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.

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.

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.