June 2009

10 Beaches Charlevoix, Torch Lake and the Chain of Lakes

Ten Charlevoix/Chain of Lakes beaches of every shape and size, including Fisherman's Island State Park, Young State Park, Torch Lake and the Antrim Creek Natural Area. Full article...

13 Cool Ideas for a Cool Northern Michigan

A little cool weather never got in the way of these 13 great ideas for fun in Northern Michigan, including new restaurants, shopping ideas, golf, Sleeping Bear Dunes, art and more. Full article...

3 Beautiful Drives in Leelanau County

Point your car and go and you're sure to find winding roads, art, restaurants, wine, shopping and spectacular vistas from Suttons Bay to Northport, from Leland to Glen Arbor. Full article...

4th of July Fireworks and Parades Around Northern Michigan

Check our list of times and places to catch the 4th of July festivities throughout Northern Michigan, including Petoskey, Mackinac Island, Pentwater and more. Full article...

A Beer and a Haircut in Traverse City

Right Brain Brewery does everything its own way, including pairing great beer and a haircut. Full article...

Amy Speace at Concerts in the Barn, Aten Place

Come lean back in a theater seat or sit on a hay bale this Saturday and enjoy an evening of music near Boyne City. Full article...

Anna Ash at the Inside Out Gallery

Revel in the folksy stylings of some true Michigan musicians this Saturday in Traverse City. Full article...

Author Finds Inspiration in Charlevoix

Kristina Riggle draws from her Charlevoix memories to create her first novel, Real Life and Liars. Full article...

Batter Up with Traverse City's Beach Bums

Traverse City's minor league baseball team, the Beach Bums, serve up great games in the state of the art Wuerfel Park with all of major league's fun and trappings. Full article...

Bluebird Walk at the Grass River Natural Area

Spend a Sunday morning spotting bluebirds with a trained naturalist Full article...

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on Mackinac Island

Perfect picks for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Mackinac Island, plus grab a pizza to eat with a view and don't forget some famous Mackinac Island fudge. Full article...

Charlevoix, Boyne City, Elk Rapids "Don't Miss" List

Nine fun ideas and attractions to add to your list when playing in Boyne City, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids, Torch Lake and the Chain of Lakes. Full article...

Cleaning House at the DeYoung Farm

A team of experts and willing volunteers comes together to save the historic farm Full article...

Cold Water Paddling Tips

The Great Lakes are still cold in Northern Michigan. Take these precautions if you are heading out in a kayak. Full article...

Cruise the Chain of Lakes

Boat through the Chain of Lakes, from Bellaire to Alden, including Torch Lake, Clam River, Grass River and Lake Bellaire. Full article...

Dedicating the Discovery Center

Traverse City's Rotary Club gathers in honor of a new home for water-focused nonprofit organizations. Full article...

Delicious Treats at Oden's House of Pies

Oden's House of Pies specializes in cream pies but there are plenty of summer fruit pies as well, including classic Montmorency cherry. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller's Stay Draws to a Close

Temporary lighthouse keeper Ceil Heller reaches the end of her assignment at the Ludington Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller, Day 8 as temporary keeper at the Ludington Lighthouse

Follow along as Ceil Heller shares her days staying and working at the Ludington Lighthouse, on Lake Michigan. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s Day 10 Sojourn at the Ludington Lighthouse

Our intrepid lighthouse keeper shares some thoughts as her stay at a classic Lake Michigan lighthouse nears its completion. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s Day 9 at Ludington Lighthouse

Our temporary lighthouse keeper writes about day 9 of her shore-side stay in a Lake Michigan lighthouse. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s first day at the Ludington lighthouse

Follow along as Ceil Heller shares her work-week at the Ludington Lighthouse. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s fourth day at Ludington Lighthouse

The latest post from Ceil Heller, temporary lighthouse keeper at the Ludington Lighthouse, on Lake Michigan. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s Memorial Weekend at the Ludington Lighthouse

Follow along at Ceil Heller shares her days as temporary lighthouse keeper at the Ludington Light, on Lake Michigan. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s second day at the Ludington Lighthouse

Read along as Ceil Heller shares her experiences during a weeklong stint as a keeper of the Ludington Light. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s stay as a lighthouse keeper

Read daily updates as Ceil Heller leaves her day job as an emergency room nurse to play lighthouse keeper at the Ludington Light for nearly two weeks. Full article...

Diary: Ceil Heller’s third day at Ludington Lighthouse

Temporary lighthouse keeper Ceil Heller shares impressions from her third day on the job at the Ludington Lighthouse. Full article...

Divas Uncorked in Old Mission Wine Country

A toast to you, woman. Treat yourself to a night of tasting and touring seven Old Mission Peninsula Wineries. Full article...

Drop Into the Arts at Petoskey’s Bay View

Bay View, a historic community in Petoskey, is as beautiful as it is engaging, with music, lectures, art exhibits and more open for all to enjoy. Full article...

Elk Rapids’ Cairn House B&B

Cairn House Bed and Breakfast in Elk Rapids welcomes couples and families alike. Full article...

Explore Leelanau's Picturesque Towns

Check out these unique, picturesque, Lake Michigan coastal villages on the Leelanau Peninsula, filled with restaurants, shopping, attractions and recreation. Full article...

Finding the Goods at the Traverse City Farmers Market

Spotted: Martha Ryan, owner of Martha’s Leelanau Table, at the Traverse City Farmers Market. Full article...

Food Destination: Babycakes in Marquette

This darling little cafe is a must-do lunch destination in Marquette, a hilly Lake Superior city steeped in cool Michigan history. Full article...

Foodie Road Trip #1: Antrim and Charlevoix Farm Country

A Northern Michigan road trip to restaurants and farm markets in Charlevoix, Mancelona and Eastport including Shirley's Cafe, Rennie Orchards and Mary Ann's Take-Out. Full article...

Frankfort Movie House Shines On!

The Garden Theater in Frankfort gets more than just a facelift. Full article...

Free Boyne Country Vacation for Auto Workers

Joe Breidenstein, vacation home rentals at Springbrook Hills near Walloon Lake, has teamed up with the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce to offer Free mid-week Vacations to out-of-work auto workers. Full article...

Fun Festivals in Charlevoix and Chain of Lakes Region

Four festivals filled with kids activities, parades, boat parades, fireworks and lots of music in Elk Rapids, Eastport and Charlevoix. Full article...

Fun Festivals in the Little Traverse Bay Region

Whether it's weevils, C.S. Lewis or just a good reason to gather with music and activities, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and the Little Traverse Bay region love a good festival! Full article...

Fun Festivals on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island hosts festivals celebrating the lilacs, the island's famous fudge, music and more in one of the world's most beautiful settings. Full article...

Golf a Historic Course on Mackinac Island

Tee off at Wawashkamo on Mackinac Island, Michigan's oldest continuously run golf course. Full article...

Grill Accoutrements: Our Rib-Sticking Picks for Grill Worshipers

There’s the rub. And the sauce. Full article...

Hardy Perennials for Container Gardening in Traverse City and Petoskey

Advice on how to plant hardy flowering perennials in containers that will come back year after year in a northern Michigan climate. Full article...

He Rewrote History

When Benzonia author Bruce Catton wrote about the Civil War from the foot soldier’s viewpoint—not the general’s—he changed how America saw and wrote about war forevermore. Full article...

Hike Grass River and Jordan Valley Pathway: With Video

Two great hikes in the Charlevoix region include the Grass River Natural Area and the Jordan Valley Pathway. Full article...

How Mortgage Rates Are Affecting Second Home Deals

Traverse City mortgage banker David Durbin shares some insight on new rules of lending related to vacation properties. Full article...

Indian River Pontoon

A day floating the Inland Waterway in a pontoon boat from Indian River to the mouth of Lake Huron at Cheboygan. Full article...

Iron Horse Farms’ Green Strategy

Two families near Bellaire team up to create a green real estate strategy that will preserve their centennial farms. Full article...

Kayak the Upper Chain of Lakes

Paddle through all six lakes on one trip or break this fabulous landscape into daytrips, either way, you are in for a unique kayaking experience. Full article...

Last Minute Father’s Day Ideas: Give the Gift of Up North

Father’s Day is just days away, but we’ve got you covered with Up North gift picks. Full article...

Leelanau Conservancy Dune and Swale Hike

Take a guided hike near Glen Arbor this Saturday. Full article...

Leelanau County Farmers Prepare for Lavender Season

The scent of lavender will soon fill the air above the Rice-Munro’s fields about a half-hour north of Traverse City. Full article...

Leelanau Crayfish Feast

Cajuns call them crawdads. We call them crayfish. Here’s how to catch, cook and eat our freshwater lobster. Full article...

Lighthouse Keeper’s Rhubarb Bread Recipe

Bake fresh rhubarb bread from a lighthouse keeper’s recipe. Full article...

Lighthouse West Area Hike with the Leelanau Conservancy

Explore scenic Lake Michigan shoreline with those who know the ins and outs of its flora and fauna. Full article...

Mackinac Island's Arch Rock

Mackinac Island's Arch Rock rises 15 stories above the lake and is a must-see whether hiking or biking the island. Full article...

Make the Most of Your Mackinac Island Road Trip

Family road trip to Mackinac? Make the most of it with some delightful (and delicious) stops along the way. Full article...

Meet Ali Peterson

Local equestrian blogs about her experience in Traverse City’s big event, Horse Shows by the Bay. Full article...

Michael Ann Erlewine and the Younce Guitar Duo at Short's

Come soak up local music at the Bellaire brewery Full article...

Michigan Beer and Wine Dinners at Boyne Highlands

Michigan beer and wines are on tap Boyne’s summer dinners. Full article...

National Trails Day Ride

Ride the North Central State Trail near Wolverine in honor of National Trails Day Full article...

Nordic Crayfish Feast (with Up North Twists)

Northern Michigan Sparkling Wine

Raise a glass to the good life on a summer escape in search of Northern Michigan sparkling wines. Full article...

Northern Michigan Summer Fun Guide

75 things fabulous summer fun ideas, including beaches, food, festivals, music, hikes and perfect ways to kick back in Traverse City, Mackinac Island, Petoskey and all of Northern Michigan. Full article...

Our Favorites: 3-Hour Paddle Trips

Make your life better with a few hours on the water. We asked some Northern Michigan locals where they love to go. Full article...

Our Favorites: 5 Road-Ride Cycling Routes

Hit the road with these road-ride recommendations from Northern Michigan cyclists. Full article...

Our Favorites: Mountain Bike Trails

Get off the road and out of the box with these trail recommendations from local mountain bikers. Full article...

Own a Vineyard in Leelanau County

Rare opportunities: Three turn-key vineyard and wineries for sale in Leelanau County. Full article...

Pair a Leelanau Hike with Breakfast

Four spectacular hikes paired with outstanding breakfasts make these Leelanau County outings to Whaleback, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Leelanau Trail must-do’s on any list. Full article...

Petoskey

Fun ideas abound in this video of Petoskey, Michigan, a spectacular Lake Michigan coastal town that features outstanding restaurants, events, attractions, galleries, shopping and outdoor recreation of every kind. Full article...

Pick Your Perfect Beach in Petoskey & Harbor Springs

Three great beach choices in Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Cross Village, including Petoskey State Park, Zorn Park and the Sturgeon Bay Dunes. Full article...

Pontoon the Inland Waterway

Motor the clear blue current from Crooked Lake to Burt Lake, with plenty of lazy stops for beaches and shoreside burgs. Full article...

Pre–Season Deals at Boyne Spas

Boyne Spas offer pre-season deals. Full article...

Public Viewing at Rogers Observatory

See Saturn, observe evidence of invisible dark objects and view the universe at large, all at this free event. Full article...

Relax, Reflect, Explore Thorne Swift Nature Preserve

Spend a day at Harbor Springs’ Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, where boardwalks abound to hike through lush wetlands, birds of all kinds drift about and an open-air pagoda beckons for a quiet respite. Full article...

Richard Forrest’s Work at Twisted Fish Art Gallery in Elk Rapids

Artist’s watercolor paintings are on display at Twisted Fish Art Gallery in Elk Rapids. Full article...

Sail The Manitou in Traverse City

Cruise Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City on the tall ship, The Manitou. Full article...

Secret Sleeping Bear: Hike Alligator Hill

Give your legs, lungs and heart a workout they’ll love on this steep but beautiful walkabout. Full article...

Shop, Eat, Explore Downtown Traverse City

Downtown Traverse City offers shopping, outdoor cafes, events, restaurants, beaches, Michael Moore's State Theater, late-night drinks, gorgeous views and enough fun and relaxation to fill any vacation. Full article...

Sit Back at Mackinac Island's Most Grand Hotel

Step back in time and rock on the porch of Mackinac Island's spectacular Grand Hotel. Full article...

Step Back in Time in Glen Haven

Once a bustling Lake Michigan port, Glen Haven has been restored by Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore park service and when combined with the U.S. Coast Guard Museum it makes for an afternoon steeped in beauty and history. Full article...

Step Onto Lake Charlevoix's Ironton Ferry

Lake Charlevoix's Ironton Ferry is more than a shortcut; it's an experience. Full article...

Summer A-List: Great Lake Swimmers

We find this Toronto band’s latest batch of tunes perfect for a summer on our beloved Great Lakes Full article...

Summer deals at Great Wolf Lodge

Catch special summer deals at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City Full article...

Summery Sips in Traverse City

Four Traverse City spots for summer drinks and great atmosphere, including Cafe Habana, Firefly, Top of the Park and Red Ginger. Full article...

Surf’s Up on Lake Michigan

Learn to surf Lake Michigan in this video as Rod Robertson shows you the basics from choosing a surboard, waxing, wetsuits and more. Full article...

SURVEY: What’s your favorite rub or sauce for grilling?

SURVEY: What’s your favorite Up North Trail?

SURVEY: What’s your favorite way to house guests?

SURVEY: Where’s your favorite patio dining?

Tip: Find all 65 restaurants in Northern Michigan to offer dining on the water in the July issue of Traverse Magazine. Check out the blue wave icon in the dining guide Full article...

SURVEY: Which town throws the best 4th of July celebration?

Sweet Shopping in Benzie & Manistee

Make a day of these five unique shops with hand-picked products in Frankfort, Manistee, Benzonia and Beulah. Full article...

Tee Off at These 8 Benzie & Manistee Golf Courses

The Benzie and Manistee region, including Frankfort, Beulah, Manistee and Crystal Mountain, is rich with gorgeous golf courses sporting something for everyone. Full article...

The Benzie and West Shore of Michigan “Don’t Miss” List

A “must do” list for Benzie County and Northern Michigan’s West Shore including restaurants, golf, theater, hiking, great drives and more. Full article...

The “Don't Miss” List for Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor

Whether you’re spending the day or a week in the Little Traverse Region, here are eight “must do’s,” from fishing to birding to fabulous art. Full article...

The Leelanau County “Don’t Miss” List

Great restaurants, bike rides, Lake Michigan cruises and cherries are just some of the “must do’s” for fun in Leelanau County, including Glen Arbor, Leland, Suttons Bay and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Full article...

The Legacy of Worms

Ruminations on the esoteric and sentimental value of worm fishing. Full article...

The Mackinac Island "Don't MIss" List

The Grand Hotel, island eats, Arch Rock, biking and Fort Mackinac are just some of the Mackinac Island attractions on this "must do" list. Full article...

The Traverse City "Don't Miss" List

Canoeing the Boardman River, Friday Night Live, snorkling, parasailing, beaches, Don's Drive In and the Dennos Museum are just some of the fun things not to miss on a Traverse City vacation. Full article...

The Winner: Your Favorite Room View!

The voting results are in for favorite “Room With a View,” and Inn at Bay Harbor, on Lake Michigan, comes out on top. Full article...

Three Steps to a Romantic Mackinac Island Day

Start with breakfast while watching the waves, then a lovely trip around the island, ending at The Grand Hotel for dinner, and discover Mackinac Island, made for romance. Full article...

Three Ways to Explore the Ludington State Park

You can't go wrong whether you wander the moss-covered Island Trail, take the short hike to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse or paddle the canoe trail. Full article...

Tips for a Beaver Island Adventure

Lake Michigan's Beaver Island, off the coast of Charlevoix, offers biking, hiking, relaxing, kayaking and wandering through a fascinating history of Morman king, James Strang. Full article...

Tour Good Hart's St. Ignatius Church

Take a drive up stunning M-119 to St. Ignatius Church, a picturesque 1886 church with Jesuit and Native American roots, just outside Good Hart. Full article...

Tour Leelanau's Luscious Wine Country

With 21 wineries nestled in Leelanau, a gorgeous Lake Michigan peninsula, this is some of the best wine tasting and wine touring in the country. Full article...

Traverse City Attractions: Horse Shows by the Bay

Horse Shows by the Bay co-founder Alex Rheinheimer answers a few questions about this enormous Traverse City equestrian event. Full article...

Traverse City Guide to Fun

This video is a fabulous trip through Traverse City's wealth of fun things to do including beaches, volleyball, shopping, music, hiking, restaurants and more. Full article...

Wandering the Sights and Sounds of Leland

Leland, a Lake Michigan coastal town in Leelanau County, is filled with shops, galleries and restaurants, as well as a rich commercial fishing history still present in the shanties-turned-shops of Fishtown. Full article...

Welcome to the Benzie & West Shore Vacation Guide

Your guide to restaurants, events, beaches, shopping, lodging, attractions and more in Frankfort, Ludington, Manistee, Benzonia, Beulah and more with a directory, interactive map, articles and a digital, clickable Benzie & West Shore Vacation Guide. Full article...

Welcome to the Boyne City, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids & Torch Lake Vacation Guide

Your guide to restaurants, events, beaches, shopping, lodging and more in Boyne City, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids and Torch Lake, with a directory, interactive map, articles and a digital, clickable Vacation Guide to this region. Full article...

Welcome to the Leelanau Vacation Guide

Your guide to Leelanau County restaurants, events, beaches, shopping, lodging with a directory, interactive map, articles and a digital, clickable Leelanau Vacation Guide. Full article...

Welcome to the Mackinac Island Vacation Guide

Your guide to restaurants, events, beaches, shopping, lodging and more on Mackinac Island, with articles, links and a digital, clickable Vacation Guide to the island. Full article...

Welcome to the Petoskey, Harbor Springs & Bay Harbor Vacation Guide

Your guide to restaurants, events, beaches, shopping, lodging and more in Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor, with a directory, interactive map, articles and a digital, clickable Vacation Guide to the region. Full article...

Welcome to the Traverse City Vacation Guide

Your guide to Traverse City restaurants, events, beaches, shopping, lodging with a directory, interactive map, articles and a digital, clickable Traverse City Vacation Guide. Full article...

Wind Through Traverse City's Wine Country

From Traverse City's urban wineries to the seven wineries of the stunning Old Mission Peninsula, a day spent wine touring this region is one not to be forgotten. Full article...

Your Day in Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids, a small harbor-town on the coast of Lake Michigan, has everything from food, art, antiques and boutiques to tennis courts and beaches. Full article...

Zonta Club Z-Tee Golf Outing

Play a round in support of your local Zonta Club chapter Full article...