Strolling Through Windmill Island Gardens

29 May 20233 May 2025

Traveling to Holland, Michigan for the Tulip Time Festival, I scheduled time to visit Windmill Island Gardens with its fields of tulips and authentic Dutch windmill. This year, the festival opened on Saturday, May 4th and continues to Sunday, May 12th, 2024.

Windmill Island is one of three islands on Holland’s Macatawa River. To reach the island’s gardens, visitors must drive over the causeway before reaching the 36 acres of beautiful flowers. As soon as I had arrived on the island I immediately noticed the adorable Dutch village, windmill and never-ending fields of tulips. Planted in late-September, these colorful tulips begin to bloom in late April and can be enjoyed as late as June.

The park opened the spring of 1965, following the reconstruction of De Zwaan windmill. The restoration project was authorized by the Dutch government as the structure was one of the most damaged windmills during World War II. De Zwaan is Dutch for Graceful Bird or Swan.

To avoid the long lines to enter De Zwaan, I made my first stop at the Amsterdam Street Organ known as the “Four Columns”. Street barrel organs were popular in Amsterdam during the late 1800s bringing the most up-to-date music to local neighborhoods. Children would often drop coins in a box as a token of appreciation for the street musician who was required to purchase a permit to operate. With the advent of the radio, the number of street organs dwindled.

Passing through acres of tulips, I arrived at De Zwaan, the only Holland windmill in the United States. Originally from the town of Vinkel, Netherlands, this once damaged mill was brought over to Michigan on the Prins Willem van Oranje in 1964. It took six months to reconstruct the mill and was dedicated the same year. In 2018, De Zwaan was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

De Zwaan’s construction was purposefully thought out to maximize the productivity of flour. From the slanted ground floor to drain water to the careful design of the blades to utilize wind power, the windmill has several features that are essential to grinding the grain.

Standing 125 feet tall, I climbed the five stories of the windmill, each having its own unique function for the production of flour. At the ground level are double doors where wagons would drop off the bagged wheat. From this level, the wheat was hoisted up to the top level by a pulley system so it could be processed. The miller spent most of his time on the top floor, so if he needed to communicate with the outside world, he would write a note and place it in a wooden shoe. He would lower the shoe to the first floor waiting for the next visitor to read it.

The second and third floors were used for the packing and storing of flour. At De Zwaan, there is a display of the mechanical parts that make up a windmill with an explanation of how they work.

The fourth floor is where the miller can regulate the grinding of the flour by loosening or tightening the connection of the millstones. This determines the fineness of the flour.

On this level, Norwegian fir beams and wooden timbers replace the brick interior, making it a more homey space. If you look closely, you can see the boards are marked with Roman numerals so that the windmill would be much easier to reassemble.

Also known as the gallery floor, the fourth level offers spectacular views of the tulip fields.

The fifth floor is where the millstones are housed and where the miller would spend most of his time. The top of the pulley system is located here which brings up the grain and sends down the messages. When the blades of the windmill are turning, the grinding process begins as the gear in the center turns the millstones. I was fascinated by the whirring of the machine and the soothing sound of the grindstones.

A book about De Zwaan has been written by author Alisa Crawford. She began milling at De Zwaan in 2002 and several years later, applied for a training program in the Netherlands. The Dutch Mill Society approved her application and not only would she learn the craft of milling, but would be required to study the trade in Dutch. Not only was Crawford the first Dutch-certified miller in the United States, she became the first woman to be admitted into the Dutch Miller’s guild. Today, Alisa is the miller at De Zwaan, milling over 10 to 12 thousand pounds of wheat per year.

After touring De Zwaan, I strolled through what seemed like acres of tulips. Over three thousand are registered at the park and were labeled by variety, of which there as many as one hundred and fifty. Surprisingly, tulips originated in central Asia and were brought to Europe in the mid 1500s. In the 1600s, tulips were so valuable that they were as expensive as homes. Some historians credit the popularity of the tulip as the reason for the 1637 economic crash.

Inside the village was a recreation of a Dutch town with its colorful windmills, modest houses, cobblestone streets and charming canals. The backdrops show endless grasslands with cloudy skies and rolling hills. Many small towns in the Netherlands started out as fortresses and have a large number of historical monuments to explore.

My last stop was the gift shop where I picked up a few pairs of wooden shoes and stroopwafels, a chewy waffled wafer cookie with a caramel filling. The first time I had tasted these yummy pastries was when I stayed at the Schiphol Sheraton Airport Hotel and they would leave them on my pillow each night. I was so excited to find them at Windmill Island Gardens and took me back to the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam.

Have you visited the Windmill Island Gardens or attended the Tulip Time festival in Holland, Michigan? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below. Many thanks for reading about my fun-filled day at Windmill Island Gardens and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Scroll down for more photos of the gorgeous tulips at Windmill Island Gardens!

What to See and What to Do:

Windmill Island Gardens
1 Lincoln Avenue
Holland, Michigan 49423
Telephone: 616 355 1030

Admission Fee: Adults for $12; Children ages 3 – 15 are $6; Last admission sold at 5PM
Hours: The park is open from April 17th to October 3rd, seven days a week from 9:30AM to 6PM. Tulip Time hours are 9AM to 7PM with the last tickets sold at 6PM.
Amenities: Free parking, Windmill tours, Amsterdam Street Organ, Welkom Movie and Virtual Windmill Tour, Visitor Services with restrooms, miniature village displays, gift shops and conservatory
Length of Visit: 2 to 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check the venue’s website to prepare for your visit during the Tulip Time festivities as well as the Tulip Time website (www.tuliptime.com) in advance to plan their stay during the festival. You will find that not all of the events take place on a daily basis, so checking out the itinerary may assist one with preparing a schedule ahead of time. For example, if you arrive on Friday, there may not be a parade and if you happen to attend on the day of a parade, you can purchase grandstand tickets ahead of time. The site also provides a detailed schedule of the events that take place as well as a great map to help you get around. And if you stop by on a whim, you will find various information stands throughout the enchanting town of Holland that offer assistance as well. Happy klomping!

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn Holland
12427 Felch Street
Holland, Michigan, 49424
Phone number: 855 605 0317

Hampton Inn is one of my favorite, low cost hotels and this was, by far, one of the best accommodations for this hotel chain.

Where to Eat:

Crust 54 – (two locations in Holland, Michigan)
*54 E. 8th Street, 616 394 3002

1145 S. Washington Avenue, 616 848 7787

*We stopped by Crust 54’s downtown location for Chicago style pizza!

Where to Drink:

What to Read:

Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland:

The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
Dutch Dancers
Nelis’ Dutch Village: landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Kewpee Restaurant in Lima, OH

17 October 20223 May 2025

When I mentioned to my friend Heidi that I was driving up to Lima, Ohio for a concert and looking for a quick meal, she suggested that I try Kewpee (pronounced Q-P) Hamburgers. A local chain which originated out of Flint, Michigan, this restaurant’s headquarters is now located in Lima. I was incredibly surprised by its history in the fast food industry.

The restaurant’s name is based on the popular early 1900s cartoon character, the Kewpie doll, named for the Cupid. From standing over the front door to overlooking the dining room from a corner, these petite, baby-like dolls seem to stare over the restaurant from every angle.

By the time I had arrived, there was a long line to order food, but I had some time before I needed to reach the concert .

Waiting in line, I couldn’t help but look at the decor of the restaurant and wondered when it had last been updated. The slogan, “Your Grandpappy ate here.” was over the door entering the kitchen made from vintage lettering that one would find on a group of mailboxes. Locals swear it is the “Hamburg-Pickle-on-Top-Makes -Your-Heart-Go-Flippity-Flop.”

Red benches along the side of the wall were full of patrons either eating or waiting on their order. The line was going fast and the restaurant was calling out a group of numbers for patrons to collect their meals.

Within fifteen minutes of waiting in line, the cashier, Matthew took my order and explained that it would be a ten minute wait. I confirmed that I would be eating my meal in the restaurant and found a seat close to the door to the kitchen until my order was completed.

By the 1950s, fast food restaurants and diners were opening through out the United States. Uniforms included white pressed shirts and the white hat which is still worn at all of the Kewpee Hamburger restaurants, taking diners back to another era.

As I picked up my tray, I could smell the combination of cooked beef and fried French fries. I hadn’t eaten all day so I quickly opened the wrapper to take my first bite. Kewpee hamburgers are made with local ground beef, prepared fresh daily and never frozen.

The sandwich was perfectly cooked with fresh vegetables with a little, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard.

I hadn’t realized how hungry I had been until taking my last bite, I noticed the Kewpee doll in the corner. I was just happy she wasn’t looking directly at me, but it was close enough.

Have you had a Kewpee burger in Lima, Ohio? What did you think? 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 visit to Kewpee Hamburgers and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Kewpee Hamburgers
111 North Elizabeth Street
Lima, OH 45804
Telephone: 419 229 1385

Hours: Open Monday to Thursday from 6:30AM to 8PM (the drive thru opens at 5:30AM); Friday and Saturday from 6:30AM – 9PM (the drive thru opens at 5:30AM; Closed on Sunday

What to Eat:

I highly recommend the hamburger and now I wished I would have tried the frosted malt.

Feeding Bear Cubs at Oswald’s Bear Ranch, Michigan

27 May 202022 September 2024

Stretching out under the warmth of the sun on a bed of grass and branches, a big beautiful bundle of fur seemed content to take his afternoon nap. I approached slowly, one careful step at a time, not to wake nor startle the beast as I noticed his large paws and pads outstretched over his head. Oh, so close I was to this adorable creature that I wanted so much to pet him….luckily for me, I was protected by a fence between myself and the platform. With a perfect view, I felt safe and secure in the confines of the Oswald’s Bear Ranch habitat.

Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Oswald’s is a bear-only sanctuary set on 200 acres of land about nine miles northwest of Newbury. With four habitats, there is plenty of space for the 41 bears in this free-roaming environment. The bears are content and happy within their fenced-in territory and hardly notice all of the humans watching them frolic about. The perfect way to enjoy the bears is from the wooden, elevated platforms providing a barrier free, bird’s eye view.

The bear complex is the largest in the United States. Dean and Jewel Oswald opened the ranch in 1997, but have been rescuing bears as far back as 1984. Dean, a former firefighter and policeman wanted to establish a way to provide shelter to bears that would not have otherwise survived in the wild.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is a walk-through sanctuary, providing trolley service for the elderly and large groups. Daily feedings take place at 4 PM where visitors can watch these beastly beauties enjoy their afternoon meal.

Waiting in line, I was giddy with anticipation to have my photo taken while feeding a baby black bear cub. With a little strawberry jam on a paint brush, I would have the opportunity to watch one of the young cubs, Kendra, snack while I stroked her thick furry coat and examined her huge paws.

The ranch takes in rescued cubs each year. The Oswalds post videos of their new additions to show their first steps and capture their early days roaming around in the safety of their house. It is fun to watch the video clips, especially during feeding time. The four new cubs that arrived this year will soon be ready to join the other bears outside in their own special habitat equipped with a waterfall.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is one of the top ten family friendly attractions in the Upper Peninsula and is a great educational experience where people can learn about black bears and their environment. They are open the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through October 1^st. Summer hours are from 9:30 AM until 5 PM each day. After Labor Day, the ranch closes at 4 PM. Admission is $20 per vehicle or $10 for a single traveler, cash only. Active military are free. An additional fee is required for visitors who want to feed the bear cubs.

For visitors interested in providing an additional donation, The Bear Club is an opportunity to help Oswald’s Bear Ranch continue their mission to rescue black bears throughout the United States. With a small contribution of only $10, donors can receive a book titled, “Black Bear Tales and Native American Legends”.

I have such a great respect for Dean and Jewel Oswald and was thankful for the opportunity to talk with Dean about his ranch and his furry family. Without a doubt, Oswald Bear Ranch is his passion and he lights up when he talks about his rescue efforts, the expansion of his bear family and the latest news about the baby cubs that have just arrived this year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Oswald’s Bear Ranch? Did you feed one of the cubs? 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 exciting trip to Oswald’s Bear Ranch and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Oswald’s Bear Ranch
13814 Co. Rd 407
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 293 3147

Where to Stay:

Quality Inn & Suites
13954 M-28
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 293 3218

Where to Eat:

Wolf Inn Grill and Spirits
18568 Co. Rd 407
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 658 3355

I stopped at this nearby restaurant for just a small meal until dinner, so I ordered the appetizer size of nachos. Their servings are huge! I could not eat even half of them, but they were absolutely delicious.

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages

What to Read:

Y is for Yooper, by Scott Reddinger
U.P., by R. A. Reikki
Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
A Transplanted Yooper, by Tina Lonski

Photo Guide to Mackinac Island:

A View of Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise
Art Scene in Grand Rapids
Holland’s Dutch Heritage

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Climb Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan

21 May 201918 September 2024

Having spent several summers visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina, everyone in the family agreed to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes during our family vacation. Located along Michigan’s lakeshore, this historical state park was once home to the early Anishinaabek culture. It’s name was derived from their story of the Sleeping Bear.

The story begins with a mother bear (Mishe Mokwa) and her two cubs that lived in the land that is now Wisconsin. Covered in trees, this land caught fire and the bears continued south to escape. When they arrived at Lake Michigan, their only hope was to cross over, so the mother bear urged her cubs to swim. At some point in the night, Mishe Mokwa lost her cubs and in the morning when she woke on the shores of the lake. Looking back into the water, she noticed them slipping through the waves. Heartbroken, she lay depressed by the loss of her cubs and looked out into the lake where her babies had died.

The Great Spirit, Gitche Manitou, created two islands, North and South Manitou in honor of the cubs. With a heart that would never heal, the Spirit covered the mother with a blanket of sand and laid a spell of sleep upon her.

Before climbing the tall sandy dune, we stopped by the Philip A. Hart Visitor’s Center to pick up a map of the national lakeshore and surrounding area. We were also interested in driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive during our stay, so we picked up a map of this popular tourist route with its scenic stops and ecological features.

The weather could not have been more perfect. The skies were a deep blue and not a cloud in sight while the temperature was moderate with a gentle breeze. From the bottom of the dunes, it seemed like it would take an eternity to reach the top but we each had our own game plan for tackling the hill.

Each of us finally made it to the crest and looking back towards our start, we could see Lake Glen sparkling under the afternoon sun. Our calves would be a little sore over the next couple of days, but it was well worth the effort.

We all agreed to continue on in hopes of seeing Lake Michigan on the other side. We learned that there are two hikes that originate from the Dune Climb. One is the 3.5 mile round trip Dunes Trail and the other a 2.8 mile Sleeping Bear Point loop hike.

We were surprised that once we made it to the top, the climb continued upward. We were certain that we would soon reach Lake Michigan but it would take a little more hiking to even come close.

We learned from a group of returning hikers that we were hardly close to the lake. If we continued on for about another quarter of a mile, there was a chance that we would see it in the distance. Pushing on, we found a small hill off of the path where we were able to catch a glimpse of Lake Michigan. With our legs burning and out of breath, we enjoyed the view and then decided to make the journey back.

Have you visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan? I would love to hear about your experience, so if you leave a message in the comments below! Many thanks for reading about our climbing of the Dunes Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

For more information about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, contact them directly or check out their website by using the following information.

What to See and What to Do:

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 5134

Admission Fee: Park Entrance Pass is $25 per vehicle which is valid for seven days from the of issue. Alternatively, visitors can pay a $15 per person fee. Annual Park Entrance Pass is also available for purchase for $45, valid 12 months from the month of issue.
Hours: The Dune climb is open all year, 24 hours a day
Amenities: The park offers the following activities – biking, climbing the dunes, fishing, geology tour, hiking, hunting, kayak and canoe, scuba diving, skiing and snowshoe, swimming, tubing and winter activities. Visitors can also explore the Sleeping Bear Maritime Museum, the US Life-Saving Service station, the boathouse, Glen Haven General Store, Cannery Boathouse and Blacksmith shop.
Length of Visit: Full day of food, fun, activities and entertainment
Tips for Your Visit: You may want to climb the dune without shoes or decide to climb in socks if the sand is hot. There are also all-terrain footwear that you may want to research as well. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Where to Stay:

Bayshore Resort
833 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 935 4400

Where to Eat:

Blu
5705 South Lake
Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Telephone: 231 334 2530

I selected this restaurant because of the stunning views of Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands as well as their use of local ingredients. I ordered the Loma Farm Greens as a starter with Feta cheese, apples, almonds and mustard vinaigrette and for my entree, I could not pass up the sea scallops served with butternut squash. I wanted to sample the local wines, so I ordered the Boathouse Vineyards Pinot Noir prior to eating my starter and then I ordered the Chateau Fontaine Chardonnay to pair with my meals. Both wines are from the Leelanau Peninsula.

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages

What to Read:

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Eight Mile High by Jim Ray Daniels
The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow
The Glass Highway by Loren D. Estleman

Photo Guide for Traverse City:

Black Star Farm Vineyards
Glen Haven Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Grand Traverse Pie Company pies
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
North Bar Lake at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Tall Ships along the coast
The vineyards at 2 Lads Winery

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Lighting Up Michigan’s Shores!

7 May 201918 September 2024

Since Michigan has the most lighthouses than any other state in the US, it only made sense to check out a few while we were on vacation. We couldn’t wait to explore The Holland Michigan Lighthouse, Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Old Mission Point Lighthouse.

We made a stop in Holland, Michigan which was the perfect detour on our way to the vacation rental in Traverse City. We strolled the beach and walked the pier while enjoying a cool breeze coming from the lake. We felt renewed after having driven four hours from Ohio watching the sailboats navigate the channel while passing by the lighthouse.

The Holland Harbor Light is known as Big Red by the locals. The lighthouse provides warning to ships and boats as they near the channel. The placard nearby provides an interesting overview of how the Dutch persevered in completing the channel by digging the waterway themselves when government funds ran dry. Access to the lighthouse is limited and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the middle of the morning to sunset.

Later in the week, I chose to visit The Grand Traverse Lighthouse on Leelanau Peninsula. It was a rainy day and the landscape was exceptionally green. To reach the lighthouse, I had to first pay a fee to enter Leelanau State Park before continuing the coastal drive to the tip of the peninsula.

The lighthouse that stands today was built in the late 1850s. To enter, there is an additional fee in addition to the cost to access the state park. Visitors can reach the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Closest to where we were staying, Mission Point Lighthouse is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Traverse City. As we entered Lighthouse Park, we found the parking lot and made our way toward the light with a quick stop at Hessler’s Log Cabin with plans to explore the house on our way back.

What makes Mission Point Light so unique is that it is located along the 45^th parallel which is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. According to experts, because of its location, this part of the state is optimal for growing grapes which is why Michigan also produces wine. The placard listed a few other locations along the 45^th parallel to include Bordeaux which is famous for its wine production in France.

Built in the late 1850s, the Hessler Log Cabin was once the home of Joseph and Mary Hessler. In the 1950s and 60s, it later became housing for local cherry pickers. The cabin was moved here so that visitors to the lighthouse could learn more about the lives of the first settlers on this peninsula.

Taking the scenic route of M-37, we looked forward to the beautiful drive back to Traverse City. We passed vineyards and cherry orchards before browsing the Old Mission General Store. We had such a great time visiting the Mission Point Lighthouse, but everyone was ready for a stop in Traverse City to order more of their amazing Grand Traverse Pie.

Are there certain attractions that interest you when you vacation? Are you a fan of lighthouses? I would love to hear about additional places to visit, so kindly leave a message in the comments section below!! Many thanks for reading about my trip to the lighthouses near Grand Traverse, Michigan! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland Lighthouse (Big Red Lighthouse)
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49423
Telephone: 800 506 1299

Grand Traverse Lighthouse
15500 Lighthouse Point Road
Northpoint, MI 49670
Telephone: 231 386 7195

Old Mission Point Lighthouse
20500 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 223 7324

Restaurant Recommendation:

Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 922 7437

The perfect stop for soup, sandwiches, salads and of course pie!

The Fog Signal Building, Grand Traverse Lighthouse,1899

Beautiful view of Lake Michigan from the grounds of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Another view of the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Looking out from the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Inside the Hessler Cabin, Michigan

Treating Ourselves in Traverse City

23 April 201921 September 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Entering Grand Traverse Pie Company

Peanut Butter Cup Dessert, Grand Traverse Pie Company

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

Fun With Kids in Traverse City, Michigan

16 April 201921 September 2024

Traverse City, Michigan is a wonderful place to vacation with family. There is an abundance of kid-friendly activities and the weather is perfect during the summer months.

I picked up Traverse City’s Top 10 Adventures pamphlet to review the attractions that we could plan with a two-year old. Although most of the activities revolved around water sports, we found an adventure park where we could play putt-putt called Pirate’s Cove. Arrgh!

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park provides so many fun, family-oriented options for children and adults of all ages. In addition to miniature golf, the park also has a ropes course, zipline, go carts and a water coaster.

We paid our admission fee, picked up our clubs and headed to hole number 1. It was so much fun watching my nephew play for the first time. He was so excited when he would hit the ball and then run ahead of us to tee off at the next hole. It was such a great way to spend our afternoon and Nolan enjoyed the pirate scenes and waterfall.

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park opened in Traverse City in 1983 and have over 20 locations throughout Michigan, Florida and South Dakota. I was impressed with their Putting for Patriots Program which raises money to assist wounded military members and their families. The annual fund raising event takes place each May and more information can be found on their website at www.PiratesCove.com.

After working up an appetite on the golf course, we checked out Moomers Homemade Ice Cream. Moomers is a family owned shop conveniently located on a dairy farm. The shop first opened in 1998 and now serves over 160 flavors. It was recently voted as “Best Ice Cream Shop in America” by Good Morning America.

From cones to sundaes to milkshakes and wedding cakes, Moomers offers a wide selection of ice cream products. We ordered strawberry ice cream with sprinkles and hot fudge sundaes.

Moomers also provides tours of their ice cream facility over the summer months. For a small fee, there is an Ice Cream Store Tour or the Dairy Farm Tour to learn more about how their ice cream is made.

Across the street from downtown Traverse City is a harbor with boat slips and a pier. It was a beautiful day and the weather was going to be perfect for our trip to the beach.

Before finding a place on the sand, we noticed a small waterscape within walking distance from the beach. It was so precious to watch my nephew play in the water. He was enjoying every minute of it.

The waterscape was named after long time governor, William G. Millikan who was interested in conserving the natural resources of the area. The water park is one of a few proposed enhancements that are planned for the Bayfront development of Clinch Park. Opened between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, the revitalization is an effort to attract more young families to the downtown area.

What are some of the activities that you look for when planning a kid-friendly vacation? Can you recommend other kid-friendly things to do in Traverse City? I would love to hear about them if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about kid-friendly things to do in the Traverse City area. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park
1710 U.S. 31
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 938 9599

Admission Fee: The Original Course and Blackbeard’s Challenge are $9.50 for adults for children ages 4 – 12 are $8.50. Kids 3 and under play for free. Check the website for token prices which are used for the attractions such as go-carts, ropes course, bumper carts and kiddie go carts.
Hours: Seasonal, so check out the company’s website for the most up to date information
Amenities: Adventure golf, ropes challenge course, go-carts, bumper cars, and game room.
Length of Visit: 1 – 3 hours, depending on the activities purchased

Moomer’s
7263 N. Long Lake Road
Traverse City, MI 49685
Telephone: 231 941 4122

Hours: Daily from 11AM to 9PM through December 24; check the website for the most up-to-date hours
Length of Visit: 1 hour

William G. Millikan Waterscape
Downtown Harbor
Traverse City, MI

Where to Stay:

Bayshore Resort
833 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 935 4400

Where to Eat:

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

We had eaten here several times during our stay in Traverse City and each of the meals I selected were amazing. I enjoyed the Reuben Sandwich as well as the Manitou made of Michigan turkey, bacon, ham, Swiss cheese, tomato and pesto mayonnaise served on whole wheat. The sandwiches are served with a side and pickle.

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages

What to Read:

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Eight Mile High by Jim Ray Daniels
The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow
The Glass Highway by Loren D. Estleman

Photo Guide for Traverse City:

Black Star Farm Vineyards
Glen Haven Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Grand Traverse Pie Company pies
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
North Bar Lake at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Tall Ships along the coast
The vineyards at 2 Lads Winery

Wining Down in Old Mission, Michigan

9 April 201921 September 2024

Did you know that Michigan is not only known for its production of cherries, but also its wine? I took the day to explore the Old Mission region of Michigan to visit their wineries and started my afternoon at Black Star Farms.

Black Star Farms has three tasting rooms located near Traverse City and two wine processing facilities. I browsed through the charming gift shop to wait for a space at the tasting bar in search of a wine to bring back home.

Sparkling Fruit Wine: Black Star Farms Hard Apple Cherry Cider: Bubbly with crisp apple & cherry; $12 per bottle
Fruit and Sweet Wine: 2013 Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling, Rich apricot, pear and honeysuckle notes $17.50 per bottle
Sweet Red Wine: Artisan – Fruit driven with very soft tannins; $13.50 per bottle
Dessert Wine: Sirius Raspberry Dessert Wine – excellent!!! $27.50 per bottle
Dry White Wine: 2013 Arcturos Pinot Noir Rose: Bright & fresh berry fruit notes; $13.50 per bottle
Dry Red Wine: 2012 Arcturos Pinot Noir, peppery; bright berry nose delicately touched with spicy oak; $25.00
2012 Vintners Select: Rich dark fruit flavors and a hint of cocoa and spice $25.00
2012 Arcturos Cabernet Franc: Raspberry & blackberry with herbal spicy oaks $28.50 per bottle

Recommended: Red House Red – fruit driven with layered flavors and hints of oak; $14.50 per bottle

A Premium Flight included 5 wines from the regular list, 1 from the Reserve List and a complimentary wine glass. There were quite a few wine selections from which to choose. A Reserve Tasting included 2 selections of their more expensive wines for $5. For $5, Black Star Farms offered a sample of their dessert wine. I decided on trying their Ice Wine Sample Tasting for $5, which included the 2013 A Capella Ice Wine. The grapes for this wine were frozen on the vine and then picked and immediately pressed. This process results in an extremely concentrated dessert wine exploding with the flavors of ripe fruit, exotic flowers and subtle spices. It could be purchased for $92.50 per bottle.

Before continuing on to my next winery, I realized it would be best if I ordered something to eat at Black Star Farms’ Hearth & Vine Cafe and decided on the Arugula Pizza. While I would have preferred to have ordered the Cured Meats and Aged Cheese Board, the serving size would have been more than enough food for at least two guests.

Driving further north on the Old Mission Wine Trail, I found another highly recommended winery, the Chateau Chantal. Charming wine barrels posed at the entrance and fabulous views of the vineyard from the tasting room added to the experience of tasting some of the best wines Michigan has to offer.

I was greeted by the Sommelier (pronounced So-Mo-Yare), who recommended a few wines after learning that I love the dry reds and fruity locals. For only $3 I had the option to choose five wines or for the same price I could have opted for the pre-designed flight. The wines I chose included: Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Franc, Naughty Apple Michigan Hard Cider (new), Cherry Wine, Last Harvest Riesling and Nice Red.

At the time of my tasting, there were twenty-four wines as well as six brandies and dessert wines. My first choice was the Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Franc 2012 retailing at $26 per bottle. It was described as “rich with red berry flavors and is robust but not aggressive”. My next selection was a new product listed as a semi dry wine, the Naughty Apple Michigan Hard Cider. It was created from Michigan Golden Delicious and Gala apples. It was such a light tasting wine and not as dry as I had expected. I bought a bottle to enjoy that evening which cost me only $12.

Wine Sample number three was Cherry Wine, which was appropriate as Michigan is the Cherry Capitol of the Nation. I had to buy a bottle of this to enjoy at a later date, especially for hanging out by the pool on a hot day. This wine was another great buy for only $10. The winery suggests having this wine with pork, chicken, beef, salads and sunny days.

Before ending my tasting with the Nice Red, I selected the Late Harvest Riesling ($16). I was drawn to this wine by the description it was given…it is “sweet, but it has something a lot of sweet wines don’t have – acidity to give it backbone and structure. The nose is lively lime, honeysuckle & Gala apples. The palate is light-bodied but the fruit & acidity are lively & the sugar & alcohol give a little viscosity to it”. They suggest drinking this wine with spicy Asian dishes and fruited desserts.

My last wine was the Nice Red ($10), which was served chilled. It is a “fruity, semi-sweet wine made from a blend of the first red grapes.” It was an excellent selection to round out my tasting and I learned that it could be served with most any type of food…I had to buy a bottle. Three fabulous wines for just a little over $30.

I was sad to leave Chateau Chantal, but I had made plans for lunch. Just as customary with most wineries, the venue can be rented out for special occasions and events. In addition there is a bed and breakfast on the grounds, perfect for a long weekend stay.

What do you think of the wineries in Michigan? I would love to hear your recommendations or to hear about your experience at Black Star Farms or Chateau Chantal. Please leave a message below in the comments section. Many thanks for reading about my visit to some of the amazing wineries in Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Black Star Farms
360 McKinley Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 944 1270

Hours of operation are seasonal, so check out the website to confirm when the winery is open.

Visit the Heart and Vine cafe for simple meals which are absolutely delicious!

Chateau Chantal
15900 Rue de Vin
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 223 4110

Hours of operation are seasonal, visit the website to confirm when the winery is open.

The Vineyard at Black Star Farms

The Wine Press at Chateau Chantal

The Engineering Marvel of the Soo Locks

28 May 201821 September 2024

I decided to take a long weekend and travel up to Michigan to the region of the Upper Peninsula. By the time I had completed my research, I narrowed my list of sights to include Whitefish Point, Pictured Rocks State Park and the Soo Locks.

While working for the cruise lines, I experienced the Panama Canal passageway, so I was very familiar with the locks system and found it to be fascinating. The purpose of a lock is to transport ships, boats and vessels from one level of water to the next by raising and lowering a chamber.

As I parked along the street of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, the beautiful flowers welcomed me to the Soo Locks complex. I made a stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn more about the history of these Great Lakes locks. There was a great working model of the locks, educational videos and television monitors that provided a real-time view of ships passing through.

There are approximately 11,000 ships that pass through the Soo Locks each year and there is an observation platform to watch the vessels as they transfer 21 feet from one elevation to the next. There are two canals and four locks within the Soo Locks system that cover 1.6 miles between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes, located in both Canada and the United States.

The Soo Locks are under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers who maintain the system as well as the buildings within the park. There are future plans to automate the current lock system to bring the plant’s technology “into the 21^st century”. There is also a proposal to replace some of the locks with more up to date engineering, similar to the updates that were completed on the Poe Lock to allow larger ships to pass through.

If I have an opportunity to visit again, I would love to plan my trip around the annual Engineer’s Day Open House. It takes place on the last Friday of June and visitors can cross the lock gates for an up close and personal look at the lock system. It is from here that one can enter the Administration Building into the lock area to watch the vessels up close.

I completed my visit to Soo Locks and drove west to check out the long bridge in the distance. It looks very much like the Mackinac Bridge that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. I learned that it is the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge that connects the United States and Canada and since I did not bring my passport, I will be staying on the US side and making my way towards my next stop.

Have you ever visited an engineering marvel that you found to be interesting? 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 trip to the Soo Locks in Michigan! Wishing you many Happy Travels!!

What to See and What to Do:

Soo Locks
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
Phone: 906 632 3336

Admission Fee: Sightseeing Lock Tour: $30 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 – 16, $10 and children under5, no charge.
Hours: The Soo Locks will be open late March to mid-October but check their website for the most up-to-date information. Open daily from 9AM to 10PM. The hours of operation are seasonal so check the website or call before arrival.
Guided Tours and Informational Booklets: Guided tour of the locks is $30 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 – 16 and there is no charge for children under the age of 5.
Scenic View: Watching the ships pass through the locks is extraordinary.
Length of the Tour: 90 minutes (tour) and take an additional hour to watch the ships pass through the locks and explore the interpretive center.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Metered parking is available near the attraction but just a couple of blocks away there is free parking. You will go through a metal detector so ensure that you do not have any weapons or alcoholic beverages. Bring your passport if you want to cross the bridge into Canada.

Where to Stay:

Quality Inn & Suites
13954 M-28
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 293 3218

Where to Eat:

Wolf Inn Grill and Spirits
18568 Co. Rd 407
Newberry, MI 49868
Phone: 906 658 3355

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages

What to Read:

Y is for Yooper, by Scott Reddinger
U.P., by R. A. Reikki
Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
A Transplanted Yooper, by Tina Lonski