Library Park in Elk Rapids

Having a picnic on Labor Day Weekend is de rigueur and we found a delightful spot in Elk Rapids called Library Park. Under the shade of a big pine tree are picnic tables and a gorgeous view of Grand Traverse Bay. Swimming and frolicking in the sand and water of Elk River is irresistible! High of 80 today and mostly sunny. May you have a blessed holiday weekend.

Elk Rapids' Twisted Fish

Elk Rapids is a busy little tourist town from May through October.  It is filled with antique shops and boutiques and has a very welcoming small town feel.  We could not help but notice the Twisted Fish coming into the village.  We had a wonderful stroll in their sculpture garden. Inside is filled with treasures of Michigan artists from water colors and pottery to glass pieces and oil paintings. It is probably one of the nicest galleries we have seen.  It has been very well run by owners Charlotte and Bob for ten or more years now.

Kayaking Torch Lake

One of the most beautiful inland lakes in Michigan is Torch Lake. Nineteen miles long and just two miles wide, it's waters are crystal clear. There is a small public park on the northwest side in Torch Lake Township where you can put your kayaks in the water and just float around in bliss. The name comes from the Indians who used to hunt fish at night here using torches.There will be massive boaters out on the sandbar on the 4th of July as Kid Rock (who also has a home on this lake) made mention of it in his song "All Summer Long".

Island House: Elk Rapids District Library

Take a lovely mid-1800's home built on a four acre island with a gorgeous view of Grand Traverse Bay and transform it into a library--now that is what we call class. We particularly love this side room of the Elk Rapids District Library with inviting chess games already set up and comfy rocking chairs. You have to be at least five years old to get a library card. The Lego Club meets every Saturday morning to build and create.  This Island House transformed into glorious library is open seven days a week except for holidays with free wifi. Bless you, library board and staff.

Dockside in Bellaire

We were blessed with the perfect weather yesterday at Dockside in Bellaire and there isn't a better setting for al fresco dining.  It's been the place to hang out on Torch Lake where the Clam River runs into it for over a century. Come by car or by boat. We recommend the fish tacos with aioli sauce--simply outstanding.

Michigan Photographer Dave Dinsdale

It was a pleasure meeting Dave Dinsdale, photographer from Rochester Hills, whose favorite subject is Michigan's nature. His Jordan Valley masterpiece was made from piecing together 16 of his photos. Although he has captured wonderful images from his travels both here and abroad in France and Germany, he loves his home state. He and his wife Nancy (also his business partner) have transferred many of his pictures to tiles that can either be used as wall art or trivets and coasters.

Elk Rapids Historical Museum

This absolutely gorgeous 1901 building was donated by the Methodist Church to the Elk Rapids Historical Society. For two years now they have been renovating and fixing it up to house their Historical Museum. It has our vote for the most unique and intriguing edifice for such a museum. The yellow bricks used to create this house of worship were made right in Elk Rapids. The church has its original stained glass windows, tin ceilings and lovely oak woodwork. Open Friday, Saturday and Sundays from Memorial weekend through the end of September.

Ice Cream Peddlers in Elk Rapids

Nothing screams summer or Memorial Weekend more than homemade ice cream and the Ice Cream Peddlers in Elk Rapids have the right stuff right on River Street. They serve brownies and cream puffs with Saunder's hot fudge! Also available are shakes and malts, floats and sundaes.

Central Lake's Blue Pelican Inn

The village of Central Lake near Bellaire is home to the Blue Pelican Inn which is a popular place to eat and even has seven hotel rooms available, too, to spend the night. The inn has changed hands numerous times since 1924 and many people will tell you that ghosts haunt the place. That must be why it is so popular! The Side Door Saloon opens at 4pm (all you can eat haddock on Fridays with Happy Hour all night). Today, Wednesday, they offer specials on their rib baskets. Live entertainment on the deck Fridays and Saturdays.

Crying Bear in Elk Rapids

We found a crying bear in Elk Rapids.  Why is he crying? Is he sad about the environment?  Why is he in Elk Rapids? He has no other painted bears around him. We thought he was cute, but are concerned about his happiness.....

House on the Hill in Ellsworth

As far as Bed & Breakfasts go, we think House on the Hill in Ellsworth is topnotch. Their rooms are beautifully decorated and each is equipped with its own bathroom. They have a front porch with comfy chairs that afford a great view over St Clair Lake and if you are energetic enough you can take their kayaks out for a peaceful paddle. Hiking trails up and around their 50 acres beckon us to explore. We loved their giant checkers game out in the garden with king and queen adirondack chairs. A short walk to Rowe Inn will provide you with one of the best gourmet meals you can get in Michigan.

Lulu's Bistro in Bellaire

What a beautiful little oasis in the middle of the snowy village of Bellaire whose population is a mere 1100. For us, Lulu's Bistro is a jaw dropper with beautiful surroundings and savory, inventive dishes.  Chef Michael Peterson has trained both at the Culinary Institute of America and in Paris. Some of his creative offerings include warmed brie salad, blue cheese pear salad, smoked duck leg cassoulet or white fish with an herbed rémoulade on foccacia bread. Not far from the Shanty Creek ski resort, doesn't this sound like the perfect spot for an après ski adventure?

Short's Brewery in Bellaire

Tucked away in Michigan's snowbelt is a great brew pub called Short's. It's on the main drag in Bellaire located in a 100 year old former hardware store.  We loved the atmosphere, the vittles, the friendly service and especially the beer.  They serve great sampler trays in a unique paddle contraption. We give it all high marks and their pub food is superb--do try their stuffed portabella mushroom caps. Their website is chock full of information and very up-to-date.

Ellsworth's Front Porch Café

The Front Porch Café in Ellsworth, south of Traverse City, has a volunteer staff and a priceless menu--people pay what they can afford.  The idea for this darling non-profit community restaurant germinated in the head of Bob Felton, outreach director for a local church.  They offer affordable home-cooked meals made with local products like the fresh eggs from the farm down the street. It is open Monday-Saturday from 7am until 2pm for breakfast and lunch. Thank you fellow traveler, bon vivant and Michigan aficionado, Mary-France Oudin who enjoyed a delicious meal here yesterday with her family.

Snowshoeing in Michigan

With the abundance of snow we have this winter, it's a wonderful time to get out and snowshoe! All the state parks offer trails as well as our gorgeous county parks. With the new light weight and easy-to-put-on snowshoes that exist today, there is really no excuse not to get out and enjoy our beautiful winters. We rented these at Shanty Creek up in Bellaire and had a blast.

Sashay to the Sassy Sunflower in Bellaire

There's a bright colorful spot in Bellaire called the Sassy Sunflower in contrast to the deep snows that surround it. You can't help but smile when passing by and inside is just as cheerful as the exterior. A profusion of original artwork by local artist Amy Perrier line the walls.  She takes old window frames, fixes them up and paints some glorious "reverse" scenes from the back.  The outcome is stunning. Turns out, store owner Becky Folker is Amy's sister. Cute.

Hitting the slopes at Bellaire's Shanty Creek

January and February are supreme snow sport months in Michigan.  Shanty Creek, south of Charlevoix, is one of the finest resorts "up north".  They have had a foot of snow since Thursday night! And is it beautiful. Besides downhill skiing and snowboarding, there is tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing as well as the après ski in the lounge. We've always enjoyed the Summit slopes and lodge, but the larger more thrilling runs are those at Schuss Mountain. You can't beat the prices for the Summit though: $18 a day! The hotel has specials for their rooms at $60 a night. There are hotel rooms and condos with balconies overlooking ski runs and phenomenal vistas.

45th Parallel near Alba

Haven't you always wanted to stop at the 45th parallel sign and get out of the car to say "I've stood half way between the north pole and the equator"! It's a pretty unique geographical distinction! This one was taken on Highway 131 near Alba which is west of Gaylord.