Wednesday, July 27, 2011

What's To Love?

     People often ask us why we keep going back again and again to Michigan. Those that know us in real life, know that we have always loved places with palm trees and grits. About 6 years ago we decided to take a few days and go the opposite direction. We haven't given up the palm trees, but we do try to fit in a trip or two to Michigan every year now. I thought I'd share a few of the reasons why from our recent trip. 


     Pond Hill Farm is a working farm that we have watched grow over the years. They sell fresh produce, canned goods just like your grandma made and now have a winery and restaurant. It is located in Harbor Springs, MI.


Pond Hill Farm


Pond Hill Farm


     History is all around. Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey was built in 1899 and has a wonderful view of Lake Michigan.


We love to look at all of the historic homes.



Cherries are found in everything. Cherry pie from
Jesperson's in Petoskey is well worth stopping for.


     Wineries are everywhere and they are all different. Some are elegant, some are rustic, some are commercial and all are very friendly with delicious wines.


Interesting small towns such as Elk Rapids where
 the water runs right through the middle of town.



Interesting pathways...


...this one leads to what was once called The Island House,
but is now a library.
 

Shopping!



Shopping!


And more shopping!


Ice cream that is so fresh...


...you can see the dairy farm while eating your cone.


Of course the main reason we love Michigan is because
we think it is so beautiful.










I am joining Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
Laura @ Decor to Adore for Wayfaring Wednesday
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays



22 comments:

Traci said...

This looks like a great place to visit! I love the houses!

Barbara F. said...

Adding Michigan to my growing list of places to visit. Beautiful photos. xo

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Thanks for sharing your trip - enjoyed seeing the photos. Those are some pretty old homes, and nice to see they are being kept up.

Linda said...

How wonderful! My family is from Minnesota and it looks a lot like Michigan...I love it all...so pretty!

The Boston Lady said...

You have shown me what a beautiful state Michigan is. I have only driven through it during my childhood trips from Toronto to Florida. It just goes to prove that every state has it's own special places. Thank you for enlightening me. Ann

Journey said...

I've been in Michigan for three years now and absolutely love it! In looking at some of the homes, if that is Petoskey - I need to make a trip there. And that lovely shop with all the dishes - definitely a must. Where did you find that treasure???

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Beautiful pictures. I havn't been there, so I really enjoyed the tour. Love the old houses, they are gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

mountain mama said...

oh my...must go to michigan one day...i had no idea!

Decor To Adore said...

What a fantastic farm!

Thank you for taking me along and for linking up!

Kim @ Touch of Nostalgia said...

What wonderful photos! I used to live in Ohio and I think I visited Michigan only maybe once? My loss I'm thinking now.

Red Couch Recipes said...

I grew up in Wisconsin and loved to swim in the shores of Lake Michigan. My parents loved to go there on trips and they usually brought home scads of blueberries. Such lovely pictures -- would love to see the old homes. Love to go to the Upper Peninusula too. Joni

nannykim said...

I see why you go! It is beautiful!

Debbie said...

This looks exactly like the kind of place I like to visit. Too bad it's so far from me! The houses were beautiful. The more Victorian the better!

Pondside said...

Michigan is truly a beautiful state - it shares its beauty with its neighbour, Ontario - another beautiful place.

Rettabug said...

Gorgeous! We have ONE friend who lives in Petoskey...in a log cabin, even! He is a fabulous cook, too.

Thanks for sharing your vacation. We're so close to MI, we should go see more of it. All we ever did was drive to Ann Arbor to watch DH's son play football for the Wolverines.

Jocelyn said...

What a beautiful place to visit. I love the old homes. And the ice cream store looks pretty great too :-) Visiting from WW.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Lauren Battershell said...

I have never been to Michigan, but this makes me want to go!

I have a fun rosette headband in a giveaway right now--you should enter!
http://sweetestpetunia.blogspot.com/2011/07/discount-giveaway-seek-first.html

Gypsy Heart said...

Well, the cherry pie sold me! I've always heard that Michigan is indeed beautiful ~ these photos prove it. It also looks a bit cloudy & a bit wet in places...not sure if that is what they call "rain" or not. It's been so long since we've seen it here ~ :-)

I'm sure there are lots of places and things to see. Those houses are gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing.

xo
Pat

Maria said...

Hi Sue!
I saw this post yesterday on my little iPod, but I couldn't read it. I'm so glad to stop back ~ and now with all the words showing up ;o)

Your photos are spectacular! I love places like this. Oh the view of the lake with the sailboats... just makes me feel so relaxed already...
The dollhouse homes, the food, "Moomers" that was funny! I enjoyed it all ~ and it looks like you REALLY DID!
*Happy weekend to you,Sue!
*Maria

Leigh Powell Hines said...

I love those homes. Gorgeous. Such a quaint place.

Sue said...

Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing. It is hard to believe i live in Michigan and yet we are 6 or more hours away from the Petoskey area. There is a beautiful scene beyond every bend in the road.

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

I just had to comment on this post. Being a Michigander, I have to say that you captured this versatile state beautifully! I really like the cliff and sail boat photo! I love going to the out of the way places for shopping and adventure. Harbor Springs is a beautiful place to visit. Reminds me that I haven't been there in quite awhile. Thanks for the reminder!