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THE COSTIN EFFECT

by CARLY SIMPSON

A husband-and-wife team is breathing new life into downtown Cheboygan.

When i called marcella Costin to set up an interview, I was planning for it to be over the phone. I thought it’d be pretty straightforward—Marcella and her husband, John, own five businesses in Cheboygan, including Stormy Kromer Cap & Ale House, one of the Michigan Small Business Development Center’s 2021 Best Small Business award winners. I wanted to know more about them and their vision.

So, when Marcella said I really had to come see the businesses in person because they're difficult to describe, I thought she must be exaggerating.

I was wrong.

There’s an undeniable cool factor, a certain je ne sais quoi. For starters, all five businesses connect. You can walk through each one without ever going outside. Customers regularly ask for a tour and the team is happy to oblige (keep an eye out for a secret door). There are glam chandeliers, cozy fireplaces, one-of-a-kind décor—it’s a treat just to visit.

Below is a small peek at what the Costins have created. I hope you’ll view the bonus photos and extended story online at link.mynorth.com/ CostinEffect, which shares more about John and Marcella’s creative vision.

And, of course, I recommend you experience these places for yourself.

SIMPLY MARCELLA

223 N. MAIN ST. The business that started it all. Shop Marcella’s line of pearl jewelry (She designs it!), along with apparel, accessories and gifts.

THE PIG ‘N’ WHISTLE

219 N. MAIN ST. The newest on the block, this cocktails and confectionary gift shop has retro candies and a bar that only serves rum runners. Plus, plenty of pig-themed treasures, too.

STORMY KROMER CAP & ALE HOUSE

221 N. MAIN ST. Michigan’s favorite Stormy Kromer gear and craft beer; obviously a winning combo.

THE QUEENS HEAD WINE PUB

250 N. HURON ST. Leather chairs, wood tables, a large fireplace—it’s an inviting and relaxed spot for elevated pub fare and beverages.

THE LARK THEATER & LOUNGE

252 N. HURON ST. An intimate live music venue with church pew seating. The swanky lounge area has specialty bourbons, martinis and bubbly.

NEW UP NORTH

A monthly column highlighting new businesses and community updates.

ZEST PLANT-BASED KITCHEN

439 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY This café’s menu features 100 percent vegan breakfast and lunch items, including acai and wholegrain bowls, gourmet toasts, breakfast burritos, salads, curries and more. zesttc.com

LIL BO

540 W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY The neighborhood tavern Little Bohemian reopened in late July under new ownership. Much of the nostalgic interior was saved, but look for some modern updates. lilbotc.com

YARD & LAKE

215 MILL ST., NORTHPORT The retail shop has beach and nautical-inspired goods, including apparel, jewelry, beach reads and more. An on-site restaurant and bar are in the works. Follow on Instagram @yard_and_lake

LEELANAU COFFEE ROASTING BREAKFAST BISTRO

101 S. MAIN ST., LELAND Glen Arbor’s Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. recently expanded into Leland. In addition to an extensive coffee selection, the bistro serves breakfast sandwiches, sourdough pancakes, cinnamon rolls, huevos rancheros and more. leelanaucoffee.com

VUE

101 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX The wine bar offers domestic and global wine selections, plus select beers and spirits. The location on the Pine River Channel, south of the bridge, offers nightly sunset views over Lake Michigan. facebook.com/ VUECharlevoix

Know of a business that just opened or have a fun community update? Let us know at editorial@traversemagazine.com.

photo by Dave Weidner

CHECK THE FALL COLOR MAP

This fall, we’re once again partnering with Tom O’Hare, chief meteorologist at 9&10 News, to bring you the latest Northern Michigan fall color map every week throughout September and October. You’ll know exactly where to find the best fall foliage and when to take your leaf-peeping drive. You can also view color maps from 2018, 2019 and 2020 to get a general idea of when peak colors arrive (though it does vary a bit each year). For current conditions, visit link.mynorth.com/FallColorMap -C.S.

ASSESS & REDUCE YOUR LAKE POLLUTION

There are many factors that contribute to lake health, and the Michigan Shoreland Stewards are encouraging waterfront homeowners to use their simple online survey, “Rate Your Shoreland,” to sort through possible environmental threats and gain personalized management recommendations in about 10 minutes.

Without deep-rooted plants and natural shore formations as buffers, excess nutrients like sewage, animal waste and fertilizers run into the lake and cause the shoreline to erode over time. These changes will also contribute to the degradation of your lake’s water quality. The interactive tool separates property owners’ focus into three categories for clarity: the upland zone, the buffer zone and the lake.

Upland Zone: 35’ and beyond from the water’s edge. Minimize hard surfaces to maximize rainwater absorption in this zone.

Buffer Zone: The critical area between the water’s edge and your yard if you have one. Increase your greenbelt buffer by landscaping with native, deeprooted plants to create a runoff barrier between your home and the lake.

Lake Zone: This zone consists of your shoreline/beach. Prevent erosion on your shoreline by refraining from planting grass up to the water and prioritizing the natural growth of trees and other deep-rooted plants. mishorelandstewards.org –C.S.

A LUDINGTON LEGACY

by CARLY SIMPSON

The recent renovation of a downtown plaza has created a four-season community and recreational space.

photo courtesy of Ludington Downtown Development Authority L udington's legacy plaza, formerly called the James Street Plaza, debuted in June, and the list of amenities is long: permanent pavilion, new bathroom structure, communal and private seating, fireplace, urban green space and more still to come. The plaza will also be the new home of the Ludington Farmers Market.

Fundraisers are still underway for several Phase 2 additions including an entry arch, public kiosk and self-guided story walk. The kiosk will feature an interactive downtown map and directory, plus lists of upcoming events, and the story walk will give a nod to the town’s past.

“It’s been 35 years in the making, so the completion of this grand idea is super exciting to not only the current board but also past (and even original!) board members as well,” says Jen Tooman, the downtown communications and marketing manager.

“The space has evolved over the last couple of decades from a closed one-way street to a popular park. This re-imagining has polished up the plan,” Jen adds. “The addition of a stage with ample power supply will draw a crowd for our weekly ‘Live in The Plaza’ events in the summer. The revamp has also provided more seating, updated restrooms and of course, the fireplace.”

The plaza will also be used for several annual downtown events, including Octoberfest and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Check out upcoming events in the sidebar, and visit downtownludington.org/legacyplaza.

Upcoming Events at Legacy Plaza

OCTOBERFEST September 24–25 Friday: From 3–9 p.m. enjoy live music, family-friendly activities and the farmers market at the plaza. Also, find activities throughout the social district downtown, including pub crawl games, a cornhole tournament, kids pony rides and more. Saturday: Live music from 12–6 p.m. with craft beer (along with wine and cider), yard games, vendors and family-friendly activities. The annual Chili Walk will also take place that day, which usually features 24–30 merchants offering chili samples.

HALLOWEEN October 30 Saturday: Run for Your Lives 5K & 10K at 9 a.m., Costume Party at 12:30 p.m., Downtown Trick-or-Treating from 2–4 p.m.

DEER WIDOWS WEEKEND November 13–14 Merchants will have sales, refreshments and other activities.

AGLOW ON THE AVENUE & SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY November 27 Sales, specials and giveaways downtown. Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade on Ludington Avenue & Tree Lighting at Legacy Plaza at 6 p.m.