Tag Archives: boutique

Treating Ourselves in Traverse City

Traverse City’s charm is in its shops, restaurants and scenic shoreline.  We picked up the local publication, “Northern Express” for the most recent events and up-to-date information.  With so many options, we decided first to eat lunch and Grand Traverse Pie Company was our unanimous vote.

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Michigan is known for its cherries, so it would only make sense to stop by the Grand Traverse Pie Company for a slice of cherry pie.  We were surprised to find over 50 flavors of pie in addition to a few other dessert options.

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GT Pie Company’s menu was extensive to include dishes from breakfast to dinner.  With a so many great options, we each placed our orders for soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts.  Among the eight of us, we decided on the Grand Traverse Chicken Salad, Cherrywood BLT, Chicken Focaccia and Lighthouse Turkey Cheddar Sandwich. The meals were fresh and delicious served with either coleslaw or blueberry applesauce.

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Leaving room for dessert, we decided to order their signature Cherry Pie (perfect….not too sweet and not too tart), Blueberry Pie (with a crumble on top), ABC Pie (apple, blueberry and cherry) and Peanut Butter Cups.

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Our meals and dessert were amazing so we found ourselves stopping by a couple more times during our vacation, even if it was only to pick up a pie or two.

Another great reason to add Grand Traverse Pie Company to your list of restaurants to visit is that they partner with local farmers for the fruit that goes into their delicious pies.  They are also involved in several projects that give back to their community, which makes them pretty amazing. Check out their website to learn more about the charities they sponsor.

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Another company that supports local farmers is Cherry Republic.  This great store perfectly represents Michigan’s designation as the Cherry Capital of the US.  With its humble beginnings to its claim of being the “most exclusive retailer of cherry food creations”, Cherry Republic was a mandatory stop on our tour of downtown Traverse City.

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But to be honest, what we couldn’t resist were all of the samples that were available throughout the store .  From cherry salsa to cherry chews, cherry wine and cherry sodas, we were in cherry heaven.  We left with quite a few souvenirs and gifts to take back home.

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The staff were extremely helpful with any questions and suggestions on what to purchase.  We left with several products and enjoyed lunch at their wonderful café.  I loaded up on the salsa and cider, perfect gifts for friends and family back home.  Of course we had to make a second stop because we ran out of chips and cherry salsa midway through the week.

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Cherry Republic is a wonderful success story with its start as a t-shirt business in 1989.  Branching out to four locations in Michigan, the store sells over 200 types of cherry products.  You can read more about the company on their website and revel in their accomplishments, which includes a flourishing catalog and online business as well.  Visit their website to place an order or request a catalog.

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According to its website, most of Cherry Republic’s produce comes from its own backyard, the Leelanau peninsula.  And if that wasn’t enough, the company has established programs that have given back over $600,000 to charitable causes in northern Michigan.

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After having lunch at Grand Traverse Pie Company and trying samples at Cherry Republic, we needed some time to walk off the calories.  It was such a beautiful day and there were several shops that we found interesting.   Downtown Grand Traverse is such a quaint, friendly town and we stopped by the Visitor’s Center for a map and suggestions on what to see while we were here.

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One of my favorite places to visit was Nest.  Described as a home interiors and furnishings boutique, we enjoyed all of the designs and merchandise on display.   The décor is said to be “Up North Chic” and “Modern Cottage” and I loved all of the unique home goods and decorations.

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Not only are the products fabulous, but the building in itself is artistic and appealing.  The original brick walls display the fabulous artwork and the refurbished 1800’s tin ceiling was absolutely stunning.

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What we love about Nest is that they have an online store. With so many great products, this is the perfect way to shop from home and search for updated items for your home.  Just visit their website.

Michigan’s Traverse City is a great way to see the local flavors of Michigan as well as to taste them.  If you have already visited this beautiful part of Michigan and want to bring back some of those fabulous memories, shop the online stores of Grand Traverse Pie Company, Cherry Republic and Nest.  You can also check out “Traverse City in a Box” for additional selections as well.

If you have visited Traverse City or Grand Traverse, Michigan, what were some of your most memorable moments?   Did you try some of the state’s local offerings?  I would love to hear what you would suggest the next time we visit Michigan if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my adventures in Traverse City, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 West Front STreet
Traverse City, MI 49684
Telephone: 231 922 7437

Cherry Republic
154 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Telephone: 231 932 9205

Nest of Grand Traverse
218 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Telephone: 231 946 0232

Where to Eat:

amical
929 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Telephone: 231 941 8888

It was time for lunch and I wanted something light to tie me over for dinner. The French Onion soup with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat was a perfect combination. The crabcakes were served with a sweet chili aioli sauce which had a little heat so I needed a nice local Pinot Grigio from Good Harbor Winery in Leland, Michigan.

What to Eat: 

  • Bell’s Oberon beer
  • Blueberries
  • Boston Cooler – ginger ale and vanilla ice cream float
  • Cherries
  • Chipati – salad made of lettuce, mushrooms, cheese and peppers stuffed in a pita
  • Cider and Doughnuts
  • Cudhigi – spicy Italian sandwich
  • Deep Dish Pizza
  • Detroit Street Brick – aged goat’s milk cheese and green peppercorns
  • Double Baked Rye Bread
  • Faygo Pop
  • Hot Fudge Cream Puffs
  • Mackinac Island Fudge
  • Packzi (pronounced Punch-key) – Polish donut stuffed with jam
  • Pasty – hand made pies filled with meat
  • Whitefish

What to Read: 

  • Blameless; A Novel, by Lisa Reardon
  • Two, Two Lily-White Boys, by Geoffrey Clark

Photo Guide to Traverse City: 

  • Bijou by the Bay movie theater
  • Cherries
  • Cherry Bowl Drive In
  • Gallagher’s Farm Market Produce and Barn
  • Glen Haven Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Grand Traverse Lighthouse
  • Grand Traverse Pie Company
  • Lads Winery
  • North Bar Lake at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Tall Ships along the Lake
  • Vineyards of Black Star Farms

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Entering Grand Traverse Pie Company

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Peanut Butter Cup Dessert, Grand Traverse Pie Company

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One of the many delicious pies we ordered from Grand Traverse Pie Company!  Is that the state of Michigan in the center? 

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

It was our one-year anniversary and my husband wanted to take a dive trip to Jamaica.  We had decided to stay in Ocho Rios so that we could visit the Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most visited attractions.  We found an all-inclusive resort that was close to the falls, offered fabulous amenities and provided an airline discount.

We flew into Montego Bay and took a bus to the hotel.  The drive seemed to take forever but after an hour and a half, we finally arrived to a welcoming staff at this luxurious, gorgeous estate.  The hotel was absolutely stunning and we could not wait to explore the exquisite grounds.  Renting a villa away from the main house, we were offered plenty of privacy and our own private pool.

Ciboney Ocho Rios was considered one of Jamaica’s most luxurious hotels with a AAA Four Diamond Rating.  Located on the northern coast, east of Montego Bay, it sat on 45 acres offering a long list of unbelievable amenities to include watersports, concierge, on-site basketball, golf, and volleyball, a salon and spa, gift shop, boutique, and several fabulous restaurants.

We made reservations for the Italian restaurant and decided to stay on the resort for the remainder of the day to enjoy all of the complimentary offerings.  We were excited to check out the resort’s entertainment and found ourselves dancing until 3 o’clock in the morning.  Each night was based on a theme, and we just happened to arrive on disco night.

We awoke for breakfast and had several hours before meeting our tour group for an afternoon snorkeling excursion.  The restaurants served fantastic food with so many options. We loaded up on fresh fruits and made to order omelets that kept us full until lunch.

Heading back to the room after breakfast, we took a short nap and then sat around the pool until it was time to meet our tour in the lobby.

Our afternoon snorkeling trip was a bit uneventful but we were able to see horseshoe crabs and handle sea urchins.  I was hoping that our dive in a few days would provide more excitement with colorful fish or sea rays and sharks.  It would be Mike’s first underwater dive and I was hoping he would be hooked to finish his underwater certification.

We had a free day before returning home and scheduled a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. We were excited for the opportunity to climb up the 600 foot waterfall surrounded by lush, tropical forests.  From the bottom of the falls, we posed for photos and then carefully made the trek behind a large group of tourists as a local guide directed us through the climbing process.  The water was refreshing and it took us about an hour and a half to reach the top.

We boarded the transport back to our hotel and enjoyed an afternoon at the small beach across from the resort until it was time for dinner.

Placing an early reservation, we changed out of our swim gear and showered before enjoying a lovely Italian dinner.  The food was excellent and we took advantage of our last night at the resort enjoying the entertainment with drinks and dancing.

We absolutely loved our vacation at Ciboney in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and would highly recommend the resort.  We later learned that the Ciboney had been purchased by Sandals Resorts and had been renovated and renamed the Sandals Ochi.

Have you been to the new Sandals Ochi or perhaps you had actually been to the Ciboney resort?  I would  love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my celebratory visit to Ocho Rios and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dunn’s River Falls & Park
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Telephone:  876 974 2857

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  $25; Child: $17 (ages 4 – 12).
  • Hours:  8:30AM to 4PM daily (regular hours); When cruise ships are in port, the facility opens at 7AM
  • Guided Tours:  Included in the admission price
  • Amenities:  Guide during the falls climb, tubing, beach bar, dolphin swim, zipline, catamaran cruise and city tours are included in the Dunn’s River Falls Tour Packages
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  If you are staying at a local resort on the island, schedule your visit when the cruise ships are not in port. Wear comfortable old tennis shoes or water shoes for climbing the falls.  Bring your camera and the guide will take photos for you.  Tipping is not included in the fee for visiting the falls and the guides expect more than what you would expect to pay in the US, so be aware.

Where to Stay:

Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone:  888 726 3257

Where to Eat:

ValenTino’s Cucina Romana
Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone:  888 726 3257

What to Eat: 

  • Bammy was one of my favorite treats in Jamaica.  Made from cassava or yucca, this sweet dish is then soaked in coconut milk and deep fried.
  • Coco Bread is made with coconut milk, giving it a lovely sweetness.
  • Jerk Chicken is the national dish for the island of Jamaica.  Made with a blend of spices, the Jamaicans also provide jerk pork, jerk fish, etc.
  • Jamaican Curry Goat is another meal that is popular with Jamaicans, but is difficult to find at touristy restaurants.  Half Moon is highly recommended for trying this Jamaican delicacy.
  • Jamaican Meat Pies are similar to empanadas, a pastry filled with meat.
  • Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper is a staple in making the island’s hot sauce.
  • Rice and Peas are really a dish of rice and red beans and is a popular side dish that goes well with Jerk dishes.

What to Read: 

  • Jamaica Me Dead, by Bob Morris
  • Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys
  • Rasta Heart, by Robert Roskind

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