Jan 2020 (3) TRAVERSE CITY, MIGHIGAN - Wonderful Even in Winter

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After breakfast we parted ways--L&S to home and us to the Park Place Hotel in TC. On the way, we planned to meet our nephew Cory who is a fireman and EMS, rotating at several stations around the area. Today he was working at North Mission Peninsula. We were driving right passed that one and hoped to meet up for a tour and visit, but did not connect.

At noon, we checked into our favorite room at PP. I'm not telling which one, but here's the view. 

We got settled, had a pre-lunch Myers cuba libre in our room (with fixings from home), went to lunch in the hotel's Minerva's Cafe (mushroom soup and half a hoagie), and then meandered around downtown. The sun was shining bright enough to wear sunglasses, so a pleasant day.

There is about a 3-block stretch of stores, most of them open in this dead of winter. We bought reusable straws from the kitchen store. They fold up to easily carry in your purse or pocket. Stopped by the Lavendar Farm store to buy shortbread mix for us and our cat sitters, but it was closed. We saw the old Ladies' Library Building (constructed 1909). It's now a bank.

This building was of interest because I am a member of another Ladies' Library Association group, which is still going strong in Kalamazoo. Our building was built in 1879, the oldest building in the USA built, continuously owned, and operated strictly by women.

Stopped for hot chocolate in this book store to warm up. There are two independent book stores in this town!!! This one also sells handmade quilts. An aside: A couple weeks after we got home, we heard this place folded. Boo hoo!

At 5pm we meandered up to the tenth floor at the hotel to happy hour at the Beacon Bar...maybe our favorite bar in the lower peninsula. It has windows on three sides with a lovely view of Grand Traverse Bay and downtown, especially with the holiday lights still on. 

We had potato pizza for dinner. Sounds odd, but it is really delicious and we look forward to having it when we stay at the Park Place.

We reminisced over other visits in this cool city. One time we were here and there was a hot air balloon festival happening. The balloons wafted passed the Beacon's windows. At night it was even better. They all fired up beachside in colorful patterns and designs, and then floated by these tenth-story windows like huge Chinese lanterns.

The next morning we woke to no alarm, so got down to breakfast about 10am. On this last full day of the trip we were missing L&S muchly (as Trump would say) because this was Sandy's actual birthday day. But we made the best of it.

I had my fave breakfast in the world, Minerva’s Harvest Hash--two eggs over-medium on top of grilled sun-dried tomato / spinach / mushroom / artichoke veggie mix on top of hash browns. Mike had pancakes, one of his faves.

We caught up with our nephew for a grand tour of the peninsula fire station. We saw highly equipped fire trucks, fire-fighting equipment, and a Zodiac-style boat used for water rescues in the bay.

In the living quarters there were two Murphy beds for sleeping located basically in the kitchen. You had to move the table to open this one up. Here's his crew for the day.

There was an exercise room with lots of equipment to help keep in shape.

Later we had planned to go to the movies to see “Little Women” at the State Theater. Without L&S (as it was Sandy's BD request), we passed. Mike took a nap, while I did some more window shopping. Tried for the lavender shortbread mix again, but the store was still closed even though it was scheduled to be open during those hours according to the sign on the door.

That evening, we had my birthday dinner (a little after the fact) at Italian Sorellina (means little sister) on the main street.

This restaurant used to be around the corner in a more homey building and the food was great. But here the food seemed a lot lacking to our taste. We were slightly disappointed by every dish. Seems they went from traditional Italian to fancy "continental" Italian. The service and atmosphere were nice though and we more or less enjoyed our meal.

We had carrot cake for desert, without the candles. A little too much icing for me, but Mike was VERY happy.

Early the next morning we drove home. The weather was cold, but clear.

Always happy to see our cat Bella when we return home. It makes the end of a trip, not so bad. Although she is a little grumpy when we first get back. It's like, "How could you leave me for this long?!"

PS - Thanks to Renae Feldpausch for the gift certificate for one night's stay at the Park Place Hotel. This was an unexpected gift after I stage managed a play for her group called SKITS & GIGGLES in Kalamazoo.

Jan 2020 (2) MISSION PENINSULA, MICHIGAN - Celebrating Two Birthdays

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The next morning we browsed downtown store windows a bit. Here's the tiny Cantina by daylight.

Then met K&S at Flap Jack for a typical nondescript but good breakfast.

After that, off to our B&B on the Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, where we would meet long-time friends Lynn and Sandy. The weather was quite snowy, so we took it slow heading south.

Had to waste a little time before check-in, so passed through Elk Rapids along Lake Michigan for a quick tour and then continued on.

Stopped at Bayside Market where they have a great wine and deli selection. As we forgot the bottle of wine we had been saving for birthday toasting, here we picked out another special bottle of Italian Amarone, along with some French raclette cheese to take home.

Drove past Chateau Chantel to the tip end of the Mission Peninsula to see the Mission Point Lighthouse. It was closed, but we could see it and the snowy Lake Michigan shoreline from the road. Snow was swirling. Just beautiful!

Heading back, we saw our first snowman of the year. Not sure what the top branches were for!! Looked more insect-y than man-ish.

Stopped at the Old Mission Taverna for a wet one and to see if they were open for dinner that night. This time of year you can never be sure.

Then up the long drive to Chateau Chantel Winery and B&B (http://www.chateauchantal.com). January is birthday month for myself and dear friend Sandy. We often get together for a quick trip in the dead of winter to celebrate together. On this trip, she turned 80, so it was a must to get together.

The elaborate French architectural-styled winery is acclaimed for its wines and over the years has greatly expanded its production. Here's a sample of each variety.


Their wine was also chosen for President Obama's state dinner when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife visited the White House in 2016.

Also, this month you'll see the ice wine grapes still hanging on the vine with netting to keep the birds away.
https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/facts-about-michigan-ice-wine

Checked into the Van Gogh room. We've stay in several rooms here throughout the years, but this is our favorite. They are all named after famous French artists. This one is decorated in purples, bright greens, and silver.
 
Looking out the window down into the valley are grape vines galore.

On the other side of the road are farms and a horse pasture. One horse has the worst sway back ever, but what a place to enjoy those "retirement" years.

The rest of the afternoon we lolled around and got organized until the Bruces arrived about 3p. Then our foursome had a couple of glasses of wine in the tasting room and then returned to our room for Myers rum and cokes and gourmet snacks. By the time we should have gone to dinner, we weren't really hungry after all the munchies, wine, and cocktails, so we skipped it. Boy, what a good night's sleep that night.

The next morning sunrise was spectacular on the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula.

Without the snowstorm, we could see cherry trees (another big crop of the area) further down the road on the Grand Traverse Bay side. Traverse City is known for its huge National Cherry Festival each year in July.

Breakfast was scheduled at 830a. Brown sugar bacon (best bacon I've ever had), scrambled eggs with truffle oil, fruit, and bread pudding with brandied peaches for a breakfast dessert.

We got cleaned up, teeth brushed, etc and met in the fireplace corner. Read, computed, and chatted to catch up with news til 1pm. Lynn had set up a charcuterie platter with our afternoon wine tasting, so we moseyed to the tasting room. Tasted several wines including a Malbec (from their Argentinian vineyard) as we munched on a nice selection of cheeses and meats.

Ran into another couple from the Kalamazoo area. He was a pilot with American and she was a flight attendant with Eagle (feeder to American). He is also a writer for flight magazines and sent us a few articles that he thought would be of interest. Fun couple!

Lynn had a bit of a cold and needed a nap before dinner, so we went our separate ways. Next thing we knew there was a knock at our door. L&S were heading out to get some soup as Lynn hadn't improved. We decided to snack in our room as we weren't really hungry. We watched TV and cuddled in our sweet suite and enjoyed the sunset outside. It was lovely!



Next morning we met L&S for breakfast--another great one from the chef's here. Lynn, however, was feeling even worse and they decided to go home rather than spend the next two nights with us in Traverse City. We were disappointed, but totally understood. You just want to be in your own bed when you are not well.

Jan 2020 (1) CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN - Bro's New Hideaway

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Last summer bro Kev and wife Stevie bought a new home just outside of Charlevoix, Michigan. We hadn't visited there yet and thought we would check it out with an Up North winter trip. We followed our normal route up Highway 131 to Highway 31. I was not going to mention our favorite quirky rest stop again, but loved the comment of the dad with 3 sons... "This is the best rest stop I've ever seen." Christmas and winter decorations all around. Hand cream felt good on my dry hands.

Lunch at Maggie's in Cadillac as usual--fried clams for Mike and a burrito for me, with complimentary popcorn to start and complimentary chocolate chip cookies at the end. Not much snow til Kalkaska. Arrived about 4pm to Charlevoix.

It is a quaint little town (population 2,500) nestled between Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Charlevoix (Round Lake) to the east. The Pine River Channel connects them. Two-lane highway 31 runs through downtown with about 3-1/2 blocks of interesting stops and eateries facing Lake Charlevoix. A harbor is situated on the Lake Charlevoix side. No boats in the water at this time of year though.

There is a river walk on each side of the channel from the harbor to the Charlevoix South Pier lighthouse on Lake Michigan. We didn't attempt it today. Just too cold and probably slippery!

We stayed at the Charlevoix Inn just north of town. So-so. Dated. Nothing special. With all that water around, no lake view. Nice indoor pool and hot tub. Lots of bed pillows. Interesting shower (pod-like). A mile from downtown, so not really walkable to stores, etc. in winter. Next time we'll try the Weathervane Terrace Inn located right next to the channel.


Both Kevin and Stevie had worked that day, so they arrived later. That evening we opted to meet for dinner and drinks, and save the house visit til the next day. We met at JAX Northside Food & Spirits. Excellent salad bar, fish and chips, and fancy grilled cheese sandwiches. It was so good, we almost returned the next day.

Next morning we toured and admired their new place. Lovely snowy, wooded setting. HUGE master suite. High ceilings with loft. Open kitchen. Lots of unique detailed woodwork. Big yard. Craft shed. We immediately felt at home. An added attraction was a rare visit with our nephew Cory.

Stevie feeding the birds.

Lake Michigan is a short walk either way down the road fronting their house. A little gray today, but still beautiful.

They've been finding lots of Petoskey stones, big and small along the shore. This Michigan "native" specimen (the dottie one) was a two-pounder. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petoskey_stone

After touring and admiring the house, we five returned to town for lunch at Bridge Street Brewery. It has a wonderful view overlooking the harbor. In summer it must be spectacular with boats streaming in and out. Good bar food and beer, too!


Then we took a drive around town. K&S pointed out some faves on Main Street. Then we saw a bunny hill ski park right in downtown. Cory mentioned it is lit at night for night skiing. Great for the kids!

Next we saw a few of Charlevoix's famous mushroom houses. This is one of the bigger ones. Google "mushroom houses of Charlevoix," then "Images" to see some other examples or learn about the architect at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Young_(architect).

Our last stop on this tour was at Bier's Inwood Brewery to get Mike a red and black plaid lumber jack hat, ear-flaps and all. He had seen these on several people in town. Many years ago his grandfather was a cook in a lumber camp near this area, so Mike had to have one. Let's see if he actually wears it.

They also have a Monk Club here. You buy a mug with a "mug" of your face on it made from a photo you supply. With membership you get this personalized mug stored here to fill when you come in, discounts, etc. What a clever idea and each mug is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Some of them are hysterical.

At the point, we were food & drink full and ready for a little lay back time. Started off reading which naturally slid into a nap.

For dinner we had planned a side trip to Elk Rapids, but the weather turned bad fast. Roads were quite slick and the intended restaurant was about 30 miles south. Instead K&S picked us up and we ventured only as far as downtown to The Cantina for Mexican. It was a little place down a little alley (first building on the left). We weren't very hunger, so ordered chips and guacamole and tacos. A hit was the wonderful Margaritas. That was my birthday dinner!