Not A Glamour Shot

 

     This isn't the first time that I have written about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is just one of those places that draws me back time and time again. The beauty of the spot, the vastness of Lake Michigan, the blending of sky and water...it is simply one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

 

 

     This trip, for the 3rd time, we decided to do The Dune Climb. This climb is over 200 feet high, almost straight up in some places and it is in very soft sand which causes you to sink to your ankles with each step. The first trip we took to Sleeping Bear we did the climb and I truly thought I might die. The second time we climbed was just a few days after my mother died, we took my dad to Michigan to pass the days before her services. I took the climb slowly with him, not because he couldn't do it, but because I was afraid I'd lose him too! This time, I was ready. I've been exercising regularly for months. I had the right shoes, sleeves on my top and no purse to carry, a visor to protect my eyes, my water bottle...I was in the best shape I could possibly be in. This was going to be a piece of cake! I didn't count on it being 88 degrees that day. I also didn't count on the fact that my husband had the camera and caught me melting on the way up!

 

 

     Okay, so it isn't pretty. A golf visor, socks, shoes and capris...not my best look...but I did it! I am so hot at this point that I just wanted to pour the water on my head. I did have to stop a couple of times, but at least it never felt like my heart was going to explode like my first climb. Was it a piece of cake? No! It is really hard! The sand is so loose and for every 3 steps forward, you slide a step back. As much as I hate having my picture taken, I am showing this one because it truly shows what the climb is like. See how far away that parking lot is? This still doesn't show the incline. Now, some pictures as to what makes it worth the effort.

 

 

 

   
     If you ever get a chance to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes (you don't have to climb like this to still enjoy the beauty of the spot) please, do so. You won't regret it!

Lilacs, Lavender and Lunch

 

     What keeps us returning year after year to Michigan, is nature. We always seem to find interesting things to do that most often have a connection to local crops, farms or beautiful views. This year, much like the rest of us in the Midwest, things were a little behind schedule. We were lucky enough to see the lilacs in bloom. The variety of colors and sizes was stunning. Everywhere we went the smell of lilac was in the air.

 

 

     On my list of "things to see sometime" has been Lavender Hill Farms, in Boyne City, MI. Pictures I had seen had the fields full of dark purple, but with the crops a little late, we saw just the beginning of the blooms.

 

 

     The fields are evidently very fragrant when in full bloom, but I had to use my imagination a little bit as we really couldn't smell the lavender outside yet.

 

     The very large basket is full of different types of lavender.  I had no idea there were so many varieties. There are also lots of bees. I actually had one leave the hive and get in my hair. My husband was trying to brush it away and it simply wouldn't leave. What started as me brushing a hand near my hair ended up with me doing quite a dance, screaming a bit and yelling at my husband to get rid of it! I kept waiting for the sting, but I survived. Thankfully, no camera for that episode!

 

     The gift shop DID smell like lavender. Oh my, a bloggers dream shop. Everything was so pretty and soft colors were everywhere. I tasted lavender shortbread (it was good, but I prefer mine without lavender), tried creams and lotions and bought a few Christmas gifts.

 

Everywhere we looked there was lavender growing.

Can you imagine what it looks like in full bloom?

 

     Usually my travel posts include tons of food pictures. We did actually eat on this trip, but after months of healthy eating (see posts here and here) we didn't eat as often or as much. One of the places we really enjoyed was Martha's Leelanau Table in Sutton's Bay, MI. Suttons Bay is a beautiful lake town full of shops and restaurants. Martha's is in an old house and we enjoyed our lunch on the patio.

 

     I ordered the Leelanau Raclette. Leelanau Raclette cheese is made locally and we have purchased the cheese before. I have never had it served the traditional way and it was everything I had imagined. The cheese is melted and served with crusty bread, boiled potatoes and cornichon pickles. It was excellent.

 

     My husband had the Turkey, Bacon, Pesto and Swiss Sandwich on 7-grain bread. We would certainly go back again. The desserts looked amazing, but we were too full after lunch to try them.

 

 

To be continued...

 

Where Have I Been?

 

     People often ask us why we keep going back to Michigan. I thought I would keep this first post about last week very simple. If these pictures don't tell the story...nothing will. These were taken from the balcony of our hotel in Traverse City on 2 different nights. I am not doing anything to enhance the pictures at all, it truly was this beautiful. We were gone 9 days and other than a slight foggy mist the first two days, it was warm and sunny our entire trip. It started raining as soon as we crossed into Illinois on Saturday and it hasn't stopped since. We did some really different and interesting things this trip that I can't wait to share with you. For today, I just want you to see the beauty of one of my favorite places to visit.

 

I am still catching up around here, but will be visiting you all very soon.

 

I hope your 4th of July is safe (and dry) and full of fireworks!

Michigan-The Food

 

 

     One thing about our trips to Michigan, we are never hungry. The restaurants and food choices are eclectic and interesting, cherries and whitefish can be found in many foods and you can dine as upscale or casual and you want. Thanks to Tripadvisor, we found a hidden gem in Muskegon, MI on our way to Traverse City. Mia & Grace is on our short list of new favorite places to eat. Located in downtown Muskegon, it could easily be passed over, but I am so glad we found it.

 

 

     We went early because I read that the restaurant was small and that there could easily be a wait for a table. We got right in and actually had a lovely table around the corner near the kitchen doors. I loved it because I could watch all the foods coming out of the kitchen.

 

     The menu is posted behind the counter on brown craft paper along with a list of their local food sources. Specials change according to what is available and they prepare limited amounts of some items, so when they are gone...they are gone.

 

     They even make their own sodas. My husband loves cream soda, so he ordered one and was so surprised to see it was actually made with real cream and vanilla beans. It was delicious, like dessert in a glass. I had read that we needed to try as many things as possible, so we each ordered an appetizer.  

 

     These are pictures from my phone (my camera was at the hotel) so they aren't perfect. My appetizer was heavenly. Dates stuffed with a mixture of blue and cream cheeses and topped with a candied pecan...drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

 

     My husband ordered the homemade pretzel with housemade mustard...oh my goodness, it just doesn't get better than this. I could have made it my entire meal!

 

     Our service was impeccable. Our server suggested two of their evening specials and we just allowed him to choose for us. My husband had the Pork Pie with Duck Fat Crust and fall seasoning. It sounds really strange, cinnamon, nutmeg...duck fat! It was so good. He loved it. I had Housemade Italian Sausage with Pici Noodles and Ricotta. I realize the sausage isn't all that pretty in the picture, but it was perfectly tender and lightly seasoned. I couldn't eat it all, but I certainly enjoyed every bite. They also had wonderful desserts, but we couldn't eat another bite. Mia & Grace is one of those places that I will think about until I get there again and we will plan a stop on our next trip north.

 

     Of course we had a few other delicious treats while we were gone. In Traverse City, we love to stop for lunch at the Green House Cafe. They have an excellent selection of homemade soups and my husband loves the BLT with Egg Salad. My choice of the day was the Cream of Mushroom.

 

 

     We returned to a favorite spot from our last trip, Soul Hole in Traverse City. My husband had the Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Shrimp and Crawfish and I had a Fried Green Tomato BLT that was large enough to share.

     We finally found time to visit The Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City for lunch. We loved it. It has a pub atmosphere, is also a brewery and the food was interesting and delicious.

 

     When you sit down they bring you homemade potato chips with a delicious dipping sauce. Of course I had to try one of their wonderful beers. My husband ordered the Bison Sloppy Joe. He said it was really good and had a different taste than beef. He couldn't force me to taste Bison...but, he was happy!

 

     I ordered the Wild Mushroom Pizza with crimini and portobella mushrooms, roasted tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and truffle oil. It was the best pizza I've ever eaten and was so good that I took the rest back to the hotel and had it for dinner.

 

     We shared the Pumpkin Creme Brulee with toasted pecans and pumpkin seeds for dessert. I have only one word...purrrrrrrr!

 

     What I love about Michigan dining is that the prices are truly reasonable for the quality of the food. Most restaurants use local ingredients and you can have a gourmet meal without changing from your jeans and hiking boots. I've made myself hungry looking at the pictures and I can't wait to go back!

What's So Great About Michigan?

     We just got back from spending a week at our "peaceful place" in Michigan. Nothing surprises me (or my husband) more than how much I love it there. I was always a person who needed to see palm trees to feel as if I was on vacation. My husband said last week that he never dreamed we would be taking trips that included cold temperatures, hiking and a wardrobe of only jeans and boots or tennis shoes. Don't get me wrong...I'm still blissfully happy on a sunny beach in Florida with my feet in the sand, but I'm equally as happy wandering the shores of Lake Michigan (as long as it isn't winter). I thought I'd share some of my favorite spots with you in the next few blog posts. We have learned over the years to pack for all sorts of weather conditions when we make the 8 hour drive north to Traverse City. This time was no different. We saw sleet, rain, wind and sunshine...and it was snowing all around us. I think I'll just stop writing and let the pictures speak for themselves. You will be traveling on the Leelanau Peninsula, where the leaves have turned lovely shades of gold and red. The day was sunny and windy, the beach isolated and for the first time we visited Sleeping Bear Dunes in the midst of a sand storm. It was beautiful, but the sand was very painful on our faces and got into our eyes, teeth, shoes and even our pockets. Sit back and enjoy the ride.