Up North Kids & Family O PIONEERS!
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our biker gang might be tough, but can they handle a two-hour ride through an entire ghost district—one with cemeteries, spirit holes, spooky tales and sneak peeks inside deserted farmhouses and buildings? If they can pedal 4.5 miles of level terrain (or you can pull your little ones in a bike trailer), you bet. Pedaling Port Oneida’s Past, a leisurely, guided bike tour through the largest agricultural historic district in the nation, opens this month and is (almost) allages exceptional.
NEW UP NORTH Cool finds, community updates and sweet new businesses.
INDULGE ELK RAPIDS DAY SPA 404 BRIDGE ST., ELK RAPIDS
A beauty salon offering hair, nail and spa services, including massages, brow tinting and more. indulge-elkrapids.com LAKEVIEW HILL FARM & MARKETS CR-641 & LAKEVIEW HILLS ROAD, TRAVERSE CITY
The Traverse City farm is opening a new store in the historic 1890-era Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse, offering their own products (including cut flowers this year!) as well as items from other area businesses. lakeviewhillfarm.com MORE COTTAGE WORKS 225 W. LUDINGTON AVE., LUDINGTON
Scenic, story-rich and juuust spooky enough to keep kiddos captivated— never scared—the ride begins and ends at the Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center. The 1918 farmstead is where Charles and Hattie Olsen raised nine kids, countless dairy cows, pigs, fruits, veggies, daffodils and poppies (their ancestors are still popping up in 2023!) and later sold gasoline to passersby from a single pump in the yard. Home and history buffs will have plenty of time to explore the refurbished bungalow, barn and exhibits to learn about the Native Americans and 1800s-era pioneers who settled in Port Oneida and the Manitou Islands. Park partner Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear has a history treasure hunt to keep kids busy while parents meander. But first, the bike ride: Led by one of PHSB’s super storytellers, the ride routes you past sublime pastures and architectural gems, with up-close stops at seven spots, all accompanied by engrossing tales of tragedy, triumph, family and old-fashioned farm life. The two-wheel steed you bring to ride (or rent through The Cyclery in Glen Arbor) is up to you. The route is partly paved, partly crushed stone, so skinny tires are never recommended. Helmets, however, are required. Cost is $25 per adult, $15 per child ages 8–17. Kids in bike trailers are free. Check out all of the walk/pedal/horse-drawn wagon options under the “experience” tab at phsb.org. -L.T.W.
This lakefront living home décor shop is opening a new year-round location, selling custom rugs, outdoor furniture, kitchen finds and more. The 1,500-square-foot retail space is also home to Gourmade Market and Blue Wave Nutrition. Future plans include adding a clothing boutique and local beer and wine so you can sip and shop. yourcottageworks.com SWEETWATER FLORAL WALLOON LAKE
Petoskey florist Kalin Sheick is opening a flagship shop in Walloon Lake this spring. The shop will host creative workshop series, be the hub of Sheick’s soughtafter wedding floral operation and carry curated botanical gifts. sweetwaterfloral.com
Know of a business that just opened or have a fun community update? Let us know at: editorial@traversemagazine.com.
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