Video | Fall Canoeing on the Platte River
October 10, 2011
Looking for a way to enjoy this beautiful fall weather? I highly recommend a canoe trip on the lower Platte River.
Canoeing the Platte is one of my 22 Reasons for a Fall M-22 Roadtrip, and a must-do for our family each fall. This past weekend we teamed up with the staff and friends of Riverside Canoes for an end-of-season paddle down the lower Platte River to enjoy the fall colors, watch the salmon swim upstream and pick up any trash we could find along the way.
Here’s a quick video of from our trip. Check out the amazing scene at the Platte River weir where salmon are counted, passed for spawning or harvested by the DNR.
A canoe trip on the lower Platte River begins at Riverside Canoes on M-22 and ends at the mouth where the Platte River empties into Lake Michigan. This is the southern end of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, recently voted America’s Most Beautiful Place. It is indeed one of our favorite spots.
If you’re thinking about checking out the scenery this year you have one more week to rent a canoe or kayak from Riverside Canoes before they close for the season. Riverside is located on M-22 south of Empire and north of Crystal Lake. Call 231.325.5622 or visit their website at www.canoemichigan.com for more details.
How to Enjoy a Spring Break Staycation Up North
March 24, 2011
No travel plans for Spring Break this year? Chin up. We’ve got some great suggestions to help you enjoy a staycation in Traverse City. Here’s our 7 Ways for 7 Days: How to Enjoy Your Spring Break Staycation.
1. Spring Skiing
Spend a day on the slopes this spring break, it’s an unusual treat to have conditions this sweet. Our ’six more weeks of winter’ should have been up by now, Mr. Goundhog. But for skiers the news couldn’t be better. A spring storm brought over 8 inches of fresh snow to the area, which is great news around Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. Thanks to a cold winter their base is in great condition, and the fresh powder is icing on the cake. If you’re interested in cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing the TART trails are a great in town option.
2. Explore an Exhibit
When is the last time you took a trip to a local musuem? This is the last weekend to enjoy the Jim Hay exhibit and video art by Lee Nam Lee at the Dennos Museum Center. Museums are a great place to introduce your children to other cultures, so don’t be afraid to take them along. But if they really need to burn off some steam, The Great Lakes Children’s Museum is a perfect option. Or check out the Vintage Toys and Miniatures Show at The History Center (formerly Grand Traverse Heritage Center) in Traverse City.
3. Take a Foodie Tour
Wander the streets of Downtown Traverse City and create your own Tasting Tour. Discover imported meats and cheeses at Folgarelli’s, salsas, snacks and all things cherry at The Cherry Stop, and delicious sweets at Morsels. One of my favorite stops is Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars where you an create your own flavor combinations from their huge selection of balsamic vinegars and flavor infused olive oils. Who knew a peach balsamic and garlic oil would make a great match? Our area is rich with locally made products. Find a new favorite and spread the word. As for me, I’m dying to try Simply Cupcakes. Their flavors sound soooo good.
4. Hunt for Antique Treasures
I grew up spending weekends at auctions and wandering flea markets with my parents. No matter where we went there was always a unique treasure to be discovered. While "antiquing" may not be as popular as it was in the ’70s and early ’80s, shabby chic and bargain hunting never goes out of style. You could spend an afternoon browsing through the Cherryland Antique Mall on Garfield Road in Traverse City. Or if you’re in Benzonia, stop by the Emporium on M-115.
5. Wine Not Try Something New
Spring break shouldn’t just be for kids. Parents need a little time out too. With more than 20 wineries in the area there’s always a new taste waiting for you on our lovely peninsulas. Newer tasting rooms include Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery on Leelanau Peninsula, and Northern Natural Wine Tasting in Benzonia. This time of year is a great time to catch the winemaker’s on site. They’re in between the harvest season, and the growing season, so they’re often available to chat or provide a tour. Also look for unusual specials and events at the wineries. Left Foot Charley is offering specials for Teachers and School Workers during spring break. Or how about checking out the upcoming Sushi School at 2 Lads Winery. So much fun, so little time.
6. Be Entertained
With half of the region’s population headed to warmer parts of the country you might think there’s nothing going on in Traverse City during spring break. But you’d be wrong. Old Town Playhouse has weekend showings of Fiddler on the Roof and Good On Paper for example. And don’t forget about Interlochen Center for the Arts. A handy bookmark to have on your desktop is this one for TREATickets.com. They are a local non-profit online ticketing resource specializing in arts and entertainment venues.
7. Start a Spring Project
We’ve got a week home with the kids, why not start early on some of those spring projects. Here’s a few starters from my to-do list:
- Clear out the clutter in the basement and donate items to Goodwill or the Women’s Resource Center. You don’t want to know how many old cell phones I have that could be put back in service for someone in need.
- Brighten the living room with a fresh coat of paint. I found some inspiring Northern Michigan themed paint colors at Northwoods Hardware in Glen Arbor that would perk up any room.
- Put away the last of the winter decorations (yes, I still have white lights and pine boughs on my porch from Christmas) and haul out the spring branches and Easter decorations.
- Start sowing seeds for a summer herb garden. I get great ideas from the folks at Garden Goods in Traverse City. And this time of year you’ll have the first pick of the hottest new pots and tools.
Well there you have it. My 7 Ways for 7 Days. Now get out there and enjoy the beauty in our own backyard on your spring break staycation. And if you’ve got some great staycation ideas to share, let us know.
Post your suggestions on our Facebook page. Or send us a tweet at @TraverseTravelr.
Weekender Tips for Ice Fishing Michigan’s Inland Lakes
January 1, 2011
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In northwestern Michigan, January means more than New Years resolutions, slippery roads, bitter winds, and high heating bills. It’s also the long awaited onset of ice fishing season for thousands of Great Lakes anglers left twiddling their thumbs since the salmon swam upstream last fall.
But ice fishing isn’t just a sport for the seasoned veteran. Visitors come from miles around to catch their limit on the frozen lakes. Here are a few tips from a local for the casual weekender who wants to give ice fishing a try —from advice on equipment, to safety and a fish finder for area lakes. These tips won’t guarantee a prosperous catch, but they’ll set you up for a fun, safe angling adventure on Michigan’s frozen playgrounds.
Licensed to Catch
The first thing every angler needs is a license. And the MDNR offers a few new options.
- You can now buy an e-license online anytime at mdnr-elicense.com.
- There are three licensing options: one-day license, season license and a new 72-hour all species license. The last option is great for the weekender as it’s available to residents and non-residents for $21 ($9 for resident seniors).
- Fish for free on one of Michigan’s free fishing weekends. Mark you calendars for February 19-20, 2011 for this winter’s free weekend.
Equipment
Here’s a list of the basic equipment and supplies you’d need for an afternoon out on the ice. And like most sports and hobbies, there are the necessities, and then there are thousands of variations, and upgrades that can expand the options, and empty your wallet. These are the nuts and bolts. You take it where you want to from here.
- Valid Michigan fishing license, see above. Children under 17 can fish for free.
- Ice Auger or spud, depending on the depth of the ice. More than four inches of ice and you’ll probably want an auger.
- Sled to pull your gear, depending on how much you have
- Portable shanty, foldable chair or bucket to sit on
- Tip-ups or ice fishing rods
- Bait: for tip-ups use minnows like golden shiners or blues. For rods use wax worms or artificial bait like jigs and spoons.
Tip: Don’t forget to keep the receipt from the bait shop if you buy live bait, like minnows. Live bait must be certified to prevent the spread of disease. DNRE officers may ask for proof of purchase.
Safety Tips
- Safe ice is thick ice. Four inches is recommended for safely fishing on Michigan’s inland lakes. If you’re heading out with a snowmobile or ATV, err on the side of caution and wait for 5"-6" of ice.
- Watch for holes, cracks and open ice. Freshly abandoned ice fishing holes are a quick way to twist an ankle or worse. Anglers often leave branches or markers in their abandoned ice holes as a warning, so keep your eyes open.
- Bring emergency gear. Safety spikes are a great solution, and can be worn around the neck. They look like a short jump-rope with handles on the end, each equipped with a spike. If you fell in the ice you could use the picks to pull you out. A lifejacket and some rope are a good back-up plan.
- Don’t fish alone. It’s not as much fun anyway, so bring a buddy.
Tip: If you’re unsure about the safety of lake ice, get some advice from the bait shop or a local. Many small inland lakes are not ideal for ice fishing because they’re spring fed. The way the ice forms can also determine whether it’s strong enough to support additional weight. So if you don’t see any tracks, or evidence of activity on the surface, don’t venture out, especially alone.
Fish Finder
There are dozen of lakes in northwestern Michigan that could be great for fishing. And certain species thrive in specific lakes. Here’s a short guide to some of the most popular species, and where you can find them.
- If your fishing for pike check out Portage Lake in Onekema and Green Lake in Interlochen.
- For smelt try Crystal Lake in Benzie county, and Green Lake
- For perch Crystal Lake and Glen Lake near Glen Arbor
- For walleye visit Long Lake in Traverse City, and Lake Leelanau on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Tip: Know your limit, and stay within it. The DNRE limits the catch on each species, and limits vary. Check out the MDNR website for all the details.
Contributing author James Wheeler is an experienced northern Michigan angler, currently waiting anxiously for first ice, and the opportunity to catch another 33" pike from one of Michigan’s frozen lakes.
Fee-Free Dates at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
June 2, 2010
Enjoy the Dunes Fee-Free on National Trails Day
Did you know there are several fee-free dates each year at over 100 National Parks? It just so happens this weekend is one of them. So there’s no better time to get out and explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
2010 Fee Free Days
- April 17-25, 2010 (National Park Week)
- June 5 & 6, 2010 (National Trails Day)
- August 14 & 15, 2010
- September 25, 2010 (National Public Lands Day)
- November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day)
Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tour, concession, and fees collected by thrid parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
My son’s class took a field trip last week to see a beaver lodge located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, near Otter Creek. We first stopped at the visitor’s center to learn about the Park and explore the exhibits. If you haven’t been to the Sleeping Bear Dunes visitor’s center in Empire I’d highly recommend it, whether you’re a first time park visitor or a regular. They have wonderful books for sale about northern Michigan wildlife, wildflowers and even tips on hunting morels. And their exhibits include examples of the trees, flowers and animals that call Sleeping Bear home. Take the time to watch their movie presentation if you have a chance. It’s full of stunning photography of this beautiful landscape in every season.
I hope you’ll take advantage of a fee-free day this year and explore the beauty in our backyard.
Downtown TC Holiday Events
December 10, 2009
Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Traverse City
Downtown has lots of fun in store for Holiday shoppers this Christmas season. The events begin tonight, with Ladies Night, followed by the Downtown Open House, the ever popular Men’s Shopping Night and a special Shop and Win special. Here’s all the details:
Ladies’ Night
Thursday, December 10
Downtown Traverse City will be hosting Ladies Night, Thursday, December 10 from 5 to 9 pm. Visit participating stores for specials, refreshments, prize drawings, free gift wrapping and more! Caroling throughout the evening.
Downtown Open House
Friday, December 11
Share the spirit of the season with family and friends while merchants throughout the Downtown district host open houses and in-store specials Friday, December 11. Participating stores will be open until 10 pm offering store specials, free gift wrapping, food, refreshments and more! Bringing a little bit of the islands to winter in Downtown Traverse City, a student Steel Drum Band will be performing at the corner of Cass and E. Front from 6 – 8 pm. Horse & Carriage Rides from Abraham Carriage Service will be available at an affordable price from 6-9 pm. Caroling will take place throughout the evening with the Sweet Adelines and students from TC West High School while Santa will be in his house visiting with little ones.
Men’s Night Downtown
Thursday, December 17
Gentlemen, the evening is yours, finally! Celebrate and shop with friends during Men’s Night Downtown on Thursday, December 17. The gents can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and specials at many restaurants and merchants will be offering in-store specials, gift wrapping and drawings.
Shop Downtown and Win!
Spend $200 in Downtown Traverse City between December 1-10, 2009 and enter to win a $250 Downtown Shopping Spree. It’s easy to enter. Visit the Downtown Office no later than December 11, 2009, show your receipts totaling $200 in purchases between December 1-10, 2009 and enter to win. The drawing will take place on Monday, December 14, 2009. And don’t forget to keep your dollars local this holiday shopping season, Downtown Gift Certificates Make the Perfect Gift!
Santa’s Hours
Santa will be visiting with little ones in his house at the corner of Cass and E. Front throughout the holiday season.
Santa’s Arrival: 11/27
6 – 8 pm
Saturdays: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19
11 am – 4 pm
Sundays: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20
1 – 4 pm
Fridays: 12/4, 12/18
5 – 8 pm
Fridays: 12/11
5-9 pm
Extended hours: December 21, 22 & 23
3 – 7 pm
Christmas Eve: 12/24
Noon – 3 pm
Parking - Free and Easy!
The price is right for downtown parking this holiday season. Two-hour free parking will be offered at the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck. And, remember, parking at the two hour meters is always free for the first 30-minutes, so enjoy Downtown! Downtown parking in the Hardy Deck is also free after 5 pm and all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Downtown Holidays are hosted by the over 150 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. Please contact the Downtown Traverse City Association at 922-2050 or e-mail colleen@downtowntc.com for further information or visit their website at www.downtowntc.com
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