out the welcome mat with food, libations, music and fun in the sun!

HONOR

Tucked next to sweet, sandy beaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this village is bordered by the Platte River and home to classic Northwoods taverns and quiet campgrounds.

LAKE ANN

Set on the shore of lovely Lake Ann, find an old-fashioned grocery store, a rocking brewery with a fab pizza place next door and a downtown beach.

Hike or mountain bike the 5.8-mile Lake Ann Pathway.

THOMPSONVILLE

Crystal Mountain, the hub of this rural township, is a top destination for snow sports and summer fun including the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide.

Off-campus, check out Thompsonville’s Up North-style taverns.

BEULAH

A buzzy new brewery, a boutique-filled shopping district, a darling downtown beach on Crystal Lake and Thursday evening Music in the Park concerts (June 25–August 13), make this a destination town.

Rent a boat at Bear Lake Marine and spend the day on the gorgeous sandy-bottomed lake of the same name. Then saddle up for a trail ride at Rockin' R Ranch, find fun stuff as well as an old-fashioned country store feeling at Wee Bee Jammin’ and get U-Pick organic berries at Ware Farm.

ARCADIA

Tucked between Lake Michigan and Arcadia Lake, this town is about water sports and beach days. But don’t miss the nationally renowned Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club. Just north on M-22, pull over at Arcadia Overlook, the highest viewing area on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

ONEKAMA

This idyllic, slow-mo coastal town has access to both Lake Michigan and Portage Lake. Take in the outdoor Concerts in the Park, Monday evenings July through August, and be sure to nose around for some new and cool eateries as well as MacBeth & Co., a stylish home decor shop.

MANISTEE

Brake on US-31 for margaritas at The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill, stop for house-made ice cream at Hill Top Soda Shoppe and explore the fabulous Benzie Area Historical Museum.

It’s all things Victorian from this town’s lumber-era Victorian architecture to the annual Manistee Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. But it’s always fine to throw off your corset and dive into Lake Michigan at one of this city’s primo beaches, or belly up to its fabulous pubs, eateries or downtown brewery.

FRANKFORT

LUDINGTON

BENZONIA LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTOS BY MAE STIER // MAE STIER // LYDIA MEJIA

BEAR LAKE

This Lake Michigan harbor town has it all; a top-flight microbrewery, a stateof-the-art small-town theater, memorable eateries, fun shops, a big, sandy swath of Lake Michigan beach and a lighthouse pier for sunset walks.

ELBERTA

Find a bountiful farmers market (Thursdays, May–October) and stunning views of Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan—shhh, the beach here is a bestkept secret. Top an Elberta day off with blackened fish tacos and very cold beer at the Cabbage Shed, set on the shore of Betsie Bay.

The car ferry S.S. Badger calls this Lake Michigan harbor town home—hop it to Wisconsin just for fun but come back to Ludington for the beaches, concerts in the park, Victorian-era shopping district, two historic lighthouses and groovy food and craft beer scene.

CADILLAC

Blessed with lakes Mitchell and Cadillac, a plethora of fabulous walking and biking trails, a bustling downtown, home to boutiques and eateries, a children's splash pad and a renovated performing arts center, Cadillac pretty much has it all.

For more on these charming towns: MyNorth.com/Towns; visitbenzie.com; visitmanistee.com; pureludington.com; cadillacmichigan.com; frankfort-elberta.com.

2020 MYNORTH

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CHARLEVOIX

& CHAIN OF LAKES NORTHERN MICHIGAN

shops, sips, stunning spots

(and boats!)

ALDEN ∙ BEAVER ISLAND ∙ BELLAIRE ∙ CENTRAL LAKE ∙ CHARLEVOIX EAST JORDAN ∙ EASTPORT ∙ ELK RAPIDS ∙ ELLSWORTH ∙ TORCH LAKE 2020 MYNORTH

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FOOD DRINK DRINK FUN FUN ON ON TORCH TORCH LAKE LAKE FOOD

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The Insider's

CHARLEVOIX & CHAIN OF LAKES Make the most of your vacation in the Charlevoix region!

the JOHN CROSS

FISH MARKET

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

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THE LANDING

FARM MARKETS

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Elm Pointe

ELM POINTE PARK

BREEZ E WAY

JORDAN RIVER NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY

THE BREEZEWAY

Cruise the Breezeway—the beautiful, bucolic C-48 that winds through East Jordan, Ellsworth and Atwood.

Put your car or bike on the Ironton Ferry for the five-minute float across Lake Charlevoix’s Ironton Narrows.

Take the family swimming, grilling and exploring at Elm Pointe Park on Lake Charlevoix’s South Arm.

Visit Jordan River National Fish Hatchery, the annual birthplace of 3 million trout destined for the Great Lakes.

Stop by John Cross Fisheries on Belvedere Avenue in Charlevoix for fresh and smoked fish, whitefish sausage and smoked fish salad.

Pick up fresh fruit (cherries!) and fresh fruit pies at roadside stands and farm markets along US-31 in Antrim and Charlevoix counties.

Boat to The Landing Restaurant on Lake Charlevoix in East Jordan.

Soak up summertime with the kids at the Fountain of Youth, an interactive heated splash pad in Charlevoix’s downtown East Park. The fountain is open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hop the ferry or take a plane to Beaver Island, about 30 miles across Lake Michigan from Charlevoix.

Spice up your life at Alden’s Mill House with chef-inspired blends.

ALDEN MILL HOUSE

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If you have a kitchen, get in here!

The Home of Pepper Mill Spices

Kitchen & Pantry Accessories Decor, Gifts, Gift Baskets Famous custom blended seasonings of the highest quality pepper and spices.

Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites • Only rated hotel in downtown Charlevoix • Free continental breakfast • Largest seasonal outdoor heated pool • Indoor hot tubs and fireplaces • Year-round indoor 8-person hot tub • Some balconies with views of lake or bridge • Free high speed fiber internet.

www.weathervane-chx.com • info@weathervane-chx.com 111 Pine River Ln., Charlevoix • 231.547.9955

Barnes Park Campground A vacation ... a life time of memories

The House of Good Taste!

Downtown Alden • Open 7 days, 10am-5pm May thru Dec (231) 331-4711 • (800) 226-5481 Visit us all year long at www.aldenmillhouse.com

antrimcounty.org/barnespark.asp 231-599-2712

THE BEST SIPS AND SNACKS IN THE NORTH DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MONTHLY! MYNORTH.COM/NEWSLETTER

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secret

DOWNTOWN CHARLEVOIX Go ahead, soak up the excitement of Bridge Street in Charlevoix with its shops, eateries, view of the city marina and fun Fountain of Youth splash pad. But be sure not to miss the good stuff that lies just to the west. Here’s what’s waiting.

PHOTOS BY KELLY REWA

Find the sign for Van Pelt Alley between Clinton Street and Park Avenue and you’ve found the boho/trendy side of this city. It’s called Charlevoix’s Mercado at Van Pelt Alley and, packed into one alley-sized block, you’ll find eateries, a salon and day spa, a floral design shop and more. charlevoixmercado.com Van Pelt Alley is also where you’ll meet Edith Pair and her Gem Car for a Mushroom House Tour. This fascinating tour that takes you past Charlevoix’s historic Earl Young-designed stone houses is a must for any visit to Charlevoix. mushroomhousetours.com

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cruise the

CHAIN OF LAKES Pack your sunscreen, swimsuit and a cooler, and float a summer day away.

PHOTOS BY KELLY REWA

Wonder of water wonders! Elk Lake, Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire are all connected by rivers and smaller lakes that are navigable by pontoon or similar watercraft—a waterway known as the Chain of Lakes. Spend the day tubing and enjoying other watersports on these deep-blue lakes, or putz along taking in the shoreline view. Tying up at the Dockside on Torch Lake for a burger and a beer is always a popular activity. Don’t have a pontoon? Dockside can rent you one. Other marinas that have rentals: Elk River Marina in Elk Rapids or Dewitt Marine and Riverside Marina in Bellaire.

Discover more water adventures.

MyNorth.com/Boating

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Plan your perfect getaway.

MyNorth.com/CampingTrips

discover

FISHERMAN’S ISLAND STATE PARK This park just south of Charlevoix is worth a day trip— or make it your summer vacation destination.

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

The truth is, this 2,678-acre park isn’t an island. But the one-acre island it is named for sits about a half-mile offshore. In past years, when water levels were low, there was a land bridge connected to the island. But with Lake Michigan at record high levels, it is an island again this summer, as it has been for the past several years. Enjoy the vision of the island from your perch at the beach or make it a fun paddling destination (kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard). Take note: Park personnel warns against swimming to the island because of the undertow.

There’s plenty to explore on the mainland portion of this park including trails that wind through forested dunes and cedar bogs and nearly six miles of shoreline. Want to spend the night? Make a reservation for one of the rustic campsites: 800.447.2757. michigan.gov/dnr

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Call for your reservation today! islandairways.com

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Charlevoix

Ellsworth

East Jordan

Central Lake

Elk Rapids

Bellaire Shanty Creek Resorts Alden

Small Towns, Big Charm In this region of liquid beauty, each sweet town sits on a lake.

Really, does it get any better than that?

CHARLEVOIX

The fabulously charming downtown on Lake Charlevoix is brimming with galleries, boutiques and great restaurants. East Park is a hub of outdoor concerts, festivals and farmers markets. With water on two sides, stunning beaches and a first-class marina, this city is for water worshippers.

EAST JORDAN

With a bounty of Lake Charlevoix and Jordan River shoreline, this lovely city combines outdoors sports with fun downtown shops and eateries.

ALDEN

Lovely little Alden on Torch Lake is filled with boutiques, cafes, a specialty spice store and an old-fashioned general store. A sandy-bottomed swimming area on Torch Lake is adjacent to the downtown boat launch.

PHOTOS BY TESS CROWLEY

ELLSWORTH

Tucked on the northern-most point of the Chain of Lakes, this charmer of a village on Ellsworth Lake has a public park with a fishing pier, labyrinth garden and Michigan’s largest public archery range.

CENTRAL LAKE

This sweet town, located where Hanley Lake meets Intermediate Lake under the bridge, has an Up North vibe—kicked up when Mammoth Distilling opened its doors several years ago.

BELLAIRE

The grand old Antrim County Courthouse presides over this charming town that straddles the banks of Intermediate River and sits between Lake Bellaire and Intermediate Lake—so yes, think fabulous watersports. Find a lively shopping district and, of course, beloved Short’s Brewing Company and Shanty Creek Resort.

ELK RAPIDS

Find your place on a golden-sand Lake Michigan beach, check out the boats in the 270-slip marina, browse the boutiques and galleries downtown, visit one of the North’s most beautiful library settings, then fill up at one of this town’s awesome eateries.

For more on these charming towns: visitcharlevoix.com, ejchamber.org, visitalden.com, villageofellsworth.com, centrallaketownship.org, bellairechamber.org, elkrapidschamber.org, shantycreek.com

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Taste something new.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER PHOTO BY TESS CROWLEY

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

MyNorth.com/FoodAndDrink

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SIP LIKE A LOCAL The Spirits of Torch Lake Tour The spirits are on fire in the Torch Lake area where start-up breweries, cideries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries are making delicious names for themselves. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Torch Lake, a tasting tour is a winning day.

Remember, designated drivers are always recommended. If you need a shuttle, check out the Brew Bus (tcbrewbus.com), Road Runner Tours (roadrunnermi.com) and Traverse City Wine & Beer Tours (wineandbeertours.com).

For years, the bright red schoolhouse that’s home to Bier Art Gallery and Pottery Studio has been a worthwhile stop on US-31, six miles south of Charlevoix. Now add another reason to stop by: Bier’s Inwood Brewery, housed in the white Victorian home in the back of the studio. The brewery features 12 tap lines of beer and cider and also local wine. And in true Bier style, regulars can join the mug club and get their photo fired onto their own mug.

At Royal Farms on US-31 in Ellsworth, owner Sara McGuire has created a cherry-filled oasis complete with a wine tasting room and market with homemade baked goods. The tasting room showcases beautiful views of the farm and nearby flower garden.

Mammoth Distilling now has tasting rooms in Central Lake and Bellaire (Traverse City, too, if you’re heading down that way). Browse the distillery’s “Cocktail Library” online at mammothdistilling.com before you go for a taste of what you've found.

Cellar 1914, another new and rising star north of Central Lake, boasts a winery and tasting room on a farm owned by the same family since 1914. In the vintage tasting room filled with family-farm memorabilia, you’ll get a history lesson on the way this farm has moved from cherries, cattle and corn to wine.

In nearby Bellaire, grab a bite with your beer at the well-loved Short’s Brewing Company, housed in a former hardware store. When you’re finished, sip across the street at the equally tasty Bee Well Meadery. Bee Well gives patrons a true taste of Northern Michigan: Honey from local bees and apples from local orchards make Bee Well’s meads and ciders truly products of their surroundings.

Not far from downtown Bellaire sits Torch Lake Cellars. The Sheneman family, who has owned the farm for several decades, puts care into every product. Wines are named after local attractions that encircle Torch Lake, a 19-mile body of fresh water. Try the Deep Water Point Pinot Grigio or Kalchik Cherry Wine, made from, you guessed it, locally grown cherries.

Continuing south around Torch Lake, stop in the quaint town of Alden and visit the downtown tasting room Crushin’ It at Vista Ridge Vineyards. Grab a glass of vino and sit out on the patio to catch a breeze from the lake.

Don’t miss WaterFire Vineyards on the west side of Torch Lake in Kewadin, the first certified sustainable vineyard in the Midwest. The property’s name pays homage to Torch Lake—water, referring to the lake, and fire, referring to the torch shape of the lake.

Hit up Elk Rapids next, where you’ll encounter the science and art of distillation at Ethanology.

Owners Nick and Geri Lefebre are believers in natural and sustainable practices. Ethanology sources ingredients from local farmers to provide flavor profiles that encompass Torch Lake and the offerings of the area. In the industrial-chic distillery and tasting room, enjoy live music, cocktails resembling works of art and some of the finest spirits imaginable.

Not far from Ethanology is Townline Ciderworks. Townline sits on an expansive property with wideopen views and picturesque scenery. Ciders range from dry to sweet and everything in between.

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smoked and fresh fish

we pack for travel

smoked sausage

209 Belvedere Avenue

pate and seafood

231-547-2532

CHARLEVOIX masks required & hand sanitizing stations in store

MICHIGAN 49720

SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN'S CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, AND UNIQUE GIFTS 205 Bridge St. Charlevoix 231.437.3966 thistlestyle.com

Plan your Northern Michigan Adventure with MyNorth.com!

Where to eat, Where to stay, and Where to explore!

We've done the research and vetting for you, now dive in!

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LEELANAU NORTHERN MICHIGAN

beaches, road trips,local shops (and wineries!)

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The Insider's

LEELANAU Fun ways to get to know this beautiful peninsula better.

Jump into Lake Leelanau at Nedow’s Bay Beach in Leland.

Bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, planned to span 27 miles from Empire to where CR-651 crosses M-22 south of Maple City (currently the trail runs 22 miles, ending at CR-669).

Take in an event at the Old Art Building in Leland.

Sign up for a class at the Glen Arbor Arts Center.

Learn to Curl at Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse in Maple City.

Bike the Leelanau Trail from Suttons Bay to Shady Lane Cellars and enjoy a glass of chilled white wine.

PETERSON PARK

Watch the sunset from Peterson Park north of Northport.

Watch cheese being made at Leelanau Cheese just south of Suttons Bay.

CLAY CLIFFS NATURAL AREA

Hike Clay Cliffs Natural Area just north of Leland.

Make s’mores while you enjoy a craft beer at Hop Lot Brewing Co., just south of Suttons Bay.

NEDOW’S BAY BEACH

OLD ART BUILDING

HOP LOT BREWING

Ba y

LEELANAU CHEESE

BROOMSTACK KITCHEN & TAPHOUSE

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SLEEPING BEAR HERITAGE TRAIL

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GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER

LEELANAU TRAIL

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SLEEPING BEAR UP CLOSE

The Sleeping Bear Dune Climb is so famous (and famously wonderful!) that folks tend to think of it as the main attraction in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. After you tumble down that big ol’ pile of sand, check out these other wonders in this 71,000-acre park.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

Plan your Sleeping Bear getaway.

MyNorth.com/GoSleepingBearDunes

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DUNE CLIMB HIKE TO LAKE MICHIGAN

After you’ve whiled away many a day running up and down the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb, it might be time to venture all the way across the dunes to Lake Michigan. Know that though beautiful, this nearly 2-mile hike is arduous. Spot a car at the Sleeping Bear Maritime Museum in Glen Haven, pack water, sunscreen and good walking sandals. When you get to the top of the Dune Climb, follow the Dune Trail. The views from the dune ridges along the way, and a well-deserved Lake Michigan dip when you arrive at Sleeping Bear Point make the trek worthwhile. From the Point it is a short beach walk to the Maritime Museum. MyNorth.com/DuneClimb

GLEN HAVEN VILLAGE AND THE MARITIME MUSEUM

Find one of the most popular beaches in the park in this hamlet, as well as the old-timey Glen Haven General Store, a working blacksmith shop and the Cannery Boathouse (named because it is in a former cannery). The Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum is located just west of Glen Haven. nps.gov/slbe/

PORT ONEIDA RURAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

These beautiful old farmsteads northeast of Glen Arbor offer a rare peek at a bygone way of life.

While the farms are no longer inhabited, they come alive every year for the Port Oneida Fair, a celebration of turn-of-the-last-century life. The fair is canceled this year and will return August 13-14, 2021.

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SuttonsBayArea.com

Suttons Bay MICHIGAN

downtown suttons bay

photo used with permission from KenScottPhotography.com

Throughout the year Suttons Bay is host to many art, wine and social events.

Go to www.SuttonsBayArea.com/calendar for a current listing.

August 7 & 8: Sidewalk Sales (Friday & Saturday)

Vineyard Vines

for the whole family bahles.net | (231) 271-3841

October 16: Art & Wine Walk 5 – 8 pm November 28: Holiday in the Village Family Day & Holiday Stroll (Small Business Saturday)

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223 St. Joseph (M22) Suttons Bay, MI (231) 271-6033

MASK ON. WASH UP. SPREAD OUT. BE KIND. The Village of Suttons Bay is committed keeping our residents and visitors safe. We’re open and practicing safe guidelines to ensure wellness of all those who live in 1 MyNorth.comor pass through our beautiful town.

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European Style Cafe

Featuring entrees with local farm-fresh ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with our espresso bar, ENTREES fine wines, beer & cocktails.

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6/29/20 9:50 AM

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HEARTH & VINE CAFÉ Farm-to-table café on Black Star Farms winery estate. Wood-fired pizzas, salads and other casual fare, kids menu. Outdoor patio dining and carry-out available. Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sat. Blackstarfarms.com/hearthandvine/

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2020 MYNORTH

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five things to know about

PIERCE STOCKING SCENIC DRIVE Take your time and soak up the sights and lessons of this 7.4-mile drive across the dunes. The entrance is located off state highway M-109 between Empire and Glen Arbor. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find.

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN

Explore more of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

MyNorth.com/GoSleepingBearDunes

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E

Most folks drive this route, but bicycles are permitted in the bike lane—just be prepared for hills. Hiking is allowed too, but beware of the narrow road.

An interpretive brochure leads you through 12 stops where signs tell the story of this rare and beautiful ecosystem.

Pack a picnic to eat at Picnic Mountain (on your way to overlook #3) while you are gazing at North and South Manitou Islands.

The overlooks at stops #9 and #10 put you 450 dizzyingly beautiful feet above Lake Michigan.

Resist the temptation to climb down (and back up!) the steep bluff at stops #9 and #10. The bluff is steeper than it looks, and each year, the National Park Service has to rescue people who get hurt in the process. nps.gov/slbe

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introducing our new light menu! ok, that’s fake news.

BEER, BURGERS, BANTER SERVED DAILY.

The People’s Pub for 86

years.

OPEN DAILY AT 7 AM. Leelanau Vacation Rentals sanitizes between rentals with a 100% water soluble, human, pet, and furniture friendly product (similar to what airlines use on planes). We wear face coverings when patrons are present, only allow two people in our lobby at one time, and ask that all customers wear face coverings upon entering.

artsglenarbor.com 231.334.3754

TRAVERSE MAGAZINE, WHEREVER YOU ARE! Subscribe now and receive the Red Hot Best Issue!

MyNorth.com/anywhere

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Taste Northern Michigan’s must-eats.

MyNorth.com/FoodAndDrink

Changes

FOOD TO GO No, we don’t have those drive-thru establishments with arches and such.

But most folks agree, fast food the Leelanau way is a lot more satisfying.

Here’s a taste.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

A perfect Leelanau morning begins with a still-warm cinnamon bun from Barb’s Bakery in Northport. Eat it on a bench out front and watch this harbor-side town wake up. Pretzel bread? Baguette? Pita?

Wrap your mind around a made-to-order, stuffed-to-the-gills sammie at the Village Cheese Shanty in Leland’s historic Fishtown. Then grab a seat at a picnic table on the nearby wharf and (try to) wrap your mouth around it.

Ah, decisions, decisions. Michigan’s best Detroit-style pizza at Market 22 in Maple City (located on M-22), or a grilled sandwich that will leave you swooning. Seventeen miles south on M-22 is the homespun Shipwreck Cafe in Empire that makes a huge splash with its freighter-sized sandwiches on house-baked bread.

And No Changes Much has been changed to be better for you.

But the favorites – the dunes, beaches, and sunsets – haven’t changed.

They are just as beautiful.

So, come, or come back and recharge with beauty.

thehomesteadresort.com 231.334.5100

2020 MYNORTH

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FISHTOWN LIVES ON This picturesque cluster of rugged fishing shanties has stood up to wind and waves for more than 100 years.

When record high water threatened the structures last year, Fishtown Preservation, the nonprofit that owns Fishtown, got to work preserving it. So not to worry: You can still get your Fishtown fix this summer!

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN

Order up your favorite Village Cheese Shanty sammie at the newly high-and-dry shanty. Local construction crews hoisted it higher last winter, so fresh bread, including the famed pretzel bread, will be baked and ready as usual.

Sip a legendary Chubby Mary (a Bloody Mary garnished with a whole smoked chub) at The Cove restaurant, and while you are taking in the picturesque scene of the water rushing over the dam on its way to Lake Michigan, check out the work being done on the Morris Shanty across the river. The shanty was built in 1903 for storing fishing gear. Fishermen who work the iconic Fishtown tugs, Janice Sue and Joy, will continue to use the shed when the work is finished.

As always this summer, the fish smoker will be puffing away at Carlson’s Fishery—so fill up on the famed smoked whitefish, whitefish pâté and whitefish sausage!

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discover Leelanau's

MARITIME HISTORY With 100 miles of Lake Michigan coastline and five islands—the Manitous, the Foxes and Gull Island— Leelanau County has a rich maritime history. Learn about its drama and beauty at these picturesque places.

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN

GRAND TRAVERSE LIGHTHOUSE

This 1858 beauty that sits within the equally beautiful Leelanau State Park has been fully restored. Climb 50 feet to the top of the tower for an unforgettable view of Lake Michigan, and tour the keeper’s quarters. grandtraverselighthouse.com

SLEEPING BEAR MARITIME MUSEUM

This former U.S. Coast Guard station is now a museum and part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. See life-saving equipment from the 1900s, check out a recreated steamer wheelhouse and every summer day at 3 p.m., watch Raggedy Ann and Andy be rescued from a pretend shipwreck (a kids’ fave!). nps.gov/slbe

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WEʼRE THE HESTONS, THE LODGEʼS NEW OWNERS. WEʼRE COMMITED TO KEEPING THE LODGE IN SHIP-SHAPE AND HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED EXTENSIVE RENOVATIONS WITH MORE TO COME. WHY STAY WITH US? OUR LOCATION IS UNBEATABLE, WE HAVE FREE WI-FI, KITCHENETTES, AND WEʼRE PET-FRIENDLY. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

— EMILY & COOPER

Always the unique and unexpected since 1986

EAT · D RINK · C URL

Leland Blue, Petoskey, & Sterling Silver 112 North Main Street Leland, MI 49654 (231) 256-7747 info@TampicoLelandMi.com FOLLOW US! www.facebook.com/Tampicolelandmi

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CRAFT BEER • WINE CIDER • SPIRITS Grass Fed Burgers & Sicilian Style Pizzas

OUTDOOR SEATING

Book on our Website

Event Space Available Call 231-228-8869 for information

Try the Olympic Sport of Curling during a 1hr 50min Learn To Curl session at our World Class Facility

WWW.EATDRINKCURL.COM 172 W Burdickville Rd. Maple City, Michigan 49664

MYNORTH.COM

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paddle

THE CRYSTAL RIVER The slow-mo current, clear, shallow water and sandy bottom of the Crystal River in Glen Arbor is paddling heaven for families and anyone looking for a relaxing summer float.

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN

There’s more to explore in Glen Arbor.

MyNorth.com/GoGlenArbor

If you don’t have your own canoe or kayak, the staff at Crystal River Outfitters will outfit you, then shuttle you seven miles up the river to a picturesque spot where Fisher Lake narrows to become the river.

Your paddle back to Glen Arbor will take two to three hours.

Watch for wildlife—the warm river waters are full of bass, sunfish and pike, and the riverbanks are home to deer, rabbits, muskrat, heron, beaver, fox and coyote. When you come to three culverts running under the road, it’s time to shoot the tube. You could opt to portage, but it’s way more fun to point your bow toward the middle of one of the three tubes (make sure everyone has a life vest on, fastened tightly), pull in your paddle, hunch down low and let the current whisk you through. You’ll shoot out into swirling water on the other end. Paddlers have been shooting these culverts for more than 50 years, and the worst anyone has come out is wet.

Swim, sun and snack your way down the river from here. There’s one more portage and then it’s back to Crystal River Outfitters. Next door at Riverfront Pizza, order lunch and eat at a riverside table. crystalriveroutfitters.com, riverfrontpizza.com 2020 MYNORTH

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Taste something new.

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN

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SIP LIKE A LOCAL Wine, beer, hard cider and spirits—when the ingredients that go into them are Leelanau-grown (and sipped in the Leelanau countryside), they just taste better.

Sip a glass of wine at one of this peninsula’s 32 wineries and tasting rooms with their watery views and gorgeous settings, and you’ll see why USA Today readers voted the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail #2 in the entire country. But this American Viticultural Area (AVA) is more than just a beautiful face.

Grapes thrive in this microclimate buffered from frosts and debilitating heat by Lake Michigan and inland lakes. The complex soil—a tapestry of clay, sand and glacial till—creates complex flavors that a handful of talented winemakers are turning into national and international award-winning wines. From the light, stone-fruit sweetness of a riesling to the elegant notes of a pinot noir, Leelanau’s wines are world-class.

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail (the marketing organization for the wineries) makes it simple to plot your route by mapping the wineries into three loops: Sleeping Bear, Northern and Grand Traverse Bay. The organization’s website, lpwines.com, keeps you abreast of all the fun events happening in wine country—from January’s Sips and Soups (soup and wine pairings at the wineries) to September’s Harvest Stompede, a run (or walk) through the vineyards. The site also has extensive information about chauffeured tours (DDs being so important!), weddings and other group events at the wineries.

Where grapes flourish, so do apples. Leelanau’s orchards are as ancient as European settlement here—but no one was making commercial hard cider from them until Nikki and Dan Rothwell opened Tandem Ciders a decade ago. Since then, two more cideries, Suttons Bay Ciders and Two K Farms, have grown up on the peninsula and many of the wineries also produce cider. Think you’ve tasted Honeycrisps, Galas, Jonathans, McIntoshes and more? You haven’t until you’ve tasted them made into hard cider—and sipped them surrounded by apple orchards at one of these rustic cideries.

There’s not a town on the Leelanau Peninsula that doesn’t have at least one Up North-style tavern sporting an array of taps and an ice-cold glass waiting for you. The past decade has seen the growth of hops farms dotting the peninsula—and to go with them, a handful of microbreweries, including Hop Lot Brewing Co. in Suttons Bay, where the majority of hops used in its beer are grown locally. You’ll also want to visit The Mitten Brewing Co. in Northport and Cherry Republic Brewing Co. in Glen Arbor.

The spirits produced at Northern Latitudes Distillery in Lake Leelanau are blessed with the essence of this beautiful peninsula. The 15 varieties that include vodkas, gins, rums, liqueurs and bourbon whiskeys, are made with Leelanau water and Michigan-grown corn, malt, barley, sugar beets and Leelanaugrown cherries and saskatoon berries. The vibe of this establishment, founded and still owned by Mark and Mandy Moseler, is super fun and relaxed.

You’ll also want to check out the Northern Michigan-based spirits at Grand Traverse Distillery’s intimate tasting room in Leland, with its old-timey bar ambiance.

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Northport Omena Peshawbestown Leland Suttons Lake Bay Leelanau Glen Arbor Empire

Maple City & Cedar

Small Towns, Big Charm The pinkie-shaped Leelanau Peninsula is a quilt of dunes, shorelines, orchards, farms, woodlands and LIVELY small towns, all offering sweet shops, restaurants, outdoor concerts, celebrations and more. Here’s your introduction.

LELAND

This coastal town shines from its Main Street right down to its harbor and the wharf and shanties of Fishtown. Leland is where to book a Lake Michigan charter. The library and history museum are both well worth an afternoon, and the quaint Old Art Building makes the many events held here shine. Find Lake Michigan beaches at the end of Hall Street and Van’s Beach behind Falling Waters Lodge. Sweet little Nedow’s Bay Beach is on Lake Leelanau at the end of Pearl Street.

NORTHPORT

This postcard-perfect town is the gateway to the tippy-top of the Leelanau Peninsula where the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Leelanau State Park and Peterson Park are located. Find fun, funky shops and eateries and an intown brewery and wine tasting room. Carry your towel no farther than the downtown Bay Front Park on Northport Bay or head to the state park for oceans of sandy beaches.

OMENA/PESHAWBESTOWN

This charming postage-sized town perched on Omena Bay has an old-timey general store, a world-class gallery, a waterside restaurant and a waterside winery. Dip into the crescent moon-shaped Omena Bay located in the village. Peshawbestown, the home of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, is just to the south. Find the Leelanau Sands Casino here, as well as the Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center.

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR BROWN

SUTTONS BAY

With the waters of Suttons Bay right in front of it and Leelanau Peninsula wine country surrounding it, Suttons Bay rocks a hip vintage vibe with its brightly colored 19th-century storefronts that house an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and the community-owned Bay Theatre. Find in-town hiking trails at Bahle Park and the TART hiking and biking trail at the edge of town. Set up for a beach day at the Suttons Bay Marina a block off the downtown—where the picture-worthy schooner and schoolship Inland Seas is docked—check out the schooner’s public sailing and educational programs at schoolship.org.

CEDAR/MAPLE CITY

These hamlets are at the heart of Leelanau County. Cedar flaunts its Polish heritage with the Polish Art Center and an annual Polka Fest. In Maple City, learn to curl (on an indoor rink) at Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse. CR651 north out of Cedar (across M-22) leads to Good Harbor Beach on Lake Michigan. Farther south on M-22, turn right on CR-669 to another stunning Good Harbor Beach (also known as Bohemian Road Beach). A left on West Lake Michigan Road brings you to the mouth of the Shalda Creek—a fabulous family beach.

EMPIRE

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Visitors Center is located here and so is the park’s Empire Bluff hiking trail with its glorious view of Lake Michigan. The Empire Beach Village Park just off the downtown combines Lake Michigan frontage with a park on the warmer South Bar Lake.

GLEN ARBOR

With Sleeping Bear Bay in its front yard, the Glen Lakes in its backyard, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore embracing it and the Crystal River running through it, this nugget of a town on scenic M-22 exudes natural beauty and adventure. Hike to Alligator Hill, kayak the Crystal River and bike the Heritage Trail. Find Sleeping Bear Bay beaches at the ends of South Lake Street and South Manitou Boulevard.

LAKE LEELANAU

Situated on the beautiful Lake Leelanau Narrows, this town mixes a friendly vibe with the buzz of three wine tasting rooms and a distillery. Find authentic Indian carry-out at the local market and a farm-to-fork cafe. A small public beach on Lake Leelanau at the end of North Popp Road is perfect for kids and picnics.

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PETOSKEY & MACKINAC STRAITS NORTHERN MICHIGAN

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REST. RELAX. ROAM. REPEAT! NORTHERN MICHIGAN VACATIONS

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ST. IGNACE PASTY

SHEPLER’S

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PETOSKEY & MACKINAC STRAITS TUNNEL OF TREES

Ten ways to get up close and personal with this region of colorful history and bold natural beauty.

Visit the historic McGulpin Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City, built in 1869 and open daily.

Drive the scenic 20-mile Tunnel of Trees from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.

le ay t t i L rse B rave

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INLAND WATERWAY

Get in touch with Michigan’s French and British roots at Colonial Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac.

Hop on a Shepler’s or Star Line ferry to Mackinac Island or for a sunset cruise in the Straits.

Paddle or cruise the Inland Waterway—40 miles from Pickerel Lake to Lake Huron.

Eat a pasty in St. Ignace on the waterfront boardwalk, then do the walking tour.

Look up and out as you drive across the Mackinac Bridge, but take a peek to open water below.

Pick up the Little Traverse Wheelway on Bayfront Drive and bike to Harbor Springs and back.

Go zipping at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls and Wildwood Rush in Boyne City.

BOYNE COUNTRY ZIPLINING

Charter a sailboat (give the Pure Mish a try!) to cruise the inland lakes or the Lake Michigan shoreline.

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GET ON THE WATER!

From paddles to cruises, take a float on the crystalline waters of the Petoskey-Straits region. Here are three great ways to channel your inner sailor.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

SUNSET CRUISE IN THE MACKINAC STRAITS

Shepler’s offers an evening lighthouse cruise from its Mackinaw City dock on June 20, July 5, July 28, August 8 and August 16.

Want a bird's eye seat on a ferry in the Straits for the St. Ignace fireworks? Star Line Ferry offers fireworks cruises out of St. Ignace on Saturdays starting July 4th through Labor Day. All cruises are weather dependent. mackinacferry.com, sheplersferry.com.

PONTOON THE INLAND WATERWAY

The game plan: Put in at the public boat launch on Crooked Lake and slo-mo cruise the 40-mile chain of three rivers, two locks and four lakes that flow to Lake Huron. Don’t have a pontoon?

Ryde Marine on Crooked Lake rents them. rydemarine.com

PADDLEBOARD IN HARBOR SPRINGS

Paddling the harbor’s protected waters out to Harbor Point makes for a day’s adventure.

Don’t have your own paddleboard? Find out about rentals and tours at both Harbor Springs Paddle Board Club and The Outfitter in Harbor Springs. harborspringspaddleboardclub.com, outfitterharborsprings.com

Discover more water adventures.

MyNorth.com/Boating

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Explore more wild places.

MyNorth.com/Outdoors

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EXPLORE WILDERNESS STATE PARK

Looking for a true Up North experience? Wilderness is calling ‌ With 10,500 wild acres, 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, two islands, 38 miles of hiking trails, 11 miles of bike trails and famously good smallmouth bass fishing, Wilderness State Park is an outdoor adventurer’s heaven.

Adrenaline junkies: explore Temperance and Waugoshance islands by kayak, canoe or paddleboard, head into the winds of Big Stone Bay on your kiteboard and break a sweat biking the sandy trails.

For the mellow crowd: Snuggle into one of the many beach or forest campsites or rent any one of three bunkhouses or six rustic cabins, and start your day with coffee at sunrise. Fill the afternoon lazing on the sandy beach.

End the day with a sunset happy hour over Sturgeon Bay. michigan.gov/dnr PHOTOS BY LYDIA MEJIA

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working on

MIGHTY MAC

Keeping the five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge safe and accessible for the millions of cars who cross it annually takes a fleet of dedicated workers. Here’s a taste of what they do.

PHOTOS BY ERIK OLSEN

1. DRIVE IT

... In other people’s cars, trucks, RVs and even on motorcycles when the drivers are too afraid to do it themselves. Some people know they don’t want to drive across the bridge and call ahead to make sure a chauffeur is waiting. Others? “A handful of times a year, you'll find a driver who's got a death grip on the steering wheel. You almost literally have to pry their hands off the steering wheel and slide them over to the other side so you can jump in their car and finish getting them across the bridge,” says Todd Mayer, a Big Mac steeplejack who is often called on to rescue terror-stricken drivers.

2. PAINT IT

“We’re never not painting the bridge,” says Trestin Fogelsonger, who works as a bridge painter. “I mean, the contractors that handle the bulk of the painting, it might take 25 years to paint the entire thing end to end. I guess you could say it’s great job security.”

3. MAINTAIN IT

“Repairing the steel underneath, taking care of anything that breaks on the cables— we maintain it,” says Paul Matelski, maintenance foreman. “For a lot of what we do, we’re actually underneath the bridge. The bridge deck has several hatch covers, which are kind of like trap doors. You go down through the hatch, down a ladder to a platform and then we climb on these vehicles called ‘travelers.’ It's like a little trolley car with rails—we use them to travel north and south down the span of the bridge.”

4. FILL POTHOLES

“It’s my job to take care of any potholes in the road, but that doesn’t always make you the most popular guy because you’re the one who’s shutting down a lane and slowing down traffic,” says Ken Dangler, deck repair specialist.

5. COLLECT TOLLS

“I’ve pretty much seen it all,” says tollbooth worker Pat Rickley. “You have people drive through with no clothes on sometimes. I’ve seen college kids in cars, and they’re riding down the road, and the kid in the back is tied up with duct tape across his mouth, and the guys are just laughing. People like to mess with you.”

6. CAPTAIN THE RESCUE BOAT

“Whenever the guys are over the side of the bridge for work, the boat absolutely has to be out there,” says Roger Ryder, safety boat captain. “I take my job pretty personally, and I want to be there in case one of the guys on the crew or a motorist or anybody else would have the unfortunate circumstance of getting wet feet without intending to go for a swim.”

Did you know the bridge was originally painted rust orange? More cool facts and stories at MyNorth.com/MightyMac

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St. Ignace Mackinac Island Mackinaw City Cross Village Good Hart Harbor Springs Petoskey Bay Harbor

Boyne City

Bustling Small Towns Welcome to the towns (and one island!) of the Petoskey-Mackinac Straits Region.

CROSS VILLAGE & GOOD HART

Treat yourself to browsing these darling towns on scenic M-119, otherwise known as the Tunnel of Trees. Heading north out of Harbor Springs you’ll come first to Good Hart where you’ll find the Good Hart General Store, Primitive Images, Good Hart & Soul Tea Room, A Studio gift shop and Trillium Woods Vintage Boutique. Farther north, in Cross Village, stop stop at the Old World Café, Three Pines Studio and Legs Inn—an authentic Polish restaurant in a cool stone-and-timber building with one of the best Lake Michigan views around.

LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTOS BY RACHEL HAGGERTY // RACHEL HAGGERTY // CONNOR GRAY

MACKINAW CITY

How could you not be intrigued by a city tucked at the base of one of the world’s most iconic bridges and the edge of the storied Straits of Mackinac?

To realize the historic importance of this geography, visit Colonial Michilimackinac. To see how the cosmos looks from the tip of our beautiful peninsula, visit Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Don’t miss the shops, restaurants and a host of other attractions. And never, ever miss the ferry to Mackinac Island!

ST. IGNACE

Learn about the Mackinac Bridge (while you are looking at it!) at Bridge View Park, take the historic walking tour along the Lake Huron Boardwalk to the Wawatam Lighthouse, pack a picnic and spend the day at American Legion Memorial Park on the downtown waterfront or lose yourself in the silky Lake Michigan sand dunes along US-2. Any way you fill your day, top it off with a 7 p.m. concert offered every night of the week at the Star Line parking lot.

MACKINAC ISLAND

Take the eight-mile scenic bike ride around the island, go back in time at Fort Mackinac, rock in a rocker on the longest porch in the world at Grand

Hotel, gorge on fudge, tour the island by carriage, sip a funky cocktail waterside at Pink Pony, snap a selfie at Arch Rock and and never get in a car! These are just a few of our favorite things to do on this glorious island.

BOYNE COUNTRY

This kingdom of recreation is woven of Boyne City, Walloon Lake Village, Boyne Mountain Resort and shorelines on both Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake. In and around Boyne City, find bistros, craft beer pubs, boutiques and an abundance of waterside parks including Young State Park. In Walloon Lake Village, spend the day at The Foot of Walloon Lake public beach, where the market across the street has provisions for the day and dinner is easy at the hip Barrel Back Restaurant. Make time for a round of golf at Boyne Mountain—and mark your calendar for a winter ski getaway.

PETOSKEY & BAY HARBOR

Big, green Pennsylvania Park and the bustling Bayfront Park are perfect for relaxing—but don’t miss the sandy beaches of Petoskey State Park. For adventure, set your kayak into the whitewater at the Bear River Valley Recreation Area. Get your culture on browsing the exhibits at Crooked Tree Arts Center or take in a concert in the resort community of Bay View, known for its gingerbread cottages. Wind down in the historic Gaslight District where the Victorian-era storefronts are packed with fabulous shops, galleries, boutiques, eateries, pubs and even a wine tasting room.

HARBOR SPRINGS

Beach day in this town? Choose from kid-friendly downtown Zorn Park beach or 300 feet of relatively secluded bliss at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. Harbor Springs is also the launching point for the scenic M-119 Tunnel of Trees—20 miles of natural beauty. Before you take off, don’t miss the elegant boutiques and relaxed eateries that call this sweet downtown home. Come back in the winter for the best downhill skiing between the East Coast and the Rockies at Nub’s Nob Ski Area and Boyne Highlands Resort.

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PHOTO BY RACHEL HAGGERTY

SIP LIKE A LOCAL Sip local wines on Michigan’s newest wine trail and end a day spent in the sun and surf at a hip microbrewery.

The Petoskey-Straits region has your pour waiting!

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

PHOTO BY RACHEL HAGGERTY

Fourteen is a lucky number. Opening last October, Boyne Valley Vineyards is the 14th and newest winery on the trail. Taste eight wines from varieties including Marquette, chancellor, petite pearl, la crescent and frontenac in their bucolic, barn-style tasting room—or bring your glass out to the treehouse deck for a real treat!

Meanwhile, the accolades keep rolling in for the original 13 wineries on the trail where most specialize in cold-hardy grapes—including Marquette, Marechal Foch, frontenac, lemberger and traminette. The Petoskey Wine Region is just three years old, but already its wines have won more than two dozen medals, including five double-golds last year.

Along the trail, you’ll find unique stops like Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery where the wine is made from maple sap, 1918 Cellars at Castle Farms, where you sip inside a stone castle, and winery/brewery combos including Pond Hill Farm, Rudbeckia Farm and Winery/Burnt Marshmallow Brewing and Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery. Find out about the Petoskey Wine Region’s tasting passport online at petoskey.wine.

What pairs well with a region of great wine? Great beer, of course. In Petoskey, find memorable craft brews, kicked up brew-food and entertainment at both Petoskey Brewing Company and Beards Brewing.

Downtown you’ll see the side-by-side establishments (owned by the same parent company) Tap30 and Pour Kitchen and Bar. At Tap30 choose from, you guessed it, 30 craft beers, while Pour Kitchen and Bar focuses on wine and cocktails. Stiggs Brewery and Boyne City Tap Room, both in downtown Boyne City, have provided BC with a buzzy new nightlife and great food. If you’re in sight of the Mackinac Bridge you are also in sight of Bière de Mac Brew Works in Mackinaw City. Besides great beer and unforgettable food, Bière de Mac is perhaps the only place you can order up a French Vanilla Ice Cream and Stout Beer Float.

On tap at Rusted Spoke Brewing Co., also in Mackinaw City, are a handful of house brews complemented by some of the state’s best craft brews (including Marquette’s Blackrocks Brewery) and a cool bar menu with flatbread pizza, burgers and, who could forget them, BBQ tater tot nachos.

Hop the ferry to Mackinac Island where the all-new Great Turtle Brewery and Distillery in the Lake View Hotel joins long-time, beloved island watering holes including Pink Pony, Mustang Lounge, Yankee Rebel Tavern and Horn’s Gaslight Bar. Of course, to get that authentic Up North, laid-back bar experience, just head over the bridge to St. Ignace where you can soak it up at The Driftwood Restaurant & Sports Bar.

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Don’t Miss the Boat An Exhibit on Historic Passenger Ferries of Little Traverse Bay

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the insider's MACKINAC

You’ve gorged on fudge, circled the island on a bike, visited Fort Mackinac and taken a carriage ride. Whew! But wait, there’s more to this mystical island. Check out these insider tips to round out your island escape.4 PHOTO BY GAIL SNABLE

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MANITOU TRAIL AND ARCH ROCK

Stroll Huron Road, past the grand Victorian cottages of East Bluff, to Manitou Trail. The trailhead is located shortly before Pottawatomie Road on the right-hand side. The short walk through the woods ends at Arch Rock, a popular rock formation on the island offering gorgeous views of Lake Huron.

STE. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH

This beautiful little church has a fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. Visit the church’s "Images of Faith" museum with baptismal, marriage and death records from as far back as 1695, and historic artifacts including the Marquette Chalice.

MILKSHAKE AT THE FORT

The best-kept secret at Fort Mackinac? Obviously not the boom of a cannon firing nor the crack of a musket. No, the best-kept secrets are the milkshakes at the Tea Room. Sip these thick, delish concoctions sitting under a yellow umbrella on the terrace with a view of the Straits unfurled below.

MISSION POINT MOVIE THEATER

This turn-of-the-century theater, with its handsome timber ceiling beams, is the only movie theater on the island. Catch classic and first-run movies throughout the summer. View the schedule at mackinacartscouncil.org/movies.

PHOTOS BY GAIL SNABLE

ANNE’S TABLET

Behind the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum in Marquette Park, find a set of steep wooden stairs known as Crow’s Nest Trail. At the top, take a left onto Anne’s Tablet Trail. A few steps through the trees and you’ve reached Anne’s Tablet, a memorial plaque to Constance Fenimore Woolson, a 19th-century writer who wrote about the island. A gap in the trees at this quiet spot reveals the harbor and across the water is Round Island.

Find more Mackinac must-dos.

MyNorth.com/GoMackinacIsland

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Because everyone loves Up North Subscribe to Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine and embrace every season Up North 12 months a year Click here to subscribe to a full year of Traverse Magazine for $24.95

Beautiful Arcadia Bluffs MyNorth is home of Traverse Magazine & MyNorth Tickets

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Vacation!

TRAVERSE CITY NORTHERN MICHIGAN

vineyards, beaches, shopping (and cherries!)

ACME ∙ FIFE LAKE ∙ INTERLOCHEN ∙ KINGSLEY OLD MISSION PENINSULA ∙ TRAVERSE CITY ∙ WILLIAMSBURG

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F R OM FAR M TO FORK

Traverse City OAK AGED WILD BEER | PIZZAS | SALADS SANDWICHES | TRUFFLE FRIES & MORE! JOLLYPUMPKIN.COM | 231.223.4333 13512 PENINSULA DR - OLD MISSION

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RAYAN ANASTOR PHOTO

Located in the heart of Old Mission Peninsula’s rolling vineyards & cherry orchards, the Peninsula Room offers affordable casual elegance & features an indoor fireplace, outside fireplace, patio, perennial gardens & sunsets over West Bay. Award-winning Chef Paul Olson & a professional staff that anticipates your every need ensures that you will have a great experience.

6/26/20 4:04 PM

The Insider's

TRAVERSE CITY Round out your stay in this beautiful city by the bay with this list of insider-secret fun.

222 ON

Pitch a tent between Green and Duck Lakes at Interlochen State Park.

Visit the Warehouse District on Hall Street and enjoy a cup of coffee at BLK\MRKT. Enjoy a drink at the Beacon Lounge, perched on the top floor of the iconic Park Place Hotel.

Tour the Music House Museum— a collection all about the beauty of music and instruments from the 1800s to the 1950s.

Let Ranch Rudolf set you up on a ride: Try an inner tube float down the Boardman River or take to the trails on horseback.

Cheer for the Traverse City Pit Spitters—a collegiate summer baseball team.

Get a cone at Moomers, voted America’s No. 1 ice cream by USA Today.

Share a classic milkshake at the counter of the famous, itty-bitty J&S Hamburg.

Check out the Discovery Gallery at Dennos Museum.

MUSIC HOUSE MUSEUM

museum

Ea

W

st

est

Ba

y

Ba

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Indulge in a spa, fine dining, gaming, golf, shopping and more at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

1 4 4

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

DENNOS MUSEUM

J&S HAMBURG

J&S HAMBURG

BEACON LOUNGE AT PARK PLACE HOTEL

MOOMERS TRAVERSE CITY PIT SPITTERS

INTERLOCHEN STATE PARK

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GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

Boardma

n River

RANCH RUDOLF

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• OPEN 7CALM DAYS FOR&LUNCH & DINNER • STAY CARRY ON

• COVERED & HEATED OUTDOOR PATIO & BAR •

Thank you to everyone who has • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • supported the Filling Station Family • FAMILY FRIENDLY • and our new Share a Slice Program!

TheFillingStationMicrobrewery.com

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH & DINNER 642 Railroad Place, Traverse City Closed Tuesday (231) 946-8168 CALL 231-946-8168 or 231-633-7274 to place a curbside order!

TheFillingStationMicrobrewery.com 642 Railroad Place, Traverse City MI

LIVE THE UP NORTH LIFESTYLE • Two Championship Golf Courses • Outdoor Swimming Pool • Casual and Fine Dining

Otsego Resort

The Hidden Gem of the North

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Get on the water.

MyNorth.com/Boating

ways to play on

GRAND TRAVERSE BAY Welcome to the bay that makes the “pinky” in the Mitten State: Grand Traverse Bay. The bay’s East and West arms are Traverse City’s first must-stop-and-get-a-picture moment for newcomers.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

1. Dig your toes into the soft sand at Traverse City State Park with a .25-mile-long beach, or rough it at the 47-acre campground (with heated bathhouses!) just across the road.

2. Sail into the night: Book a four-night Windjammer Cruise through Traverse Tall Ship Co. Learn the lore of the night sky from a local historian and storyteller.

3. Feel the breeze aboard the Nauti-Cat, the largest commercial sailing catamaran on the Great Lakes.

Toast your trip with a booking on the Champagne sunset cruise.

4. View the blue-green water from above with Traverse Bay Parasailing or Grand Traverse Bay Parasail.

6. Boat to dinner on the bay. Motor up to Apache Trout Grill, West End Tavern or Boathouse Restaurant.

7. Charter a captain and a crew, and sail the bay with Great Lakes Sailing Co. 8. Rent a SUP at Clinch Park and paddle along the shoreline (stop for a dip in the swim area!) and explore the mouth of the Boardman River.

9. Slip your boat at Clinch Marina in Traverse City, Suttons Bay Marina in Suttons Bay or the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor in Elk Rapids.

10. Grab lunch to-go from downtown TC and walk under Grandview Parkway through the famouspedestrian tunnel to enjoy a picnic.

Look for the latest murals in the tunnel!

5. Get in: Dive the bay with a dive guide from Scuba North.

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LOCAL NATURAL ORGANIC & GMO-FREE INGREDIENTS! ICE CREAM - GELATO - SORBET VEGAN CREAM - COFFEE DELI SANDWICHES - & MORE

HOME OF AMERICA’S BEST TURTLE SUNDAY

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W W W. M I L K A N D H O N E Y T C . C O M

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a TC landmark: POWER ISLAND

Power Island is an uninhabited island perched in the middle of West Grand Traverse Bay. From day-tripping to overnighting, this is TC’s must-boat-to, must-picnic-on and must-swim-at 200-acre nature preserve.

PHOTOS BY GAIL SNABLE

BOAT TO IT!

Boat or kayak out to the island for the day. Visitors usually set sail from Bower’s Harbor Marina (3 miles by water) or Clinch Park Marina (6.5 miles by water). Anchor offshore and swim in the clear blue-green waters of the bay, totally away from modern life.

HIKE ON IT!

Climb Mount Ford, a small hill named after Henry Ford, who once owned the island. There is a 5-mile hiking trail that offers a full excursion of the island’s hilly terrain.

SKI TO IT!

If West Bay freezes over by late February or early March, celebrate with a ski or snowshoe on ice out to the island.

VIEW ON IT!

Find more island-hopping adventures.

A small herd of white-tailed deer lives on the island. If it’s quiet enough, you’ll see the herd moving through the beech-maple forest.

Photo op!

MyNorth.com/Boating

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RIVERSIDE C A N O E

T R I P S

Kayaks | Tubes |Canoes Rafts |Boats |SUPs

231-325-5622

5042 N. Scenic Hwy Honor, MI 49640

www.canoemichigan.com

Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Classics 2020 Sarns Rd., Traverse City

unquely prepared with elegant simplicity

888-880-5557

Closed Tuesdays February — April Week Days 7 am - 4 pm Saturday - Sunday 9 am - 3 pm Located in the Mercato in The Village of The Grand Traverse Commons

www.whisperingwatersbb.com

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3480 South Airport Rd. Traverse City, MI 49864 231.252.2606

MYNORTH.COM

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

the Vasa

Traverse City’s beloved trail system hosts both solitude and celebrations.

The trail is groomed and maintained by TART Trails.

PHOTO BY KATY JOE

TRAILHEADS

Bunker Hill: 4450 Bartlett Rd., Williamsburg Supply Road: From Traverse City, the trailhead is about two miles up Supply Road. There is no exact street address, but you’ll see a wooden trail sign and a dirt parking lot.

HIKE AND BIKE

The Vasa provides a number of dirt trails to hike and mountain bike. Pick from 3K, 5K, 10K or 25K loops. The 3K loop is famously known as the “poop loop” and is a great place to walk (and scoop!) with your pet on-leash. This loop is flat, while the longer loops include hills and are more challenging. Try the new single track Vasa Skillz Loops near the trailhead for mountain biking fun! Access at Bunker Hill. The Vasa Single Track is a one-way trail system offering several routes, fewer hills and curves through stands of maples and pines. There are more than 17 miles of single track for mountain bike enthusiasts. Access at Supply Road.

WINTER FUN

Winter turns the Vasa into a skier’s haven. Enjoy a freestyle skate lane and two classic cross-country ski track sets. There is a 2.5-mile snowshoe trail as well. Access at Bunker Hill. The Winter Sports Single Track provides 15K of groomed trails for fat tire bikes. Access at Supply Road or Timber Ridge Resort.

THE RACES

The trail is the home of the North American Vasa cross-country ski race, Feb. 13–14, 2021, and several fat tire bike races including the annual Iceman Cometh Challenge Mountain Bike Race, Nov. 7, 2020. Both races include a host of vendors and a celebration for finishers and spectators alike. traversetrails.org; vasa.org

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Christmastide in the Village Grand Traverse Commons

OVER 15 YEARS OF GOODNESS THROUGH FERMENTATION Left Foot Charley 806 Red Drive #100 Traverse City 231.995.0500 leftfootcharley.com

800 COTTAGEVIEW DR. SUITE 35 THE VILLAGE AT GT COMMONS MENTION THIS AD OR USE COUPON CODE SUMMER2020 ONLINE FOR 10% OFF!

BECAUSE YOU DESERVE A BURRITO

Treat Yourself You Deserve It

Now offering curbside service!

Order online at spanglishtc.com or call 231-943-1453 to place an order!

GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS 800 COTTAGEVIEW DR. STE.15 TRAVERSE CITY - MICHIGAN 231.935.1701

SILVERFOXJEWELRYTC.COM 80

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THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS Once home to the Traverse City State Hospital, love and labor have turned the once-abandoned, stunning Victorian Italianate buildings on this campus into a booming, beautiful village. Residents now reside onsite in renovated condos, restaurants flourish in all corners of the village and boutique businesses continue to open on the grounds.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

SHOP & DINE

Spend your morning in the Mercato (Italian for market)—a series of brick hallways and historic nooks where you’ll find an array of boutiques and eateries. Fuel your browsing with banana pecan caramel French toast at Red Spire Brunch House.

HISTORY

For an up-close look at the past, sign up for a tour that takes you through the underground tunnels dating back to 1883.

HIPPIE TREE

Go on a hike with a mission. Behind the village lies 140 acres of forest, dirt trails, little creeks … and the Hippie Tree. You’ll know it when you see it—the tree is painted in every color and filled with affirmations.

SIPS & SEATS

Time for a break? Ask for Cinnamon Girl hard cider at Left Foot Charley. Expect a real coffee mug pulled off the wall for your fair-trade, organic pour at Higher Grounds Trading Company. Snag a stool at the old-time counter at Cuppa Joe with the regulars. And finish the day with a pint from Earthen Ales craft brewery. Dinner? Choose from either the farm-to-table Trattoria Stella or the authentically Italian PepeNero.

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JENNIFER EDSON 231-883-2648

ng In:

i Specializ

-Waterfront Homes -Relocating -Buyer’s Agent -Listing Agent -Second Homes -Vacation Homes -Investment Homes

Awarded "Best of Traverse City"

310 W FRONT STREET, SUITE 310F TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684

PARASAIL | JET SKI | BOAT RENTALS

Experience flight from 800 ft above East Bay's crystal blue waters!

• Most experienced in the area • • Perfect safety record • Celebrating 25 years!

Fun for the whole family!

Visit ParasailTC.com/summer Para r sailTC ra T .com/ TC m/s m/ /summer to book your summer adventure!

231.929.7272 Located at Sugar Beach 1773 US 31 N, Traverse City 82

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PHOTO BY LYDIA MEJIA

PHOTO BY LYDIA MEJIA

PHOTO BY ANJANETTE MERRIWEATHER

5

ways to

LOVE-UP CHERRIES

The Traverse City area is one of the world’s top producers of cherries. Here’s how to celebrate cherries galore.

EAT A CHERRY CRUMB PIE

DRINK THEM (ADULTS ONLY)

ENTER A CHERRY PIT SPITTING CONTEST

STOP AT A FRUIT STAND ON OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Made by Grand Traverse Pie Company, there are plenty of slices to go around: A single cherry tree bears enough fruit for 28 pies. Bonus: It’s available year-round at the pie company’s shops.

Yes, it’s a thing. The world record for the farthest cherry pit spit is a jaw-dropping 93 feet 6.5 inches. Try your hand at home and practice for the 2021 National Cherry Festival contest next July. Hint: The pros say it's all in how you curl your tongue.

Traverse City Whiskey Co. uses cherries grown on the owner’s family farm in its 80-proof Cherry Whiskey, while Grand Traverse Distillery adds local cherry juice and a touch of chocolate to its True North Cherry Vodka.

Enjoy fresh sweet cherries on the spot. Save the tart cherries to use in pies, preserves, jams and juices.

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Downtown Traverse City

WHITEFISH scalawagswhitefish.com

PERCH

Nine elegant guest rooms with period furnishings & private baths Two-bedroom carriage house suites Located mid-way between the wineries of Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas Walk to beaches, restaurants and shopping

WALLEYE CHOWDER

FRESH FISH EVER EVERYDAY! Located across from

230 Wellington Street

the Park Place in www.scalawagsTC.com Traverse City www.scalawagsTC.com (Located across from the Park Place in Traverse City)

231-922-9900

WellingtonInn.com BREWERY

SILVER SPRUCE BREWING

439 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49684 • 231-252-3552

Opened in 2018, the rustic taproom and brewery share the same space. The draft list consists of clean lagers and traditional styles. silversprucebrewing.com

Local, Legendary, Cherry Goods

THE FLAVOR OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN IN EVERY SPOONFUL

DAILY STORIES FROM LIFE UP NORTH, DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX ON WEEKDAY MORNINGS! GET ON THE LIST AT MYNORTH.COM/NEWSLETTER

At Benjamin Twiggs, we select only the very best and freshest of the local bounty to make our jams, jellies, and preserves. The love and care we put into every jar is easy to see… and taste. https://www.benjamintwiggs.com | 231.947.0208 84

MYNORTH.COM

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SARA HARDY

downtown farmers market

Empty your car trunk, grab a basket and head out for a shopping trip that promises to fill your senses!

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Every summer, the parking lot between Cass and Union streets turns into a bounty of fresh fruit, veggies, flowers and local products. It is, without a doubt, the happiest parking lot in Traverse City. More than 110 vendors (making it the largest farmers market in Northwest Michigan) bring fresh, ripe fruit; soft, sweet cinnamon rolls and lush, leafy plants. Vendors live within a seven-county radius of TC, and the food travels, on average, about 21 miles to get to market (most food in the U.S. travels 1,200 miles). Can’t get much fresher than that!

CHECK OUT THE MARKET dda.downtowntc.com

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PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

PHOTO BY LYDIA MEJIA

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Taste something new.

MyNorth.com/FoodAndDrink

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SIP LIKE A LOCAL Old Mission Peninsula is a patchwork of vineyards and hops farms— a fact that has contributed largely to Traverse City’s buzzing winery, brewery and distillery scene.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

WINERIES

There are more than 40 wineries in the area that comprise the Traverse Wine Coast (which includes the Leelanau Peninsula). On Old Mission Peninsula alone there are more than a dozen. You’ll find the gamut of wines here from sparkling to whites, rosés, reds and even ice wine (a type of dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine!). In the tasting rooms, sip away while watching sunsets or crackling fires and enjoy breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay. And be assured of the fact that the wine you are sipping is fine. Just this year, Chateau Grand Traverse took home a Best of Class at the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. At the American Fine Wine Competition, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery and Brengman Brothers all left with Double Golds.

THAT BEING SAID, IT’S TIME FOR A WINE TOUR!

Did you know that a couple of Traverse City’s wineries are tied to celebrities? Mari Vineyards is owned by Marty Lagina, best known for the reality TV show, Curse of Oak Island. The winery has an air of mystery as well—it features a stone wine cave built into the hillside.

Bonobo Winery (named for the Bonobo monkey) was founded by brothers and longtime Traverse City natives, Todd and Carter Oosterhouse (who is best known as the carpenter on the TV show Trading Spaces).

Here’s a celebrity you’ve likely never heard of—Winston the vineyard dog at Bowers Harbor Vineyards. He’s a lovable English cream retriever, and the crew says his pick is a Cab-Merlot wine blend.

INSIDER’S TIP

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Many local beaches don’t allow glass bottles. Chateau Chantal has the answer: Try their canned bubbly cherry wine. Each can equals a half bottle of wine, so sip accordingly.

BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

With almost a dozen breweries, and many more pubs and bars to pick from, TC has the perfect spot to sit and have a drink with friends. 7 Monks Taproom was recently nominated for USA Today’s “10 Best Beer Bars” in the country. With a downtown location and 46 beers on tap, you’ll likely find your own top 10 right there. Just below 7 Monks, try the Low Bar, a funky, moody stop on any night out, stocked with the area’s most extensive list of rare bourbon, Scotch, tequila, gin, rum and vodka.

One of Traverse City's newest hot spots is Hopscotch Brick Oven & Taproom. They have an outdoor patio (plus cozy igloo in the winter) with live music. If Scotch is your thing, they offer a range of flavors and ages.

Looking for just the right craft beer to top a day on the water? Try Motorboater IPA from Right Brain Brewery, one of TC’s favorite breweries. Other top-stop brew-spots in town include Rare Bird Brewpub (where a celebrity or two has also been spotted—hello, Matthew McConaughey), The Filling Station Microbrewery built in the old TC Depot and Silver Spruce Brewing Company that sits adjacent to the new Eighth Street bike path.

You might also try this: Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge in the Warehouse District offers a “Create Your Own Whiskey Blend” experience. Now that would be a vacation keepsake! Find high-quality spirits and cool vibes at both of TC’s craft distilleries, Traverse City Whiskey Co. and Grand Traverse Distillery.

INSIDER’S TIP

Interlochen is brimming with brews. Try the new Bradley’s Pub & Grille at the Interlochen Golf Course. This year-round restaurant has a wall of windows, with everything from Bell’s Two Hearted to Miller Lite and PBR on tap.

Just up the road is Hofbrau Steak House & American Grille, an Interlochen landmark for more than 100 years. The “Hoffy,” as the locals affectionately call it, boasts the most beers on tap in the entire area.

sip, paddle and roll BOAT

Kayak Brewery Tours, kayakbrewerytours.com Bask in the perfect synergy of pints, PFDs and paddles on the Boardman River ‘KaBrew’ trail.

BIKE

Paddle TC, paddletc.com To burn a few calories between three taprooms, hop on a cruiser or electric-assist bike for Paddle TC’s ‘Brewbi’ tour.

BUS

Grand Traverse Tours, grandtraversetours.com Gather your friends and hit up the wineries, distilleries or breweries with a designated driver in charge.

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FREAKY

FAST H

MAKES IT H

FREAKY

FRESH H H H H H

ORDER AT JIMMYJOHNS. COM

Because sandwich.

1217 E FRONT ST ~ 231.929.2999 1294 W SOUTH AIRPORT RD ~ 231.935.9355

SPEND SOME TIME UP NORTH...

WITHOUT USING VACATION DAYS.

Subscribe yourself or someone you love now for a full year of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine for $24.95 and receive 6 issues of Northern Home & Cottage, the Vacation Guides and 10 other special sections.

MyNorth.com/Subscribe

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LODGING FOR EVERYONE There’s a place for every taste in Traverse City. Find yours at MyNorth.com/Hotels.

PHOTO BY GAIL SNABLE

The stars are out, the waves are rolling onto shore and there’s a breeze. You might be sitting on the beach, strolling downtown or walking the pier, yet you’ll still be just a few minutes’ walk from a place to curl up for the night after a day of exploring.

Welcome to the Traverse City area. Here, it’s small enough to get away from it all, yet big enough to pick from any type of lodging you can imagine. Book a boutique hotel (with a rooftop deck), a landmark hotel (with a view of the bay) a mom-n-pop cabin (for a true country getaway) or a room in an amenity-filled resort. Rent a house, cottage or condo, or share a campsite featuring one of TC’s stunning starry nights.

Stay a while.

MyNorth.com/TCHotels MyNorth.com/TCCottages

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BUILD COMMMUNITY. SPARK CONVERSATION. INSPIRE CHANGE.

On campus at Northwestern Michigan College. www.dennosmuseum.org | 231-995-1055

OCTOBEREVENTS

SUTTONS BAY WINERY & INN 10844 E Revold Rd Suttons Bay

OLD MISSION WINERY 360 McKinley Rd E Traverse City

BlackStarFarms.com

10/17

ORCHARDS AT SUNSET 5K // Gregory/Miezio Farm, Suttons Bay

10/17

SHORT’S BREWING ANNI PARTY 16 // Short’s Brewing Pub, Ballaire

10/22

LEELANAU PENINSULA CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER & MEETING // Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay

Get Your Tickets Now

Total Commitment to Quality

TOY HARBOR CREATIVE & QUALITY TOYS SINCE 1984 SPECIAL SUMMER & HOLIDAY HOURS DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY 231-946-1131 •

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More than 25 years of experience in building distinctive homes while exceeding the expectations of discriminating clients. jim@cooleycontracting. com

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HAVE A PET? HAVE FUN!

BOARDMAN RIVER

Alice

COUNTERCLOCKWISE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF GAIL SNABLE // EMILY TEWERS // MIKE & CHRISSY ABBOTT // LIBBY STALLMAN

Walk downtown Traverse City on a beautiful day, and you’ll see a lot of good-looking locals—of the fourlegged variety, that is.

WILLIAMSBURG

Nala TRAVERSE CITY

Baxter

Join the fun and take your four-legged looker for a walk (a local fave: the TART trail), then a swim at a pet-friendly beach (try Sunset Park Beach near Northwestern Michigan College) or to lunch downtown (pick from any number of restaurants with sidewalk dining options).

To please the furry kids, visit the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, which has a huge playground and a paved one-mile loop.

Dogs also have their own park at Wags West Dog Park.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy offers several outdoor ops for your pets, as long as you keep them leashed. Try Hickory Meadows just a few blocks from downtown Traverse City.

East of Traverse City, Sand Lakes Quiet Area is a 7.4-mile dog-friendly non-motorized trail, with five nearby lakes.

Remember, state law requires dogs to be kept on-leash in public.

OLD MISSION PENINSULA

Max

#MyNorthPets We love to see your adventures. Follow and tag @MyNorthMedia on Instagram for a chance to be featured.

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Family-Friendly Fun. MyNorth.com/KidsActivities

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discover

THE DISCOVERY PIER What was once Traverse City’s coal dock, located two miles from downtown Traverse City on M-22, is now the Discovery Pier, a center of exciting maritime activities that people of all ages can participate in. The pier is being renovated for a variety of uses, including fishing, sightseeing and docking tour boats and tall ships. It’s open to exploration by people of all ages and abilities from dawn to dusk, May to November. discoverygreatlakes.org PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

PLAYING

Greilickville Harbor Park is a favorite for families because it has it all: a playground, beach, pavilion and modern restrooms with baby-changing stations. All on West Grand Traverse Bay, 2.5 miles from downtown TC. Come play!

SAILING

The Traverse Tall Ship Company docks its beautiful tall ship Manitou at Discovery Pier. Ooh and ahh over it, take pictures of it or book a two-hour trip for the entire family to sail the bay. tallshipsailing.com

LEARNING

The Great Lakes Children's Museum is right down the road from Discovery Pier. This hands-on maritime museum teaches kiddos about the very lake they can see out the front window. greatlakeskids.org

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In The Village at Grand Traverse Commons 231.932.0775 | sanctuarytc.com

SPEND SOME TIME UP NORTH ...

WITHOUT USING VACATION DAYS. Subscribe yourself or someone you love now for a full year of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine for $24.95 and receive 6 issues of Northern Home & Cottage, the Vacation Guides and 10 other special sections.

MyNorth.com/Subscribe

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Explore this stunning peninsula.

MyNorth.com/GoOldMissionPeninsula

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must-dos

ON OLD MISSION

Imagine the view on a quiet two-lane road that weaves through a countryside filled with vineyards, then peaks overlooking gorgeous Grand Traverse Bay and area farms. Welcome to Old Mission Peninsula.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

Explore Mission Point Lighthouse at the end of the peninsula. Go for a swim at the shallow, sandy Haserot Beach or take a hike (or bike!) on the trails in the 5-acre park.

You can’t miss the Old Mission Scenic Overlook, right on M-37.

Enjoy views of both the West and East arms of Grand Traverse Bay. Bite into fresh fruit at old-fashioned farm stands, offering apples, peaches, plums, apricots, blueberries and, of course, tart and sweet cherries.

Sip and soak in the views at more than a dozen wineries along the peninsula. Try Chateau Chantal Winery & Inn for an overlook of the bay, or Bonobo Winery for an Instagram-able sunset.

Eat local foods at restaurants like Boathouse and Mission Table, both farm-to-table eateries source ingredients from nearby farms. Don’t forget to stop at Old Mission General Store, circa 1839, for a bite of cherry pie.

Special thanks to Greg Tasker.

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Instagram-able Share your Northern Michigan vacation on Instagram! #MyNorth Follow and tag @mynorthmedia for a chance to be featured.

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GOLF SPA SHOP DINE STAY

GET UP AND GO Summer feels good on the skin…like freshwater waves gracing the sand.

The paradise of Northern Michigan is more than a pristine beach, a day at the spa, or wine tasting with friends. More than an early morning tee time, or an emerging food scene. It’s having all of those things at your fingertips. You won’t believe it if you haven’t seen it. Get up and go at grandtraverseresort.com.

Owned and Operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

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Enjoy al fresco dining, wide-open spaces and Mackinac Island's unparalleled beauty at Mission Point. Book now for 2020.

One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 | www.missionpoint.com | 906.847.3000

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6/29/20 11:57 AM