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10 Places I’ve Never Been: Rock Shop

10 Places I've Never Been

This summer I’m on a mission to explore uncharted territory in my own backyard, and improve Michigan’s economy one purchase at a time.

The strategy is simple. Visit 10 places I’ve never been before…just because, I’ve never been. Next on my list: Rock Shop

Rockshop street view image

I know you’ve seen it. If you’ve driven along US 31 between Interlochen and Honor you’ve driven past it. The question is, have you ever been inside the C & M Rock Shop? I hadn’t until this week.

That’s not to say I haven’t noticed their little enterprise on the side of the road. In fact, I’ve always wondered, “Does anybody shop there?” Turns out, more than a few people shop there. That’s why it’s been open for more than forty years!

Rock Shop image

When I walked in to the shop on Tuesday and asked for Bruce Mueller, the owner, I was met with some reservation. Why was I writting an article? Was it going to cost anything? But I assured them it was my own curiosity that put their Rock Shop on my list of 10 Places I’ve Never Been, and I’d be happy to share their story because I believe it just might interest some other folks out there who have passed by for years. With that, I was welcomed into Bruce & Shirley’s little slice of geologic capitalism.

Bruce Mueller lead an interesting life before he settled down to sell rocks. He was in the Korean War, where his actions and responsibilities were considered top secret. So secret he’s not even sure what they were. After the war he used the GI bill to get a college degree in geology, a subject that’s been of interest to him since the age of eight. He proceeded to get a masters degree and taught high school in Rockford, Illinois for 35 years.

Rock Shop cases imageRock Shop polished stones image

I could’t resist the obvious question: why a rock shop, on the side of the road in Northern Michigan? “I started this so I’d have something to do when I retired,” said Bruce.

Bruce and Shirley found a 1904 barn that had collapsed because the roofline was so steep no one would go up to reshingle it. They worked with the basement structure, adding a simple roof to create the shop, even cut a doorway into the stone silo so it could be used as an office. In 1967 they opened the C & M Rock Shop for business. They sold $260 in rocks that year. “I’d rather not say how many we sell now,” they smiled. But let’s just say Shirley’s family isn’t laughing at them any more.

Rock Shop meteorite imageRock Shop agate image

The Rock Shop sells polished and unpolished stones from around the world. There are several display cases showcasing fossils that date back before the age of dinosaurs. Trilobites, cephalopods, ammonites and even metorites line the shelves. You can sort through gemostones like peridot or Michigan greenstone, or pick up a beautifully polished Lake Superior agate.

Rockshop nautilus imageRockshop chain coral imageRockshop Michigan greenstone image

It may have been years since Bruce taught school, but he hasn’t lost his passion for geology or his desire to share his knowledge. We chatted for nearly an hour about the geologic origin of Michigan, the make-up of our local rockbed, and stories behind the fossils found throughout the store. He also shared many secrets of the popular Petoskey stone that beach combers search for with passion and nostalgia. It’s probably the Petoskey stone that has kept the Rock Shop in business for so many years.

Rock Shop Petoskey stones

Rock shop petoskey stones

Inside the Rock Shop there are Petoskey stones everywhere. A long table showcases polished stones of all sized. They sell some Petoskey stone jewelry as well. Outside shoppers can sort through piles of Petoskeys that have been dug up from the rockbed. These raw stones bear a much closer resemblance to the coral from which they were formed, since they excavated directly from the ground rather than tumbled in the waves which naturally smooth out their edges.

Rockshop Puddingstone image

Outside, visitors browse through the larger stones, including one of Bruce’s favorites: the Pudding Stone. This conglomerate rock is a mixture of several other stones held together by quartz. These stones would have formed over 2 billion years ago, transported here by glaciers.

With all the stones on site I wondered if Bruce was an avid rock hound or if he purchased the stones he sells. It turns out he’s willing to buy, if the timing is right. In fact, just that morning a man stopped by with 500 lbs. of Petoskeys—an unwanted inheritance from a lifelong collector. So Bruce bought them. “I especially try to buy from children,” he added, paying $0.50 to $1.00 depending on the size and quality of the stone.

Rock shop Bruce Mueller

Bruce is a great story-teller, and seeks to share the unexpected or unique facts about his subject. Here’s one of his Did You Know stories, that I just had to share.

If you want to buy a gravestone that will last:

  • Choose a marble stone and it will last 100 years, but the effects of acid rain will destroy it;
  • Choose a granite headstone and water erosion will begin the degrade the inscription after 500 years;
  • But if you choose a Quartz headstone, in 7 billion years, when the sun expands into a red giant and vaporizes the earth you will STILL be able to read what it says on the tombstone…assuming there will be anyone left to read it!

I asked Bruce the question I was dying to have answered: how does a business that sells rocks stay in business for so long?

“We picked, by sheer accident, the right location,” he answered. Simple as that.

Rockshop book image

Before I left I picked up a copy of one of Bruce’s books, The Complete Guide to Petoskey Stones, which he kindly autographed for me. After the third stop on my tour I discovered that Bruce is co-Author of the series of Rock Picker’s Guides with Kevin Gallagher of Korner Gem. It’s a small world.

Generations of families have been stopping by this tiny Rock Shop on the side of the road in Benzie County for nearly 45 years. If you haven’t made a point to pull the car over and check it out, I encourage you to do so. Especially if you have any young rock hounds in the backseat just itching to get their hands on a petoskey, or see some amazing fossils.

C & M Rock Shop is located along US 31 between Interlochen & Honor. 13236 Honor Hwy, Beulah, MI 49617 to be precise. They are open seasonally. For more information reach them by phone at 231.325.2309. They also own a jewelry showroom in Rockton, IL. Check out their website here:  www.gemshoponline.com. As with all my 10 Places locations, you can find them on the Traverse Traveler iPhone app — our free mobile guide to the Traverse Area. Download on iTunes here.

If there’s a place in northern Michigan you’ve been dying to visit, but you’ve never made the time, I’d like to hear about it. Join the conversation on the Traverse Traveler Facebook page, and let me know where you’re going.

And stay tuned, as I plan to explore the next stop on my 10 Places I’ve Never Been tour:  22 Vines & Wines.

By |2019-12-26T15:10:06-05:00August 4th, 2011|Benzie, Place's I've Never Been|0 Comments

10 Northern Michigan Places I’ve Never Been

Places I've Never Been graphic

This summer I’m on a mission to explore uncharted territory in my own backyard, and improve Michigan’s economy one purchase at a time.

The strategy is simple. Visit 10 places I’ve never been before…just because, I’ve never been.

 

Close your eyes and think about this for a moment. Wait…that makes reading rather difficult. Scratch that.

Better yet imagine, if you will, your morning commute. If you’re lucky enough to call northern Michigan home that drive probably takes you through quaint shopping districts, or perhaps a bayside cruise past restaurants, marinas and resorts. When you live in a tourist town, like Traverse City, you’re surrounded by unique destinations. But just like those beautiful bay views, you seldom stop the car to appreciate them.

When I’m running displays for Mealtickets & Unusual Ideas my route takes me across Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau county every month, canvassing the same highways area travelers flock to for a taste of Northern Michigan. Along these drives I pass dozens of storefronts I’ve never been in. And that got me thinking, why not? What is so difficult about taking 15 minutes out of my trip to satisfy my curiosity, and hopefully find something I like. That’s when I decided to pick 10 new places and pay them a visit.
 

What’s the big deal about choosing some place new?

One of the best parts of being a tourist is exploring uncharted territory. You never know what you’re going to discover. When you’re on vacation, especially in a place you’ve never been, every site you see, every food you taste, every door unopened is the beginning of a new adventure. If you look at your own community from the eyes of a visitor you’ll see a whole new world.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing shameful about having a favorite restaurant, or shopping at the same grocery store because it’s convenient. Every business needs ‘regulars,’ and that’s what the locals often are. But new customers are the key to business growth.

 

Did you know, in 2010 the Michigan tourism industry generated $17.2 billion— that’s a 14% increase from 2009. And, for the first time, out-of-state visitors spent more than Michigan residents on travel*.

Regions like Northern Michigan depend on those tourism dollars. And why do you think that is? Because we count on area visitors to do what we aren’t doing enough of: going out to eat, shopping at local stores and staying in area hotels. So I say, become a tourist in your hometown. And see what that does for Michigan’s economic recovery.
In honor of following my own advice I’m sharing my list of 10 New Places right here on the Mealtickets blog. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

Hodge Podge Lodge graphic1.  Hodge Podge Lodge
– After seeing their listing in the Traverse Traveler app, and walking past the store in downtown Beulah, I had to check it out. And I must say, I’m loving my new $10 shoes! Click here to read more…

 

 

Chateau de Leelanau graphic2.  Chateau de Leelanau – Located on M-22 near Suttons Bay, this winery has new owners and some great wines…I’ll be back this summer for their cherry sangria, I can tell you that. Click here to read more…

 

 

 

Korner Gem graphic3.  Korner Gem – I’ve been dying to explore this hidden treasure just off M-22 on the west side of Traverse City, and I’m so glad I did. I can’t wait to show off the new jewelry they’re making—from my own beach stones. Click here to read more…

 

 

Woodland Creek graphic4.  Woodland Creek Furniture – My friends from Virginia stop here every time they drive through Traverse City but I have never made a point to go in. Until now. It’s huge, and it’s amazing! Click here to read more…

 

Rock Shop graphic5.  The Rock Shop – If you’ve driven the corridor between Interlochen and Honor on US-31 you’ve passed it a million times. And so have I. But not this summer. I’m dying to find out how a place that sells rocks has been in business for so long! Click here to read more…

 

 

22 Vines and Wines graphic6.  22 Vines & Wines – I’ve heard nothing but good things about what’s coming from the kitchen in this tiny restaurant, with a Philippine chef, that lies along on the road to Suttons Bay. Click here to read more…

 

 

Country Christmas graphic7.  Country Christmas – Every local has passed this quaint cottage at 55 mph and yet I wonder how many have slowed down enough to read the sign. Looks like I’m gonna celebrate Christmas in July this year. Click here to read more…

 

Two Fish Gallery graphic8.  Two Fish Gallery – There’s a huge tree near the corner of River & Main Street in Leland as you look down the boardwalk toward Fishtown. It casts a shadow on this lovely gallery. But the treasures inside are worth a visit. Click here to read more…

 

The Cherry Hut graphic9. The Cherry Hut – Can you believe my husband graduated from Benzie Central, but he’s never been to this Beulah landmark? We’re going to check this one out together. Click here to read more…

 

 

 

Mystery graphic10. Mystery Visit – I think I’m going to see what our Facebook & Twitter fans suggest, and base my 10th stop on their recommendations. Click here to reveal the Mystery…
 

 

You can keep up with my discoveries here on Mealtickets.com, and make suggestions of your own on Facebook and Twitter. And, as an added bonus, I’m going to make sure these new places get listed on the Traverse Traveler iPhone app. That way you can check them out too!
Why don’t you join me? Become a tourist in your hometown with these three simple steps:

  • Get Ready: Take a moment and think about the places you drive past every week, but have never been in.
  • Get Set:  Pick ten, and make a list. The list is critical. There’s something about the simple act of writing it down that will help make you accountable.
  • Go:  You have 99 days of summer to explore your own backyard. Make it memorable.

 

Share your 10 Places with us!

We want to hear about the adventures in your hometown. I’ve set up a Discussion Board on the Traverse Traveler Facebook Page. I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered. Happy backyard travels everyone!

 

Resources:
*Detroit Free Press | State Tourism Spending Soars

NPS Rangers Host Star-Gazing on June 18th

Sleeping Bear Dunes Star-GazingStar Party at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

 

Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Saturday, June 18 at 9:00 p.m. for an evening with the stars. Join a Park Ranger and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society at the mouth of the Platte River on Lake Michigan Drive in Benzie County to learn about and celebrate the night sky.  Watch the sun set into Lake Michigan, view the starry constellations, and spot the rings of Saturn through huge telescopes.  If you are lucky, you may even get to see the elusive green flash as the sun sinks below the horizon!

 

The Grand Traverse Astronomical Society is partnering with the National Lakeshore for this event.  The Society has been in existence for 29 years and its members regularly share their knowledge and enthusiasm with the public at the Northwestern Michigan College’s Rogers Observatory in Traverse City.  More recently, the Society has branched out to locations from street corners to national parks, sharing the wonders of the universe with the public.  Our first joint star party was this past October on the 40th anniversary of the National Lakeshore. Four more evenings are scheduled through October 2011. (Photo from October 2010)

 

The dark skies of the National Lakeshore were recently hailed as one of the ten best in the entire National Park System. “Just as the parks are dedicated to preserving landscapes, cultural sites, and habitat for wildlife, so are they concerned about overhead resources – particularly the kind of dark skies that reveal the beauty of the nighttime firmament,” declares National Geographic’s newly released Ten Best of Everything National Parks.

 

Superintendent Dusty Shultz noted, “Many of our visitors come from cities where they rarely, if ever, get to see the Milky Way. Looking out over Lake Michigan, they are awestruck by the density of the constellations in view.” Shultz added, “We are pleased and honored to be working with the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society on this series of star
parties and know the public will marvel at what they can see through the lenses of those fabulous telescopes.”

 

The public is invited to join us on this fun and educational night. Meet the Park Ranger at the end of Lake Michigan Road at the mouth of the Platte River on Saturday, June 18. The event, which begins at 9:00 p.m., will be offered just in time to also watch the sunset. Society members will have their telescopes out until 10:30 p.m. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car.

 

All Park Ranger-led programs are free. Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass displayed on their vehicle to join in the fun.  Please call 231-326-5134, ext. 328, for details or log onto www.nps.gov/slbe. Also, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sbdnl.

 

By |2019-12-26T15:42:55-05:00June 15th, 2011|Benzie, Events|0 Comments

Crystal Mountain Opens Slopes Friday 12-11

crystal mountain opening graphic

 

Local slopes ready for Skiers

Snow is a welcome sight at area ski slopes. Last week Crystal Mountain had bare ground. But with over 12″ of natural snow, plus 24-hour snowmaking, Crystal Mountain will open for skiers on Friday, December 11th.

 

Here’s the scoop:

Operating Hours & Rate Information
Here are the operating hours and lift ticket rates for this week:

Friday, December 11th: 12 to 8 pm
Saturday, December 12th: 9 am to 8 pm
Sunday, December 13th: 9 am to 6 pm
Monday-Thursday, December 14-17: 12 to 6 pm

Lift ticket rates are $25 (adults 16+) and $15 (juniors 9-15) through Thursday, December 17th. Children 8 & under FREE.

Friday, December 18th (5 for $50 Friday): 9 am to 9 pm
Friday, December 19th: Open for the season. Midweek rates apply. See lift ticket rates.

5 Lift Tickets for $50! Friday, December 18th
Bring a group of up to five skiers & riders to Crystal Mountain on Friday, December 18th and you all ski and ride for only $50!

 

Check out the snow report at crystalmountain.com/snow for the latest updates.

By |2019-12-30T11:49:41-05:00December 10th, 2009|Attractions, Benzie|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

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

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

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