"Cheers" from the land of cherries, lake shores, 8 Mile (really, Eminem?), and wine. I know its been a bit of time, but at long last I return from from my sojourn in the tips of the "Mitten". While not traveling far afield this time, upper Lower Michigan (confusing ain't it?) is a favorite destination of mine offering a myriad of summer and winter vacation possibilities."Where to go and what to do?" is your ever obvious reply, and frankly, Harbor Country offers significant opportunities for all sorts of globe/state-trotters.
Traverse City, the epicenter of this little excursion, provides all the resources that any sightseeing sage might need. Just across the peninsula (to the west) lies the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Shrouded in local lore, the dunes and nearby islands are representative of a local legend regarding a mother bear and her cubs. For myself, its just a great time to stretch the legs, ease some calloused paws, and soak the schnoz in a bit of the clear blue. Pack the sunscreen, or you're gonna get some nice shoulder burns. Apparently my owner still hasn't learned the lesson of his pastiness.
Next stop on our tour of the finer Michigan delights sets us up on the island of Mackinac. Known to many for the cinematic classic Somewhere in Time, Mackinac is host to something I find to be even more tantalizing: Fudge with a capital F. With sixteen fudge shops on the island, it gets a bit hard to avoid this tasty delight; in flavors ranging from milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, rocky road, cherry chocolate, and more. When you're finished gorging your gorge (the idea works if you think about it), there's always the 8 mile trail around the island to bike and stretch your legs. Did I mention that there are no motor vehicles barring lawnmowers and the occasional snowmobile on the island? Find a horse drawn carriage if you get lazy...
Our last stop for this segment puts us in the nearby village of Leland; one of the few remaining fishing communities of the upper "Mitten". Home to the semi-famous "Joy" (a gaily white, blue, and green painted tug), Leland is home to a variety of fine crafts, shopping, excellent seafood, and a crackerjack cheese concern. Their delightful and decadent deli sandwiches are easily enjoyed along the lakefront as one can watch the passersby in their petite punts cruising the dock (awkward sets of alliteration included).
To speak nothing of the wineries in this region would be a crime, and the quality is on par with the international cousins. Entities such as Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, and Bowers Harbor Vineyards are but a few of the numerous and high quality local producers that provide tastings, tours and lodging opportunities.
It's sad to wrap up this installment an barely touch on the charms of Traverse City itself, but its helpful to remind readers that if such a harbour community can be surrounded by all these charms, goodness knows what gems lie waiting to be discovered. Ta ta for now readers, and don't forget to get a little sun on your Nose.
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