NOTE FROM THE publisher Everything old is new again...
Sailing
Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
How’s your summer so far? Mine has been easy and breezy thanks to 1970s and early ’80s yacht rock on Spotify! Alexa knows my jam while I’m prepping in the kitchen, BBQing on the deck, and ending with cocktails and s’mores as the sun goes down. If I’m really lucky, it’s blasting on our sailboat tacked into the wind for a cruise around the bay. Old music but oh so new again.
Two days ago was the Old Town Playhouse gala fundraiser. This annual event has always been at the City Opera House, but this year it debuted at the Hagerty Center—old but new. I took along my daughter Teaghan as my photo helper. Lo and behold, we were seated at a table with old friends we love: singer and entertainer Judy Harrison with her ensemble of lady singers. And bonus, her beautiful daughter, who I have known since she was ten! And guess what—this summer, Judy and her band launched a new live show. Oh yes, it’s yacht rock!
Tom and I had a photo shoot at Mt. Holiday with Aric Armbruster, the board chair, who’s excited to share with our readers what’s new and what’s to come. This family treasure since 1949 is as relevant today more than ever. And as a Mt. Holiday ski race mom for so many years, it’s near and dear to my heart. Plan to attend their Dinner in the Hills Après Ski theme, an old event with a new passion to make it a success.
Our feature this issue is on Tyler Leipprandt. His gallery of spectacular photographs to create his first coffee table book is truly stunning. Old but new. We are so blessed he partnered with us a few years ago, trusting us to elevate his online image social media fame to bring them to life in beautiful print inside our pages with a view from above. And more importantly, his photos are showcased exclusively on our Baylife Magazine covers right on your coffee table!
The ultimate old is new again happens when a couple decides to renovate their home to rethink and reimagine their beachfront ranch house to be completely transformed. It’s a true testament to the talents of interior designers, and master craftsmen and tradesmen. The final unveiling is an epic dream house.
Summer passes in the blink of eye, so carve out time for all those magical moments. Take in a sunset once a week. Stock up for spontaneous s’mores. Have a beach day, boat day, kayak day, or hike day. Eat ice cream, pie, and cherries. You get the picture. All these are old must-dos we make new again, year after year.
Teri Gorsline, Publisher
“I have been actively shooting this exact tree for a few years. The dream photo I envisioned was a cherry tree in full bloom under the Aurora. First off, the cherry blossoms only last a few weeks, so timing is very important. Secondly, the Aurora/weather is not very predictable, and I would need all the stars to align to make this happen. I tried for many nights with no luck. This night, I got to the orchard at 10 p.m. and let my camera run for 7 hours, taking thousands of photos. My persistence paid off and as the Aurora danced, I captured this photo I’ve named ‘Cherries on Top.’ Thanks again to Black Star Farms for letting me use your beautiful orchard!”
Helicopter and aerial drone photographer Tyler Leipprandt shares his favorite ten images as he gets ready to publish his first book.
Nestled on M-22, a couple opens up their custom renovated home that provides them with some of the best bay views in the region.
BayLife Magazine Award Winning’ and family owned, Traverse City based publication with over 39 years’ experience in the industry. We are proud to represent the people of our community. Printed in 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, Aric Armbruster
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tom Gorsline, Courtney Kent Photography, Todd and Brad Reed Photography, Kristen Turick Photography, Reese LaPerriere, Tyler Leipprandt - Michigan Sky Media
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Bethany Gulde
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 Number 74 is an ‘Award Winning’ bi-monthly publication of BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. Advertising Rates available at baylifenorth.com or calling 231-715-6088. BAYLIFE Magazine is a controlled subscription, direct mailed to 8000 affluent homes located on Old Mission Peninsula, Wayne Hill, Slabtown, Traverse City, Incochee and distributed to locations throughout the Grand Traverse Bay and Northern Michigan. BAYLIFE Magazine is owned exclusively by BAY BREEZE Media, LLC. 2024. All content of this publication is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher. BAYLIFE Magazine is family owned and is a registered trademark of BAY BREEZE MEDIA, LLC.
ON THE TOWN Big Brothers Big
Sisters Wine Event
The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park
April 27, 2024
A Taste of Success
NMC Great Lakes Culinary School
Hagerty Center April 26, 2024
Old Town Playhouse
NMC Hagerty Center
June 20, 2024
ON THE TOWN
The Botanic Garden
Volunteers 10th Anniversary Celebration
The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park
April 25, 2024
MOVER & SHAKER
Aric Armbruster, Mt. Holiday
Aric
Mt. Holiday has been our beloved community ski hill since 1949. Is it still as relevant today? “Yes, more than ever, especially by keeping area youth away from screens and getting them outdoors. Parents know it’s a trusted place to drop off their kids with an opportunity to hone their snow sport skills, cultivate confidence, and find community. They make friends, develop healthy habits, and with today’s distractions that’s crucial.”
How did this mild winter effect the hill?
“It was the “winter that wasn’t.” As local skiers flocked to larger hills that had equipment and resources to constantly make snow and adapt to weather changes, we struggled to open the slopes; we let down our ski families and our community. We knew we couldn’t wait any longer to address the infrastructure improvements that are desperately needed to save our little hill from closing the doors forever.”
What infrastructure improvements are needed at Mt. Holiday? “The first item on the property that needs to be addressed is snowmaking. The entire infrastructure needed to convert water into snow must be reengineered and rebuilt. It begins with the retention pond, moves onto the pumps that drive the water, the pipes that carry it, the snow guns that create the snow, and the electrical that powers those snow guns.
When does Mt. Holiday expect to start work on this plan? “We cannot risk another winter like last year, so we are forging ahead with Phase 1 of the improvement plan this year that will address pumping and distribution to our most critical areas at the resort. We are continuing our work on lighting improvements and structural renovations. We know we have a lot to do, and our team is so grateful to those in the community who have stepped up to get this project off the ground.”
How can our readers help? “We are a 501(c) (3) and the work required to upgrade our property, develop new programs, and connect with the community largely falls on volunteers. We want Mt. Holiday to be accessible for our neighbors to connect with each other and enjoy outdoor activities. Please consider donating energy to help us rebuild this community gem. Buy a ticket to our annual fundraiser, Dinner in the Hills. This year’s theme is Après Ski. Or visit us at mt-holiday.com/donations.”
Mt. Holiday isn’t just a winter resort. What other activities are offered?
“We are working on new trail and lift service for mountain bikers, mapping trail loops and connections for hikers, geocachers, sauna enthusiasts and zipliners. Social connection includes the T-Bar and new Beer Garden with a menu featuring great food, local drinks, and an awesome family hangout.”
What is Mt. Holiday’s mission statement?
“To connect the community through four seasons of affordable outdoor recreation. Our long-term vision is to create a community-based, family-orientated, year-round recreational facility with a focus on disadvantaged youth.”
LOCAL SCOOP LIFESAVER
You may know Sarah Lee Sullivan as a Rotarian of the TC Noon Club, or as a member of Impact 100. Maybe it’s from a committee of the nonprofit Generations Ahead. It’s no wonder this lady needed a stress reliever. We’d like to introduce her as the ultimate lifesaver for the floating spa, Solitude, on Front St.
“A year ago, I was at point of high stress. I discovered the floating pod, and it was transformational for me. It eased my anxiety in a totally holistic approach without medication.” Then, bad news: the owners were barely treading water and ready to close the doors. “No way, I’ve found something that works!” She called her partner, Andy Malek. “It was a frantic phone call, and I could feel the huge teardrops. She talked me into it,” he laughs. For Sarah, part selfish and part experienced accountant kicked in. “They were very transparent, showing us the books. The landlord was willing to work with us as the space was custom-built for the equipment and the soundproof walls.” Sarah and Andy even made sure they could retain the same highly-trained staff. “It was pretty seamless; we never closed.” When Andy finally floated, he said, “I wasn’t sure, but it really helped with my aches and pains. After three times is when you get the most benefit. And you sleep like a baby!” Now, they’re on a mission to de-stress TC. I’m in!
Solitude Float and Wellness Spa 111A E Front St. TC. Solitudefloatspa.com
PINK POWER
It’s been a few years since we had an event dedicated to breast cancer. Last year, fierce survivor Flora Migyanka of Plymouth, MI, brought her fundraiser, Uncork for a Cure, up north to TC. It was a spectacular, pink-inspired evening with wines and champagnes from around world, chilled caviar, and fine cuisine by our best chefs. The prestigious event even premiered inside the acclaimed Hagerty Garage. This year’s promises to be even better! Ladies, let’s join the fight to dress up and show up to kick cancer’s butt in TC. I have six friends who are survivors. Two more still fighting. My mom lost her battle at age 59. One in eight women in the US will be diagnosed in her lifetime. Second time around, let’s show Flora and her hard-working team some pink love. Save the date. Buy a ticket—if you are a business, consider being a well-respected sponsor. If you can donate your time, join our committee. Many hands make light work.
uncorkforacure.org dynamifoundation.org
this year’s date to attendOctober 11, 2024
Good for the Soul
Smokin’ HOT
For 23 years, Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ has been the Randell family business. Steve, Lori, and their son Logan have been serving up racks of St. Louis-style ribs, heaping portions of smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, and brined turkey legs all out of their log-sided trailer! Now they are ready for primetime with a brick-and-mortar casual dining location on the east side in Garfield Centre. This fearless family is used to serving thousands of people every year at the National Cherry Festival, so it’s not their first rodeo but is a welcome challenge. “We have been working on it for several years. The space has never been a restaurant, so working with the health department, it was a long buildout process that we did ourselves. We even added four windows in the side of the building. We are so excited to finally be opening,” says Steve. “We actually have a real kitchen that’s huge!” laughs Logan.
It’s not just BBQ, it’s Firebird Pizza too. Ignite your appetite with Neapolitan-style made-to-order pies with one consistent price on 10- and 11-inch pizzas. Customers personalize with a variety of sauces, cheeses, and toppings, then it’s baked in the hot, open-flame brick oven, finished with your choice of drizzles! It all sounds mouthwateringly delicious, and we wish their family much success. Grand opening is set for July 15th.
Over the last few years, the restaurant space on South Union St. just can’t find its groove. Now opening as Bushell’s Kitchen + Cocktails, this kitchen takeover promises to be good for soul. The signage is bold, and the plan is solid: traditional soul food, rich in culture and diversity, to shake up old town with food that warms the heart and nourishes the soul. Brought to us by restauranter Andre Bushell, he’s proved he has the Midas touch as co-owner of Foundry Craft Grillery in East Jordan and Elk Rapids. “Soul food embodies rich culinary traditions and a strong sense of community.” Their menu will proudly premiere tried and true classics like collard greens, yams, fried chicken, and more, with a craft cocktail and trending mocktail menu to raise the bar experience. “We want to create an inviting atmosphere where guests can relax, indulge, and share laughs with friends and family,” Bushell says. Finally, a concept we can all embrace. Soul food is the comfort we all crave, no matter where we come from.
Bushell’s Kitchen + Cocktails 127 South Union. Traverse City.
Unquely
wicked GOOD EATS
The Filling Station
The Filling Station
Tofill your cup with outdoor summer memories, head to The Filling Station for food, drink, sun, fun, and frolic. Housed in the historic circa 1927 train depot flanked by the vintage railroad tracks, the original platform is repurposed into a never-ending patio overlooking picturesque views of Boardman Lake. The casual seating is plentiful, and the laid-back atmosphere is inviting.
The Filling Station is always brimming with families of all ages, friends, vacationers, and even Fido. It’s family owned and operated, and they keep the flow easygoing. The array of menu items includes handcrafted cold beer, garden fresh salads, and wood-fired pizzas in imaginative combos. Think bold, sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will rock your tastebuds (and maybe your world). If that’s too adventurous you can build your own pizza. Either way the crispy crusts are to die for: light, airy, nongreasy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
Their secret weapon is the house-made from-scratch flatbread and Sicilian-style red sauce, baked to perfection in the ever-burning, stoked oven. It’s great food, fast. Your only job, when your tribe is ready, is to order pub-style at the bar. It’s delivered to your table by an exceptional staff of smiling faces.
Their fourteen years’ experience of “Ales by the Rails,” slinging pies, and pouring pints to cheerful patrons is not a happy accident. “We keep it simple and do it well,” says co-owner Todd Klepper. It was a bold move in their industry when they opened their doors in 2012. Traverse City was a nobody on the esteemed small-batch brewery scene. Fast forward to 2024: USA Today recently ranked Traverse City as number three on the top ten list of booming brewery towns.
Today, they have ten beers on tap and a loyal following far and wide—including a mug club! Their hard work, great reputation, and consistency have stood the test of time. Hot tip: The Filling Station is right off the T.A.R.T. trail. Hop on your bike or take a hike. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesdays.
The Filling Station Microbrewery 642 Railroad PL. TC. 231-946-8168 Thefillingstationmicrobrewewery.com
Lasagna di Zucchine
Lasagna
“Lasagna without the pasta, fresh summer flavors from the farmers market”
3 ea. Zucchini very thinly sliced lengthwise
3 ea. Yellow squash very thinly sliced lengthwise
5Tbs. Extra Virgin olive oil
½ tsp. Sea Salt or Kosher Salt, to taste
1lb Fresh Mozzarella “Fior di Latte”, thinly sliced or torn
½ Cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
¼ Cup Fresh Basil leaves, torn
2 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
4 Tbs Extra Virgin olive oil
½ Cup Fresh Basil leaves, torn
2lbs Ripe Tomatoes, diced
Sea Salt or Kosher Salt, to taste
In a sauce pot over medium heat, warm olive oil with the basil leaves, 1 minute.
Once basil is wilted, add tomatoes, lightly season with salt.
Cook until the juices have thickened into a chunky sauce, no more than 5 minutes. Taste… add a drizzle of olive oil (1 to 2 T) and, if needed, salt for flavor.
Summer Squash
To oven roast, lay the sliced summer squash on a parchment paper lined baking tray. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and lightly season with salt. Roast in 400 F oven for 5 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
Pair this with our 2023 Arcturos
Savignon Blanc
Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms 10844 E Revold Rd, Suttons Bay, MI blackstarfarms.com/bistro-polaris/
To Assemble:
Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons sauce
serves 4 to 6
8” x 8” x 2” deep baking dish
Place a layer the summer squash - overlapping and alternating slices of zucchini and yellow squash.
Sprinkle a thin layer of fresh mozzarella, torn basil leaves, and grated Parmigiano.
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of sauce over the cheese.
Repeat the layering process to fill your baking dish, finishing with a layer of summer squash.
Drizzle olive oil over the top.
Bake in a preheated 400 F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden on top. Let the lasagna sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve the zucchini lasagna warm, spooning additional tomato-basil sauce over the top, and offering freshly grated Parmigiano.
Enjoy… Buon Appetito!
Summer Fun Done in One Stop
Welcome to summer in Northern Michigan. The weather has been fantastic, the water is already swimmable, and loads of people are here enjoying the area. It's time to enjoy some delicious vino, so we would like to turn you on to a couple of unique and delicious wines from Casale del Giglio in Lazio. We're featuring two little known varietals from this innovative producer.
The Casale del Giglio Bellone is a white wine that evokes sunshine and luscious tropical fruits which is carefully balanced with zesty acidity. This wine would be fantastic with shellfish, oysters, and light meats such as citrus grilled chicken.
The Casale del Giglio Cesanese is a velvety ruby red wine. It features intense aromas of marasca cherry with some floral notes and a touch of white and black pepper. The mouthfeel is soft with persistent tannins and pronounced acidity. Try this wine out with grilled lamb lollipops, a juicy burger, or a nicely grilled steak. Happy sipping.
“Elegance is not standing out but being remembered.” —Giorgio Armani
SUMMER STAPLES
These stylish summer staples will take you the beach and beyond. Classic white jeans that pair with anything. A timeless nautical cardigan for cooler nights. Casual yet elegant shorts. A basic yet striking bikini. All topped off with on-trend Birkenstock sandals.
EFFORTLESS
Birkenstock Madrid $140 Bahles of Suttons Bay Bahles.net
VERSATILE
Algode Parker Shorts $148
l.a.cool, Front St. TC. Shoplacool.com
ORIGINAL
Jag Mid Rise Jeans $78 Relish, Warehouse Mkt. TC relishtc.com
SIMPLE
Lilo Bikini Top + Bottom $50 ea. l.a.cool, Front St. TC Shoplacool.com
Calling All Speed Racers!
Get ready to race!
A dramatically transformed Sears building will open as K1 SPEED, revving engines and skyrocketing the old into the stratosphere, launching as the premiere destination for thrilling indoor go kart racing and unforgettable family (and grown-up) entertainment. Debuting soon, its epic 50,000-square-foot fun space joins the prestigious list of 93 locations worldwide. Feel the speed with their industry-leading, all-electric Italian race karts that zoom around the track at speeds up to 45 mph, perfect for teens and adults craving wheel-to-wheel excitement! Even the little ones get to join the fun! Their junior karts let young racers (minimum height of 48”) experience top speeds of up to 25 mph.
Brought to life by a Northern Michigan heart doctor, Dr. Ulysses Walls, it’s guaranteed that attendees’ hearts will be racing. He and his family visited a K1 Speed in California. “We all fell in love with it.” He was so inspired he bought the long-forgotten Sears building, large enough to house such a vast project.
“Traverse City has such an awesome car culture, and I can’t wait for it to make both children and adults happy by providing them with an exciting new venue to spend family time together.” Flanked by an exhilarating arcade, two meeting rooms for parties and events, and a Paddock Lounge café offering an array of food and drink choices, K1 SPEED is now part of an all-day adventure for the whole family.
TRAILBLAZER
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT S KY’S
If you are in awe of every breathtaking Baylife cover image (we are too!), meet the man, the myth, the legend behind the lens, Tyler Leipprandt, the extraordinary, self-taught photographer who captures jaw-dropping images while hanging out of helicopters. Way back when he began blowing up social media with his Instagram presence, Tom and I had been ardent admirers. When Tyler moved his family up north to Traverse City in 2020, partnering was a no brainer. Our beloved Baylife Magazine was built on showcasing the pure beauty of Northern Michigan, and since 2021 all our covers have proudly been Tyler’s.
When he gave us the scoop he was publishing a collection of spectacular photos for his first coffee table book, MICONIC: Stunning Photos and Stories from Iconic Michigan Landmarks, we were overjoyed to tell his story.
He’s had an epic year. It’s Tyler’s world and we are all just living in it. No, wait… That’s Taylor. But he’s a close second. When ESPN caught wind of his Rose Bowl B2 Stealth Bomber Flyover photo, he went viral in record time: The money shot and number one on his bucket list, done and done. The 50 million views made it a historic sports moment. Fifteen minutes of fame opened a lot of doors for Tyler and his flourishing company, Michigan Sky Media, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. He is in HIGH demand and not coming back down to earth any time soon!
Not very many years ago, Tyler was a teacher, working and living downstate in Bad Axe with his wife and four young kiddos. “I got caught up in the drone craze, which was a big expense, so I started drone photography for realtors. In two months, I paid for the drone.” All his talents are selftaught. “I watched a lot of YouTube videos. You can’t just learn camera settings.”
As we learn in life, all good things take time, experience, trial, and a lot of error. Armed with a higher level of confidence, he branched out. He tapped into specializing in large-scale virtual tours for hotels and school districts. “I was starting to be able to make a living. Our family all discussed if we moved what top three places would we consider.” The three cities were Rochester Hills, Frankenmuth, and because Tyler’s brother had just moved to Traverse City, that made the list and an obvious, easy choice.
While his wife and kids completely embraced the up-north lifestyle, Tyler was perfecting his camera skills and training his eye, capturing the Pure Michigan beauty of mother nature in all its glory. As his craft evolved, so did his expertise for frame-worthy, killer shots. He carefully built his brand, Michigan Sky Media, with an elaborate portfolio of content on social media platforms with hashtags and shares on Instagram and Facebook. With each
post, he was gaining momentum with thousands of followers eager for more. His gamechanger moment happened very randomly. High in the sky at the very top of the Mighty Mac, he had a daring and crazy idea. “I dangled my legs at the bottom of the shot.” It was an in-your-face gesture of a real person behind the lens, taking risks for the perfect image. It’s a unique perspective. This led to a complete series of “where would you dangle?” “I love getting in the sky and experiencing what it’s like to fly.”
It’s hair-raising moments like these that make you wonder what the heck are his wife and kids are thinking when their dad and husband is hanging by a literal thread. “My family are such a big part of what I do. They let me go away for days at a time. But many times, I take them all with me. My wife and I were both teachers, and we homeschool our kids.” That affords a lot of flexibility for a family, not to mention outrageous adventures galore. His kids are 13, 11, 9, and 6. “I can’t believe I have a teenager!”
Going back to the basics
of how the book came to fruition: Tyler as Michigan Sky Media started with humble beginnings as all artists do, with a booth at a farmer’s market. “People would love my photos and ask about the stories behind the shots. So we made a book on our own, online, that told all the stories. We sold out, but I always wanted to do a professional one.” With the huge notoriety of the Rose Bowl shot putting Tyler and Michigan Sky Media on the map, the Record-Eagle finally took on the worthy tale of its local celebrity. “The writer asked in closing, ‘What’s next’?”
He replied he’d always wished to a publish a coffee table book. The paper went to press. In the meantime, the Baltimore Ravens football team reached out to hire Tyler for a flyover of their own. “I took my dad, and while we were in the hotel room, my phone rang with a local number. It was book publisher the Jenkins Group that read the article. Back home from Baltimore, I met with owners Jim and Jerry, and it all came together.” You can pre-order MICONIC with his QR code. It will be hot off the press hopefully by August. Check all his social media for any book signings in the area.
michiganskymedia.com @michiganskymedia Michigan Sky Media
“Summer WOW”
by Tyler Leipprandt of Michigan Sky Media
“At the Northern tip of the Leelanau peninsula lay a hidden gem. Caribbean aqua blue sparkling waters and barefoot smooth sandy beaches beckon. A secret now revealed from high above showcases why the prestigious Northport Point is the perfect summer oasis for its very lucky residents.”
Forbes Best -in-State Wealth Management Teams
Investment and Insurance Products: Traverse City, MI 49684
We’re pleased to announce our team has been recognized as one of the 2024 Forbes Best-inState Wealth Management Teams Not FDIC-Insured No Bank Guarantee May Lose Value
[Source: Forbes.com (Awarded January 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/22 -3/31/23. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. The Forbes Best -in-State Wealth Management Teams rating algorithm is based on the previous year ’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self -completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker -dealer and non -bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. PM-09122025 -6472111.1.1
“Summertime,
SANDY
Chandelier $2559
Artful Interiors, 714 Randolph St. TC Myartfulinteriors.com
BEACH VIBES
We’re finding inspiration from the light, airy spaces of the quintessential beach house. For the laid back but dreamy ambiance, paint walls the whitest of white. Choose a mix of comfy, casual, and carefree furniture. A rug to add texture and pops of color. Elevate it to the next level, with antique pieces and over-the-top lighting.
SHORELINE
Side Table $368
Comfort Centers of TC Garfield Rd + U.S. 31 Comfortcentertc.com
OCEAN
Capel Rug Wanderer
$1199 for a 7’ x 9’ rectangular
Special Order Golden Fowler Home Furnishings, TC Goldenfowler.com
ISLANDS
Pillow Libeco Linen $238
Ella’s, Front St. TC Swingbyellas.com
SURF
Uttermost Swivel Chair $2199
Golden Fowler Home Furnishings, TC Goldenfowler.com
COAST
French Dresser $2000
Antiquities of Grand Traverse Warehouse, TC Antiquitieswarehousetc.com
Angela Goodall
Company’s Coming
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.
Traverse City residents—and visitors from around the world—can attest that there’s nothing like M-22, a road so popular and beloved that it appears on stickers, shirts, and more.
The only thing better than cruising this highway and relishing all it has to offer is living on it. The lucky few who can call M-22 home enjoy the stunning, crystalline waters of the bay, a gateway to some of the most desirable destinations in the state, and endless beautiful days. For one couple, their dreams of lakeside living came true, complete with a private, sandy beach and a home that would soon become their custom getaway.
The pair are Michigan natives who called California home for years but decided to return to the Great Lakes State in 2019. “We were drawn to Traverse City because it’s a beautiful town, and there is great people and great food here,” one of the homeowners shares. To establish a vacation home with the intention of retiring there, the couple landed on a well-kept home on the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. The 1978 brick ranch offered them plenty of space and had a walkout basement that led directly to the lake.
Written by Hannah Ryder
Unfortunately, the home was not one they envisioned for the long term—without a recent renovation, the home showed its age. Every room seemed sequestered off from others, not allowing easy flow of foot traffic, nor was the layout maximizing views of the bay. But there was potential, and to help realize that potential, the pair would have to gut the inside and embark on a custom remodel. “I wanted to see the bay and see the sunrises with a cup of coffee.” And that’s exactly what they got.
“Furnishings and appliances in muted grays and whites make the open floor plan of the living room and kitchen feel enormous and incredibly chic.”
The finished product is something out of a magazine with clean lines, minimalistic vibes, and the most windows possible to let in the light and allow guests the best views in the region. Furnishings and appliances in muted grays and whites make the open floor plan of the living room and kitchen feel enormous and incredibly chic. Texture, thoughtfully placed in the marble of the island countertop and as a unique gradated backsplash, doesn’t detract from the star of the show: the lake. Three bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths provide enough space for the two, one dog, a college-aged daughter, and a revolving door of guests throughout the year. It also moved up their timeline—the pair now live in the house full-time instead of saving it for retirement after they realized their remote work allowed them freedom to move up north. Why not work in a place as gorgeous as this?
A raised wooden bar covers half of the marble island; sumptuous leather seating provides a perch for a quick breakfast or watching as dinner comes together. Meals are an easy feat here—the Wolf range and dual ovens and a stocked French door refrigerator provides enough space to whip up delectable dishes. After dinner, a bottle of wine is at hand in the wine refrigerator, cooled to perfection. To enjoy some of the best summer nights the region has to offer, the pair and their guests can relax on the upstairs deck that allows bird’s eye views as the night concludes.
The home’s clean, regal aesthetic continues into the bedrooms and bathrooms, where white walls are offset with dark cabinets and accentuated by stainless steel hardware. Strips of tile, continuing the theme of blues and grays, streak through the shower.
Glass and wood play main roles in the theatre of the home, the shining star of which are the floating stairs that connect the main and upper levels. The cutout of the stairwell is all window, allowing endless light. It feels almost futuristic and yet so timeless to blend polished wood and rigid glass and steel, and the final product is nothing short of breathtaking.
“Glass and wood play the main roles in the theatre of the home, the shining star of which are the floating stairs that connect the main and upper levels.”
SOUTHERN ATTITUDE WITH NORTHERN LATITUDE
ACCEPT MY INVITATION TO DESIGN YOUR DREAM INTERIOR SPACES WITH ME!
Laura Millar - Owner, Interior Designer Savannah College of Art & Design
FURNITURE | ART | GIFTS | RUGS | UPHOLSTERY
“They perfectly, mathematically mirror the Mackinac Bridge grates”
Upstairs,
the space mimics the main level on a smaller scale, with a kitchenette and plush furniture for relaxing, but a few additional features make this space the ultimate entertaining hangout. A pool table sits at the ready, adjacent to a wine room that provides warmth with its rich wood tones and small bar for preparing beverages. Like the lower level, windows let as much natural light as possible, mingling with the stark white walls to make the room feel like an endless oasis. Hidden details blend in seamlessly, especially the slots in the wine room that hold the bottles: “They perfectly, mathematically mirror the Mackinac Bridge grates!” the homeowner dishes. “The chief engineer is a Michigan Tech grad like us, so we reached out to her, and she helped us with the math.” The result is a hidden gem and nod to one of Michigan’s most recognizable features.
The home may seem understated at first glance, but that’s the magic of the design and decoration. The use of stainless steel, most notably in the cabinetry hardware, and the inclusion of glass from the staircase to the light fixtures allows the home to take a back seat to the lake but is not outdone by it.
www.lindaschaub.com 231-642-0342
240 FEET OF PRIVATE SANDY LAKE MICHIGAN frontage and 180 feet shared frontage on North Lake Leelanau. Sitting high and proud with breathtaking water views of Lake Michigan. Walk the Sandy beaches of Lake Michigan or take advantage of North Lake Leelanau and enjoy the opportunity for boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and much more. Tranquility, beauty & private oasis are just a few words to describe this home & setting with over 3,500 sq. ft. of living space 5 Bedrooms 3.5 baths. Only a short drive to downtown Leland and close proximity to all of Leelanau County amenities. $2,200,000 (1916813)
114’ PRIVATE S LAKE LEELANAU Prime location, stunning craftsmanship, breathtaking water views. Have it all including 114 feet of private sandy S Lake Leelanau frontage. Home is filled with natural lighting taking full advantage of evening panoramic sunsets over Lake Leelanau. Home offers a warm contemporary design. Completely remodeled primary suite. 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths. Located on quiet Lakeview Road and known to be a very special location on Lake Leelanau, only a short drive to Downtown Traverse City and only minutes to “Tart Trail” allows access to walk, run or ride bikes to Sutton’s Bay and North or to Traverse City and beyond. $3,295,000. (1921824)
240 FEET OF PRIVATE SANDY LAKE MICHIGAN frontage and 180 feet shared frontage on North Lake Leelanau. Sitting high and proud with breathtaking water views of Lake Michigan. Walk the Sandy beaches of Lake Michigan or take advantage of North Lake Leelanau and enjoy the opportunity for boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and much more. Tranquility, beauty & private oasis are just a few words to describe this home & setting with over 3,500 sq. ft. of living space 5 Bedrooms 3.5 baths. Only a short drive to downtown Leland and close proximity to all of Leelanau County amenities. $2,200,000 (1916813)
To get even closer to the lake, a spacious deck made of composite decking to save bare feet from splinters allows enough space to stretch out. When the heat gets to be a bit too much, a small sitting area below the deck provides some shade. If relaxing isn’t on the agenda, there’s nearly 140 feet of private, sandy beach that stretches for what feels like miles, begging for guests to dig their toes in and stay awhile. And no beach day could go without a boat waiting patiently at the end of the dock. For a calmer ride, a small fleet of kayaks and paddleboards stand at the ready.
“Nearly 140 feet of sandy beach beckon and slope gently down to the main attraction: the beautiful bay.”
“‘Working in conjunction with Ben and Paige was amazing,’ the homeowner says.”
Cornwell
Architects and Paul Maurer General Contracting were called in to bring the home into its next phase of life. “Once we found [Cornwell Architects], they recommended Ben [Maurer, owner of Paul Mauer General Contracting].” The pair also enlisted the help of Paige Maurer of Paige Lee Interiors, who served as the interior decorator and kept the couple, who were still in California during construction, apprised of the remodel as it unfolded. “Working in conjunction with Ben and Paige was amazing,” the homeowner says.
With summer now in full swing, the home is fully transformed into the contemporary beachside getaway the pair always knew it to be, with space for plenty of space for guests, endless summer days on the water, and all that Northern Michigan has to offer. It’s safe to say they’re some of the lucky few truly living the dream.
817 BAY STREET
THEN Darrow’s IGA Grocery Store, Circa 1900 817
• Beautifully wooded, rolling hills, estate size lots 2 to 5 acres
• Cleared site, ready to build, spectacular views
• Private blacktop road
• Electric, cable/highspeed internet, natural gas
• Bring your RV, seasonal camping permitted!
• Storage building, horses allowed
• Easy drive to downtown Traverse City
• Close to stores, banks, post office, gas stations, and schools Starting at $119,900
• Beautifully wooded 5-acre estate-size lots with rolling hills
• Surrounded by thousands of acres of State Land!
• Maintained paved private road with electric, high-speed internet
• RV camping and storage building is permitted!
• Direct access to recreation trails, just minutes to Elk Lake or Guernsey Lake
• Easy commute to Traverse City
• Short drive to Turtle Creek Casino, Grand Traverse Golf Resort, and Meijer store in Acme
at $174,900
Todd Reed
Every chair comes in two sizes for personalized comfort!
Experience the comfort and design excellence
Norwegians have enjoyed for over 70 years, available in Northern Michigan only at...