Traverse Northern Michigan, May 2025

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Health & Wellness + Vacation Guide

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> FOXGLOVE FARM’S ROMANTIC RETURN > THE U.P.’S HIDDEN FOREST TROLL

MAY 2O25

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Stay and play all day along the serene shoreline of St. Ignace.

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features 16

Sleeping Beauty

At The Foxglove Farm there are weddings, and one day soon there will be U-Pick cherries, blueberries, lavender and apples.

At the heart of it all is a mysterious and lovely barn that has been awakened for a bold second act.

BY L I S S A M A R T I N

/ 22 22//

Romance of the River Troll

A young couple had a vision for a bit of magic at their campground on the Manistique River. But it would take a tiny miracle and a surprising community of new friends to bring Benny the Beard Fisher home.

05.25 26// / 26

Up Around the Bend

Sure, we’ve all driven the Tunnel of Trees— but few stop and stay awhile in Cross Village.

Here’s what happened when we did.

BY CA R LY S I M P S O N

PHOTOS BY A L L I S O N JA R R E L L AC O STA

33// / 33 SPECIAL SECTION:

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Addressing Northern Michigan’s mental health needs; plus, the sweet benefits of swapping sugar for local honey and maple syrup.

BY A L L I S O N JA R R E L L AC O STA

INSIDE!

2025

photo by Hallie Kohler

SUMMER VACATION GUIDE

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DISCOVER MORE ABOUT UP NORTH PEOPLE, PLACES, FOOD AND EVENTS.

MARCH 2025

3

4/8/25 3:03 PM

Traverse

NORTHERN

MICHIGAN

49

departments 07 | Editor’s Note 09 | Up North

A new folk school offers a refreshing retreat, where hands-on craftsmanship and the art of patience reign supreme; plus, the secret finds our editors are loving this month.

photos (top) by Dave Weidner; (bottom) by Allison Jarrell Acosta

14 | Outdoors

Lichens are tiny miracles happening right below our feet—you just have to stop and look (close) to appreciate them.

49 | Culinary North

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cara McDonald

MANAGING EDITOR

Carly Simpson Allison Jarrell Acosta

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Caroline Dahlquist

PROOFREADER REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Lissa Martin Meagan Francis Tim Hussey Theresa Burau-Baehr

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, SPECIAL SECTIONS

Rachel Watson

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Lisa Froning

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mike Alfaro Cyndi Ludka Rachel North Benjamin Roll

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Asher Considine

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Ashlyn Korienek

64 | Love of the Land

Our favorite road-trip rest stop features a shoreline stroll under the Mackinac Bridge (and the occasional run-in with local wildlife!).

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES

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54 | Sip

The buzz around town.

Whip up these airy asparagus soufflés for brunch.

Vol. 44 | No. 12

09

Discover a hidden gem greenhouse café in Kewadin; plus, you can’t leave Hexenbelle without trying the hummus.

55 | In the Kitchen

A MyNorth Media Publication

ON THE COVER Trillium Woods coffee shop, along the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

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Traverse Northern Michigan, (ISSN10713719) is published monthly by Heritage Broadcasting Company of Michigan, 1 Broadcast Way, Cadillac, MI 49601.

Periodicals class postage paid at Traverse City, MI 49684 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Traverse Northern Michigan, 415 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Advertising rates available upon request. Subscription rate: $39.95 for 12 issues. Single issue price: $6.50.

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4 T R AV E R S E N O R T H E R N M I C H I G A N

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6 T R AV E R S E N O R T H E R N M I C H I G A N

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Editor’s Note

UNDAUNTED

photo by Kate English

O

n my way home from work one day not too long ago, I reveled in the early signs of spring—the redwing blackbirds calling, the return of the mourning doves to the wires overhead. Grape hyacinth and crocus were making their brave appearance and the buds were fattening on the trees.

A late season snow had canceled school for the day, and I opened the door to find the house in a riot of disarray. Boxes had been torn open, packaging strewn. In the kitchen, trails of Cheerios and protein-bar wrappers suggested my youngest son was deep in the zone, building.

Today’s project, the result of his latest ebay win, was assembling a Jagerndorfer model ski lift on the last dirty pile of snow he had carefully shoveled in the backyard. A parking lot with toy cars wrapped around the bottom. Tiny plastic skiers assembled like a colorful army, waiting to crouch on the icy slopes.

Ski season was long over, but in his mind, it was fresh and he missed it, so he brought it back to life. During his shipwreck stage, he drew images and wrote books about the Lusitania. When he fell in love with planes, my dining room transformed into the cabin of a 737, with rows of seats, in-flight magazines and stuffed-animal passengers.

My son is happiest when building a world, and it’s both harrowing (to me as the person trying to keep the house clean) and beautiful—he first feels a longing in his heart, and then he sets about trying to bring it to life so he can inhabit the thing he loves.

I love this about him. He’s undaunted. He saves bits and scraps and boxes and cords and batteries and tape and twine and plywood like it’s all treasure, sure to come in handy for some future ambition.

I have a healthy respect for the builders of this world.

That goes for builders not just of things, but of places, community, programs, relationships. You can love someone to the depths of their soul, but if they cannot build with you, that love can’t sustain. We can stand on a pretty piece of land together and swoon over the view, but if you disappear when it’s time to do the hard digging, where will we live?

Building isn’t, and shouldn’t be, necessarily, “hard work.”

But it is effort—the kind that requires vision and consistently showing up with a patient and supportive nature and an eye for possibility. I especially admire the creativity of seeing what is and asking, “what if ?” and taking things in a new direction that honors what has been.

I think of the beautiful—almost inexplicably beautiful— barn at the heart of our rebirth-of-a-farm story this month, “Sleeping Beauty.” As our longtime home and architecture writer Lissa Martin discovers, the barn is a wonder.

It wasn’t built cheaply and haphazardly by a farmer hoping to get in and get out and pocket the money saved. And yes, it needed work. But the new owners didn’t deem it a dysfunctional relic and call in the wrecking crews and then throw up some trendy, whitewashed Modern Farmhouse– style replacement. They paused. They appreciated. They saw the good stone, the solid timbers, the thoughtful details.

They imagined bringing updates to shore up what was strong and necessary, and add to the ways the barn needs to live for a new generation.

The patience of honoring what has been built, seeing the value and integrity of it, is admirable, noble and good.

The willingness to show up and build, not to tear down and destroy, is the true test of vision. This issue is full of both the time-honored and the new—not only the story of that barn at The Foxglove Farm, but also the charm and staying power of Cross Village and the magic of a giant wooden troll sculpture tucked deep in the heart of the U.P. The next time I open the door at home to my son’s project in progress, I will push back the urge to assert order and think tenderly about the thoughtfulness it takes to imagine, and the courage it takes to create.

Cara McDonald, Executive Editor cara@mynorth.com M AY 2 0 2 5

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Up North

PC

“

At sunny Alchemy Farms, Naomi Call is growing a kaleidoscope of edible and medicinal flowers and herbs.

—ASSOCIATE EDITOR ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

WHAT’S A FOLK SCHOOL? P. 11

EDITORS’ PICKS: OUR BEST DISCOVERIES photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

A-A1

local buzz · nostalgic finds · travel inspo

P. 13

THE TINY MIRACLE OF LICHEN P. 14

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Up North Buzz

THE BEAUTY OF SLOW

by CARLY SIMPSON

In a fast-paced world, a new folk school offers a refreshing retreat, where hands-on craftsmanship and the art of patience reign supreme.

A

fter 30 years in a corporate job, Kristina Schnepf is a recovering perfectionist. “That kind of work is based on being at your best at all times—never walking into a board room unprepared,” she says.

Once she retired (sort of; Schnepf owns a doughnut shop in Traverse City), she wanted to give herself permission to slow down and make mistakes. So, she started woodworking. And then, discovered folk schools.

There are dozens of folk schools across the U.S., including Schnepf ’s newly opened Green Door Folk School here in Northern Michigan. Classes are tailored for adults, offering hands-on, skill-building instruction on a range of topics from biodynamic gardening and kombucha brewing to improv comedy. Prior experience not required; imperfections welcome.

Schnepf points to a song-leading class she took at Driftless Folk School in Wisconsin. She happened to be traveling in the area, so she signed up. “While I have sung before, I’m in no way a musician; I felt out of my depth,” she says.

“It was extremely relaxed though. I was never expected to do anything, but I got myself so worked up about not being

good enough, not being prepared enough to be in this space.

“I was noticeably less accomplished, which was perfectly fine to everybody there but me. It was a moment of total realization that my perfectionism was, in fact, getting in the way of me enjoying this class because I only felt comfortable doing things I’d already done before.”

Folk schools place relationships, culture and personal and community empowerment at the center of the learning experience. The classes themselves are designed to be immersive, with longer, multi-day sessions that give participants the space and time to develop their skills.

Schnepf is working on this summer’s lineup, which will include: a farmers market culinary experience where participants will shop, cook and host a farm-to-table gathering; woodturning; straw bale construction; rain gardens; building an herb spiral; and mushroom log inoculation.

Classes are held in various community spaces in Traverse City, Maple City, Lake Ann and Elk Rapids, broadening access for participants.

“Folk classes are meant to be confidence and competence building,” Schnepf says. “You’re not expected to be great at whatever it is you’re trying, but instead it’s about slowing down and learning how to learn.”

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4/8/25 4:43 PM

Up North Curiosities

EDITORS’ PICKS

The secret discoveries we tell our friends about.

Grand Geraniums

The two planter boxes on my front porch are just waiting for this year’s planting pick, and I think I’ve found it: Americana Dark Red geraniums from Mischel’s Greenhouses in Williamsburg. These are no ordinary blooms—they’re locally grown by Mischel’s, the supplier for the most extraordinary porch in the world: the 660-foot promenade at Grand Hotel. Spilling over from 260 white planter boxes, the blooms create a striking crimson contrast against the whitewashed hotel. My tiny porch is no promenade, but with these cheery red upgrades, it’ll feel just a touch fancier. Check your hardiness zones, Mischel’s ships plants accordingly. – C.M.

photo by Dave Weidner (above); Allison Jarrell Acosta (right)

Playing in the Dirt

Traverse City–based author and artist Brianne Farley’s latest children’s book, “Worm Makes a Sandwich,” is both endearing and educational, teaching kids about gardens, compost and worm poop. Yes, poop! Your littles will love it. The main character, a friendly little worm, desperately wants to make a tomato sandwich, but first, the tomatoes must be grown. From soil to seed to picnic blanket, Farley’s whimsical illustrations and humorous writing are a treat. Find copies at Horizon Books and online at briannefarley.com – C.S.

The Alchemy of Self-Care

At sunny Alchemy Farms in Maple City, Naomi Call is growing a kaleidoscope of edible and medicinal flowers and herbs—purple bee balm, blue bachelor’s buttons, warm-hued calendula. I’ve long been a fan of Naomi’s culinary delights (try her blossom salts at Oryana), and this month I’m loving her new self-care products. My favorites: the chocolate bath (an ode to the Japanese art of chocolate bathing with raw cacao and coconut milk) and the flower bath, featuring dried petals tossed with oats and salts. Bathe with these beauties, and you’ll feel like a true May Queen (or King). Find them at Oryana or on Etsy: AlchemyFarmGoods. – A.J.A. M AY 2 0 2 5

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Up North Outdoors

FIRST CAME LICHENS

by LESLIE PIASTRO ASKWITH

I

There are tiny miracles happening right below our feet.

’m alone on a 2-billion-year-old basalt cliff among ancient living organisms that are conceivably 10,000 years old. I marvel at both these facts. The wind is so strong I don’t dare stand near the edge. I’ve been here a while, stooping under my load of flopping sodden gear. But I feel energized. I wonder if it’s from the negative ions blowing up from the forest below—60,000 acres, 35,000 of which are never-been-cut, old-growth forest within

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The wind, the misty drizzle, the ravens flung about by powerful gusts. It sharpens the senses.

Back from the cliff face, fog swirls in the forest. Bent and twisted pine trees, like tall gangly gnomes, lean away from the wild wind. Their limbs reach toward the forest where it’s slightly calmer. Branches that might have grown on the cliffside have been scuffed off by blasting ice and snow as soon as their embryonic buds poked from the trunk. I catch

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glimpses of more of them, shadowy creatures bent in the whirling mist. I think this qualifies as elfinwood, which is a real word describing a cloudy alpine place such as this, where trees are stunted and maybe elves live.

A group of wet high school students slogs by on the Escarpment Trail, shrouded in soaked rain capes. They stare miserably ahead at the back of classmates’ muddy pant legs, probably wishing they’d opted for spring break in Florida, probably dismayed not to have seen a bear or a wolf or maybe a bobcat—something to make this trip worthwhile, something to brag about when they get home.

I wonder if any of the bedraggled students feel a glimmer of interest in lichens.

Would they rather be anywhere but this krummholz, another term I’ve recently learned referring to the stunted vegetation in tree-line forests where growth is inhibited and distorted by harsh weather.

I wonder if they’ve noticed the grayish crust they’ve been blindly stepping on. Do they know that crust is alive? A lichen called Rhizoplaca subdiscrepans, scattered rock-posy lichen, whose ancestors have been here since the last great glacier melted and inched its way north, leaving behind a barren landscape scraped clean of anything living. These lichens were the first to land on that naked rock. They and their ancestors have been struggling with this sub-Arctic weather for 10,000 years.

It’s a haunting mysterious place, not clogged by people and noise. My kind of place. I settle down, avoiding the lichens’ bumpy gray-green thallus and their spore-producing organs, tiny orange cups held barely aloft.

This creature, so still that it looks dead, is alive and evolving, part of the fluid path of genetic differentiation that goes on in life everywhere as creatures respond to their surroundings at the deep level of DNA changes. Polish scientists looked at samples of Rhizoplaca subdiscrepans from around the world and discovered five cryptic species, five variations brought about by subtle adaptations. The posies here live in microniches, one sunny and another shady, one moist and another slightly dryer. Their slow invisible adaptation is a basis for evolution that creates all the differences we see around us.

It may take a thousand years to gain four feet of width. All

that time they’ve been nibbling at this stone, producing acid that creates tiny cracks for hyphae anchors. Scientists claim that given enough time, which admittedly is a lot, lichen will help level the great mountain ranges of the world. One day this mountain will be a hummock on the plains.

These mountain-top lichens have been here since herds of caribou grazed down in the valley, following the lichens’ bushier cousins, moving north with the glaciers. Paleo people may have walked here with their stone spears and knives, watching for those herds below. And 4,000 years later Woodland Native people looked for pure gleaming chunks of copper.

There are lots of lichens in the Porcupine Mountains. They look like dust, hair, lobes, petals, leaves, scales, buttons, pimples, gels and vividly colored flames.

Here on the barren stone at the top of the cliff, they are crusts, flattened and undistinguished.

They are villages of two creatures—fungi buildings lived in by algae tenants. The fungus protects its delicate inhabitants by emitting chemicals that ward off microbes, herbivores, competition and even sunburn while the sun-loving algal dwellers photosynthesize to create food to feed the fungi.

It’s easy to be blind to the workings of the lichen beneath our feet. They are an unimportant crust to be stepped on and crushed without thought. In the larger scheme of things, the damage is infinitesimal. But to my soul they matter, these ancestors whose place in the world adds to my ability to live as I do.

That night I prepare to post photos of the beings I’ve seen that day on iNaturalist, a website where citizen naturalists can get instant identifications of animals and plants.

I find 207 other people who’ve posted 423 observations of Rhizoplaca subdiscrepans, one from the Porcupine Mountains posted by a self-described “all-around bio-diversity nut.” Ryne Rutherford wrote, “We can be better people, scientists, and conservationists by learning lessons from the symbioses that abound in nature.”

I’m now one of his 86 followers. It’s comforting to know that while I stand physically alone appreciating the miracles of lichens, there are others like me who are noticing them, too.

“

There are lots of lichens in the Porcupine Mountains.

They look like dust, hair, lobes, petals, leaves, scales, buttons, pimples, gels and vividly colored flames.

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At The Foxglove Farm there are weddings, and one day soon there will be U-Pick cherries, blueberries, lavender and apples. At the heart of it all is a mysterious and lovely barn that has been awakened for a bold second act.

by Lissa Martin

photos by Hallie Kohler

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elsey Barnes and close family friend Elijah Nykamp were scrolling Zillow one day in 2019 with a mission: Find her parents, Glenn and Patty Barnes, 40 acres somewhere in the vicinity of their Northport home where they could start a small, post-retirement, U-Pick of some sort. The plan was a dream of Glenn’s, whose lifelong passion for agriculture is rooted in memories of grazing his grandparents’ huge garden as a child, knife and salt and pepper shakers in hand. “I’ve always loved the pure foods, the freshness and the miracle of gardening and farming crops,” Glenn says.

When Kelsey and Elijah came to a listing for 140 acres and an old barn in Suttons Bay that was just miles from her parents’ house, they stopped cold. It seemed perfect— although a hundred acres more than her parents had ever considered. Intrigued, the duo asked the Barneses to tour it with them. They agreed, if a bit reluctantly. “It was a little more than we imagined,” Patty recalls with a laugh.

The property was only seven miles from their home, but none of them had ever noticed it, shrouded in hardwoods from the highways as it is. It didn’t take more than a few hundred feet up the winding driveway for them all to realize that the property was beyond their wildest dreams. The rolling forest parted to make room for a working cherry orchard (a start for that U-Pick for Glenn) and fields that could accommodate other crops, before climaxing at a bluff that opened on to a breathtaking view of Omena Bay below. But what really sold them was the hand-hewn hemlock barn that still stood sturdy, save for one collapsing corner, after 130 years.

Even boarded up as it was, says Glenn, “It was magical.”

Knowing that a U-Pick alone could never fund such a large property, the family began jamming ideas for ways to make it financially viable. Turning the barn into a space that could also hold events seemed the all-around best use for the structure. “We saw it as a way to share it with the community and let everyone enjoy, as well as to keep it restored,” says Kelsey—who serendipitously had (and has) a small wedding cake business.

Still, it wasn’t until the Barneses had signed the purchase agreement and hired timber-frame expert Barry Jones to head up the renovation team that they found out exactly what a perfect—almost mystical—fit the old structure was for its future retrofit to hold special events.

Underneath layers of dirt and cobwebs, the barn seemed

Above: Glenn and Patty Barnes pose in front of the 25 acres of sunflowers they planted by hand. Opposite: Wedding ceremonies, receptions and other events take place in the barn, as well as the bluff top, fields and forests of the 140-acre property. The barn’s new oak floor is one of the only places in the barn to utilize new wood. A bride and her maids relax in the wedding suite.

There was more. The interior of the foundation stones had been sheared smooth—an element neither a hardworking farmhand, nor a cow, for that matter, would remotely care about. Then there were the structure’s 12 footings, each set on bases with chamfered edges instead of plopped straight into a pile of cement. “No farmer would have done this, right?” says Jones. Likewise, no average 19th-century farmer would bother with the fastidious joinery that holds this barn together—or build a structure so ruler straight.

“Out of the horizontal beams on the main floor, the worst out of level were 5/8ths of an inch off. That’s better than most houses being built today,” Jones says.

Knowing that they had the bones of what they needed for their space, the Barneses turned to area wedding

photo by @thekismetcollective

K

to have been constructed as a showpiece. Back in the 1890s, typical barns were rough, utilitarian structures.

“Built for survival,” as Jones puts it. But this barn was atypical—obviously built by a skilled carpenter with something special in mind.

The barn’s flourishes begin with its 24 windows, long since boarded up but originally glassed in, set into the stone walls of the hand-dug cellar below the barn. The cellar itself was anomalous—most barns don’t have them, and certainly don’t have cellars with so many windows. Or for that matter with windows that measure 30-by-48-inches, “the golden ratio for design,” as Jones points out.

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Underneath layers of dirt and cobwebs, the barn seemed to have been constructed as a showpiece. to renovating the 19th-century structure. Elijah and Kelsey would work together on the interior design. Elijah would also head up landscape design and implementation.

It was a stellar beginning, though there were bound to be moments … beginning with the family’s first-ever tour of the actual interior of the barn. Through the boarded-up space as dark as a starless night, they made their way down to the cellar using their cellphones as flashlights.

They would find out later that they’d passed bat guano and bear and racoon scat along the way, but it was the

clockwise, photos by: Courtney Kent, Mae Stier, @thekismetcollective

planners and caterers for their perfect-venue wish list.

Topping that list were indoor bathrooms, a staging area for caterers and a lounge area for the wedding party. The Barneses had a wish on their list as well: One more window—this one on the main floor to take in the view of the hardwood forest beyond the barn. With that in mind, they put together a dream renovation team: Jones, architect Sarah Bourgeois, expert carpenters and builders Ray Amin and Colby Wilson, electrician Mark McArdle and plumber Matt Wilkes, all locals who brought skills crucial

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tradespeople, vendors and the farming community “ignited the joy,” she adds. Among the most important of those are Gail Koch and her brother Randy Southwell, who sold the barn and property to the Barneses. The siblings’ grandparents had acquired both in 1945 from neighbors. Over glasses of wine enjoyed lounging in the shade of the barn, Koch shared her memories of the old barn with the Barneses.

She was just 4 years old when she saw it the first time, and to her it looked just plain scary. “If you want that perspective, just get on your knees and look at it,” Koch says. When she was older, she recalls parking near the barn for a “little smooching” and later yet, her future husband presented her with an engagement ring in front of the massive barn doors.

The one thing Gail doesn’t know is who actually constructed the barn, 45 years before her birth. The craftsperson and their

top to bottom, photos by: @thekismetcollective, Hallie Kohler, Mae Stier

The place creates enchantment that begets enchantment.

crunch underfoot that startled them into shining their light at the floor—a reveal that put a couple of possum skulls in the spotlight.

All of that was just cleanup. The real challenges came with adding plumbing and electricity to a seasonal, antique structure with a foundation as solid as the huge rocks it was built with. Blueprints could only map the way so far.

Eventually, it was resourcefulness that won the day.

Farming, too, had its ups, like those cherry trees that were still producing after many decades, and downs, like the 25 acres of sunflower seeds that Glenn and Patty painstakingly sowed for another U-Pick crop. They grew up to shine like a Van Gogh painting. That is, until the deer mowed down every single stalk in a handful of summer nights.

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right: photo by Kathy Davies; below: photo by Hallie Kohler

Above: Kelsey and her canine assistant Junie. Outfitted with four perfectly appointed indoor bathrooms, the barn is a dream venue for wedding planners and guests alike. Glenn built the stone arch by hand. Elijah oversaw the landscaping around an old pump house that can be set up as a bar.

purpose remain a mystery lost to the centuries.

In 2023, The Foxglove Farm (named for the family’s favorite flower) opened for events. A tapestry of hardwoods floods the view through the huge new window on the north end, making it feel like a treehouse. A handsome, safe stairway now replaces the ladder that once led to the loft. Sun pours in the 24 newly paned old windows, casting mellow light on the power-washed, sheared fieldstone foundation—the basis of the soft color palette that Kelsey and Elijah wove into the tile, furniture and fabric choices in the wedding suite and four bathrooms. It is all comfortable, well-appointed and in perfect harmony with the barn’s rustic grandeur. Outside, new stone walls, paths and plantings create unexpected places to hold events—on that beautiful bluff, beside an old cabin/pump house, in the cherry orchard, in the barn itself.

The place creates enchantment that begets enchantment: A pair of eagles flew over just as a pair of veterinarians who specialize in birds were touring the venue; the father of a bride who is an avid sailor was treated to a sailboat breezing across Omena Bay during the bluff-top ceremony … It took 130 years, but the setting a talented craftsman hand-hewed in the Northern Michigan woods is finally getting the productions it deserves.

Lissa Martin is the former senior editor of Traverse Northern Michigan.You’ll find her these days telling stories and pouring wine at her Glen Arbor wine bar.

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ROMANCE of the

RIVER TROLL A young couple had a vision for a bit of magic at their campground on the Manistique River. But it would take a tiny miracle and a surprising community of new friends to bring Benny the Beard Fisher home.

by ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

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photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

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candinavian folklore holds that trolls are not to be trusted.

These mythical, lumbering creatures are depicted as rarely helpful to human beings at best, and at worst … ravenous man-eaters looking for a snack.

Even Danish artist Thomas Dambo, the architect behind 154 massive troll sculptures around the world, describes the troll he created in the U.P.—lovingly dubbed Benny the Beard Fisher—as patiently waiting on the shoreline “to catch a fish, or if he’s lucky, a kayaker passing by.”

But walking up to Benny—a 14-foot-tall, 30-foot-long wooden troll lounging beside the Manistique River in Germfask—is a serene experience. Sure, I’m sneaking up on him from behind, but as I walk underneath the crook of his knee, around to the front of this gentle giant, I meet his gaze, and I can tell he’s a tender soul.

Benny spends his time hanging his branch-laden beard into the burbling river that snakes through the Northland Outfitters campground. On this June afternoon, he fishes in front of a blooming guelder rose bush, and the shoreline is alive with new feathery ferns and purple-hued irises. Tiny ebony jewelwing damselflies flutter about, resting on his shingled belly.

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photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

resident brought, neighbors complained about the crowds, noise and trash left behind.

Dambo returned in 2019 to rebuild the iconic Isak in a more remote location—at the south end of town, accessible by a new trail.

Long live Isak.

Similar stories have unfolded across the 17 countries that Dambo has scattered his 154 whimsical giants. Scroll through his interactive troll map, and you’ll find projects dating back to 2014, when he created his first two trolls, Mr. and Mrs. Limbo, for a Danish music festival. Two years later, Dambo constructed the Six Forgotten Giants in Copenhagen—a viral success, seen by hundreds of

“BENNY’S BEARD CAN REACH ACROSS THE POND AND THROUGH THE RIVER LONG AND STRONG THE BEARD WILL WRAP AROUND YOU LIKE A TWISTER TROLLS CAN GROW A BEARD BOTH AS A BABY, MISS, AND MISTER BUT ANY TROLL WILL ENVY THAT ON BENNY THE BEARD FISHER.” -Thomas Dambo It’s a peaceful moment—one I would’ve driven past and missed had it not been for the lure of Benny the Beard Fisher. He looks so at home, so natural in this space, that it’s hard to believe he almost didn’t make it here.

In april 2022, Donna and Leon Genre, longtime owners of the beloved Northland Outfitters campground and canoe and kayak livery, announced that after 11 years, they had sold their business to a young couple from Colorado, Durea and Levi Brady. The Bradys had long dreamed of owning their own campground, and after the pandemic hit, they started looking across the country for the right spot.

Durea says there were only a few campgrounds for sale at the time, including one in Germfask.

“We had never been to Michigan,” she says, “had never really heard of the U.P.” But they decided to take a cheap flight to Chicago and drive up. Once they made it across the bridge, it only took a few hours to know Northland was the right choice.

“We looked around and realized this was a place [where we] could be stewards and also put our own special touch,” Durea says.

One thing they brought with them from Colorado: their love of trolls. Specifically, Thomas Dambo’s trolls. Dambo, a prolific recycled-materials artist from Denmark, has traveled the world bringing his characters to life, including in the small mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado, where a troll named Isak Heartstone 2 lives.

Yes, that’s the second, because the first Isak, built for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BreckCreate) in 2018, was dismantled only a year later. The 15-foot troll (with a stone heart given to him by three little girls) skyrocketed the town’s tourism, some days receiving more than 3,000 visitors. And while some loved the attention their new

millions of people. Today, he has trolls sprinkled throughout the U.S., from the Pacific Northwest to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, all drawing crowds of visitors.

In February, Dambo unveiled his first indoor troll installation (troll #154) at the California Nature Art Museum in Solvang. As the story goes, Lulu Hyggelig ate one too many pastries, and now she’s a bit … stuck.

Each of these mesmerizing, mystical creatures has drawn a following, with some visitors planning trips specifically around “troll hunts.”

It seems that where there are trolls, there is magic. And people will go looking for it.

If ever there were a place that deserved a troll, it’s the wild forests and rivers of the U.P. (although, Yoopers famously declare trolls reside below the bridge).

“We thought a troll in the U.P. would be just rad,” Durea says. So, with nothing to lose, she wrote Dambo, extolling the beauty and community of the Upper Peninsula.

Would he build a troll in Michigan?

Months went by without a response, and then, finally, a letter; Dambo would be doing a 10-troll tour across the U.S. that summer. And the U.P. seemed like a great fit for Benny the Beard Fisher—one of the trolls in his book “Way of the Bird King,” who’s trying to figure out why the water around him is polluted.

Durea and Levi would need to come up with a location for Benny, the permitting and the funds.

The couple considered crowdfunding—something other cities and organizations that commissioned trolls did with ease. But the Bradys didn’t know many people in the area yet, and winter was on its way.

They had taken a business loan with the intent to be open year-round, offering snowmobiling and ATV rentals.

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It was an idea they’d realized wasn’t going to pan out. So, they asked their bank: “Can we buy a troll instead?”

The answer: absolutely not.

It seemed like a dead end. Then their banker, who Durea describes as “a super sweet lady from Georgia,” called. She was going on a girls trip to Florida to see Dambo’s trolls— her interest was piqued. When she returned, she told the couple she loved the idea and would try to convince the bank to get Benny funded with their loan.

And she did. They had the money.

The only requirement was that the troll needed to be on their property, rather than the public space they had envisioned. Dambo agreed.

Even the wetlands permitting, which seemed daunting, went through without a hitch. Turns out the guy they worked with to secure permits was from Maine, and had enjoyed visiting Dambo’s trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Dambo visited Northland in February 2022, and the Bradys pitched the idea to have Benny rest by a bend in the river—they wanted kayakers to enjoy the view, too.

Dambo grabbed Durea’s scarf, posing with it as his beard.

It was decided.

Benny’s head would be shipped from Denmark. But the rest of him would be built on site. And that meant the Bradys would need to provide a lot of recycled wood.

Levi reached out to local lumber mills, and Timber Products in Munising answered the call. They offered to donate “mountains” of wood cutoffs from their hardwood veneers (which would comprise about 80 percent of

some big bundles of cedar cutoffs,” Durea says. “It was a total team effort.”

Dambo’s crew of 11 artists was quickly supplemented with volunteers from all over, including a group of 40 or so men who’ve stayed at the campground every summer since the ’70s.

“Some of them are general contractors and engineers; they made sure that Benny was really sound,” Durea says.

“They brought their expertise and gave up some of their days on the river to make sure that Benny would withstand the test of time.”

Since his installation in the summer of 2023, Benny has gained quite a following. (He even has his own merch in the campground store.)

They’ve had proposals next to Benny, and one couple actually used him as the backdrop for their wedding ceremony. They revisited for their first anniversary.

But the “sweetest thing” for Durea is the number of older visitors they’ve had. Many of Dambo’s trolls aren’t ADA accessible, so it was important to the Bradys to purchase golf carts that they could use to transport anyone who needs assistance getting to Benny.

“Levi takes them on cart rides out there, and they just talk up a storm,” Durea says. “I think the seniors are probably the most moved by Benny. They just appreciate all of it.

They really fall in love with him.”

The Bradys do ask that visitors come to the store first and pay a $10 ticket per car load to see Benny—a small fee that will help them stock the pond and bring in gardeners.

“I don’t know if we would’ve been able to do those things

photos courtesy of Thomas Dambo

Left to right: The original Isak Heartstone, which was dismantled and rebuilt in Breckenridge, Colorado; Pia the Peacekeeper, Bainbridge Island, Washington; and Oscar the Bird King, Vashon Island, Washington.

Benny’s body). And as luck would have it, a truck driver overheard the conversation and offered to transport the lumber in his semi.

“We went from zero to one hundred really fast,” Durea says. “It was just a massive relief.”

For Benny’s beard, Durea’s brother and nephew gathered maple branches from a friend’s property. And when Dambo decided he needed more variety in Benny’s skin, he and Levi drove to see a farmer friend who directed them to an Amish cedar mill. There they told the owner about their project, showing him photos of other trolls.

“And he was so gracious and loaded the boys up with

without Benny,” Durea says.

When she and Levi first arrived at Northland, they were enchanted. But she says the ground felt like it was “asleep.”

Now, things have changed.

“If Northland is a living entity, I think she’s been revived,” she says. “So many more people have seen and appreciated that little area. Benny brings you in, but then you see how cozy and embracing this place is. That’s the best part—I feel like it’s a new life for Northland.”

Allison Jarrell Acosta is associate editor of Traverse Northern Michigan magazine.

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since I last visited Cross Village. As we cruise north on State Road, the afternoon sun warming the roofs of old barns and golden fields, I’m hit with a wave of nostalgia: My dad pulling into the gravel driveway of a tiny A-frame; a rocking hammock; borrowing my mom’s flip phone to text my first real boyfriend; the smell of musty bathing suits that never had time to dry out.

Bare feet and sandy PB&Js at the beach are the calling cards of Cross Village. It’s a blink-and-you’llmiss-it kind of place, where slow-mo mornings lumber into unhurried afternoons. It’s the Up North we remember from childhood.

After a two-hour drive, Associate Editor Allison Jarrell Acosta, Traverse alum Emily Tyra and I have arrived at Spirit Lake Retreat in the heart of town. It’s our home base for the next two days as we discover endless shorelines, quirky shops, dirt roads and snaking bends along the Tunnel of Trees.

And as I open the car door, I can feel time slow down a few ticks.

SUNSET STROLLS Golden hour is calling as we unpack. Cross Village Beach is a 10-minute walk from our rooms, at the end of a dirt road lined with weeping willows. Allison grabs a few blankets from her trunk and we’re off. Rounding a final crook, we’re met by a boat launch jutting into Lake Michigan framed by lanky grasses and paper birch trees. Two kids brave the still chilly waters and a single boat, the Natalie Jean, comes into view while we claim a sandy spot on shore, pulling out road trip snacks we discovered on the drive up. (The market and food truck at Petoskey’s Bear Creek Organic Farm are a must.)

We’ve got about an hour before the sun sinks below the horizon, and a rocky shoreline filled with tiny treasures. Pack water shoes if you plan on taking a dip or hunting for Petoskeys.

T A P T H E B R A K E S : The blufftop Shurtleff

Nature Preserve is another pretty spot to catch a sunset, with two benches overlooking the lake. The small, lawn-like preserve sits in town on Lake Shore Drive near a large cross. There is a private home next door; don’t park in its driveway but do enjoy views of their well-tended gardens.

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G A S S T AT I O N P I C N I C S The next morning, we wander across the street for breakfast.

At a gas station. But The Village Mart is not your average petrol pit stop. The owners, sisters Tania Wolniewicz and Kasha Schlappi, make homemade goodies like black-bean empanadas, ham hot pockets and raspberry puff pastry tarts. The duo owned the now-closed Village Café, well-known for its pastries, pies and wedding cakes, before bringing their baking prowess to The Mart.

We browse aisles of vacay essentials—s’mores kits, sunscreen, beach toys, hand-dipped ice cream, wine—then take our breakfast haul to a shady picnic table out front under a stand of white pines. A few cars pass by on the county road while we plot the day ahead.

M-119 WITH PIT STOPS After breakfast, it’s time for a joyride on the famously twisty Tunnel of Trees. A light drizzle has started, spring’s lime green leaves wrapping us in a verdant, dripping cocoon.

Our first stop: Trillium Woods, a coffee shop housed in a lil’ log cabin.

A vintage silver spoon serves as a handle for the screen door that bangs shut as we enter what feels like a mid-century modern dream. The interior is curated by Great Lakes Modern— brass candlestick holders stand guard above a fieldstone fireplace and a pair of retro skis leans in the corner; shelves are laden with local maple syrup, wicker baskets, beeswax mushroom candles.

Trillium Woods serves locally roasted coffee from Higher Grounds Trading Co., and we nab a chocolate chip cookie made by Birch Tree Bakery before sinking into a brown leather couch, the rhythmic pat-patpat of the rain cascading on the café’s metal roof.

G O O D T O K N O W : The cabin is un-

believably charming—and rustic. For a bathroom, there’s an outhouse with a friendly spider out back at the end of a lush fern-lined path. It adds to the romance.

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L U N C H AT T H E F A R M Fifteen minutes down the road, Pond Hill Farm stretches out across 200-plus acres. It’s a bucolic playground for kids and adults alike, with lush flower gardens, live music, estate wines plus beer and cider, goats, a life-sized human foosball game, hike/bike/snowshoe/ski trails, swings and a sandbox, hidden gnome houses. I feel a childlike curiosity; I want to open every gnome door and I definitely want to come back in fall to shoot the apple cannons we’ve been told about.

Today we’ve come for lunch, though. The wood-fired pizza (the dough and sauce are made from scratch) at the farm’s café was highly recommended by our hosts at Spirit Lake Retreat, and the Parmesan-crusted grilled cheese here is legendary. My favorite bite: The sorta sweet, sorta spicy pickle pizza.

T A P T H E B R A K E S : The family-run Black Barn

Farm in Cross Village proper has an onsite market that’s stocked with organic produce, pasture-raised eggs, fresh cut flowers and magnificent take-home pasta and toppings, all homemade. If you see a tub of garlic scape pesto or basil cream sauce, grab immediately. Check their website for spring hours or catch them at the Harbor Springs Farmers Market.

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GONE TO THE DOGS It’s only a slight exaggeration to say everyone in Cross Village owns a dog; our afternoon of gallery and boutique browsing became a gleeful tour de pup. First, we met Carina, a regal springer spaniel, and her human Joann Condino at Three Pines Studio. The beautiful duo has hearts as big as their personalities and immediately felt like good friends.

The breadth of work at Three Pines Studio is incredible—pottery, fiber art, jewelry, paintings, furniture, glass, fairies—with pieces for all ages and price points. Carina loves belly rubs and showing visitors the gardens out front.

Next up, a French bulldog welcomes us with a friendly yap to Peninsulas. It’s quickly clear that Chester, who is vibrating with puppy energy, is in charge here. But he’s a benevolent ruler. The shop has some seriously cool Up North merch curated and personally designed by lifelong Michiganders Sherri and Robert Jameson: nature crafts, a pocket flower press, enviable crewnecks, field guides. We left with loon T-shirts, retro-inspired postcards and tips on pretty drives to take in the area.

T A P T H E B R A K E S : Village Grown on Oak

Drive is a micro flower farm where Maria Affhalter has transformed a quarter acre of land into a paradise of fluttering sweet peas, ranunculus, irises and buttery sunflowers. She keeps an honor box flower stand stocked during growing season. And yes, she, too, has a dog.

Village Grown

Three Pines Studio

Sherri Jameson, Peninsulas

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Peninsulas

BONFIRES BEFORE BED Spirit Lake Retreat has 10 suites (one is ADA accessible) spread out among three cabin-like buildings. Each has its own patio and private entry with contactless check in and out.

Within, there’s a living area, a queen bedroom with the comfiest mattress I’ve ever slept on, a walk-in shower and a wee kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave and Keurig.

We head for the grassy backyard with a bottle of sauvignon blanc from The Village Mart. There are three firepits for guests and a pile of already chopped wood—we even found our rooms stocked with s’mores supplies.

These past two days have felt like a whirlwind summer romance, all of us falling head over heels with this place and its spotty cell service and friendly locals and kick-off-yourshoes ethos. You can’t help but to slow down, disconnect from your inbox and see the easy joys around you.

Fire crackling, the sky a starry wonderland: This is the North I remember.

Carly Simpson is managing editor of Traverse Northern Michigan magazine.

Allison Jarrell Acosta is associate editor of Traverse Northern Michigan magazine.

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THE SWEET SWAP

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Step away from the sugar bowl. Our local honey and maple syrup boast benefits that make them smarter sweetener choices.

W

hen it comes to everyday sweetening, honey and maple syrup are often overlooked in favor of sugar— or those little multicolored packets of sweetener. But these products, abundantly produced in Northern Michigan, deserve a closer look. ›

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“Honey and maple syrup are more than just sweetsugar for honey or maple syrup, and not just on your eners—they’re a powerhouse of nutrients,” says Jill peanut butter sandwiches and pancakes. Use it in Balla, D.C., a chiropractor with a focus on using salad dressings, drizzle over fresh fruit and cheese, nutrition as a therapeutic tool or put a dollop in your coffee or to help the body heal naturally. tea—pretty much anything sugar “They bring in essential stuff like can do, honey and maple syrup B vitamins and minerals like zinc, can do, too, with an extra infusion calcium, magnesium, potassium of flavor and nutrition. But don’t With unique textures and flavors, these and manganese.” overdo it. “Honey and maple syrup Northern Michigan–sourced maple syrup and And, Balla says, both are will still spike your blood sugar, so honey products are anything but ordinary. loaded with antioxidants—which less is better,” Balla says. “But they can help protect your body bring a whole lot more to the table With varieties like bay leaf, chai spice, coffee against diseases like cancer and than your average sugar.” bean and ghost pepper, infused maple syrups from heart disease—and thanks to Even with all their delicious Harwood Gold add a burst of unexpected flavor to lower scores on the Glycemic benefits, maple syrup and honey your favorite beverages, salad dressings, desserts or Index, both are easier on blood aren’t the best choice for everyone. grilled and roasted veggies and meats. Visit the store at 230 Bridge St. in Charlevoix or order online glucose than table sugar. “Just to If you’re dealing with prediabetes, at harwoodgold.com. put things in perspective, regupolycystic ovary syndrome or a lar sugar is 65 on the Glycemic fatty liver—all reasons you may not Bring the heat! For The Love of Bees, from Index, while maple syrup and want to spike your blood glucose at Traverse City–based Grand Traverse Sauce Co., honey clock in at 54 and 20, all—consider Stevia or monk fruit, packs a sweet-and-spicy surprise. This chili-infused honey, made with local honey sourced from Hilbert’s respectively,” Balla says. two non-caloric sweeteners derived Honey Co. (also in Traverse City), is delicious drizzled While maple syrup (make sure from natural ingredients, Balla adover waffles or biscuits, as a delightfully daring dunk you’re getting real, 100 percent vises. And as for chemical-based for fried chicken, or even mixed into cocktails. Pick maple syrup and not the goopy artificial sweeteners (the kind in up a bottle at 1125 E. Eighth St. or find online corn syrup in the lady-shaped botthe little pink and blue packets)? at gtsauceco.com. tle) has a higher mineral content Just don’t do it, she says. “Those are If you love the flavor of maple syrup but wish for a than honey, honey boasts an addilike a chemistry experiment gone more dunk-able consistency, maple cream from The tional benefit: Research has shown wrong and are best avoided for the Sweet Spigot—a family farm nestled in the Upper it can help keep you from sniffling sake of your health.”

Peninsula—is your new best friend. Maple cream is and sneezing during allergy seaWith a multitude of honey maple syrup that’s been whipped to silky, spreadable perfection: Try as an add-on to your peanut butter son. “Local raw honey is a secret and maple syrup producers across toast or S’more, atop a Ritz cracker weapon against seasonal allergies,” Northern Michigan, shopping or as a fruit dip. Find a store near you or shop online Balla says. “The bees work their for your next spoonful of sweetat sweetspigot.com. magic, collecting local pollen and ener can be as easy as hitting up a turning it into a food that helps nearby farmers market or roadside your immune system recognize stand. Or seek out a farm that ofyour environment as healthy.” fers tours, so you can shop while also learning more The first step to taking advantage of all that sweet, about the process of tapping trees and befriending locally sourced goodness is swapping out regular bees. Super sweet!

A Sweet Surprise

THE SHOWDOWN: HONEY VS. MAPLE SYRUP Maple syrup and honey each have their strong points—and ardent supporters. But how does the data stack up?

BLOOD SUGAR HEALTH Honey packs about 40 percent fructose. Maple syrup is lighter in fructose, at just about 4 percent.

CARB CONTENT Maple syrup is lower in carbs, with 13 grams per tablespoon, compared to honey’s 17 grams.

NUTRITION Maple syrup has a higher mineral content than honey, but honey swings back with a dose of gut-healing polyphenols.

FLAVOR Honey is sweeter and more floral; maple syrup brings a caramelized flavor, with notes of vanilla and butterscotch.

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Hope for Better Mental Healthcare A new facility from Munson Healthcare addresses an urgent need in the community.

by MEAGAN FRANCIS

up north, we wouldn’t trade our small communities, sweeping rural landscapes and showstopping winters for anything. Still, it’s only fair to admit Northern Michigan poses a double challenge when it comes to mental health.

First, there are those winters we love so much. Less daylight can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and the isolation that can come with living in a rural area—of which our region is mostly composed—can make residents more susceptible to depression, says Terri Lacroix-Kelty, director of behavioral health at Munson Healthcare.

And there are other factors at play, too. “Economic stressors can take a tremendous toll on mental health,” Lacroix-Kelty says, pointing out that the unemployment rate in many of our Northern Michigan counties is double or more than in densely populated areas. Around 43 percent of our population lives under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) level and struggles to afford essential needs. Transportation and technology also create issues: Northern Michigan residents may have to travel long distances to receive care, or don’t have reliable internet access that would allow them to speak with a care provider virtually. ›

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All these factors can lead to a snowball effect for those who need help, says Kate Dahlstrom, president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Grand Traverse, which offers support, education and advocacy for people and families affected by mental illness. Lack of access to appropriate care can lead to mental illness worsening and poor outcomes: For example, a person who is sent to the ER instead of receiving proper mental health care may escalate, untreated, from an anxiety attack to a psychotic break, leading to negative outcomes like self-harm or resisting arrest for a minor infraction.

“Every day, right here in Grand Traverse County, up to 40 percent of our [incarcerated people] really need mental health care,” Dahlstrom says. “We’re the most underserved region in the state.”

Recognizing the urgent need in the region, Northern Michigan’s healthcare community, led by Munson Healthcare, is working to close the care gap with the opening of the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center.

“The center adds a much-needed piece to the continuum of care,” Lacroix-Kelty says. The facility consolidates essential services under one roof, allowing individuals to get the help they need in times of crisis, or helping them to connect with the right resources. LaCroix-Kelty points to studies showing communities with services like a crisis hotline and a crisis center can resolve up to 85 percent of mental health crises without hospitalization, meaning this one-stop approach is better for patients and more fiscally sustainable.

Located on Traverse City’s Munson Medical Center campus at 410 Brook Street, the center is housed in a renovated 22,000-square-foot building that previously provided outpatient behavioral health services. After extensive renovations, it now offers both outpatient and residential crisis services for individuals of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay.

Right now, the center is open Sunday through Thursday 8 a.m.–8 p.m., offering services like behavioral health assessments, mobile crisis support, peer support and crisis phone screenings.

Not only does the center provide a safe, nurturing place for people in crisis, but it also has the potential to improve the entire mental health care system in the region. Emergency rooms were never designed to handle mental health crises, yet often when people need urgent help, they have nowhere else to go. The new center provides a more appropriate environment, allowing emergency departments to focus on medical care while mental health professionals take the lead on psychiatric care.

It’ll help in recruiting, too. The facility’s opening signals a broader community commitment to mental health, which Lacroix-Kelty believes will make a big difference when it comes to bringing more care providers to Northern Michigan. “Opening a crisis center and taking a communitywide approach to mental health signals opportunity,” she says, emphasizing this can help alleviate some of the concerns providers may have about practicing in a rural area.

“The community has been incredibly supportive,” Lacroix-Kelty adds, noting the facility cared for about 50 people in its first month after opening on January 5. As awareness grows, “so will the number of people we see come through our doors,” she predicts.

By July 2025, the facility is on target to expand to 24/7 care, providing a psychiatric urgent care unit along with a unique “living room” model of care. This model offers a nonclinical, home-like environment where patients are able to recover in a calming environment, with soothing views of the woods. In fall of 2025, the plan is to add a six-bed pediatric unit to help fill the serious gap in pediatric mental health care in Northern Michigan.

The center’s opening represents a step toward addressing the mental health crisis in Northern Michigan. It provides a beacon of hope for those who have long struggled to access the care they need, and with ongoing support and expansion, it promises to be a game-changer for the region’s mental health landscape.

“

The center adds a much-needed piece to the continuum of care.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

The Secret to a Low-Stress Retirement Looking for less stress, more enjoyment?

Staying active, connected, and having access to quality healthcare are key.

by KIRSETIN K. MORELLO

R

etirement conjures images of carefree days, but it also brings change—and with change can come unexpected stress. Many retirees experience isolation or worry about maintaining their health, both of which impact well-being.

among the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems™, along with Copper Ridge Surgery Center and a wide network of specialists.

All of these are close to The Village at Bay Ridge, which also supports residents’ well-being by hosting guest speakers on topics like nutrition and blood pressure management.

PRIORITIZE YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Movement is essential for aging well—improving mobility, reducing stress and even easing depression. And it doesn’t require a marathon. Whether it’s chair yoga, gardening or strength training, staying active supports long-term wellness.

Living in a thoughtfully designed community makes it easier. At The Village at Bay Ridge— voted Best Senior Living Community in the 2022 Record-Eagle readers’ poll—fitness is effortless.

“We offer group exercise, like Zumba Gold, and have an onsite gym with recumbent bikes, treadmills, free weights and elliptical machines,” says Marketing Director Kelse Berndt.

In addition to the gym, residents enjoy walking paths around a scenic pond, easy access to the TART trails and the nearby YMCA. The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area, with its wooded hiking trails, offers another opportunity to stay active.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Without the easy camaraderie of work colleagues, staying connected during retirement takes more intention. That’s why The Village at Bay Ridge prioritizes community.

“We host a weekly social hour, plus casual coffee gatherings,” says Berndt. Games like Mahjong and euchre, and watching films in the onsite movie theater, keep residents engaged. Excursions—whether for grocery runs, casino trips or local tea parties—make life both practical and fun. “Residents love going with a group and not having to worry about logistics.”

When the weather warms up, the community enjoys barbecues, cornhole and trips to Interlochen and Northwestern Michigan College for live performances. “There’s so much on the calendar,” one resident shares. “It’s hard to decide what to choose!”

HEALTHCARE AND WELLNESS SUPPORT

Proximity to healthcare is another key factor in stress-free retirement. Traverse City is home to Munson Healthcare, ranked

Organizations such as the Commission on Aging and Comfort Keepers provide additional resources.

A major advantage of Bay Ridge is its built-in continuum of care. “One of our biggest draws is that we have an assisted living facility within the same community,” Berndt explains.

Independent living residents have priority access to assisted living, ensuring a seamless transition if needed.

This setup is especially beneficial for couples. “One resident was able to visit his wife every day, after she moved from their independent housing to assisted living,” Berndt says. “He was grateful not to miss visits—even in winter.”

Now in its 25th year, Bay Ridge is seeing a full-circle moment—the next generation choosing it after seeing their parents thrive. “It’s a wonderful affirmation of the trust we’ve built,” says Berndt.

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What Does Successful Aging In Place Look Like?

Lean on Comfort Keepers for friendly support, wisdom and care.

by COURTNEY JEROME

A

photo c ourtesy of Comfort Keepers

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SPONSORED CONTENT

s people age, most want to live in their homes for as long as they can, rather than move to a new and unfamiliar living environment. In fact, a national U-M poll recently discovered 88 percent of people between the ages of 50 and 80 find it important to live in their homes as long as possible.

However, in order to accomplish that, plans need to be prepared. “More Americans are choosing to age in place. That is, they opt to stay in their homes rather than move to alternative retirement settings,” says Leslie Knopp, co-owner of Comfort Keepers. The franchise organization she runs alongside her husband Russ Knopp has served Northwest Lower Michigan for more than 18 years. Their teams provide in-home care and other services that assist seniors in maintaining their independence.

“Aging in place has many benefits,” Knopp says.

“Seniors who remain in their own homes as they age enjoy the consistency of belonging to communities where they may have lived for many years surrounded by friends and families. This offers both emotional and social benefits, as they have an already established support network.”

Knopp describes that the overall quality of life is better for seniors when they are as independent as possible, including participating in their communities in a meaningful way.

“Remaining in the home also avoids the stress of relocation and acclimating to new environments, and, even more compelling: aging in place can be cost-effective,” she says.

Comfort Keepers has locations both in Traverse City and Petoskey, allowing them to serve seniors from Manistee to the Mackinac Bridge. About 200 Comfort Keepers employees are passionate about the care they provide clients and their families throughout the area.

“Many families today are unaware of the many options available to assist seniors in their homes,” Knopp explains. “When loved ones begin to demonstrate difficulty with certain daily tasks, family members may automatically believe that it is time for assisted living or a nursing home. However, these are not necessarily the best options. Today, the senior care industry and new technologies make it possible for older adults to continue to live in their own homes safely and with assistance.”

Services with Comfort Keepers include: meal delivery, household maintenance, safety checks, emergency response assistance, transportation, medical needs, personal care, nutrition and health care coordination. With new technology tools being developed all the time, they are, “Staying on top of it so we can offer that kind of alternative to people who do want to stay in their homes all the way to the end of life—it’s possible,” says Knopp.

Part of their process is to meet with seniors and/or their family members to collaborate on a comprehensive, custom and curated plan that’s individualized to their needs.

“When someone is serious in exploring options, we meet with people in their homes and start a conversation to learn what the issues are, what their pain is, what their concerns and worries are, and to start developing a solution with them that addresses their needs within their budget,” Knopp says.

“There’s no single-one answer to how we can help,” she adds, explaining they partner with a strong network of senior-serving area organizations to provide care, inclusive of the Commission on Aging, Bay Area Senior Advocates and many medical providers and hospice organizations. “It’s a process of communication, learning, and constantly making sure the solution we originally developed is still meeting all the needs.”

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TIKTOK: OUR NEWEST ADDICTION

by ELIZABETH HOSANG

T

The social and mental health implications of today’s hottest teen social media platform worry parents and experts alike: A local psychologist weighs in.

hrough viral dance videos, story times and trending topics, the social media platform TikTok garners more than 1 billion video views per day. On the app, users dive into online communities and communicate with people around the world—but the dangers of this creative platform are often overlooked.

However, for Dr. M. Teri Daunter, a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist in Petoskey, the dangers—including depression, loneliness and even self-harm and suicidal ideation—are clear.

“All social media really puts children at risk. But TikTok is the most invasive and the most abusive,” says Daunter, pointing out that TikTok’s algorithmic recommender targets

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cognitive vulnerabilities in a way that increases engagement with the platform and boosts profit for the company.

The number of active users roughly doubled between December 2019 and September 2021, when the company announced it had surpassed 1 billion monthly users. The majority of TikTok users are thought to be children and young people, and Daunter is disturbed by the impact technology is having on interpersonal relationships.

“It’s addictive, and it has exponentially increased its addictive components in the last several years,” she says.

In adolescents, the brain develops regions that are associated with social rewards like peer attention. Unlike emotional processing, rational thinking doesn’t fully develop until someone reaches their mid-20s. Consequently, teenagers are more likely than adults to be impulsive and experience strong emotional reactions to external stimuli.

Early-stage research is looking into the impact of excessive social media use on brain structures. Small studies show substance addictions and excessive social media use have a similar impact on the brain. Both trigger the release of high levels of dopamine, leading to a temporary emotional “high,” making the user feel low once they stop using the platform.

Daunter explains that technology addiction uses the same neural pathways that other addictions follow. They cause a sense of impulsivity in the person that is difficult to resist.

Without access to the addictive app of choice, social media users feel withdrawal.

Endless scrolling is an example of compulsive and automatic behavior, a telltale sign of addiction, says Daunter. The repetitive behavior wires “grooves” into the brain, and the more the behavior is repeated, the deeper those grooves become.

“Addiction is a complex interaction among many brain circuits, genetics, the environment and an individual’s life experience. Yet we know that it is treatable,” Daunter says.

“The brain is very neuroplastic and it can regenerate itself.”

The most alarming cultural change Daunter has noted since the rise of social media is an increase in synthetic relationships.

TikTok and other social media platforms mock a personal network but lack the authentic experience of connecting with someone face-to-face.

“It’s like eating empty calories: They fill you up temporarily, but they never really nourish you long term,” Daunter says. “Technology is stealing so much of the joy of living moment-to-moment.”

That, in itself, is affecting other relationships, adds Daunter.

Young people are late entering relationships, she says, because they aren’t comfortable becoming intimate with other people face-to-face. “They’re so used to synthetic relationships they don’t know how to feel and express themselves.” That inexperience, coupled with unrealistic expectations that can be created by the ease and immediacy of synthetic relationships, affect any intimate real-life relationships they might have, Daunter says.

What should parents watch for? Daunter advises that parents look out for signs their teen may be struggling with tech addiction, such as seeming withdrawn or overly occupied with their phone.

“There can be a personality change—that’s what an addiction does,” Daunter explains, adding that she regularly hears about teens becoming very aggressive, even toward siblings, if they get in the way of a social media fix.

According to Daunter, parents are the first line of defense against these troubling effects. “Parents can help instill lifelong emotional stability for their children by prioritizing healthy connections at home,” she says, suggesting that parents put in-person socializing first, and model the behavior they expect from their children.

While it isn’t always easy to get teens on board for in-reallife family activities, getting offline may be just the “fix” techaddicted kids need.

5 OFFLINE UP NORTH FAMILY ACTIVITIES Try something new, together.

BE A PINBALL WIZARD Family-friendly Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City has an impressive lineup of arcade games, including pinball, Skee-Ball and Ms. Pac-Man. Order dill pickle popcorn and a soda from the bar, then play the silver ball. Bonus Points: Bike to the brewery along the Boardman Lake Loop Trail.

WALK AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST Hartwick Pines State Park near Grayling is home to some of the state’s last old-growth pines. Hike the accessible, paved 1.25-mile Old Growth Forest Trail (stroller and ADA friendly) that’s adjacent to the visitor center. Watch for annual events like maple-syrup tapping in March and wood-shaving days in July.

FIND HIDDEN CLUES … AND YOUR WAY OUT At Know Way Out in Petoskey, your group has 60 minutes to escape a meticulously themed room (think medieval castle, abandoned circus, Bermuda Triangle) by solving puzzles, completing challenges and finding hidden clues. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

GO STRAWBERRY PICKIN’ In mid-June, U-Picks and farm stands overflow with plump, juicy berries. Two favorites: Urka Farm in Brethren and Jacob’s Farm in Traverse City (get a pizza afterward from Jacob’s Kitchen).

KAYAK THE CRYSTAL RIVER Pretty in every season, but especially fun during October’s salmon run when the river is teeming with large fish heading upstream to spawn. Rentals available at Crystal River Outfitters; the team will drop you off and a two- to three-hour paddle will land you right back at the shop in downtown Glen Arbor.

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The Cu l i nary North local restaurants · craft drinks · seasonal cuisine

“

Chef Geoghegan’s first food memories are of their grandmother’s table surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins all sharing a meal.

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The Cu l i nary North Destination Eats

A GARDEN’S DELICIOUS SECRET This greenhouse café is a hidden gem.

by CARLY SIMPSON

photos by Allison Jarrell Acosta

I

magine a lush garden with delicate ferns, fluttering irises, good-natured geraniums and drowsy bees. Now, add a large, shaded patio, blueberry scones and a glass of strawberry lemonade.

It’s magic.

The Garden Café at Pine Hill Nursery in Kewadin has been a destination since the ’90s, first serving up homemade baked goods and later adding lunch options and a grill.

A pair of French doors opens into a lapis-blue cottage where you’ll place your order at the counter and browse vibrant shelves bursting with sculptural bud vases and bouquets of dried flowers. Outside on the patio, stone pavers lead to a string of seating nooks and an outdoor grill station with a wood-fired pizza oven.

A veggie garden on the property provides herbs, greens, peppers and tomatoes for homemade soups, rosemary-studded focaccia and the perennially popular cherry chicken salad. And, of course, everything is garnished with an edible flower.

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Guests on the go order breakfast burritos and Italian paninis, and an espresso bar features locally roasted Panther Coffee. Slide open the bakery case for made-to-share triple chocolate brownies, plump lemon poppyseed muffins and desserts that rotate daily.

The grill is fired up for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings starting in June, pairing burgers and pizza with live music throughout the summer. Littles love the freezer full of Michigan-made Ice Box ice cream bars with flavors like s’more and key lime pie, and parents, there’s a bar serving local beer, wine and cider.

“We have had people compare it to a European-style café, but to me it feels like you’re in a friend’s backyard,” says Nursery Manager Andrea Otto. “It’s so comfortable and laidback. You can grab a glass of wine and wander through the gardens.”

IN BLOOM: The café opens for the season May 1. The nurs-

ery’s annual spring shindig is May 3 with free classes and informational booths. Find the Garden Café within the blooms at 886 US-31 North.

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The Cu l i nary North Bite

HEXED You can’t leave this restaurant without trying the hummus.

hen christian geoghegan talks about their last meal, it’s simple: hummus. It’s a dish full of nostalgia and love for the chef/co-owner of Hexenbelle, a café serving Arabic comfort food in Traverse City’s Warehouse MRKT. Geoghegan’s first food memories are of their grandmother’s table heaped with hummus, tabbouleh and stuffed grape leaves, surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins all sharing a meal.

At Hexenbelle, the vegetarian menu features foods inspired

by Geoghegan’s Palestinian heritage: creamy fūl mudammas with smashed fava beans, tahini and a fried egg; soul-nourishing rice bowls layered with lentils, sumac-pickled onions and

tangy labneh; just-grilled pita dusted in flaky Maldon salt.

On a recent visit, my fiancé and I snagged a window-side table for an early breakfast, catching the pink glow of sunrise and sipping housemade chai and coffee, tendrils of steam curling into the warm light. We shared maple-cinnamon granola sprinkled with chopped dates, and a bowl of shakshuka, adding a bright chili relish called shatta and running our pita through the garlicky tomato sauce. A peek in the pastry case on our way out resulted in a hibiscus doughnut that didn’t last the car ride home.

Good to know: Midday, the café and its coveted patio fill up, but you can also place to-go orders online, including takeaway pints of hummus sprinkled with za’atar and drizzled with olive oil.

photos by Dave Weidner

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by CARLY SIMPSON

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SPONSORED

THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN A taste of the North's craft beverage scene.

WHAT’S BREWING AT RIGHT BRAIN We check in with brewery owner Russell Springsteen.

Bestseller: Northern Hawk Owl, a medium-bodied, red-hued amber ale brewed with Maris Otter, an English malt that has a nice caramelly finish.

Off the wall: Thai Peanut has a cult following. “It’s the number one can I sell in the pub,” Springsteen says. “I’m pretty confident beer traders are coming in and buying this and trading it.

It’s a fun beer to make with a custom blend of peanut butter, Thai chili peppers and coconut.”

The dish: The brewery has a tiny kitchen, about the length of Springsteen’s arms, but the pizza is mighty, made with dough from Ferment 72 in Elk Rapids. The Neapolitan-style dough is cold fermented for 72 hours giving it a light, airy texture. Also available: jumbo pretzels, nachos, hot dogs.

Insider tip: Regulars like to dabble in mixology and often ask their bartender to blend two beers together. Favorite combos are added to the menu. photo by Dave Weidner

Recent buzz: Right Brain has a new liquor license. This spring, Springsteen is releasing a Michigan long drink with grapefruit and a Traverse City cherry long drink with a touch of ginger. They should hit store shelves in April.

Get Your Michigan Brewvine Passport An easy-to-use mobile passport packed with deals and specials at your favorite Michigan breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries. mibrewvine.com

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The Cu l i nary North In the Kitchen

RISE TO THE OCCASION

by CARLY SIMPSON

Whip up these airy asparagus soufflés for brunch.

O

n spring mornings, local produce rolls into Toski Sands Market on M-119 in Petoskey from farms scattered over the lush hills that ring Little Traverse Bay. In May, Sue McGlaughlin, who owns Toski Sands with her husband, Keith, takes home bundles of asparagus to make her no-pressure “pseudo-soufflé.”

“This is not a technical lesson in how to make a perfect souffle with its showy, puffy top,” she says.

“Your top will sink. There’s beauty in that not-so-perfect presentation that shows character. The deliciousness is the lightly toasted top, airy center and fresh spring flavors.”

^

Asparagus & Basil Soufflé Serves 6 1 pound asparagus 2 pounds ricotta cheese 1⁄4 cup Parmesan 1⁄2 cup basil, coarsely chopped 1⁄4 cup heavy cream Pinch of salt & ground pepper 3 eggs 1 egg yolk ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan to top 1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

photo by Todd Zawistowski

2) Blanch the asparagus in salted water for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Shock in an ice-cold water bath until chilled.

Dry with a towel and dice into small pieces, reserving the asparagus tips for later.

3) In a food processor, add the ricotta, Parmesan and basil leaves. Pulse until incorporated. Add the cream, salt and pepper, then pulse. Slowly add one egg at a time and the egg yolk, pulsing until incorporated. Add the asparagus pieces (excluding tips), pulsing a few more times.

4) Butter a 2-quart casserole dish or six 1-cup ramekins, and fill with the ricotta-asparagus mixture. Top with the asparagus tips and some more freshly grated Parmesan.

Bake for 35–45 minutes or until puffy and a skewer inserted in the center comes out relatively clean.

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Love of the Land get there MICHILIMACKINAC STATE PARK

photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta

If you’ve crossed the Mackinac Bridge, odds are you’ve stopped at my favorite road trip rest stop. The state park is the site of Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse—and unparalleled views of the Mighty Mac. Walking underneath the massive foliage-green bridge— with crystal-clear waters rolling onto the rocky shore beneath your feet—is a bucket list experience.

Last spring, I arrived on a stormy day and was surprised by a gaggle of goslings coming in fast from the water to graze on the lawn; I had become one with a stampede.

A couple of wary geese moms gave me side-eye, so I froze, slowly crouching in the sand. All around me, wobbly, fluffy babies battled the high winds, oblivious to my existence.

A true sight to behold. –A.J.A.

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! n o i t a Vac SUMMER 2025

unforgettable summer getaways

Bucket-List Beaches, Small-Town Discoveries, Farm-to-Table Dining

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YOUR SUMMER STARTS HERE. If your idea of the perfect vacation is sugarsand beaches, clear blue waters along 28 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, outdoor adventures, climbing to the top of historic lighthouses, or exploring a charming downtown, Ludington is your destination for Pure Michigan fun.

Ludington's unspoiled natural resources offer a quintessential “Up North” experience all within easy reach located at the intersection of U.S. 31 and U.S. 10.

No matter what you're seeking - a beach or outdoor adventure, a peaceful getaway, or just a community of friendly faces - you can find it in Pure Ludington.

PURELUDINGTON.COM

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The Keweenaw is calling...

Adventure North

MICHIGAN WWW.VISITKEWEENAW.COM

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YOUR SOO SUMMER BUCKET LIST

Affordable travel, off-the-beaten-path adventure and a warm Northern welcome await you this summer in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.

BY CARA MCDONALD

C

ome summertime, our friends in Canada are happy to drop the hockey rivalry, leave the gloves on the ice and welcome us to explore their beautiful towns and provinces.

Northern Michiganders have long pointed their compasses north to Sault Ste. Marie, to cross the border for the kind of adventure that is uniquely Canadian—and we’re not just talking about poutine and pond hockey.

Wild coastlines, unspoiled Crown land, rich history and endless trails pair with a charming waterfront town overlooking the Soo Locks.

Here’s your don’t-miss list to make the most of summer in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding Algoma District.

RACE THE SALTY MARIE This newer addition to the mountain bike and trail-running circuit has gained a reputation for a course that’s welldesigned, old-school and truly wild—with plenty of technical riding through the Hiawatha Highlands just inside the city limits. But this festival is also a celebration of all things trails—with vendors, food, music, events for kids, demos and more this July 25–27.

RIDE THE RAILS THROUGH THE CANYON The beloved Agawa Canyon Tour train whisks passengers on a 114-mile ride through towering forests, over trestles, along lakes and rivers, arriving at the ultimate destination: Agawa Canyon Park, accessible only by train. After some time to explore, guests can relax on the ride back—in August, the return trip offers ticket upgrade options for

a whole other adventure, when the train partners with local museums and educators for hands-on learning “edutainment” on board.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN INDIGENOUS ADVENTURE Join Walk Among the Trees for Indigenous-led guided food tours. Through storytelling and hands-on learning, First Nation guides Mario Gionet and Cheyene Nanie share Anishinaabe food knowledge, traditional cooking methods and the cultural significance of Indigenous foods. Tours tie into area trails, where guides share teachings on local plants, traditional harvesting and the relationship between land, water and food in Anishinaabe culture.

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PA I D C O N T E N T

Know Before You Go > Crossing the border remains unchanged and simple.

For tourist visits of less than 180 days, no visas are required. Adult U.S. citizens will only need a passport or an enhanced driver’s license (REAL ID-compliant).

Unlike a standard Michigan license or ID, an enhanced license or ID can be used in place of a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States. Children under 18 will need a passport or birth certificate; if traveling with only one parent or a custodial parent, a letter of parental acknowledgement/permission from the other parent is required.

DO A FLYBY ON THE BUSHPLANE MUSEUM In a country as vast and wild as Canada, bushplanes have been essential in connecting rural communities and providing essential services, from medical evacuation and fighting fires to bringing in supplies during harsh winters. This fascinating museum is a must for aviation geeks, with loads of interactive exhibits and hands-on flight simulators that evoke the adventurous spirit of Canada’s aviation pioneers.

> Canada is crazy affordable.

The current Canadian/U.S. exchange rate is at one of the most advantageous in decades, with approximately .70 cents U.S. to $1 Canadian—that’s effectively like getting a 30-percent discount on goods and services.

STEP ABOARD THE TROLLEY BUS When this 1950s English-style double-decker bus was recently found in a local dirt yard, who knew it would become a beacon for tourists? Now beautifully restored, the bus is coming soon to offer hop-on, hop-off service connecting visitors to local attractions and tour providers. No need to worry about finding your way around or missing out on points of interest—just relax and let yourself be transported.

WATCH SHIPS AT THE LOCKS Sault Ste. Marie is home to the Canadian side of the Soo locks, and all along the St. Marys River are places to take in the view. Stroll or bike a beautiful boardwalk with flowerbeds on either side, always busy with folks promenading. Cast a line from a little fishing pier that juts out from the boardwalk. Or gaze at the locks over dinner at View Restaurant + Bar at the Delta Hotel.

Find ideas for lodging, dining and more activities: Saulttourism.com MYNORTH.COM

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welcome

Explore the North … Your Way!

PHOTO BY KATE HEADLEY

Summer Up North is pure magic: Flickering fireflies, double scoop cones, wet swimsuits hanging over the porch rail, driving with the windows down.

In this edition of Vacation! Northern Michigan our team dishes on memorable escapes and all the insider travel tips we tell our friends about. We wind through fruit and wine country, paddle quiet waterways, kick back in lively downtowns and savor a summer’s worth of scenic backroad expeditions through lake, dune and river country.

Travel the lighthouse-dotted coast from Ludington to the Straits. Catch a sunset over Lake Charlevoix or a plane to Beaver Island. Stroll through Fishtown. Dip a toe into the lush Upper Peninsula. The adventures are endless. Let’s start mapping out your Up North escape ...

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inside

Vacation !

A MyNorth Media Publication

Cara McDonald

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

Carly Simpson

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Allison Jarrell Acosta Caroline Dahlquist

PROOFREADER

Lissa Martin

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tim Hussey

ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Theresa Burau-Baehr

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR, SPECIAL SECTIONS

Rachel Watson

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Lisa Froning

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mike Alfaro Cyndi Ludka Rachel North Benjamin Roll

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Asher Considine

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Ashlyn Korienek

8 | 10 BUCKET-LIST BEACHES Consider this your go-to list for the North’s best sandy shores.

12 | DINE LIKE A FARMER A delicious farm-to-table tour, from kid-friendly stops to romantic dinner date destinations.

16 | THE HIKING CHECKLIST Summer is here and nature is calling, loudly. What better way to answer than to walk right into the season?

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES

415 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: 231.941.8174 | Fax: 231.941.8391 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

Visit MyNorth.com/Account to renew your subscription, change your address, or review your account.

COVER PHOTO BY KATE HEADLEY

Please email other subscription inquiries to info@mynorth.com or call 800-678-3416 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.

Vacation! Northern Michigan, (ISSN10713719) is published annually or bi-annually by Heritage Broadcasting Company of Michigan, 1 Broadcast Way, Cadillac, MI 49601. Periodicals class postage paid at Traverse City, MI 49684 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Traverse Northern Michigan, 415 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Advertising rates available upon request. Subscription rate: $29.95 for 12 issues. Single issue price: $6.50. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2025, Heritage Broadcasting Company of Michigan.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

19 | TRAVERSE CITY Sail the bay at sunset, spend a day exploring The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, relax at a rooftop bar and bike a fam-friendly trail with micro adventures along the way.

39 | BENZIE, MANISTEE & CADILLAC Visit the revamped Ludington State Park, explore scenic ORV trails, set sail on the S.S. Badger and experience a classic drive-in movie theater.

53 | CHARLEVOIX & CHAIN OF LAKES Have a spectacular beach day, wander and shop in sweet small towns, paddle the scenic Chain of Lakes and cap it all off with dinner outdoors.

67 | GAYLORD & GRAYLING Wander through towering trees at Hartwick Pines, explore the Big Wild and spot some elk, take a dip in a glistening lake and pontoon the Inland Waterway.

70 | PETOSKEY & MACKINAC STRAITS Hop the ferry to Mackinac Island, discover the laidback charm of Walloon Lake, get lunch at a farm and enjoy accessible hikes.

85 | LEELANAU Do the Sleeping Bear Dunes, spend 24 hours in Northport, get Fishtown’s famous sandwiches and take a relaxing stroll through a lavender farm.

MYNORTH.COM

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Elizabeth Blair

FinePearls

FIND SOMETHING UNIQUELY YOURS

Pearls ~ Sustainable ~ Responsible find something uniquely yours

115 W. Main Street ~ Harbor Springs, MI ~ 231.526.7500 WestMainPearls.com ~ ElizabethBlair.com Jewelers of America | Cultured Pearl Association of America | American Gem Society

PEARLS SOURCED GLOBALLY VINTAGE JEWELS 18KT ITALIAN GOLD Proudly Representing

115 W. Main Street ~ Harbor Springs, MI ~ 231.526.7500 WestMainPearls.com ~ ElizabethBlair.com Jewelers of America I Cultured Pearl Association of America I America Gem Society

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SPONSORED CONTENT

The Perfect Piece Choosing custom jewelry for a special occasion is a meaningful process, blending artistry with sentimentality.

by MEAGAN FRANCIS

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hether you’re choosing a piece for yourself or a loved one, considering all the possibilities will elevate your selection from simple adornment to treasured keepsake. Elizabeth Blair, owner of Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls in Harbor Springs, offers valuable insights on navigating this process with care—and flair.

CONSIDER THE WEARER

The first step in choosing a piece of jewelry? Really understanding the person who will be wearing it. Lifestyle, personal taste and daily routine all play a role in determining the perfect piece, says Blair.

“We interview potential customers with tons of questions right away,” Blair explains. “We often want to see a picture of the person we are designing for.”

Lifestyle matters—how sturdy must a chain be? Will they be putting on the jewelry by themselves? “We customize almost every sale,” she says.

Beyond practicality, consider the recipient’s aesthetic. Is their style classic or bohemian? Do they prefer understated elegance or bold statement pieces? Blair suggests that identifying these personal preferences will ensure that the final design vibes with the wearer. photo courtesy of Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls

TAILOR IT TO THE OCCASION

A piece of custom jewelry should reflect the event it commemorates, whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, milestone achievement or a simple expression of love. Certain jewelry traditions guide these choices: pearls, for instance, have long been associated with weddings and significant anniversaries.

“The fiftieth wedding anniversary is one of my favorites,” Blair says. “We can accommodate a price point with something sentimental or something extravagant, sometimes with hidden meanings designed into a secret spot on the piece.”

For those looking to commemorate a trip to Harbor Springs, custom jewelry can also serve as a lasting souvenir. Blair often

creates pieces featuring geographic references, such as necklaces with “231” or “Harbor” in script writing, celebrating special memories made Up North.

THE CUSTOM DESIGN PROCESS

While traditional styles hold sentimental value, there is room for creativity in custom design. Blair’s store specializes in remodeling older pearl strands, modernizing them with embellishments like varied pearl sizes, colors or shapes.

“People don’t realize that we sort, grade and match every single pearl in the shop to tell a story before the design happens,” she explains. “All the colors are natural, and the shapes are natural.

So unlike precious gemstones that are cut by a human, the mollusk does all the work for us.”

The customization process is highly collaborative. Blair and her team start by gathering inspiration from the client, sketching designs and showing sample pieces. “We brainstorm with them to meld and merge info, and something beautiful is spontaneously generated by this collaboration,” she says. “We go slowly and get approvals every step of the way so there are no mistakes or surprises.”

From selecting materials— whether 18K gold, sterling silver or platinum—to refining the final details through CAD renderings or wax models, every element is meticulously planned. The result is a piece that captures the essence of the wearer and the occasion.

Blair’s expertise in pearls highlights their versatility and timeless appeal. “Pearls are perfect for pretty much every occasion and price point,” she says. Her pearl salon even offers a private space for brides to try on jewelry along with their wedding gowns, making the selection process part of the planning.

A custom jewelry piece is more than an accessory—it’s a personal story. By considering the wearer, tailoring the piece to the occasion and embracing creative possibilities, you can ensure your jewelry selection becomes a meaningful and lasting symbol of the moment.

MYNORTH.COM

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10 B U C K ET- L I ST

BEACHES Turquoise waters. Dunes and docks. Lake views for miles.

These are the sandy stretches Northern Michigan is famous for.

by Allison Jarrell Acosta, Ashlyn Korienek, Cara McDonald & Carly Simpson

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all us beach biased. We think Northern Michigan is home to not just the pretty-nicefor-the-Midwest kind of beaches, but some of the very best in the world.

Retreating glaciers carved countless inland lakes with sandy stretches of heaven, meaning you’re never more than a stone’s throw from a spot to pop down with a blanket and soak in the sun.

When we crave endless walks and stop-your-heart sunsets, we head to the “Big Water,” stretches along the Straits and eastern Lake Michigan. These are home to the world’s largest freshwater dunes, sculpted by the wind and waves; the sparkling quartz sand feels like heaven under your toes.

Whatever vibe you’re craving, Northern Michigan has a glorious shore for you. Head to link.mynorth.com/ beaches for beach recommendations in every region Up North.

Big Water Bliss

Frankfort Public Beach, Frankfort

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

FRANKFORT PUBLIC BEACH, FRANKFORT

Stroll Frankfort’s charming Main Street and you’ll end up at postcard-perfect views of Frankfort Harbor, punctuated by the stoic Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse. This sprawling beach is perfect for a picnic—grab a bench atop a grass-tufted dune, or settle down by the shore— and watch the surfers who frequent these wavy Lake Michigan waters. Walk the pier to the lighthouse (keeping an eye out for rogue waves!) and soak in the sun on the soft-sand beach (ADA walkways allow access for all). Our favorite stops: perusing Oliver Art Center, grabbing treats from Lynn & Perin Mercantile, and capping off the day with a bite and a beer at Stormcloud Brewing Company. > MYNORTH.COM

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Empire Town Beach, Empire

Camp on the Coast D.H. DAY CAMPGROUND, SLEEPING BEAR DUNES

Just over a low dune from Lake Michigan’s spectacular Sleeping Bear Bay, D.H. Day Campground presents a sublime playground for a summer sleep-out. Walk the beach forever, swim in warm waters and relax by a bonfire at night. Cruise a couple of miles into downtown Glen Arbor to pick up supplies for s’mores at Anderson’s Market. If you want somebody else to cook for you, Art’s Tavern, Millie’s and Blu are favorites. Good to know: 87 sites, vault toilets, no showers.

All the Amenities OTSEGO LAKE STATE PARK, GAYLORD

Treat yourself to a beach day (or days) at Otsego Lake State Park with its half mile of sandy bliss. The seasonal park store is the spot to hang, ice cream cone in hand, and watch the sunset over the lake. There’s also a fishing pier, boat launch, picnic pavilion, 150-site campground and a cute mini cabin you can rent that overlooks the lake.

Family Fabulous BEULAH PUBLIC BEACH, BEULAH

When Lake Michigan’s waters are too wild and cold, a sparkling alternative awaits tucked on the shores of Crystal Lake in the quaint town of Beulah. The namesake waters are crisp and clear thanks to the small, clean watershed that feeds the iconic lake—one of the 10 largest and arguably one of the most beautiful in Michigan.

The gently sloping sand beach is great for littles, and there are picnic tables, shady trees and grills galore. But keep it even easier and grab pastrami/bagel sandwiches at L’Chayim Delicatessen, and add a sweet finish with a cone at Hill Top Coffee & Ice Cream or slice of famous pie at the Cherry Hut.

Boater’s Paradise THORNE SWIFT NATURE PRESERVE, HARBOR SPRINGS

This beach with 300 feet of public shoreline on Lake Michigan is tucked away in a 30-acre preserve. Picnic at the pavilion then check out the Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center and hike the trails down to the water, exploring the winding boardwalks past upland dunes and lowland cedar swamp. (Don’t let the word swamp fool you, it’s beautiful.) Keep an eye out for bright yellow marsh marigolds, showy lady’s slipper and soaring bald eagles. Insider tip: Thorne Swift sits off the scenic M-119 Tunnel of Trees just 5 minutes south of Pond Hill Farm.

The pickle pizza is unexpectedly excellent.

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Seek Solitude NORTH BEACH ACCESS PARK, MANISTEE

We’re spilling the beans on a secret spot.

Directions: The entrance is located at the north end of Washington Street, look for the water tower. Parking is limited, so keep that in mind (if you can’t snag a spot, pivot to nearby Fifth Avenue Beach). There’s a short, breezy hike through a wooded area and over a boardwalk to the shore. From there, you’ll find a platform equipped with benches, a telescope and a few flights of stairs, leading to a public beach with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse.

LAKE CHARLEVOIX/FERRY BEACH, CHARLEVOIX

Sure, it’s a great full-service beach—a gently sloping, sandy swimming area with lifeguards also offers picnic areas, volleyball, cornhole, an ADA kayak launch, a concession stand and easy-access bathrooms. It’s also the perfect launch point for boaters who want to explore endless stretches of water (heads up: you have to moor beyond the swimming buoys). From Lake Charlevoix, you can easily access Round Lake, downtown Charlevoix and Lake Michigan as well as the 100-mile plus Chain of Lakes. The boat launch is open 24/7 with a day attendant, carry-in boat access, and plenty of parking.

There’s a day rate of $10 to launch, or grab a season pass starting at $30.

PHOTO BY MAE STIER

Pack a Picnic

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Otsego Lake State Park, Gaylord

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: DAVE WEIDNER, ASHLYN KORIENEK, KATE HEADLEY

North Beach Access Park, Manistee

Sunset Chasing

Take Your Dog for a Dip

Endless Rockhounding

EMPIRE TOWN BEACH, EMPIRE

ZOLL STREET BEACH, HARBOR SPRINGS

AGATE BEACH, GRAND MARAIS

Blessed with abundant amenities, this beach has plenty to love—views of bluffs and dunes, plenty of close-in parking (there’s a fee), and warm and wonderful South Bar Lake just a hop on the other side of the parking lot, perfect for a dip. Not to mention town is just a lazy one-block stroll away for snacks, shops, rentals or a cold drink. But we love it so for one main reason: Perfect sunsets.

With fire rings for an evening bonfire and spot-on due-west exposure, the sunsets here feel sacred, and best shared with friends ready to stay til the Milky Way comes out to shine. Come prepared to stay awhile.

If you’re seeking the perfect pet-friendly beach day, Zoll Street is calling. This picturesque stretch of Little Traverse Bay shoreline is popular for pup-friendly picnics, as well as kayak launching—it even has racks to lock up and store your kayaks, and a public park with restrooms up the street. You’ll also find a water spigot and outdoor shower, in case you’d like to hose off Fido before venturing home.

Tip: After your outing, head to Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, the cutest lil’ outpost offering a variety of chocolate-stuffed cookies.

While you can rock hunt at literally any beach Up North and find an array of colorful lake stones, the U.P. is home to some of the best. Set up base camp in St. Ignace, grab a pasty from Lehto’s and take a day trip north to the quiet town of Grand Marais along Lake Superior’s rocky coast. Start at Agate Beach and hunt for rare Lake Superior Agates by day, and Yooperlites by night (fluorescent rocks that glow orange, red or pink under UV light). Other spots to try: Perry’s Landing, Muskallonge Lake State Park and the mouth of the Two Hearted River.

MYNORTH.COM

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dine like

Locavores, let’s go on a vibrant farm-to-table tour of Northern Michigan.

It doesn’t get fresher than this.

by Emily Betz Tyra

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAR CREEK ORGANIC FARM

a farmer

Bear Creek Organic Farm

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When cruising the beautiful belt of fruit and farmland along Lake Michigan—past rolling orchards, sun-lit farm fields, gorgeously kept greenhouses and farmstands stocked with fresh fruit—you’re immersed in a real-deal farm culture.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

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hose fun rollercoaster hills are a gift, along with rich soils, left behind when the glaciers receded and created our big blue lakes and bays. Lake Michigan’s moderating temps create a unique microclimate that allows for an unparalleled diversity of field and orchard crops. Our famed “lake effect” staves off early blooms in spring, bathes summer crops in cool gentle rains, and offers a winter’s worth of insulating snow that works like a protective blanket. Because of this, farmers here can cultivate unmatched flavor and abundance: June’s rosy strawberries and sweetest baby lettuces; July’s intensely bright cherries and blueberries; August’s glorious sweetcorn and tomatoes; September’s juicy apples.

A little street cred: Michigan is among the most agriculturally diverse states in the U.S., with a delicious roster of 300 agricultural crops, famously ranking first in the nation for tart cherries, cucumbers (the pickle-making kind!), asparagus, black beans and squash. The Great Lakes State comes in second in apple production and fourth for blueberries. And all this bounty means that farm-to-table eating isn’t a flash-in-the-pan trend in these parts.

In Northport, Gene and Kathy Garthe grow apples and cherries on farmland that has been in Gene’s family for four generations.

Gene’s great-aunts ran a bluffside restaurant there in the 1920s to early 1950s that was entirely farm-to-table, long before it was in vogue. Down the road, at Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern, co-owner Kristi Fischer carries on a 50-year tradition her mom and grandma started—making homemade cream of asparagus soup when the first local stalks pop up in May, and a dreamy midsummer pie only for the hot minute raspberries are in season. For decades, a parade of still sun-warm produce has arrived at kitchen back doors across the region. Werp Farms in Buckley was one of the first to custom-grow for restaurants. Mike Werp, whose

great-grandfather founded the farm, famously took a call in the mid-80s from a chef at an Alden fine dining restaurant, launching the family on a path that continues to this day: providing standout delicate baby vegetables, salad greens, edible flowers and herbs to the region’s best chefs.

And just as longtime family farms adapt and endure, so do a new crop of idealistic small-scale farmers who are now breathing new life into farmsteads across the North.

So, who are among these dedicated farmers’ biggest supporters and fans? Local chefs! Maybe it’s a mutual reverence for long hours, hard work and passion. Or how menus come into full bloom when showing off seasonal produce. But when this symbiotic relationship between farmer and chef is on, oh boy, do we all reap the rewards. There’s no resisting exquisite tart cherries (on a voluptuous chocolate pavlova), sunripe tomatoes (on wood-fire-kissed pizza) or just-picked berries (over tender buckwheat pancakes). For your immediate and future cravings, we share a tour of farm-to-table riches, all grown and made in a very special place.

In a darling red schoolhouseturned-market in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, the crew at Lakeview Hill Farm expertly transforms farm-picked into everyday grab-and-go items like scratchmade dips, sandwiches, salads, Modern Bird small-batch juices, dressings and, by request, grazing boards for your picnicking pleasure (call ahead to pre-order). The farmers at 9 Bean Rows in Lake Leelanau invite guests to delight in their harvests via gorgeous pastries, café sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas—special shoutout to the pie with fennel, roasted garlic, house-made ricotta, prosciutto and fresh herbs. The market is open every day; check for pizza hours.

The folks at Providence Organic Farm in Central Lake are on a mission to build a better food system from the ground up—and you can take part by enjoying breakfast burritos MYNORTH.COM

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PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Providence Organic Farm

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PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

brimming with their own peppers, onions, potato, garlic and kale, or indulging in their pop-up menus, often starring luscious Indian dals, and freshly prepared tacos and tamales on Saturdays (check social media for updates).

Petoskey’s Bear Creek Organic Farm takes a farm-tofood-truck approach to sharing its bounty, with seasonally dialed-in recipes for farm-grown onion rings, grass-fed burgers with homemade black garlic sauce and the freshest greens; and plump caprese sandwiches adorned with adorable micro basil.

Also, explore all the nooks of the onsite market and greenhouses (you’ll likely spot a farm cat lazing in the sun).

Up the coast in Harbor Springs, Pond Hill Farm is a sprawling delight, with a café, winery, brewery, market and barn (complete with resident goats and mini donkeys). Sip stellar house ciders near those funny chaps while the chef inside does his magic with pizzas adorned with dazzling extras like pretty pickled red onions, or the legendary parmcoated sourdough grilled cheese with a dollop of local basil pesto and a side of farm-grown kale slaw.

Farm Club, nestled in Leelanau County near Traverse City, is a working 2-acre farm, restaurant, brewery and market. The co-founders also grow down the road at their main farm, Loma Farm, with 90 percent of the vegetables and herbs on the menu raised by them, even Pond Hill Farm in winter. This carefully orchestrated access to fresh produce is joyous— and a huge effort—which they say is all in the spirit of living the good life. See that in action with friends lollygagging under the striped umbrellas while snacking on a bright canvas of veggies, bread and dips on the oft-Instagrammed farm board. (Pro tip, add on a slab of smoked whitefish!) Partake, too, in pot pie, pozole (Thursdays only), pasta and polenta all made with the harvest, plus veggie-fronted main events like a beet Reuben.

In Traverse City proper, inside a dollhouse-sized restaurant on Wellington Street, The Cooks’ House chefs and co-owners Jen Blakeslee and Eric Patterson embrace every soft shift of the seasons with their revelatory, seasonally driven menus. At press time, the duo is in the running for a 2025 James Beard Award as finalists in the “Best Chef ” category in the Great Lakes region.

A few blocks away at Modern Bird on Front Street, behold a sunny spot with the arms-open vibe of a bustling neighborhood favorite. It’s the dream of Chicago chefs Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart—both from Michelin-starred restaurants—who fell in love with the local-food-adoring community of Traverse City. Savor suppers like fresh rainbow trout, tomato-and-kale galette or squash agnolotti with hazelnuts, sage and pickled lemon, accompanied by pillowy tear-apart cheddar bread and freshly whipped ranch butter, a little love song to the Midwest. Stewart, as the inhouse pastry chef, is all-in for Michigan-grown fruit (as in the above-mentioned tart cherry chocolate pavlova). Also with a menu changing with whims and what’s in season, find Wren nestled in an old brick firehouse in downtown Suttons Bay. Adam McMarlin, chef/owner, is a true-blue, farmto-fork chef designing cozy and refined menus à la minute with what is at the absolute zenith of ripeness that day.

Meanwhile, the chef at The Mill Glen Arbor kindles a close relationship with nearly a dozen growers, cheesemakers, maple-tappers and meat producers, with an in-house miller and baker on bread and pastry patrol. The all-day-café’s rustic fare includes simple classics like ham and butter on a baguette and salads showcasing the best of the season. Supper is served along the Crystal River in the lower level of the historic gristmill.

If breakfast is in order before a day of exploring, reserve a spot at S2S Sugar2Salt in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Chefs Jonathan Dayton and Stephanie Wiitala lead the way with what they call “right-now food”—sourced from farmer friends and gleaned from their own gardens— in comforting dishes like fingerling potato and caramelized onion quiche with basil bechamel, or locally milled buckwheat pancakes topped with deliriously juicy black raspberries from their patch, plus thyme syrup and whipped cream.

Let the day begin.

Emily Betz Tyra grew up on a cherry farm in Omena. She loves blending up tart cherry daiquiris in summertime with Michigan’s most famous fruit.

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The Essentials: 10 Summer Hikes Summer is here and nature is calling, loudly. What better way to answer than to walk right into the season.

by Allison Jarrell Acosta, Cara McDonald & Carly Simpson

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Wilderness State Park

PHOTO BY LYDIA MEJIA

This diverse terrain with thriving forests, meandering creeks and wildflower meadows is an ecoidentifier’s heaven. For an easy hike under a woodland canopy choose Big Stone Trail, which also connects to other hikes within the park and ends at a quiet pond where great blue herons wade.

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Betsie Valley Trail

A favorite stretch of this 22-mile bike-hike trail are the 9 miles that run between Frankfort and Beulah. Stop along the way at Railroad Point Natural Area for a short hike with a big view. Refuel afterward with classic English fish n’ chips at Goody’s Lobster Shack in Frankfort.

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Palmer Woods Forest Reserve

A rare swath of 1,075 Leelanau County acres provides habitat for bear, bobcat and coyote as well as 34 species of trees in this incredible multi-use property near Glen Lake. Hike the Price Valley trail out to Dr. Palmer’s fern garden for a 2.6-mile forest adventure.

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Old Baldy Trail

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Sturgeon River Preserve

This short ‘n’ sweet half-mile loop in Petoskey State Park leads hikers through a forested dune and up a wooden staircase to a platform with bird’s-eye views of Lake Michigan. Find the trailhead across from the campground office near the entrance of the Dunes Campground.

TOP PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER, RIGHT PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

Nestled just north of Gaylord, this wild preserve offers two loop trails, an accessible boardwalk along the Sturgeon River, and just about any activity you could dream of: hiking, running, dog-walking, fishing, birdwatching, even access to water frontage for canoeing or kayaking.

4

Grass River Natural Area

Explore 7 miles of well-maintained trails including 1.5 miles of boardwalk above northern fen and cedar wetlands. The section from the education center to a dock on Grass River is especially pretty, following an offshoot on the Sedge Meadow Boardwalk Loop.

Plus, you can rent kayaks here (reserve in advance).

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Timbers Recreation Area

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White Pine Rail Trail

Universally accessible trails wind through wildflower meadows, wetlands and cedar and beech-maple forests, making for an easy breezy walk on a hot day. There’s even a stretch of Long Lake beach with a dock where you can dip a toe or jump in to cool off.

This 92-mile paved pathway connects Cadillac to Comstock Park, treating hikers and cyclists to tree tunnels, snaking streams and lush wetlands. The White Pine trailhead at the Cadillac Commons offers a parking area, benches, bike racks, a bicycle repair station and map kiosks.

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Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve

Birders rejoice! This universally accessible boardwalk stretches across a rare Great Lakes Coastal Marsh. Note: Dogs aren’t allowed here, and a 0.25-mile section of the central boardwalk trail is closed from April 15–July 15 to avoid disturbing wetland birds during peak nesting season.

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Sleeping Bear Point Trail

The best way to explore this popular loop trail just west of Glen Haven is by setting off counter clockwise from the trailhead. After a gentle forested climb, you’ll emerge on the crest of dunes with staggering views of the Manitou islands. In summer, it's a hot and sandy outing—bring water and choose hiking sandals.

MYNORTH.COM

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the up north

insider’s list

We know Moomers Ice Cream and Sleeping Bear Dunes are on your vacation itinerary (and rightfully so), but these more under-the-radar locales also deserve a visit.

by Carly Simpson

Slabtown Cookie Co. is a cutie patootie neighborhood self-serve cookie stand (Venmo or cash).

Find the daily menu and address on Instagram. My fave, Summer Solstice, is a tart key lime shortbread with strawberry dust and crushed pistachios.

Grab a Short’s microbrew at the refreshment tent, an Adirondack chair on the lawn and watch some of the best horses and riders from around the world compete in the summer-long Traverse City Horse Shows.

Traverse City has a legit underground pinball scene. Play the silver ball at Right Brain Brewery (known for creative, off-the-wall beers) or The Coin Slot (New York–style pizza next door at Two Sons).

For fans of slow travel, Green Door Folk School offers year-round classes for adults, from kombucha brewing to improv comedy, and a chance to immerse yourself in a unique learning environment for the weekend.

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY GAIL SNABLE

Traverse City’s only waterfront rooftop bar, Blush at Alexandra Inn, dazzles with panoramic true-blue views of East Grand Traverse Bay. And yes, it’s open to the public.

Hike Timbers Recreation Area (the loop around Fern Lake is especially pretty) then make that requisite stop at Moomers for an ice cream flight now and a pint of your favorite flavor for later.

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S PREMIER LUXURY RESORT

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780 square feet of living space residing on a 1,700 square foot deck with majestic views.

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Locked bike room for easy access to your wheels Well-appointed, spacious community room

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Small-Town Travels Your Traverse City vacation should include an afternoon spent exploring one of the area’s smaller communities, each one with its own hidden gems. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find.

TOP PHOTO BY ALLIOSN JARRELL ACOSTA, RIGHT PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

by Carly Simpson

Old Mission Flowers

ACME & WILLIAMSBURG Williamsburg boasts plenty of adventures for nature lovers, like Maple Bay Natural Area and Sand Lakes Quiet Area. In Acme, launch kayaks, swim or walk the beach at the universally accessible Acme Bayside Park—there are also restrooms, picnic tables, grills and play equipment. Then stop

by Osorio Tacos y Salsas (order the namesake items) or enjoy a bevvy at Stone Hound Brewing Co. Don’t Miss: For a memorable meal at sunset, make reservations at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, perched on the 16th floor of Grand Traverse Resort.

FIFE LAKE This relaxed village is brimming with outdoor recreation. The 21-mile Fife Lake Loop, a part of the iconic North Country Trail, is perfect for weekend backpackers with two state forest campgrounds along the route. Don’t Miss: The Fife Lake Historical Society welcomes visitors to its museum, 1880s schoolhouse and the old fire barn with a 1937 firetruck and displays. > MYNORTH.COM

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We’re always jammin’

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Our stores are located in some of the most storied resort towns along Lake Michigan’s coast. Come in to experience our small-batch preserves and condiments, grown and made here in Northern Michigan.

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INTERLOCHEN Interlochen is celebrated for its world-class art institution: Interlochen Center for the Arts. But this artistic haven also boasts endless scenic beauty. Rent a cabin or tent (or bring your own) at Interlochen State Park.

Green and Duck lakes are popular for swimming and fishing; find kayak rentals at Simple Adventures in the park’s beach house. Nearby, the 6-mile Lost Lake Pathway is a favorite for hiking and mountain biking (its level terrain is easy enough for novice riders). Don’t Miss: The Interlochen Arts Festival runs June–August. This year’s performances include Gary Clark Jr. and Earth, Wind & Fire.

KINGSLEY This family-friendly community is home to the always fun Village Splash Pad and playground at Brownson Memorial Park. Grab a seat outdoors at Kingsley Local Brewing and order a pizza from Papano’s. (They deliver straight to the taproom, order from the ‘pepperphoni’ inside to get $2 off your order.) Don’t Miss: For an iconic hike with gorgeous views of the Manistee River—the High Rollaway, about 20 minutes south of town.

OLD MISSION PENINSULA Spend an entire afternoon cruising M-37 stopping at the many farm stands along the way. Pick a bouquet at Old Mission Flowers and soak up views of both East and West bays. Then swing into Old Mission General Store for picnic provisions on your way up to Mission Point Lighthouse. Don’t Miss: The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, where you’ll find 10 award-winning wineries that are giving the West Coast a run for its money.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

Mission Point Lighthouse

Downtown Traverse City

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Lake Treasures That Last Turning Lake Michigan's beach bounty into keepsakes.

H

by LISA BLAKE

ere, beach finds are a sure thing. These geological gifts have been shaped over millennia by water, wind and time, resulting in colorful and popular Michigan keepsakes. Korner Gem owner and master lapidarist Kevin Gauthier has been transmuting locally found treasures into jewelry and souvenirs for 44 years. The Traverse City native grew up beachcombing and remembers lining his childhood closet with shoe boxes full of found stones.

His tucked-away Traverse City jewelry store is staffed by a talented crew of eight designers, stonecutters, goldsmiths and metalworkers. Staff create intricate and elaborate keepsakes through polishing, custom designs, casting, custom stone inlay and beading.

“If you go to the beach and find a beautiful stone, we can cut that into a sailboat and frame it in gold. And now you have a piece of the beach to keep with you forever,” says Gauthier.

Here’s what you need to know to make the journey from discovery to wearable art.

FIND IT.

photo courtesy of Korner Gem

Rockhounds in the know walk the shoreline early morning or later in the evening when lighting makes it easier to spot treasures. Keep eyes peeled for gray and tan Petoskey stones in areas around Petoskey, Charlevoix and Little Traverse Bay. The fossilized coral’s hexagonal pattern is hard to miss.

Lake Superior agates are spotted along the Lake Superior shoreline in a crayon box of red, orange, yellow, white, gray and brown. Pluck translucent quartz crystals around Goose Lake and Petoskey State Park, and score red and yellow jasper near the Keweenaw Peninsula. Green, brown, clear and the occasional blue slices of beach glass wash up onto the North’s shores (the rockier, the better). And in the Leland area, keep an eye out for blue, purple and green pieces of lake-tumbled slag, a byproduct of Leland’s smelting industry in the late 1800s.

PREP IT.

This is where Korner Gem shines—dreaming up ways to gift and wear these treasures. Gauthier recalls a family arriving with a Lake Superior agate their 16-year-old found when she was three. The pros cut the stone in half, polished each piece and cast them into pendants for mom and daughter.

Another customer brought in a cut nugget of unakite for Gauthier and team to cut, smooth, cast and set into a ring for

Petoskey stone and Pioneer blue slag

his partner. The man returns every year, asking the team to slice off a new section and to design an anniversary bracelet, necklace, broach and earrings.

SET IT.

A master stone cutter and a gold- and silversmithing eye will determine whether an agate is destined to become a bangle, a key chain, a pendant or a ring.

Couples getting married often arrive with an idea and a stone. The Korner Gem team does a preliminary wax cast before setting the stone in gold or silver and then casting the piece into rings. The entire process spans three to four months and the result is perfection.

LOVE IT.

A Petoskey stone Christmas ornament for the lake-loving grandparents. A sliced agate keychain for the niece’s sweet sixteen. A pendant for the parent who longs for the family cottage half the year. These tokens are forever reminders of the beaches that set the rhythm of Northern Michigan life.

Gauthier’s latest passion puts pieces of rescued Frankfort Lighthouse glass into hands of Michiganders and visitors who hold a spot in their hearts for the harbor light, while funneling money back to restore the iconic landmark. In a partnership with the city of Frankfort, Korner Gem backcarves intricate hairline designs into pieces of glass from the lighthouse’s broken windows. The wearable pieces of history reveal scenes of waves, seagulls and fishermen casting off the pier.

“I’m very honored and blessed to be able to provide this service,” Gauthier says. “To wear, own and love a piece of the land that defines our lives is something special.”

MYNORTH.COM

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Loco Boys Brewing Company

Outdoor Dining: Our Patio Season Picks Here’s your go-to list.

by Carly Simpson

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

ARTISAN, TRAVERSE CITY This 177-seat casual fine dining restaurant located inside hotel Delamar offers several dining areas, but come summer, seats under the lakeside pergola are coveted.

Lounge by the fire, play bocce ball, listen to the waves lapping and always order the fluffy vanilla cheesecake when it’s on the menu.

HOFBRAU, INTERLOCHEN The Hoffy has been a gathering spot for nearly 100 years, first as a general store when it was built in 1928 and later as a local watering hole. Today, it’s a yearround destination, especially after a concert at Interlochen Center for the Arts. The outdoor patio is flanked by a flower garden and string lights hang overhead.

JACOB’S FARM, TRAVERSE CITY Fifteen minutes outside of downtown is a 40-acre farm with a full-service kitchen, bar and lots of activities.

We’re talking nightly music, U-Pick orchards (sweet

cherries start around the 4th of July), a playground, sandbox, and a famous 10-acre corn maze come fall.

LOCO BOYS BREWING COMPANY, TRAVERSE CITY This family-friendly brewery pays homage to owner Mike Mohrhardt’s Mexican heritage. Dabble among the “tour of house salsas,” then plates of fried plantains, barbacoa tacos and enchiladas de mole poblano. Find a spot on the large patio in Traverse City’s Slabtown neighborhood.

OAKWOOD PROPER BURGERS, TRAVERSE CITY The crew at Oakwood slings signature smashburgers and a must-try peanut butter shake alongside funky mid-century modern vibes. A separate indoor lounge next to the teensy restaurant feels like your grandma’s basement—in a good way. The board game selection is top notch.

local sip When I have friends in town, wine night is always at Left Foot Charley.

It’s relaxed, there are tacos next door at Spanglish and the Crémant rosé is dry, fruity and very pretty.

Tip: For a one-of-a-kind experience, reserve a table in the Barrel Room among the aging wines.

link.mynorth.com/TraverseEats

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SOAK UP THE FUN THIS SUMMER!

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• Made of high-quality recycled materials • Made of high-quality recycled materials • Made of high-quality recycled materials • No use of fasteners on the poly construction • No use of fasteners on the poly construction • No use of blue fasteners onblue the poly construction Lime green Aruba Patriot Cardinal red Lime green Aruba blue Cardinal red • Heavy duty 360 metal swivel • 48” long seat • 48” long seat Patriot blue • 100% Plastic Welded seams • 100% Plastic Welded seams • 100% Plastic Welded seams Dock Mounted Bench Umbrella Table Kit Bench Small Table Box • EasyStorage to clean and maintain • Easy Storage to clean and maintain • Easy to clean and maintain Lime green Aruba blue Patriot blue Cardinal redcolors • 21”White, wide seat • Powder coated • Flip up lid gives access to over 5 ½ Available in all colors Available in all Black, Light & Dark Gray Black, White, Lightaluminum & Dark Gray www.twinbaydockproducts.com (231) mount, 943-8420 MIfeet 49685 • Height adjustable pedestal conpedestal mount 982 E Commerce Dr, Traverse City, cubic for water resistant storage structed of powder coated aluminum • Easy to attach and remove using • Free standing can be used anywhere Dock Mounted Mounted Swivel Chair • Not limited to a Twin Bay Dock; our bracket system • Slotted under arms for easy attach Storage Bench Dock Swivel Chair Umbrella Table Kitwith versatility in mind Designed • Not limited to a Twin Bay Dock; ment of accessories (i.e. cup holder) 21” wide wide seat seat • Engineered to last 48” × 37” × 24” • Easy install and removal using our Designed with versatility in mind 21” Pole Adjustable bracket system • Engineered to last 5 cu. ft storage space Adjustable 2025 NORTHERN MICHIGAN SUMMER VACATION GUIDE • Slotted under arms for easy attach• Slotted under arms for easy attach-Easy to install and remove Table Easy to install and remove Dock Mounted Swivel Chair Black, White, Light gray, Dark gray ment of accessories (i.e. cup holder) ment of accessories (i.e. cup holder) Mounting Clamp All Colors Available • Engineered to last All Colors Available State of the art welded seams

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About Our Our Furniture Furniture Line Line About

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All Colors Available

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48” long seat Powder coated aluminum Pedestal mount Constructed ofinstall recycled plastic Easy to and remove

All Colors Available Our poly furniture is constructed from high quality Lime green Aruba blue Patriot blue Cardinal red recycled materials.

It is designed with versatility in mind so that it can be attached to any dock. Our welded seams provide extra strength and is an aesthetically more pleasing look. Our furniture is all weather durable, easy to maintain and is engineered to last.

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traverse city

Althea, Compass Rose Sailing Co.

Golden Hour Sails Experience the most peaceful time of day on Grand Traverse Bay, as the low evening sun gleams.

by Carly Simpson

PHOTO BY KATE HEADLEY

Compass Rose Sailing Co. Moored in West Bay, Traverse City’s largest private sailing yacht, the Althea, is a classic two-masted yawl with more than six decades behind her. Now owned by Captain Brett Derr, the Althea is moored at Discovery Pier, welcoming up to six passengers aboard for charter trips. The evening sail begins at 5:30 p.m., two- or three-hour outings are available. Make it a dinner cruise and bring along snacks and beverages for your party, or contact the crew to ask about catering.

Wind Dancer

Relish the moment, glass of wine in hand, as the sky turns from sherbert to soft pink. As this tour serves alcohol, kiddos under 14 must remain onshore (you can book a pontoon or a private sail with your littles), making Wind Dancer perfect for date night.

The schooner, a custom Thomas Colvin Pipistrelle, is 63 feet long from bowsprit to davits and has a galley, salon, sleeping berth and head (restroom). Guests are treated to a locally inspired picnic on the 2.5-hour cruise, which sets off at 7 p.m.

Traverse Tall Ship Company The Traverse Tall Ship Company offers excursions on the Manitou, a handsome replica of an 1800s cargo schooner, similar to those that sailed the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean. The impressive 114-foot vessel gives guests a taste of what it was like to sail on our lakes 150 years ago. You’re welcome to lend a hand hoisting sail, take a turn at the helm or simply sit back for a few hours watching the water dance. The two-hour evening sail departs at 6:30 p.m.

Nauti-Cat Cruises

You can see the Nauti-Cat from a distance with almost 1,000 square feet of sail propelling her across West Grand Traverse Bay. Because she’s a catamaran, she slices through the water with great stability, which means you won’t spill your Champagne while you lie back in the nets and watch the sun disappear. There’s a cash bar on board; bring your own snacks.

The two-hour adventure starts at 7:30 p.m. Insider tip: The Nauti-Cat also offers specialty cruises during the National Cherry Festival.

Guests can watch fireworks from a unique perspective on water.

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Boardman Loop Trail

Bike the TART A family-friendly ride with plenty of micro adventures along the way.

by Carly Simpson

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

T

he paved 10.5-mile Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) connects M-72/Bates Road in Acme Township with Carter Road in Traverse City, where it links with the also fun 17mile Leelanau Trail. There’s lots to explore in between— parks, restaurants, downtown Traverse City—but for an easy family ride, begin with the friendly folks at Brick Wheels or McLain Cycle & Fitness who will set you up with a rental, helmets and insider tips.

If your littles can handle 8 flat miles roundtrip, set course for Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park. The TART passes directly behind this 18-hole mini golf course where you’ll putt-putt past sunken ships and rushing waterfalls, race on an 830-foot go-cart track and battle with squirt guns on bumper boats.

Just around the corner (requiring a 200-foot pedal or walk along the shoulder of Four Mile Road), Refitt Nature Preserve is a lesser-known gem

and quiet escape in the heart of the city. Walk the two wooded loops for a 1.6 mile hike, complete with long stretches of wooden boardwalk hovering over flower-filled wetlands. Search for lesser purple fringed orchids, northern blue flag irises and plump American toads.

Mini Loop: Be sure to peel off the TART for a 4-mile route around Boardman Lake. A brand new expanse of bridge carries you over gliding swans and the mouth of the Boardman River to the shady east shore of the lake, a breezy ride back to the TART. Lunch Tip: After you’ve returned your bike rentals, head across the street to The Filling Station Microbrewery for excellent wood-fired flatbread pizzas and a s’more caboose (Nutella spread on pizza crust with graham crackers, marshmallows and a caramel-chocolate drizzle).

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Day Trip: The Commons You’ll enter a world unto itself when you turn onto Eleventh Street and let it lead you into the heart of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

by Carly Simpson

T

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

raverse City’s version of Central Park is tucked within 480 acres of preserved parkland just west of downtown. The buildings at the heart of this rolling greenery are collectively called The Commons. Once home to a 19th-century state psychiatric hospital, the stunning Italianate-style Victorian buildings have been reclaimed and turned into upscale restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

Let breakfast create the mood for your day. Sugar 2 Salt is warm, laidback, friendly—a tone set by sweetheart co-proprietors and chefs Stephanie Wiitala and Jonathan Dayton. The seasonally inspired menu changes weekly, sometimes daily. Go with a friend, because ordering one dish is simply impossible. But one of you must order pancakes. The buckwheat beauts might be topped with brûléed apples, candied oranges, preserved peaches or roasted chestnuts—but always with freshly whipped cream. >

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Behind S2S a network of trails laces quiet woods. The Cedar Cathedral Trail starts here and can connect you to the Old Orchard Trail and eventually (about a mile stroll one way) the whimsical fairy village trail near The Botanic Garden.

Legs properly stretched, head inside to The Mercato in Building 50, where you’ll find eclectic shops and not one but two top-flight Italian restaurants, PepeNero and Trattoria Stella. (Make reservations ahead of time for dinner here.) There are more than a dozen boutiques to browse: Find antique treasures at Vintage Du Jour, sustainable home products at The Refillery and rare titles at Landmark Books.

Elsewhere on The Commons’ grounds, linger over local wine and cider at Left Foot Charley, fair trade organic coffee at Higher Grounds (the mocha here is decadent) and craft beer at Earthen Ales—each Sunday a new small batch is released. Play bocce ball in The Piazza, spread a blanket on the lawn for a picnic, catch a Thursday night outdoor concert, watch for craft shows throughout the summer—just give yourself time to relax and explore.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

Left Foot Charley

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benzie, manistee & cadillac

the up north

insider’s list

Get up close and personal with this coastal region and all the forests, lakes and rivers in between.

by Cara McDonald

Choose a weekend night and settle in with a fancy bourbon drink and the region’s best live musicians at Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville. The timber-frame barn makes a magical setting for an evening of music, with a side of wood-fired pizzas and other cozy eats.

Get in your jammies and catch a latenight movie at Cherry Bowl Drive-In in Beulah. This 1950s-era drive-in theater shows classic cartoons before the evening’s double feature.

Snuggle up with an alpaca at Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm, where you can shop their sweet boutique and, for a tiny fee, you can pet and feed some of their champion fluffers. Follow them on Facebook to catch announcements when new babies are born!

Lean back on the lawn and revel in The Bard’s best plays with an outdoor evening performance by Lakeside Shakespeare in Frankfort. Professional actors bring the classics to life, hosting educational workshops for youth, too.

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY GAIL SNABLE

Explore the 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail stretching from Frankfort to Thompsonville. Plan a stop in sweet Beulah for an ice cream and to dip your toes in Crystal Lake.

Send the S.S. Badger off with a wave from Stearns Park in Ludington as it sails for Wisconsin at 9 a.m. every summer morning. Or hop aboard for a sunset shoreline cruise.

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Small-Town Travels 13 relaxed day trips, with beach picks and downtown discoveries.

by Carly Simpson

Ludington

BEAR LAKE Breakfast, at Lakeside Café: The banana bread waffles are particularly good.

May Buell Park on Lakeside Avenue offers access to sandy-bottomed Bear Lake (with a Mobi-mat for wheelchair users). Enjoy an old-fashioned country store feeling and artisan jams at Wee Bee Jammin.’ Don’t Miss: The renovated Motel Bear Lake has retro vibes, a dreamy pool, and it’s pet friendly.

BENZONIA Brake for margaritas at The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill (ask for a seat on the shady patio), order a double-scoop at Hill Top Coffee & Ice Cream 40

and challenge the fam at Crystal Falls Mini Golf. Don’t Miss: The studio and shop of Gwen Frostic, one of America’s foremost nature-inspired artists, is listed on The National Register of Historic Places.

BEULAH The laidback Five Shores Brewing, a boutique-filled shopping district, a darling beach on Crystal Lake and Thursday evening Music in the Park concerts make this a destination town. Don’t Miss: Get lost among the treasure-filled shelves of Black Horse Antiques.

CADILLAC Mitchell State Park is a favorite for campers—reserve the Loon Cabin on Lake Cadillac. The paved, 92-mile Fred Meijer White Pine Trail connects Cadillac to Comstock Park. Downtown, the new Indian Spice restaurant is a must as is WildFlour Bakery. Don’t Miss: A number of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of KISS’s iconic homecoming concert at Cadillac High School on Oct. 10, 1975.

PHOTO BY TATYLOR BROWN

ARCADIA Tucked along Lake Michigan, this town is meant for beach days, and Sunset Station Beach at the end of Lake Street is the place to go. On M-22, pull over at Arcadia Overlook, the highest viewing area on the shoreline, and save time for a hike on the universally accessible Overlook Trail at Arcadia Dunes. Don’t Miss: The nationally renowned Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club.

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ELBERTA The Lake Michigan beach at the end of Bye Street is a best-kept secret.

There’s a bountiful farmers market on Thursdays at Penfold Park, and access to the 22-mile Bestie Valley Trail. Don’t Miss: The Cabbage Shed, a rollicking pub with a waterfront patio and an impressive Irish whiskey collection—99 bottles on the wall.

FRANKFORT This harbor town has hopping Stormcloud Brewing Company, the Garden Theater, fun shops, a popular Lake Michigan beach and a lighthouse pier for sunset walks. Don’t Miss: The picturesque Point Betsie Lighthouse.

Built in 1858, it’s open seasonally to the public—as are the keeper’s residence, fog signal building, boathouse museum and gift shop.

HONOR Tucked near secluded sandy beaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Honor is also bordered by the Platte River. Fuel up with a Michigan honey latte at Weldon Coffee, canoe the Platte (rentals at Honor Trading Post and Riverside Canoes), celebrate with succulent BBQ at Jim’s Joint. Don’t Miss: The cheeseburger pizza and retro-diner atmosphere at Papa J’s.

LAKE ANN Set on the shore of lovely Lake Ann, find an old-fashioned grocery store, the rocking Lake Ann Brewing Company (with a fab pizza place next door, The Stone Oven) and a kid-friendly beach at Almira Township Lakefront Park. Ransom Lake Natural Area has barrier-free parking and restrooms and a universally accessible trail. Don’t Miss: Lake Ann Brewing Co.’s music series, May–September, is always a good time.

Downtown Frankfort

LUDINGTON The car ferry S.S. Badger calls this harbor town home—hop it to Wisconsin, but come back to Ludington for the beaches, concerts in the park, Victorian-era shopping district and two historic lighthouses. Fam-friendly STIX restaurant has a bowling alley and beer garden, plus a date night–worthy upstairs lounge. Don’t Miss: Pure Ludington Sunset Beach Bonfires on the last Thursday of June, July and August.

MANISTEE It’s all things Victorian, from history tours through this town’s lumber-era architecture to the bucket list–worthy Manistee Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. Dive into Lake Michigan at Orchard Beach State Park and sip craft brews at North Channel and Third Life. Don’t Miss: Shopping the many boutiques on River Street. Wellnested has home décor delights; browse two floors of vintage wares at Maryann’s Antiques.

Mäksē Boutique, Cadillac

PHOTOS BY DAVE WEIDNER

ONEKAMA This slow-mo coastal town has access to both Lake Michigan and Portage Lake. Catch an outdoor concert in the park on Monday evenings June 23 through Aug. 11, and nose around for cool gifts at MacBeth & Co. Don’t Miss: The Glenwood is famous for its Key lime pie. Tables on the front porch are coveted.

THOMPSONVILLE Crystal Mountain, the hub of this rural township, is a top destination for snow sports and summer fun including the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide.

Off-campus, check out Geno’s Sports Bar. Don’t Miss: Iron Fish Distillery is Michigan’s first farm-based distillery; book a tour.

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CRYSTAL MORE SO MUCH SUMMERTIME FUN AWAITS

YOUR TO-DO LIST AT MICHIGAN’S PREMIER FAMILY RESORT: Swim. Bike. Hike. Ride Michigan’s only dual Alpine slide down the mountain. Take a chairlift back up for an amazing view of three counties. Enjoy the Crystal Spa. Play one, or both, of our 18-hole championship golf courses. And more. To book a stay, call 877-741-5863 or visit crystalmountain.com.

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THOMPSONVILLE, MI

4/8/25 1:07 PM

benzie, manistee & cadillac

The Cherry Hut

Outdoor Dining: Our Patio Season Picks Here’s your go-to list.

by Carly Simpson

THE CHERRY HUT, BEULAH Opened in 1922 as an orchard-to-table business, The Cherry Hut serves up the classics: roasted turkey sandwiches with mashed potatoes, hand-battered cod, dinner rolls, cobb salads. The cherry chicken salad on a croissant is beloved, and nobody leaves without first enjoying a slice of old-fashioned cherry pie.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

KETCH 22 FOOD TRUCK, ARCADIA At this gourmet food truck parked just north of the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve, you’ll find elevated street food at its finest—think mahi sandwiches and smoked salmon dip. We suggest pairing a Northwoods soda with the golden-fried Wisconsin cheese curds.

Plan on walking the marsh’s boardwalk after lunch; it’s beautiful.

ROADHOUSE MEXICAN BAR & GRILL, BENZONIA A local favorite for Mexican-inspired cuisine; try the steak fajitas or the Cabo salmon with peach salsa, and don’t skip the freshly made chips and guac. The margs stand out, ranging from the classic with lime to flavors

like prickly pear cactus juice and passion fruit purée.

Take them to a seat in the backyard cantina.

THE SANDBOX, LUDINGTON From the owner of Brunch Babes food truck (also a must-visit), The Sandbox offers two dining options at Stearns Park. South Beach has Adirondack seating in the sand, string lights and beach games. The menu: craft sliders, hand-dipped ice cream and towering milkshakes with creative toppings. North Beach features grab-n-go bites like pressed paninis and hot pretzels.

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH This buzzing hangout keeps its calendar packed with live music; a big red barn opens up to reveal a stage, and picnic tables on the lawn fill up quickly. Estate meads are made with honey straight from the property’s hives, and there’s beer, wine, kombucha and N/A slushies for kids, too. The wood-fired pizzas are inspired, with toppings like onion cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and, of course, hot honey.

local sip Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville is a destination.

It’s rural, the road is dirt, the gin is excellent. Order a Wile E. Coyote with jalapeño, cilantro, mint simple syrup and fresh lime juice.

Tip: Pair it with the “Get Figgy with It” pizza, topped with goat cheese, fig jam and prosciutto.

link.mynorth.com/BenzieEats

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Off-Road Thrills This wild off-road adventure features scenic photo ops and tasty pit stops.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CADILLAC AREA VISITORS BUREAU

by Allison Jarrell Acosta

hether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a visitor just wanting to explore the North from a new vantage, off-roading deserves a spot on your summer bucket list. A perfect place to start: the Cadillac Area ORV/OHV Scenic Ride, a new family-friendly route that spans 100+ miles through mixed terrain, running through Manistee National Forest and other picturesque points of interest in the region.

Designed by the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, this ride highlights some of the best, most user-friendly stops in the area. Pull over at the Caberfae Scenic Overlook and gaze west over rolling wooded hills (come back for a fall color tour!). For snacks or a meal, take your pick from Coyote Crossing Resort, Meauwataka General Store, Lost Pines Lodge, Boon Country Store, Thirsty’s Party Store and Ellens Corners.

W

Once you have your gear and map in order, choose from two (official) starting points: the Caberfae Trailhead at the corner of M-55 and 15 Road, or the trailhead at 33 Road and 48½ Road, just a few miles out of the Cadillac West area. Tip: There’s nearby lodging at Coyote Crossing Resort, Mackinaw Timbers Cabins and Evolve Vacation Management properties.

Get There: To download the scenic ride map, visit ridecadillac.com. You can also request a physical copy be sent to you, and maps can be found at most MDOT Welcome Centers.

Rentals are available at Bigfoot Epic Adventures, Greater North Power Sports & Rentals or Westside Rec Rentals at J&D Marine.

Safety and Stewardship: Always follow safety guidelines: stay on the road, ride on the right side and never drive under the influence. Remember to “tread lightly” by traveling responsibly, respecting the rights of others, educating yourself, avoiding sensitive areas and doing your part to be a good steward of our precious public lands.

Go Digital: For real-time navigation guidance, the Visitors Bureau is launching a map this summer on the free onX Offroad GPS app. Users will be able to search for off-road rides based on length, technical rating and ideal time of year to visit. And, perhaps best of all, you can download the onX map to use offline, should you lose cell service. Tip: The U.S. Forest Service also recommends the Avenza app, where you’ll find a map of forest service roads (search: Manistee National Forest MVUM Cadillac).

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~ Hotel rooms ~ Suites ~ Vacation condominiums ~

~ Indoor pool ~ Private beach ~ Deepwater marina ~ ~ Walk to shopping & restaurants ~

Frankfort, MI • 23 231-35 -352 2-9 -961 614 4 • www.HarborLightsResort.net 2025_SUMMER VG_BENZIE.indd 48

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Park Paradise Ludington State Park is back and better than ever.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

by Allison Jarrell Acosta

W

ith 5,300 acres of wild beauty nestled between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park has captured the hearts of generations who love the North.

Most of Ludington State Park has been closed for nearly nine months now, and July 1—opening day— can’t come soon enough. After undergoing $3 million-worth of infrastructure improvements, the park’s better than ever. We caught up with Park Manager Jim Gallie to see what visitors can expect this summer.

What's New: First off, Gallie says beyond repaving the entrance road and many of the parking lots (and adding 75–100 more parking spaces) folks will notice increased pedestrian safety as they move through the park.

“We’re adding sidewalks and extending the bike paths in multiple locations to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety,” Gallie says.

Visitors will no longer have to navigate through parking lots and on road edges to get from their campsites or parking spaces to the beaches at each end of the park. Multiple lanes to the north of the main entrance > MYNORTH.COM

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POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE Near Frankfort

Tasting room with wines and hard ciders 7850 21 Mile Rd Evart, MI 49631 231-349-0051 stonehousevinyards.com

Spend a day exploring one of Michigan’s most iconic lighthouses; enjoy a picnic on the beach; take a tour of the grounds and museums; or book a stay in the Keeper’s Quarters Apartment.

Visit www.pointbetsie.org for more information!

SCAN FOR DISCOUNTS

Food & Drink Newsletter Dig into Northern Michigan with us and find out where to eat, drink, and taste!

Delivered to your inbox monthly:

MyNorth.com/Newsletter

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Hamlin Lake

PHOTOS BY LYDIA MEJIA

booth should reduce waiting times at the entrance, too. Tip: Gallie recommends checking out the park’s programming this summer, led by new Park Interpreter Brandon Griffith. (Longtime interpreter Alan Wernette retired last December.)

Accessibility: Ludington State Park is a true leader when it comes to accessible beach accommodations.

Visitors to the Lake Michigan Beach have access to an all-terrain, electric powered track chair, an EZ Roller Floating Surf Wheelchair and beach mobility wheelchairs that are free and first-come, first-served at the Lake Michigan Beach House.

Hamlin Lake Beach also offers two beach mobility wheelchairs that are loaned out on a first-come, first-served basis. And you’ll find a vinyl beach mat that extends to the water’s edge, as well as a universal kayak launch with a 30-foot graded gangway, allowing wheelchair users to launch their watercraft safely. Tip: Check out the new SeeCoast EnChroma® Viewer

along the Skyline Trail, designed to show a broader spectrum of colors for people with red-green color blindness. It’s the first of its kind in Michigan.

Amenities & Attractions: Are you a birder? A water sports lover? Both?

Rent a canoe or kayak from Dune Grass Concessions and explore the canoe pathway on Hamlin Lake, keeping your eyes peeled for waterfowl.

Visitors also have access to eight marked hiking trails, spanning 21 miles, as well as plenty of sandy shoreline to walk along Hamlin Lake.

For an added challenge: take a 2-mile sandy hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse—a 100-foot-tall, black-and-white circa 1867 light with inspiring views of Lake Michigan. Step inside the lighthouse to browse the gift shop and interpretive displays, and enjoy a short video on the light’s fascinating history. Tip: Playgrounds, concession stands and restroom facilities are available at Hamlin Lake Beach, as well as the Lake Michigan Beach House. Stop for an evening treat, and end your day atop a sand dune, watching the sun sink below a sparkling horizon.

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LOCAL TICKE T S .

ONE PLACE .

May - Sept The McCartney Years, Mission Point Resort - Theater 6/14 Leland Wine & Food Festival, Leland Harbor June - Oct Black Star Farms Estate & Wine Tour, Black Star Farms 8/23 & 8/24 Allentown A Billy Joel Tribute, The Pine Performance Center M y N o rth T i ck ets.co m 8 0 0 . 8 3 6 . 0 717 2025_SUMMER VG_BENZIE.indd 52

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charlevoix & chain of lakes

the up north

insider’s list

This iconic vacation destination still has delightful secrets to be discovered.

by Cara McDonald

Sip a pint in a castle. The new Castle Pub at Castle Farms is open Fridays and Saturdays for wine, cider, cocktails and beer served up in an oldworld stone-and-timber setting.

Take a stroll along the Jordan River.

The Don and Eileen Klein Nature Trail offers a half mile of universally accessible trail along the water’s edge. For a longer hike, park at the nearby Rogers Family Homestead Preserve; the two trail systems connect.

Escape to far-flung Beaver Island.

You’ll want to spend a long weekend here—glamp at Beaver Island Retreat, paddle to remote beaches and stargaze from your campsite.

Find a bit of beauty in Elk Rapids.

This town is an art-lovers delight— grab a bite downtown, then browse local galleries like Blue Heron, Twisted Fish and Mullaly’s 128 for works that move you.

Get lost at Glacial Hills. With a combined trail system of over 30 miles, this is a favorite destination. These trails are well-suited for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, hunting and wildlife viewing, including bald eagles.

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY GAIL SNABLE

Swing a club at Shanty Creek Resort. A staggering 90 holes in five courses mean you won’t play the same hole twice.

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The Daily Splash

Daily Stories from life up north, delivered straight to your inbox on weekday mornings!

Subscribe here: MyNorth.com/Newsletter

Where Fun Begins!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY BASE FOR BOATING FUN ON THE CHAIN OF LAKES

On the river between Torch Lake and Skegemog Lake BOAT LAUNCH • FUEL • SNACK BAR • SLIP RENTALS & LEASES DOCK & LIFT SERVICES • WINTERIZATION & STORAGE SPRING SPLASH & FULL MARINE SERVICE • BOAT SALES & RENTALS

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US-31, Torch Lake

Road Trip!

Adventures on US-31 The stretch of road from Elk Rapids to Charlevoix holds delicious discoveries for lovers of good food, charming shops, farmstand pies and glorious galleries.

by Cara McDonald

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

S

tart your morning with fair-trade coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Happy Camper Coffee Co. in the water-hugged town of Elk Rapids. With a seat in the cozy-funky shop overlooking Elk River, you’ll become a happy camper, too.

Before heading north on US-31, let’s backtrack south of Elk Rapids for just a bit—there are some delights you won’t want to miss.

Elk Rapids Antiques is nothing like the crowded, kitschy malls and barns; instead, this whitewashed farmhouse has well-curated rooms and gallery lighting, and each find feels like a work of art. Keep heading south where you’ll realize you’re in the heart of the fruit belt, and a stop at Altonen Orchard is a must for fruit in season—strawberries in June, cherries in July, peaches in August. Nearby Farmer White’s cottagey farmstand is the place for pie—strawberry rhubarb for the win—plus divine jams and jellies to enjoy later on a picnic (the merlot jam is a beauty).

Hook a U-turn and cruise back north through Elk Rapids and onto a stretch of highway lined with birches and white pines—Northwoods all the way. Your next stop: Pine Hill Nursery's Garden Café in Kewadin. This gorgeous garden center is a visual feast, but nestled among the greenhouses, your lunch feast is waiting. Take a seat at an umbrellaed table nestled in a

network of flower-flanked patios. Pair a grilled Italian panini with healthful salads (the spring salad has fresh greens with goat cheese and basil vinaigrette) and soups made with herbs and veggies grown right there.

Just a little farther north, peel off onto Public Dock Road to the Torch Lake Township Day Park (also known as the William Good Day Park on Google Maps) and dip your toes (or all of you) in the crystal-clear waters of Torch Lake, voted one of the world’s most beautiful lakes.

After a refreshing swim, discover the teensiest town of Atwood, a.k.a.

“Atwood the Adorable,” per the extra letter stickers added to the town’s official sign. Here you’ll find Royal Farms Market & Winery. Hit the bakery for focaccia, and sample their hard ciders in the tasting room.

Back on the road, look for the cheery red schoolhouse on the right and stop to spend some time at Bier Art Gallery & Pottery Studio. You’ll find the clay works of owners Ray and Tami Bier as well as those of 40 other artists.

The last leg rolls you into postcard-pretty Charlevoix—cross the drawbridge and opt to stretch your legs on the Mt. McSauba trail loop (about 1.8 miles) before heading back to this sweet harbor town full of historic cottages, cute shops, destination dining and the waters of Round Lake and Lake Michigan twinkling on either side.

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2025 NORTHERN MICHIGAN SUMMER VACATION GUIDE

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GRAB N GO FOOD | SNACKS | GIFTS CHEESE | BEVERAGES & MORE FIND US AT 109 BRIDGE PARK DRIVE

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Peaceful, Easy Island Escape Start with a beautiful boat ride, then take a guided drive on the northern coast of Beaver Island.

Your island oasis is just a day trip away.

by LISA BLAKE

photo courtesy of Beaver Island

I

t’s easy to be intrigued by Beaver Island—about 32 miles northwest of Charlevoix, it’s the largest isle in Lake Michigan, with rich history, gorgeous coastline, deep forests, dazzling lakes and 700 year-round islanders. The island’s raw mystique and natural beauty is just a boat ride away. Once on the island, you’ll find wellseasoned local guides ready to offer up a quintessential Beaver Island experience.

Start bright and early at the Beaver Island Boat Company docks in Charlevoix, taking the first ferry to the island on the vessel Emerald Isle. Pure relaxation sets in on the two-hour crossing, shares staffer Claire Kenwabikise, who grew up on the island.

“There’s an initial adrenalin rush when the drawbridge opens for the boat, then a warm, calm feeling,” she says. Soak up the lake breezes on the open-air deck or curl up inside with a book. (Pro tip: pack a light jacket/blanket for the boat!)

Upon arrival in the quaint village of St. James, step into the community center to grab a snack (go for a good ol’ popcorn and pop) and then stroll to the tour office directly across from the boat dock to kick off your island adventure—the first excursion of the day is at 11 a.m.

The team at Beaver Island Boat Company are your local liaisons to island life for the next hour and a half. Hop in the van, then travel to the island’s northern reaches to see Whiskey Point Lighthouse and Donegal Bay, with stunning views of High, Trout and Garden islands along the way. (On a clear day you can even spy the Mackinac Bridge!) Equally jaw-dropping is the island’s quirky and storied past. Hear how this Great Lakes outpost was once American’s only kingdom, ruled by Mormon James Jesse Strang, how it evolved into an Irish enclave and legendary fishery, and what modern life is like on a secluded island.

Kenwabikise says while rambling along the island’s rustic roads you’ll see locals give the trademark island wave.

“Island time is a real thing,” she adds, noting that islanders keep life at a peaceful pace, guided by the enchanting tones of the church bell ringing through town on the hour.

After the tour, day-trippers can lunch and lollygag along Main Street. Bring along a picnic, or Daddy Franks is a family fave for a fast bite, iconic Shamrock Restaurant & Pub brings brilliant bar fare, Harbour Market stacks up deli sandwiches, and Wild Strawberry Café crafts beautiful breakfast, vegan and vegetarian options.

After popping into Beaver Island Historical Society, the Mormon Print Shop Museum and local shops, dip your toes into paradise at the public beach at Jewell Gillespie Park. The clear water here can be almost a tropical blue, Kenwabikise says, and the islanders take pride in protecting the natural beauty. After a

chill afternoon, catch the 5:20 p.m. boat back to the mainland.

How long you stay on island time—well, that’s up to you.

Tours are available Memorial Day through Labor Day, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Book your trip at bibco.com.

ISLAND TIME ITINERARY

What time is it? Island o’clock! You’ll shift into a relaxed way of life once on Beaver Island—here’s a friendly reference for how the day might unfold.

7:30 a.m.

Check-in at Beaver Island Boat Co. in Charlevoix 8:30 a.m.

Ride the boat to Beaver Island 10:30-10:45 a.m. Disembark in St. James 10:45-11:00 a.m. Visit Beaver Island Community Center 11am-12:30 p.m. Tour the island with Beaver Island Tours 12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch on the island 1:30-4:50 p.m.

Relax or dip a toe in the lake at Jewell Gillespie Park, explore or shop Main Street 5:20 p.m.

Ride the boat to the mainland 7:20-7:30 p.m.

Disembark in Charlevoix MYNORTH.COM

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Small-Town Travels This region of lakes, rivers, forests and old-fashioned downtowns make for some of the most iconic resort destinations in the North.

by Cara McDonald & Lissa Martin

ALDEN Lovely little Alden on Torch Lake is filled with boutiques, cafés, a specialty spice store, an old-fashioned general store and even a wine bar. A sandy-bottomed swimming area on Torch Lake is adjacent to the downtown boat launch. Raise a glass to a superb collection of Northern Michigan craft brews at Torch Lake Beer Co. Don’t Miss: Eat strawberry shortcake at the Alden Strawberry Festival in June.

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BELLAIRE The grand old Antrim County Courthouse presides over this charming town that straddles the banks of the Intermediate River and sits between Lake Bellaire and Intermediate Lake—so yes, think fabulous watersports. Find a lively shopping district and four-season Shanty Creek Resort here.

Don’t Miss: For a small town, the nightlife is hoppin,’ with Short’s Brewing Company, Mammoth Distilling, Fireside Lounge and Bee Well Mead & Cider.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Charlevoix

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CENTRAL LAKE This sweet town, located where Hanley Lake meets Intermediate Lake under the bridge, has a true Up North vibe that was kicked up a notch when Mammoth Distilling opened its doors here. Drop by Torch Lake Café for a bite and don’t miss a meal at the stately Blue Pelican Inn—better yet, make it an overnight and grab a room there, too. Don’t Miss: Bachmann’s Store is one of the last remaining authentic five-and-dimes.

Toys, games and puzzles? Check. Souvenirs? Check.

Kitchen supplies? Yes. Books and bird feeders? You bet! They’ve got pretty much everything.

Alden

Elk Rapids

CHARLEVOIX The fabulous downtown on Lake Charlevoix is brimming with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. East Park serves as a hub for outdoor concerts, festivals and farmers markets. With Lake Michigan on one side and Round Lake on the other, stunning beaches and a first-class marina, this city is for water worshippers. Watching boats pass under the drawbridge is a major pastime here, as is drinking craft beer in front of a drop-dead Lake Charlevoix view at Bridge Street Tap Room. Don’t Miss: Michigan Beach Park on Lake Michigan offers up a sandy beach, swim area, top-notch rock hunting, a playground, volleyball, pavilion and concessions—all within walking distance of downtown.

TOP PHOTO BY TESS CROWLEY // THIS PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

EAST JORDAN With a bounty of Lake Charlevoix and Jordan River shoreline, this lovely city combines outdoor sports with fun downtown shops and eateries. Check out the Jordan Art Walk along city streets, featuring sculptures created by local artists, then stop for lunch and a brew at Foundry Craft Grillery. Don’t Miss: Raven Hill Discovery Center combines science, art and history with loads of hands-on learning.

ELK RAPIDS Wedged between Elk Lake and Lake Michigan, this town is a spot of coastal heaven. Find your place on a golden-sand Lake Michigan beach, hunt for antiques, browse the boutiques and galleries downtown, then fill up at one of this town’s awesome eateries, like the beloved Cellar 152. Don’t Miss: Elk Rapids Day Park is home to one of the best sunset beaches Up North.

ELLSWORTH Tucked on the northernmost point of the Chain of Lakes, this charmer of a village on Ellsworth Lake has a public park with a fishing pier, labyrinth garden and Michigan’s largest outdoor public archery range. Don’t Miss: You’re at the tip of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, a 100-mile inland water trail for paddlers with 84 access sites, restrooms, dining and more along the route.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Summer on Torch Lake A surprising way to stay, play, hike, golf and more near one of the most glorious lakes in the world.

by LISA BLAKE

S

ummer living is beyond easy on Torch Lake.

The magnetic pull of the turquoise inland waters soothes the senses while simultaneously awakening outdoorsy stirrings and adventurous Chain of Lakes itineraries.

It’s a lucky few who can claim a cottage on these sparkling waters, but there’s a best-kept-secret way to adventure around Torch and the surrounding areas: A nearby resort-as-basecamp.

Cozying up in the rolling woodlands near the tiny town of Bellaire—with Intermediate and Torch lakes and Lake Bellaire on all sides—is a wonderful way to to access all the beauty and activities of the region.

Here’s your summer adventure-meets-relaxation guide to the Torch Lake area.

SETTLE IN OFF THE BEATEN PATH

The Shanty Creek Resort concierge team has become seasoned Northern Michigan getaway gurus, expertly guiding guests to glass-bottom kayaks and championship golf courses.The secluded resort offers an away-from-it-all feel while remaining centrally positioned to some of Michigan’s most iconic destinations. Spur off to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island or Traverse City and then retreat back to your private sanctuary.

The front desk and concierge team are happy to make phone calls and line up boat rentals or tee times and to point you to favored single track and road bike trails.

photo courtesy of Shanty Creek Resort

FIND YOUR WATERSPORTS

When you wake up next to some of the most famous and beautiful lakes in the world, getting out on the water is a high priority. Area outfitters will set you up with single and tandem kayaks, canoes, deck boats, ski boats, water trampolines and pontoons. There are even glass-bottom kayaks to view the world below the surface and jet skis to kick up some waves.

On-the-shore sunbathing and picnicking or on-the-water boating and fishing, the staff at Shanty Creek is there to help design your Northern Michigan experience.

TAKE A SWING

Northern Michigan’s rolling terrain and breathtaking natural features make golf enthusiasts swoon; be sure to bring your clubs. Onsite, Shanty Creek’s five championship courses offer a collective 90 holes of play—one of North America’s largest golf resorts. Players come for the unrivaled views, top-tier course conditions and striking natural beauty.

Join the resort in celebrating Summit Golf Course’s 60th Anniversary May 1–12 and play any of the five courses for just $35, including a cart. Cedar River Golf Course will host the 2025 Hall Financial Michigan Open June 9–12, welcoming Michigan’s top golfers.

After a morning on the back nine, locals recommend taking the afternoon to explore the region’s breweries and wine trails. Pencil in some boutique and souvenir shopping, a plate of smoky barbecue and, of course, a scoop of locally churned Moomers Cherries Moobilee ice cream.

EXPLORE BREATHTAKING TRAILS

The Grass River Natural Area is minutes from Shanty Creek and boasts more than seven miles of hiking trails showcasing the area’s rare and endangered plants and animals. Phenomenal mountain biking beckons from Glacial Hills where 31 miles of world-class singletrack are easily accessed from three trailheads just outside of downtown Bellaire.

A hop-skip from Shanty Creek Resort, the 100-plus-mile Chain of Lakes Water Trail weaves through 12 lakes and interconnected rivers before reaching Grand Traverse Bay. CUSTOMIZE WITH A ROOM FOR EVERYONE

Shanty Creek Resort delivers more than 275 lodging options on 5,500 beautiful acres. That’s four separate villages unfolding across close to eight miles (larger than Mackinac Island) of lodging, dining, outdoor recreation and golf—with a complimentary shuttle service to nearby towns and Torch Lake’s attractions to boot.

Want adjoining suites? Lakeview Hotel lives up to its name with Lake Bellaire sunset views for days and connected rooms perfect for multi-generational and multi-family stays. The allsuite Lodge of Cedar River hosts a slew of amenities, including indoor and outdoor hot tubs, while a cache of condos and homes fit a wide span of budgets and needs.

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A Summer Sipper’s Guide to Elk Rapids Snuggled between Elk Lake and Lake Michigan waits a haven for lovers of craft beverages. Here’s where to sample some of the best in the North.

by Cara McDonald, Greg Tasker and Allison Jarrell Acosta

The beloved brewery known for its spunk and creativity opened the Pull Barn beer garden, a sweet hangout at the site of their production facility. Here, afficionados can sip and sample all their brews, including ciders and hard seltzers, grab eats from local food trucks and enjoy local musical acts in one of the most fun (and chill) scenes in town. Experts love the Bellaire Brown Ale, and the piney Spruce Pilsner brewed with locally foraged spruce tips—a favorite of founder Joe Short. Pro tip: A great summer sip is the Nicie, an American wheat ale that sings with orange and lemon zest and an unexpected hit of coriander.

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Ethanology

Ethanology is a spirits-lovers dream destination—a distillery with a lounge, live music and artisanal bartending. Owners Geri (who is also the head distiller) and Nick LeFebre champion Northern Michigan’s farmers and foragers, utilizing only hyperlocal ingredients sourced from within a 33-mile radius of the distillery to create all of their spirits, and the colorful cocktails imbued with them. You’ll find their producers listed on each bottle: vodka made from red winter wheat from Valley View Farm in East Jordan, gin using the same wheat (but with foraged botanicals from Bear Earth Herbals in Kingsley), whiskey made from Frumentum blue corn from Vermeersch Farms in Central Lake, and their own proprietary creation, Mel—distilled honey from Cherry Ke Farms in Kewadin.

BOS Wines

In a sweet 1920s roadside farm house, something beautiful is growing—and not just the flowering gardens that flank the property.

BOS Wines produces wine using biodynamic methods which, says winemaker Dave Bos, bring health and vitality to a farm. They involve composting, planting cover crops and using biodynamic preps—made from herbs, mineral substances and manure—in field sprays and compost to influence the soil. It’s also about working with the rhythms of nature, and learning that chores like planting and pruning are better tackled on some days than others.

Tip: Try the refreshing Méthode Agricole, a floral, aromatic bubbly made with winter-hardy Valvin Muscat grapes grown in Interlochen.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Short’s Brewing Co. Pull Barn Tap Room and Production Brewery

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charlevoix & chain of lakes

Dockside Torch Lake, Bellaire

Outdoor Dining: Our Patio Season Picks Here’s your go-to list.

by Allison Jarrell Acosta

DOCKSIDE TORCH LAKE, BELLAIRE The OG of outdoor dining, with a long, awning-covered deck right on the turquoise blue waters of Torch Lake.

Pull up your boat, grab a seat and tuck into classic Mexican and American tavern fare.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

RIVERWALK GRILL & TAPROOM, ELK RAPIDS Grab a craft beer and a seat on this waterside deck, directly along the beautiful Elk River shoreline (you can boat here!). Enjoy dishes like cedar-planked salmon and lobster rolls while soaking in the view. And for your night cap? An espresso martini, of course.

STAFFORD’S WEATHERVANE RESTAURANT, CHARLEVOIX From elegant classics like escargot and planked whitefish to a kid’s menu with mac and cheese and a flatbread pepperoni pizza, Weathervane’s menu makes for a perfect date night or family outing. Best of all, the restaurant sits

local sip right on the Round Lake Channel and offers incredible views of passing boats and downtown Charlevoix.

TORCH LAKE BEER CO., ALDEN Right across from the Torch Lake boat lunch, this pub serves up sunset views, patio seating and robust breakfast, lunch and dinner menus—not to mention lots of local brews on tap and an impressive bottle list. Order a burger (the best in town) or try the chicken dill pizza or Plath’s Rajun Cajun BLT. WILD STRAWBERRY CAFÉ, BEAVER ISLAND Whether you’re looking for a boozy brunch or a berry truffle vinaigrette salad, this charming island eatery has you covered. Nestled along St. James Harbor, the café features quaint front porch seating and dishes like homemade French onion soup and short rib sammies.

The cidergarden and open-air lawn seating at Townline Ciderworks offers views of the orchards where the apples in your glass were grown.

(They’ve been growing fruit in Elk Rapids for over 60 years!)

Tip: Catch live music and a food truck on weekends.

link.mynorth.com/CharlevoixEats

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Getting Married Up North?

MyNorth.com/Wedding

In the palm of your hand.

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gaylord & grayling

the up north

insider’s list

This region is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and hearty, post-adventure eats. Pack your swimsuit and hiking boots—wilderness awaits.

by Carly Simpson

With an average descent of 14 feet per mile, the Sturgeon River is the fastest- flowing river in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Let the pros at Sturgeon River Paddlesports and Big Bear Adventures set you up with a kayak, raft or tube, depending on your experience level.

Known as the Big Wild, Pigeon River Country State Forest is a nature lover’s dream come true. Visit the Discovery Center for trail recs, elk viewing tips and intel on the region’s gem-like sinkhole lakes.

Borchers Bed & Breakfast has been a destination for paddlers on the Au Sable for nearly 90 years, since opening in Grayling in 1936.

An onsite livery sets you up for a day on the water.

Call of the Wild is an Up North rite of passage. The quirky family-friendly wildlife museum features species native to Michigan, plus a towering polar bear. Bonus: go-carts and adventure golf.

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY GAIL SNABLE

The family-owned Nowicki’s Sausage Shoppe has been making sausage since 1917. Get yourself a pack of chicken cordon bleu brats, with melty Swiss cheese in every bite, and roast them over a bonfire.

Rent a pontoon and cruise the Inland Waterway, a 40-mile stretch of interconnected lakes and rivers. The town of Indian River sits in the middle—a great jumping off point. Find rentals at The Landings and Indian River Marina.

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gaylord & grayling

Small-Town Travels In the heart of the mitten, discover a Michigan you forgot—or didn’t know—existed. These sweet towns, with their rivers, lakes, homey cabin resorts and miles of wilderness, invite you to get lost for a weekend.

by Carly Simpson

GAYLORD Your first stop should be Alpine Chocolat Haus for chocolate-covered potato chips (just trust) and ice cream. Then work your way down Main Street keeping an eye out for vibrant murals tucked in alleyways. Swing into White Birch Outfitters for gear and the best local trail intel. Don’t Miss: The city’s elk park was recently updated, including a universally accessible viewing platform, pavilion, picnic area, restrooms and playground.

GRAYLING The city that dubs itself Michigan’s most colorful river town sits at the headwaters of the AuSable and Manistee. Add big beautiful Lake Margrethe, a smattering of smaller lakes and miles of forests and you get the picture: Life here revolves around four seasons of outdoor sports. Don’t Miss: The 1.25-mile paved Old Growth Forest Trail at Hartwick Pines State Park leads you under towering 400-year-old trees.

VANDERBILT You could visit Vanderbilt—the northern gateway to Pigeon River Country State Forest—and never spend time inside. Find camping, hiking and horseback riding on miles of trails, as well as canoeing and fishing on the Sturgeon and Pigeon rivers. Don’t Miss: Cyclists cruise through on a section of the 2,000-mile U.P.-to-Detroit Iron Belle Trail. Refuel with a fried-perch platter at Corwith Station.

Downtown Gaylord

LEWISTON Thanks to East Twin and West Twin lakes, water makes up nearly half of this Northwoods burg (which is also surrounded by nearly 40 more lakes, all within a short drive). Don’t Miss: Golfers converge at the rustically elegant Garland Lodge & Golf Resort with its four championship courses and well-stocked tiki bar.

TOPINABEE Claim your spot at Topinabee Beach Park with its 400 feet of frontage on Mullett Lake, grills, picnic tables and play equipment, plus day-use docks for boaters. Don’t Miss: Mullet Lake is the star here. Locals boat to dinner at Breakers, and there’s even live music on the water. Pack your bathing suit and follow the Facebook page Music on Mullet for the lineup.

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WOLVERINE The spunky, fast-moving Sturgeon River runs through this quiet town.

Head out on an exhilarating paddle or spend quiet hours casting for a trophy-sized rainbow trout. Don’t Miss: If you’re worried about tipping over, opt for a raft instead at Sturgeon River Paddlesports. The stable watercraft can carry three to seven people, and the team will clue you in on spots to stop and take a swim.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

INDIAN RIVER This water-loving town sits along the 40-mile Inland Waterway and is also at the convergence of some of the state’s greatest hiking, biking and snowmobile trails: the 75-mile North Central State Trail; the 70-mile North Eastern State Trail and the 32-mile North Western State Trail.

Don’t Miss: The rollicking beer garden at Northland Brewing Co. with food trucks and weekly live music. Kids love the ice cream hut at Drost’s Chocolates.

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Paddle Hard Brewing

Outdoor Dining: Our Patio Season Picks Here’s your go-to list.

by Carly Simpson

RAY’S BBQ, BREWS & BLUES, GRAYLING What’s better than barbecue, craft beer and live music on the banks of the Au Sable River on a warm summer night? Call us if you think of something. Snag a patio or picnic table and tuck into smoked chicken, spare ribs, black angus beef brisket and corn bread smothered in honey butter.

ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD A tiki hut sets the mood: relaxed. The family- and pup-friendly patio has a mini sandbox for littles, a giant checker board, cornhole and plenty of shaded seating.

The menu is anchored by eight-ounce burgers, with cheese curds and bang bang shrimp for good measure.

PINE SQUIRREL BAR & GRILL, GAYLORD This hometown hangout has its own softball field. You should expect a good time. Take your cold beer and garlic parm chicken wings out back and catch a league game.

THE THIRSTY STURGEON, WOLVERINE With the Sturgeon River running through the backyard and the North Central State Trail right out front, this tavern’s deck is a popular stop for kayakers and cyclists. Start with an order of Reuben balls—everything you love about the sandwich, rolled into a crunchy panko-covered bite.

Big brews, big flavors, big stuffed heads on the wall— Big Buck Brewery in Gaylord is a vibe.

I’d nab a four-pack of Kayak Attack, a honey Kölsch with guava and grapefruit, to share around a campfire.

MICHAEL’S TAVERN & STEAKHOUSE, INDIAN RIVER This chef-driven boutique steakhouse and tavern in a renovated 1938 log building has several dining areas, including Maggie's Silo, an outdoor bar with a large patio surrounded by towering trees.

Tip: You can find Big Buck brews at DerMiner’s Parkside Market across the street from Otsego Lake State Park.

link.mynorth.com/GaylordGraylingEats

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PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

PADDLE HARD YARD, GRAYLING The Yard, an outdoor venue made up of shipping containers, has drinks and live music all summer long. Just down the block, its older sibling, Paddle Hard Brewing, has Michigan beers and inventive thin-crust pizzas (think Coney dog and dill chicken) worth braking for.

local sip

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the up north

insider’s list

Get up close and personal with this region of colorful history and bold natural beauty.

by Cara McDonald

Find your Bliss in the tiny town of the same name—the July folk and roots music festival known as Blissfest hosts a three-day multi-stage camping/listening experience with headliners over the years like Shawn Colvin, Leftover Salmon, Marc Broussard.

Stop at Pond Hill Farm for a farmto-table lunch, U-Pick whatever’s in season. Adults can enjoy a hard-cider tasting; kiddos can feed the trout in a nearby pond.

Pick up the Little Traverse Wheelway on Bayfront Drive in Petoskey (near Beards Brewery) and bike to Harbor Springs and back.

Download the walking tour online and take a stroll through the gingerbread Victorian cottages of Bay View, a National Historic Landmark.

Seek solitude at the 30-acre Thorne Swift Nature Preserve right on Lake Michigan. Make sure to check out its hiking trails and boardwalks through dunes and cedar swamps.

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY GAIL SNABLE

Explore the teensy Village of Walloon Lake, where you can rent a paddleboard or boat and ply the sparkling waters where Hemingway spent boyhood summers. Stop by the yellow cottage digs of Sweet Tooth, a great spot for ice cream.

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Crystal Diamonds Alpaca Emporium

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Small-Town Travels Welcome to the towns (and one island!) of the Petoskey-Mackinac Straits region.

by Lissa Martin and Allison Jarrell Acosta

BAY HARBOR Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Mammoth Distilling and Maple + Batter, along with Brandy’s Harbortown keep this waterside district hopping.

Don’t Miss: Bay Harbor hosts fab events throughout the summer, including the Classic Car & Boat Festival in June and Ballons Over Bay Harbor in September.

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BOYNE COUNTRY This gorgeous tapestry of recreation is woven from Boyne City, Walloon Lake Village, Boyne Resorts and shorelines on both Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake. Find fabulous craft beer pubs, boutiques and an abundance of waterside parks, including Young State Park. Don’t Miss: The National Morel Mushroom Festival, May 15–18, brings together hundreds of mushroom lovers from across the globe.

PHOTO BY RACHEL HAGGERTY

Bay Harbor

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CHEBOYGAN In this city blessed with Lake Huron and Cheboygan River frontage, view shipwrecks through a glass-bottomed boat with Nautical North Family Adventures, and hike and bike on more trails than in any other county in the state. Entertainment ranges from the restored Victorian-era Cheboygan Opera House to fam-friendly Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows. Cheboygan Brewing Co. has the craft beer scene covered. Don’t Miss: No one leaves town without eating at the Hack-Ma-Tack Inn & Restaurant on the Cheboygan River.

PETOSKEY For adventure, set your kayak into the whitewater at Bear River Valley Recreation Area. Get your culture on browsing the exhibits at Crooked Tree Arts Center, or take in a concert in the resort community of Bay View, known for its gingerbread cottages. Your beach: right in town at Petoskey State Park. Don’t Miss: Wind down in the historic Gaslight District, where the Victorian-era storefronts are packed with fabulous shops, galleries, boutiques, cafés and brewpubs.

CROSS VILLAGE & GOOD HART Treat yourself to browsing these quaint towns right on scenic M-119, otherwise known as the Tunnel of Trees. In Good Hart, find the Good Hart General Store, Primitive Images, Good Hart & Soul Tea Room and A Studio gift shop. Farther north, in Cross Village, stop at Three Pines Studio and Legs Inn—an authentic Polish restaurant in a cool stone-and-timber building. Don’t Miss: Catch a polo match (yes, the pony kind) at the improbable, far-flung Bliss Polo Club, where players compete in a former potato field in the tiny town of Bliss.

HARBOR SPRINGS This waterfront town is a pretty postcard of galleries, boutiques, bakeries and cafés tucked along Main Street where flowers tumble from shop-window boxes—don’t miss a stroll here. For a beach day, choose from kid-friendly Zorn Park beach downtown or 300 feet of secluded bliss at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. Harbor Springs is also the launching point for the Tunnel of Trees scenic drive along M-119—20 miles of natural beauty. Don’t Miss: The annual Little Traverse Yacht Club Ugotta Regatta, July 25–27, brings in some of the best sailboat racers in the country.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

MACKINAC ISLAND Sweetwater Floral, Village of Walloon Lake Take the eight-mile scenic bike ride around the island, go back in time at Fort Mackinac, rock in a rocker on the longest porch in the world at Grand Hotel, gorge on fudge, smell the lilacs, relax ST. IGNACE on a carriage tour, sip a cocktail waterside at Pink Pony, snap a selfie at Learn about the Mackinac Bridge (while you’re looking at it!) at Bridge View Arch Rock and never, ever get in a car. Don’t Miss: Fly kites, skip stones Park, explore the Museum of Objiwa Culture, take a historic walking tour and dip your toes in the water at Windermere Point, right at the west end along the Lake Huron Boardwalk to Wawatam Lighthouse and lose yourself of Main Street. in the silky Lake Michigan sand dunes along US-2. Don’t Miss: The St. Ignace Car Show Weekend, June 26–29, shows off more than 800 vehicles.

MACKINAW CITY At the very tip of the mitten and in the shadow of the Mackinac Bridge you’ll find a bustling gateway to Mackinac Island and the U.P. This popular basecamp for the Straits is home to some of the region’s best fudge. Visit Colonial Michilimackinac to explore a fort staffed by dozens of costumed re-enactors, or to see how the cosmos looks from the tip of our beautiful peninsula, go to Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Don’t Miss: The Mackinac Bridge Walk is a favorite September tradition.

VILLAGE OF WALLOON LAKE Anchored by the dreamy Hotel Walloon, this blink-and-miss-it town is home to Insta-famous Sweetwater Floral, the bustling Barrel Back restaurant, and several outfitters to help you play on the storied crystal waters of Walloon Lake. Don’t Miss: Walloon Lake Beach is a public access sandy beach with volleyball and horseshoes and a quiet, local feel.

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Inspiring Design | Thoughtfully Crafted | Exceptionally Built 117 howard street, petoskey mi 49770 www.white-liebler.com 231-347-6870

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Pink Pony

Outdoor Dining: Our Patio Season Picks Is there anything better than a table in the sunshine and a lake breeze?

Check out some of our favorite spots to dine al fresco.

local sip

by Cara McDonald

BRANDY’S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR Brandy’s is like someone’s idea of a restaurant in heaven: a laidback cabana bar with four walk-up “micro kitchens” serving wings and beer, fresh fish, comfort food and creative healthy fare, perched on the edge of a marina on Little Traverse Bay. We’d score a dockside patio seat, order up a lobster quesadilla with a cold rosé then bliss out to the clink of the sailboat riggings on the masts.

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

CAFE SANTÉ, BOYNE CITY Scoring a table on a summer evening here is a vacation-maker. The view of Lake Charlevoix (just feet away) is ahhh-inducing, a glass half-wall protects from the breeze and a fire ring adds warmth and ambiance.

The superb bistro fare ranges from wood-fired pizzas to moules-frites and the beer, wine and cocktails are distinctly European.

LEGS INN, CROSS VILLAGE This bluff-top restaurant is the best seat in the house when the sun is sinking into the vast Lake Michigan horizon. The cuisine revolves around robust Polish

dishes—a tribute to the Polish immigrant who built this restaurant of stone, wood and old stove legs trimming the roof.

PINK PONY, MACKINAC ISLAND For 75 years and counting, the Pink Pony has been the place to hang out on Mackinac Island. Snag a table under a pink umbrella harborside and watch the ferries come and go as you graze on upscale tavern fare.

May we suggest starting with the Famous Island Rum Runner cocktail.

STAFFORD’S PIER RESTAURANT, HARBOR SPRINGS To really soak up the vibe of this harbor town on Little Traverse Bay, take a table on the deck—which is so close to the pier you’ll feel like you’re on it. As boats of all shapes and styles slide in and out of the harbor, linger over house specialties like seafood chowder, planked whitefish and lobster carbonara.

Boyne Valley Vineyards has a beautiful barn-like tasting room in Petoskey with a treehouse tasting deck. Sip the estate Marquette rosé with juicy raspberry and strawberry notes.

Tip: The tasting room neighbors the scenic 113-acre Postle Farm Preserve with marked trails, so after wine, wander the scattered meadows and hardwood forest.

link.mynorth.com/PetoskeyEats

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A New Up North Getaway

Welcome to Otis, where inspired design and thoughtful details meet the natural beauty of Northern Michigan.

Nestled on 10 scenic acres along the iconic Tunnel of Trees, Otis offers lodging, seasonal food, craft beverages, and easy access to explore the great outdoors.

Rooted in a legacy of mid-century design, storied history, and annual traditions, we’ve created a place to unwind and enjoy—whether you’re staying for a week or simply stopping by to share a meal.

otisharborsprings.com • 231-270-6090 • Harbor Springs, MI 0525_TVM_Otis Hotel custom.indd 78

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Sip in Style at These NoMi Craft Cocktail Hot Spots From speakeasy-style lounges to lakefront bars, mixology Up North is pushing boundaries with inventive ingredients, clever food pairings and all the right vibes.

by MEAGAN FRANCIS

W

ith a strong emphasis on quality, creativity and locally sourced ingredients, bartenders and mixologists across Northern Michigan are crafting experiences as unforgettable as the landscapes that surround them. Here’s where to get a taste of the North’s cocktail scene—and how to make it a weekend.

MALTED VINYL, PETOSKEY

At Mitchell Street’s new Malted Vinyl listening lounge, the music is loud and the drinks are on point. Patrons order up a craft cocktail (like the Bittersweet Symphony with fernet, bitters, lime cider and ginger), select an album from the shelf, attach a sticky note requesting A or B side, and slot it in a bin to wait its turn. Sit back, sip and soak in the good vibes. The zero-proof cocktail menu is also super solid.

Sip and Stay Otis also makes an ideal basecamp for a weekend enjoying the Harbor-Petoskey food and craft bev scene. “We wanted to ensure the place felt timeless—like a space that had been around since the mid-century and was now brought to modern life,” notes Kamron Bijeh-Apple, general manager at Otis. Luxury touches mean guests can curl up in Frette linens and enjoy Flamingo Estate bath products.

The Otis experience extends beyond its mid-century design and idyllic setting. The property also offers a forward-thinking (and much sought-after) dining option focusing on shareable plates that highlight in-season ingredients, made fresh daily.

Handcrafted pasta, Mediterranean-inspired dishes like beet

HIGH FIVE SPIRITS TASTING ROOM, PETOSKEY

This cozy yet lively bar is the brainchild of the team behind Gypsy Vodka, and it showcases expertly mixed drinks with flavors inspired by local bounty, based on flagship spirits such as strawberry rhubarb gin and apple pie vodka.

ESPERANCE, CHARLEVOIX

This European-inspired wine and cocktail bar offers attention to detail in an intimate setting, offering handcrafted cocktails that highlight the best of local and imported ingredients. Their seasonal sangrias and herb-infused gin cocktails are particularly delightful.

photo courtesy of Otis Hotel

OTIS HOTEL, HARBOR SPRINGS

Otis, a design-forward reboot of a classic Harbor Springs motel, also has a thoughtful bar scene—management brought in a director with roots in Detroit’s iconic Sugar House, a pioneering cocktail bar that helped spearhead the city’s craft cocktail movement. The Fireplace Lounge, anchored by a restored fieldstone fireplace and contemporary bar, offers a menu filled with innovative cocktails that blend house-made infusions with premium spirits, alongside a wine list that offers a selection of global and local vintages.

Every drink is crafted with precision, from house-made syrups and infused spirits to hand-cut ice and meticulously balanced flavors. Whether guests are in the mood for a refreshing summer spritz or the Otis take on a classic—the Otis Fashioned—the bar team delivers with expertise and flair.

hummus, and elevated classics like lamb shank are just some of the seasonal menu items that guests can enjoy while relaxing in the renovated dining room, lounge or on the property’s deck—drink in hand.

“There are plenty of hotels with traditional Northern Michigan charm, but we wanted something different,” says Bijeh-Apple. “A place where hospitality and design converge, where great food and drink are the centerpiece of your stay.”

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Get Lost in Les Cheneaux This archipelago oasis should be your next island vacation. text and photos by Allison Jarrell Acosta

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es Cheneaux is a slice of pure Up North paradise, with its 36 islands and classic wooden boats cruising the ribbons of blue in between. Your mission this weekend: to explore as much of this water wonderland as you possibly can.

Here’s how.

Day 1: Visitors will quickly discover what Les Cheneaux residents already know: It’s hard not to smile while making waves on a classic wooden powerboat. In Les Cheneaux, wooden boats aren’t just a vessel for waterlogged summer days, they’re a way of life. Hessel—the islands’ second anchor city, just west of Cedarville—is home to the first Chris-Craft dealership in the world, E.J. Mertaugh Boat Works, which opened in 1925. Today, the shop partners with community organizations to host the annual Antique Wooden Boat Show every second Saturday in August, the largest show of its kind in the world.

Check out Island Charters for fishing trips (everything from big-lake fishing to fly fishing) and custom tours from Mackinac Island to Les Cheneaux to Drummond Island. You can also take a five-hour Les Cheneaux Lighthouse Cruise, offered by Shepler’s Ferry, that boasts views of six lights, as well as a look at the archipelago’s many channels.

After spending the day boating, head to Les Cheneaux Culinary School for delicious farm-to-table dishes sourced from local producers, like citrus salad sprinkled with fresh dill and a house-milled country loaf with sour butter.

Save room for dreamy desserts like honey panna cotta and blueberry galette.

Camp by the water in Cedarville at Loons Point Campground. Head to the dock at sundown, taking a quick dip in the bay and drying off later by the bonfire. Les Cheneaux is home to plenty of rustic camping options, too—like Search Bay Nature Preserve west of Hessel or Government Island (the only public island in Les Cheneaux) that can be reached by kayak, canoe or motorboat.

Day 2: Start your morning with a guided kayak trip with local outfitter Woods & Waters. An early departure makes for calm waters, and this slower-paced tour lets you spot nesting eagles and osprey, picturesque cottages and wild forested shorelines. Other trip options include a nightly sunset paddle and a full moon paddle.

For after-paddle sustenance, stop in Les Cheneaux Distillers in Cedarville and order up a Boot Bloody Mary (served with all of the pickles). When you head to this intimate micro-distillery for spirits, beer or even a glass of smallbatch wine, make sure to order some Potato Mashers for the table.

Next up, shop Applecore General Store. Owner Amy Polk’s idyllic onestop shop, surrounded by apple trees, of course, is a sensory treat. Peruse nature-inspired prints by artist Katie Eberts and sniff local handmade soaps from Cedar Shore Soaps, and set aside plenty of time—this shop is made for lingering.

Finish your day with a lakeside hike, right across the road from the general store. The 207-acre William B. Derby Nature Preserve sits along the northern shore of Lake Huron and is excellent for birdwatching. This globally rare shoreline topography is also home to an array of scarce plant species, like the lesser-fringed gentian.

Insider Tip: Mark your calendar for this year’s Aldo Leopold Festival, May 28–June 1. Leopold, one of the country’s most influential naturalists, spent several months a year with his family in Les Cheneaux at their cottage on Marquette Island. The festival includes paddling excursions, orchid and wildflower tours and birding trips.

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May 15 - October 11am-5pm (Daily) November - May 15 11am-5pm (Fri & Sat) 2025 NORTHERN MICHIGAN SUMMER VACATION GUIDE

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Flat & Friendly Hikes These accessible adventures invite folks of all abilities to marvel in the wonder of the Northwoods.

by Cara McDonald

F

or most of us drawn to the North, the allure of getting lost in the woods or wandering the water’s edge is what makes life here so delicious.

But barriers like rough or uneven trails, challenging terrain, long distances without an easy path back and a lack of facilities mean that those with different needs and abilities can’t always enjoy what many of us take for granted.

Here are four hikes perfectly accessible to all.

Spring Lake Park PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE TRAVERSE CONSERVANCY

EMMET COUNTY

This trail between Petoskey and Harbor Springs includes a mighty stretch of protected Spring Lake shoreline. The township park offers a lake overlook, boardwalk trails across the wetlands, water, restrooms, picnic tables and a fishing platform, and for ease there’s paved parking at the trailhead just off of M-119.

Duncan Bay Nature Preserve

Duncan Bay Nature Preserve

Headlands International Dark Sky Park

North Western State Trail

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY

EMMET COUNTY

EMMET COUNTY

Although not completely wheelchair accessible, the .9-mile trail at Duncan Bay Nature Preserve is an easy walk with boardwalked trails that lead to the Lake Huron shoreline. A majority of the preserve is wetlands and home to abundant wildlife, including migratory waterfowl.

The Headlands welcomes visitors 24/7 to experience the night sky in a way that’s almost impossible to do anywhere else—in complete darkness, on a 2-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. There’s a guest house, visitor center, gift shop and amphitheater-style viewing area. Marked nature trails guide hikers and bicyclists.

For a paved/rolling adventure, the 32-mile NWST connects Petoskey, Alanson, Pellston and Mackinaw City. The 7-mile section of trail between M-119 in Petoskey and Powers Road in Alanson is asphalt. In Alanson, don’t miss Sanctuary Park, where a hand-propelled ferry takes you to an island boardwalk trail.

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leelanau

the up north

insider’s list

Savor the natural beauty and hidden treasures that call this bucolic county home.

by Allison Jarrell Acosta

Drop by 9 Bean Rows for the flakiest croissants, fresh produce and woodfired pizzas. Grab a latte and a lemon poppyseed muffin and soak in the rolling farmstead views.

Visit the tiny port village of Glen Haven for a picturesque beach day. Peruse the historic shops and museums, and book a stay at the Sleeping Bear Inn, a charming B&B established in 1857.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely feast of the senses at Bohemian Lavender Farm in Maple City. Don’t skip the lavender cookies with lemon frosting.

Drive scenic M-22 just south of Suttons Bay and stop at the Leelanau Cheese shop, where you can watch authentic award-winning French raclette being made.

Head to Good Harbor Bay for seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach, rock hunting galore and plenty of room for beach bonfires on a starry night.

MAP ILLUSTRATION BY GAIL SNABLE

Paddle the Cedar River. The 548-acre undisturbed wetland—known as Northern Michigan’s Everglades— is among the most pristine natural areas left in the state. (Put in at Cedar Village Park.)

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Small-Town Travels The eclectic towns of the Leelanau Peninsula are alive with shopping, restaurants, outdoor concerts and more.

Here’s your introduction.

by Lissa Martin and Allison Jarrell Acosta

CEDAR & MAPLE CITY Stop in Cedar for a cuppa joe at Cedar River Coffee Company before discovering the treasures of this tiny shopping district, including L. Saile Designer Jewelry, Wool & Honey yarn shop and the Polish Art Center. The good ol’ Cedar Tavern does pub fare right, but don’t miss the Cedar Sol Taco Stand and Polish Countryside Kitchen food truck. Find killer pizza at Market 22 in Maple City, learn to curl (on an indoor rink) at Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse and hit happy hour at La Bécasse for charcuterie and wine. Don’t Miss: The Cedar Polka Fest is a true spectacle; catch it Aug. 21–24.

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EMPIRE Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Visitor Center is located here, as well as the Empire Bluff hiking trail with its glorious view of Lake Michigan.

Browse sweet shops and take a surfing lesson from Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak. Fuel up at the Village Inn, Joe’s Friendly Tavern and Shipwreck Cafe (hearty sandwiches, but don’t skip the pizza). Don’t Miss: For a sweet treat, hit Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate Shop for hand-dipped truffles, homemade fudgesicles or a gelato flight.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

Empire Bluff hiking trail

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GLEN ARBOR Set in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Sleeping Bear Bay, this town exudes outdoor fun. Kayak the Crystal River or bike the Heritage Trail. Discover all things cherry at Cherry Republic, eat a burger at iconic Art’s Tavern (cash or check only), grab coffee and a pastry at The Mill and sip wine at M22 Wine Tasting Bar or Glen Arbor Wines. Don’t Miss: The cherry-smattered menu at Cherry Public House has something for everyone (get the Parmesan-encrusted grilled cheese). Beer and wine for the adults, ice cream for the littles and live music many nights a week.

LAKE LEELANAU Situated on the beautiful Lake Leelanau Narrows, this town mixes a friendly vibe with the buzz of three wine tasting rooms (Amoritas, Boathouse, Soul Squeeze) and Northern Latitudes Distillery. Find fab brunch at Fiddleheads and Indian carry-out at NJ’s Grocery. Grab coffee at Pedaling Beans, try the classic tavern fare at Dick’s Pour House or enjoy the best of both worlds at Nittolo’s Seafood & Pizza. Don’t Miss: Set on the south end of Lake Leelanau, the South End Tiki at Paradise Cove Bar & Grill is a true hidden gem— over-the-top tiki atmosphere, solid bar food and super laidback friendly service.

SUTTONS BAY Suttons Bay rocks a hip vibe with its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants (Martha’s Leelanau Table and Wren are highlights) and the communityowned Bay Theatre. The hopping Hop Lot Brewing Co. is just south of town. Find hiking and biking at the edge of town on TART’s Leelanau Trail.

And check out Suttons Bay Marina a block from downtown, where the picture-worthy schooner and schoolship Inland Seas is docked. Don’t Miss: Taste test the sparkling wines at MAWBY, a long-respected winery with gorgeous vineyard views. Achieve brunch vibes with a mimosa flight and the Spanish charcuterie plate.

Lake Leelanau

TOP PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER // BOTTOM PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

LELAND This coastal town shines from its Main Street down to its harbor, where you’ll find the wharf and shanties of Fishtown filled with shopping, food and fresh fish. Book a Lake Michigan charter here or hop the ferry to South Manitou Island. Dining scene stars include to-go sammies from Village Cheese Shanty, The Cove, Riverside Inn and The Bluebird. Wine taste downtown at Verterra. Don’t Miss: The lavish Leland Wine & Food Festival returns June 14.

NORTHPORT This postcard-perfect town is the gateway to the tippy-top of the Leelanau Peninsula, where you’ll find Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Leelanau State Park and Peterson Park. Shop the many eclectic storefronts, or go bowling at Northport Pub & Grille. Eatery standouts include: Fingers Crossed, Faro, Around the Corner, New Bohemian Cafe and the Mitten Brewing Company. Don’t Miss: The Northport Dog Parade is the North’s cutest event; you won’t wanna miss it in August (check online for the exact date).

Empire

OMENA & PESHAWBESTOWN In this charming postage stamp–sized town perched on Omena Bay, take a waterside table at Knot Just a Bar or Leelanau Cellars wine tasting room, and stop to U-Pick at Omena Cut Flowers.

Find Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown, the home of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Don’t Miss: Discover Indigenous Northern Michigan cuisine (think fry bread and wild rice soup) at Raphael Food’s truck in Peshawbestown.

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Food & Drink Newsletter

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Rick's Cafe at the Cove, Leland

Outdoor Dining: Our Patio Season Picks Is there anything better than a table in the sunshine and a lake breeze?

Check out some of our favorite spots to dine al fresco.

by Lissa Martin & Allison Jarrell Acosta

MARTHA’S LEELANAU TABLE, SUTTONS BAY Dine under a 300-foot pine on Martha’s patio. Decked in lights and lanterns, the restaurant’s backyard seating has a romantic aura, amplified by live music (Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays). If it rains, there’s a sweet covered patio in front. As always, you’ll dine on Martha’s superb farm-to-table cuisine and robust libation offerings.

Reservation only.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN

NITTOLO’S SEAFOOD & PIZZA, LAKE LEELANAU You’ll feel like you tumbled into Tuscany when you take a table on this dreamy terrace tucked away in the heart of tiny Lake Leelanau. The food and extensive wine menu at Nittolo’s are always memorable, but paired with this pergola setting, an evening here is like a mini vacay.

KNOT JUST A BAR, OMENA Everyone should put dining on the deck of Knot Just a Bar on their summer bucket list. Get there by boat (the bar has slips available for customers) or car, and grab a quick lunch, Sunday breakfast or a linger-worthy

dinner. Get the Pike-Perch Kone—fried perch and fries in a paper cone—and enjoy while you gaze out over turquoise-blue Omena Bay. BLU, GLEN ARBOR Here’s how to score a beachside table on the terrace of this fine-dining establishment. Wake up, check the weather forecast ASAP. If there’s no chance of rain, hop on Blu’s website and reserve an outside table—reservations for outdoor dining are day-of only. If possible, time your meal to catch the sun slipping into Sleeping Bear Bay. RICK’S CAFE AT THE COVE, LELAND There’s nothing like sitting on the deck at Rick’s Cafe, a Fishtown icon wedged between the dam on the Leland River and the Leland Harbor. Watch fish swim in the river and boats come and go while sipping the legendary Chubby Mary: a Bloody Mary made with all the fixings— including a smoked chub stuck in, tail-down.

local sip My favorite only-in-Leelanau date night is cider sipping at Tandem Ciders, a white barn tasting room with the vibe of a British pub, tucked away in orchard country.

Curate your own cider flight and take in the idyllic setting.

Tip: Down the road, you’ll find Alpers Berry Farm. Pick fresh raspberries to snack while you sip.

link.mynorth.com/LeelanauEats

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Spend a Day in Northport Situated at the tip of the peninsula, this picturesque, laidback village is quite literally the crown jewel of Leelanau. Here’s what we’d do if we had 24 hours in this beach town.

PHOTO BY ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

by Allison Jarrell Acosta & Carly Simpson

Peterson Park

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Downtown Northport

Start with a Sweet Treat

If you’re driving into downtown Northport along Shabwasung Street, you’ll see a small sign on your right for Adelade’s. You should stop. Inside the small, self-serve shed, you’ll find gorgeous bouquets of local blooms, homemade pastries, and cookies in flavors like cherry oatmeal, chocolate no-bake and my personal fave, peanut butter chocolate chip. If you’re still craving more, head to Barb’s Bakery, a Northport institution. Here you’ll find fresh-baked doughnuts and their famous cinnamon twists. (Note: Barb’s is cash only.)

Bonus points: Right next door to Barb’s is Little Beauty Kitchen, where esthetician Kelly Kehl gives the most magical facials with her own line of skincare (by appointment only). If you know when you’ll be in town, try booking with her ahead of time!

Scope the Shops

Before heading to your preferred waterfront destination, find a beach read at Dog Ears Books. Or, if you’re in need of a new pair of shades or a beach tote, poke into the ever-adorable Porcupine Cabin.

Hit the Beach(es)

Located next to the marina in the heart of this beautiful Lake Michigan town, Bay Front Park has that storybook Gilmore Girls (read: Stars Hollow) feel. Find a swimming beach, picnic tables, playground, volleyball court and a gazebo.

The peninsula also has something special in store for avid rock hunters.

Be sure to comb the beaches at Peterson Park and Christmas Cove—both less than a 10-minute drive from downtown Northport—if you’re interested in spotting a Petoskey stone. Peterson Park, situated on a bluff 150 feet above the water, is also a perfect spot to watch the sun set below the Lake Michigan horizon.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Explore the Tip of the Peninsula

Yard & Lake

Northport is the gateway to the tippy top of the Leelanau Peninsula, where you’ll find the Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Leelanau State Park—picture-perfect stops worth exploring if you have the time. Admission to the lighthouse ($5 for adults, $2 for children 6–12, free for kids 5 and under) includes a self-guided tour that details the museum’s artifacts and points of interest. Climb to the top of the nearly 50-foot light and soak up those bright blue lake views.

THIS PHOTO AND TOP PHOTO BY ALLISON JARRELL ACOSTA

Grab a Bite

Hungering for a midday picnic? Stop into New Bohemian—a neighborhood café offering coffee and tea, grab-and-go sandwiches and cookies (the size of your head). If you’re seeking a more formal meal, find the freshest whitefish and chips at Fingers Crossed, pizza at Faro and creative comfort food at Around the Corner.

Sip like a Local

Marina Park

No need to brush the sand off your ankles—grab a bite and a beer at The Mitten Brewing Co. A stone’s throw from the marina, this über-popular brewery has a covered outdoor biergarten outfitted with a big stone fireplace where you’ll find The Big Hot Woody spinning pizza pies. Snag a table with a view of boats bobbing in their slips and take Dan the bartender’s rec for a warm, sunny day and order up a refreshing Mango Gold—kettle-soured wheat beer brewed with loads of mango.

For cocktails, head around the corner to Yard & Lake and end your day sipping spicy margs and blueberry lavender mojitos al fresco under a twinkling pergola.

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Natural Wonders of Sleeping Bear The dunes are home to an array of beautiful flora and fauna. Here’s what to look for.

by Allison Jarrell Acosta

O

ur country’s national parks are full of rare and wild natural splendor, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is no exception. Our dunescapes and shorelines are home to endangered, threatened and ephemeral wildlife that require not only awareness, but respect—for visitors to view and admire, but from a distance. This social contract is needed now more than ever, as our parks face cuts to critical funding and staffing.

Experts have said these cuts are a threat to species like the piping plover, whose delicate lifecycle and ecosystem have long been monitored and protected by park staff.

If you’re able to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes, please do so responsibly. Be mindful of your footprint (leave no trace, dogs on leashes), be patient and kind to park staff, and be sure to thank them for all they do to steward our precious natural resources.

With that said, here are some flora and fauna to keep an eye out for this summer…

Time your visit for spring or early summer to catch the North’s ephemeral wildflowers in all their glory at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Some of the best trails in the park for spotting flowers include: Pyramid Point, Old Indian Trail, Shauger Hill Trail and Windy Moraine. Keep an eye out for trillium, Jack-inthe-pulpit, trout lilies, Carolina springbeauty, violets, Dutchman’s breeches and more.

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Pitcher’s Thistle

This silvery plant with spiny leaves is a native thistle that thrives on the beaches and grassland dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Unfortunately, due to shoreline development and invasive species colonization, pitcher’s thistle is a federally threatened species, and is at risk of becoming endangered. It’s important to stay on the wooden walkways and established trails, and to keep an eye out for pitcher’s thistle; we don’t want to trample these rare plants before they can reproduce.

Piping Plovers

Sleeping Bear is home to these small, endangered shorebirds, and it’s remarkable to observe them here, as there are only 81 nesting pairs in the Great Lakes Region. Piping plovers suffer from habitat loss and predation—the beaches they use for nesting and raising their young are often developed or used for recreation. To protect these birds, please watch from a distance, keep dogs on leashes and don’t feed gulls or leave food on the beach.

TOP PHOTO BY TAYLOR BROWN // INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Wildflowers

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Whether you head North for vacation or a day trip. Start planning your next adventure on MyNorth.com

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Fishtown: Your Budget-Friendly Itinerary Here’s how to get the most out of your Fishtown experience.

by Lissa Martin & Allison Jarrell Acosta

Get in line—the mountainous creations made on loaves of pretzel bread at Village Cheese Shanty are legendary (and they’re definitely worth the wait on a busy summer weekend). If you’re not sure where to start, the North Shore is a fan fave: turkey, bacon, swiss. These oversized sammies will run you about $9.50 (remember to tip!).

Put Joy in Your Selfie

The iconic fishing tugs, Janice Sue and Joy, tied up to the Fishtown dock make irresistible photo ops. Go take a pic or two while you wait for your sandwich.

Snag a Shanty Souvenir

The shanty shops have you covered for souvenirs, from Leland blue jewelry at The Bead Hut or a Stormy Kromer cap from Diversions, to fun outdoorsy gear from Wild Lettie.

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Get Your Sugar Fix

Hit the Dam Candy Store for classic treats like jelly bellies and saltwater taffy (only $5 for a half-pound bag). And while you’re at it … you might as well grab an ice cream cone, too.

Snap a Dam Picture

The view from the bridge over the Leland River Dam never gets old. Be sure to grab a photo before you leave!

Bonus: Island Time

If it’s in your budget, consider taking a day trip to South Manitou Island (ferry tickets are $45, $23 for kids). Sublimely beautiful and uninhabited, this island is accessible only by private boat or the Manitou Island Transit ferry in Leland. To really make the most of your South Manitou visit, make sure to sign up for the motorized tours (the only motorized vehicles allowed on the island) given by the ferry crew.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Eat the County’s Most Famous Sammie

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