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Let’s Go Surfin’…Now?

It’s November, with an average air temperature hovering near freezing. Most years we’ve had snow by now. But instead of waxing the cross-country skis area sportsmen are bringing out the boards and wetsuits to surf Lake Michigan.

Traditionally November is one of the stormiest months of the year. We think of gale force winds and images of fallen trees and power lines come to mind. After all it was with 52 knot winds and 10 foot waves on November 10, 1975 that the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald went down in Lake Superior.

 

But the brisk winds of near winter are not all bad. For the local surf enthusiats it’s the weather they’ve been waiting all year for. This year, we caught a glimpse of these dedicated few at the mouth of the Platte River near Frankfort. It was 41 degrees and we’d tried our best to enjoy the fall festival in Frankfort, but were driven away by the bitter cold wind and snow flakes that had begun to appear. I dragged the family out to see the pumpkin-chucking downtown, but we quickly returned to our car to escape the unfortunate weather. Unfortunate for us. But exactly what the kite-boarders and surfers were looking for. We heard they were practicing down at Platte so we took a chance and caught some of the action from the car.

Here are a few photos taken from the heated comfort of our sedan.

kiteboarding Lake Michigansurfing Lake Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly one month later they were at it again, but with much better weather. On November 13th these adverturous surfers were in Frankfort catching waves right off the pier. Check out this video from MyNorth.com. They get a first hand report as to why Frankfort, Michigan in November is a great time of year for surfing.

 

By |2019-12-30T12:17:35-05:00November 22nd, 2009|Benzie, Check This Out|0 Comments

Benzie Fall Festival Celebrates the Season

Fall maple treeJump into Fall this Weekend with the Benzie Fall Festival

For the next two weekends Benzie County will celebrate the fall harvest with fun for all ages. There’s so much to enjoy we’ve ranked it #4 on our 22 Reasons for a Fall M-22 Roadtrip. Events scattered across Beulah, Frankfort and the surrounding area begin on Saturday October 3rd. From fall soup contests, pumpkin decorating to pumpkin chuckin’ there’s much fun in store in beautiful Benzie county.

 

October 3rd & 4th

Gather in Beulah park, along the east end of Crystal Lake, and participate in the Fall Soup Contest. The kids can enter the Sidewalk Art Contest or try their skills in the Free Throw competition. Take a tour of Point Betsie Lighthouse before the end of the season rolls in with the cold winds of fall.  Crystal Mountian is offering scenic chairlift rides as well. It’s a great way to get a view of the amazing fall colors.

 

October 10th & 11th

Crowds gather in Frankfort alongside the Betsie Bay for the traditional Pumpkin Chuckin’ contest. This one you’ve got to see to believe. Homemade trebuchets launch giant pumpkins far into the air landing with a splash in Betsie Bay. And one oversized gourd is hoisted and dropped atop a carefully chosen clunker for the grand finale. Renouned pumpkin carver Ed Moody will be nearby exhibiting his amazing skills and preparing for his annual carve-a-thon which ends on Halloween.

 

There’s so much to do, and see, at the Benzie Fall Festival we barely scratched the surface. Check out their online brochure here for all the details. And make a point to venture over to Benzie for a part of the action. If we’re lucky the leaves will be turning in time to enjoy the view as well.

By |2019-12-30T12:40:35-05:00October 1st, 2009|Benzie, Check This Out, Day Trips|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Triple Feature Weekend

Ice Age 3 movie graphicNight at the Museum movie graphicx-men origins wolverine movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features
Friday, September 25 – Saturday, September 26th

Annual Triple Feature Weekend

Ice Age 3, rated PG

Night at the Museum, rated PG-13

X-Men Origins – Wolverine, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

By |2019-12-30T12:44:11-05:00September 25th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Chic Flick Weekend

Julie & Julia movie graphicthe Proposal movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features Friday, September 18 – Saturday, September 19th

Chic Flick Weekend!

Julie & Julia, rated PG-13

The Proposal, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

By |2019-12-30T12:54:38-05:00September 18th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

22 Reasons for a Fall M-22 Roadtrip

M-22 highway fall color tourTake a Roadtrip this Fall along the M-22 Scenic Drive

 

Living in the heart of the M-22 corridor I’ve seen it through all seasons. Each has something amazing to offer, but none more varied and beautiful than autumn in Northern Michigan.

In case you’ve never planned an M-22 Roadtrip I’ve put together a list of some of the fun, food and activities to experience along the scenic drive. Named one of the top five greatest driving tours in America by Rand McNally, M-22 has something to offer everyone. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. Here’s my list of 22 Reasons for a Fall M-22 Roadtrip.

 

platte river weir image1. Canoe the Platte. Fall is one of the best times to take a canoe or kayak down the Platte River. The calm cool waters reflect mother nature’s painted canvas, but they also reveal a seasonal secret. The salmon run upstream in autumn to spawn and the Platte River is the perfect place to witness this natural wonder. The weir is closed this time of year which means you’ll portage around it. But on the other side the water boils with jumping fish. You couldn’t get a better view anywhere else. Riverside Canoes is located on M-22 and open until the second weekend in October for canoe and kayak rental, or fishing tackle if you’re feeling adventurous.

 

Ed Moody's pumpkin carving2. Check out the giant pumpkins by master carver Ed Moody. On a small city street in Frankfort you’ll find giant pumpkins that miraculously change overnight into fantastic jack-o-lanterns. Only here the miracle is performed by Ed Moody. They do change overnight though since it’s the only time he can work. During the day you’ll find him greeting the guests who come to visit his creations that line the sidewalk in front of his home. To catch a demonstration check out the Fall Festival mid-October in Frankfort.

 

3. Hike Old Indian Trail. Just on the outskirts of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on M-22 between Crystal Lake and the Platte River there’s a wilderness trail known as Old Indian Trail. There are 2 loops available, both about a 2.5 mile hike through evergreens and colorful hardwoods. But if you make it to the end you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Michigan, expanses of sandy beaches and dunes. It’s a great trip to take with your four-legged friends.

 

4. Benzie Fall Festival. There is so much to do at the fall festival we couldn’t list it all here. But you won’t want to miss the pumpkin chucking contest. Here you’ll see trebuchets, similar to a catapult, built by local high school students challenged to see whose construction will go the distance. Once loaded the trebuchets launch giant pumpkins into the air over Betsie Bay in Frankfort. Cheers and bragging rights go to the winning team.

 

5. Dinner at The Manitou. Nestled among the changing leaves along M-22 a few miles north of Crystal Lake, The Manitou Restaurant is a great place to stop and enjoy a fall meal. If you hear someone ask about Skinny Dippers they’re not suggesting a cold jump in the lake. They’re actually ordering a crispy appetizer basket of potato skins. All the soups and pies are made-from-scratch so save some room for their famous blueberry raspberry pie a la mode.

 

Kilcherman's Christmas Cove6. Visit Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove. Do you like apples? Then you’re going to love these apples. Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove grows over 280 varieties of antique apples. Great for eating and baking, some dating back to the time of Christ. This is not your typical orchard. And if that’s not reason enough to make the drive, how about the worlds largest bottle collection? Over 10,000 different glass bottles line the walls of their barn, more than the Guinness World Record!

 

7. Take in Breathtaking Views. The scenic drive through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is an absolute must on any visit to Northern Michigan. The park has over a dozen picture perfect Scenic Overlooks which explain why so many of us come back year after year. No matter the season this drive is worthwhile, but the colors of autumn bring out the beauty of this hardwood forest in shining contrast to the crystal blue waters and miles of sand dunes.

 

Point Betsie lighthouse8. Explore a 150 year old Lighthouse. Point Betsie Lighthouse celebrated it’s sesquicentennial in 2008. It’s the second most photographed lighthouse in the nation. In the fall don’t be surprised to find windsurfers and kiteboarders donning their wetsuits to catch huge air off the crashing waves along the sandy shore. It’s one of the best spots to surf, Yes surf, in Northern Michigan. The lighthouse is open on the weekends through mid October for tours.

 

9. Visit Fishtown, the historic fishing village in Leland. Wooden shanties line the boardwalk of this century-old fisherman’s haven. Today charter fishing boats bring in fresh salmon to be smoked at Carlsons, and the Manitou Transit waits to take visitors on the short journey to the Manitou Islands. From unusual cheeses to locally-made clothing, these rustic shanties hold a vast array of treasures.

 

10. Tour Art Galleries. For the art lover there are dozens of unique galleries all along the M-22 corridor. Stop in Glen Arbor to discover the distinct style of Sticks painted furniture at the Ruth Conklin Gallery. Becky Thacher’s exquisite jewelry is a must-see along the road to the beach. And on the other side of the peninsula you don’t want to miss Michigan Artist’s Gallery in Sutton’s Bay, where art can be fun, fresh, stylish and affordable.

 

pinot noir grapes on the vine11. Hop on the Wine Trail. The Leelanau peninsula is home to more than 18 wineries. Many of them are off-the-beaten-path, but well worth the diversion. Taking a wine tour has become one of the most popular activities for Northern Michigan visitors. From the tiny tasting room of Chateau Fontaine in Lake Leelanau to the large and impressive Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, the wineries are as diverse and interesting as the wines they produce.

 

12. Dine along the water’s edge. When the warm summer’s breeze becomes a brisk autumn wind, find a room with a view and enjoy the scenery from the cozy warmth of the restaurant. Check out The Bluebird in Leland, where tables line the windows along the Leland River. Or visit Knot Just A Bar in Omena where you gaze over Grand Traverse Bay or sneak next door for a sip of wine from Leelanau Cellars tasting room.

 

Platte River State Fish Hatchery13. One Fish, Two Fish, They Fish or You Fish. All along the Platte and Betsie Rivers you’ll find fishermen casting their lines for salmon and trout as they head up stream. If you like to fish, bring your wadders as the water’s getting colder. For a learning adventure take a quick detour over to the Platte River State Fish Hatchery on US31 and 669 just past Honor. This is Michigan’s primary salmon hatchery, where eggs are harvested for coho and Chinook salmon to be raised and restocked in Michigan’s lakes.

 

14. Feeling Lucky? Visit the Casino. The Leelanau Peninsula is home to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and their original Northern Michigan casino, Leelanau Sands. From gaming, to dining to fantastic shows, they’re a little bit of Vegas in the tiny town of Peshawbestown just north of Suttons Bay. The tribe also opened a cultural museum, Eyaawing perched along grand traverse bay on M-22 near the Casino.

 

Betsie Valley Trail15. Bike or Hike the Betsie Valley Trail. One of the newest rail-to-trail programs, the Betsie Valley Trail is a 22 mile pathway from Frankfort, through Elberta and Beulah on to Thompsonville. Much of the trail is non-motorized and perfect for bikes and pedestrians. The entire trail is stunning this time of year. So pack your bikes, rollerblades and walking shoes for a great excursion through the land surrounding M-22.

 

16. Take a Beach Walk. The waters of fall are often too cold for swimming, but the beaches are still a great place to enjoy nature’s gift to Northern Michigan. Follow M-22 from Frankfort to Empire and explore some of the roads that lead to small beaches. Peterson Beach, Otter Creek and North Bar Lake are great places to hike the dunes, comb the shores for fossils and capture the picturesque views of Lake Michigan. Or join the park rangers for an evening beach patrol along Sleeping Bear Point in Glen Haven.

 

17. Shop ‘Til You Drop. The M-22 scenic drive takes you through a half dozen quaint towns defined by their unique locations and the collection of small businesses that make up these communities. Take time to browse through their stores, sample their homemade edibles and bring home something to remember your journey. Perhaps some M-22 logowear would be appropriate. The brand was created by local kiteboarders to symbolize the amazing experiences found on M-22.

 

Murdicks Fudge Shoppe mixing fudge18. Endulge Your Inner Foodie. From an agricultural perspective this region has become well known for cherries and grapes, but there’s much more to be discovered. Farms and orchards line the M-22 roadside. And the corridor is home to many amazing food producers. Grocer’s Daughter chocolates in Empire makes my favorite sweet; chocolate covered candied ginger. Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor started as a small t-shirt company and now produces cherry BBQ sauce, bottled sodas and so much more. You can watch fudge made on a marble slab at Murdick’s Fudge Shoppe in Suttons Bay. Or create a real memorable experience from Learn Great Foods fabulous culinary tours. Foodies beware, you’ll be in heaven here.

 

sleeping bear dunes boat cruise image19. Cruise the Dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of this area’s most well-known features. It’s so large it can be seen from outer space! And now visitors can experience the lakeshore from a new perspective. Sleeping Bear Dunes Boat Cruise operates a boat tour of the National Lakeshore from Frankfort harbor. Their narrated tour entertains you and the breathtaking views are unforgetable. If you’ve never seen the lakeshore from the water, you can’t beat this trip. Sailing twice daily until mid-October.

 

45th parallel Suttons Bay image20. Stand on the 45th Parallel. M-22 wraps around the Leelanau Peninsula on both coasts and has the unique claim of crossing the 45th parallel, not once, but twice! So go ahead, get out of your car and take that photo next to the big green marker. You’ll find one alongside Lake Leelanau on your way north to Leland, and then cross it again just north of M-204 and Suttons Bay near the Vineyard Inn. Looking for other ways to experience the 45th? Check out Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery near Lake Leelanau and 45th Parallel Cafe in downtown Suttons Bay.

 

A&W rootbeer image21. Drive back in Time at A & W. Feeling nostalgic? What better treat than enjoying an A & W rootbeer float, coney dog and fries served carside! At the corner of M-22 and M-115 in Frankfort this family-owned A & W restaurant is a great stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. With a free jukebox, affordable all-american fare and the best rootbeer around, you just can’t beat it.

 

22. Stop, Look and Listen. The change of seasons brings much to enjoy if we take a moment to do so. Listen for the honk of Canadian geese overhead as they migrate in their tell-tale V-formation. Examine the forest floor and you’ll discover mosses and fungi of all sorts thriving on the moist soil. Bite into a honeycrisp apple and enjoy the syrup-sweet taste of Michigan’s fruitful harvest. Soak it up and savor this season.

 

Autumn in Northern Michigan has so much to offer. So to all you leaf-peepers, welcome! I hope you’ll enjoy these stops as much as I do. While you travel along M-22 through Benzie and Leelanau counties don’t hesitate to take a few detours of your own along the way. And whatever you do, don’t forget your cameras!

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 9/11 – 9/12

 

Harry Potter Movie graphicTime Travelers Wife movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12th

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, rated PG

The Time Travelers Wife, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

 

By |2019-12-30T13:08:46-05:00September 11th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie, Entertainment|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 8/21 – 9/2

G.I. Joe movie graphicStar Trek movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features Friday August 21st – Wednesday  September 2nd

 

G.I. Joe, The Rise of Cobra, rated PG-13

Star Trek, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

 

By |2019-12-30T13:31:29-05:00August 23rd, 2009|Attractions, Benzie, Entertainment|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 8/7 – 8/20

G-Force movie graphicThe Proposal movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features Friday August 7th – Thursday August 20th

 

G-Force, rated PG

The Proposal, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

By |2019-12-30T13:40:09-05:00August 8th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie, Entertainment|0 Comments

New Tuskegee Airmen Sculpture, Michigan Legacy Art Park

Fallen Comrade sculpture by David GreenwoodFallen Comrade sculpture dedication at Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain Resort

 

Stop by the Michigan Legacy Art Park, located on the grounds of Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, on August 14th at 2pm for the dedication of the Art Park’s latest addition: Fallen Comrade by artist David Greenwood. The dramatic sculpture is inspired by the P-51 flown by the heroic Tuskegee airmen during World War II.

The Legacy Awards Gala will follow the dedication at 6pm. The evening includes a silent auction, dinner and cash bar. The Legacy Award will be presented to the Tuskegee Airmen nationwide, with special attention for those in attendance.

Special lodging packages for those attending the gala are available. Contact Crystal Mountain reservations at 800-968-7686 ext. 5100 for more information.

 

Michigan Legacy Art Park one of the places on my Up North Summer To-Do List. Now there will be one more amazing sculpture to check out this year. And another reminder for me that summer is flying by and I still have a lot of To-Do items to accomplish.

 

By |2019-12-30T13:43:32-05:00August 8th, 2009|Art Scene, Attractions, Benzie, Check This Out|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 7/31 – 8/6

ice age movie graphicharry potter movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features Friday July 31st – Thursday August 6th

 

Ice Age 3, Dawn of the Dinosaurs, rated G

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, rated PG

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

By |2019-12-30T13:45:27-05:00August 1st, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 7/15 – 7/30

Harry Potter and Half Blood Prince graphicMy Sister's Keeper movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features Wednesday July 15th – Thursday July 30th

 

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, rated PG

My Sister’s Keeper, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

By |2019-12-30T13:49:14-05:00July 15th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 7/1 – 7/14

Ice Age 3 movie graphicNight at the Musuem Smithsonian graphicDrive-In Movie Features Wednesday July 1st – Tuesday July 14th

 

Ice Age 3, rated PG

Night at the Museum 2, rated PG

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

By |2019-12-30T13:54:50-05:00June 30th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

My Up-North Summer To-Do List

Every year summer seems to come and go in the blink of an eye. In an effort make sure I enjoy it I’ve learned a helpful trick. Start out the season with a summer “Must-Do” list. Mine is usually a combination of favorite activities and things I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t made time for. There’s something to be said for writng things down that makes you more apt to do it.

So I’ll share with you a few from my 2009 Summer Must-Do checklist:

 

 

Five Needles at Michigan Legacy Art Park1. Enjoy a Day at the Park – I’ve never been on a walk through the Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain Resort, so this is the year. I can’t wait to see the larger than life-size sculptures, like Five Fingers, scattered throughout the park.

 

 

2. Learn a New Trick – It’s important to keep learning. So this summer I thought I might take a watercolor class. There are great day classes or seminars at the Crystal Lake Arts Center. Or maybe I’ll try to improve my photography skills with the digital photography workshop at Interlochen. There’s something out there for everyone if you know where to look.

 

 

fresh michigan cherries3. Pick Fresh Fruit – When I was a kid we picked cherries, strawberries and raspberries to eat, freeze and make jam. I think my kids are ready to continue the tradition. My favorite was always picking cherries. But since that usually requires a ladder, perhaps we’ll go for blueberries this year. With all the U-pick farms in the area it shouldn’t be hard to decide.

 

 

4. A Quiet Day at the Beach – Sometimes the best activity is inactivity. Toes in the sand, book in hand, and all by myself. That sounds like a perfectly relaxing way to enjoy a sunny afternoon.

 

 

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre popcorn5. Eat a Barrel of Popcorn – …on a lawn chair, in front of the car, at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In. I’ll try to share, but I’m not promising. With real melted butter poured on top of the fresh kernels, it’s hard to resist this movie-lover’s treat.

 

 

6. Sip and Savor – I’ve been looking forward to an evening sipping a glass of Riesling and one of the small plate appetizers at Left Foot Charley in The Village. Sitting outside watching visitors come and go – ahhh, this is the life.

 

 

dinner at LuLu's in Bellaire7. Try a New Restaurant – Summer is a great time to try new things. And since I love food, one of my favorite adventures is to discover a new restaurant. Whether it’s new to the area, or just new to me, it’s always a treat. Last summer we enjoyed Blu in Glen Arbor, and this winter LuLu’s in Bellaire. Who knows where this summer will lead.

 

 

8. Shop the Farmers Market – Almost every town in Northern Michigan has a farmer’s market. From the Sara Hardy market in Downtown Traverse City, to The Village, you can’t beat the fresh foods, handmade products and beautiful plants available each week.

 

 

Point Betsie Lighthouse image9. Climb the Lighthouse – I’ve been to the beach at Point Betsie Lighthouse dozens of times, but I’ve never been inside. This summer I want to climb to the top of the light and check out the view. It’s amazing that after 150 years, boats still depend on the light to guide them safely through the Manitou passage.

 

 

10. Experience a Silent Movie – I’ve seen movies at the drive-in, the State Theatre and even at the City Opera House, but I’ve yet to experience an authentic silent film at the Music House Museum. Watching Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin with live accompaniment on the Wurlitzer Theatre Organ is a truly unique opportunity.

 

Now that I’ve shared some of my Up North Michigan summer must-do list, what about you? Take a few minutes and compile your own list of new places to visit, favorite activiites to share, and adventures to experience. Already have a list? Join our discussion on Facebook and share your summer ideas! Let’s make this season a memorable one.

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 6/26 – 7/2

Up movie graphicTerminator Salvation movie graphic

Drive-In Movie Features Friday June 26th – Thursday July 2nd

 

Up, rated PG (This is not the 3-D version)

Terminator Salvation, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan.

For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location visit our Attractions page.

 

 

By |2020-01-06T12:54:59-05:00June 28th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

Sleeping Bear Dunes Boat Tours

Notice: This attraction is no longer in business. For a boat tour that does operate inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore we suggest taking the Manitou Island Transit.

Original post >>

See the Dunes from a new perspective

The Sleeping Bear Dunes and the National Lakeshore are still the number one reason visitors flock to this area in the summer. Now there’s a whole new way to appreciate them; from the water.

 

The Sleeping Bear Dunes Cruise opened their doors this month in Frankfort to a warm welcome. After rumors of their arrival as early as last fall I was anxious to see this business arrive in town from their home in the Upper Peninsula. I stopped by their office this week to learn more about it.

The Miner’s Castle is docked on the Betsie Bay in the heart of Frankfort, Michigan. Across the street, about a block from the docks in the old Firestone building, is the office where passengers check in.

The narrated tour of the coastline takes you from Betsie Bay in Frankfort, past the well known Point Betsie Lighthouse, the mouth of the Platte River and up to the Scenic Overlook in Empire. Along the 2 hour and 45 minute trip you’ll learn about the Legend of Sleeping Bear, and experience this unique geological area from a different point of view. The captain entertains the passengers with tales of shipwrecks and even murder in a small community by the shore. Meanwhile, panoramic views abound as you cruise a quarter mile from the ever changing shoreline.

Passengers travel in comfort on the Miner’s Castle, no matter the weather. Sit inside the enclosed cabin, or enjoy the breeze on the deck or second-tier seating above the cabin. Restrooms are available, as are snacks and sodas, but no alcohol is allowed. Right now they are not licensed to serve alcohol on board. You can however bring a lunch. In fact, Crescent Bakery, a local restaurant, has created a special menu for cruise passengers and will deliver right to the boat.

Looking for a new way to appreciate the Sleeping Bear Dunes? Then check out the Sleeping Bear Dunes Cruise in Frankfort. They sail daily from June through October. There is a 2pm sail, and a sunset sail starting at 7pm in July. Group rates and private charters are available for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats and more.

Traveling with your pets? Sleeping Bear Dunes Cruise will kennel them for FREE while you sail! No more worries about leaving them home or waiting in a hot vehicle.

 

By |2021-06-22T15:17:52-04:00June 25th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie, Check This Out|2 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 6/12 – 6/25

Up movie poster graphicStar Trek movie poster graphicDrive-In Movie Features Friday June 12th – Thursday June 25th

 

Up, rated PG (This is not the 3-D version)

Star Trek, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan. For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location The Cherry Bowl on our Attractions page.

 

By |2020-01-06T13:03:47-05:00June 12th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 6/5 – 6/11

Up movie graphicTerminator Salvation movie graphic

Drive-In Movie Features Friday june 5th – Thursday June 11th

 

Up, rated PG (This is not the 3-D version)

Terminator Salvation, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan. For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location The Cherry Bowl on our Attractions page.

 

 

By |2020-01-06T13:15:13-05:00June 2nd, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Features 5/29 & 5/30

 

 

Night at the Museum movie graphicTerminator Salvation movie graphicDrive-In Movie Features Friday May 29th – Saturday May 30th

Night at the Musuem, Battle for the Smithsonian, rated PG

Terminator Salvation, rated PG-13

Movies are always a double feature and always family friendly. Rain or shine, dusk is the time. The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is located on US-31 in Honor, Michigan. For more information visit their website at www.cherrybowldrivein.com. For a map to their location The Cherry Bowl on our Attractions page.

 

By |2020-01-06T13:18:55-05:00May 28th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|0 Comments

Hunting for Morel Mushrooms

Michigan morel mushroom hunt

The arrival of spring is full of excitement. The snow is finally gone, the trees begin to dress themselves in leafy green, and the woodland floor comes to life. But it’s the elusive morel mushroom that draws me in amonst the trees each spring for a long, and hopefully fruitful walk.

For as long as I have lived in Northern Michigan I’ve counted the days until that first morel mushroom hunt. When I was little, my brother and I would grugingly venture out into the woods wandering aimlessly until someone shouted, “found one!” and we all rushed over to remind ourselves of what we were looking for. Even a seasoned mushroomer needs that first glimpse to adjust the eyes. Gazing across a vast and rolling canvas of browns and greens of a hundred shades it feels a bit like finding that proverbial ‘needle in a haystack.’ But once you find the first one, it’s “game on!”

 

This year we took our kids for their first hunt. My brother and dad joined in the fun as well. Dressed in layers and carrying our onion sacks we headed off into the woods to see what we could discover.

I rarely leave the house without my camera; there’s just so much to capture in and around Traverse City. And the woodlands in spring are one of my favorite subjects. So, to be honest, it’s not just morels I’m hunting for.

single wild trilliumMichigan is rife with wildflowers, many of which bloom a for short period in the spring. What flower can resist the dappled sunlight of a leafless wood and an earthen floor of rich dense forest compost. Before we reached the first bend in the undergrowth leading us off the two-track I had already snapped several shots. Dutchmen’s Breeches, columbine and yellow trout lilies are common in the woods. But it’s the protected species like trillium and jack in the pulpit that are more exciting to find. Masses of trillium can be found carpeting the woods and seen from the road. But there’s something special about finding one lone white blossom against a decomposing tree. Nature’s beauty. (Check out our spring photo gallery for more wildflower photos)

 

fiddlehead fernEdible treats come in all shapes and sizes in the woods. Fiddlehead ferns, like this one, will soon expand to shade the leaf covered floor. But picked in this state they’re tender and fresh when sauteed. And then there’s the wild leek.

The smell of wild leeks, or ramps as they’re also known, is subtle in the early spring and grows more pungent as the morel season progresses. Their tall wide leaves grow in clusters and have been know to hide a black morel or two if you’re not looking close enough. In fact, our first morel of the day was found among them.

 

As I said before, that first morel is the hardest to find. We used to make bets on who could find The First, The Biggest and The Most mushrooms on a single outing. I can honestly say I don’t think I ever won the award for The Most, but I’ve had my share of First and Biggest awards.

elusive black morelUp here in the north woods we’re lucky to host all three types of morel mushrooms. The black, or French morel, the white or yellow morel, and the much less common grey morel. On this hunt we found all three. If you ask me the black morels are the hardest to find. With the shadows of decaying leaves, fallen trees and other debris they blend right it. My strategy is to get down at their level…well not quite that low…and scan a close area. My husband has the uncanny ability to spot a black morel at 20 yards! Either I need glasses or he has superpowers.

 

grey morel mushroomsThe most exciting find of the day was this huge cluster of grey morels. We often find them in groups of two or three, or locate several in close proximity, but this cluster was amazing.

There is a reason morels grow in groups or near each other. Did you know that morel mushrooms are the above-ground reproductive system for a huge underground fungus? The fungus lives among the roots of certain trees in a symbiotic relationship where each benefits from the other.

 

jack in the pulpit wildflowerI found some fabulous flora among the fungi on this trip. I love to look for the Jack-in-the-pulpits and maidenhair ferns, both beautiful examples of Michigan’s protected native species. I found both, and in abundance. So I was enjoying the walk, despite my less than stellar mushroom haul.

The kids had fun screaming at the top of their lungs and disrupting the peace for creatures near and far. But when a mushroom was found they came running to examine the scene and volunteer to pick it.

 

morel mushroom hunting

 

Half fun onion sacks in tow, we walked back to our cars after two and a half hours. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday in Northern Michigan.

 

Check out our Spring Photo Gallery for more images of Michigan wildflowers, morel mushrooms and other springtime firsts.

By |2020-01-06T15:15:45-05:00May 14th, 2009|Benzie, Hometown Highlights|0 Comments