Let Loose in Leland

Cruise downtown Leland for maritime history, enchanting shops and stellar local cuisine.

Aug 8, 2008 Katie Holland

Patrick Wellever

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Leland tradition than by trolling the tiny boutiques in historic Fishtown (preservingfishtown.org). In the weather-worn dockside shanties of this 140-year-old fishing village, you’ll find a little bit of everything, like hats for every head at Diversions (231-256-9017), deliciously mild cheese curds at Village Cheese Shanty (231-256-9141), and souvenir gear embroidered with the regionally recognized Fishtown tug logo at Tug Stuff (231-256-7140).

On Main Street, away from the docks, there’s more in store. Pick out a sundress at Haystacks (104 N. Main St., 231-256-9730), find polished Petoskey stones at Nature’s Gems (106 N. Main St., 231-256-7570), and peruse one-of-a-kind gifts like Acoma Pueblo pottery and antique cowboy boots at Tampico (112 N. Main St., 231-256-7747). Leelanau Books (109 Main St., 231-256-7111) stocks an impressive list of Michigan authors and national bestsellers.
When you’re all shopped out, nab a Chubby Mary, with a whole smoked chub for a swizzle stick, and soak up the Lake Michigan views at The Cove (111 river st., 231-256-9834).

Make your way to the docks to catch an early evening shoreline cruise with Manitou Island Transit (231-256-9061, leelanau.com/manitou). Several days a week in the summer, the Mishe-Mokwa sets sail from Fishtown for a scenic hour-and-a-half jaunt that skims along the Manitou Passage, through Good Harbor Bay and around the tip of Pyramid Point.

QUICK BITE: A riverside supper at The Bluebird has been a Leland tradition since 1927; folks flock here for whitefish—the house specialty—lightly fried Bluebird style or broiled with citrus butter. 102 E. River St., 231-256-9081, leelanau.com/bluebird.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: If you want to see a little of Leland—and greater Leelanau—every day, no matter where you are, check out lelandreport.com. Every day since 2001 Leland lover and local Keith Burnham posts a daily photo and diary entry showcasing the beauty of his beloved region.

 

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