Leland, Michigan
Leland is a small town in Northern Michigan. Located in the narrows between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, Leland is a great place to visit and "get away!" Kate's family has spent many vacations here and introduced Chad and his family to it. It quickly becomes a favorite of everyone who visits!
Favorite Dining
- The Bluebird - A Leland icon! Great cinnamon rolls! Also try the Early Bird for breakfast!
- Sissons on Main St. - Great Coffee and muffins! Always a nice morning stop.
- Stonehouse Bread Company - The BEST Scones!! Another great breakfast stop.
- Harbor House Ice Cream - Great ice cream in the heart of Leland!
Favorite Places
- Visit Leland - The official Leland Tourism Site. Great information and a nice site. (A lot of information here, came from this site.)
- Cheese Shanty - Local Cheese shop in the historic district of Leland, "Old Fishtown". Great cheese, Great wine, Great sandwiches!
- Brenda J Clark - This local artist paints local sights in spectacular colors. Her studio is in the heart of Leland and a must-see.
Glen Arbor, Michigan
Located thirty minutes south of Leland, this town is home to some northern Michigan must-dos.
Favorite Dining
- Art's Tavern - Great Atmosphere and the best corn-beef hash anywhere. (Go here for breakfast!)
- Boondock's Restaurant - Very casual outdoor dining.
- Cherry Republic - Everything Cherries! Try the boom-chunka ice cream... what a challenge! (pictured left)
- Dune Dogs - We haven't actually had them yet, but hot dogs are always exciting!
Favorite Places
- Becky Thatcher - Local jewelry designer/maker.
- Synchronicity Gallery - Great art gallery in the heart of Glen Arbor.
- Cottage Books - A log cabin of books accross from Cherry Republic. Great place to take a break!
Traverse City, Michigan
The largest city in the area, Traverse City is located about 45 minutes from Leland. Here you'll find every major hotel and restaurant as well as a wide variety of entertainment options.
Favorite Dining
- Poppycock's - A "casual, contemporary" restaurant in downtown TC. One of Kate's family's favorites.
- Right Brain Brewery - This brewery is fairly new and has gotten great reviews for their food and beer.
- Pleasanton Bakery - Brick-oven organic bakery in the Traverse Commons. Amazing Parmesan Olive Herb bread.
- Higher Grounds Trading - Free Trade Organic coffee shop in the Traverse Commons.
Favorite Places
- Interlochen Arts Camp - Located about 30 minutes south, this arts camp draws national acts and hosts performances by young musicians every summer.
- Visit Traverse City - Official Traverse City tourism website. Lots of information about the area and the city.
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
Some of the best wines in the area are within a 1/2 hour drive of Leland! Most offer free tastings too!
Old Mission Peninula Wine Trail
On the other side of Grand Traverse bay, the Old Mission Wineries offer some amazing views and more fantastic wine!
Favorites Wineries
Leelanau Peninsula
- L. Mawby - The BEST Sparkling wine in the area. Amazing wine - Kate and Chad's favorite in the area!
- Left Foot Charlie - Our other favorite! A new winery in Traverse specializing in what Michigan does best - WHITE Wine!
- Boskydel - This is a quirky small winery owned by a 79 year old man with quite a personality. The Wine is fine, but the experience is amazing!
Old Mission Peninsula
- 2 Lads - New winery that is getting great reviews.
- Peninsula Cellars - Our favorite on Old Mission. The tasting room is an old school house!
- Chateau Grand Traverse - One of the best views of the lake around!
Boating
In Northern Michigan you are never far from the water. Lake Michigan is the largest lake in the area but many other smaller lakes and rivers offer a number of boating and watersport activities during the summer. Lake Leelanau is a beautiful lake for sailing! Glen Lake is great for sailing or skiing. The Platte or Crystal Rivers offer some fun canoeing and kayaking.
- Riverside Canoe - Canoe or Kayak the Platte river!
- Narrows Marina - Glen Lake Boat Rentals (Pontoon, Ski, Sail)
- Sunset Water Sports - All Lakes rentals. (Pontoon, Ski, Jetski, Mopeds)
- Crystal River Outfitters - Canoe or Kayak on Crystal River!
Biking
- Geo Bikes - Bike rentals in Leland!
- Crystal River Outfitters - Bike rentals in Glen Arbor!
- Bike Routes - Try these road bike routes for some views of northern Michigan!
- Mountain Bike Trails - Northern Michigan is full of Mountain bike trails!
Hiking
- Hiking Trails Near Leland - Great Hiking is just minutes away from Leland!
- State Parks - A number of state parks are withing driving distance of Leland.
Climb the Dunes
- Sleeping Bear Dunes - Climbing the dunes is a fun way to spend a day. The sand is steep, but the view from the top is amazing. Can you make it all the way to the lake??