Great Trips Magazine - July/August 2015 - Petoskey, Michigan

PUBLISHER & CEO Mark E. Dollan PHOTOGRAPHER Mark E. Dollan

Discover Fun Things to See and Do in Northern Michigan Great Trips Magazine is a digital travel magazine for Northern Michigan that you can access from your smart phone, tablet, or your laptop. Each new issue is delivered directly to your e-mail, so you can take it with you. Subscribe today to get all the best information and travel tips about your favorite locations like: Traverse City, Petoskey, Mackinac Island, Charlevoix, Gaylord, Harbor Springs, Mackinaw City, Boyne City, Alpena, Cheboygan, Rogers City, the Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace, and the rest of Northern Michigan. Subscribe for free at www.GreatTripsMagazine.com Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatTripsMagazine Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/greattripsmag/ Follow us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/greattripsmagaz/ ADVERTISING: For information about advertising in the next issue of Great Trips Magazine, or on our website, contact advertising@greattripsmag.com EDITORIAL questions or concerns should be addressed to editor@greattripsmag.com SUBSCRIBE to Great Trips Magazine for free and get the next issue sent to you by e-mail by visiting our website at www.GreatTripsMagazine.com.

ARTICLES BY Mark E. Dollan LAYOUT & DESIGN Mark E. Dollan ON THE COVER A sculpture of Chief Ignatius Petoskey, whom the City of Petoskey is named for, looks out over Little Traverse Bay. Photo by Sinister Rose LLC. MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS www.GreatTripsMagazine.com DISCLAIMER Although we have made every effort to ensure that the information in this issue was correct before publication, Great Trips Magazine LLC and the publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE Copyright ©2015 Great Trips Magazine LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Beach at Magnus Park in Petoskey off Lake St 4

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The Petoskey Clock Tower, located at Bayfront Park.

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Waterfall on the Bear River near downtown Petoskey

FROM THE PUBLISHER

North Up

Up North. Just saying those words brings back memories of fun-filled summers spent enjoying the forests and lakes of this beautiful part of Michigan. The distinctive smell of damp pine needles. The glistening waters of the lakes. Historic towns and country fairs. All of these things made the long drive from down state worthwhile every time. And they became warm memories of summer that sustained the soul during the cold winter months.

Fishing near Bellaire as a child.

From a very young age, Northern Michigan was my summer home.

Although I was born and raised down state, I spent many summers in Michigan's northern lower peninsula.

From visiting family in Gaylord, to staying with grandparents in Bellaire, fairs in Traverse City, fishing on Intermediate Lake, the list goes on and on. Later, as an adult, those trips started to include things like exploring the unspoiled, natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula and yearly visits to Mackinac Island.

Every trip north made me fall a little more in love with this part of the great state of Michigan.

And that love continued to grow as I got older, eventually turning into a dream to one day live up north near the shores of Lake Michigan. Then, a few years ago, an unexpected opportunity gave me the chance to fulfill that dream.

And it is because of this love for Northern Michigan that my wife and I decided to start Great Trips Magazine. With this publication, we hope to share with you all of the beautiful things to see and do up north. And hopefully, you will discover new places to explore and enjoy in our great state.

The downtown entrance to Petoskey’s Bayfront Park

For this first issue, we chose to feature the beautiful resort town of Petoskey.

Located on the shore of Little Traverse Bay, the City of Petoskey is a real treasure you have to experience to fully appreciate. People who have never visited Petoskey are amazed at the beauty of the city itself and its surroundings. And with its central location, it's easy to get to many popular places from here. Mackinaw Island, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Boyne Mountain, Traverse City, and even the Upper Peninsula are all just short car rides from Petoskey.

The downtown gaslight district is a vibrant community of stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. With tree-lined streets, gentle hills, historic buildings, and friendly people, it's a place that makes you feel so welcome you want to stay all day. Plus, the history of the town, its rich Odawa heritage, and connection to author Ernest Hemmingway makes it a place well worth exploring.

But the treasures of Petoskey do not stop with the downtown area.

Well-groomed parks, natural forests, and sand dunes add to the beauty of the town. Rolling hills and valleys create “postcard” views everywhere you look. Signature golf courses, luxurious resorts, historic hotels, a 144 slip marina, fine dining, and numerous events provide something for everyone who visits. In the winter, there are lots of opportunities for downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Plus, the world-class musical performances at Bay View Association are second to none.

In my opinion, Petoskey is one of the best kept secrets Northern Michigan has to offer. If you have never visited this beautiful city and the surrounding area, come check it out as soon as you can. You will be amazed at all you have been missing.

Have a Great Trip!

So, I would like to welcome you to our very first issue of Great Trips Magazine!

Mark E. Dollan Publisher & CEO Great Trips Magazine

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The view of Little Traverse Bay from Petoskey’s East Park.

contents

G R E AT T R I P S M AG A Z I N E – J U LY/AU GUS T 2 015

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FEATURED HOTEL Gingerbread House B&B

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FURRY FRIENDS Pet-Friendly Places in Petoskey

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FEATURED ARTIST Katie Brines

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FEATURED SHOP Ward & Eis Gallery

LOCAL GUIDE Petoskey Area Beaches

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GREAT OUTDOORS Bear River Valley Recreation Area

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LOCAL FAVORITE Symons General Store

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LOCAL EVENTS What’s happening around town

HISTORY Crooked Trees

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NEAT STUFF NEARBY Tunnel of Trees

MARY GRULER, INNKEEPER THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE B&B

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O U R J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 15 F E AT U R E D H O T E L

FEATURED HOTEL CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

“Most impulsive thing I ever did in my life.”

How one woman's passion for taking care of people turned into a career as an innkeeper.

From the moment you step into the Gingerbread House Bed & Breakfast, the cozy atmosphere of the place is only surpassed by the kindness of the woman standing there to greet you. Mary Gruler, the innkeeper, is an absolutely lovely lady who has owned the B&B for the last 28 years. Her warm, welcoming manner invites you into the house as her smile lights up the room. In fact, it seems like she was always meant to be an innkeeper. But owning a B&B was not something she planned.

Before owning the Gingerbread House, Mary hadn't even stayed at a B&B. Her career as a nurse had lead her to teaching nursing at a community college. Meanwhile, her daughter knew the family who owned the Gingerbread House at that time, and learned that they were planning to sell it. When Mary's daughter talked to her about buying the B&B, she wasn't keen on the idea at first. But her daughter insisted she at least talk to the Realtor, which she did. And the Realtor informed her that it had already sold.

And then opportunity…or destiny…came knocking.

Three weeks later, Mary got a call from the Realtor who had been trying to reach her.

The house was for sale again because the previous deal had fallen through. So Mary started seriously thinking about the idea. She knew the house would need some repair and renovation. But she had a sister living in California who was willing to move back to Michigan to help her. “I had never stayed at a B&B. But I had taken care of people all my life as a nurse, and I thought this ought to be a breeze by comparison,” Mary says with a chuckle. And so she decided to dive in, and purchased the Gingerbread House B&B. According to Mary, “It was the most impulsive thing I ever did in my life. But it just seemed like I should do this.” The house needed work, as many of the cottages in Bay View did at the time. “But it's been fun. And I've got one couple who started that first year who still come back every year,” she says.

The house itself has been around for quite a while. It was a rooming house as far back as 1881, with 6 rooms upstairs and 2 downstairs, and is part of Bay View which is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Years later, the rooms upstairs were converted into studio apartments. And after Mary bought it, she did many carefully planned renovations to bring out the full beauty of the house and make it as comfortable as possible for her guests. The Gingerbread House B&B now has 4 rooms, and each one has a view of the waters of Little Traverse Bay.

Continued on page 18…

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The Gingerbread House B&B: the house itself has been around for quite a while. It was a rooming house as far back as 1881. Today, it offers modern conveniences like wireless Internet access.

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FEATURED HOTEL Continued from page 14…

Mary started running the B&B before retiring from her teaching job at the college. Since she had time off in the summer months from her teaching job, and the natural busy time for the B&B is in the summer, it was a good transition for her. After a few years, her sister also retired from her job, moved her family back to Michigan, and helped Mary run the B&B for the next 18 years.

“It's been a good thing, and I've enjoyed it,” Mary says about her years at the Gingerbread House. “It's fun. You meet other people. It's just an ideal thing really, to bring people together, and everyone in the world today needs that more than ever.” She goes on to say that she sees what she does as a service, to provide people a break from the stress of their jobs and our modern, work-centric lifestyle. “Caregiving is what it is about,” she says.

Today, Mary is a very involved innkeeper and loves her work. She doesn't take credit cards online or use a reservation service, because she wants to talk to people and be able to answer their questions personally. In fact, she doesn't just listen for suggestions from her guests, she actively seeks their input on how to make the house more comfortable for their needs. “You learn to do a lot of different things too,” Mary says as she talks about details of running the B&B–like fixing a toilet herself when a handyman wasn't available.

“It's a labor of love, but it's fun keeping it up too.”

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FEATURED HOTEL Mary's involvement as an innkeeper doesn't stop with fixing broken toilets, or the dayto-day tasks of running a B&B. She has a real passion for helping people get the most out of their visit to the Petoskey area, and has a wealth of knowledge about the local area, attractions and events. She frequently asks her guests what kind of activities they are interested in, so she can share ideas and suggestions with them to make their stay more pleasant and memorable.

And clearly, her guests appreciate her efforts.

Most guests at the Gingerbread House come back year after year, and even "claim" one of Mary's 4 rooms as their own. One woman who stayed there dragged her reluctant husband along with her, and he liked it so much that their family has stayed at the Gingerbread House every year for the past 20 years. Another guest asked Mary, “Who will be staying in my room after I leave?”

In fact, guests at the Gingerbread House typically enjoy their stay so much, they book their next visit months before the B&B opens for the season.

“

It's been a good thing, and I've enjoyed it. It's fun. You meet other people. It's just an ideal thing really, to bring people together, and everyone in the world today needs that more than ever.

MARY GRULER, INNKEEPER THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE B&B

”

But one of Mary's favorite parts of running the Gingerbread House is the conversation around the breakfast table in the morning.

“Everybody eats together, but they don't have to talk if they don't want to,” she says. And with a smile on her face she talks about how much she enjoys hearing each guest talk about where they went the day before, or where they had dinner the previous night.

And as she talks, you can see from the sparkle in her eye that she loves each of her guests as much as they love her. She goes on to say, “The most important thing is you have to be sensitive to people. Take them for who they are and what they want.”

All guests at the Gingerbread House have full access to all of the activities, amenities and programs at Bay View, including use of

the tennis courts, beach, memorial garden, waterfront walkway, and can enjoy the fun of Petoskey stone hunting on Little Traverse Bay. There is no TV at the Gingerbread House, but Mary does have wireless Internet access available for all her guests to use.

For visitors who have never been to the Petoskey area, Mary likes to talk to them in the early stages of planning their trip. Many people make reservations in other places, like on Mackinac Island, without realizing how central Petoskey is to everything they want to do. As Mary puts it, "This is such a central place to go from. I mean, 35 miles to Mackinac Island, 8 miles to Harbor Springs, 18 miles to Charlevoix, and people do go in one direction or another from here." The central location of Petoskey combined with easy accessibility to fine dining, walking paths, biking trails, beaches, art galleries, and the amazing musical performances available at Bay View make staying here an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy all that Northern Michigan has to offer.

But Mary's favorite part about living in Petoskey is the water. Enjoying the views of Little Traverse Bay is something she really loves, and something she really missed when she spent some time in Arizona. “I tell you, I have a new appreciation for the water, because every time it said ‘river’ and I looked down, there wasn't a drop,” she says.

“Although I don't go in the water that much, I know it's there, I can see it, and it makes a difference!” And with Mary's love of the water, it's no surprise that there is a clear view of Little Traverse bay from the large front porch as well as all the rooms.

The Gingerbread House is open from early June through mid-October each year, with July and August being the busiest months (especially on weekends). Rooms are often booked for the season as early as April, so Mary's advice is to make a reservation as early as possible.

She can be reached at (231) 347-3538 or via her website www.gingerbreadbb.com.

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Beaches YOUR GUIDE TO

OF THE GREATER PETOSKEY AREA

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s e v a W Sun, Sand and

Tired of fighting for a small patch of sand on an over-crowded beach?

Looking for a sandy lake shore to take your dog swimming? This handy guide will help you find the perfect Petoskey area beach for you.

PETOSKEY AREA BEACHES CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

One of the most popular destinations for people visiting Petoskey is the beach at Petoskey State Park. This sprawling, one-mile-long, sandy beach is located right on Little Traverse Bay, and has several sand dunes to enjoy. It is a perfect location to witness one of Petoskey's “million dollar sunsets,” or just spend a day relaxing. And because of its location, it's no wonder people flock to this beach for a day of swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, sun bathing, or just some fun in the sun.

But the beach at Petoskey State Park also happens to be one of the busiest in Northern Michigan.

That's great news for people who love to mingle with other beach-goers. But for people who prefer a quieter, more intimate beach experience, Petoskey State Park may feel a little too crowded. And with that in mind, we have prepared a list of some of the many beaches in the greater Petoskey area. This list should help you find a beach that is perfect for you.

Thankfully, Petoskey and the surrounding area is full of beaches that are great for a relaxing day on the sand or in the water. Some of these beaches are located on the shores of Lake Michigan, some are on inland lakes, and some of them are even pet friendly.

As you explore these beaches, please be aware that there may be no lifeguard on duty at some of them.

Also, be extra careful swimming in the waters of Lake Michigan. Rip currents do occur along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and can drag you out into deep water. So be smart, use caution, and be aware of your surroundings so your time at the beach will be fun, safe, and full of happy memories.

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PETOSKEY STATE PARK BEACH 1 mile long sand dune beach located off of M-119 between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.

2475 M-119 • Petoskey, MI 49770

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BAYFRONT PARK BEACH Sand beach at the end of Wachtel Avenue, next to the Petoskey Pier Light and the Municipal Marina at Bayfront Park (off of Lake Street).

101 E Lake St • Petoskey, MI 49770

MT McSAUBA BEACH Expansive, dog-friendly, sand dune beach on Lake Michigan at the intersection of Pleasant St and Mt McSauba Rd in Charlevoix.

09223 McSauba Road • Pleasant St • Charlevoix, MI 49720

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ZOLL STREET BEACH A small, dog-friendly, sand beach in Harbor Springs at the end of Zoll Street.

On Zoll St near Beach Drive Harbor Springs, MI 49740

MAGNUS PARK BEACH A small rocky beach at the west end of Lake Street, next to the Little Traverse Wheelway in Petoskey.

901 West Lake Street • Petoskey, MI 49770

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MICHIGAN BEACH PARK Sandy beach on the shore of Lake Michigan next to the Charlevoix South Pier Light Station.

96 N Grant St • Charlevoix, MI 49720

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PETOSKEY AREA BEACHES

More beaches near Petoskey: CAMP PETOSEGA BEACH MIDDLE VILLAGE BEACH Sand beach on the shore of Lake Michigan next to St. Ignatius Church, approximately 1 mile south of the Good Hart General Store.

S. Lamkin Rd • Good Hart, MI

Sand beach on the shore of Pickerel Lake, located approximately 22 minutes east of Downtown Petoskey.

11000 Camp Petosega Road • Petoskey, MI 49770

WALLOON LAKE BEACH A small, sandy beach on Walloon Lake, across the street from Melrose Township Park on M-75 in the village of Walloon Lake.

Melrose Township Park • Boyne City, MI 49712 YOUNG'S STATE PARK BEACH Beautiful sand beach on Lake Charlevoix just outside Boyne City on Boyne City Rd (C-56).

02280 Boyne City Road • Boyne City, MI 49712 FISHERMAN'S ISLAND STATE PARK BEACH Located just south of Charlevoix, Fisherman's Island State Park has 5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, a portion of which is a sand dune beach.

16480 Bells Bay Rd • Charlevoix, MI 49720 BURT LAKE STATE PARK A small beach on the shore of Burt Lake off of M-68 in Indian River.

6635 State Park Drive • Indian River, MI 49749 ZORN PARK A lovely, small beach on Bay Street next to The Depot Club on the shore of Little Traverse Bay. 151 West Bay Street • Harbor Springs, MI 49740 LITTLE TRAVERSE TOWNSHIP PARK A very small beach on Crooked Lake right on US-31 just north of Petoskey.

US-31 • Oden, MI

These are just a few of the beautiful, sandy beaches the Petoskey area has to offer. There are many more waiting for you. So go exploring, have some fun, and enjoy the sun, sand and waves of the Petoskey Area!

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FEATURED ARTIST CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

Katie Brines L A R G E R

There are people who struggle to find their purpose in life. Folks who spend the better part of adulthood trying to decide what they want to be when they “grow up.”

Artist Katie Brines is not one of those people.

Originally from Petoskey, Katie knew she wanted to be an artist since she was a very young girl. “I always knew. Because, I think, I just was always drawn to it. I remember being in third grade and it being, like you

T H A N

was time for a change. “I felt like I was missing out on a well-rounded education there, because it was all art classes there. Or they offered like 'math for artists' and it just wasn't challenging. So then I transitioned to Aquinas College so I could take a bunch of other classes, and that's always, like, what inspires me most is like learning about something else,” she says.

After college, Katie moved to Vermont to work in an artist and writer's residency program, before moving back home to Petoskey where she has resided for the past five years.

Today, Katie spends her time painting, walking through nature with her dogs for inspiration, teaching workshops, and running the popup shop she owns with her business partner in downtown Petoskey.

L I F E

these are landscapes, but not in the traditional, representational sense that you see all around.

They are just my kind of impression of it,” she says. On her website, she goes on to say, “Nature is my point of departure, where process, form, and color interact to create an

“

I have long arms, so that’s why I like to work big, because I like to make a brush stroke that’s like, you know, my full arm movement.

I paint very quickly, very energetically I would say.

KATIE BRINES, ARTIST

PART-OWNER @ LIMITED EDITION

Katie Brines' oil on canvas painting "Epoch" (24" x 24")

know, a rainy day and we had to stay inside.

And I would be drawing people's portraits in the corner. So it was just always something I was really drawn to,” she says with a chuckle.

Nothing else felt natural or comfortable to her.

In high school, Katie continued her artistic pursuits, building her portfolio and preparing to apply to art school after graduation. After high school, she began her college education at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. But after a year at Kendall, Katie felt it

As a painter, Katie is passionate about her work, and likes to work big. “I have long arms, so that's why I like to work big, because I like to make a brush stroke that's like, you know, my full arm movement,” she says. She also likes to build up her paintings layer by layer, scratching into things, scraping away, and adding layers of texture and color until she is satisfied with the result. About her creative process, Katie says, “I paint very quickly, very energetically I would say. So I'll probably go in the studio for, you know, hour-and-a-half time periods and work a little on every piece.” She also takes time to step back regularly and view her work with a critical eye throughout the process. “A lot of it for me is just stepping back and looking at things, and kind of letting the painting be what it wants to be. It's constantly working, stepping away, looking,” she says.

Some pieces take a month of work or more before she is satisfied with the result.

Katie actively works on around 10 to 20 paintings at a time. And each one is as unique as the natural environment that inspired it. “To me,

”

evocative language of abstraction. By adding, subtracting and scraping into paint I build a series of paintings comprised of many layers over time. As I work on these groupings I take daily walks in the woods or along the shores of Lake Michigan. This routine allows me to take in the landscape, changing seasons, or perhaps hone in on the singular workings of a plant. Each small interaction with nature serves as my inspiration as I think about balance, disruption, stillness, activity, the present and the future.”

Drawing inspiration from many sources, Katie's work is influenced by artists from the 40s-60s, and individual artists like Joan Mitchell. She is also inspired by other forms of art, science, environmental studies, travel, and objects she collects. But her greatest source of inspiration is nature. “I take lots of walks every day with my dogs, and I will look at the landscape as a whole. Get, like, a large Continued on page 35…

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KATIE BRINES

LOCAL ARTIST

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Besides painting and teaching workshops in the local community, Katie also owns a little “pop-up” shop called “Limited Edition” with her business partner Kristen Koehler.

It is a gallery, creative space, and artistic community located on Mitchell Street in downtown Petoskey, and features the work of 20-25 emerging local artists.

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FEATURED ARTIST Continued from page 30…

perspective on it. Or I will hone in on just the workings of like a plant or a leaf or something like that,” Katie says. And she is constantly thinking about her next series of work.

One of her favorite things about living in Petoskey is the changing of the seasons, and the variety of inspiration that the changing seasons provide.

Katie Brines' oil on canvas painting “Sunflowers Revenge” (24" x 24")

Besides painting and teaching workshops in the local community, Katie also owns a little “pop-up” shop called “Limited Edition” with her business partner Kristen Koehler.

It is a gallery, creative space, and artistic community located on Mitchell Street in downtown Petoskey, and features the work of 20-25 emerging local artists.

Open from June to September, Limited Edition was born from a desire to build a local creative community, including younger artists and those who didn't necessarily fit in elsewhere. They host regular life drawing sessions every Thursday night at 7pm (open to the public), as well as workshops and speaker series for professional development.

Limited Edition also features art, jewelry, and other goods made by Michigan artists, writers, and makers.

One of the things Katie loves most about having a shop downtown is the community atmosphere and camaraderie shared by the businesses that surround her. About her neighboring business owners, Katie said, “When we moved in, they were like 'welcome to the neighborhood!' Like, everyone came over and introduced themselves before I even had a chance to go over an introduce myself. I love the little 'Upper Mitchell Street' community. It's been fun!”

Katie loves to answer questions about her work, and feels that there is no such thing as a “bad” question. She invites people to stop by Limited Edition and say hello. In addition to the pieces in her shop, a portfolio of her work is available for viewing on her website KatieBrines.com. And more information about her shop, Limited Edition, and the events there can be found at LimitedEditionPetoskey.com.

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“Blood Red Bedrock” Limited edition, fine art photograph by Sinister Rose

FINE ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

www.SinisterRose.com facebook.com/sinisterrose

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

A section of the whitewater course on the Bear River in Petoskey.

Whitewater

Wilderness Escape

If you spend time researching the history of Petoskey, you'll quickly discover that until 1873 Petoskey was known as Bear River, Michigan. This deep connection between the town and the river that cuts through the middle of it has stood the test of time. In past years, paper mills, dams and settlements have connected the local population to the Bear River. And in recent years, the City of Petoskey has made efforts to improve and restore the river that gave the town life.

Starting at Walloon Lake, the river is approximately 15 miles long and empties into Little Traverse Bay. And as it passes through the city of Petoskey, a little over a mile of the river is now designated as the Bear River Valley Recreation Area.

beautiful valley that you almost forget you are in the middle of town. Walking, fishing, picnics, hiking, cross-country skiing, birding, canoeing, photography, biking, and kayaking are just a few of the activities you can enjoy.

The beauty of the Bear River Recreation Area is in its recreational variety and natural beauty. Much of the park is undeveloped land. There are so many recreational opportunities to enjoy in this

For example, if you are a walking, hiking, or biking enthusiast, there are miles of paved paths and unpaved trails to enjoy.

The Bear River Valley Recreation Area is also part of the North Country National Continued on page 41…

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Walking paths and unpaved trails, (like this one) abound in the Bear River Valley Recreation Area.

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One of the pedestrian bridges over the Bear River

One of the drops on the Bear River Whitewater Course 40

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

The Bear River in Petoskey

Continued from page 38…

Scenic Trail that runs from New York to North Dakota. This national trail passes through the length of the Bear River Valley Recreation Area. For more information on the North Country Trail, including trail maps, check them out online.

For those interested in a relaxing stroll along the river, there are many street-side parking areas, and access points, to the paved walking paths that wind along the river's edge. This is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the river, open grassy areas, and natural forest. In fact, the open grassy areas and available shelters are a great place for group outings, family reunions, etc. They provide a wonderful location for a picnic and some family fun right in the heart of Petoskey. Restrooms and pet waste stations are also available.

The City of Petoskey has put a lot of work into the restoration, improvement, and maintenance of the Bear River Valley Recreation area, and it shows. According to the City's website, over $2 million dollars went into the improvements to the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, including the whitewater course. Many people consider this 1/4 mile whitewater course the centerpiece of the Bear River Valley Recreation Area since it is the only one of its kind in Northern Lower Michigan.

This section of the Bear River drops approximately 80 feet, and depending on the season and rainfall, can range from Class 1 to Class 3 or 4 rapids. In fact, there are several signs along the river warning adventure seekers to use caution, the right equipment, and training when they are paddling in the river.

For those looking to learn the art of whitewater paddling, or enjoy events on the Bear River, check out the Northern Michigan Paddling Club.

Once you're in the river, the town seems to disappear. The steep, wooded bluffs on both sides of the Bear River give you the feeling of being in a natural gorge in the wilderness.

Combine that with the large rocks on both sides of the river and natural plant life, and it's easy to forget you're in the middle of a bustling resort town. That's one of the beautiful things about the Bear River Valley Recreation Area; you can escape to nature, enjoy the Bear River, and still be within walking distance of the beautiful city of Petoskey. Whitewater rafters, kayakers, and those looking for a relaxing canoe trip will find several points of entry to the river. Just make sure you exit the river in an appropriate area for your skill level.

The Bear River Valley Recreation Area is a great place to have an adventure alone, with family and friends, or with your favorite furry friend. There are main entrances on both ends of the park off of Lake Street and another off of Sheridan Street. But there are also many other small parking areas and access points on various side streets surrounding the park. For more information about the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, check out the City of Petoskey's website.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

Ward & Eis Gallery The Road Less Traveled...

Located on Lake Street, in Petoskey's downtown gaslight district, Ward & Eis Gallery is a small shop with a big heart.

Owners Don Ward & Jennifer Eis have carefully, and intentionally, built their business to be an extension of the way they live. And in doing so, have created a thriving, non-traditional business that enhances their lives instead of enslaving them.

Born of a desire for a simple, uncomplicated yet fulfilling lifestyle, Don & Jennifer created Ward & Eis Gallery after careers and life experiences that taught them the value of living life “on purpose.” Experiences in teaching, administration, counseling, and their involvement in life-changing experiences like the Civil Rights Movement, caused them to re-evaluate the direction they were headed. The things they had seen and experienced during those years made them realize that life is too precious to be wasted on the mundane.

The authors of a very successful book on non-traditional education, Don & Jennifer used that success as a springboard to a new path more inline with their values and dreams.

The decision to leave the comfort and security of their university jobs was not an easy one. But, they chose to embark on a journey of blazing their own trail in life; discovering wisdom and learning from those willing to share their knowledge along the way. The result was a new outlook, and a business that is based on the values Don & Jennifer honor in their personal lives. And choosing to put their own names over the door keeps them accountable to those values in everything that they do.

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Their retail business, Ward & Eis Gallery, offers quality leather goods, art, jewelry and gifts created by many artists nationwide. And the relationships they have forged over the years with different native artists, elders and craftspeople provides them with many unique pieces for the gallery. These friendships have also taught them to focus on having a beautiful body, mind, and spirit instead of chasing wealth, admiration, or fame.

Don Ward & Jennifer Eis

That philosophy, combined with their personal values and dreams, has shaped Ward & Eis Gallery into a very non-traditional business by society's standards. For example, there is no website for Ward & Eis Gallery. No computerized inventory system. No eCommerce store. No email. And they do not advertise. Most business owners would say it was impossible for a business to survive in the modern world under such circumstances. But for over 36 years, Don & Jennifer have made it work. Their business is thriving. And they have found that removing these things from their business has released them from the burden of technology, allowing them the freedom for both a fulfilling life and personal development.

Continued on page 44…

.

Continued from page 42…

But, leaving technology behind to forge ahead with their lives is not the only philosophy Don & Jennifer have applied to their business.

“Quality is everything,” Jennifer says. “Quality service, quality product, and quality staff.”

That dedication to quality has also carried over to the quality of their company's relationship with the local community. 2% of their annual sales, plus 20% from their Thanksgiving and Christmas benefits, are donated to local charities that provide basic human services to those in need. This has allowed them to donate a total of $362,000 back to the local community as of 2014.

Ward & Eis Gallery is located at 315 E. Lake Street in downtown Petoskey. For more information about their gallery, and the Native American art and leather goods they offer, call (231) 347-2750. Or better yet, stop by to say hello to Don & Jennifer, and experience the joy of meeting two business owners who truly run their business the way they live their personal lives: with passion and intent.

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is “ Quality everything.

Quality service, quality product, and quality staff.

JENNIFER EIS

WARD & EIS GALLERY

”

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In the Petoskey area, there are parks, beaches, and even stores that allow pets, and welcome them with open arms. The following guide will help you find some great places to enjoy the Petoskey area with your furry friend.

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LITTLE TRAVERSE WHEELWAY

PENNSYLVANIA PARK

BAYFRONT PARK (WEST)

CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

Pet-Friendly Places in the Petoskey Area…

The Petoskey area is full of fun things to see and do. But, what if you want to bring your favorite, four-legged friend along with you?

Where should you go? Are there any places that welcome pets, or do you have to put your furry friend in a boarding kennel?

Thankfully, Petoskey is a very pet friendly town, with many options for pet owners who want to bring their pets with them. And in the greater Petoskey area, there are parks, beaches, and even stores that allow pets, and welcome them with open arms. Dogs, in particular, are a big part of the lifestyle in Petoskey. In fact, efforts are underway

by Ruff Life Pet Outfitters and the Petoskey Lions Club to raise funds for an official dog park in the City of Petoskey.

In the meantime, there are a lot of places you can take your dog with you as you explore the city and surrounding area.

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The downtown, gaslight district of Petoskey is a vibrant community, full of great shopping and dining opportunities…and very petfriendly. It is quite common to see residents and visitors strolling the streets of downtown Petoskey accompanied by their dogs.

The city welcomes dogs, and only has a few simple, common-sense rules.

1. All dogs must be on a leash.

2. Clean up after your dog when it poops, and dispose of it properly.

3. Dogs are not allowed on City of Petoskey swimming beaches. (more on this later) Dogs are so common downtown, that several shops allow, and even welcome, dogs into their stores. Ruff Life Pet Outfitters, Ward & Eis Gallery, Bearcub Outfitters, and Meyer Ace Hardware are a few of the stores that welcome pets. So if you're thinking about heading downtown for some shopping, call

ahead to the stores you plan to visit to see if your pup can come with you.

Right within the downtown area are several parks that are great locations to spend time with your pet. Pennsylvania Park is right in the heart of downtown Petoskey, and Arlington Park is not far away. Further west on Lake Street is Mineral Well Park and the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, which are both great locations to enjoy the Bear River together.

At the west end of Lake Street is Magnus Park. This park has a very large grassy area that allows dogs. It also has great views of Little Traverse Bay. And like Bayfront Park, the Little Traverse Wheelway runs right through Magnus Park as well. One important note: while dogs are welcome in Magnus Park, they are not allowed on the beach there, or in the water.

ZOLL STREET BEACH

WEST PARK

One very popular location for dog owners in Petoskey is Bayfront Park. Located along the waterfront of Little Traverse Bay, it has become an unofficial dog park where people and pets gather to walk, mingle, and enjoy the lake shore together. Bayfront Park is quite expansive, and has large open, grassy areas to enjoy with your pet. The Little Traverse Wheelway walking and biking path also runs through the middle of the park. And visitors also have the opportunity to walk the length of the pier to the Petoskey Pierhead Light, (use caution here because wind and wave conditions on Lake Michigan can make venturing out on the pier dangerous at times).

from Charlevoix all the way through Petoskey to Harbor Springs. Much of the path follows the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay and has great views of the water. It also intersects several parks along the way.

The North Western State Trail (formerly called the Petoskey to Mackinaw Trail) is an old railroad track that has been paved, and is now a walking and biking trail that runs from Petoskey to Mackinaw City. This path starts at Spring Lake Park on M-119 near the intersection of US-31 in Petoskey.

It is another great location for running or walking with your dog.

There are also other locations a short distance from the City of Petoskey that are great places to spend some quality time with your pets. In fact, the nearby village of Good Hart (along the M-119 Tunnel of Trees) was recently named one of the top 50 dog-friendly destinations in the country by Milk-Bone.

For people looking for a peaceful walk through the woods, West Park in Resort Township, (just west of Petoskey off US-31) is a great choice. Walking paths through the woods lead down the hill toward the waters of Little Traverse Bay. At the end of the path, the park opens into a nice grassy area, perfect for a game of fetch, or chasing frisbees.

The Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26 mile, paved, walking and biking path that runs

Mt. McSauba Recreation Area is located on the shore of Lake Michigan, (a short 24

DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY

minute drive from Petoskey) and is a great place to soak up some sun, sand and waves with your dog. Although dogs are not allowed on swimming beaches in the City of Petoskey, Mt McSauba has a very large beach right on Lake Michigan that is a popular place for people to take their dogs and let them play on the beach and in the water. It also features sand dunes and walking paths that are a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Another dog-friendly beach is Zoll Street Park in Harbor Springs. This small, sandy beach is a popular spot for dog owners to bring their pups to play in the water. And like Bayfront Park, it has also become a sort of unofficial dog park for Harbor Springs, where people and pets gather to meet and play.

These are just a few of the pet friendly places in the Petoskey area. There are many more. So the next time you head out to explore Petoskey, take your four-legged best buddy with you!

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HISTORY & HERITAGE CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

CROOKED TREES

What is a “crooked tree,” and why are they so important to the Petoskey area?

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Shortly after I moved to Petoskey, I was standing in line at the supermarket and struck up a conversation with the gentleman next to me. As we were talking, I mentioned where I lived and he responded right away with, “Oh, you live over by the crooked trees.”

Wait. I live by the…what???

Every time I drove through town, I saw signs for businesses that had the words “crooked tree” in them. Crooked Tree Art Center. Crooked Tree Golf Club. Crooked Tree Breadworks. The list goes on, and on. And every sign I saw made me wonder, “What on earth is a 'crooked tree?' Aren't all trees pretty much crooked anyway?” It wasn't until I met a random stranger at the supermarket that I started to learn about this important part of the area's history.

The very first crooked tree…

The history of the crooked trees is an old one, and has great cultural significance to the Odawa. It all started with one huge pine tree on the shore of Lake Michigan that was bent over at the top.

In his book, “History of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan” published in the 1800s, author Andrew J. Blackbird writes about this very first crooked tree.

He said, “The tradition says when the Ottawas first came to that part of the country a great pine tree stood very near the shore where Middle Village now is, whose top was very crooked, almost hooklike.” This was the first crooked tree. It was so large and recognizable, it was visible from the waters of Lake Michigan and was used as a landmark by travelers.

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In the first issue of Essence of Emmet magazine, Eric Hemenway, LTBB Odawa Archive Director, writes: “This tree, thought to be misshaped by spirits, marked the homelands of the Odawa and served as a sign to any traveler on Lake Michigan that you have entered into one of the principal village of the Odawa.

Many tribes from the Great Lakes came to hold councils at Waganakising to discuss war, peace, trade and alliances; upon seeing the great bent tree, they knew they had arrived. But sadly, the tree was cut down and its exact location has become lost to memory.”

Because of the significance of this single tree, the entire area was called Waganakising (“Waw-gaw-naw-ke-zee”).

In his book, Andrew J. Blackbird says, “Therefore the Ottawas called the place ‘Waw-gaw-naw-ke-zee’ — meaning the crooked top of the tree. But by and by the whole coast from Little Traverse to Tehingaw-beng, now Cross Village, became denominated as Waw-gaw-naw-ke-zee.”

Later, in the 1700s when the French came to this area, they also called it “Crooked Tree” or “L'Arbre Croche” in French, (another name you'll see around town).

But the story of the crooked trees does not end there.

Growing a tradition to honor a memory…

The cultural significance of the crooked tree to the Odawa ran so deep, it became an important symbol and took on many meanings. It was used to mark important locations, and served as trail markers.

And as Eric Hemenway writes, it was a tradition the Odawa kept alive by

purposely growing trees in this unique shape. “The Odawa would purposely misshape young maple trees at significant locations within Emmet County. Some can still be seen today, along Old Horton Bay Road near Bay Shore, which is an old Odawa village. These trees were cut down their main-stem at a certain age in their development. The trees would recover but the main trunk would not fully develop.

Instead, large side branches would grow outward, resembling a large hand with its palm up. These trees would be used as trail markers and also to identify significant areas to the Odawa.” He goes on to say that to this day, the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa identify themselves as “Waganakising Odawak” meaning “Land of the Crooked Tree Odawa.”

Where you can see them…

Today, crooked trees still dot the landscape of Emmet County. But the easiest places to see these special trees is on Old Horton Bay Road and on Old US-31 in Bay Shore (just west of Petoskey) which follows the path of an old Odawa trail. In fact, as you drive down Old US-31, between Camp Daggett Rd and Horton Bay Rd, look on the south side of the street and you will see a couple of crooked trees that have been marked with identifying signs.

When visiting these wonderful trees, please be respectful of their history and significance. As the saying goes, “leave only footprints, and take only photographs.” As these trees age or fall victim to nature and insects, they will begin to disappear one by one. So take some time to go see one of these amazing trees, and enjoy the heritage of the crooked trees of the Petoskey area.

A couple of the crooked trees that can be found along the roadside of Old US-31 near Petoskey.

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Unique, gourmet imports and carefully curated local products line the shelves at Symons General Store.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

LOC AL FAVORITE

The General Store EVERY TOWN HAS ONE. NONE OF THEM ARE LIKE THE ONE IN PETOSKEY.

On the corner of Lake and Howard Streets in Petoskey's Gaslight District stands the oldest brick building in the city. Built in 1879, it has seen its fair share of history as the city developed and grew. But as much as this building is a historic treasure to the city, what’s inside the building is a treasure for your palate.

Symons General Store is a gourmet grocer, full service deli, has a renown wine cellar, and is home to Petoskey's original cheese counter. This authentic, old fashioned, general store is a foodie's dream and a visitor's delight. Unique, gourmet imports and carefully curated local products line the shelves, and the staff is always on hand to help with questions or special order items. As Chandler Symons says, “If you need it, we have it. If we don't have it, you probably don't need it.”

He goes on to say that Symons General Store was founded in 1956 by Tom Symons, his father, and the store was originally located at Boyne Mountain. In 1960, Tom opened Symons General Store at its current location on Lake Street in Petoskey. Originally, his focus was importing fine, gourmet items that were hard to find outside of larger cities like New York. Tom would bring in 200 pound wheels of Jarlsberg cheese, and was one of the first to import Toblerone.

Today, visitors to Symons General Store also enjoy their full service deli and bakery. But, the deli and bakery were not always part of the Symons' family business. According to Chandler, it wasn't until the late 1970s or early 80s that Lynne Symons added fresh-made sandwiches, croissants, and bakery items to the gourmet import items that the store was already selling. “I think my dad thought she was crazy,” Chandler says with a chuckle, “But she did it anyway, and it worked out great.” And their customers agree.

Since Tom had been importing cheeses and Usinger’s Meats already, adding the baked goods and making sandwiches and croissants with them was a natural fit. And it was one that caught on quickly. “It was before croissants were everywhere, you know?” Chandler says, “Most people hadn't even heard of them, and Mom was doing, you know, she had probably a dozen different flavors back in the day.” He goes on to say, “When Mom got into the baking thing and then started doing deli, that all took off.”

The bakery and deli that Lynne started back then is still very much an active part of Symons General Store, and so is Lynne herself. “She's the boss,” Chandler says with a smile. “She's involved every day. We have a great relationship. She's an invaluable counselor, she has a great memory, and a great taste for buying.”

need it, we have it. “ IfIf you we don’t have it, you probably don’t need it. ” CHANDLER SYMONS

SYMONS GENERAL STORE

Continued on page 56…

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This authentic, “old fashioned” general store is a foodie’s dream and a visitor’s delight.

LOCAL FAVORITE Continued from page 53…

That family spirit and dedication to customer service is evident throughout their business, and it is something that Chandler Symons is particularly proud of. He says, “You can find gourmet food stuff in the grocery stores today, lots of stores have products. But, do they have the personnel to back it up? If you walk in and ask them, 'how do you use this,’ do they know? Or if you ask for something and they don't have it, can they offer you a substitute, or give you a different idea to accomplish whatever your culinary goal is, or will they special order it for you? We do all those things.”

Having Chandler's restaurant right next to the general store is also a huge benefit, as it gives the staff an additional culinary resource to draw on when assisting customers in the store. “Think of all the culinary people we've got here. We can run downstairs and go 'Hey Chef, somebody's upstairs who wants to make a baked Alaskan and we don't have something, what is a good substitute?' and get a quick answer like 'Oh, you don't need that, you can do it this way.' We just have a lot of people to feed off of for information like that.”

And that's not the only connection between the store and the restaurant. “I like to think of it as the smallest kitchen with the largest walk-in pantry,” Chandler says. “We use the products from the store in the restaurant, and people love it. Same with the cocktail drink mixes in the bar, the candles in the restaurant, and even the soaps in the bathrooms. We sell them in the store.”

Just like the restaurant and store support each other, Chandler loves the community downtown. “It's a great community, you know?

The people that live here, the people that visit here, the people that we're working next door to, I mean, it's just a bunch of really nice people.

And everybody's happy, you know? We just get to be surrounded by really great people, not to mention it's beautiful here.”

For those who have never been to Petoskey, Chandler's advice is, “Get here!” And once you're here, he recommends walking the streets of the gaslight district because the shopping downtown is great, but save it for a rainy day because there are so many great things to see and do in Petoskey. “It's different, you know? A lot of towns, they're just not as pretty as this one,” he says.

For more information on Symons General Store, visit them online at www.SymonsGeneralStore.com, or call them at (231) 347-2438.

Or better yet, stop by, order a sandwich from the deli, and enjoy the atmosphere of this treasure in the heart of downtown Petoskey.

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Symons General Store is the location of Petoskey’s first cheese counter.

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Nearby NE AT S T UFF

Tunnel Trees OF

SCENIC HERITAGE ROUTE

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NEAT STUFF NEARBY

The Tunnel of Trees is a Michigan highway (M-119) that follows a historic path, and runs along the top of a bluff high above the shores of Lake Michigan.

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l e n n Tu rees T OF

NIC SCE

OU ER G ITA R E H

TE

NEAT STUFF NEARBY CLICK HERE TO READ MOBILE-FRIENDLY VERSION

National Geographic named it one of the 300 best drives in America in their book “Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways.” The Discovery Channel designated it one of the “Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America.”

And Indianapolis Monthly calls it “Lake Michigan's Best Road Trip.”

Head north along M-119 from Harbor Springs, and the road transforms from a typical Michigan highway into a scenic paradise. National Geographic named it one of the 300 best drives in America in their book “Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways.” The Discovery Channel designated it one of the “Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America.” And Indianapolis Monthly calls it “Lake Michigan's Best Road Trip.”

All of this attention is focused on the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route; a 20-mile stretch of road that runs from Harbor Springs to Cross Village in northern Michigan.

Good Hart General Store

M-119

One-Room Schoolhouse

But, to call the Tunnel of Trees just a “road” is an insult to the tremendous beauty of this enchanted, scenic drive. Beginning just north of Harbor Springs, the Tunnel of Trees undulates its way along a bluff high above the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Its name is a fitting tribute to the majestic forests that line both sides of the pavement, creating a ceiling of leaves and branches over the roadway. And as you travel its corridor, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan that jump out at you from time to time between the trees.

As beautiful as the scenery is, the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route is also a journey through time. Many points of historic and cultural significance dot the landscape along this important roadway. A one-room schoolhouse, the site of an old Jesuit mission from the 1700s, and important locations marking the centuries-old home of the Odawa people are just a few of the fascinating landmarks along the Tunnel of Trees.

The history of this area is so rich, an effort was made to preserve the route itself. According to publications from the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee and an article in the Petoskey News, the goal was to keep the road true to its original path and layout. What was once a mere animal trail became a path for the indigenous people who lived here for centuries. Later, trappers, loggers, and settlers widened it and used this route as their primary north/south passage through the woods. Today, the M-119 roadway follows its original, historic layout. That is why the road has no shoulders, is more narrow than a standard two-lane road, has Continued on page 69…

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The “Devil’s Elbow” is a hairpin turn in the Tunnel of Trees, and was believed to be the home of spirits that came out after dark

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NEAT STUFF NEARBY Continued from page 65…

no centerline, and has trees growing right next to the pavement in places. And according to the Petoskey News article, the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route is the only Michigan highway permitted to remain this way.

A few of the other points of interest along the Tunnel of Trees are Pond Hill Farm, the Good Hart General Store, the worldfamous Legs Inn, and the infamous Devil's Elbow. And if that name sounds spooky, the legend behind it is just as creepy. There are only 2 hairpin curves along the Tunnel of Trees. One of these, the Devil's Elbow, is rumored to have a history of being a paranormal hotspot. According to the sign that marks the spot, “A flowing spring in this ravine was believed by area Odawa Indian Bands to be the home of spirits who make their presence known in this location during the hours of darkness.”

But the magnet that draws people back to the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route is the scenery. There is so much to see you'll want to drive slow, take your time, and enjoy the view.

In fact, a great way to really enjoy the Tunnel of Trees is to drive it both ways. Head north from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, then drive the Tunnel of Trees back south to Harbor Springs.

The scenery takes on a whole different appearance based on which direction you are traveling, and it allows everyone in the car a chance to enjoy all aspects of this scenic route. And if you travel the Tunnel of Trees at dusk, especially in the fall and winter, you're likely to see quite a few deer near the roadway.

Because of the unique nature of the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route, there are a few very important safety measures to observe when traveling this scenic byway.

First, as mentioned above, the road itself is narrow, has no centerline, and there is no shoulder. So when driving, be especially careful of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.

Be sure to leave enough room for them to pass. Also, be respectful of the local residents and their property. Many of them walk and bicycle along the Tunnel of Trees, and because of the undulating, winding nature of the road, they can be hard to see until you are right on top of them. So drive slowly and carefully, observing the posted speed limit and watching for people, cars, deer, and bicycles that may be in front of you.

Also, because there are no shoulders, there is almost nowhere to pull over and stop along the Tunnel of Trees. And while there are a few areas that have designated turnouts, please avoid parking your car on private property or stopping in the middle of the road to take pictures. Most importantly, there are no gas stations for the entire 20 mile length of the Tunnel of Trees. So fill your tank in Harbor Springs, (in the south) or Cross Village (in the north) before attempting to drive the Tunnel of Trees, to avoid running out of gas. Let's keep everyone safe so we can all enjoy this scenic treasure for years to come.

Even in winter, the Tunnel of Trees is a breathtaking drive.

The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route is one of Northern Michigan's true natural gems. And a sightseeing trip along this amazing highway is an experience you will never forget. Its close proximity to Petoskey makes it an ideal day trip the next time you're in town.

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In many places, the trees grow right up to the edge of the road. And for the entire length of the Tunnel of Trees, there is no centerline and no shoulder.

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Small stream in Bayfront Park in Petoskey

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OCAL EVENT

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Below is a list of some of the events that are happening soon in the Petoskey area. Click on the name of the event for more details...

PETOSKEY June 12 - Sept 25 (Fridays)..................................................................................................... Farmers Market June 16 - Aug 14 (Tues, Wed & Fri).............................................................................Concerts in the Park July 10 - Aug 21 (Fridays)................................................................... Downtown Petoskey Ghost Walk June 18th - Oct 29th.............................................................................................................Food, Wine, Music July 24......................................................................................................Petoskey Rocks! - Murder Mystery July 25-26........................................................................................ 16th Annual Bay Harbor Arts Festival July 30...................................................................................................................... Music on the Bidwell Plaza July 31 & Aug 1......................................................................... 50th Annual Downtown Sidewalk Sales Aug 1...............................................................................................WoofStock 2015 Pet and Music Festival Aug 1-2................................................................................................................... Antiques at the Fairgrounds August 7.......................................................................................Petoskey Rocks! - Dancing in the Streets Aug 14-15......................................................................................................13th Annual Festival on the Bay Aug 15.........................................................................................................................................Chalk & Chocolate Aug 15.................................................................................................................................................Color Fun Run August 21..............................................................................................................Petoskey Rocks! - Jazz Night Sept 19 - Nov 25........................................................................................2015 Juried Fine Arts Exhibition

BAY VIEW June 19 - Aug 16........................................................................................................Bay View Music Festival June 21 - Aug 16 (Sundays)................................................................................. Sunday Vespers Concerts July 14, 2015................................................................................................................. Bay View Cottage Walk July 23 - 25................................................................................................................................... Ragtime Musical

HARBOR SPRINGS June 13 - Sept 5 (Wednesdays & Saturdays).................................................................. Farmers Market June 25 - Aug 27 (Thursdays)..................................................................................................Street Musique July 24...........................................................................................................Dinner & A Movie - Book of Life July 24-26.......................................................55th Annual Little Traverse Bay Regatta Sailboat Race July 29..............................................................................................................Nubs Nob Trail Run - 5K & 10K July 31.............................................................................................. Dinner & A Movie - Horse for Summer August 7..................................................................Dinner & A Movie - Alexander & the Terrible Day Aug 13.....................................................................................................................Harbor Springs Car Festival August 14...................................................................................................Dinner & A Movie - The Aviators August 21.................................................................................................................Dinner & A Movie - Annie August 28.......................................................................... Dinner & A Movie - Penguins of Madagascar September 4.........................................................................Dinner & A Movie - Night at the Museum 4 Sept 26.............................................................................................................................Taste of Harbor Springs Continued on next page…

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UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS Continued from previous page…

CHARLEVOIX May 7 - Oct 1 (Thursdays)...................................................................................................... Farmers Market July 24th - Aug 2......................................................................................14th Annual Baroque on Beaver July 24-26................................................................................Artisan’s Market: Fiber, Fine Arts & Crafts July 27..................................................................................................................................SummerFolk Concert July 27.........................................................................................................................................Movie in the Park July 28............................................................................................................... Charlevoix City Band Concert July 29.......................................................................................................................................Jazz @ The Library July 30............................................................................................................................. Summer Concert Series Aug 3............................................................................................................................................Movie in the Park Aug 3-5................................................................................................................... 3 Days 3 Great Lakes Cruise Aug 4.................................................................................................................. Charlevoix City Band Concert Aug 5...........................................................................................................................................Jazz @ the Library Aug 6............................................................................................ Farmer's Market & Artists in the Market Aug 8....................................................................................................................................... Waterfront Art Fair Aug 13.............................................................................................................................................Farmer's Market Aug 13-15........................................................................................................................Summer Sidewalk Sales Aug 22............................................................................................ V-Twins for Vets Poker Run & Pig Roast

BOYNE CITY & WALLOON LAKE AREA May 6 - Sept 30 (Wednesdays & Saturdays).................................................................. Farmers Market June 12 - Sept 4 (Fridays)........................................................................................................Stroll the Streets June 24 - Aug 12 (Wednesdays)........................... Evenings at the Gazebo Musical Performances July 23-26.............................................................. Antique Flywheelers Tractor Engine & Craft Show July 31.................................................................................................................................................ZZ Top Tribute July 31 - Aug 1....................................................................... Northern Michigan Gospel Music Festival Aug 1, 2015.......................................... Michigan Mountain Mayhem Beat the Heat Cycling Event Aug 6-9.................................................................................................................... 41st Annual Polish Festival

ALANSON Aug 14-16................................................................................................................................... Alanson Riverfest

Have an event you'd like listed in the magazine?

Send the details of your event and your contact information to: editor@greattripsmag.com

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The Petoskey Pierhead Light with a small sailing vessel floating on Little Traverse Bay.

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Cairns line the shore of Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey’s Bayfront Park

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Under the historic Mitchell Street Bridge in Petoskey, Michigan

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