I'll be back in February!

In February I plan on having more posts on my TRAVEL WORLD site. There are still lots of countries to learn about; Russia, Switzerland, Thailand, and South Africa to name a few.

Thank You!

Northern Michigan (A Winter Wonderland)

Northern Michigan encompasses a broad range of landmass. Not to be missed is the unique Upper Peninsula which is a world of its own. One of the grandest Great Lakes (Lake Superior) is located in the Upper Peninsula. On the Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the Northwest corner of the state lies a popular city known as Traverse City.

Traverse City like much of America this winter is experiencing heavy snowfall and lots of cold weather but that doesn't stop the locals and tourists from enjoying all the attractions the area has to offer. Below is a list of activities to enjoy and melt away the winter blues.

If you like to ski than Shanty Creek Resort and Mount Holiday Ski and Recreation area are the answer to downhill skiing. Hickory Hills is a popular place to ski too.

You always have a chance to play and win at Turtle Creek Casino or Leelanau Sands Casino.

Over on Front Street in downtown Traverse City you can warm up in the historic State Theater and watch first run movies and classics. The City Opera House on Front Street boasts national,local, and regional talent and the entertainment here is top notch.

A drive on the Old Mission Peninsula will reward you with great views. Places to check out on the 22 mile long Old Mission Peninsula are Haserot Beach, Old Mission Lighthouse, Old Mission General Store, Scenic Overlook, and the seven wineries that dot the peninsula.

The Leelanau Peninsula is world famous for it's #1 top attraction: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Even in the winter mouths the beauty of this area will mesmerize you. The Leelanau Peninsula is 30 miles long. On your scenic drive you can visit one of the many wineries, Inn at Black Star Farms, Leelanau State Park and idyllic villages; Empire, Leland, Northport, and Suttons Bay.

If you like the outdoors than you'll love the outdoor actives offered in and around Traverse City.Traverse City (cherry city) has no shortage of cherry trees so if you're craving cherries you can get them year round. Right now as I write this post I'm snacking on some local cherries that I just unfroze. They're extremely tasty and shortly I'll be making a homemade cherry pie.

Enjoy this recipe for Traverse City Cherrie Pie!

MOUTH-WATERING CHERRY PIE

Make enough dough for two homemade 9 inch pie crusts.

Filling:

2 cups pitted cherries 
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg yolk

Drain the cherries reserving 1 cup liquid from the cherries. In a saucepan combine sugar, flour, and salt. Stir in the cherry liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil. When mixture is thickened add the butter, almond extract, and cherries. Cool the mixture and refrigerate one hour. Pour the cooled
cherry filling into a half baked pie crust. Roll out extra dough and cut out some strips to put on top of the pie. Place a few strips of the dough horizontally than vertically over the filling.
Brush the dough strips with egg yolk.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes.

You can freeze leftover dough and use it later to bake another cherry pie.

A Taste of Traverse City

                                                     HAPPY 2014

It's the new year of 2014 and I wish I could make plans to travel again BUT right now I'm working two jobs and keeping busy in Traverse City, Michigan. I moved here a few months ago to take care of my Mother and although it snows here practically everyday I really do like Traverse City.

I'm currently living right in Downtown Traverse City and I have really learned to navigate my way around this northern Michigan outdoor's paradise. I learned that Traverse City is a a foodie's town. In fact Traverse City attracts a lot of amazing chefs that work magic in the kitchen... there's even a famous chef that summers not far from Traverse City.

The Upper Peninsula is famous for making pasties and here in Traverse City you too can enjoy some homemade pasties at Cousin Jennies and Lehto's. For a taste of France without the jet lag Amical serves up specialities like chicken pot pie, French onion soup, and savory crepes in a cozy atmosphere. The Cooks House is one of the best restaurants in the United States known for local sustainable cuisine. Another amazing restaurant is Red Ginger which serves superb Asian specialities. The trendy Red Ginger is always packed with devoted customers who rave about the incredible dishes.

They say that "men can live on bread alone" and that's very true here in Traverse City. Some of the best bakeries in America are located in Traverse City. One of them is Pleasanton Bakery. Located on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons (formerly the state hospital known as The Asylum) Pleasanton Bakery was named one of the best bakeries in the United States in 2012 by Food and Wine magazine. The bakers at Pleasanton Bakery prepare naturally leavened artisan breads in a wood fired brick oven. There are countless flavors to choose from like cherry pistachio, dill onion, village rye to name a few. Pleasanton Bakery has an array of tasty bakery treats like croissants, pretzel bread, and pecan pie. Recently they're added pizza to their menu which has become a smashing hit among locals and tourists alike. Another bakery that earns praises is Bay Bread. The folks at Bay Bread make over 40 different artisian loaves as well as sandwiches and a variety of cookies.

I can't finish this post without giving an honorable mention to Oryana Natural Foods Market. Their selection of natural and holistic foods is top notch. They carry lots of items in bulk, sell fresh produce, have their own in house bakery and cafe, a body shop department, and so much more. Their selection of organic hot soups is unbelievable and on a cold Traverse City day almost everyone fills up on their yummy soups. The people who run Oryana Natural Foods Market are also very kind in giving out samples everyday of products they sell. They have demo tables set up everyday of various products they're promoting that day. High praises to ORYANA for being the best natural foods market in Michigan.

It could take hours to write about all the fantastic food options in Traverse City and someday I just might right a book called "A Taste of Traverse City." There are food stores and restaurants in Traverse City to meet everyones budget. That's what makes eating in Traverse City so much fun; the fact that their are delicious foods to eat and enjoy by everyone who lives or visits here.

BON APPETIT from TRAVERSE CITY

Up Next: A recipe for famous Cherry Pie!