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DISPLAY DISPLAY UNTIL UNTIL MARCH MARCH 29, 26, 2016 2019
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COTTAGES 2019 2016
$5.95
COTTAGES ISSUE
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Waterfront living Simple and charming design
Living small: Get the most out of tiny homes Lighthouse B&Bs | Muskegon Lake renaissance | Belle Isle restoration Conservation stories | Alpena bistro dining | The Boat Nerds 12/13/18 9:20 AM
Downhill Mornings
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upscale evenings It’s where everything just comes together. Where you find out a path through fresh powder all the way down to an easygoing evening. Where every little sip and every winter thrill reminds you that you’re in a pretty great place.
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Magnificent Log Home Near Marquette This home, once featured on the cover of Log Home Living magazine, gives you both 500 feet of Lake Superior and 500 feet of Saux Head Lake. The home itself has 5 bedrooms and 4 fireplaces, and is an easy 14 mile drive to Marquette. $1,395,000
Lake Superior’s Sea Water This home, set on over a quarter of a mile of Lake Superior frontage and 48 acres of primeval forests, is stunning. But more importantly, it is at home on its bluff over Lake Superior; and it will make you feel at home there, too. $899,000
HUEY REAL ESTATE | upwaterfront.com Discover the beauty, power and magic of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. halleyuplakes@gmail.com | (906) 228-8889 BLUE_Cottages2019_PG02.15.indd 2
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COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE | INTERIOR DESIGN | DECORATING SERVICES
JamesThomas homes have long been recognized for their sophistication, warmth, and easy elegance. Designing a one-of-a-kind welcome home for every one of their clients with a carefully honed approach to layering color, pattern, and texture – the everyday experience becomes richly enhanced.
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jamesthomasinteriors.com
JamesThomas founders: Tom Riker and James Dolenc
Design Your Own Welcome Home
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jamesthomasinteriors.com COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE | INTERIOR DESIGN | DECORATING SERVICES
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CONTENTS
“We want our guests to step back in time and experience the lighthouse as if they were one of the keepers from the past.” — Nancy Weir
features 40 The real deal
52 Just the right size
This custom waterfront home is simple but striking, quaint and charming, yet full of important personal touches. By Jeanine Matlow
Builders and developers recognize that well-appointed small homes make people smile; a cozy atmosphere with less space to clean. By Leslie Mertz
46 Night lights Unique overnight, shoreline stays are offered at some Michigan lighthouses that operate as bed-and-breakfast inns. By Dianna Stampfler
ON THE COVER The Ridgecrest home on Burgess Lake Photography by Ashley Avila Photography
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MICHIGAN BLUE
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CONTENTS
“I think people have a natural curiosity about the place. The building is striking. On the twilight tour, some people are ghostseeking, but I don’t think the place is haunted.” — Ben Smith
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102 in every issue:
columns:
departments:
10 Wavelengths
32 Vintage Views
16 Waterways
83 Excursions
Cottage living brings out the best in life. By Howard Meyerson
Lake Michigan cottage associations were steeped in religion during this founding era. By M. Christine Byron and Thomas R. Wilson
Muskegon Lake renaissance, Traverse City’s uncommon tours, Belle Isle restoration, Shinola Hotel comes to Detroit, functional art and casual décors.
World-class ski jumping, Microbrew and Music Festival, Seed Swap, paczkis in Hamtown and frontier-style sugarbushing. Compiled by Marla R. Miller
The Detroit Zoo and others, seeking a clean environment, are turning away from bottled water. By Howard Meyerson
28 State of Mine
100 Dining Destination
A retired Michigan conservation officer shares tales from the field. By John Borkovich
Alpena chef comes full circle, merging farm-to-table with West Coast fusion at The Fresh Palate. By Megan Westers
91 Michigan Top 5
34 The Sporting Life
Late winter ice caves and frozen waterfalls you can hike to. By Kim Schneider
Fish biologists and anglers hope one day to see the beautiful Arctic grayling fish restored in historic Michigan waters. By Bob Gwizdz
12 Letters and Contributors
36 Undercurrents
104 Reflections
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The one rule that opens the minds of youth, allowing them to experience life and nature. By Jerry Dennis
102 Tasting Room Learn about fine cacao from Ecuador; taste, smell and enjoy it at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate. By Johnston M. Mitchell
38 At The Helm They call themselves “Boat Nerds.” Need we say more? By Chuck Warren
MICHIGAN BLUE
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handcrafted. custom built. SCOTTCHRISTOPHERHOMES.COM 616.784.4500
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WAV E L E N G T H S
Cottage life is sublime
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fi res die down, only the sounds of the wind and loons remain. Come early morning, other birds will sing. And the enticing aroma of freshly made coffee will be incentive to grab a mug and head for the porch — fi rst, just to sit, to watch the birds, check the state of the lake and then to plan the day. Looking out through the trees, I may see the water is flat, the wind is calm. So many possibilities to consider. A familiar, raucous call sails down the shoreline. The sandhill cranes are returning to the bay. It’s a good day for paddling, collecting stones, hiking, biking, even fishing. The chores got done yesterday. Maybe more, tomorrow. With luck, there will be cocktails with friends tonight at dusk, serenaded by calling loons. For most of us, cottage season is still ahead, but it never hurts to dream. That is why we bring you the annual BLUE Cottages issue at this time of year. Like the lineup of cottage, lakefront and home improvement shows listed inside on the Excursions calendar, this issue is full of great ideas and notions for you to consider, whether you plan to build, remodel, move or simply visit.
Howard Meyerson, Managing Editor, Michigan BLUE Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK
hen loon calls echo around the bay at dusk, and a cool, northern Lake Huron breeze pushes the mosquitos away, I often fi nd myself transformed, at peace. Tired muscles stop complaining about the day’s cottage chores and I move on — maybe to thoughts of kayaking the next day, fishing the next, exploring nearby marshes or visiting with friends. Whether relaxing on the porch with a mug of coffee or something stronger, or quietly sitting at water’s edge as the sun goes down, for a minute, maybe more, it can seem as if I’ve become part of a magic still life where the noise of my thoughts ceases, and the evening sky prevails with its powerful pink, purple, blue and orange striations. The rising crescent moon is unmistakable, and seeing it reminds me of childhood fables as the night stars begin to shine. Dusk at the cottage is a favorite time for many, a sublime transition from the heat and intense activity of the day to the quiet of evening. Some gather around the fi re and celebrate with song, with hot dogs and marshmallows, while others sink into plush chairs, content to read good books. Still, others fi nd their muse on a porch sipping cocktails or playing games. Across the bay, the noisy screel of rusty oarlocks is a giveaway that someone plans to fish. There are no wrong choices, of course. That is the treasure of cottage life where once the music fades and camp-
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MICHIGAN BLUE
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A R T
T H R O U G H
A R C H I T E C T U R E
A R C H I V E N T U R E
Architecture
Naples, FL
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Interiors
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Planning
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Development
1645 Grant St. Suite 200, D e n v e r, C O 8 0 2 0 3 303.964.9000 jnordlie@archiventure.com
Harbor Springs, MI
A R C H I V E N T U R E . C O M
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CONTRIBUTORS
®
www.mibluemag.com EDITOR
Tim Gortsema MANAGING EDITOR
Howard Meyerson COPY EDITOR
Tom Mitsos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Leslie Mertz Ever curious, Leslie is a freelance science writer who has lived in eight Michigan counties, from Detroit’s famed Eight Mile Road to a rustic cabin on the state’s largest inland lake. Today, she lives Up North with her husband in a scenic spot near a branch of Au Sable River. She travels with a small tent and fly rod in her car.
General Inquiries: editorial@mibluemag.com M. Christine Byron, Jerry Dennis, Amy Eckert, Lynne Golodner, Bob Gwizdz, Jeanine Matlow, Leslie Mertz, Johnston M. Mitchell, Marla R. Miller, Kim Schneider, Dianna Stampfler, Chuck Warren, Megan Westers, Tom R. Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ashley Avila, Coreene Kreiser, Kendra Stanley Mills, Ken Scott, John Sobczak CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS
Gary W. Odmark, Glenn Wolff DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGER
Scott Sommerfeld ART COORDINATOR
Kelly J. Nugent DESIGNERS/PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Melissa Brooks, Kristen Van Oostenbrugge, Robin Vargo ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Jenn Maksimowski ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANTS
General Inquiries: advertisingsales@mibluemag.com Chelsea Carter, Theresa Henk, Jessica Laidlaw, Kathie Manett, Sandy Morgan, Craig R. Rich, Susan Smalley ADVERTISING SALES ADMINISTRATOR
Karla Jeltema CIRCULATION & MARKETING MANAGER
Scott T. Miller MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR
Andrea N. Straw
Amy Eckert An award-winning travel writer based in Holland, Amy has traveled the globe and contributed to numerous travel books. She is the author of two guidebooks to Detroit, the most recent is “Easy Detroit Outdoors.” Amy is the past president of the Midwest Travel Journalists Association. Find her at amyeckert. com.
Johnston M. Mitchell An independent writer, who lives in Leland with his wife Brenda and their two children, Johnston currently is developing a memoir of vignettes — prose and nonfiction poetry — about his experiences with building free and independent media as part of the democratization process in post-communist Central and Eastern Europe.
John Sobczak An award-winning photographer and book author whose work has appeared in Time, Newsweek and USA Today along with local and regional publications, John lives in Bloomfield with his wife Jackie and daughter, Alex. He teaches at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Find him at lorien studio.com.
We welcome letters to the editor. Please send letters in care of: Editor, Michigan BLUE Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or email to howardm@geminipub.com. Letters may be edited for reasons of clarity and space.
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Dianna Stampfler A regular BLUE contributor, Dianna lives in Walloon Lake. Her first book, “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses” was just published by The History Press. She’s been researching and writing about Michigan’s historic beacons for nearly 20 years. Find her at promotemichigan. com.
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Karla Jeltema (616) 459-4545 PUBLISHED BY GEMINI MEDIA, LLC CEO
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John Balardo Michigan BLUE Magazine is published bi-monthly by Gemini Media. Publishing offices: 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Telephone (616) 459-4545; fax (616) 459-4800. General e-mail: info@geminipub.com. Copyright ©2019 by Gemini Media. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Blue Magazine, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1444. Subscription rates: one year $18, two years $28, three years $38, U.S. only. Single issue and newsstand $5.95 (by mail $8); back issue $7 (by mail $9.50), when available. Advertising rates and specifications at mibluemag.com or by request. Michigan Blue Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited contributions. Visit us mibluemag.com
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MICHIGAN BLUE
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ROCK KAUFFMAN DESIGN 616.956.3008 | 6883 Cascade Road SE | Grand Rapids | 49546 rock@rockkauffmandesign.com
rockkauffmandesign.com
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Walloon Lake
Great Lake Story 2019 Turquoise Tranquility: Chapter One
renderconstruction.com
white-liebler.com
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here’s no denying the allure of Michigan’s Up North, where lush forests of white pines and birch trees mingle with rushing waterfalls, sparkling sands, and rolling green hills and valleys. Not to mention some of the most dazzling freshwater lakes in the world. Northern Michigan has inspired artists, lyricists and writers alike, with Ernest Hemingway among the most famous. The Petoskey area was beloved by Hemingway, who spent many summers of his youth on Walloon Lake — home of Windemere, his family’s summer cottage. He wrote of the area, “It’s a great place to laze around and swim and fish when you want to. And the best place in the world to do nothing. It is beautiful country. And nobody knows about it but us.”
Illustrations by Gary W. Odmark
Today, there’s nothing hidden about the Michigan gem that is Walloon Lake. It calls families, couples and retirees from all over the states and overseas to its shores, beckoning them to dip their toes and launch their boats in its remarkable waters. Liz and Mike Pulick were drawn to Walloon Lake after spending childhood summers and their own family vacations at lake houses in northern Minnesota and Michigan. When they decided to build their vacation home, northern Michigan — and Walloon Lake in particular — was a natural choice. “It’s been a part of my life and our life as a family from the beginning,” Liz said. “We’ve always spent time on the lake in the summers.” “Walloon Lake is our favorite lake to be on,” Mike said. “The color of the lake is just so amazing.
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“The clarity, the sandy bottom, the size of it … it’s a quiet lake and doesn’t feel crowded. We love that we can go out for a long boat ride and meander our way through the whole area.” The Pulicks found a piece of property they loved and, once purchased, immediately moved to assemble a design/build team. As Liz said, “We fell in quickly with a group of people we really connected with, and we think they were all great decisions.” Their first partner was White and Liebler Architects, who led them to Eric Render of Render Construction. Render, a local expert in building custom homes and cottages focused on the northern Michigan lifestyle, has built on Walloon Lake and many other lakefront properties. Like the Pulicks, Render has an affinity for the area and, especially, Walloon Lake. “It’s a beautiful body of water,” he said. “It has a unique turquoise color that only a few lakes in northern Michigan have, as well as a rich history with ties to Hemingway. It’s really become a gathering place in these parts.”
Liz and Mike Pulick were drawn to Walloon Lake after spending childhood summers and their own family vacations at lake houses in northern Minnesota and Michigan. When they decided to build their vacation home, northern Michigan — and Walloon Lake in particular — was a natural choice.
This year’s Great Lake Story is a tribute to craftsmanship and discovering a sense of place. It follows the extraordinary collaboration between the Pulicks and the passionate team of builders, architects, designers and artisans who have poured their hearts into every element of the process. We invite you to follow the story of Liz and Mike and the design/build team of Render Construction, White and Liebler Architects, and the many other players who have contributed to the creation of this vibrant lakefront home. Look for each chapter at mibluemag.com.
“The color of the lake is just so amazing. The clarity, the sandy bottom, the size of it … it’s a quiet lake and doesn’t feel crowded. We love that we can go out for a long boat ride and meander our way through the whole area.” — Mike Pulick
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Detroit ’s rejuvenation BELLE ISLE RIDES THE WAVE OF
I Above and opposite page: Restorations are planned for the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory that houses a botanical garden, as well as the James Scott Memorial Fountain that was dedicated in 1925.
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t’s no secret Detroit is rapidly climbing its way up from decades of despair, emerging as an entrepreneurial hub attracting hipsters and families alike. And the Motor City’s environmental gem, Belle Isle, the largest city-owned island park in the nation and the most visited state park in the country, is reaping the benefits of this urban turnaround. Recently, the Belle Isle Conservancy and the Department of Natural Resources, which is in year four of its 30-year lease to manage the island, announced significant projects to bolster Belle Isle’s resources, including $1.9 million to renovate the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and Belle Isle Aquarium, plus $400,000 to upgrade the James Scott Memorial Fountain.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDRA STANLEY-MILLS
“There are cities that get by on their good looks, offer climate and scenery, offer views of mountains or oceans, rockbound or with palm trees. And there are cities like Detroit that have to work for a living.” — Elmore Leonard
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“We must be
careful stewards of the island s cultural resources and respect its architectural legacy
’
.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENDRA STANLEY-MILLS
— AMANDA TREADWELL
“We are literally always (just) seconds away from crisis,” said Michele Hodges, president of the conservancy. Yet, the community doesn’t see such urgencies, she said, in part because they occur underground or among natural spaces, and those who manage the island are on top of needed projects. Some changes will be visible this year at the conservatory and aquarium, which were designed by famed architect Albert Kahn and opened in 1904. They are “the last remaining examples of a connected facility in the world,” Hodges said. Yearly, more than 4.2 million visitors cross the MacArthur Bridge to spend time on Belle Isle. Flatwood forest comprises 263 acres of the island’s landscape. Rowers launch from the historic Detroit Boat Club, which is undergoing its own slow-but-certain renovation. Families also frequent the zoo, sailors coast into the Detroit Yacht Club and Detroit residents cast fishing lines from bridges overlooking the swift-moving Detroit River. There’s also golf, hiking, biking and vivid maritime history at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. While the need is great, the future remains bright for Belle Isle’s 982 acres, thanks to recent strategic visioning by the DNR. All developments, improvements and changes are planned through a lens of “cultural overlay,” said Amanda Treadwell, DNR urban field plan-
ner, and Katy Wyerman, vice president of funds development for the conservancy. No development will occur, they assure, without understanding the impact of and the importance of preserving the island’s “historical cultural pieces.” “We must be careful stewards of the island’s cultural resources and respect its architectural legacy,” Treadwell said. Belle Isle soon will boast a trailhead connecting bike and hike paths to a state-long trail known as the Iron Belle Trailhead, which begins at Iron Mountain and meanders down to Belle Isle in a series of connected paths. Long-term planning calls for $50 million worth of improvements — some visionary, some needed, Hodges said. Including the conservatory and aquarium improvements set for this year, other urgent priorities include the James Scott Fountain near the historic casino, the Newsboys Shelter (“one of the oldest and most beautiful picnic shelters on the island that is literally falling down,” Hodges said) and a splash park to replace the water slide that came down last summer. Those tasked with preserving the beauty and grandeur of Belle Isle have immense “gratitude to the community for standing so strong,” Hodges said. “It is a much-loved part of Detroit.” — Lynne Golodner MICHIGAN BLUE
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overnight in style
have elevated bedrooms. Some rooms include private balconies, while others have skylights or fi replaces. But while Shinola’s guestrooms vary in their layout, all pay homage to Detroit’s fi nest craftsmanship: richly polished hardwood floors and artworks created by locals, marbleized wallpaper inspired by an original fragment and minibars stocked with Detroit-made products. Shinola showcases its lifestyle products, as well, furnishing all of its rooms with the company’s signa-
“Hotels like the Shinola help visitors re-engage with Detroit, its past and its present. They promise a stay unlike any other in the world.” — Mark Denson
Created as a boutique hotel in 100-year-old buildings in downtown Detroit, the Shinola was designed for discriminating travelers who appreciate fine craftsmanship and art.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE FRANZEN (TOP RIGHT& MIDDLE); COURTESY BEDROCK (BOTTOM RIGHT); RENDERING COURTESY BEDROCK (BOTTOM LEFT)
IN 2011, TOM KARTSOTIS turned heads when he acquired the defunct shoeshine brand Shinola as the name for his new luxury watch brand — a swanky timepiece that would be manufactured in economically depressed Detroit, no less. In 2018, Shinola and Kartsotis turned heads again, this time unveiling the fi rst Shinola Hotel. Set at the epicenter of revitalized downtown Detroit, a short walk from Comerica Park, Ford Field and the Fox Theatre, the Shinola Hotel (shinolahotel.com) opened its doors in mid-December. The eight-story, 129-room hotel occupies five conjoined 100-year-old buildings, resulting in an irregular footprint and guestrooms of varied configurations. Some of the hotel’s rooms feature sunken living rooms, while others
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Making choices ...
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BEDROCK
BEDROCK (BOTTOM RIGHT); RENDERING COURTESY BEDROCK (BOTTOM LEFT)
… Sometimes walking into our showrooms can be overwhelming with all the amazing colors, fabrics, textiles, accessories, floor coverings, furniture, ... ture Bluetooth sound systems and its suites with Shinola turntables. Shinola bicycles are available for rent, and not surprisingly, a new retail shop sells watches and leather goods on the hotel’s ground floor. “When people walk through our doors, we want them to recognize right away that they’re in Detroit,” said Sergio Maclean, principal of Mac&Lo, a Detroit-based hospitality development team. “The locally made furniture and art, the quality of craft. This is what Detroit is all about.” The Shinola Hotel follows the pattern of many recent Detroit developments, carving 21st-century boutique hotel space out of abandoned and underutilized 20th-century real estate. The trend infuses new energy into the city and, according to Mark Denson, senior director of business development for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, enhances the travel experience. “Boutique hotels add cachet to a city,” Denson said, “and the Shinola Hotel is a good example of that.” Reviving architectural treasures preserves the history and legacy of a city. Restoration serves as a point of pride for locals, and when the revitalization is crafted by a brand with the prestige of Shinola, travelers take note. “Hotels like the Shinola help visitors reengage with Detroit, its past and its present,” Denson said. “They promise a stay unlike any other in the world. And they’re a mark of the turnaround of this great city.” — Amy S. Eckert
But the key to choosing just the right thing is YOU! What are your likes? What surroundings make you feel good? We’re here to listen to help you make your house the home you’d love to play, entertain and relax in. Choose HarborTown Interiors for YOUR home.
Jack
Fun, fashionable, functional, affordable furniture 613 Broad St., St. Joseph, Michigan • 269-983-7774 Open 7 days a week www.harbortowninteriors.com HTI MI BLUE Feb 2019 4.07x9.375.indd 1
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Pieces with a purpose POSTERS AND PAINTINGS aren’t the only game in town when embellishing your walls. Because many second homes tend to be smaller, functional wall décor offers a creative solution. Whether you decorate a private hideaway or your primary residence, you’ll save surface and floor space by hanging practical pieces that are easy on the eyes. For starters, consider wall clocks, which have gone from standard to stylish with distinct designs to suit every taste and budget. Their sizes also have grown to include timekeepers with dramatic faces and features that take on an artistic tone in the home. There’s no need to stop with one wall clock. You can display multiples that show different time zones or create an arresting array of smaller varieties hung together as a whole like an art installation.
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Decorative mirrors are another functional find with flair. Like clocks, they make an impact when placed in unison along a wall. Install one or more in the entry for that lastminute check before you dash out the door, or position one above a desk that doubles as a vanity. This can maximize space in a modest cottage, especially in a guest room. Mirrors also can reflect key pieces like a chandelier and brighten an interior by reflecting natural light. Those made from unique materials, such as seashells or rope along with distinct shapes like sunbursts, further enhance the interior space by adding texture and dimension to the walls. Other practical pieces can help you stay organized, such as chalkboards and corkboards that highlight everything from dinner menus and grocery lists to family photos and time-sensitive reminders. Wall organizers and magazine racks keep paperwork and reading materials in an easy-to-find place. Wall shelves can work wonders just about anywhere in the home, whether you choose wood with metal brackets to replace upper cabinets in a kitchen or a simple ledge that saves space in a kid’s room filled with bunk beds in a quintessential cottage. Sconces are another space saver that can flank a bed or light up a reading corner or a library. Classic styles in brass and other timeless materials act as three-dimensional art that is as useful as it is beautiful. Plate racks and wine racks that are meant to be installed on a wall can have a sculptural effect when filled with your favorite picks that become a focal point when entertaining, which is part of the charm of cottage living. Some wall art offers multiple features, like a mail sorter that holds keys or a chalkboard with hooks to hang lightweight items like jackets, hats, umbrellas and tote bags. While some tend to be straightforward in appearance, others are more playful, like a moose head with antlers that can hold jewelry and scarves. That’s the beauty of choosing wall décor that does so much more. The items are bound to become conversation pieces when they’re less predictable and more practical than your average piece of art. — Jeanine Matlow
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BED BATH & BEYOND (TOP RIGHT); THE CONTAINER STORE (CENTER); PIER 1 IMPORTS (BOTTOM LEFT)
Make your cottage more memorable with functional wall art.
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Find your escape. No matter where your passion for Michigan takes you, GreenStone can help you get there. We’re experts in financing homes off the beaten path and properties of any size. Contact your local branch office to learn more, or visit us online to apply today.
800-444-3276
THE CONTAINER STORE (CENTER); PIER 1 IMPORTS (BOTTOM LEFT)
www.greenstonefcs.com
MICHIGAN BLUE
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The Commons Historical tours provide look inside the redeveloped state hospital.
IF YOU WANT TO GO... The Village at Grand Traverse Commons 830 Cottageview Drive Traverse City, MI (231) 941-1900 thevillagetc.com Guided tours offered year-round: Historical Walking Tour, Twilight Tour, Taste of the Village – A History, Wine & Beer Walking Tour, Missing Spire Walking Tour and Tripod Photography Tour. Visit the website for dates, times and ticket information.
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marvel when it opened in 1885. The state-run asylum’s storied and sometimes controversial history, along with rumored supernatural happenings, continues to fascinate locals and visitors. In response, the group behind redeveloping the property hosts historical walking tours, giving the public access to some remote and unrenovated places. The tour includes the mammoth Victorian, Italianatestyle Building 50, featuring towering spires, large windows and ornate details designed to make patients feel at home and uplift their spirits. It symbolizes the innovative approach to mental health care offered over a century ago in northern Michigan. “What I am trying to do is make people aware of the history of the place because it is not what most people think of as an insane asylum,” said Joe Kilpatrick, the original tour guide. “… This was a radical approach to helping the mentally ill.” Following a “Beauty is Therapy” theory
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TRAVERSE CITY COMMONS (TOP & BOTTOM); GARY ENNIS (MIDDLE)
REDEVELOPED AS The Village at Grand Traverse Commons over the last 15 years, the former Traverse City State Hospital bustles with locals, professionals and hipsters. The sprawling complex includes condos, professional offices, local shops, a 5-star restaurant and places to relax over coffee, wine and beer. Visitors can shop, dine, drink and explore at any of its storefronts that include: • The Mercato for unique art, gifts and Michigan-made products • Earthen Ales taproom and brewery • Left Foot Charley winery and tasting room • Cuppa Joe Café • Higher Grounds Trading Company • Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery • Sugar 2 Salt • Trattoria Stella • The Underground Cheesecake Company Built with over 8 million bricks, the hospital was an architectural and institutional
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Neuenschwander Doors What are your doors saying?
on patient care, patient rooms had a direct supply of light, sunshine and fresh air. Fresh flowers, artwork and inspirational sayings decorated rooms and communal areas, and residents dined with fi ne china atop table linens. In the 1960s, Kilpatrick performed for residents with his school band and choir. Patients who could work did. In its heyday, the self-sustaining facility had a large farm operation and world-champion dairy cow, greenhouses, bakery, various workshops and taught furniture construction, fruit canning, sewing and other trades. “This was an embrace of their humanity,” Kilpatrick said. “The work they had them do was to give them a sense of accomplishment, a sense of purpose.” Ray Minervini and The Minervini Group team started the tours five years ago as a way to get people to see the vision for the redevelopment, said Krystal Fluette, office manager. Now, several guides lead over 20 tours per week. They are offered year-round and regularly sell out during the busy summer months. In 2017, more than 13,000 people visited. Each tour is a little bit different, personalized by the interests and background of the guides. The historical walking tour includes visiting an unrenovated men’s cottage and an original 1883 steam tunnel, considered a state-of-the-art ventilation system at the time. Ben Smith started as a guide last summer and enjoys telling stories about the residents and his own memories of the property. His father, Philip B. Smith, served as superintendent from 1973-84, and he spent his teenage years living on the campus, working part time. “The highlight of my tour is it was a very successful institution,” he said. “I think people have a natural curiosity about the place. The building is striking. On the twilight tour, some people are ghost-seeking, but I don’t think the place is haunted.” — Marla R. Miller
Make sure your home, office or building is sending a warm, welcoming message to your family, friends and guests. Here at Neuenschwander Doors, we build custom handcrafted solid hardwood doors. From cozy cottage doors to extravagant entry ways and everything in between, each and every door is designed and built to your custom specifications.
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WAT E R WAY S
“Taking pieces of our history and architecture and incorporating them into a lakeshore home is very appealing and natural.” — Wendy Spoelhof
Casual living Above: A mix of metal and wood can create a more relaxed atmosphere. Right: Rustic touches in the kitchen create a warm, comfortable environment.
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ven since Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” fame made shiplap a household name, farmhouse style has become a mainstay in the casual living category. For those with a penchant for this particular aesthetic or any other rustic touches, there are plenty of ways to incorporate these features into your rooms. Perhaps one of the most enchanting parts about the laidback look is that it makes everyone feel right at home with a warm environment that puts people at ease. Another benefit is that many of these touches are considered to be timeless. DOWN ON THE FARM According to Wendy Spoelhof, selec-
tions specialist at Cottage Home in Holland (cottagehome.com), where they design and build well-appointed beach houses and cottages, there are many reasons why farmhouse style would be a good fit for those who live in these types of dwellings. “West Michigan is historically a farm community — especially along the lakeshore with blueberry, apple and cherry farms very prevalent,” she said. “Lake Michigan is and has been home to many cottages and summer homes for people from all over the country. Taking pieces of our history and architecture, and incorporating them into a lakeshore home is very appealing and natural.” Farmhouse-style elements that are
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY COTTAGE HOME (RIGHT); SCOTT SHUPTRINE INTERIORS (LEFT)
Informal elements create a carefree feel for your interiors.
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featured in one of their kitchen projects, also located in Holland, include an apronfront farmhouse sink and an eclectic mix of storage with traditional cabinets and open shelving. Hardwood floors ground a sizable island that Spoelhof said is reminiscent of a farmhouse-style dining table, while glass canister/Mason jar-type pendant lights shine from above. Other farmhouse-inspired details include the soapstone and marble countertops and the stylish stove and range that act as a focal point for the kitchen. For those who want to add a little farmhouse style to their own homes, Spoelhof has some suggestions. First, she recommends classic features like barn doors and double-hung windows. Natural materials, such as stone or slate and a light color palette also convey a more relaxed atmosphere. For a finishing touch, consider decorating with some vintage finds combined with a few floral fabrics or rugs. COASTAL LIVING Farmhouse style isn’t the only way to achieve that lived-in feel. As Nadine Hogan, design manager for Scott Shuptrine Interiors in Petoskey (artvan.com) explained, “People up here tend to like casual living. We get a mix of requests from traditional to rustic elegance. “Here on the lake, people like coastal looks and blues are still very popular. The trend has evolved a little more toward clean lines.” People appreciate the pillows and rugs from Magnolia Home (by Joanna Gaines), Hogan said, because they have a lot of texture. Distressed pieces also can contribute to a casual vibe, like a dining set from Hooker Furniture that looks a little like driftwood. Live-edge dining tables bring nature indoors, while window treatments can make a home look more coastal or casual with woven shades and wood shutters.
Accents like distressed ceramic lamps and those made from seagrass and twigs signal a relaxed setting, as do area rugs made from sisal and other natural materials. Artwork that depicts nature, from florals
to wildlife, can have a calming effect, and historic black and white images of northern Michigan add some vintage charm to your surroundings. — Jeanine Matlow
Surround yourself with exquisite design and timeless beauty. Grand Rapids • visionbyvisbeen.com • 616.285.9901
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Dawn of a new era worked to clean up the water over the last 30 years, helping to usher in a new era of recreational activities and waterfront living. The city’s Imagine Muskegon Lake plan provides a comprehensive, long-term vision for lakeside neighborhoods from the Lake Michigan channel to the former BC Cobb power plant. Cruise ships regularly dock at Heritage Landing during the summer, while the Lake Express ferries passengers to and from Milwaukee. Dockside dining, recreational boating, waterfront festivals, World War II ships and museums, even community kayak outings provide fun for residents and visitors. A variety of residential developments is in the works, adding hundreds of condos and homes with lakefront or marina access: Hartshorn Village (hartshornvillage. com) near the Hartshorn Municipal Marina; Windward Pointe (windward-pointe.com) on the former Sappi Fine Paper Mill site; The Docks in the Bluffton neighborhood; and a new boutique hotel in the former Harbor
Towne Yacht Club building. A group of local investors known as Pure Muskegon LLC purchased the former Sappi property near the lakeside neighborhood. Plans for Windward Pointe include a 120acre mixed-used development with a variety of housing, commercial, community and recreational amenities on more than a mile of Muskegon Lake shoreline. “It’s going to totally transform the area,” said Wes Eklund, a member of Pure Muskegon. “It’s just a matter of time. Between the project we have going and the Docks project, there’s going to be a lot of things happening.” Terrace Point Landing, near the lakeshore bicycle trail, farmers market and restaurants, is a hybrid development of singlefamily homes and condos. Thirty-five of the 70 lots have sold, and developer Jon Rooks of Parkland Properties expects them all to sell by the end of this summer. — Marla R. Miller
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY PARKLAND PROPERTIES
rville and Susan Crain took a bit of a gamble as the fi rst residents to buy and build at Terrace Point Landing, a waterfront housing community on Muskegon Lake. But nearly three years in, they have since named their house Afterglow. The setting sun treats them to a cascade of color and a golden hour that transforms the sky into an ethereal canvas. “We wanted to be closer to downtown and be a part of the movement of creating a downtown feel again,” said Susan, who used to sail on the lake before marrying Orville and buying a powerboat, which they slip at nearby Terrace Point Marina. Terrace Point Landing is just one example of the transformation happening around the lake. Dotted with factories, a coal power plant, paper mills and aggregate piles for the last century, Muskegon Lake’s shoreline has a fresh slate thanks to concerted efforts by city officials, investors and hopeful residents. Researchers and environmental activists
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{ GET A LIFE } Come experience the beauty of Southwest Michigan. Taste it in our vineyards and craft breweries. See it as you paddle along our scenic waters. Feel it when you climb our shimmering sand dunes. Savor it at our many alfresco restaurants. Life is good here. Stay awhile.
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S TAT E O F M I N E
BY JOHN BORKOVICH ILLUSTRATIONS BY GARY W. ODMARK
Jimmy Hoffa Bird WHAT SHAPES AN OFFICER’S personality and molds his or her thinking when it comes to dealing with the public? It is individual contacts with the public that leaves lasting impressions on an officer’s judgment. The old man in this story was one of the people who helped shape my thinking for the rest of my career I was just a rookie officer that August day in 1986 when I responded to a complaint that a subject had shot a Great Blue Heron. As I pulled into the driveway of the neatly kept brick ranch home, I could see a well cared for pond and a neatly mowed area surrounding it. I walked up to the front door and a very polite old man answered my knock. I smiled and said that I was there regarding an incident which had taken place on his property. The polite man invited me in, and we sat down at his kitchen table. We talked for several minutes as I softened up my suspect and prepared for my upcoming interview. I eased into my interrogation, and each time I asked an incriminating question, I got an incriminating answer. I then advised the suspect of his Miranda Rights (you know, the right to remain silent, have a lawyer present, and all that), and he easily agreed to speak with me. Now I was on a roll. I asked the suspect a series of questions: Were you home today? Did you see a heron on your pond? Do you own a gun? Each question was answered by responses like, “yes I sure did,” and “oh yes.” I was quite proud of my interview
skills, especially for being a new officer. I reveled in my talent of being able to school the man and to get him to confess quickly. I confidently stated to the old man, OK you saw a heron on your pond, you own a shotgun, and you were mad at the heron for eating your fish. Then I asked him, “Did you shoot the heron?” “Yes, I did,’’ was the man’s answer. “Alright, tell me what happened” I replied. He said that “the stupid fish-eating bird comes every day and eats all my fish, so I shot him.” Now I’m thinking, I just solved the case. Not so fast, though, I soon found out who was really getting schooled, and it was me.
Now I’m thinking, I just solved the case. Not so fast, though, I soon found out who was really getting schooled, and it was me. I asked to see the dead bird and a smile came to the old man’s face. “You’re never going to find Jimmy Hoffa, (the UAW teamster boss), and you’re never going to find that heron.” The rookie officer was now not so confident. The old man was having fun with me. He told me that the Native Americans would call herons “fishing long legs” because they would clean out a fish pond like a vacuum cleans the carpet. I had everything I needed for my case, except for the bird’s body. Then I made some decisions, which molded my way of thinking for the rest of my ca-
John Borkovich worked 27 years as a conservation officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in St. Clair County. Since retiring in 2012, the award-winning officer spends his time hunting and fishing and writing about his experiences on the job. “Wildlife 911: On patrol” took nearly seven years to complete. It was published in June 2017 by Arbutus Press. These excerpts are reproduced with permission of the publisher.
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reer. The man was 86 years old. The bird was eating his fish. The man was very cooperative, and he had paid his dues in life. He was a WWII veteran. He paid his taxes, and he took good care of his home and family. The totality of the circumstances made me realize that even though I probably would have won this case in court, there was not much to gain by seeking criminal charges. I smiled and shook the old man’s hand and thanked him for being so honest; then I told him not to shoot any more herons. Then I left his house. The old man died the next year and took the heron’s secret hiding place to the grave with him. A Shotgun and a J Plug Burl Ives was a legendary storyteller. O.J. Simpson was a great liar. A lot of politicians are real good at not telling the truth. Bernie Madoff was a scam artist. Storytelling, lying, hiding the truth, and deception are just a few of the tools poachers use in their attempt to get away with it. Law enforcement officers have heard all the excuses. Many violators get away with their crime because they are very good liars or possess the poker face trait. Many other poachers get away with their crime through the use of props and false information. Sometimes, us officers see through the lies and props. Another beautiful October day found me driving the back roads near a portion of the Black River. I had spotted five salmon swimming around in a gravel shoal in the river earlier in the day. So, I hid my patrol car and
found a hiding spot, so I could sort of babysit the spawning fish. Soon, a vehicle pulled up near the river, and two subjects gathered their tackle and headed down to the river. Their tackle is what got my attention. One subject was carrying a short snagging style rod with a large J plug lure attached to his 60-pound test line. For someone who trolls the Great Lakes, a J-plug would be a normal type of lure, but on this spot, where the river was only 2 feet deep, I had to wonder what he was doing. What made me even more suspicious was that the other subject was carrying a 12-gauge single shot shotgun. I decided that the two subjects were worth following as they began their walk along the river. Sure enough, only minutes later, the subject with the shotgun raised his gun and shot a 20-pound salmon right in its side. I watched as the other subject with the snagging rod ran to the river and grabbed the salmon. As the poachers looked all around for me, they set their plan in motion. The subject with the fishing rod hooked the J plug into the mouth of the fish and then cut his line about 1 foot from the salmon’s mouth. The other subject put the fish in his large landing net and the stumblebums started walking out toward their vehicle. I came out of my hiding spot and contacted the fishermen. Before I could say a word, the subjects began telling me their prearranged story. One subject went on to say that he was fishing with his J plug and knew that salmon love big lures like his. He said he reeled in this large salmon, but then just as his friend was going to net the fish, his line broke. Luckily it fell into the net. “See, here is the proof, the MICHIGAN BLUE
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The sight of the dressed-up girls and the spraying skunk being dragged on the road made me laugh.
lure is still in his mouth,” he said. I thought to myself not a bad plan (fable) except for one big detail. The big detail they forgot about was the 12-gauge slug hole in the side of the salmon. The subjects told me that someone else must have shot the fish right before it bit on their great lure that they were using. I then told them that I saw the whole thing and that I was amused at their creative story. I wonder if these two knuckleheads were as creative in their high school English writing class. I issued tickets for the illegal killing and possession of the salmon.
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Homecoming Dance There are a lot of country songs about girls. Girls in trucks, girls fishing, girls drinking whiskey, girls shooting guns, and country girls all muddy and sweaty wearing cutoffs or tight jeans or cowboy boots. But I’ve never heard one song about country girls getting sprayed by a skunk and then going to a dance all dressed up. Another October was upon me. As I patrolled in search of deer poachers, I observed an ORV coming toward me on Brown Road in Greenwood Township. I turned my flashers on and stopped the four-wheeler from the head-on position on the gravel road. There, in front of me were two high school
girls all dressed up for their homecoming dance. As I walked toward the girls, I immediately smelled the distinct odor of a skunk. I then noticed a rope tied to the four-wheeler. This rope was attached to a Havahart live trap which contained a live skunk. What??? I tried not to laugh as the two country girls told me what they were doing. You see, their dad had a trap in their horse barn and caught the skunk, and he was going to kill it. So even though the dance was quickly approaching, the girls thought the skunk was really cute and while their dad was in the house, they decided to tow the trap down the road a couple of miles and let the skunk go. The sight of the dressedup girls and the spraying skunk being dragged on the road made me laugh. I told the girls to drive home carefully after letting the skunk go and to enjoy their dance. I laughed as I drove away, and I wondered if the dad would be mad. I also wondered how many boys at the prom would wonder why the girls smelled like skunk. Maybe the dad knew what he was doing after all. He might have figured that the skunk smell might have kept the boys at the dance from getting too close to his daughters.
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John Borkovich worked 27 years as a conservation officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in St. Clair County. Since retiring in 2012, the award-winning officer spends his time hunting and fishing and writing about his experiences on the job.
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THE BEECHCREST COTTAGE COTTAGE AND HOME PLANS BY SKETCHPAD
Step into this spacious family cottage and enjoy the stunning waterfront views and breezes provided by the multitude of windows found throughout this two story open home plan. The welcoming foyer draws you into the large living room with fireplace. A lower floor family room with walkout; bedroom, bunkroom, bath, and laundry free the main floor for entertaining and relaxed seaside living. The spacious gourmet kitchen with central island adjacent to the formal dining area provides the ideal setting for entertaining while the large main floor master suite and en suite bath provides a quiet sanctuary with beautiful vistas. WIDTH
62 FT.
CONDITIONED SQ FT
DEPTH
36 FT.
BEDROOMS / BATHS
2 ,2 0 8 3 / 2 .5
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VINTAGE VIEWS
Gathering at the water, in the dunes Cottage communities along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline feature religious beginnings. BY M. CHRISTINE BYRON & THOMAS R. WILSON
The Congregational Summer Assembly dining hall (top), the hotel at Epworth (center) and Bay View (bottom).
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With the end of the lumbering era at hand and Bay View’s success in drawing summer visitors, Michigan lawmakers saw a way to grow the economy. was held in August 1876 with participants sheltering in tents. Cottage construction soon began, and within five years, about 150 were built. About this same time, there was growing interest in the Chautauqua movement with its educational lectures, classes, speeches, entertainment and musical performances. In 1886, Bay View adopted the Chautauqua program with immense success, and the number of cottages grew to about 400 in the following 10 years. With the end of the lumbering era at hand and Bay View’s success in drawing summer visitors, Michigan lawmakers saw a way to grow the economy. The Michigan Legislature created the Michigan Summer Resort and Assembly Associations Act 39 of 1889, which allowed the formation of corporations for the “purchase and improvement of grounds to be occupied for summer homes, for camp meetings, for meetings and assemblies of associations and societies organized for intellectual and scientific culture and for the promotion of the cause of religion or morality ...” Epworth Heights (now Epworth Assembly) was founded in 1894, a few years after summer resort legislation was enacted. The Epworth Assembly began as a Methodist camp. The initial focus was to build summer homes. Like Bay View, the group was founded with help from local citizens and a local railroad company. The Citizen’s Development Company of Ludington, and the Flint and Pere Marquette
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY VINTAGE VIEWS
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here are many cottage communities along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore. Some were founded under religious auspices. The Bay View Association of the United Methodist Church on Little Traverse Bay is one. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it is “one of the fi nest remaining examples of two uniquely American community forms, the Methodist camp meeting and the independent Chautauqua.” Bay View began in 1875 as a Michigan Methodist camp meeting. Other locations were considered, but Bay View was chosen since the citizens of Petoskey would pay for an extension of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad from Petoskey to Bay View. The railroad agreed to purchase the property, and the Methodists agreed to improve the site and hold meetings there for at least 15 years. Work was done to clear the grounds, and a preaching podium was built for the anticipated outdoor audience. The fi rst meeting
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Railroad offered 240 acres and $21,000 to the Epworth Assembly to develop a community presenting “spiritual and cultural offerings to the people of Ludington and environs” during the summer for a period of 15 years. By the opening session in August 1894, a hotel, auditorium and classrooms were completed. For $5 per year, a member could purchase the right to build a cottage on leased land. Several cottages were built in 1895, and within 15 years, there were close to 100 wooden cottages completed. Epworth’s Chautauqua program began in 1896 and continued until 1924. In 1904, the Ann Arbor Railroad offered 90 acres on Lake Michigan near Frankfort to the Congregational Summer Assembly for a summer resort, with the condition that improvements are made on the property within five years. Articles of incorporation were signed that same year and shares of stock issued. The assembly began to purchase property surrounding the railroad track, including land along Crystal Lake. By 1906, a lodge with 50 bedrooms for guests was completed. A program of lectures, including bible study, was offered. The assembly’s fi rst cottage was purchased from a woodcutter, and soon, other wooden cottages were built among the dunes and along the shores of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake. The Congregational Summer Assembly continues to “promote the physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual welfare of its members,” and the families who own cottages on and around the assembly grounds. Other communities with a religious focus, such as summer camps, sprang up along the Lake Michigan shore. Some have survived, like Camp Arcadia, founded in 1922 as a nonprofit Lutheran family resort and retreat center. Others, like the 1899 Presbyterian Camps of Saugatuck, have been lost to development.
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BLUE Vintage Views columnists M. Christine Byron and Thomas R. Wilson reside in Grand Rapids.
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THE SPORTING LIFE
BY BOB GWIZDZ
s excellent as Michigan’s recreational fishing is — and it is — there’s something missing. Michigan was once the best place in the lower 48 to fish for Arctic grayling, a sport fish of exquisite beauty that is equally toothsome. In the mid-1800s, sportsmen from around the country arrived by train to fish the rivers of the northern Lower Peninsula — mostly the Au Sable and Manistee — for this member of the salmon family that is distinguished primarily by a large dorsal fi n, so prominent that the fish became known as the “sailfish of the north.” Grayling were so abundant
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and popular that the county seat of Crawford County was named for them. But grayling had several factors working against them. They are easily caught, and with the dearth of fishing regulations in the 19th century, they were heavily exploited, shipped by the barrelful to major cities by rail. The species is environmentally sensitive and lumbering practices, including clearcutting forests and floating logs down their rivers, destroyed their habitat as massive siltation covered their gravel spawning beds. To make matters worse, early fisheries managers introduced both rainbow and brown trout,
which are more competitive, into the cold, clear-water streams grayling inhabited. Those three factors were too much for the grayling; the last known wild grayling in Michigan was caught in the Upper Peninsula’s Otter River in Houghton County in 1936, where they probably were not even native but had been stocked. Since that time, fisheries managers have made several attempts to re-introduce grayling to Michigan, the most recent in the late 1980s, but none met with success. But Montana’s recent success re-establishing grayling populations — the only other place in
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK
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Restoring the grayling
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE (BOTTOM); THINKSTOCK (TOP)
“Grayling coexist with brook trout and brown trout in other places. But we’re dealing with established populations of trout in our streams, so that may be a major hurdle to get over.” — Todd Grischke the continental United States where they are found — has fisheries managers optimistic that Michigan can get grayling back. The Department of Natural Resources and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians entered into a partnership agreement in 2016 to give grayling another go. “It’s rolling,” said Todd Grischke, the assistant fisheries chief at the Michigan DNR, who said the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative now has 40 partners. “Things are starting to happen.” Montana enjoyed success in repopulating grayling waters by utilizing remote site incubators in the streams targeted for stocking, Grischke said. “They’re glorified 5-gallon buckets, really,” he said. “Fertilized eggs are placed in a mesh basket with gravel and the flowthrough current. Right after they hatch, they become imprinted on that river as they move out of the bucket and into the stream. Montana’s had multiple years of natural reproduction. “That technology is what we’re relying on.” The partnership secured a grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to evaluate the Upper Manistee River watershed, including more than 20 tributaries, and have concluded the habitat is proper for grayling. A second grant from the Henry E. and Consuelo S. Wenger Foundation is funding a major research study at Michigan State University, where an artificial stream was created and fertilized eggs from Alaska (where grayling are bountiful) were obtained to study. The hatchlings are in the facility, and
researchers have added some trout to see how they do. “Grayling coexist with brook trout and brown trout in other places,” Grischke said. “But we’re dealing with established populations of trout in our streams, so that may be a major hurdle to get over. It is not our intention to eliminate existing fish populations and stock grayling in their place.” Meanwhile, the DNR is planning a $1.1-million project at Oden State Fish Hatchery, including ultraviolet light equipment to kill any pathogens, where brood stock for future stocking endeavors will be held. “We’re in the design phase right now,” Grischke said. “We started a nonprofit (called ReWild) to raise the money for it. It’s a $275,000 design project, and we’ve raised half the money. “This is really taking a holistic approach,
where we learn from past attempts and use modern-day technology to make it work. We’re trying to do this right.” If the idea of floating a fly over grayling in Michigan whets your angling appetite, well, keep your shirt on, Grischke said. “It’ll be years,” he said. “It’s probably in the neighborhood of five years before we have fish to put in a stream and potentially another five years before we’ll be able to fish for them. I don’t know if I’ll see this in my career.” Still, Grischke is fi red up. He’s urging grayling enthusiasts to be patient. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said.
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Bob Gwizdz is an avid angler and career outdoor writer who lives in East Lansing with his wife Judy.
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UNDERCURRENTS
A sea of plastic
Groups move to eliminate single-use plastics to benefit the environment and reduce risks. BY HOWARD MEYERSON
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Lakeshore Art Festival will provide free water to those who bring their own bottles.
“We saw a ginormous number of plastic bottles recycled and consumed, and it seemed kind of a waste …,” said Carla Flanders, the chamber’s vice president of marketing. “We want to reduce the number of bottles used and be good stewards of the environment. It was important that event not only be economically sustainable but environmentally sustainable, too.” A great message, for sure. The chamber sells about 1,200 bottles at the event. Flanders is trying to figure out what might be done to encourage vendors to do the same. This year’s festival will provide free water to those who bring their own bottles, using WaterMonsters, large tanks with spigots. The Detroit Zoo also discontinued the sale of bottled water, though “it was the No.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY LAKESHORE ART FESTIVAL (BOTTOM); THINKSTOCK (TOP & LEFT)
“We want to reduce the number of bottles used and be good stewards of the environment. It was important that event not only be economically sustainable but environmentally sustainable, too.” — Carla Flanders
ow often have you seen an empty plastic water bottle on the beach or floating amid the river debris in an eddy along the riverbank? Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Single-use plastic water bottles, plastic bags, six-pack rings, Styrofoam cups and other plastic packaging and pieces are common fi nds on our Great Lakes shores, inland lakes and rivers. More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution winds up in the Great Lakes every year, according to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, an NGO based in Chicago. The alliance is known for major water protection initiatives, including among others, the federal ban on microbeads in soaps and toothpastes and an annual Adopt-a-Beach cleanup that now results in 18 tons of trash being collected, more than 85 percent of which is plastic. Single-use plastics are a concern for a number of reasons. They require fossil fuels to make and they do not decompose but do break down into ever-smaller pieces and particles that stay in the environment. Those particles may absorb toxic chemicals and have been shown to enter the food chain as they are consumed by fish, mussels, animals and birds. The alliance is not alone in its campaign against plastic in our waters. Organizations across the country increasingly are taking steps to reduce the proliferation of single-use plastic. Take, for example, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, which has opted to stop selling bottled water at its popular annual Lakeshore Art Festival in July.
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1 revenue-producing concession item,” a large full-page magazine ad recently proclaimed: “Given the enormity of plastic waste these bottles represent, their damaging effects to our waters and the dangers they pose to wildlife, the zoo said, ‘Not on our land.’” The zoo has 1.7 million visitors annually. Bottled water sales once brought in a quarter million dollars annually, according to its website. The zoo also is providing water stations for visitors. The famed Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is yet another. It and a coalition of 22 aquariums around the country, a group called the Aquarium Conservation Partnership, have eliminated 5 million single-use plastic straws, plus plastic bags. Shedd and its partners, who are recruiting private businesses to join them, have committed to significantly reducing or eliminating single-use plastic beverage bottles by 2020. The list goes on. You too can do something about the problem. This year, when you go up to the cottage, leave the bottled water at the store if there is no emergency. If your cottage tap water comes from a well, consider a pitcher water fi lter to improve the taste. Buy an attractive reusable water bottle for the beach or a hike or paddle. Ask for paper instead of plastic bags when you shop for cottage provisions, or better yet, bring reusable cloth bags for groceries. It’s a fact: every little bit helps.
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Howard Meyerson is the managing editor for Michigan BLUE.
wolverinecabinet.com MICHIGAN BLUE
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C O T TA G E S 2 019
AT T H E H E L M
Boat Nerds of the Great Lakes
M
uch like America’s railroad watchers, commercial shipping attracts a substantial group of enthusiasts who photograph and track the great boats as they pass through shipping lanes and waterways around the world. Michigan is home to its own dedicated group of ship watchers, who log the passage of commercial vessels that haul grains, ore and other cargo across the Great Lakes. Narrow channels in places like the St. Clair River and Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie provide ideal viewing locations for ship watchers, such as BoatNerd.com founder and Port Huron native Neil Schultheiss. Created in 1995, when websites were generally unknown outside of academic and government circles, BoatNerd.com began as an experiment to test Schultheiss’s programming skills. “I had the interest, and it seemed like a good subject,” Schultheiss said. “There were already text newsgroups that discussed boats, so I thought I would give it a try.” Great Lakes commercial shipping lanes cross more than 1,900 miles of fresh water between Duluth, Minnesota, and the East Coast, passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway and fi nally spilling into the Atlantic Ocean beyond Quebec City. There are well-known vantage points throughout the Great Lakes, with several favorites in Michigan that attract dedicated ship watchers year-round.
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200,000 pictures recording the life of many ships throughout their entire maritime career. The website also maintains records of each ship’s history, including their movement, cargo and interior layouts, all within a searchable database. Regularly quoted and referenced by other media and news outlets, BoatNerd. com has become the go-to source for Great Lakes shipping facts and figures. Ship watchers Although still known as BoatNerd, at the Soo Locks in 2001, the organization became Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping Online, “Some of the captains know Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Port Hume and they blow a salute, ron with Schultheiss as president. The orgawhich never fails to thrill me. nization and its website, still BoatNerd.com, are supported by donations, fundraising Yep, I’m a Boat Nerd!” events and product sales. — Roger LeLievre Although completely web-based today, Armed with binoculars, cameras and BoatNerd has had physical locations around notebooks, Boat Nerds track commercial Michigan and plans to again. Its most recent ships and report their fi ndings on BoatNerd. presence was inside the Great Lakes Maricom, which holds a catalog of more than time Center at Port Huron’s Vantage Point. One of Michigan’s best ship-watching locations, Welland Canal Vantage Point is located at a bend in the St. Clair River where ships cruising between lakes Erie and Huron reduce their speed. The narrow passage creates great opportunities for close-up photographs. From mid-March to November, Vantage Point ship watchers can park themselves along Port Huron’s concrete riverwalk or sit inside the Maritime Center when the weather is less cooperative. The building also
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BOAT NERDS
BY CHUCK WARREN
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houses a variety of shipping-related displays, including shipwreck maps, blueprints and items recovered from some of the many shipwrecks found throughout the Great Lakes. The passion for commercial ships also brings BoatNerd.com members together for several events throughout the year. Their largest, a picnic on the waterfront at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, attracts more than 125 ship watchers each summer. “Many of the ship’s captains know we are there and blow us salutes on their horns,” said Roger LeLievre, admitted Boat Nerd and Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping vice president. During the event, visitors can walk across the Soo Locks and access the site’s historical structures such as the Weather Bureau Building. The BoatNerd.com crew also charters one of the Soo Locks tour boats for “ship stalking” excursions. “We work with the captain to see where the boat traffic is and we ‘chase’ them down for pictures,” LeLievre said. “The trip also includes going through the locks and a buffet dinner.” Several other events are held for Boat Nerd.com members, including a swap meet at the Welland Canal, which connects lakes Erie and Ontario, and the Badger BoatNerd Gathering, when attendees can spend the night aboard the 410-foot long, 7-story tall car ferry — one of the few National Historic Landmarks that move. BoatNerd.com also operates more than a dozen Great Lakes AIS (automated identification systems) stations, which provide real-time tracking of ships movements. Ship watchers can track vessels live on BoatNerd. com as they move between ports throughout the Great Lakes and beyond. Today, BoatNerd.com features, such as daily shipping news, industry concerns, water levels, and of course, ship-watching info, attract more than 11,000 visitors a day and 2.2 million page views per month. There are no fees required to become a Boat Nerd, and the crew welcomes tracking and photo submis-
sions from any enthusiasts who enjoy watching Great Lakes ships. “On nice days, you can often fi nd me on the river with my camera in hand,” LeLievre said. “Some of the captains know me and
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Chuck Warren is a licensed captain and freelance boating writer from Grandville.
Worth Sharing
#UPTRAVEL UPtravel.com
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they blow a salute, which never fails to thrill me. Yep, I’m a Boat Nerd!”
11/16/18 10:52 AM
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BY JEANINE MATLOW PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ASHLEY AVILA AND VISBEEN ARCHITECTS
Burgess Lake residence delivers down-to-earth details.
The real deal
Right: A comfortable and open living room gets ample natural light. Top: The driveway leads to the main house and a guest apartment over the garage.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY
w
WHAT LED THIS GREENVILLE COUPLE to their waterfront refuge was close friends asking if they would consider building a cottage together and taking turns staying there. That weekend, the husband read about a lot for sale on Burgess Lake in Greenville, north of Grand Rapids. As his wife Jorie — who requested her last name be withheld — explained, they took a drive and it was love at first sight, “I walked onto the lot and said, ‘I want to live here, but I’m not sharing.’ The lake was that striking. That lot would become the site of their one-and-only home. With four grown children, it was time to downsize, and in the summer of 2014, they began building with Ada-based Douglas Sumner Builder, Inc. They moved in about a year later. What the custom structure lacks in stature, it more than makes up for in charm. Just ask Wayne Visbeen, AIA, principal of Visbeen Architects, Inc. in Grand Rapids and Chicago. Though his prominent projects span the globe, this one gets consistent praise and it’s easy to see why. “It’s a rather modest home, but it’s very quaint and charming,”
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Visbeen said about the lakefront cottage he designed for the couple. Visbeen described their dwelling as a classic home with crisp lines, an updated shingle-style ranch with a lower level walkout that still is bent toward traditional. “The house is very accessible. Everything they need is really on the main level,” he noted. In addition to the 3,600-square-foot main house is a roughly 800-square-foot guest apartment above the garage that the homeowners wanted to be separate for their adult son who has Asperger’s syndrome. Personalizing it for the way he lives resulted in a minimal yet masculine space that sports handsome gray cabinetry and built-ins for books, DVDs and video games.
Out and about
The couple enjoys hosting small dinner parties on the upper deck before heading to the pergola-covered patio for coffee and dessert by the wood-burning replace.
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Though built on a fairly flat area, a steep grade down to the lake required some ingenuity when siting the home. Close to 60 steps with intermittent stone paths lead to the dock from the outdoor patio, while a raised deck offers scenic views of the lake and a covered
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walkway provides the perfect spot for a grill. “I’ve always preferred to be elevated from the lake with a lot of trees,” Jorie said. The couple enjoys hosting small dinner parties on the upper deck before heading to the pergola-covered patio for coffee and dessert by the wood-burning fireplace. They also like spending time outside on their own, admiring their picture-perfect site on Burgess Lake, which is known for its color. “It can be green or Caribbean blue depending on the weather,” she explained. “It’s very clean, and it has fish. My husband loves to fish.”
Take your temperature
While Visbeen works with a variety of climates and clients; Jorie and her husband chose a geothermal system to heat and cool the main house since natural gas was not available. Environmentally friendly and costeffective, geothermal can be a wise choice in Michigan, Visbeen said. A geothermal system operates by tapping the stable temperatures that are found underground, using a piping system filled with
water that circulates between the ground, home and a heat pump. Where electric or propane options are more expensive in the long run, geothermal has a higher cost upfront with savings in the end. “Our home is cozy in the winter and the cooling is really efficient,” said Jorie, who also chose manmade dry creek beds with buried drainage tubes to disperse rain from the roof instead of high-maintenance gutters.
As times goes by
The couple’s home includes aging-inplace features, anticipating possible changes ahead. For instance, the husband’s study can become an infirmary or a second bedroom with two sets of double doors in the hallway, one that allows the study and the master suite to be closed off from the great room and another between the two. For Visbeen, looking ahead remains a priority. “I don’t design a home for today; I design it for tomorrow, whether that means aging in place or selling, it should transition,” he said.
Top: The open white-on-white kitchen is accented comfortably with dark wood floors, dark stools and light fixtures. Right: A vintage sewing table from an old farm, a hand me-down from their daughter, supports a vessel sink in the powder room. Page 42 Bottom: Because the deck needed reinforcement, a slatted wall of cedar was added for aesthetics. The retaining walls on either side of the house are made from concrete block. MICHIGAN BLUE
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PGA professional, received after a decade of playing a 24-hour marathon of golf each year and raising $500,000 for a local homeless shelter is on display. The books on the nearby built-ins include those that belonged to the wife’s father and a few of her favorites, too.
Going down
Personal touches
Another clever concept, for a double barn door in the entry, came from Jorie, who said Visbeen made the change that day even though the original plans were complete, and it meant taking space from the front porch. When the barn door is closed, it separates the main floor from the lower level both visually and acoustically. One of Visbeen’s favorite features is the flow of the stairwell with its interior siding and built-in library. “The stairwell is indicative of the charm of the home,” he said. “It has an understated beauty with alternating boards and random plank sizes.” There, an American flag the husband, a
On the lower level, the stained concrete flooring that was pre-scored before the walls were in place almost looks like tile, Visbeen said. “There are a lot of charming details like the bookcase that gives a personal transition. It’s utilitarian, but it’s casually elegant.” Two welcoming guest rooms lead to the main areas, where a sliding barn door conceived by Visbeen can hide the exercise room or allow it to be open to the air and light when in use. Jorie explained that she wanted the area to be open but “didn’t want to look at all that equipment.”
A place for everything
Jorie, whose background includes buying and merchandising, incorporated all but a few pieces of furniture from their former residence into their new surroundings. “I kept everything I own because I love it,” she said. “My favorite season is fall, and I look at my home and it’s a fall house. It’s cozy; that must be my personality coming out.” The timeless environment also echoes her signature style. “I like to wear jeans and a black cashmere V-neck,” she added. Classic details include the engineered hickory floors that ground the main level where the mantel in the great room extends beyond the stone
“Every room has such personality with relatively traditional elements put together in a way that just feels right. It’s charmingly eclectic.” — Wayne Visbeen
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fireplace to the custom cabinetry, and the stained wood ceiling warms the space. Substantial windows that face the lake satisfy her husband who did not want a lot of panes to obstruct the views, while Jorie chose white walls to brighten the interiors. “I wanted the backdrop of the house to be the trees and the lake, not the color of the house,” she said.
Natural talent
Visbeen credited his client with her vision for the kitchen. “It’s really clean whiteon-white with subway tile that goes all the way up to the crown molding and the wood ceiling has a simplistic beauty about it. With the contrast of the dark wood floors, there’s almost a British West Indies flavor,” he said. He clearly admires her style, too: “It’s not easy to pull together a home with existing materials and so much charm. She has a great sense of accessorizing and she did such a great job of integrating her furniture into the new home.” Perhaps this project gets so many accolades because of its authenticity. “Their home
is so relatable. It isn’t a design showroom; these are real people with real furniture,” Visbeen said. “Every room has such personality with relatively traditional elements put together in a way that just feels right. It’s charmingly eclectic.”
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Jeanine Matlow is a Detroit-based freelance writer who specializes in writing about homes and home décor. She is a regular contributor to BLUE.
Above: The lower level space includes a reading area and pool table, while an exercise area is hidden behind a sliding barn door. Page 44 Top: The airy master bedroom is enshrouded by tree canopy. Bottom: The master bath is simple, roomy and bright. Middle: A room in the guest suite. MICHIGAN BLUE
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SPEND THE NIGHT AT ONE OF MICHIGAN’S HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE BED-AND-BREAKFASTS FOR A UNIQUE SHORELINE EXPERIENCE. BY D I A N NA S TA M PF L ER
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY STEVE LOVELESS
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“We want our guests to step back in time and experience the lighthouse as if they were one of the keepers from the past.” — Nancy Weir
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY STEVE LOVELESS
Decorated with period antiques, the former assistant light keeper’s two-bedroom apartment at the Point Betsie Lighthouse provides comfortable, spacious living.
s early as the 1820s, Michigan lighthouses were protecting Great Lakes shorelines. Today, one of the rarest experiences people can have is to spend the night in one of these historic and often romantic beacons. Nationally, only a dozen or so lights have been converted into bedand-breakfast inns with a handful of them found here in Michigan. Patrons wake to the sounds of waves rolling in along sandy beaches with expansive views of Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Manitou Islands in the distance. They end their days watching the sun dip slowly into the Lake Michigan horizon before disappearing. In between, finding quiet solitude in the shadows of the Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfort. Built between 1854 and 1858, Point Betsie is the most recent Michigan lighthouse to offer overnight accommodations for up to six guests in the former assistant keeper’s apartment on the upper level. Maintained by the 300-member Friends of Point Betsie, the keeper’s quarters offers two separate bedrooms, a common living room, bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. What this light doesn’t offer are the distractions of modern technology, such as wireless internet or television. A stay at Point Betsie begs visitors to reflect on the simple pleasures in life, like reading a good book at the beach or enjoying a game of euchre with the family on a rainy day. “The apartment is furnished with period antiques, and while there is a phone, there is no TV,” said Nancy Weir, president MICHIGAN BLUE
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“I gather the guests who stay at the Big Bay Lighthouse are quite a bit different than those he had been hosting at his offshore lighthouse property — the former being hardworking people who have ‘stay at a lighthouse’ on their bucket list, and the latter being more wealthy individuals looking for something different to do.” — Meredith McQuaid
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY NICK KORSTAD
The cozy comfort of a Big Bay Point Lighthouse bedroom is outdone only by the majestic views of Lake Superior.
of Point Betsie Lighthouse. “We want our guests to step back in time and experience the lighthouse as if they were one of the keepers from the past.” Point Betsie is available for weekly rental from mid-June through Labor Day weekend, with a two-night minimum in the early (starting Memorial weekend) and late season (through mid-October). For rates and reservations, call (231) 352-7644 or visit pointbetsie.com. For more than 30 years, the majestic red brick Big Bay Point Lighthouse has been welcoming visitors to spend the night in one of its seven unique guest rooms. First opened as a bed-and-breakfast in 1986, the light was purchased in May 2018 by Nick Korstad, who also owned and restored the Borden Flats Lighthouse in Somerset, Massachusetts. During the summer of 2018, Brad Delapena and Meredith McQuaid from Minneapolis embarked on their second Lake Superior Circle Tour — by motorcycle, staying at the Big Bay Lighthouse just as they had 13 years prior. “We had to stop here again, and the experience was even better than the first time,” Meredith said. With updated rooms and the same unparalleled views, she said the atmosphere of this Upper Peninsula gem was much more inviting this time around, attributing much of that to the personality of the new innkeeper. “Nick is a very interesting and engaging host. What was most special about the second stay was the history of lighthouses in general that he provided; the enthusiasm he has for lighthouse hospitality. And the breakfast was fabulous.” Meredith said she thinks the newly ordained Midwestern keeper is taking to the U.P. very well. “I gather the guests who stay at the Big Bay Lighthouse are quite a bit different than those he had been hosting at his offshore lighthouse property — the former being hardworking people who have ‘stay at a lighthouse’ on their bucket list, and the latter being more wealthy individuals looking for something different to do.” MICHIGAN BLUE
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LIGHTHOUSE B&B/ VACATION RENTALS Accommodations and seasons vary, check websites for information. Big Bay Point Lighthouse bigbaylighthouse.com Eagle River Lighthouse keweenaw.info Fort Gratiot Lighthouse phmuseum.org Jacobsville Lighthouse Inn jacobsvillelighthouse.com Point Betsie Lighthouse pointbetsie.com Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn sandhillslighthouseinn.com
Three of the seven guest rooms at Big Bay are named after former keepers: James Bergman (1901-15), John McDonald (1915-27), and John Dufrain (1927-33), while the other four bear the names of assistant keepers and helpers at the remote lighthouse about 30 miles from Marquette along the shores of Lake Superior. Each room features a private bath; many also have fireplaces and water views. Guests also have use of the living room, where they can warm themselves beside the fire; a library, which is well-suited for reading or watching the classic film “Anatomy of a Murder,” based on a true story that occurred nearby in the 1950s (including the filming); or exploring the 47 acres of woods and meadows surrounding the lighthouse. Of course, climbing the steps of the lighthouse tower — for photographic 365-degree views — is a must. Those looking for an enhanced experience will want to book one of the special spa treatments available in the Serenity Massage Hut, which sits in a secluded woodland area perched 30 feet above Lake Superior. Available May through October, appointments such as warm stone massage or the romantic “Bliss for Two” package offer add-ons
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such as collagen facial or foot salt scrub. Big Bay Point Lighthouse is open year-round, with discounted rates in the offseason. Rates include lodging, a full homemade breakfast and a wealth of memories. For reservations, call (906) 345-9957 or visit bigbaylighthouse.com. Paradise is known for several things — it is the wild blueberry capital of Michigan, it is home to the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory and it is the site where the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald sank in the treacherous waters of Lake Superior on Nov. 10, 1975. It also is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, which manages the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, including the White sh Point Light Station. The 1923 Coast Guard crew’s quarters at Whitefish Point are open for overnight stays in one of five themed rooms at the oldest active lighthouse complex along Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast. The first floor “Chief’s Officer’s” room offers a queen bed and is fully barrierfree; the four other rooms, each with a full or queen bed, are situated on the second floor. The two-story white with red-roofed station also
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY DIANNA STAMPFLER
Whitefish oint Lighthouse shipwreckmuseum.com
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PHOTOGRAPGY BY CHRIS WINTERS
“This place was very unique. On the main floor, there is a good-sized living room with a kitchen behind it — which is fully stocked with snacks and breakfast items like granola bars, microwaveable breakfast sandwiches and cereal. And over breakfast, we had the chance to meet many other guests.” — Bob Hildebrand offers a common living area and kitchen, where coffee and a continental breakfast are offered each morning. Bob and Linda Hildebrand from Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, stayed in the crew’s quarters for the first time last summer, and they say they’ll return for a longer visit next time around. “This place was very unique,” Bob said. “On the main floor, there is a good-sized living room with a kitchen behind it — which is fully stocked with snacks and breakfast items like granola bars, microwaveable breakfast sandwiches and cereal. And over breakfast, we had the chance to meet many other guests.” After breakfast, guests can explore the rocky shoreline where waves crash in rhythm and passing freighters can be seen traveling through brilliant blue waters of the northern Great Lakes. Rock hunters consider this stretch, from Whitefish Point to Grand Marais, to be among the best for discovering agates — an ornamental stone consisting primarily of chalcedony and quartz, stained brilliant shades of reds and browns by the iron prevalent in the area. A popular evening pastime here is viewing the aurora borealis (northern lights), which can often be seen dancing in the sky in colorful patterns of green, pink and purple. In the spring and fall, visitors to Whitefish Point will want to check out the bird observatory, adjacent to the Whitefish Point Unit of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, an affiliate of the Michigan Audubon Society. Considered a migration hotspot, this site acts as a natural corridor for thousands of birds with more than 340 species recorded. The crew’s quarters at Whitefish Point are open April through November. For reservations, call (800) 635-1742 or visit shipwreck museum.com. For more information on Michigan’s many lighthouses, visit the website of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association at gllka.com or terrypepper.com, the website of its president.
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Dianna Stampfler has been researching and writing about Michigan’s historic beacons for nearly 20 years. Her first book, “Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses” was just published by The History Press.
A stay in the U.S Coast Guard’s Whitefish Point Station provides a handsome, well-appointed setting with direct access to the Lake Superior shoreline, the shipwreck museum and bird observatory.
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— ELLEN FRED
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BEAG+HAUS
“I LIKE THE IDEA OF LIVING SMALL AND EVERYONE BEING TOGETHER AS LONG AS THERE’S SPACE FOR ESCAPE. IT’S COZIER. AND IT’S ALSO GREENER IN TERMS OF SAVING RESOURCES.”
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A small house can be
JUST THE
RIGHT SIZE
Tiny homes offer cozy atmosphere, functional space, less to clean.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BEAG+HAUS
BY LESLIE MERTZ
GO BIG OR GO HOME? For some Michiganders today, the saying should be “Go small and go home.” That’s because they see a smaller house as offering everything they need and want, and nothing more. Northwestern Lower Michigan is a corner of the state with several new small-home projects. They include houses being constructed for customers, spec houses that are testing the market and a new small-home development near Bellaire. The latter is an undertaking of the design group beag+haus, which specializes in “innovative small homes for the everyday adventurer.” Company co-founders Marc O’Grady and Dwayne Johnson, both northern Michigan natives, are readying the 33-acre site now and plan to build the fi rst model home in the spring. The Bellaire development will include houses ranging from as little as 400 square feet up to 1,500 square feet. Johnson said most will fall in the 800- to 1,000-square-foot range. Their fi rst model home will be 600-800 square feet. “We’re doing that because most people don’t have any experience with a house that size,” he said. “Until they see a model or stand in a space that’s 600 square feet, it’s hard for them to judge what that means in terms of how quickly the space is taken by things like king-sized MICHIGAN BLUE
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SIZED TO YOUR NEEDS Living smaller is a different mindset from the bigger-is-better mentality of most American homebuyers, O’Grady remarked. While the cost per square foot of new construction is about the same regardless of size — around $200-$250 in northern Michigan — the benefit of a welldesigned small home is that just about every inch is utilized. He explains, “Instead of going out and buying what you think you need or what the market says you need, our approach is to take the amount of space that you actually use in your home and make that the total size of your home.” Besides the Bellaire small-home community, beag+haus is work-
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ing on several individual projects, including one for Ellen Fred, a conservation law attorney. She had a 200-square-foot tiny house on wheels for recreational use and decided to sell that and build something a bit larger. She chose one of the company’s designs with an approximately 700-square-foot main floor and a loft. “At the last minute, we decided to add a little bump-out for a small master bedroom and bathroom, so that added another couple hundred square feet,” Fred said. While she plans to use the new build as a home office for the time being, she is open to the possibility of making it her primary residence sometime in the future. Fred’s attraction to smaller living has many aspects. “I like the idea of living small and everyone being together as long as there’s space for escape. It’s cozier. And it’s also greener in terms of saving resources, and it’s less to clean, too,” she said. “Really, if it is a very functional space with everything you need, it just doesn’t have to be big.” The key to living small is decluttering, Fred said. “As a society, we tend to collect things, so if you look in your kitchen drawer, you may have three garlic presses even though you just need one high-quality garlic press, and that’s all,” she said. “If everything is truly functional, you only need a small amount of space.”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREENE KREISER
beds and traditional, full-sized kitchens. But at the same time, we can show them how they can exist in a space that’s this size.” Likewise, Eastwood Custom Homes just built a 440-square-foot, one-bedroom and one-bath model just south of Traverse City. On the market for $149,900, it either includes a 1.5-car attached garage or an attic that provides extra space for storage or for conversion into a second bedroom, according to Eastwood sales associate Julie Lashmit. This is one of several small homes the company is constructing in the area. “We feel that there’s room in the market for these smaller homes, especially for a single person who is looking for energy efficiency and lower heating bills,” she said.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREENE KREISER
Cathleen Hawthorne built this 880-square-foot charmer for her brother, but he passed away before he could move in. She then put it on the market and it sold almost immediately for her full asking price. Based on that success and the many compliments she has since received on the house, Hawthorne is now looking into getting her contractor’s license and embarking on other small-home projects. (The house is currently available as a rental.)
MAKING SMALL WORK Small spaces do present a few challenges. One is the battle between a light and airy open concept and the need for privacy and compartmentalization, Johnson said. “For instance, people see photos of lofts in magazines and they look great without walls because they open up to the fi rst floor, but if there are multiple people living in that house for anything more than a couple of days, the loft is the worst place in terms of privacy,” he said. “Those are the types of conversations we’re constantly having with clients.” Another consideration in creating a purposeful smaller home is to design in spacesaving features. O’Grady used the example of a small media room. If you add pocket doors, you can open it up when you have guests to increase your living space. Carlie Humphrey, a marketing professional, has been giving a lot of thought to getting the most out of the beag+haus small home she is building near Traverse City with her husband. “We have (planned) a crawl space below the house that we’ll be using for extra storage. And we are building an enclosed outdoor shower, and instead of a dining table, we’d like to put in a kitchen island, which is better for gathering and as a cooking (surface). We’re really trying to maximize the space,” she said.
Their house will be an A-frame with 800 square feet on the fi rst floor and a 200-square-foot loft, where they are planning to add a small half-bath. A native of Plymouth but currently living in Chicago, Humphrey said she and her husband hope to move to the small house full time in a couple of years, and in the meantime, offer it for short-term rentals when they aren’t visiting themselves. An advantage of small homes, however, is that owners have nearly no limit on fi nishes, including those that might be cost-proMICHIGAN BLUE
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TINY LIVING RV-STYLE
he collection of elfin homes at the end of a winding road near Traverse City may look like miniature houses, but they aren’t. Rather, they fall under the description of RVs — “temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use,” as defined by the RV Industry Association. The homes are part of Cottage Estates, a section of the Traverse Bay RV Resort that is reserved strictly for these tiny RV homes, most of which are Amish-built, 400-square-foot (plus loft), Park Models manufactured by the Indiana company Woodland Park, according to Kathy Scheppe, who owns the resort with her husband David.
WHO GOES SMALL? Whether people are looking at small homes for rentals, seasonal living or primary residences, a common thread is their appreciation for and desire to spend time outside, O’Grady said. “Most of our clients are really outdoorsy kinds of people. They like to be outside, so they don’t need all the indoor space.” That description fits Humphrey and her husband perfectly. She comments, “We really wanted a place that was in the midst of the activities and all of the fun stuff to do up there, so we just felt like it wasn’t necessary to have a lot of extra living space. We’d rather put our money toward the adventure and everything else outside of the home.” While retirees have approached beag+haus about downsizing to smaller homes, most of their clients are in the 20-40 age range, O’Grady said. “What we’re seeing among millennials is that they don’t necessarily want the traditional American dream that their parents wanted or that people have told them they should want. They don’t want a big house. They don’t want a big mortgage payment,” he said. “What they do want is enough house, not the most house they can get. That’s the trend. And that’s our philosophy, too.”
“We only purchase their top models with as many options possible, including front and rear porches,” Kathy said. The homes, which come with a 192-squarefoot matching shed and are set on a lot that’s at least 5,000 square feet, run about $140,000. Tennessee resident Dean Toscano bought his Park Model after touring the region for the first time this past summer. “My wife and I went up to Traverse City and the Cherry Festival for our 30-year anniversary and were just blown away by the area: the lakes, the different towns — Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Glen Arbor — everything about it was just so cool.” While visiting a friend at the RV park during that trip, he and his wife saw the unit and bought it a few days later. With its gas fireplace, large-screen TV, upgraded interior, good-sized porches and scenic views, he says it feels like “a very nice upscale condo.” Michigan natives Ron and Cam Hurley also purchased a place in Cottage Estates this past year, but theirs is a stickbuilt model that was constructed as a spec home by local builder Todd Gokey. “We’ve been in Florida for 11 years now,
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TRAVERSE BAY RV RESORT/KRISTI GAWNE
hibitive in a larger home, O’Grady said. For instance, a remnant piece of otherwise expensive marble may be all that’s needed to outfit a kitchen counter. Finishes were on the mind of Cathleen Hawthorne, who took on her fi rst house project by overseeing construction of an 880-square-foot home in Benzie County. “My vision was to build a small home that combined cottage charm with the quality and elements of a larger luxury home,” she said. Completed last year, the little yellow house features ample windows with craftsmanstyle trim, a fi replace in the bright living/ dining area, a farmhouse sink and upscale counters in the kitchen, two well-appointed bedrooms and a small sitting porch. Humphrey also is excited about adding distinctive touches to the interior of her new place. “Because you have smaller spaces, you can then invest in really neat things, and I hope to fi nd some things to outfit the house that are local to Traverse City or that are special to our family,” she said. “I defi nitely want to keep it as local and as unique as possible so when guests come up, they will feel like they’re in northern Michigan and not just another cabin.”
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Leslie Mertz is a freelance writer and environmental educator. She lives Up North near a branch of the Au Sable River.
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TRAVERSE BAY RV RESORT/KRISTI GAWNE
“AS FAR AS A SEASONAL VACATION HOME, IT’S PERFECT. YOU DON’T NEED A GIANT HOUSE WITH LOTS OF ROOMS BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT GOING TO SPEND A WHOLE LOT OF TIME INSIDE. — DEAN TOSCANO and we usually rent somewhere in Traverse City and have the kids meet us up there in the summer,” Ron said. This year, however, Cam pushed the idea of buying a tiny RV home instead. Although originally not as enthused about spending six months a year in a space that is about one-sixth the size of their Florida home, he says he found it surprisingly easy to downsize to 400 square feet. They listed the high-quality trim work, a large glass shower, cathedral ceilings in the kitchen and living room, and ample decks off the master bedroom and living room as being big positives, but one of
the things they like best is how quickly they can clean their tiny home. Cam said it takes only an hour and a half to “have the whole house spit-polished, so we can be free for the rest of the day.” The only real challenge so far has been jostling for position in the kitchen. “We both enjoy cooking, so that’s been an adjustment. There has to be a little give and take — he takes, and I give,” Cam said with a laugh. The Toscanos and the Hurleys agree their decision to go tiny was the right one. Toscano summarized, “As far as a seasonal vacation home, it’s perfect.
You don’t need a giant house with lots of rooms because you’re not going to spend a whole lot of time inside. You want to be out exploring and enjoying the sights and doing the outdoorsy, adventurous things that attracted you to the area to begin with.”
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LAKESTYLE COTTAGE • The Avington The Avington Floor Plan | Main 5,681 sq ft | Upper 2,134 sq ft | Total 7.815 sq ft | 90’ W X 69’6” D
N
estled on the shimmering shores of the Great Lakes is the
tionality with three bedroom suites and a home office that adorn
Avington. Contemporary elements of this home can be
the upper level, and the grand, two-story living room is showcased
seen in its tri-tone exterior with black, opaque garage doors, nu-
below. Outside entertaining takes center stage with an expansive
merous fire features, and black windows. Upon entering, panoram-
patio complete with an outdoor pool, flanked by a bar on one side
ic views of the lake can be seen through floor to ceiling windows.
and hot tub patio on the other side. The bar, with sliding door walls
This symmetrical floor plan features a main level with an open
on two sides, allows for year-round enjoyment, and a connecting
kitchen and dining space, an extensive back of house, and a spa-
screened porch gives guests and host alike the chance to watch
cious master suite that boasts a romantic, see-through fireplace
the sunset and enjoy a drink rain or shine. Whether dining, loung-
between an outdoor jacuzzi and master bath soaker tub. Accessed
ing, or entertaining, the soft glow of firelight illuminates the space
via a stair tower, with a glass ceiling wine cellar below, the upper
with strategically placed fireplaces. Contemporary comfort and
level wraps around the main level great room. Luxury meets func-
lakefront living combine in this Visbeen Architects original home.
Visbeen Architects | 662 Croswell Ave SE East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | 616.285.9901 | www.visbeen.com | Grand Rapids | Chicago This Lakestyle Cottage floor plan is a copyright of Visbeen Architects, LLC and is made available through Michigan Blue.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DESIGNERS • BUILDERS •ARCHITECT S
Waterfr nt Living AHHHH, A COTTAGE ON THE SHORELINE, or a home base tucked in your little corner of heaven. The bare ground on which you build your vision
is only the beginning. From the architect who captures your daydreams and puts them on paper, to the builder who tackles every obstacle to bring a drawing to life, to the designer who transforms an empty space into an expertly appointed abode, the team you assemble will make an impression that lives on. The masters featured on the following pages are renowned for their signature styles and their trademark approaches — taking artistry to a level beyond imagination.
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RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT
Visbeen Architects Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA
W
ayne Visbeen, owner and principal of Visbeen Architects, has a warm affection for Michigan, and Grand Rapids in particular. “It’s our home, our base and our first love,” he said. But
Visbeen’s reach spans far beyond his beloved West Michigan roots. With residential projects
in 48 U.S. states and 11 countries, Visbeen Architects is known worldwide for its beautiful,
traditional lakefront homes and cottages. If a traditional-style home is what you envision when Visbeen Architects comes to mind, you haven’t begun to see its vast and diverse portfolio. “From mid-century modern to transitional to contemporary infill to flat-out modern, our talented team of architects and designers is able to cross any boundary of design,” Visbeen said. Today, many of Visbeen’s clientele are seeking a contemporary-style home — and it’s these kinds of homes that truly excite and inspire the Visbeen team to strive for the highest levels of creativity. “One of our hallmarks is innovation,” Visbeen said. “But efficiency is just as important, and it’s a consistent trait of all of our homes.” The homes presented here, each designed and artfully named by the Visbeen team, are paragons of contemporary design.
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MUIRON Project: Rebuild; mid-century modern design Set on an inland lake in a West Michigan suburb, this masterpiece features the defining characteristics of midcentury modern design. Balance and symmetry pair with splayed roofs, large overhangs and trapezoid windows to create a model 1950s-60s style. “This home is one of my favorites,” Visbeen explained. “The floating rooflines are supported by towering chimneys almost make it epic; it’s going to be an instant classic.” This home accommodates several of the owner’s passions: living on the lake, their love of automobiles and hosting parties. A tranquil front courtyard greets guests and is flanked by a pair of garages. Around the back, a series of patios provides plenty of spaces to enjoy the lake. The layout gives preferential views to all of the entertaining spaces, which are abundant in this design. Two separate living rooms flank a centrally located, open concept kitchen and bar that creates an easy-flowing living space from foyer to screened porch. A luxurious and spacious master suite fills the upper level and provides the owners with a much-desired view of the lake without compromising privacy. Putting an exclamation point on the home and the foyer is a floating, natural wood stair featuring a glass enclosed wine cellar neatly tucked below the mid landing.
BEEKMAN Project: Infill; contemporary As an urban infill project, the Beekman perfectly represents a growing part of the Visbeen portfolio. Aesthetically, this home features an innovative take on today’s contemporary style of modern architecture. Utilizing a monochromatic color scheme, key elements are clad in a dark finish and are set apart by the home’s overall white horizontal siding. The home’s open staircase is highlighted in elevation above the front door via a large dark monolithic form, broken up by floor to ceiling walls of glass. Despite a modest 30-by-56-foot footprint, this home manages to have nearly 4,000 square feet of accommodations and innovative spaces. Taking the open staircase to the top grants access to a rooftop patio with views of the downtown scene. Immediately below, the upper level features a centrally placed common area surrounded by an office, master suite and two bedrooms complete with en suite. Taking into consideration the urban setting of this home, the garage serves as a buffer to the common spaces where privacy is preferred. Neatly tucked behind the kitchen are the back of house areas, including a walk-in pantry, garage access, lockers, cleaning closet and storage.
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ELSTON Project: New build; contemporary/mid-century modern design Wrapped in a mid-century aesthetic, the Elston is the perfect solution for the challenges that come with a client’s love of water sports, hosting guests and owning a narrow piece of lakefront property. The rear elevation highlights the symmetry of the plan with two shed roof heights pitching away from the central axis created by the foyer corridor. Despite not having an upper level, this compact cottage has a powerful lakefront presence through the use of vaulted ceilings and expansive glass in the open concept living and kitchen space. A natural stone base supports the main level and features a modern, glass-paneled garage door for convenient watersports storage. While compact, this home is incredibly efficient at housing numerous friends and family.
KIMPTON Project: New build; modern design Designed as a modern counterpoint to its natural surroundings, the Kimpton is a series of overlapping rectilinear forms clad in materials that will naturally patinate over time. Punching through the metal panels and concrete are expansive stretches of glass to provide unimpeded vistas. A tour of the exterior reveals a main and upper level clad in naturally rusting metal panels offset by vertical corrugated metal sheets. Supporting this is a rusticated base of board form concrete. While not symmetrical in elevation, this floor plan offers symmetry along an axis drawn through the front foyer to the rear. To the left is a private master suite; to the right are the main level’s more public spaces, creating a balance in the way the owners live. Topping off the home and setting it apart is an abundance of outdoor entertainment spaces. Centrally placed on the main mass of the home is a glass front infinity pool surrounded by concrete patios, an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Stepped roof heights build up to an upper-screened patio complete with a fireplace and shuffleboard court.
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Designed for the beautiful shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast and constructed out of concrete, the Bellasera was carefully crafted to wit hstand hurricane level winds wit hout compromising the design.
BELLASERA Project: New build; contemporary/modern design Designed for the beautiful shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast and constructed out of concrete, the Bellasera was carefully crafted to withstand hurricane level winds without compromising the design. Symmetry takes precedent in the elevations and plan. Outside, a series of bronze colored canopies and window frames offset a predominately white stucco finished exterior. Centrally placed, the front foyer serves as an organizing element granting access to each level and divides the plan into perfect halves. From the foyer and up a half flight of stairs is the open concept main level that grants access to the rear patio by way of a 24-foot wide, sliding glass door wall that disappears once fully retracted. The main organizing element of the rear patio is the sprawling infinity pool and hot tub that are flanked by the home’s two rear-facing wings. On either side of the pool are numerous gathering spaces, including a wraparound bench with firepit, multilevel porches, full outdoor kitchen, lounging space, private master bedroom patio and beach access. The lower level is reserved for three separate garages, one of which houses boats and other watersports equipment.
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AVINGTON Project: New build; contemporary design Nestled on the shimmering shores of Lake Huron is the Avington. Contemporary elements of this home can be seen in its tri-tone exterior with gray and white brick, black windows and punctuated by numerous fire features. Upon entering, panoramic views of the lake can be seen through floor-to-ceiling windows. This sym-
Company information: ign Cente Rapids Des
r: 662 Crosw
metrical floor plan features a main level with an open kitchen and dining space, an extensive back of ell Ave.
East Grand 01 SE 616-285-99 Embassy Dr. Office: 4139 s id ap R Grand 320 01 n Ave., Suite 616-285-99 51 S. Michiga 22 : ce ffi O Chicago 69 312-810-56 nal locations . about additio Learn more visbeen.com and Visionby m co n. ee at Visb ards d national aw s of local an ed dr un uilders H B : e Awards ion of Hom nal Associat io at N west e id th M g includin Home in the Living, Best an ic ion. er eg R Am Best in ntic South d Best in Atla an s ar ye e for thre
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house, and a spacious master suite that boasts a romantic, see-through fireplace between an outdoor jacuzzi and master bath soaker tub. Accessed via a stair tower, with a glass ceiling wine cellar below, the upper level wraps around the main level great room. Luxury meets functionality with three bedroom suites and a home office that adorn the upper level, and the grand, two-story living room is showcased below. Outside entertaining takes center stage with an expansive patio complete with an outdoor pool flanked by a bar on one side and hot tub patio on the other side. The airplane bar, with sliding door walls on two sides, allows for year-round enjoyment, and a connecting screened porch gives guests and host alike the chance to watch the sunset and enjoy a drink — rain or shine. Whether dining, lounging or entertaining, the soft glow of firelight illuminates the space with strategically placed fireplaces. Contemporary comfort and lakefront living combine in this Visbeen Architects original home.
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RESIDENTIAL CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
Scott Christopher Homes Scott Christopher, Owner
T
here’s nothing quite like building your own home. Unlike purchasing an existing home, building from the ground up is an opportunity to create the dwelling of your dreams — without compromise. It should feel rewarding. But soon-to-be-homeowners often go in to the process expecting it to be stressful, bracing themselves for out-of-control budgets and extended due dates. What
started as a dream could quickly become an ordeal. Scott Christopher Homes believes the pursuit of building your home should be better. The company
Above: A fast-track schedule for building this home required meticulous project management and precision execution to stay on track while maintaining the highest quality clients have come to expect of a Scott Christopher Homes project.
believes you deserve to savor the process, not endure it. And that’s not common in the home-building sector. “What sets us apart from other builders is that we give our clients a smoother, less stressful experience that, in the end, many have said was downright enjoyable,” owner Scott Christopher said.
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The project manager worked closely with the client and architect on this home renovation to devise building solutions for implementing the new design within the existing structures. This included incorporating larger window and door openings to make the most of lake views.
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“What sets us apart from other builders is that we give our clients a smoother, less stressful experience that, in the end, many have said was downright enjoyable.” — Scott Christopher
Above: The team at Scott Christopher Homes has extensive experience dealing with local zoning ordinances, like acquiring a special use permit for an accessory building, which was required before construction could begin for this sports barn
For Scott Christopher Homes, one of the main reasons clients come to the firm is its reputation of providing an outstanding building experience. “The majority of our work comes from referrals from past clients or repeat work for them,” Christopher said. “Time and again, we hear how easy the process was.” What is Scott Christopher Homes doing that’s so different and unexpected — and has its clients raving? It starts with planning. “Our goal, before the job even begins, is to have all the decisions made,” said Brian Doezema, project manager. That includes clearing any hurdles or challenges that could inhibit progress down the road — and also setting realistic expectations and providing honest feedback regarding costs and timing. Internal staff and external experts assist with permits, zoning ordinances, variances, building restrictions and home placement on the site, reducing the possibility of unnecessary delays or disruptions. “If we do all the heavy lifting up front, the client has complete control over the budget and everything else that’s involved,” Christopher said. “Once we get out to the site to execute the work, it runs like clockwork — almost like it’s on autopilot.” Open communication and meetings between the project managers, the clients and the design team that continue through completion are also key. “We want to make sure the client is involved from start to finish,” said Gordy Constantine, project manager. “Because if it doesn’t benefit the client, it doesn’t benefit Scott Christopher Homes.” Using the client’s preferred method of communication — whether it’s email, text or a phone call — project managers connect with clients weekly, alerting them to upcoming design decisions and providing progress updates. Keeping a project on schedule is one of the most challenging aspects of home construction. With a variety of players and phases involved, one setback can have repercussions that can throw a project MICHIGAN BLUE
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Top left: The Scott Christopher Homes team was able to salvage the brick from an original fireplace of the home and reuse it in the wall behind the refreshment bar in the lower level of the home’s carriage house. Top right: The challenge of this home renovation was to preserve, restore and replicate as much historical charm from this early 1900s residence as possible. Right: The project manager worked closely with the window manufacturer to replicate and replace the detailed, unusual design of the curved windows in the formal dining room.
Company information: ids Grand Rap te A N oad W, Sui 620 3 Mile R s, MI 4954 4 Grand Rapid .com pherhomes scot tchristo
s require clear, “Successful project nd a strong level a n io t ca ni u m m co en op st t he team.” of trust built among her — Scott C hr ist op 70
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irrecoverably off track. Scott Christopher Homes refuses to accept that as a likelihood. Full-time, on-site project managers are critical in honoring a project’s anticipated timeline — and it’s the company’s consistent presence that distinguishes Scott Christopher Homes from other contractors. “From scheduling and coordinating to overseeing the trade partners and their work activity, our dedicated project managers work diligently to mitigate the surprises that so often come with a new build,” Christopher said. “They also serve as a direct line of communication with the client and their design team, asking questions, addressing concerns and sharing news about the project.” Scott Christopher Homes also values collaboration on all of its projects. “Our best building experiences are ones in which the entire team — our staff, the client and the designer — are fully engaged and working cooperatively,” Christopher said. “Successful projects require clear, open communication and a strong level of trust built amongst the team.” During the majority of its projects, the Scott Christopher Homes team develops more than mutually respectful, working relationship with its clients. “Often, our team continues relationships with clients long after the project is finished,” Christopher said. “Whether that’s a glass of wine on the deck or an occasional meal together, we cherish the friendships we build.”
Above: Because of the challenging structure and narrow access to the building site, Scott Christopher Homes completed a feasibility study on how to build the home before boardwalk construction could begin on the one quarter-mile-long, 6-foot wide boardwalk needed to access the site. Top right: The project manager of this residence overcame unprecedented logistical challenges, with only 5 feet on either side of the home’s walls on which to place equipment. A turntable constructed at the end of the boardwalk was the only way to turn equipment around at the building site. MICHIGAN BLUE
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RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER
JamesThomas Interiors James Dolenc and Tom Riker, Founders
D
esigning a home is serious business. An established firm since 2003, JamesThomas Interiors understands that. James Dolenc and Tom Riker, founders of the studio, which has offices in
Above: New construction home located in southwest Michigan with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Use of high contrast neutrals creates a dramatic effect. Opposite page: Kitchen and breakfast room with sweeping windows, oversized indoor plants and durable flooring that brings the outside inside.
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Chicago and southwest Michigan, also understand that bringing in experts to style and furnish a home is exciting, and they strive to bring joy and a sense of ease to the process. “We know
we’re not performing brain surgery,” Riker said. “But it’s still important for us to be respectful of the process and to treat it with the care it deserves while still having fun every step of the way.” Whether it’s designing a home in Beverly Hills, Scottsdale; or Pentwater, near their summer home in Glenn, MI, Riker and Dolenc take a similar approach to each project. “We always keep in mind that it’s not our home, it’s our client’s home, so it’s crucial for us to take the necessary steps to become fully immersed
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“Not everything has to be so buttoned up, like a main residence might be. We’ll sometimes pull in treasures from f lea markets or antique shops to make it feel more playful.” — James Dolenc
Above: JamesThomas doesn’t underestimate the small moments. Here, a little corner of a bedroom becomes a cozy sanctuary. Left: A charming child’s bathroom with soft colors and complementary light and airy wall covering.
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Above: Master bedroom overlooking Lake Michigan with grasscloth covered walls that enhance the natural feel.
in their needs,” Dolenc said. “We start with an intense programming phase that gets to the heart of who our clients are: where they travel, how they live and what they desire aesthetically.” Though every home is different, there’s a commonality between projects; what they like to call effortless elegance: a sense of happiness and welcoming and joy. “You walk into one of our homes and it’s a nice place to be,” Riker said. “We want it to have spirit and life, and not look like a furniture showroom,” Dolenc added. Dolenc’s background is in commercial interiors and Riker’s is in architecture. If a client is building a home, they relish the opportunity to be involved at the beginning stages, working with the architect and other early players and dovetailing their experience where it may be needed. “We love working on a team,” Riker said. “When we’re around a table with other talented people and there are good ideas flowing, that’s when we have the best outcomes for our clients.” The sooner JamesThomas can enter a new build process, the better. Often, its role is more than just selecting furniture and furnishings. In addition to reviewing the architectural plan to help ensure it responds to the client’s way of life, the firm is adept at choosing wall coverings, paint, decorative fixtures and all the extras that perfect the home. “The furniture’s one thing, but bringing in those special touches is also really important to us,” Riker said. “If it’s not finished to that level, a home doesn’t look complete.” The company sometimes sources those details; other times, it seeks out an experienced art consultant.
Company information
Office: 138 0 Wildflow er Lane Glenn, MI 4 9416 Chicago O ffice: 24 01 W Ohio St Chicago, IL 60612 312-738-73 00 Jamesthom aschicago. com
“ There’s not hing b etter t han giving our clients a ll t hey wished for. That’s t he pinnacle of t he exper ience.” — Tom Riker MICHIGAN BLUE
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Whether it’s through its own findings or with the input from an artistic partner, the JamesThomas team enjoys introducing its clients to styles they might not be aware of and helping them develop a broader aesthetic and understanding. “You could just go to Crate and Barrel or Restoration Hardware and furnish your house, but there’s a difference when you hire a professional — and the result reflects that,” Dolenc said. Infusing character is especially essential in designing vacation and lake homes. “There should be a relaxed quality,” Riker said. And if there can be a touch of whimsy? All the better. “Not everything has to be so buttoned up, like a main residence might be,” Dolenc said. “We’ll sometimes pull in treasures from flea markets or antique shops to make it feel more playful.” Above: For this screened sunroom, highperformance, all-season fabrics and rugs — including synthetic lampshades — help maintain the durability of the furniture and furnishings.
When designing a lakeshore home, they recognize that durable fabrics and hard finishes that can withstand an active, outdoor lifestyle are key. “The language between interior and exterior is also paramount to us,” Dolenc said. “We want the house to breathe and flow with the natural surroundings of the environment.” Every home the team designs, from Lake Michigan to the West Coast, is an adventure for JamesThomas. Ultimately, it’s knowing the firm has wowed its clients that makes the journey a success. “There’s nothing better than giving our clients all they wished for,” Riker said. “That’s the pinnacle of the experience.”
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RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DESIGNER
Rock Kauffman Design Rock Kauffman, Founder
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here’s a rumor around some parts that Rock Kauffman is untouchable. It’s true that his home design is coveted by many not only in Grand Rapids but throughout Michigan and in destinations as far south as Naples, Florida, and the Caribbean. “People want a Rock Kauffman house, and that’s a really cool feeling,” Kauffman said. But that knowledge hasn’t inflated his ego or limited his
accessibility; in fact, whether you’re first meeting Kauffman or you’ve worked with him for years, you can expect an open door and a warm welcome — and probably a hug. In any project, the role of Rock Kauffman Design is to transcend interior decorating with design enAbove: Canopy River, Grand Rapids: A Reinvent by Rock Kauffman project.
compassing every aspect of the home — from the outside in, roof to basement, and every floor and wall in between. With new builds, the team is often present from the moment their client purchases a piece of property MICHIGAN BLUE
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“I believe that a home should look layered and feel well traveled and carefully collected.” — Rock Kauffman
Top center: The Aerie, Grand Haven: The house flows from room to room, and the outside comes in and the inside goes out. Above: Natural materials and clean lines emphasize the beauty of the architecture. Below: Mid-century modern elements include openness and plenty of windows to allow for natural light.
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and commonly helps choose an architect and builder. “Matching the ideal design/build team with my clients is like a sommelier pairing the wine with cuisine,” Kauffman said. “Everything comes together perfectly if you have the right personality fit.” That guidance and collaboration continue through every stage. “We had built several homes before building one with Rock, and the difference was just the ease of putting it all together,” one homeowner said. “The high level of confidence we had from meeting with him and seeing his work made the entire process effortless.” As a trusted liaison between the builder, architect and owners, Kauffman helps keep projects on schedule, provides input on the timing of different design and building elements, and strives to ensure the homeowners’ intended budget is honored. It’s that care and diligence that soon becomes priceless to his clients, but in the beginning, it’s always Kauffman’s design aesthetic that draws them in. A Kauffman-designed home is a blend of different furnishings, accessories, textures and color palettes carefully curated to give the appearance that it has evolved over time. “I believe that a home should look layered and feel well traveled and carefully collected,” Kauffman said. It’s his own travels that have influenced his signature approach, and Kauffman often returns home inspired by a window style spotted here or a fresh pattern discovered there. Projects featured range from new builds from the foundation up to rescues and reinvents by his renovation branch, Reinvent by Rock Kauffman. Glass House is a reinvent of a 1960s-era lakefront retreat, and
Above: Urban House, East Grand Rapids: A blend of styles creates a livable, yet elegant home.
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Above: Urban House, East Grand Rapids: A blend of styles creates a livable, yet elegant home. Left: Rich, dark floors and museum-white walls provide an updated look for this Reinvent house.
Canopy River and Urban House are reinvents, as well. Urban House, in particular, has a corner reserved in Kauffman’s heart. A home he once lived in 30 years ago, it passed through several owners and fell into disrepair. When he had the opportunity to rescue it, he seized it. The team took the small Lake Drive bungalow down to its posts and completely revived it for the 21st century. “I got carte blanche to design
Company information: e Road, SE 6883 Cascad , MI 4954 6 Grand Rapids design.com rockkauffman
sign/build team de l ea id he t g in ch at “M sommel ier pair ing a e lik is s nt ie cl y m h it w veryt hing comes t he wine wit h cuisine. E u have t oget her perfect ly if yo t.” t he right personal it y fi — Rock Kauffman 80
the home, and it will probably go down in history as one of the greatest projects I’ve ever had the ability to execute,” Kauffman said. “And, it was simple because it was form follows function.” Naples Aqua is a condo in Florida purchased by transplanted northern Michiganders that Rock Kauffman Design transformed from its bare-bones state, styling every inch of the singlefloor, 4,800-square-foot open-air space. And then there’s the Aerie, a new build on its original 1954 foundation located amid the dunes of the Grand Haven lakeshore. The owners of this cottage sought out Kauffman to create a beach contemporary home with mid-century modern elements. “For the Aerie, I just put my trust in Rock,” the homeowner said. “It’s almost like he has a sixth sense — he just knows what will work and what you’ll want.” For Kauffman, designing a home is not just a passion, it’s a vision — a gift that continues to give. “I have always believed a house, when it’s right, can encourage us to become our best selves,” he said.
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Left: Naples Aqua, Naples, Florida: Balance and scale are key in design. Kauffman considers scale to be everything. Below: Use of texture adds visual interest and dimension to the room design.
Above: Kauffman introduces the design styles he sees in his travels to many of his projects back home. MICHIGAN BLUE
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WINTER ADVENTURES AWAIT YOU
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Make a date with the state
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THINKSTOCK
E N J OY T H E S E A S O N A N D T H E F U N , F R O M O U T D O O R C E L E B R AT I O N S T O D R A M AT I C A N D S T I R R I N G P E R F O R M A N C E S I N D O O R S .
FA M I LY F U N PA G E 8 5 H O M E & G A R D E N PA G E 8 6 A R T & M U S I C PA G E 8 9 B Y L A N D , A I R & S E A PA G E G R E AT TA S T E S PA G E 97
Ahh, cottage life. Time to relax. Learn to make maple 94
syrup; experience a Nordic Fire Festival. Enjoy magic in Muskegon; dance an Irish jig. Visit home and cottage shows. It’s a great time to see butterflies at the gardens. Celebrate bluebirds and Medieval theater or angels that sing — the Vienna Boys Choir. Try lantern-lit skiing in Paradise. Witness the exciting start of the UP 200 dogsled race in Marquette.
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February/March PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS TO EXPLORE IN MICHIGAN HOME TO WORLD-CLASS SKI
FORMERLY HELD IN TRAVERSE CITY the 10th annual Winter
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LEARN THE INS AND OUTS
of growing from seed at the fifth annual Central Michigan Seed Swap in Midland. This is a buy, sell and trade event for everyone from the experienced heirloom seed saver to those just starting to garden. The event features workshops, seed vendors and artisans on-site all day at Chippewa Nature Center. centralmichiganseedswap. com
Microbrew & Music Festival has moved to the historic Mount Mancelona Lodge. This winter festival combines music, craft beer and local food at a historic ski resort transformed into a four-season outdoor recreation venue, making for a unique winter celebration with a hill climb, big-air contests and more. winter.microbrewandmusic.com
3/23
CELEBRATE THE SWEET ARRIVAL OF SPRING! Learn the process of maple
sugaring through Sugarbush demonstrations, explore historic pioneer and Native American sugaring techniques, and experience hands-on tree tapping at Blandford Nature Center’s 49th annual Sugarbush Festival in Grand Rapids. blandfordnaturecenter.org
PHOTOGRAPHY & ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY THINKSTOCK
FEBRUARY
2/8-10
JUMPING, Iron Mountain’s Pine Mountain hosts the 80th annual Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Tournament and brings in world-class athletes from all over the world for this Continental Cup competition. Official practice runs are Friday with competition jumps on Saturday and Sunday. Top athletes fly well over 400 feet in the biggest annual international tournament in North America. kiwanisskiclub.com 2/8-10
T H E R E ’ S N O P L A C E B E T T E R T O C E L E B R AT E FAT T U E S D AY
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and the paczkis that come with it than Hamtramck — metro Detroit’s Polish heritage-honoring enclave. To them, it’s more than a pastry — it’s a passion. Hamtown bakeries serve them up best. Paczki Day becomes a citywide bar crawl with complimentary live music, luncheons, paczki-eating contests and calories galore. hamtramck.us
D O YO U H AV E A N E V E N T F O R O U R C A L E N D A R ? Calendar items may be submitted to excursions@geminipub.com two months prior to publication of the intended issue. Michigan BLUE is a bi-monthly magazine.
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COMPILED BY MARL A R. MILLER
FA M I LY F U N JAN. 31-FEB. 2 — North American Snow Festival, Cadillac Enjoy outdoor fun on frozen lakes, including a polar dip and an ice-fishing contest, or warm up indoors at a chili cook-off, craft beer tasting and Miss Cadillac NASF pageant. nasfcadillac.com
fest This Wizard of Oz-themed celebration includes a fishing contest, cardboard sled races, pub shuffle, arts market and craft show, chili cook-off, dog walk, kids games, ceremonial snowman burning and festival tent in Cedarville. lescheneaux.net/snowsfest
FEB. 22-23 — Great Lakes Comic-Con, Warren Join other comic and game lovers for this comic, toy and collectible event at Macomb Community College. Gamers, collectors and dealers get together, buy/sell some of their favorite collectibles and support children’s lit-
FEB. 1-3 — Ice Breaker Festival, South Haven Check out the amazing ice sculptures, cardboard sled races and ice skating and then warm up with delicious chili and food and drink specials during the pub slide. south haven.org FEB. 2 — Family Storytelling, Grand Rapids Join GR Story Spinners for an afternoon of storytelling Blandford Nature Center. These amazing tales hold the attention of the whole family. blandfordnaturecenter.org FEB. 2 — Shadow Fest, Charlevoix Celebrate the best of winter with outdoor activities, soup cook-off, cocktail contest, kid and adult games, free kids movie at Charlevoix Cinema III, beer tent and live music. visitcharlevoix. com/shadowfest FEB. 3 — Winter Try-Athlon, Muskegon Come to the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex to try three Winter Olympic sports; luge, ice speedskating and cross-country skiing. This event is family friendly and geared toward those who may have never done at least one of these sports. msports.org FEB. 6-9 — 97th annual Michigan Tech University Winter Carnival, Houghton Features famous snow statues, sporting events, a torch light parade, fi eworks, the Snow-Ball and more. mtu.edu/carnival FEB. 9- MAY 5 — Space, Midland Learn about the sun, moon, Earth, manned space flight, our galaxy and other worlds. This hands-on interactive exhibit at Alden B. Dow Museum will engage the entire family. mcfta.org FEB. 14-17 — Petoskey Winter Carnival Returning for its 91st year, this winter carnival combines its signature event — bump jumping — with a variety of outdoor and indoor activities that are fun for the whole family. petoskey downtown.com FEB. 14-17 — Les Cheneaux Islands Snows-
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eracy. greatlakescomicconvention.com FEB. 22-24 — Michigan Nordic Fire Festival, Charlotte Get a glimpse of how the Nordics lived and partake in fun and games. This familyfriendly weekend features a Viking camp, Kids Quest, artisan market, petting farm, lots of fi es, long ship cardboard sled contest and adult-only Mead Hall. michigannordicfire estival.com FEB. 24 — Peg + Cat LIVE!, Benton Harbor Based on the Emmy-winning PBS Kids show PEG + CAT, this musical features wild comedy, countless favorite songs from the show at The Mendel Center. themendelcenter.com MAR. 1 — The Magic of Bill Blagg Live, Muskegon This amazing tour comes to the Frauenthal Center for one show only! Critics and audiences alike rave about Blagg’s interactive magic and jaw-dropping illusions that will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. frauenthal. org MAR. 9 — Families in Nature: The Season of Syrup, Midland Learn how to identify sugar maples, tap for sap and see how maple syrup is made at Chippewa Nature Center. Discover the magic of maple syrup season and special activities 1-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in March. chippewanaturecenter.org MAR. 10 — Corktown St. Patrick’s Day Parade The city’s oldest surviving neighborhood hosts the parade of the year. It’s not all beer and people watching. There’s a family fun zone with step dancing, face painting, infla able amusements and more. detroitstpatricksparade.com MAR. 16 — Caberfae Spring Carnival, Cadillac Don’t miss the best day of the season. Rail jam, costume parade and big air contest with music and outdoor Snowbar & Grill at the base of the slopes. caberfaepeaks.com MAR. 16 — Muskegon’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Muskegon Families, organizations, fraternal groups, marching bands, churches and schools join in the fun and march in this exciting event. jcimuskegon.org MAR. 16 — St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Holland Irish dancers, bagpipers and kilt–wearers are just a few of the parade highlights! Parade starts near the farmers market area east up Eighth Street to College Avenue. downtown holland.com
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MAR. 17 — St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Bay City Annual parade to celebrate the coming of spring, St. Patrick and all things Irish, featuring pipe bands, marching bands, floats, cars and fun. stpatparadebaycity.org MAR. 17 — St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Ludington Join this all-day celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, starting with the Irish Jig 5K/10K Run at 9 a.m., St. Patrick’s Day Parade at noon and pub crawl at 1 p.m. Children’s activities at Sandcastles Children’s Museum and Ludington Library. downtownludington.org/stpat ricksday MAR. 23 — Spring Fling, Harbor Springs This is a party the whole family is invited to with fun and games for all at Nub’s Nob. Don’t miss the Soaker Cup, costume contest, silly races, face painting and live music on the deck. nubsnob. com MAR. 24 — Family Concert: HSO & H2O, Zeeland This Holland Symphony concert is meant for all ages, featuring music about all things water with a focus on the importance of water both locally and globally at Zeeland East High School. hollandsymphony.org MAR. 24 — Marche du Nain Rouge, Detroit Every March around the Equinox, thousands of revelers gather for a parade through Midtown Detroit to celebrate their city. They wear grand costumes, build spectacular floats, roll out marching bands and krewes representing all corners of the city. marchedunainrouge.com MAR. 25 — Opening Day of the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie A sure sign of spring is the reopening of the historic Soo Locks, and it’s always fun to watch the big freighters pass through as they journey on the Great Lakes. saultstemarie.com
HOME & GARDEN FEB. 8-10 — Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo, Lansing Filled with ideas for home and décor, health and fitness, fashion, food samples, shopping and fun. Over 300 exhibits, seminars, cooking demonstrations, health screenings and more at Lansing Center. kohlerexpo.com FEB. 9-10 — Winter Birding around the Soo, Sault Ste. Marie Are you anxious to see a Canada Jay? Hoping to check the Northern Hawk Owl off your list? This caravan adventure starts at Sault Ste. Marie and through Chippewa and
Mackinac counties. Registration limited. michi ganaudubon.org FEB. 15-17 — Southwest Michigan Home, Garden & Leisure Expo, Benton Harbor Find inspiring ideas for home, garden, indoor and outdoor decorating and entertaining while visiting over 70 exhibitors at The Mendel Center. The expo includes free workshops on home renovations, landscaping, gardening, cooking and more. swmhomeshow.com FEB. 23-24 — Greater Lansing Orchid Show, East Lansing Beautiful and exotic orchids are on display along with orchid-themed art. Enjoy the blooms in the middle of winter, take classes on how to grow orchids or browse orchid plants offered by vendors. greaterlansingor chidsociety.com FEB. 28-MAR. 3 — Cottage & Lakefront Living Show, Novi Whether you own a cottage, are looking to purchase or rent, or your primary home is on the water, this show is for you. Shop and compare designers, furnishings, lakefront builders and realtors, boats and docks, vacation services and more at Suburban Collection Showplace. showspan.com/cld FEB. 28-MAR. 3 — 40th annual West Michigan Home & Garden Show, Grand Rapids Find everything for your home and garden — all in one place! With 14 feature gardens, fi e free seminar stages and over 350 exhibitors featuring every product and service you’ll ever need, DeVos Place is the place to be. showspan. com/wmh MAR. 1 – April 30 – Fred and Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming, Grand Rapids Experience butterflies close up and watch them emerge from their chrysalises. It’s a sight to behold as tropical butterflies from Central and South America, Africa and Asia freely fly in the Tropical Conservatory at Meijer Gardens. meijer gardens.org MAR. 2 — Maple Moon, Grand Rapids Visit Blandford Nature Center for a Native American tale of a young boy who helps his people survive a difficult winter and see how people from long ago gathered, cooked and enjoyed maple syrup. blandfordnaturecenter.org MAR. 8-9 — Northern Michigan Regional Home Show, Petoskey Vendors gather to offer ideas for home and cottage, remodeling, decorating,
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landscaping and new construction, plus workshops and demonstrations at North Central Michigan College. hbanm.com MAR. 8-9 — Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show, Muskegon This popular show returns to Fricano’s Event Center with over 50 exhibitors featuring home improvement ideas, home décor and landscaping. The Do It Yourself seminars highlight floral design, furniture refurbishing, backsplash tiling, gardening and more! muskegonhgs.org
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MAR. 8-10 — West Michigan Women’s Expo, Grand Rapids Learn the latest trends in women’s products and services, including home and décor, fashion, beauty, health and wellness, food sampling, travel and pampering. Over 350 exhibitors, main stage presentations, shopping and much more at DeVos Place. kohlerexpo.com MAR. 9-24 — Spring Flower Bulb Show, Tipton Experience the colors, fragrances and beauty of spring fl wers, including amaryllis, daffodils, tulips, pansies, orchids, hyacinths and more in the Conservatory at Hidden Lake Gardens. canr.msu.edu/hiddenlakegardens MAR. 14-17 — Lansing Home & Garden Show, East Lansing Garden displays, landscaping projects, a Standard Flower Show and four free seminar stages surround hundreds of exhibits featuring remodeling, retail garden centers, pools and spas, and home services at the MSU Pavilion. showspan.com/lhg MAR. 16-17 — Ann Arbor Orchid Festival Presented by the Ann Arbor Orchid Society, shop for tropical and hardy orchids, orchid-growing supplies, plus raffles, informational talks and demos at University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu MAR. 22-24 — Cottage & Lakefront Living Show, Grand Rapids Unspoiled, timeless and true, the cottage is a cherished escape. This show offers decorating ideas, furnishings, lakefront builders and realtors, boats and docks, vacation home services, a lakefront marketplace and cottage fine art show at DeVos Place. showspan.com/clg MAR. 23-24 — HBA Saginaw Home & Garden Show One of the largest expos in northern Michigan, visit over 200 exhibitors, plus great food, educational seminars and entertainment at the Ryder Center. hbas.org
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MAR. 30 — Superior Beekeeping Conference, Marquette A day of education on how to keep bees in a northern climate and make farming more sustainable, plus vendors, supplies and breakout sessions at Northern Michigan University. superiorbeekeepingclub.weebly. com MAR. 30 — Spring Bluebird Festival, Grand Rapids Get ready for spring nesting birds and attend this family-friendly event to learn how to provide habitat for bluebirds and other native birds. Seminars, bluebird expo area, nest box building workshop, kids activities, a nature hike and more. michiganbluebirds.org/ springfestival
ART & MUSIC FEB. 1-AUG. 25 — A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy, Grand Rapids This exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park takes a look at Fred Meijer’s legacy, interest in sculpture and his world-class collection. meijergardens.org FEB. 2 — Rhapsody in Blue with Kevin Cole, Midland The pride of Bay City and master Gershwin interpreter Kevin Cole performs with Midland Symphony Orchestra, featuring two rhapsodies for piano by renowned American composer George Gershwin and Prokofi v’s Symphony No. 5 at Midland Center for the Arts. mcfta.org FEB. 2 — MET Opera Live in HD: Bizet’s “Carmen,” Manistee The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts brings The Met Opera Live in HD to downtown Manistee through this live simulcast of Bizet’s “Carmen,” in which Clémentine Margaine takes on her signature role opposite Roberto Alagna. ramsdelltheatre.org/ met-opera FEB. 9 — The Dukes of Dixieland, Benton Harbor Enjoy an evening of toe-tapping music with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and The Dukes of Dixieland, the hottest jazz band in New Orleans performing new NOLA sounds along with gospel and country hits at The Mendel Center. smso.org FEB. 9 — Legally Blonde: The Musical, Detroit Fabulously fun and international award-winning “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is the ultimate Broadway tribute to girl power, tackling stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal on stage at Fox Theatre. 313presents.com
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FEB. 9-10 AND 16-17 — Valentine’s Day Workshop, Dearborn Make a heart-shaped paperweight with your sweetie (or bestie). The reds and pinks used to color the glass are made with real gold, which makes this keepsake extra special. glassacademy.com
FEB. 15-17 — Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, Midland A brand-new production of “The Sound of Music,” the beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will thrill audiences with its award-winning Best Score. mcfta.org
FEB. 16 — Les Ballets Trockadero, Houghton This all-male comedy ballet company, beloved internationally since 1974, sacrifice comfort to perform en pointe, tutus and all. The “Trocks” are witty, fun and above all, masterful in the art of ballet on stage at Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. mtu.edu/rozsa FEB. 16 — Capitol Steps, Bay Harbor Capitol Steps, the group that put the “mock” in democracy, performs at Great Lakes Center for the Arts. You may have heard them on National Public Radio stations — now see them live in a great new venue. greatlakescfa.org FEB. 21 — Classic Pianist Jenny Lin, Sault Ste Marie at LSSU Arts Center Classical music fans won’t want to miss Jenny Lin, one of the most respected young pianists today with charismatic stage presence, during this performance at LSSU Arts Center. lssu.edu/artscenter FEB. 22-23 — Medieval Dinner Theatre, Marquette Stage combat and good food come together in the Marquette Masonic Building as a fundraiser for the Forest Roberts Theatre. Enjoy dashing sword fights with your meal and an outstanding evening of entertainment! nmu. edu/forestrobertstheatre FEB. 22-24 AND MAR. 1-3 — Little Shop of Horrors, Scottville The Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical “Little Shop” has devoured the hearts of theatergoers for more than 30 years. westshore.edu/community/performingarts FEB. 23 — Regina Carter: Simply Ella, Traverse City Virtuoso violinist Regina Carter reveals the many faces of Ella Fitzgerald and honors the 100th birthday of a musical legend on stage at City Opera House. cityoperahouse.org FEB. 23 — Solo Piano Recital by Jeevoon Kim, Manistee Classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim delights audiences with her sensitive artistry, colorful musical expression and insightful commentary from the stage. ramsdelltheatre.org FEB. 23 AND MAR. 2 — Henna Workshop, Grand Rapids Learn about the centuries-old form of body art in this two-part workshop at Blandford Nature Center. blandfordnaturecenter.org THRU MAR. 3 — Dylan Miner: Water is Sacred/ Trees are Relatives, Grand Rapids East Lansing-based artist and activist Dylan Miner de-
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Nature’s ice sculptures Grab your climbing shoes or simply admire how winter transforms familiar landscapes. BY KIM SCHNEIDER
T
Superior can be as much an adventure as climbing a frozen waterfall, but hordes of the curious nonetheless fi nd it worthwhile to venture the 3,000 feet from Munising to the shores of Grand Island. The southeastern shoreline contains some of the most dramatic caves on Lake Superior, some of them up to 80 feet high. One of the safest ways to get there is with the help of a guide; Lake Superior Ice Cave Tours, (602) 384-7038, offers full- and half-day guided adventures, generally traveling over by snowmobile; the night tours of glowing caves are a rare treat. Leland and the Lake Michigan coastline: Head to a Leelanau County beach when the deep freeze is on and you may fi nd nothing but frozen hills of ice as far as you can see. The dramatic transformations from warm summer beaches around Leland have become a popular winter attraction. During recent years, caverns complete with stalactites have formed as if by magic, as waves created pancake ice — floes resembling lily pads — and stacked them like building blocks. The Jordan River shoreline: These don’t count as caves, not even close, but the lacy ice that forms on the edge of the Jordan River is an attraction highlight of the winter river rafting trips led by Jordan Valley Outfitters. You don’t get wet when traveling in the well-padded rafts, and there are stops for a warming fi re and hot chocolate. (jvoutfitters.com).
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Kim Schneider is an award-winning travel writer who shares her travel savvy in every issue of Michigan BLUE.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEN SCOTT
hose seeking a mid- to late-winter adventure need only turn to rivers and shorelines to fi nd it. Don some snowshoes or boots with ice grippers attached and get ready to explore the frozen reaches where ice caves form and waterfalls freeze so they are suitable for climbing or simply admiring. Winter transforms otherwise familiar landscapes into otherworldly sculptures that glisten like jewels when viewed up close. Eben Ice Caves: Find these formations near Marquette, and you’ll think you’ve been transported to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude as you pass curtains of ice, tinged a sapphire blue. Here, nature does the building — and design work. Water trickles from slow snow melt over the edge of a small cliff and freezes, forming ice sculptures and caves you wander through. Find it: The trailhead is on Frey Road, 25 miles east of Marquette, within the Hiawatha National Forest. Munising Falls: In nearby Pictured Rocks, more than a dozen waterfalls flow down limestone cliffs and become an attraction of a different sort when their roar is replaced with silence, adding a cathedral-like feel. Munising Falls is one the most accessible of frozen waterfalls. Park in the Munising Falls lot and take the 800-foot trail to the ice curtains that can reach 50 feet high. No climbing is allowed, but if you’re looking for a more active ice adventure, venture to Pictured Rocks during February’s Michigan Ice Fest or book a guide from Down Wind Sports in Munising (downwindsports. com). Grand Island: Traversing the uneven, slippery surface of Lake
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buts new work created for his Michigan Artist Series exhibition at Grand Rapids Art Museum that focuses on the natural environment of West Michigan and its history. artmuseumgr.org THRU MAR. 3 — Lost & Found: Photographs from the DIA’s Collection, Detroit Lost & Found takes a fascinating look at rediscovered photographs rescued from attics, resale shops, online sources and the Detroit Institute of Arts’ archives. It includes photographs from the 1860s to the 1970s by unknown and amateur photographers that provide a glimpse into the city. dia.org
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THRU MAR. 10 — Watanabe: Japanese Print Envoy, Kalamazoo This exhibition featuring the work of Japanese publisher Shozaburo Watanabe brings together many of these early prints, as well as later impressions to tell the story of the workshop that set the standard for the new generation of print publishers. kiarts. org THRU MAR. 11 — Asian Galleries Opening, Detroit The DIA’s expanded Asian Galleries present works of art from the world’s largest continent, featuring recent acquisitions together with longtime DIA treasures. View galleries dedicated to Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian art and Buddhist art. dia.org
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THRU MAR. 24 — Ruben & Isabel Toledo: Labor of Love Honoring Detroit’s history of industry, modernization and the DIA’s vast permanent collection, artists Ruben and Isabel Toledo present a series of new works in “Labor of Love.” dia.org MAR. 1 — The Wizard of Oz, Saginaw Travel down the Yellow Brick Road as Broadway in Saginaw presents “The Wizard of Oz” at The Dow Event Center Theater. doweventcenter. com MAR. 2 — Cajun Dinner Dance Party, Ludington Come out for a festive and fun evening featuring a Cajun-themed buffet dinner, dance instruction, silent auction, raffles and music by Sel de Terre at Ludington Area Center for the Arts. ludingtonartscenter.org MAR. 9 — RUNA, Traverse City Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music’s new supergroups, RUNA pushes the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. cityoperahouse.org
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MAR. 9 — Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Midland Canada’s fi st couple of fi dling have captivated audiences all over North America with their exceptional musical skills. Join them for an uplifting evening of music at Midland Center for the Arts. mcfta.org
acclaimed Mountainfilm on Tour uses the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Enjoy over 40 films, live music, art galleries, demonstrations and more, expanded across two days and three venues. mountainfilm.sc4a.o g
MAR. 10 — Vienna Boys Choir, Bay Harbor Vienna Boys Choir has been synonymous with fine choral music for over 500 years, collaborating with some of the world’s greatest composers, including Mozart and Bruckner. Visit Great Lakes Center for the Arts for a concert for the entire family. greatlakescfa.org
MAR. 23 — Air Play, Houghton Flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen, Air Play is a circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land on stage at Rozsa Center. mtu. edu/rozsa
MAR. 12-APRIL 21 — Hamilton, Detroit Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. See the smash hit on stage at Fisher Theatre. broadwayindetroit.com
MAR. 26 — Chuck Todd Lecture, Benton Harbor Chuck Todd, host of Meet the Press, visits The Mendel Center as part of the Economic Club of Southwest Michigan Speaker Series. themendelcenter.com
MAR. 15 — Julien Labro & the Chanson Experiment, Scottville From classical, folk, jazz to hip-hop, electric and world music, Frenchborn accordion wizard Julien Labro delivers fresh modern jazz at Center Stage Theater. westshore.edu MAR. 15 — West Michigan Symphony Presents: Classic Broadway, Muskegon Two dynamic Broadway artists join West Michigan Symphony for an extraordinary evening of classic songs from Broadway’s Golden Age and beyond at Frauenthal Center. westmichigan symphony.org MAR. 15-16 — St. Patrick’s Party, Muskegon The fine folks of the Michigan Irish Music Festival host a two-day St. Patrick’s Day Party at Bella Maria’s Event Center. Enjoy live music, food, a silent auction and more. michiganirish.org MAR. 16 — Collage Dance Collective, Midland One of the few classical ballet companies of color in the United States, Collage Dance Collective works to inspire the growth of ballet and transform the lives of young people through outreach and training. mcfta.org MAR. 16 — Recycled Percussion, Benton Harbor Recycled Percussion mixes their gritty assault on buckets, power tools or anything else they can get their sticks on with a sense of humor and gravity defying athleticism. themen delcenter.com MAR. 22-23 — Mountainfilm, Saugatuck The
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MAR. 30 — Reduced Shakespeare Company, Houghton Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through 37 plays in 97 minutes! “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” is a fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays on stage at Rozsa Center. mtu.edu/rozsa
LAND, AIR & SEA JAN. 31-FEB. 3 — Michigan International Auto Show, Grand Rapids Car manufacturers from around the world bring their fine t traveling displays with new vehicles, including sedans, vans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids and sports cars to DeVos Place. showspan.com/mas FEB. 1-2 — 51st annual International 500 Snowmobile Race, Sault Ste. Marie Head to the Soo and experience all the thrills of NASCAR on a 1-mile oval ice track. The I-500 is the biggest event in the Upper Peninsula and in the entire snowmobile-racing world. On Feb. 1, snowmobilers are needed to help break the world record for the largest snowmobile parade. i-500. com; saultstemarie.com FEB. 2 — YooperBeiner Snowshoe Race, Ironwood This snowshoe races includes 5K/10K snowshoe race/walk and kids race; USSSAsanctioned event at Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails. wolverinenordic.com FEB. 2 — White Pine Stampede, Antrim County This point-to-point Nordic ski race covers scenic terrain in Antrim County with 45K, 20K and 10K events starting in Mancelona and finishing
at Bellaire’s Shanty Creek. whitepinestampede. org FEB. 2 — Frosty 5K & Merry Mile, Iron Mountain Lace up your running shoes and help a local family in need. Race includes a competitive and noncompetitive 5K run/walk, as well as a fun 1-mile course at Crystal Lake Senior Center. frosty5k.wix.com/dicsa FEB. 2 — Winterlaufe 8K Race, Frankenmuth German for the Winter’s Race, the 8K course goes through scenic countryside, across the 1904 Gugel Bridge and then back to town. The USATF-certified event finishes with a festive awards ceremony. frankenmuthjaycees. com/jaycee-race-series FEB 2, 9, 16 & 23 — Lantern-lit Ski and Stroll, Paradise Kick off Michigan State Park’s centennial celebration with a hike/shoe on the 1-mile, lantern-lit trail at Tahquamenon Falls State Park’s Upper Falls. Guided Snowshoe Hike offered 2-3 p.m. on same dates. michigan. gov/tahquamenonfalls FEB. 2 AND 16 — Lantern-Lit Skiing and Snowshoeing, Ludington Bring cross-country skis and/or snowshoes to ski or walk an easy, 1-mile groomed trail in Ludington State Park lit by oil lanterns. michigan.gov/ludington FEB. 3 — King of the Hill, Shanty Creek Resorts, Bellaire This unique race tests the best of winter sports. Participants may choose any nonmotorized, nonwheeled winter gear to travel both uphill and downhill sections of the course. shantycreek.com FEB. 6-10 — 53rd annual Detroit Camper & RV Show, Novi Find the latest in RVs, accessories, campgrounds and more at one of the state’s annual expos. Other dates and locations: Feb. 28-Mar. 3, Battle Creek; Mar. 7-10, Port Huron; Mar. 14-17, Flint; Mar. 22-24, Traverse City. michiganrvandcampgrounds.org FEB. 8-10 — Birch Run Hunting and Fishing Expo Ideal for the avid fishe man, hunter and outdoor enthusiast, visit hundreds of exhibitors specializing in fishing, hunting and other outdoor fun activities. birchrunhuntfish.co FEB. 8-10 — West Michigan Golf Show, Grand Rapids With the area’s top equipment dealers, courses and resorts, you can plan your entire summer of golf and even tee off for the fi st time of the season all inside
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DeVos Place. showspan.com/wmg FEB. 9 — Honey Bear Classic, Big Bay This family-friendly event features the Honey Bear 12K or 24K classic challenge around the Bear Mountain Loop. noquetrails.org FEB. 9-10 — 43rd annual VASA Festival of Races, Traverse City Traditional cross-country ski races through the scenic Vasa Pathway are only part of the fun. Other events include fat-bike races, Freestyle Saturday, Classic Sunday, Junior VASA and more. vasa.org FEB. 13-17 — Grand Rapids Boat Show In its 74th year, this show displays a broad array of power boats especially for the Great Lakes. Yachts, cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats and pontoon boats continue to excel in new designs, features and cruising abilities. show span.com/grb FEB. 13-17 — Michigan Ice Fest, Munising The world’s best ice climbers convene on the shores of Lake Superior to test their skills and the elements. Join in for clinics, climbing events, workshops, demos, a photo contest and more along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. michiganicefest.com FEB. 14 — Nature’s Valentines, Midland Love in nature isn’t all roses! This adults-only program at Chippewa Nature Center reveals the secret love lives of Michigan’s animals. chipp ewanaturecenter.org FEB. 14 — Snowshoe with your Sweetie, Grand Rapids Take a romantic, candlelit hike through the snowy woods with your loved one. This easy paced hike/snowshoe is for all experience levels and rentals available at Blandford Nature Center. blandfordnaturecenter.org FEB. 14-18 — UP 200, Midnight Run & Jack Pine 30, Marquette to Grand Marais The UP 200 is one of the top 12-dog mid-distance races in the Midwest, as well as being an Iditarod qualifier. The eight-dog Midnight Run draws premier teams who race from Marquette to Chatham. The JackPine 30 rounds out the weekend’s fun with a six-dog, 30-mile sprint from Gwinn to Marquette. up200.org FEB. 15-16 — 27th annual Top of the Lake Snowmobile Show & Ride, Naubinway Come out for a weekend of fun with old sleds and the people who enjoy restoring them. Join in a fun day and night ride, plus a display of all sleds in
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downtown and tours of Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum. snowmobilemuseum.com FEB. 16 — Tahqua Snowshoe Race, Paradise This course is a 5K trail through forested sections of towering old growth white pines, cedar and maple-beech hardwoods. The 10K course consists of two loops of the 5K course at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. greatlakes endurance.com
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FEB. 16-17 — Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend Grab a pole, drill a hole and enjoy one of Michigan’s favorite outdoor activities for free. No license required for any age. Residents and out-of-state visitors can fish on any waterway for all species of fish. michigan.gov FEB. 16-17 — Polar Roll, Ishpeming This 25mile fat tire bike race features challenging terrain, competitive racers, a Bacon and Hugs Aid Station, and a well-deserved after party at Marquette Mountain. bikereg.com/polar-roll
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FEB. 16-24 — 61st annual Detroit Boat Show, Detroit Held at Cobo Center, this is the original, biggest and best boat show in the state, where boat lovers can shop for the latest models, trailers and accessories; plus indoor water attractions, special sales and more. detroit boatshow.net
car candy, competition and concept vehicles and stop by manufacturers displays and exhibitors at Cobo Center. autorama.com MAR. 1-3 — Gaylord Boat Show Celebrate summertime, sunshine and Michigan’s incredible boating lifestyle at The Ellison Place. Over 75 watercrafts on display, from pontoons to ski boats, cruisers to personal watercraft, plus docks, boat lifts, paddle boards, boating accessories. gaylordboatshow.com MAR. 2 — Mountains of the Midwest Winter Triathlon, Ironwood Competitors compete in Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire snow biking to complete the triathlon in this inaugural event at Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails. wolver inenordic.com MAR. 2 — 24th annual Quiet Water Symposium, East Lansing Love quiet, self-propelled sports? Gather with others who enjoy kayaking, cycling, backpacking and paddle sports for a day of exhibits, speakers and demonstrations at MSU Pavilion. quietwatersociety.org MAR. 2 — Beard of Zeus, Traverse City The last race of the Short’s Brewing Fat Bike Series plays out in front of 1,000 spectators at the Suds and Snow Microbrew Festival. sbfbs. com/beard-of-zeus
FEB 22-23 — Reel Fun Festivus and Ice Fishing Tournament, Alpena This unique tournament on Grand Lake puts a fun twist on ice fishing with over 1,250 predrilled holes in the tournament area — fi st come fi st serve with no shelters. icefishin alpena.com
MAR. 8-10 — Outdoor Life Field & Stream Expo, Lansing Still dedicated to deer and turkey, but so much more, this show features top companies, gear, equipment and latest products at the Lansing Center. fieldand trea mexpo.com
FEB. 23 — Dogman Challenge, Charlevoix A winter fat-bike endurance event held on multiuse trails around Mt. McSauba Recreation Area and North Point Nature Preserve. Who can complete the most laps in two hours and compete for cash prizes and trophies? dog manchallenge.net
MAR. 9 — Great Bear Chase, Calumet A race built by racers for racers in the heart of the Copper Country, this challenging Nordic event on Swedetown Trails offers a variety of races, distances and awards. greatbear chase.com
FEB. 28-MAR. 4 — 46th annual Outdoorama, Novi Outdoorama is a huge display of boats, docks and lifts, and marine accessories; visit the Outfit er’s Expo area and attractions like Big Buck Night and the Trout Pond at Suburban Collection Showplace. showspan.com/out MAR. 1-3 — World of Wheels Autorama, Detroit America’s love affair with the automobile is legendary and hot rods are at the heart of this show. Car enthusiasts can admire classic
MAR. 9 — Slush Cup, Schuss Mountain Watch the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as skiers and riders attempt to cross an icy 60-foot pond in crazy costumes. shantycreek.com MAR. 14-17 — Ultimate Sport Show, Grand Rapids Nearly 100 fishing and hunting seminars, plus the latest in outdoor gear and boats at DeVos Place. showspan.com/usg MAR. 14-17 — Novi Boat Show Hundreds of boats to see and purchase, promotions and
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games, Kids Zone and more at Suburban Collection Showplace. noviboatshow.net MAR. 30-31 — 10th annual Schuss Mountain Snow Challenge, Bellaire Modified trucks, jeeps and more race to the top during this uphill truck race. A portion of the proceeds is donated to Michigan’s Disabled American veterans. griztekusa.com/snowchallenge
G R E AT TA S T E S FEB. 1 AND MAR. 1 — Snowshoe Hike & Dinner, Harbor Springs Bundle up and embrace winter’s splendor on guided snowshoe expeditions at Boyne Highlands. Upon return, snowshoers can enjoy an outdoor fire with s’mores and hot chocolate, culminating with a gourmet three-course dinner. boynehighlands.com FEB. 2 AND MAR. 16 — Delicious Demise, Muskegon Learn about cultural food differences and experience dishes that are authentic to the country or place the theme is based on. You get food discovery, dinner and “DEMISE!” at this murder mystery dinner. amandasbe quest.com FEB. 2 — Soup-er Bowl, Downtown Ludington Kick off your weekend of watching the big game with Ludington’s version, Soup-er Bowl, with approximately 20 downtown businesses offering free samples of their savory soups. downtownludington.org
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FEB. 2 — Festival of Foods, Traverse City A day of demonstrations and food discovery at Hagerty Center, overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. Area chefs and specialty food businesses dish up cooking tips and techniques while you enjoy tasty samples. nmc.edu FEB. 3 AND MAR. 3 — Chef’s Table Dining Experience, Harbor Springs A blend of enticing aromas and pristine vantage points, this five-course meal, cooked personally by Boyne Highlands executive chef Dean Grill, showcases seasonal American/local Michigan fare and dishes dear to the chef’s heart. boyne highlands.com FEB. 9 — Chocolate Covered Boyne, Boyne City Celebrate everything chocolate with kids activities at the library, a chocolate dessert contest and tasty specials, treats and more. It’s a great way to chase away the winter blues and indulge with delectable creations. boynecitymainstreet.com
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FEB. 9-10 — Taste the Passion, Leelanau Peninsula Billed the sweetest event of the year, gather your sweetie or friends and embark on an adventure of snow-covered vineyards and sweet and savory bites paired with amazing wine, a snow fun photo contest, pop-up shopping and more. lpwines.com FEB. 16 — Romancing the Riesling, Old Mission Peninsula C’est l’amour — of all things Riesling, that is — at this annual event celebrating “the grape that defines white wine.” Recent awards for OMP wines include best in the world, and scores of 93-plus points from other international reviews. wineriesofomp. com FEB. 19 — Chix Who Mix, Saginaw Enjoy specialty crafted mixed drinks, appetizers and fun as fine-feathered chix prepare and serve their favorite beverages to thirsty guests at SVRC Marketplace. Come out for this collaborative FUNdraising event benefiting four local arts organizations. saginawchoralsociety.com
FEB. 22-23 — Michigan Winter Beer Festival, Comstock Park The art of the craft is on display with over 1,000 different beers! Celebrating 14 years, this statewide winter beer fest features more than 140 Michigan breweries and brewpubs plus food, music, ice sculptures and fire pits to keep warm at Fifth Third Ballpark. mibeer.com MAR. 2 — 13th annual Suds and Snow, Traverse City Join winter revelers and sports enthusiasts for an afternoon filled with beer, wine, cider and tons of winter fun. Hike the half-mile trail to the back woods of Timber Ridge Resort, where there are two live music stages, food and more beer. sudsandsnowtc.com MAR. 7 — V313, Detroit Eastern Market V313 is Detroit’s premier celebration of vegan food and fun, featuring programs with expert panels, live music, comedy and more. Sample plant-based food from some the area’s top restaurants and food trucks in Shed 5 of Eastern Market. migreenteam.com
MAR. 23 — Sips, Chips & Dips, Leelanau Peninsula After a long winter, meet up with friends for casual fun as you try out snacks, dips and chips paired with a taste of Leelanau wine at 24 participating wineries. $10 per person. lp wines.com
EXCURSIONS LEGEND Explore these collective Michigan area websites for more regional events and details. Blue Water Area bluewater.org Detroit Metro CVB visitdetroit.com Great Lakes Bay Region gogreat.com Harbor Country harborcountry.org Pure Michigan michigan.org Southwest Michigan Tourist Council swmichigan.org Upper Peninsula Tourism & Recreation Association uptravel.com West Michigan Tourist Association wmta.org
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The
Fresh Palate
Owner of Alpena bistro describes it as ‘farm-to-table with West Coast fusion.’ Above: Chef Eric Peterson pauses while preparing a meal in the kitchen. Top: A chipotle tofu salad goes well with beer.
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BY MEGAN WESTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN SOBCZAK
E
ric Peterson learned at the age of 3 that food can bring joy and facilitate connections, and he’s carried that knowledge into adulthood, turning his once budding passion into a profession. “When I was young, I would stay with my grandma, and we would make cookies. Taking those goodies to my family, I saw how happy that made them,” said Peterson, the owner and chef of The Fresh Palate, a popular bistro located in his hometown of Alpena.
The Fresh Palate offers simple farm-totable options like Mexicali Blues (salsa, guacamole and chips) and unique dishes like Blue Shine (blue corn-encrusted chicken, Spanish rice, cilantro corn, guacamole and chipotle ranch), seemingly southwestern themes. Other trendy options include You Sashimi (ahi tuna, avocado, cucumber, wonton chips and horseradish sauce) and Traveling Hart (bulgogi steak, wild rice risotto, kale, Brussels sprouts, peppers, onions, tomatoes and green onions). Pe-
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terson’s featured Jah Bless combines a Thai curry butternut squash burger with peanut sauce, caramelized onion, smoked Gouda, tomato and microgreens. It comes with smoked paprika sweet potato fries and spicy black garlic aioli. Peterson described his menu as “farmto-table with a West Coast fusion.” Using seasonal, fresh ingredients, much of Peterson’s menu is similar to those found in San Francisco or Portland, Oregon, which isn’t surprising considering his background. “I moved out when I was only 15 years old. I had my own apartment, and early on, I started hosting a lot of get-togethers where I would cook and make drinks for my friends,” Peterson said. He landed his fi rst restaurant job at 15 working as a dishwasher, then moved up to line cook shortly after. After high school, he
bounced around from California to Hawaii to Oregon and elsewhere, always working in restaurants, always starting out as a dishwasher and ending in a higher position. Peterson then attended the Western Culinary Institute in Portland and interned at Jardinière, one of San Francisco’s most influential restaurants, known for it is CaliforniaFrench cuisine. “Culinary school taught me a ton about product identification, flavor profi le, balancing flavor and traditional old-world French style cooking technique,” Peterson said. “Jardinière was the fi rst place to show me how farm-to-table worked. … They taught me how simple is very elegant.” Despite working in several large cities, Peterson said he chose to open his restaurant in Alpena because he wanted to give something back to the community.
“It’s a good place to raise a family, and I was ready to do that,” said Peterson who has three children. “I appreciate the community I’m from. ....” Mary Beth Stutzman, president and CEO of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said The Fresh Palate, which opened in 2009, is more to the community than just a restaurant; it’s become a local hangout. “Live music has also found its way into the heartbeat of The Fresh Palate experience,” Stutzman said. “The Fresh Palate experience goes from foodie haven to fullbody immersion, touching upon all five senses. Guests leave a touch calmer, a song lighter and with a happy belly.”
≈
Megan Westers is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about dining and spirits.
“The west side of the state has gotten a little busy, and I think that when people want to go ‘Up North,’ they’re looking for that slowed down lifestyle. We have that here.” — Eric Peterson
Left: On the menu, The Ala Moana is blackened tuna and mango slaw with citrus-ginger risotto and sweet and sour. Right: Customers enjoy the casual atmosphere inside The Fresh Palate.
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BY JOHNSTON M. MITCHELL
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREENE KREISER
The sweet smell of chocolate
THE SWEET ACIDIC AROMA of cooking cacao fills the air at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire, where visiting customers often pause when they enter to let their senses take over. They may crinkle their noses as they breathe it all in, noting the chocolatiers behind the counter in the shop’s open kitchen and the abundant assortment of chocolates to choose from. In the shop this day, a woman reaches for one of the 70 percent dark chocolate samples on a small tasting table. Fingering a chocolate disk the size of a nickel, she snaps it in two, and gently rubs her thumb against one half, and then sniffs the fragrance before sliding a piece on to her tongue. Seventy percent dark chocolates help visitors discover the concept of “terroir,” according to the owners, nature’s unique blend of soil, climate and topography. Each choco-
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Above: Dried Turkish figs are filled with dark chocolate whiskey ganache and dipped in dark chocolate.
late is from a region known for growing the rare variety of cocoa that is unique to Ecua-
dor. Each has a distinct taste profile. “Chocolate is an epiphany of taste,” said Jody Dotson, one of the owners. “People are reliving their nostalgia of having chocolate as a kid. A more sophisticated taste for chocolate is evolving as they become more educated about its flavor.” The Manabi dark chocolate represents the middle ground, she said, not super chocolatey, not so fruity. It has some cacao as its backbone and offers the largest span of flavors when tasting it. Los Rios chocolate samples have fruity notes. They have been “flash roasted” for minimal processing. Los Rios is considered a raw chocolate. The Esmeraldas chocolates on the tasting table are the most “chocolate-forward” of the three — more of what people expect in a more traditional fine cacao flavor. “There are all kinds of roast profiles in
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Above: Jody Hayden leads customers through a chocolate tasting. Top right: Chocolate samples are offered to customers. Right: Dark chocolate bars with crystalized ginger are popular.
chocolate, just like you would find in coffee,” said DC Hayden, the shop’s other owner. The store’s open floor design makes for easy roaming to explore the chocolate offerings beneath glass in two display counters or on the shelves of several display cases. Visitors also can sit down for a chocolate primer lesson from someone on staff. Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate’s quest for the finest quality chocolate is achieved by doing business with small-scale farmers in Ecuador. Dotson and Hayden can trace all their chocolate back to its source. Working exclusively with small co-ops is a “win-win for farmers and customers,” Dotson said, “because these farmers are assured of having a partner committed to purchasing their cocoa beans, and our customers get to enjoy ethically sourced chocolate.” Last year, Grocer’s Daughter (grocers daughter.com) purchased 12 tons of ca-
cao beans packaged in 12-kilo cases and shipped them back to the U.S. Acting as a wholesaler, it sold some of the shipment to other chocolate shops in Michigan, with the rest being processed throughout this year at the shop in Empire. Aspiring to serve the finest quality and be more than a good ol’ chocolate shop, the owners also built relationships with smallscale farmers and producers in northern Michigan to ensure that all ingredients are organic or natural. Those include: • Hand-blended teas found in Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate’s chai tea bar from Great Lakes Tea and Spice in Glen Arbor • Fresh cream from Shetler Family Dairy in Kalkaska, found in all Grocer’s Daughter ganaches and caramels • Star Thistle Honey from Sleeping Bear Farms in Beulah, found in Grocer’s Daughter chocolate honey caramels • Bourbon whiskey from Iron Fish Dis-
tillery in Thompsonville, which accents its dark chocolate truffles and whiskey figs (organic dried figs filled with dark chocolate whiskey ganache and dipped in dark chocolate) Visitors arriving at the chocolate shop have many treats to choose from, including chocolate-bean cookies, creamy smooth hot chocolate, homemade fudgsicles and almost 60 other chocolate offerings from chocolate bark and bars to truffles, chocolate-covered specialties and even dairy-free chocolate. Home chefs can find baking items. There are gift items, classes to take and even a trip to Ecuador for anyone who wants to learn firsthand about chocolate. “Chocolate smells d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s,” Dotson said. “It’s all about flavor. Chocolate is the star of our show.”
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Johnston M. Mitchell is an independent writer who lives in Leland. MICHIGAN BLUE
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REFLECTIONS
One simple rule
Children learn to appreciate nature, finer things in life. BY JERRY DENNIS
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ILLUSTRATION BY GLENN WOLFF
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They saw black squall lines t was not a popular rule, passing down the lake so far to say the least. My friends away that they could see stabs were wise in not springing of lightning but could hear no it on their kids until after they’d thunder. And at night, the sky unpacked and settled into the was fi lled with stars brighter cabin. For those two weeks on than they had ever seen. the shore of Lake Superior, there They learned what it was would be no electronic devices. like to be confi ned indoors on None. Enforcement was easy — a rainy day with nothing to do or, let’s say, enforcement was when minutes could seem like possible — because they had hours and hours like days. And found a place without cellular they solved that problem with service. No Wi-Fi, either. Or Monopoly and Risk games they television. The kids didn’t know found in a cupboard and with such places existed. books they pulled from shelves “It’s a dead zone!” they cried. in the living room. They discovAnd cried. And cried. ered the pleasure of lying on a “You would have thought it couch reading while rain fi nger was the end of the world,” my drummed the roof above them friend told me. “For two days — and of falling asleep to that and nights, they went through sound. all the stages of grief — shock, They discovered it was fun denial, anger, bargaining, deto sit at the dinner table telling pression. I thought I was going stories to their parents and listo lose my mind.” tening to the stories told in turn. Then a strange thing hapSome of those stories were so pened. The kids discovered the funny and unexpected that they beach in front of the cottage. And looked at their parents as if they in front of the beach was a lake. had never seen them before. And not just any lake. A lake so They discovered the pleasure of lying on a couch big that it disappeared over the It was all very strange. reading while rain finger drummed the roof above horizon as if it were an ocean. Time slowed, and somehow, them — and of falling asleep to that sound. And breaking on the shore were it expanded. For the fi rst time, waves that looked like they bethe kids paid attention to the longed in an ocean, too. And in the wash of the waves were heaps of sounds of breaking waves and to the wind in the trees. They noticed colorful stones and pebbles they collected and arranged in swirling the scent of the lake — “It smells big,” one of the kids said — and of patterns on the beach. the ferns and mosses in the woods behind the cabin. They saw birds they had never seen — rafts of diving ducks riding None of them could believe how quickly those two weeks the waves. And above them, terns that scanned the water constantly passed. as they soared, now and then tucking their wings and plummeting into the water and, a moment later, emerging with minnows wriggling Jerry Dennis and his wife Gail Dennis live and work in a house overin their beaks. looking Grand Traverse Bay. Visit them at jerrydennis.net. MICHIGAN BLUE
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