Homelife FEBRUARY / MARCH 2013
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Ski-in ski out
Three homes on the slopes
Puppy love Dress your furry
friend for the cold
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White hot chocolate
6 Keep ‘em warm 8 Pamper
those paws
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On top of the mountain
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Slopeside living
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Nestled in the foothills
37 2013: Moving
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Snowshoe tips
ahead with confidence Expert advice from David Shuman
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a note from the
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editor
ere we are, mid-winter and looking for some snowbound fun. Well, I found some. I’ve had the most wonderful time exploring the local ski resorts and the lovely properties available for those who like wintertime play in Northern Michigan. These folks know how to have a good time. There are delightful, luxury homes at all the local resorts — Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob — and we found several for our readers to check out. The hilltop house at Boyne Mountain proved a stellar display of northern style, perfectly melded to the structure’s recreational function, a design intended to suit a large, Michigan family that loves to play in the snow. The slopeside condominium at Boyne Highlands made for a cozy, little getaway for a hard-working and hard-playing downstate family that thrives on their brand of Northern Michigan fun, whether it’s on skis, snowshoes or high-powered snowmo-
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biles. Finally, the luxury home at Hamlet Village Mountain Side, at the base of the southern Nub’s Nob ski runs, makes for a peaceful place to relax in the northern hardwoods, not far from cross-country ski trails and the chair lifts to the top of the ski hill. Then there’s all those dogs. We learned in putting together this issue of HomeLife magazine that people love their dogs. A lot.
Whether it’s a boisterous bulldog, a fuzzy mountain dog or little precious pooch, people tend to make a fuss over their canine family members, which often come along on family vacations or for a round of snowfilled fun in Northern Michigan. So it’s important to take care of your dog, whether that means a toenail trim or a fancy, new sweater. Finally, there’s some advice on how to approach outdoor winter activities if downhill skiing just isn’t your thing. Snowshoes can make for a calmer, quieter experience in the winter woods, which may be a better pace for your family. So strap on the ski boots, bundle up the dog and head out for some fun in the snowcovered northwoods. There’s so very much beauty to behold out there, and you can get a jump start right here. sheri mcWhirter-o’Donnell
HOMElife Editor smcwhirter@petoskeynews.com
HOMElife an up-north MAGAZINE
February / March 2013 Publisher Doug Caldwell Editor Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell smcwhirter@petoskeynews.com Photography G. Randall Goss rgoss@petoskeynews.com Layout & Design Renée Tanner rtanner@petoskeynews.com
Advertising: Carol Donohue cdonohue@petoskeynews.com (231) 439-9331 Robin Petruska rpetruska@petoskeynews.com (231) 439-9332 © HomeLife, all rights reserved, 2013. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect any endorsement for any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement that there is approval for such endorsement.
To subscribe, call Northern Michigan Review, Inc. (231) 347-2544
HomeLife,
Volume 6 Issue 4 Feb/March 2013 (USPS #) is published bi-monthly $19.95 per year by Northern Michigan Review, Inc. 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770. Periodicals postage pending at Petoskey, Mich. Postmaster: Send address changes to: HomeLife, 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770 HOMelife 5
product guide
Spencer
amun Bailey
Easy
Keep ‘em cozy
Dress the family dog for outdoor winter fun
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By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss
ust because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean you have to spend the winter indoors, nor do your pets. A number of area shops sell outdoor wear and various types of gear for your pampered pooch, who likely appreciates daily walks in the neighborhood, even in the winter. Local canine fashion experts suggest different types of dog clothing for various breeds and needs. Becky Philipp-Kranig, who owns Bearcub Outfitters in downtown Petoskey,
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suggests dog jackets in winter, along with other gear. “It depends on the dog. Some dogs do get cold,” she said. “There is some practicality to it. We recommend dressing appropriately for outdoor weather — the whole family, including the dog.” Spencer, a 5-year-old Havanese dog, recently modeled a Ruffwear synthetic pack, a tool that allows him to carry his own necessities during long wintertime walks. “It’s basically a hiking pack for dogs. You can carry food, treats, waste bags,” said Alex
Lapp, the store’s assistant manager. And despite his tiny size, Spencer loves to play in snowbanks. “He loves to dive in the snow and he’s extremely playful,” said Spencer’s owner, Marjorie Mehney, of Petoskey. “He’s not a foofoo dog.” Philipp-Kranig’s dog, 10-year-old shepherd-Lab mix Bailey, participated by wearing a Ruffwear dog coat. “We also sell dog boots, which are good for dogs that don’t like the snow and those with long hair on their paws,” she said.
“We recommend dressing appropriately for outdoor weather — the whole family, including the dog.” Becky Philipp-Kranig Bearcub Outfitters
It’s a way for fashion and function to go together, Philipp-Kranig said. “They need exercise. You need exercise. No matter what the temperature is, you can get out together and exercise,” she said. In Harbor Springs, Marty MacGregor owns MacGregor’s Pet Pantry, right next door to the IGA grocery. His 6-year-old German shorthair named Easy modeled a colorful, knitted sweater by Chilly Dog as a winter warming option. Pet Pantry also sells dog coats and other gear by RC Pets and other brands. “It keeps them warm and keeps the wet off,” MacGregor said. But some people prefer more fashionable-looking sweaters to trail-hiking dog gear, said Kate Rasmussen, of Harbor Springs, who works at the shop. They even sell Pugz, tiny versions of their humans’ Ugg boots. Rasmussen also said Pet Pantry stocks a miracle product for tender dog paws, especially if the dog maintains an aversion to doggie boots — as many do. “It’s called Musher’s Secret. It’s a natural wax for paw pads,” she said. Of course, selection at both Bearcub Outfitters and the Pet Pantry is greater during the autumn, when the retailers stock up their shelves with fresh supplies of winter products. But both shops still maintain a good inventory from which to choose, even now at mid-winter. HL Bearcub Outfitters 321 E. Lake St., Petoskey (231) 439-9500 www.bearcuboutfitters.com MacGregor’s Pet Pantry 203 Clark St., Harbor Springs (231) 526-7160 www.harborpawsandclaws.com/ macgregor-pet-pantry
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your pet
Pamper the paws Proper grooming is key to winter canine health
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By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss
any Northern Michigan dogs embrace our snowy winters and there are a few simple things their humans can do to keep them healthy and romping through the white stuff. Christine Judd, owner of Northern Pet Salon in Boyne City, said that contrary to some people’s beliefs, dogs should continue to be groomed through winter months. Not grooming dogs in the winter can actually be detrimental, she said. Judd recommends dog owners pay careful attention to their pet’s feet and furry coat. Both have special needs when it’s not summertime, she said. “A dog’s undercoat is designed to keep dogs warm in winter and cool in summer. If it’s allowed to mat up, the pet’s skin cannot breathe and the undercoat cannot dry if it gets wet,” Judd said. “This can actually cause skin irritation and may never dry, which will make the dog colder. Bad cases can lead to bug infestations and skin conditions.” The best way to avoid this situation, she said, is to regularly brush a dog’s coat to minimize tangles and keep the animal mat-free. Ultimately, brushing out the dead fur in a dog’s undercoat will keep the animal warmer, Judd said. She demonstrated the technique with a favored client’s dog, Reese, a Bernese mountain dog, whose coat let go an incredible amount of dead fur during the brushing. Judd pointed out that only a dog’s dead fur will brush out of the coat, while healthy, living fur will remain. “Don’t worry. Healthy undercoat won’t 8
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Christine Judd brushes out the fur on Reese, the Bernese mountain dog from Boyne City.
come loose,” she said. If a dog has a bad case of matted fur, groomers often must shave the animal. That’s never preferred, as it can lead to subsequent fur growth problems with the dog’s coat, especially double-coated dogs, Judd said. Additionally, if not properly trimmed and maintained, a dog’s feet can become clumped up with snow and ice, which can be painful on tender paw pads. Again, Judd
showed how a dog’s feet should be kept up during the snowy season by demonstrating the grooming technique on Reese. “The hair that’s in the feet here we need to keep trimmed or it can lead to snow and ice buildup,” she said. “You also want to have the nails trimmed. If left long, it can lead to slipping and sliding in the snow.” Properly trimmed nails also will allow for better overall posture in the dog, Judd said.
The long hair on top of a dog’s foot and in a dog’s hock area also should be trimmed short — whether done by the owner or a professional groomer — also to avoid snow and ice buildup, she said. Finally, bathing dogs during the winter is important because it removes dead skin cells and other debris collected in a dog’s coat, Judd said. Groomers and own-
ers just have to ensure that dogs are fully dried before going outside again, she said. Meanwhile, Reese the friendly Bernese mountain dog will continue to play in the snow, perhaps her favorite thing. “She loves the snow. She’d rather be out than in and the colder it is, the better she likes it,” said Kathy Breedlove, Reese’s owner from Boyne City.
Northern Pet Salon is at 500 N. Lake St. in Boyne City. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, along with noon-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, with Saturday sessions by appointment only. Call (231) 582-9200 to make an appointment or visit www. northernpetsalon.com online for more information. HL
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Mountaintop
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Log home doubles as elevated family recreation center By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss
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od Boulanger is so very pleased with his new log cabin at Boyne Mountain Resort, but he’s even more pleased with how much his wife loves it. “My wife had always wanted a log cabin — a log home. So I was finally able to get her one,” Rod said. Boulanger is a retired power plant developer who worked around the world on various energy projects. He is a Northern Michigan native, but from over by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Betsie River in Benzie County. He didn’t look back this northern direction for many years, he said. “I grew up in Northern Michigan and then went south. So we have a home near Lansing and never really came back up,” Rod said. That is, until the lure of the region’s oft-sought morel mushroom brought the amateur chef to the Boyne area. Some friends invited him to their Boyne 12
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“He came up to go mushroom hunting and went home with more than morels.” Barb Hornbeck, Boyne Realty Mountain property and Rod was sold on the spot — literally. He bought the next-door lot for the Boulanger family’s up north home in the resort’s gated Edelweiss Club neighborhood, beyond the Mountain Cabins area. “He came up to go mushroom hunting and went home with more than morels,”
said Barb Hornbeck, of Boyne Realty, as she laughed. What resulted is a 4,600-square-foot lodge that sits among the highest perches at the ski resort in Boyne Falls, right between where the Alpine lift drops off skiers and where summertime golfers tee off on the Alpine or Monument courses. The house includes four bedrooms, a stunning great room, a comfortable family room and loads of beds to fill. Oh, and there’s a guest house, too. “I wanted to make sure we had areas we can all get together and congregate, but also have areas to separate, especially when all the grand-kids are here together,” Rod said.
Main level Inside the garage access door to the home, visitors are greeted by a heated slate tile floor and a knotty pine tongueand-groove wall with a row of pegs for hanging up ski and snow clothes in a
cozy mud room. Rod’s office is at the end of the hall, but around the corner is his gourmet kitchen. And what a gourmet kitchen it is. “I’ve been cooking my whole life,” Rod said. His up north kitchen is the perfect place to do it. Special quartz stone countertops encompass the kitchen, including a large and impressive island with a large pot rack fastened to the ceiling above. A Viking commercial-grade stove with high BTU gas burners and grill plate is adorned by an impressive, carved fieldstone enclosure and slate backsplash with a built-in exhaust fan, the sort that can pull air from throughout the house
and force it up and out the roof. That from above by a vaulted ceiling and chanway nobody ever knows if something delier. The gorgeous table’s centerpiece gets burned in the kitchen, Rod said, a — a collection of woodland imagery such wide grin on his face. as a taxidermy mounted mallard with The other side of the kitchen is where pheasant and partridge feathers around the refrigerator and double-stacked Vi- — even has a story. It came from a resale king professional ovens are mounted shop, Rod said. among the cupboards. The microwave “We found it and it was absolutely peris even tucked away in a lower cupboard fect for this house,” he said. “We spent so position. much time picking out the accessories “The kitchen is designed to keep oth- and it was so much fun to do.” ers away while I’m at the stove, but they Against the wall is what appears to be can still be here in the kitchen,” Rod said. an antique chest, the sort within which A beautiful, varnished wooden bar to hide away the family’s precious china. with tall stools separates the kitchen But that’s not the case, Rod said. from the dining area, where a custom“We scoured estate sales and so forth, made dining table and chairs is accented but this came from an Art Van sale HOMelife 13
before the front entryway, is a special selection by Rod’s wife, Nancy. Builders even had to remove a door frame to bring the piece indoors to install. And the special touches continue in the master bedroom, where dark furniture fills the space and an adorable luggage rack that looks like a winter sleigh sits at the foot of the bed. That item comes with a tale, too. “It was supposed to be a coffee table, but just didn’t look right,” Rod said. The master bathroom is barrier-free and includes a jetted tub ringed with individually placed stones in poured concrete, along with light-colored slate tile. The shower is a luxurious walk-in amenity with just a slight step up, recessed far enough into the wall that a shower door proves unnecessary. But perhaps the most striking element is the saloonstyle doors that separate the bathroom from the master bedroom — a touch that immediately draws attention.
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as damaged. I looked at it and said that damage matched what we wanted for the home. It looked right,” he said. “You end up with things that are brand new, custom-made or something second-hand. They give you a feel for a home. It may not be your home every day, but when 14
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you’re there it feels like home.” The adjoining great room is highlighted by large, supportive, wooden beams that cross the room, creating the ideal up north look to the home. It helps there’s a wood-burning fireplace with a built-in wood storage cubby spot crafted from the same cultured fieldstone found in the gourmet kitchen. The large and impressive raw iron chandelier that hangs in the great room,
In the basement, more wonders continue to unfold. A concrete floor is made inviting both through the heat is radiates and the intentional distressed look, which adds an almost Old World charm to this Northern Michigan ski resort home. It’s decorated with various area rugs, all with intricate and classic designs. Three guest bedrooms are found on the lower level. The first houses two queen-sized beds and two twin bunks with walk-through access to a
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bathroom, while the second keeps two queen-sized beds and a single bunk. Finally, the third guest room has a single queen bed and two twin bunks. It’s technically a walk-out basement, with an exterior door found in the second guest room. And yes, it has a story, too. “Well, I have one son-in-law who smokes and there’s no smoking in this house,” Rod said. “So we put in a door for him to go outside there.” The family room takes up the center section of the lower level, including a kitchenette and adjacent full bathroom. But the real breath-taker came even as a surprise to Rod and his family. “The bonus room is our home theater,” he said. And it’s not just a big room with a big television. This home theater comes stacked with a three-stepped, elevated platform for comfortable love seats in the back row, a step down to the full-sized couch and recliner on the next platform and the last left open for the grandchildren’s bean bags. There’s even an old popcorn machine on wheels for the full theater experience, completed with a projection screen and ceiling-mounted video system. Initial thoughts were to make a miniature bowling alley or a man cave, but the theater idea became the blockbuster. It’s the most popular room in the house, Rod said. “We spend weekends up here whenever we can. We’re always here for mushroom season, the summer season and in the winter holidays for the snow. This is all about family — coming together with plenty of things to do,” he said. “I like the way the house can bring people together for fun, but can still provide the separation for the privacy people may want.”
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Guest house A cottage-sized guest house is decorated with antique skis and warm, almost Sedona hues on the walls. The structure sits between the big house and the nearby ski lift, just across the driveway from the large, log home — or rather, the lodge. It, too, features varnished, knotty pine walls. A nicely decorated and furniturefilled sitting area is just inside the door, with an adjacent dining area and small kitchen, completed with a slate tile backsplash. Light-colored wooden cupboards fill up the kitchen area and are adorned on top by antique ski boots, a wooden mallard decoy, other historic pieces and artworks. Two bedrooms can be found inside the guest house, along with another barrier-free bathroom with an easy, step-in shower. In fact, much of the entire property is designed to be barrier-free and meet ADA standards, with ramps at every entrance and hardwood floors throughout the main level. “It was a conscious decision to have a house that fits all needs, from the grandkids running around to my wife, who uses a wheelchair,” Rod said. Rod and Nancy Boulanger recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They also have a home near Lansing and keep another place in Midland, near Nancy’s doctors. They frequently visit their log home at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls. Howard Smith Corp., of East Jordan, built the home in 2010, which is available for rental when the Boulangers aren’t there. Much of the interior design is the influence of Stacey Stokes, of Boyne Design Group in Petoskey. HL Boyne Mountain Resort 1 Boyne Mountain Road Boyne Falls www.boyne.com (231) 549-6000
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Slopeside living
Riehl family visits Boyne Highlands for snow-filled fun By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss
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he Riehl family loves to play in Northern Michigan’s snow. Their ski-in, ski-out condominium at Boyne Highlands Resort is perfectly placed as a launch pad for all their winter fun. “We bought this place and it snowballed. This became our happy place,” said Janet Riehl, of New Baltimore, on the Michigan shores of Lake St. Clair. Janet and Jim Riehl Jr.’s family owns and operates several vehicle dealerships around the Detroit area, but slips away to their Harbor Springs condo for all sorts of snow-filled fun. They both downhill and cross-country ski, ride snowmobiles and even go for the occasional snowshoe hike in the woods. “I try to get here every other weekend,” Janet said. The Riehls can hop onto the Lois Lane ski run out the back of their condo, or catch the Interconnect lift to the top of the run to ski their way back to their Alpine Village condo. “Condo living is wonderful and the skiin, ski-out is great. You can’t beat it,” Janet said. And within the family’s condo, it seems nearly every piece of furniture or artwork comes with a story, usually about spending time shopping and having fun in the region. A painting from the former Gaslight Gallery in downtown Petoskey. A decorative bench from the Petoskey Art in the Park event. Lamps from All Phase Lighting in Petoskey. A silly, wooden deer mount from the Bay Harbor Arts Festival. Beautiful Amish-made dining table, bar stools, coffee table and fireplace mantle. The dining table, chairs and bar stools all have lovely, varnished natural bark edging, a special request by Janet, she said. The décor is in line with up north cottages and log cabins that dot the Northern Michigan
“This is my log cabin condo. I didn’t know if I’d ever get a log cabin.” Janet Riehl landscape. “This is my log cabin condo. I didn’t know if I’d ever get a log cabin,” Janet said, laughing. Inside the front door is a mud room and staircase that leads to the Riehls’ upstairs condo, a landing adorned with woodsy decorations. On the main level, a tidy kitchen is separated from the dining area by a long bar lined with stools. The living room features a flat screen television above the fireplace and special mantle, all behind individually chosen pieces of fur-
niture from shops in Grayling and Harrisville. Out the patio window, skiers can be seen zooming down the Lois Lane run, or dangling their skis while riding the Interconnect lift back up the hill. In the corner is what many may believe is a stylish, Northern Michigan Christmas tree. But they’d be wrong, you see. “It’s not a Christmas tree. That’s up allyear-round because it’s our nature tree,” Janet said. The artificial evergreen features owls, a sled, a star and other woodland imagery. It’s the second such nature tree, with the original in the upstairs loft, coupled with a plush black bear stuffed animal, a nod to the Riehl family’s love for all things Northern Michigan. The condo features the master bedroom with an in-room spa, a main level double queen room and an upstairs double queen room, each individually decorated. There’s even room for the family’s trademark 2-year-old English bulldog, Rocco, the star of their dealership’s television advertising campaigns. He doesn’t miss a trip up north to play in the snow, Janet said. HOMelife 19
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“He rolls in it. He loves the snow,” she said. There’s even room for visitors, beyond a dozen adults. “Typically we can have four dogs in here at once,” Janet said, smiling wide. “It’s a wonderful gathering place for our family. We love the skiing, the snowshoeing and the snowmobiling. It’s where we can be casual and not have any worries.” The Riehls’ condo remains a private property, not part of the resort’s rental program for when the owners are away. However, there are condos available for rent in the Alpine Village, with more information available online at www.boyne. com. Additionally, the Riehls have big plans for their future at Boyne Highlands. Not only do they want to make some kitchen renovations to their condo, including new granite countertops, they intend to build a brand new home on two nearby lots, just up the hill in the same area of the ski resort property. That way, the Riehls’ adult children — Jeff, Joe and Jim III — can continue to use the family’s beloved condo, and Janet can have her log cabin, after all. HL Boyne Highlands Resort 600 Highland Drive Harbor Springs (231) 526-3000 www.boyne.com HOMelife 23
Nestled in the foothills
House near Nub’s Nob first in the neighborhood
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Welcome to the neighborhood ...
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By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell Photography by G. Randall Goss
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here’s a stunning luxury home at the bottom of the ski runs at Nub’s Nob South, between that terrain and the Pintail Peak area. Deer Ridge is the house’s name and it’s not actually on the ski resort’s property, but is immediately adjacent in Hamlet Village Mountain Side and is within close access to Nub’s Nob’s 12 miles of crosscountry ski trails. The added bonus is it’s also quite close to the orange and brown ski lifts at the resort. That provides immediate access to the easy downhill runs that begin with Ramblewood and Pleasant View, or the more challenging runs, such as Brownie or Southern Comfort. It’s the ideal spot for a Nub’s Nob skier, said Dean Shorter, of Land Masters in Harbor Springs, a development and real estate company based on Pleasantview Road. “There’s something to do in every direction,” he said. “It’s a fabulous spot in that respect. It’s very much a lifestyle.” Never mind how the beautiful, more than 3,000-square-foot home
is a destination in itself. The home is the first built in the neighborhood and part of Land Master’s rental property program. It is owned by James and Maria Olson, whose family is comprised of longtime Michigan skiers who frequently visit their beloved up north home. Inside the front door, which is actually situated up the hill and around back, is a lovely great room with eye-luring picture windows. The windows provide a birdseye view of the cross-country ski trail and the development’s cobblestone bridge. “This lets the light in and makes it quite airy,” Shorter said, adding that the view is almost due west, where the hilly landscape is visible through the stark, wintertime hardwood forest. An impressive gas log fireplace is made with cultured cobblestone that appears convincingly real, even on close inspection. It’s highlighted by a nearly full pine log mantle, a corner partially sliced off to create a level surface. Also, the ceilings are done
“There’s something to do in every direction. It’s a fabulous spot in that respect. It’s very much a lifestyle.” Dean Shorter, Land Masters with cedar tongue-and-groove planks, finished with a natural oil varnish that creates an inviting hue throughout the house, a look that’s well-accentuated by solid knotty pine doors. An enormous kitchen with expansive, dark-colored counter space allows enough room for HOMelife 27
... a room for all four seasons
Letting the light in ...
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all sorts of cooks to come together for meal preparations. A tall bar separates the kitchen from the dining area, where a beautiful table is adorned from above with a woodsy, iron chandelier with wildlife imagery. A sun room is just off the dining area, a space initially envisioned as a screened-in porch. Instead, builders entirely enclosed the room, but included plenty of windows that easily open to create the feel of an open porch in summertime. “It’s a four-season room, basically,” Shorter said. Between the kitchen and the tall ceiling garage is a spacious mud and laundry combination room, where there’s plenty of space for a ski party to strip off their gear and do all the washing. That chore is made easier by a long, cedar bench that runs the length of the room. The main-level master bedroom boasts a broad, 12-foot-wide, walk-in closet as well as handmade cedar
The mudroom
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furniture. A sliding glass door opens to a deck with a private view of the hardwoods that surround. The master bathroom has a double vanity that’s elevated above a makeup counter, along with a jetted tub and beautiful walk-in shower made from ceramic tile that’s well-matched with the olive shade painted on the walls. On the lower level is a spacious family room with a kitchenette, including a sliding glass door that makes it a walk-out level, as well. Three bedrooms are also found on the lower level, including one with a sleigh bed that sleeps two, and two rooms that each keep two twin beds. Land Masters can be contacted for more information about the rental rates and availability, as well as remaining available lots in the development. Several lots are already purchased and a couple of homes currently are in the planning stage, Shorter said. HL Land Masters 5484 Pleasantview Road Harbor Springs (231) 526-2641 www.landmasters.com 30
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Plenty of room for all to sleep tight
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try it
Snowshoeing
A quiet way to enjoy our winter wonderland By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell • Photography by G. Randall Goss
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“If you can walk, you can snowshoe. There isn’t much to it. It’s a great way to get outside.” Jamie Jacklitch Big Bear Adventures
ome people don’t have much of a sense of balance, particularly when standing on skis. Those folks may never own property at a ski resort, but that doesn’t mean they must spend Northern Michigan’s winter months huddled indoors by the fireplace, without a daily dose of the crisp, cold and refreshing air. Jamie Jacklitch, outdoor recreation manager at Big Bear Adventures in Indian River, said snowshoes can provide an easy way to enjoy your home from the otherwise inaccessible lawns or woods around your home. You can even rent a pair to try out before making an investment in your own gear. boots, like getting to the river to fish. It “If you can walk, you can snowshoe. also allows you to get off the trail — to There isn’t much to it. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path,” Jacklitch said. get outside,” he said. “Most of the people we rent to, they stay Snowshoes are intended to disperse mostly on trail.” your weight, which allows for walking Wildlife viewing opportunities can across deep snow. They make a handy increase while snowshoeing, he said, tool where it frequently snows, say, along and snowshoers can experience the the northern Lake Michigan shorelines, rolling valleys and elevated highlands found throughout the northwest tip of Lower Michigan. “It’s a great excuse to get outside. It’s a great introductory winter sport,” Jacklitch said. He advises snowshoers dress for the weather and keep in mind it’s a lot less work than cross-country skiing, an activity that often builds up a sweat. Also, poles provide a way to shore up balance for beginners, provide assistance for challenging elevation changes or to those who venture off the trail and into fresh, undisturbed snow-covered spots. “Snowshoes enable me to get to places I wouldn’t be able to get to in just my
sense of peace and serenity Northern Michigan winters provide. It’s quite different from the joyful and jubilant crowds on popular ski runs. And even if snowshoers get adventurous and wander off the trail, deep into what feels like uncharted woods, there’s no chance of losing your way. “You really can’t get lost because you just follow your tracks back if you think you’re lost,” Jacklitch said, laughing. Big Bear Adventures is well-known for renting paddling gear in summer and snowshoes in winter, along with offering guided winter raft trips down the Sturgeon River. The business is situated across the street from Burt Lake State Park, near where the Sturgeon River pours into the southern portion of Burt Lake in Indian River. Big Bear Adventures 4271 S. Straits Highway Indian River (231) 238-8181 www.bigbearadventures.com
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HOW-TO
Thinking of buying?
Tim Webster suggests snowshoes as an ideal introductory winter activity, one that provides both good exercise and a way to enjoy the snow. It’s growing in popularity, he said. “We saw a big interest in it before Christmas, along with cross-country skis,” he said. Webster works at the Dan Webster’s Pro Shop stores in both Petoskey and Gaylord. He said the snowshoe style you should buy depends on what terrain you intend to explore. Recreational snowshoes are best for puttering around your neighborhood or hiking easy trails, he said. “There’s really no learning curve in snowshoeing. It’s literally strapping on the shoes and going for a hike,” Webster said. “It’s walking with unusual equipment on your feet.” He said poles can be useful to snowshoers, creating actual physical improvements. “Poles benefit just about everyone because it helps you stand upright, which allows for better posture and better circulation,” Webster said. The required snowshoe size depends on the user’s weight, and each brand and style varies. Webster suggests up-sizing for snowshoes intended for sharing with guests and other friends or family members. He also recommends spring-loaded bindings because they make it easier to step forward and create “less to think about,” he said. In general, a good pair of recreational snowshoes can be purchased for around $200, Webster said. Other styles of snowshoes include more narrow trail-running shoes and high mountaineering shoes for elevated hiking adventures in deep snow through steep terrain. Dan Webster’s Pro Shop both sells and rents Atlas brand snowshoes, which Webster recommends as “durable and a great value.” Snowshoe rental fees will be applied toward the subsequent purchase of snowshoes at the store, he said.
“It’s walking with unusual equipment on your feet.” Tim Webster Dan Webster’s Pro Shop
Dan Webster’s Pro Shop www.webstersproshop.com Petoskey store: 2022 M-119 Petoskey-Harbor Road (231) 348-2926 36
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Gaylord store: 302 W. Main St. Downtown Gaylord (989) 732-7003 M A G A Z I N E
EXPERT ADVICE
2013: Moving ahead with CONFIDENCE
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ost people in Northern Michigan were leery and tentative when 2012 started about where the real estate market was headed. However, they found themselves pleasantly surprised when it seemed the improved market was here to stay. Consumers continued to feel better and when they feel better, they buy big-ticket items, like homes. Through the end of November last year, our area saw a 15-percent increase in the number of homes sold over the same time period in 2011. We also closed the year with a 13-percent decrease in available inventory. As expected with a decrease in supply and increase in demand, we now see homes that are appropriately priced selling in a timely fashion close to asking price. In fact, as a total group, homes priced in the $250-500,000 range sold at approximately 90-percent of listed prices in 2012. The inventory shortage that we are experiencing is shifting the real estate landscape back to a seller’s market and I expect that to continue well into 2013. The good news for sellers
in this type of market is that in certain cases, we may even see multiple offer situations. The trend in consumer confidence we experienced in 2012 will continue right into 2013, which means positive things for the real estate market. Right now, home buyers are buoyed by end-of-year statistics that show an improved unemployment outlook, increased holiday spending and an all-around positive outlook on our financial economy. More good news is that as prices continue to rise, I anticipate there will be an increase in listings as the year moves on. Also, as prices begin to creep upwards and interest rates remain low, I anticipate many of the folks who remained on the sidelines, so to speak, will get off the bench in 2013. Our area also benefits from a trend in how people are living and the flexibility they have to live anywhere, a direct result of technology improvements. Consumers today are looking at lifestyle before they ever even look at a home. They ask themselves, “where do I want to be?” or “what is the community like?” or “what activities are available?”
David Shuman REAL ESTATE ONE, PETOSKEY
As anyone in Northern Michigan can attest, living here is magnificent. Retirees and people who have flexibility in their jobs look to Northern Michigan as a place to buy their second homes, raise their families and ultimately live a fantastic life. Overall, 2013 should be a strong year for the real estate sector. If you have considered buying or selling a home, now would be a good time to act. HL
David Shuman is a real estate broker in the Petoskey area who closely watches the market to ensure his clients are wellprepared to both buy and sell homes. In addition, Shuman earned a master of business administration degree in finance and marketing, as well as spent 10 years in the banking industry, all of which collectively provides him an unique and comprehensive understanding of market conditions. Shuman can be reached at (231) 360-9149 or by sending email to dshuman@ dshumanrealtor.com. More information about his outlook on the market is available online at www.dshumanrealtor.com.
RECIPE
WhITe Hot Bistro concocts favored cocoa By Sheri McWhirter-O’Donnell Photography by G. Randall Goss
e are solidly within the depths of winter. Some folks wrap themselves in blankets before the fireplace to retreat from the outdoors during the frigid Northern Michigan winter, while others bundle themselves up and throw themselves into the snow with full force, whether skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers, or what have you. But either way, a piping hot mug of cocoa on a cold winter day is appreciated by all. Nowhere in the region is hot chocolate favored more than in Charlevoix, where an annual cocoa competition sponsored by the city’s downtown development authority plays out during Flurry Fest. It’s a title worth bragging over and for the first time, there’s a new winner. “I’m a chocolate junkie,” said Allen Plungis, chef and co-owner at Edgewater Bistro in downtown Charlevoix. Edgewater Bistro recently became the overwhelming hot chocolate contest winner with its delicious white chocolate cocoa. “White chocolate is a preference of mine, for sure,” Plungis said. Keith Carey, executive director of Charlevoix’s downtown development authority, said organizers designed the annual Flurry Fest to enhance the holiday open house event held by downtown merchants. Additionally, the hot chocolate contest is a way to showcase the culinary businesses in the district and it quickly grew rather popular, he said. Grey Gables Inn Restaurant held the best hot chocolate title the last five years, but could not compete this last time because of 38
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scheduling conflicts. Edgewater Bistro used the opportunity and shined, becoming the run-away winner, Carey said. “There have been some different variations and takes on hot chocolate and this year we had two like that — the white hot chocolate from Edgewater Bistro and a peanut butter curry hot chocolate by Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant,” Carey said. Mandy Plungis, Allen’s wife and restaurant co-owner, said they simply had to submit a “different” kind of hot chocolate in the competition. “It has a little different flavor than the milk chocolate. It’s a bit sweeter,” she said. The restaurant owners agreed the taste is almost like tapioca, but not quite the same. Carey said this last contest was the first time he tasted the hot chocolate en-
tries and agreed Edgewater Bistro’s entry was scrumptious. “I thought it was tremendous. Someone called it ‘white chocolate melted in a cup’ and that’s about right,” he said. The white chocolate cocoa is not a regular menu item at Edgewater Bistro, but is available to order in large quantities. The minimum required order is a gallon for $18. Edgewater Bistro’s winter hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, and from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, when breakfast is added to the offerings. The bistro is alongside the Pine River Channel in downtown Charlevoix, 100 Michigan Ave. Reservations can be made by calling (231) 5471700. Additionally, more information about the restaurant is available online at www.edgewaterbistro.com. HL
WHITE CHOCOLATE HOT COCOA 2 cups whole milk 2 cups half/half 1 cup white chocolate chips Vanilla extract to taste Garnish with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and coconut Heat the ingredients on the stove, continuing to stir as the chocolate melts. Serve warm in a mug, garnished with whipped cream, shaved chocolate or coconut. HOMElife 39
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( 231) 347-0590 Open All Year