Spring Outside

Fish, mushrooms, turkeys … the great outdoors is calling you North.

BY LISA DOUBLESTEIN

Thank April’s showers for the mushroom bounty, for the spring scents that drive turkeys wild (and into season), and for the high, rushing waters of area rivers, open to trout fishing at the end of the month. Head outside to get your share.

Take your Grouper to

Fishtown

Itching to do some fishing? Head to Leland’s Fishtown, where the 145-year-old fishing village embraces the freshwater existence. Drop your bags at the Falling Waters Lodge, with view of Lake Michigan, Fishtown and the water tumbling over the small dam on the Leland River (FROM $65, 231-256-9832, FALLINGWATERSLODGE.COM)

(Turkey)-strut through Town

Showers: optional. Turkey call: required (during spring turkey season, anyway). Stay at the Chain O’ Lakes Campground in Bellaire, where cabins are warm and rustic, dogs are welcome, and restrooms are “nearby” (from $40, 231-533-8432, chainolakescamp.com).

Sustenance: smoked meat from The Bellaire Smokehouse, where owners live on the premises and have been voted Best Specialty Shop in the county (231-533-5069, bellairesmokehouse.com). Beer: 20 on tap at Short’s Brewing Company, downtown Bellaire. Try the Smoked Apple Ale, with equal parts smoke and sweetness (231-533-6622, shortsbrewing.com).

Pack your lunch with fresh smoked fish, fish sausage and jerky from legendary Carlson’s of Fishtown (231-256-9801, CARLSONS@FISHTOWN.INFO). Then board Captain Ben’s boat for a charter trip over the bountiful fresh waters (FROM $325, AND THEY FILLET YOUR CATCH AT THE END OF THE TRIP; 231-218-5176; FISH DAYDREAMER.COM).

All the Fungis and Gals

With an experienced guide, comb the forest floor near Petoskey to find asparagus and mushrooms, then scour localsource and gourmet food stops. In two hands-on cooking classes, work with chef Ken Willoughby to create an organic, savory supper of your foraged foods ($225, 866-240-1650, LEARN GREATFOODS.COM). Still hungry? Brush the dirt off your knees and set your sights on the H.O. Rose Dining Room at Stafford’s Perry Hotel, where on April 16 they’ll feature their annual Titanic Dinner. Asian bulgogi beef wraps, roasted loin of lamb en croute, potato seared ahi tuna and seared filet of beef are delicacies on the six-course menu ($55, 231-347-4000, STAFFORDS. COM). Return to nature to sleep near the shore at Camp Pet-OSe-Ga in Alanson, where warm cabins offer views of Pickerel Lake, and the backyard is acres of forestland (FROM $35, 231-3476536, EMMETCOUNTY.ORG/PARKSANDREC).

TRAVEL EDITOR LISA DOUBLESTEIN WRITES FROM PETOSKEY. TRAVEL@TRAVERSEMAGAZINE.COM

FABULOUS 28 ACRE ESTATE OVERLOOKING THOUSANDS OF ACRES AND MILES OF COASTLINE

This beautiful property just minutes north of Leland has unparalleled vistas to Lake Michigan and North Lake Leelanau plus an inviting 7050 square foot main home with a casual elegance and warmth. Interior features include a comfortable great room overlooking the panoramic view with gourmet kitchen and stone fireplace, a stunning custom cherry library, large master suite, both indoor exercise pool and outdoor swimming pool, sauna, greenhouse, sun room, office and more. Beyond the main house there is a 3-bedroom, 2 1/2 bath guest house, bunk house, tennis court, 3 accessory buildings plus a stable, pastures and much more.

$2,600,000 - MLS# 1721242