May 31, 2018

Charlevoix, A Beautiful Beach Town, Episode 1

A Beautiful Beach Town:
Episode 1
I'm just a regular gal with an adventurous
spirit who likes to day trip to Charlevoix.



My first visit to Charlevoix was on the 12th of June, 2014. It was my birthday and the innkeeper I worked for in Traverse City highly recommended visiting Charlevoix for the mushroom houses, shopping, and water activities. That birthday spent in Charlevoix was magical and since than I've made a handful of day trips back to Charlevoix and each visit gives me a new perspective of what I call "A Beautiful Beach Town"


When the snow finally melts and the fragrant scent of flowers sprinkles through the air, it's common knowledge that spring has sprung. The verdant trees brighten the landscape and birds sing from the branches above. The days grow longer as May turns into June. Summer is here and it's time to vacation in beautiful C H A R L E V O I X. Nestled between two lakes quaint Charlevoix is especially lovely during the summer months. This is the time of year when Bridge Street is bustling with activities like farmers markets, outdoor concerts and festivals. Adults and children stroll the streets shopping for treasures and eating in their favorite restaurants. 

The best part is the water. Both Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan offer ample boating and swimming opportunities. Over on Lake Michigan there's the popular Michigan Beach Park. Fill your day with summer fun. Michigan Beach Park offers concessions, basketball courts, fishing, kayak and paddle board rentals, volleyball courts, a playground, walking trails, and plenty of swimming. The iconic bright red colored lighthouse sits on the pier and looks great from all directions. Pick famous Petoskey stones, or just lounge on the white sandy beach. The sunsets are spectacular here. Over on Lake Charlevoix, Depot Beach is an enjoyable beach. The waters are calm and refreshing, there's plenty of shade from the trees, and it's perfect for picnicking.


When you're hungry it's good to know that Charlevoix has two supermarkets. Olesons is at 112 Antrim Street in downtown and Family Fare is off M- 66. It's always good to have groceries on hand but why not eat at one of Charlevoix's restaurants and leave the cooking to the chef? You'll be pleased with all the choices available for dining. Some of my favorites are listed below.


Restaurants in Charlevoix:



                                 
Cantina
101 Van Pelt Place

A true cantina off the beaten path. Great outdoor seating and delicious Mexican fare and drinks.

Elote Street Corn, grilled corn on the cob brushed with chile-lime mayo and covered with cotija cheese is highly recommended .



                                                 Great Eating at Cantina





That French Place

212 Bridge Street

What a gem of a place. It's like being in France without the jet lag. Owners Brian and Emily have traveled throughout France and now prepare French delicacies right at their cafe on Bridge Street.

From buttery flaky croissants to savory and sweet crepes "That French Place" is a delight to the tastebuds.

                                     Traditional made crepes at That French Place (magnifique)

                                        T

Scovie's Gourmet

111 Bridge Street




My favorite place to get a bite to eat. Super friendly staff, excellent sandwiches and reasonable prices. This is where the locals go to eat. The chicken salad, grilled tree hugger panini, and Northern Michigan carrot cake get my thumbs up.











Simonsen's Bakery
115 Bridge Street            


With an Italian setting, Simonsen's Bakery is the place to enjoy baked goods, frittata, and quiche.

The cappuccinos and lattes are the best in town.






                                                                                                  
Smoke on the Water                      
103 Park Avenue                           
                             Enter the doors of Smoke on the Water for home-cooking

You can smell the smoked food when you walk through the front doors. The menu has changed a bit here. Some of the old favorites are now going to be featured at the Boyne Mountain Inn located in Boyne City which was recently purchased by the owners of Smoke on the Water. This was the first place I ever ate at when I made a day trip to Charlevoix on June 12, 2014 to celebrate my birthday.

Breakfast, and Lunch menu. Baked goods like the apple bourbon banana bread are amazing. So happy that Smoke on the Water is still around.

Stafford's Weathervane

106 Pine River Lane

Great views of the canal and drawbridge from the windows. Classic dishes such as flash fried perch, oak planked white fish and prime rib are served in an elegant setting.


      Terrific views and delicious food is what you'll get at Stafford's Weathervane


                                        

Dining is just one of the many wonderful things to do in Charlevoix so follow me on my next post....Episode 2 where you'll learn about a nature oasis just outside Charlevoix called Fisherman's Island State Park.
















May 21, 2018

A City on Two Continents: I S T A N B U L


    Historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium, the present day ISTANBUL is a magical city that strategically lies on two continents; Asia and Europe making it an East meets West wonder. It's the only city in the world nestled on two continents. Scents of exotic spices, baklava, coffee, fresh fish, and flowers fill the air and stray cats roam the cobblestone streets mingling with locals and tourists alike. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the Black and Marmara Seas. Istanbul has a remarkable architectural heritage and visitors are mesmerized by its mosques, monuments, museums, palaces, and water fountains.

    To truly immerse in Turkish culture, a homestay allows you the benefit of getting a deeper understanding of the everyday life of the locals. If you find the right family to connect with you can receive outstanding recommendations of what to do and see in Istanbul and enjoy authentic homemade family meals with your host. There are those that prefer the luxury and privacy of a hotel and there are plenty of hotels to choose from throughout this large city.

    Things to keep in mind while in ISTANBUL:

    #1.Begin your journey by picking up a Turkish language book. Even a small knowledge of the language will allow you to exchange a few sentences in Turkish with the locals.

    #2.Choose the type of lodging you're most comfortable with. From Airbnb listings to hostels to classy hotels it's important to enjoy your home away from home while in Istanbul.

    #3. Try as many different foods as you can. Turkish food is healthy and delicious and chances are you'll never experience anything quite like it elsewhere. 

    #4. Don't rush if you can help it. It's better to experience the attractions at a moderate pace than rush and miss out on things you might never see again.


    Turkish Coffee:

    Instanbulites enjoy drinking coffee on a daily basis The reason Turkish coffee is so exceptional is because of the preparation and presentation. The coffee is blended with high quality beans then roasted and finally grounded; extra fine. It is made in a metal pot with a long wood handle named "ibrik" or "cezve" and served in a traditional fincan (tiny cup). 

    How to make Authentic Turkish Coffee:

    1 cup of cold pure water
    1 tablespoon of extra fine Arabic ground coffee (powder consistency)
    1 cardamon pod or 1/8 teaspoon cardamon powder
    sugar (optional) 

    Bring water and sugar to a boil in an IBRIK. Remove from heat, add coffee and cardamon. Return IBRIK to heat and allow the coffee to boil. When the coffee foams remove it from the heat. Pour into a fincan (tiny cup) and allow to sit for a few minutes. Sip the coffee slowly. 

    If you wish to avoid sugar, just boil the water by itself without the sugar, then add the coffee and cardamon.

    Turkish Delights: (Lokum)

    Made with exotic ingredients, Turkish Delights are small fragrant cubes of jelly made of chopped dates, hazelnuts, and pistachios and infused with rosewater or citrus fruit juice. You'll find these tasty delights throughout Istanbul. They can be enjoyed with a cup of Turkish coffee too.

    Where to Get Turkish Delights in Istanbul:

    1) Haci Bekir: famous store located at Hamidiye Sad. No. 83 | 34110 Eminonu,
    Istanbul, Turkey

    2) Hafiz Mustafa; Hobyar Mahallesi, Hamidiye Cd. No:84, 34112 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

    Highlight on Stray Cats in Istanbul:



    They're found all over ISTANBUL; hundreds of stray cats who roam throughout the city. These furry creatures who make Istanbul their home find bowls of food and water left for them by local residents. They're one of Istanbul's star attractions and part of the community. Some of these felines will even follow you through the streets of ISTANBUL.

    GRAND BAZAAR: (Covered Market in the Fatih district)
    Open: Monday- Saturday, closed Sundays & holidays

    With over 4,000 shops the GRAND BAZAAR is one of the largest covered markets in the world. Here you can spend hours bargaining with shopkeepers on items you wish to purchase.

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