Christmas Cove Farm in Northport

What fun to find an antique apple farm up on the Leelenau Peninsula.  John and Phyllis Kilcherman have delved into the history of apples and have cultivated and sold more than 200 varieties of these juicy specimens, many of which origins date back centuries ago. They say the Spitzenburg apple was Thomas Jefferson's favorite. Located near Northport, Kilcherman's Christmas Cove Farm also has a phenomenal collection of more than 10,000 soda bottles from days long ago. "John the Apple Man" and Phyllis send out gift boxes of all sorts of apples with the history on each variety. They've been written up in the New York Times and the Free Press. This four generation 80 acre farm makes some incredible unpasteurized cider, too. Thanks, Hal Evans, for the photo.

Ciccone Vineyard in Suttons Bay

Many wineries are thriving in the Leelanau Peninsula with the waters of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay tempering the climate.  They prevent early blossoming and hold off the first frost and then the heavy snows protect the vines all winter long.  The Ciccone Vineyard in Suttons Bay is a fun place to tour.  Even in November, they are open Thursday through Sunday for tastings and tours. Tony Ciccone, the owner, is the father of the singer, Madonna, hence some of their wines have been so labeled. They have several gold and silver medal winners.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse 9 miles north of Northport on the Leelanau Peninsula is still open to the public.  It is always a thrill to climb these old beauties and imagine what it must have been like over 150 years ago.  The views are as terrific as ever! It is open starting May 1 from noon to 4pm. In June the hours are expanded from 10am until 6pm.  Know what's cool?  You can sign up for their Keeper program and sleep in the lighthouse keeper's quarters in exchange for learning about the lighthouse and conducting tours. Sounds like a great way to dive into history.