Traverse City Baylife Magazine July/August 2023

UPPER PARADISE GALLERY

NOTE FROM THE publisher

Ah, summer. The sun is shining, the kids are out of school, and life is good. Bad part: it’s summer and we are forced to “share” our town with thousands of visitors. Our “Pure Michigan” traffic is Pure Hell. Build in an extra 30 minutes for any errand. On the west side, prepare for mile-long backups at Tom’s traffic light in both directions. On Front St., its’ pretty much live chaos: clueless out-of-state drivers, non-existent parking spaces, overserved bridal parties pedaling the cycle bus, and masses of people crossing roads as you attempt to turn left or right. To the east, there’s constant congestion coming and going, all day and all night. And did we even mention roadwork, closed bridges, and potholes? But hey, at least it’s gridlock with a waterfront view. The only other thing worse than summer traffic is the hijacking of all our favorite restaurants! Forget eating out as a last-minute option, ever. At least until October!

As our town comes alive with hustle and bustle as our friends and neighbors open or expand local businesses, we know they are banking on visitors to put their concepts to the test. We introduce you to these brave entrepreneurs inside the pages as their dreams become reality.

Also, you’ll find a destination pictorial gallery. We were inspired with a travel idea. All the vacationers heading here in northern Michigan this summer or escape “U.P.” and away to the Upper Peninsula plan a good old fashioned family road trip over the Mighty Mac to discover and explore its magnificent natural wonders. We have the page-bypage evidence with spectacular places to visit brought to life in all their glory. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, stupendous shoreline rock formations, grand cascading waterfalls, and the largest natural freshwater spring capture the raw beauty of Michigan at its finest.

But a “stay home in TC stress free” option is still doable. Here’s your game plan: The weather is glorious for walking, running, biking, or boating, not to mention kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or just lazing in the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen! For eats and drinks—do more grilling, picnicking, and partying at home. It’s finally summer and we are pretty darn lucky ’cause we don’t have to eventually leave to “go home” because we are home. Can I get a Heck Yeah? The only exception allowed is waiting in a long line for homemade ice cream. That’s worth it. Let’s do this!

“’Cause a little bit of summer’s what the whole year is all about”

— John Mayer

ON THE WATERWe’ll see you out there!

ON THE ROADLook out for Teags clocking hours in her Mini Cooper. Following a British tradition, it was my first car model too.

AT HOMECheers to summer from our deck to yours. Me and my dad Mike, a recent British transplant.

ABOUT THE COVER

Lovers Leap Pictured Rocks

National Lakeshore by Tyler Leipprandt, Michigan Sky Media

“My buddy and I were on our way back to Munising on Jet Skis and I wanted to stop and hop on this rock to take this photo. Getting up there was quite the challenge as I had my life vest on and 30 pounds of camera gear. After grabbing this shot, my buddies brand new 2020 JetSki got stuck in reverse and panic began to set in.... We started to think about our options, and towing was looking like the best one. I had less than a half tank of gas left and we had somewhat near 7 miles to go. That’s not going to be a fun tow… All of a sudden, he got it working.”

PHOTO CREDIT - PURE MICHIGAN

PUBLISHERS

Teri and Tom Gorsline

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Tom Gorsline editor@baylifenorth.com

COPY EDITOR

Hannah Ryder

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rachelle Robinson, Todd and Brad Reed

Hannah Ryder, Adam Brown, Angela Goodall Summer Intern - Andrew Theophilus

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tom Gorsline, Todd and Brad Reed Photography, Jim Blue & Jason LaVanture - Blue Lava Media, Tyler Leipprandt - Michigan Sky Media, Summer Intern -Andrew Theophilus, Pure Michigan, Sovereign Photography, Ethan Hohnke – Captures By Ethan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Bethany Gulde www.bethanydesigntc.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Teri Gorsline teri@baylifenorth.com

BAY BREEZE MEDIA LLC

10966 S West Bay Shore Drive Traverse City, MI 49684 231-715-6088

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND INQUIRIES editor@baylifenorth.com

@BayLifeMagazine

@BayLifeMagazine

BayLife Magazine is a family owned, Traverse City based publication with over 38 years’ experience in the industry. We are proud to be 100% made in Traverse City, Michigan. BAYLIFE

THE JONKHOFF FAMILY AND CARING STAFF ARE THE ONES

YOU CAN TRUST AND DEPEND ON… Today and Tomorrow.

Dan Jonkhoff Funeral Director Emeritus Retired, Peg Jonkhoff Administrative Director, and daughters Christy Jonkhoff-Hater and Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers) Funeral Directors, CFSP, 6th generation co-owners

ON THE TOWN

Big Brothers Big Sisters Wine Event

The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park

April 29, 2023

Page Sponsored by

Doug Kosch, Cecilia Chesney, John McGee

Steve and Ann Bollinger, Connie Deneweth and Judge Rick Griffin

Jan and Jim Tuohy

Adam Brown and Patrick Lavis

Jessie and Andy Kempf, Cecilia Chesney

Andrea and Karl Pagel

Tom Schofield, Cecilia Chesney, Spencer Stegenga

Brad Mackler and Lisa Trombley

Ted Schweitzer and Brad Bickel

Rick and Sue Summers

Molly Vanderhorn, Ted Wickman Mike and Ann Marsh

Biz Ruskowski, Whitney Amann

ON THE TOWN

Northwest Food Coalition Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Howe Arena

April 30, 2023

Sarah Payette, Katie Schlomer

Danielle Summers with mom Kyra

Katherine Palms

Stephanie Prall, Meg Delor

Chef Mike Maly, Kris Thomas

Jennifer Berkey, Cathy O’Connor, Kim Aultama

Steve and Robin Nance

Peggy McGoon, Amanda Maly

Terry Spence, Peggy Mira

Buddy Bothwell, Dorothy Francis, Pattie Peatrie

Bette and Nancy Schaefer, Taylor Moore

Frank and Kathy Maly

Jane Rapin, Michelle Smith

ON THE TOWN

West Shore Bank 125th Anniversary Event West Shore Bank - Penthouse Space May 23, 2023

Debbie and Tom Wyatt

Dean Adams, Ryan Popa, Julius Mass

Dan Smith, Dave Durbin

Greta Mis, Mark Keely, Katie Bertadatto

Shawn and Melissa O’Brien

Chris and Lindsey Rogers, Tricia Adams

Brian McCarthy, Wayne Schmidt

Sid Van Slyke, Linda Stegenga, Bill Adams Abby Taylor, Allie Bukowski, Molly Norville

Laurie Fisher, Teri Gorsline, Mike Fox, Tom Gorsline

Dave Durbin, Art Bukowski, Stephanie Van Slyke

ON THE TOWN

Rotary Club of Traverse City

Rotary Gala

City Opera House

May 18, 2023

Doug Meteyer and Kathy Haynes

Armen Shanafelt, Donna and Bernard Rubin Max Anderson, Miriam Owsley

Barb and Herb Lemcool

Jon and Stephanie Rondles

Kristin Stempky and Connor Miller Michael and Jessica Caruso Allison and Adam Beers

Tom Menzel, Jason Allen, Lisa Trombley, Linda Salem

Ben Whiting, Kathy Bussell

Carey and Mike Wills

Chad Hall, Sid Lammers

Allison Beers, Homer Nye, Sakura Takano, Ron Lemcool Ann and Matt McDonough

Integrity • Relationships • Since 1934

Why choose Bonek? For over 80 years, Bonek Insurance has provided personal and commercial insurance protection. We form strong relationships with our clients – keeping their best interests in mind. Let us customize your coverage. Call us today!

(231) 271-3623 www.bonek.com

ON THE TOWN

Women’s Resource Center VIP Celebration

Towne Plaza

May 11, 2023

Heather Patterson, Merry MacGirr, Claire Lepine

Jim and Jan Tuohy

Mary Macey, Tammy Stoerkel

Juliette, Susie Janis

Ed and Maureen Carlson

Guy Molnar, Jamie Bell

Juliette Schultz, Sue Kensington, Steve Wade Juliette Schultz, Teri Gorsline

Nora and Charlie Bumb

Susie Janis, Dennis and Barb Piskor

A winning raffle ticket surprise!

MOVER & SHAKER

Adam Brown

Adam Brown

After 26 years Sharon Fitzpatrick passed the torch for you to become the new co-owner and President of Fitzpatrick Insurance. What experiences have helped prepare you?

Over the past seven years, I’ve gained experience in personal and commercial line underwriting, as well as underwriting management. That well-rounded background gives me confidence for expertise in this industry. Also, I’ve worked on past ventures with my partner, Patrick Lavis. Our previous success helped light the entrepreneurial spark in myself for us to buy Fitzpatrick Insurance. Lastly, this wouldn’t be possible without the 35 years of experience my mother, Michelle Brown, brings to our team. She took a transition in her career to join us. There are no words to explain the impact she has had.

What drives you every day?

On a personal level, my faith and desire to improve myself each day. On a professional level, it’s building relationships with our clients, new and existing. I enjoy connecting with and learning more about people and their families and/or businesses. In this line of work, you almost feel like you’re with them on their life’s journeyfolks opening their first business, buying an engagement ring, starting a family, buying commercial real estate etc. It’s really rewarding.

Are there any words of wisdom you live by?

There are two: “Nothing worth having in this life comes easy,” to remember why we’ve made and continue to make the sacrifices that we do.

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

There’s no reason why we can’t share kindness and grace whenever we’re given the opportunity to do so.

You co-own the company with Patrick Lavis; how do you work together as the perfect team?

Patrick is very much so the sail, and I am very much so the ballast. While we both have complementary experience, personalities, and skill sets, we’re still aligned in our philosophies and faith, which keeps us both balanced and propelling forward. I’m lucky to have a partner in life and business that can be both my push and my comfort when needed.

What is one thing you have achieved and are proud of?

To continue our family legacy of being the third generation to own an independent insurance agency. My grandparents started an agency in mid-Michigan in the ‘70s where my mother got her start. My parents moved to Kingsley when I was four, where my mother became a partner at a local independent insurance agency for nearly 17 years.

What would the mini Adam from 10 years old think about the grown Adam of today?

I think he would be proud of the courage that I’ve acquired over the years. I tended to have a more avoidant personality through most of my life, bobbing and weaving away from confrontation. I think any other business owner would agree that that is simply no longer an option once you make that leap. I think the 2004 version of me would be disappointed that my handwriting never improved though.

MAKING TAILS WAG

Pedal Pushers

Meet Macie Hefron, entrepreneur extraordinare who just burst onto the Northern Michigan vacation “Must Do” list with a vengeance! She just launched her Wheels on Rails business on the unused railroad line in Grawn, boasting bragging rights as the first rail-biking business in the state. She is already pedaling to spectacular success with rave reviews from enthralled visitors loving this new scenic one-of-a-kind adventure. It didn’t happen by accident; Macie put in the hard work as a college student gaining behind-the-scenes railroad experience with MDOT and has been working on this business plan for a couple of years. On the tracks, Wheels on Rails has 12 custom-made rail bikes: 9 quads and 3 tandems. Attendees climb aboard a two-person or a four-person rail bike, and over the course of an hour, take a self-propelled guided tour down a three-mile stretch of track and back again. “Only one person really has to get the bike going, and there are tour guides at the front and back of every group. It’s perfect for every family to enjoy,” says Macie. Book online at wheelsonrailsmi.com.

Woof! Calling all fur baby moms and dads, and every other four-legged parent in between. On your “walkies,” have you encountered the Mi Pets Treat Truck around town yet? It’s a fur-bulous idea serving up delicious on-the-go treats for your beloved pets. This four-wheeled truck seeks out fourlegged friends and humans on its paw-trol all around your friendly doggie neighborhoods, playing their jingle as they roll up. They sell pet treats, cookies, chews, toys, and anything else that makes pets and their humans happy. The ladies behind the wheel of the treat truck business are Tara Tate and Mackenzee Bull. They have a lot riding on this, as pet food trucks have been a hot trend in pet friendly big cities all across the U.S. serving up bone appétit treats to lucky and loved furry family members. So why not here? It’s paws-able, fur sure! We love our pooches. They are even available for doggie birthday parties. mipetstreattruck@gmail.com

Plan A

Back in town, another dynamic duo, brothers Jon and Nick Petrie are fulfilling their lifelong ambition by opening Archie’s Social House. Housed in the building that was once La Patisserie, brunch is back in town “Archie’s Style” with their celebrated beefalo burger, short rib eggs benedict, and avocado toast, with healthier vegan options coming. All offerings are perfectly paired with mimosas and Bloody Marys. The secret sauce to this success isn’t by chance! Jon earned his chef coat by graduating NMC’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute, then earned a second degree in business administration. Launching Archie’s Food Truck was part of his business plan when they burst on the scene, introducing us all to Grandmother Edith’s famed recipes with “fresh, local, just delicious” food. Gaining popularity and a loyal following, the popular eatery grew into Archie’s inside The Workshop Brewery. “It’s been great, but the bar hours are late night, and we have families now,” says Nick.

237 Lake Ave. TC. archiesfresh.com

Not Just a Burger Shop

It’s an “Oh Happy Day” for the now legendary Glendale Ave husband and wife dynamic duo Bray and Brittney McCabe, who finally own a kitchen without wheels with the grand opening of their Glendale Burger Shop. They have transformed the building that was once Silver Swan into their own unique version of classic Americana. “We want to have a place that we ourselves would love to go,” says Brittney. But I digress: Glendale’s staple menu of succulent smash burgers and scrumptious seasoned beer battered fries catapulted them to fame on the TC Foodie Map! Their blood, sweat, and tears success story goes way back to Bray’s eight years working at Folgarelli’s. Bray was dedicated to branching out on his own. Driven by his passion for creating mouthwatering masterpieces and with his wife by his side, they pulled the trigger in 2017 with pop-up brunches inside The Little Fleet. On his Sunday day off, Bray would wake up at the crack of dawn, cracking eggs, sizzling pans, and wowing TC one sandwich at a time. Their pop ups led to launching their epic food truck journey. “We maxed out what we could do in a food truck. We wanted to find a true work-life balance.”

13692 South West Bay Shore Drive, TC.

wicked GOOD EATS

Paesano’s Pizza

PIZZA

On the east end of downtown Front St. sits a local treasure. Paesano’s Pizza has been a family-owned TC pizza staple since its doors opened in July 1981 by the Kolarik family. Last May, Paesano’s changed hands to longtime loyal customers Kim and Dudley Smith, along with a bold commitment to the community to not change the standard of Paesano’s renowned reputation. At the helm as Paesano’s manager is Grace Kolarik, a 20-yearold college student. “Not much has changed, but a few small renovations, like upgrading the bathroom and installing air conditioning, have gone a long way.” Grace can guarantee the same delicious Paesano’s Pizza is the real deal. “We’ve been ordering from the same vendors for as long as I can remember. All of our produce is fresh, and we have been using our same secret recipes forever,” says Grace. “I’m really happy because this place means so much to me.”

Summer 2023 will debut a new buffalo chicken pizza thought up by employees in the kitchen. It’s sure to make any chicken wing lover’s heart sing! That’s not all that has been in the works from Traverse City’s classic pizzeria: Paesano’s recently expanded their delivery services to DoorDash. For those lucky enough to be enjoying the boat life on West Bay, you can now contact Paesano’s to pick up pizza from the docks of the Boardman River all without leaving your boat.

If you’re not dockside, head inside or call ahead to order a full pie, a sub, a salad, or their Famous Lunch Combo for just five dollars. Enjoy a slice of one of TC’s best kept secrets (or the whole pie—we won’t tell) for the most delicious summer yet!

447 East Front Street paesanospizza.com

Grace Kolarik Paesano’s Manager

The Kolarik Family

The Paesano’s Pizza Five Dollar Famous Lunch Combo

Written by Andrew Theophilus

Photo Credit - Andrew Theophilus

Photo CreditAndrew Theophilus

“In A World Full of Trends, I Want To Remain a Classic.” - Iman

SUMMER CLASSICS

EFFORTLESS

Buriti Bronzer $28

Bohmey Beauty, Warehouse MRKT, Traverse City Bohmeybeauty.com

VERSATILE

High Rise Denim Short $48 Bohmey Beauty, Warehouse MRKT, Traverse City Bohmeybeauty.com

POLISHED

Leland Blue Earrings $95 Korner Gem, Traverse City Kornergem.com

TRADITIONAL

Ruffle Sleeve Dress $139

Bahle’s of Suttons Bay Bahles.net

SIMPLE

Denim Dress $60

Relish Boutique, Traverse City Relishtc.com

IMMORTAL

Freda Salvador Heel $375 Ella’s, Traverse City Swingbyellas.com

The District, Glen Arbor

Discover the District

Welcome to the new Glen Arbor with the premiere of Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, simply referred to as The District. A multifaceted east side expansion turned a dream to reality for owners Matt and Katy Wiesen. Over the past few years, they have slowly built upon their brands unique up north experience. Now complete, The District will open this summer. It’s an epic entertainment empire that could rival any theme park as the ultimate Northern Michigan utopia experience for the whole family.

A visit to The District can find you on a twoto three-hour kayak trip along the pristine waters of the Crystal River to “shoot the tube,” all while basking in Northern Michigan’s wilderness. The relaxing paddle is perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers. Afterwards, leisurely linger shopping at Coastal and M22. Keep the adventure going and hop on

bikes from The Cyclery to experience the oneof-a-kind Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail. Then wrap up your day on the M22 Wine Patio while enjoying some live music!

The District’s humble roots began as a kayak shop situated on the Crystal River in 1994. The small shop rented boats to locals, tourists, families, and groups of friends alike. Matt Wiesen began working at Crystal River Outfitters as a high schooler in 1995 for a fun summer job. Matt quickly fell in love with the river and found a golden opportunity when it came up for sale after his senior year of college. With a little convincing from his father and a loan from a bank, he purchased the business. Matt and Katy were already thinking of how they could expand the shop to be a Northern Michigan staple.

That plan included expanding the small kayak rental shop, but also turning a collection of

12 rental bikes into the fleet, which is now available at The Cyclery. They also wanted to dip their toes into the world of retail and launched Glen Arbor’s own M22 store through a special partnership. A few years later to fill a need for resort wear, they opened the clothing boutique Coastal.

As Matt and Katy say, “Working with your spouse isn’t always easy,” yet the Wiesens have made huge strides in what they offer to the community and tourism. But wait, there’s more! Also on the horizon will be a new restaurant within The District called Millie’s. Millie’s will be opened in partnership with Furnhaus Hospitality Group serving artisan pizzas, salads, and homemade ice cream!

Crystal River Outfitters

6249 W. River Road, Glen Arbor, MI crystalriveroutfitters.com

Written and Photographed by Andrew Theophilus

The ‘Shoot the Tube’ Kayak Slide on Crystal River

As Matt and Katy say, “working with your spouse isn’t always easy!” But they are making it look that way.

Miners Beach Falls at

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Photo Credit - @anthony_pompa

Photo Credit - @brixhikes

Photo Credit - UP Travel pictured_Rock_National_Lake_ Shore_Kayaking_August_2021

Photo Credit - Pure Michigan

Photo Credit - @Waterfall2_CanyonFalls_Lanse

Photo Credit - @journeybetravel

Les Chêneaux Islands

Isle Royale National Park

Photo Credit - Kayak_Les Cheneaux

Photo Credit - Hiking8_trail_IsleRoyale

Fayette Historic State Park

Photo Credit - Pure Michigan

Fayette Historic State Park Shoreline

Photo Credit - @exploringlandandsea_

Photo Credit - @_sovereign_photography_

Marquette Ore Dock

Dead River Falls

Photo Credit - @captures.by.ethan

Photo Credit - @loosecanonphotography

Marquette Dark Sky

Photo Credit - Pure Michigan

Michigan Sky Media

Helicopter Tour over Old Mission Peninsula

by Tyler Leipprandt of Michigan Sky Media

I was recently able to fly with My Flight Tours helicopter company in Traverse City. The flight showed the incredible 360 degree views of water and the colors were unreal. I have flown with this company for years, and they were the ones who helped me get the “Money Shot” above the Big House during the U of M vs. MSU rival game.

michiganskymedia.com

@michiganskymedia

Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams

We’re

SAPPHIRE

Hanging Globe

Ella’s Home, Traverse City Swingbyellas.com

“Design is so simple. That’s why it’s so complicated.” – Paul Rand

SHADES OF BLUE

HomeWorks Interiors, Traverse City Homeworksinteriors.store

CERULEAN Mirror Golden Fowler Home Furnishings, Traverse City Goldenfowler.com

STONE Custom Chair Nest InDesign, Traverse City Nestindesign.com

NAVY Coastal Campaign Chest HomeWorks Interiors, Traverse City Homeworksinteriors.store

HOME

Angela Goodall

Stress Free Summer Guest Prep

We are so fortunate to live here in Northern Michigan, especially in summer when we always can guarantee a full house of visiting friends and family to entertain. The perfect hostesses’ secret is to preplan.

Assess your outdoor living space and add a few pops of color with new pillows, lights, a throw rug, or accessories. Our favorite restaurants are overflowing, so eating out is almost impossible with large parties. This space will be priceless.

Prep your guest rooms by freshening the bedding and generally tidying up. I like to cut fresh flowers to put on the nightstand the day of arrival. Put fresh towels and wash cloths on the bed neatly folded and topped with a small bottle of bath wash or lotion, just like a nice hotel welcome. Also stock up on travel sizes; they’ll be on hand in case anyone forgets something.

We plan at least one outing a day, like daytrips to Sleeping Bear for views and hiking, and little towns like Suttons Bay, Leland, and Glen Arbor for walking and shopping. Don’t forget winery tastings or boating fun on the water.

Feeding everyone can be a challenge! Preplan and prep meals ahead so you’re not stuck in the kitchen. I plan breakfast and dinner with an optional snack in between. For breakfast, prebaked quiche or breakfast casserole is easy to reheat. Add fresh fruit and yogurt too. For dinner options, fire up the grill. Have a variety of marinated meats, like tequila lime chicken, with a couple side salad dishes just in need of dressing. Less stress option: purchase all these premade by the pound, along with prebaked treats and marinated meats, at our local delis. Tom’s, Folgarelli’s, and Edson Farms add local bottles of bubbly to keep chilled. Pick one cocktail, using local spirits, and make it in bulk in a jug to serve—keep it simple and enjoy the best summer yet!

Angela Goodall is the lead designer and co-owner of Kitchen Choreography with her husband Mike.

HOME HISTORY meets

Written by Hannah Ryder

Photography by Jim Blue & Jason LaVanture - Blue Lava Media

TUCKED UP ON A QUIET HILL

that gazes over West Bay lies a quaint neighborhood full of intriguing history and eye-catching homes, one of which is the iconic Incochee barn turned home, built in 1926. Interior designer and owner Michele Wilmoth and her family purchased the farmhouse six years ago and have loved every minute. “It’s a piece of Traverse City history,” Michele says. The house the best of both worlds—close to the expanse of Lake Michigan and all that downtown has to offer but tucked back just far enough to feel as though the home is in a secluded world of its own. The farmhouse isn’t just gorgeous; it’s steeped in history. Enjoyed at one time by notable families—the Hannahs, Traverse City’s founding family; the Maddys, who began the famed Interlochen Center for the Arts; and the Olesons, who transitioned the farm from fruit to bison—the house continues to be the pinnacle of wellpreserved history that many locals hold fond memories of. “People who come by to work on the house would tell us that they remember coming here to pick apples!”

THIS ISN’T A SHOCK; the home is easily recognizable. The two-story farmhouse features a stone base and complementary slate blue siding. “I loved the Bavarian design of the exterior,” Michele says. Inside, the coziness is a blend of yesteryear and modernity.

“We opened it up a bit more. We added the breakfast nook off the kitchen for good flow. It also has some of the best sunlight in the morning!” Michele shares.

The main floor of the house lights up when the sun comes in, drawing the eye to the woodburning fireplace in the living room. “Someone else had put a white glazed ceramic on it, and I stripped it to highlight the brick,” Michele explains. It wasn’t just any brick—under the glaze was Greilickville brick, another nod to the region. Michele adds, “The stone is the same as what they’ve used in the [Grand Traverse] Commons, same with the brick.”

“The stone is the same as what they’ve used in the [Grand Traverse] Commons...”

THE SECOND PLACE the eye goes is to the white shiplap lining the walls, which holds a fun fact. “Most people are shocked that it’s real shiplap because shiplap is in style right now. It’s the real deal!” Michele added additional shiplap to the main floor give the living room a streamlined look. “I reclaimed some shiplap from the basement and added it over the fireplace by the two French doors.” The result is stunning and makes the space feel connected and wide open. The goal was to update the home without removing any of the history. After completing some structural reinforcements routine for a building of its age, Michele and her family got to work to bring the inside of the farmhouse into the twenty-first century. The Wilmoths shifted the floorplan around to better use the home’s main floor by creating a breakfast nook and bonus room and changing how rooms were used, like the downstairs half bath and laundry room. “I like a good flow in a house,” Michele shares. The renovations made for a better space utilization and allowed more sunlight into the home. “We also added a bonus room that was turned into a wrestling room during COVID complete with wrestling mats,” a necessity for one of Michele’s sons, who wrestles at the collegiate level.

“Most people are shocked that it’s real shiplap...”

“THE KITCHEN is a great gathering spot,” Michele explains. It has everything the family needs, including a Wolf range, two dishwashers, and seemingly endless counter space with plenty of windows to flood the space with sunlight.

“We can see the bay from the upstairs bedroom window year-round,” Michele says. “The bay is maybe a half-mile from the home.”

With breathtaking views and a prime location for all the region has to offer, the farmhouse is both a cornerstone of local history and a cozy, bright space that is ideal for coming together. Another feature the family tweaked was the vegetable cellar. “You didn’t want to go in there!” Michele laughs of the cellar pre-renovation. What once served as apple storage now serves as wine storage in the form of a spacious, tastefully decorated wine cellar.

“The kitchen is a great gathering spot.”

WHILE PARTS OF THE HOME lend a modern feel—the white oak floors, the exposed ductwork throughout, and the many updates—it was always paramount for the Wilmoths to do their due diligence to the farmhouse. “We’re kind of the caretakers of it,” Michele says. The reverential care the Wilmoths have taken in the home is obvious as they tailored the home to be the perfect space without erasing its previous lives.

“The best thing about the house is that it’s nice and quiet, and we have privacy,” Michele shares. “We can do everything outdoorsy because of the location!”

The family enjoys biking downtown Traverse City and on the TART trails, as well as taking the boat out as the summer season rolls in.

The interior is practically catered to that natural light; the walls are painted in pristine white tones, the light fixtures are minimal and are unpretentious, and the furniture is kept neutral with small inclusions of pattern or color appearing as wall art or the occasional rug. For a building that used to be produce storage, the transformation— much of which occurred in the past six years thanks to Michele’s skillful artistic direction—is astounding to all who visit.

“WE HOST CHRISTMAS and New Year’s parties,” Michele shares. “We also host on Fourth of July; the Blue Angels fly right over the house!” Guests can enjoy evenings on the outdoor patio just off the living room, which is home to a gas grill, a Green Egg, and, just past the patio, a stone fire pit. When the weather gets chilly, the movie room with sumptuous seating beckons, marking the perfect end to a perfect day.

Though the family has enjoyed the past six years in their idyllic farmhouse, it’s time to downsize.

They won’t be going far, though—the Wilmoths plan to remain in Traverse City and will hold fond memories of their Incochee farmhouse. “There’s nothing like it,” Michele says.

“We have two kids in college, and this farmhouse needs a family.”

“On the Fourth of July the Blue Angels fly right over the house.”

A l l - n a t u r a l l u x u r y m a d e i n M i c h i g a n .

N a t ur a l S l e e p B e g i n s H e r e .

CORNER OF FRONT AND PARK STREETS

THEN J.W. Milliken “Tea Room” 300 E. Front Street circa 1935.

Photo Courtesy of Traverse Area District Library.

TODD AND BRAD REED PHOTOGRAPHY

Miners Beach Falls

by Brad Reed

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a photographer’s paradise. I could spend a lifetime exploring and photographing the park without getting bored. Every few steps I can find something that catches my eye. Miners Beach Falls is a popular destination for the thousands of visitors to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. toddandbradreed.com