Stress Be Gone....it;s "Summer Time" and this is the time to take advantage of some lazy summer days where the days are warm and long, the ice cream cones taste so good and the beach is the place to be night and day. Brighten your summer days in the northwest corner of Michigan and enjoy the SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE! Water, Water, Water, Everywhere....no salt or sharks either.
Made in Traverse City, MI
Great Lakes Potato Chips are the very best.
M I C H I G A N
Even though I was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in the suburb of Dearborn, I couldn't wait to leave the state. All good things seemed to happen in other states for me like California, New York, and Vermont. However there came a time when II had to move my mother from Dearborn to Traverse City because she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and my brother wanted her in a place of natural beauty. I was only supposed to stay in the Traverse City area for a few months but as I started to discover all the majestic places in Northwest Michigan I soon realized that I had found "paradise." During the summer you can't beat hanging out in places like Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Leland, Mackinac Island, Northport, Petoskey, Traverse City and dozens of other cities, towns and villages. Each has it's own attributes and charm.
One place in particular that stands out is the "SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE." This pristine natural wilderness was voted by "GOOD MORNING AMERICA"as the most beautiful place in America.Tourism has grown rapidly in the past few years and you can't blame people for coming here to take in all the wonders. I can get to "SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE in about an hour and my favorite way to arrive is on the Bata Bus.
I can't help but praise BATA; Bay Area Transportation Authority. It's an amazing bus company that gets residents and visitors around safely and at low prices. BATA offers Bayline, City Loops, Village Loops, and Link service. You can get to some wonderful places like Empire and Glen Arbor. This morning I took the free shuttle bus from Woodland Creek to the downtown Hall Street station and transferred to bus 11 which took me directly to Glen Arbor for only $3.00. (What a deal). There are bicycle racks on BATA buses and lots of people take advantage of this since bicycle trails seem to appear in lots of places.
SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR VISIT TO "AMERICA'S MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE"
Take the morning bus (Route 11) from Hall Street station in downtown Traverse City to Glen Arbor. It takes just under an hour to get to Glen Arbor. Bring along your bicycle Otherwise driving your own car will allow you to explore more places.
GLEN ARBOR ATTRATIONS:
BICYCLE RENTALS:
M 22 Glen Arbor is an outstanding bicycle shop that rents bicycles. Staff is friendly and helpful.
BICYCLE TRAIL:
Don't miss the wonderful Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail a 27.4 mile trail that meanders past the famous sand dunes.
CANOE AND KAYAK RENTALS:
Crystal River Outfitters is very popular and always draws crowds. Enjoy paddling the majestic river by canoe and kayak for as long as you choose.
COFFEE SHOPS:
Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company; begin your day with a cup of coffee. The baristas will prepare your choice of coffee drink. Pastries of all kinds are available too. Indoor and Outdoor Seating.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
Art's Tavern is a cozy pub with an outdoor patio popular in the summer months. Beers on tap available. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Boonedocks has an all American menu featuring burgers, fish, salads, sandwiches, and steaks. Customers enjoy the outdoor deck for drinks and food.
Dune Dogs offers Chicago style hot dogs and this place has lots of loyal customers. It's a food truck and once you place your order you can sit at one of the picnic tables.
Riverfront Deli and Pizza is my personal favorite. Handmade sandwiches, soups, and quiche. Outstanding desserts and pizza too. Cozy seating indoors and out.
FAMOUS DUNE CLIMB: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE (Between Empire and Glen Arbor)
Inside the SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE. This famous attraction offers plenty of pure and wind blown sand for your climb up. Spectacular views of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan.
Note that this climb can be strenuous.
SHOPS TO EXPLORE:
Becky Thatcher Designs are exquisite. Lovely jewelry that's eye catching. Choose from bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, watches, and more.
Cherry Republic brings in the crowds. Terrific samples of their products and lots of items to choose from that make great gifts.
Cottage Book Shop is adorable inside and they have an array of books for sale. Pick up a book here and read it at one of the beautiful beaches in the area.
The Exchange and Flee is owned by a French couple and they carry lots of gorgeous clothings and other items like French soaps and perfumes.
Glen Arbor Wines is an awesome place to buy bottles of local wines and wine by the glass.
You can play outdoor games like bocce outdoors and enjoy your wine in the lovely setting.
Synchronicity Art Gallery features close to 100 works by talented Michigan artists.
PLACES TO STAY:
The Homestead is 2.6 miles from the village of Glen Arbor. It's a luxury resort surrounded by lush woods. Lots of activities here and a lovely Lake Michigan beach all add to the charm and glamour.
Thyme Inn is a restored farmhouse in the heart of Glen Arbor. Peaceful surroundings. Chef made breakfast, cooking school, afternoon tea and pastries, cozy rooms, and a lovely porch with plenty of places to sit.
Sylvan Inn in an 1861 clapboard home right on Western Avenue. 13 traditional rooms with antique furnishings. Breakfast buffet. Garden, terrace, and a wraparound porch too.
GLEN HAVEN:
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GLEN HAVEN is a restored small port village on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. Here you can enjoy the Lake Michigan beach, and a restored Blacksmith shop and General Store with items for purchase. An excellent place to spend a few hours.
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EMPIRE:
Welcome to EMPIRE
Empire is one of the most beautiful beach towns on earth. It's as if time stood still here. Nothing flashy here. Just a few unpretentious shops and restaurants. If you're looking for a Norman Rockwell setting where life is simple you've found it in EMPIRE.
WHAT TO ENJOY IN EMPIRE:
Empire is simply gorgeous
Empire Bluff Trail can't be missed. This trail in Empire leads to a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The tail is 1.5 miles long.
North Bar Lake just outside Empire is spectacular. It's part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore.Swimming here is the ultimate.
Lake Michigan Beach Park in Empire is one of the best in the state. You've got Lake Michigan on one side and the small South Bar Lake on the other. Both offer sandy beaches with picnic tables. Both lakes are excellent for paddle boarding. Stunning sunsets.
Grocer's Daughter has delightful chocolates all made on the premises. A chocolate lover's haven for top quality chocolates.
Tiffany's Cafe has the best coffee drinks, desserts, and ice cream. Quaint setting and a kind staff.
For out of this world submarine sandwiches visit Shipwreck Cafe. You can eat indoors or outdoors or better yet eat your sandwich at Lake Michigan Beach Park.
Shipwreck Cafe subs are awesome!
Fill your summer days with magic in Empire. Farm stands, hiking trails, boating, swimming, bicycle trails, and lots of open space is what you'll find in EMPIRE.
So.....there you have it. So much to see and do in "AMERICA"S MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE."
