Hometown Highlights: Holiday Gift Guide
December 2, 2008
Hometown Guide for Holiday Gifts
A resource of staff favorites for this holiday season
One of the reasons I love living in the Traverse area is being surrounded by unique and unusual restaurants, stores and locations. When guests come to town we always insist on dining at a local restaurant and taking them to some of our favorite shopping haunts. So when the holidays roll around it’s no surprise that I like to spend time searching for unique regional gifts to share with friends and relatives who appreciate the Traverse area from afar. This year I thought it would be fun to talk with our clients and see what their favorite gifts are this holiday season. Their input, along with my own and some suggestions from Staton, make up our Hometown Guide to Holiday Gifts.
Care for a Drink?
When it comes to wine everyone has their favorites, especially the winemakers. That’s part of the fun, but it’s also what makes wine such a tricky thing to give. My advice is to always consider the recipient, whether they prefer white or red, and if you’ve no guidelines at all, get a recommendation. And don’t worry, if you prefer your beverages from a tap we have some great ideas for you as well.
Coryn - Black Star Farms, 2008 Bubbly Nouveau
This wine is reminiscent of a Riesling with subtle fruit flavors of apricot, apple, and melon… think Moscato d’Asti. The Bubbly Nouveau pairs well with seasonal dishes, appetizers, and spicy flavors. It will make a delicious addition to holiday menus and is meant to be drunk young.
Stacey - Left Foot Charley, 2007 Red Drive
A medium bodied, smooth Cabernet Franc blend. The toasty, smokey nose and vanilla undertones reminds me of a warm campfire. It pairs great with alot of hearty meals like pot roast, pork tenderloin or even pasta bolognese. And its excellent in mulled wine as a winter warmer!
Tom - Peninsula Cellars, 2006 Manigold Gewurtztraminer
This single vineyard, limited production Gewurz has an intense floral bouquet complementing ripe grapefruit flavors, with a spicy finish
Cindy - Forty-Five North, 2007 Icebox Pinot Gris
Made from late harvest pinot gris grapes this is our answer to ice wine. Truly the whip cream of dessert.
Staton’s Favorites
Forty-Five North Peach-Apricot Mead, Left Foot Charley Gerwurtztraminer, Peninsula Cellars Detention and Black Star Farms Arcturos Late Harvest Riesling. Each of these is remarkable, distinctive with or without food and guaranteed to please the varied palates of seasonal guests…no danger of seeing partially-consumed pours at the end of an evening. And not to be forgotten, a growler of Distill My Heart Bourbon Stout from Right Brain Brewery.
For the Foodie
Edible gifts are some of my favorites. They are great to have on hand for hostess gifts or pull them together and make a truly thoughtful custom basket. Many area retailers even have packages assembled and ready to ship. We asked our clients for some of their favorites and of course I had to weigh in on this one.
Kristen - The Village
Check out the FoodBooks for recipes, tips on buying from farmers, health benefits and more for each featured food. Newest editions include Fish, Bison, Herbs and Asparagus. Available now online.
Nick - The Cherry StopLocal Artisans
Kristen - The Village
Brandy’s ChoiceGift’s for the Guy or Gal with Everything
We all have them on our list. Friends or relatives that already have what they want, or aren’t too forthcoming with suggestions for what might be on their wish list. But fear not. I have a few ideas that you might not have considered. How about a day trip, now or when spring returns, so they can enjoy this great place we call home? Or what about the sportsman, or the patron of the arts? Here are some great suggestions so you can finish your shopping before New Year’s Day!
Steve - Interlochen Center for the Arts
My vote is for Coppélia. Based on a tale by E.T.A. Hoffman (who also inspired "The Nutcracker"), “Coppélia” is a magical masterpiece that introduced automatons, dolls and marionettes into the world of ballet. The comic storyline revolves around a mysterious (and faintly diabolical) toymaker, and a love triangle between a feisty village girl named Swanhilda, her fiancé Franz, and the toymaker’s amazingly lifelike clockwork doll. One of the few true comedy ballets, it’s an enchanting holiday treat for the entire family!
Doug - Traverse City Golf Center
For the golfer on your list, how about a winter driving range membership or a golf lesson package from the Traverse City Golf Center? Or, for an afternoon of fun, play an hour of golf at Pebble Beach on one of two Golf Simulators located on-site.
Colleen - Downtown Traverse City Association
It may be unusual, but that’s what makes it a showstopper: The upside down tree from Holiday Traditions in Downtown Traverse City. Just what the festive decorator in your family would dream of.
Other Fun Ideas
- Lifetime membership at Right Brain Brewery, complete with growler, mug and t-shirt
- Culinary farm tour on Leelanau Peninsula this spring with Learn Great Foods. (Visit our photo gallery to see what fun Staton and I had this fall)
- For the music lovers, how about an ornate music box from The Music House Museum.
- Treat someone to an Ethnic Night dinner out at The Bluebird Restaurant in Leland
- Explore the local waters with Traverse Tall Ship Company, for an evening sail then bunk in the cabins below deck on an overnight Bed & Breakfast sail. You’ll have to wait until May 1st, but gift certificates and reservations can be made today
- A haircut from Robertsons…keeping the memory of Sandy Raymond, Staton’s barber for 24 years, alive.
I’d say that should give you a lot to shop for this holiday season. From Downtown Traverse City, to The Village and out into the smaller communities that make up Northern Michigan, there are countless unique buys this holiday season. My last suggestion is to always be on the lookout for a great find, a special reminder of why we love the Traverse Area. And remember that shopping local throughout the year supports the businesses and families that keep this region strong.
Happy Hunting!
Fromage & Pasta at Left Foot Charley
November 26, 2008
A Thanksgiving Event to Support the Northern Michigan Health Clinic
Help put the "Thanks" and "Giving" back into Thanksgiving by enjoying some Fromage and Pasta provided by Trattoria Stella Chef Myles Anton. On Saturday November 29th from 11am - 7pm stop by the winery for a festive food and wine pairing and offer your goodwill donation to support the Northern Michigan Health Clinic. Chef Anton’s creations are always exotic and enticing, and Bryan will select a special vintage to match.
The Northern Michigan Health Clinic serves the region’s farm workers. Trattoria Stella and Left Foot Charley are creating this fun event to say "Thanks" to those who work so hard all season long. The wine industry does not exist without healthy men and women to tend to the grapes.
100% of the food is donated by Trattoria Stella and 100% of the proceeds go to the clinic.
Left Foot Charley is located in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons on Red Drive. Trattoria Stella is there as well, in Building 50. For more information on The Village click here.
Cherry Stop Meet the Winemaker Event
November 6, 2008
Cherry Stop features John Kroupa of Peninsula Cellars on November 11th
Each month the Cherry Stop hosts a special Meet the Winemaker event highlighting the wines one local winery. On Tuesday November 11th guests will gather to enjoy food and wine pairings while learning about the wines from Peninsula Cellars. Cost: $12, space is limited to 30.
Make your reservations by calling 800.286.7209 or visit the store on Front Street in Downtown Traverse City.
Wine lovers be sure to ask about their new wine club which ships two Northern Michigan wines to your door every other month, as well as in store privileges.
18 Ways to Enjoy the M-22 Fall Color Tour
October 9, 2008
Fall Foliage isn’t the only reason to plan a trip to Northern Michigan in autumn.
We’ve put together a list of some of the fun, food and activities to experience along the M-22 scenic highway. Recently named one of the top five greatest driving tours in America by Rand McNally, M-22 has something to offer everyone. But don’t take our word for it. Check it out for yourself. In case you need a little help getting started we’ve complied a list of 18 Ways to Enjoy the M-22 Fall Color Tour. So grab your camera, hop in the car, and hit the highway.
1. Canoe the Platte. Fall is one of the best times to take a canoe or kayak down the Platte River. The calm cool waters reflect mother nature’s painted canvas, but they also reveal a seasonal secret. The salmon run upstream this time of year and the Platte River is the perfect place to witness this natural wonder. The weir is closed this time of year which means you’ll portage around it. But on the other side the water boils with jumping fish. You couldn’t get a better view anywhere else. Riverside Canoes is located on M-22 and open until the second weekend in October for canoe and kayak rental, or fishing tackle if you’re feeling adventurous.
2. Check out the giant pumpkins by master carver Ed Moody. On a small city street in Frankfort you’ll find giant pumpkins that miraculously change overnight into fantastic jack-o-lanterns. Only here the miracle is performed by Ed Moody. They do change overnight though since it’s the only time he can work. During the day you’ll find him greeting the guests who come to visit his creations that line the sidewalk in front of his home. To catch a demonstration check out the Fall Festival in Frankfort.
3. Hike Old Indian Trail. Just on the outskirts of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore on M-22 between Crystal Lake and the Platte River there’s a wilderness trail known as Old Indian Trail. There are 2 loops available, both about a 2.5 mile hike through evergreens and colorful hardwoods. But if you make it to the end you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Michigan, expanses of sandy beaches and dunes. It’s a great trip to take with your four-legged friends.
4. Benzie Fall Festival. There is so much to do at the fall festival we couldn’t list it all here. But you won’t want to miss the pumpkin chucking contest. Here you’ll see trebuchets, similar to a catapult, built by local high school students challenged to see whose construction will go the distance. Once loaded the trebuchets launch giant pumpkins into the air over Betsie Bay in Frankfort. Cheers and bragging rights go to the winning team.
5. Dinner at The Manitou. Nestled among the changing leaves along M-22, The Manitou Restaurant is a great place to stop and enjoy a fall meal. If you hear someone ask about Skinny Dippers they’re not suggesting a cold jump in the lake. They’re actually ordering a crispy appetizer basket of potato skins. All the soups and pies are made-from-scratch so save some room for their famous blueberry raspberry pie a la mode.
6. Visit Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove. Do you like apples? Then you’re going to love these apples. Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove grows over 280 varieties of antique apples. Great for eating and baking, some dating back to the time of Christ. This is not your typical orchard. And if that’s not reason enough to make the drive, how about the worlds largest bottle collection? Over 10,000 different glass bottles line the walls of their barn, more than the Guinness World Record!
7. Take in Breathtaking Views. The scenic drive through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is an absolute must on any visit to Northern Michigan. The park has over a dozen picture perfect Scenic Overlooks which explain why so many of us come back year after year. No matter the season this drive is worthwhile, but the colors of autumn bring out the beauty of this hardwood forest in shining contrast to the crystal blue waters and miles of sand dunes.
8. Explore a 150 year old Lighthouse. Point Betsie Lighthouse celebrates it’s sesquicentennial this year. It’s the second most photographed lighthouse in the nation. And in the fall don’t be surprised to find windsurfers and kiteboarders donning their wetsuits to catch huge air off the crashing waves along the sandy shore. It’s one of the best spots to surf, Yes surf, in Northern Michigan. The lighthouse is open on the weekends through mid October for tours.
9. Visit Fishtown, the historic fishing village in Leland. Wooden shanties line the boardwalk of this century-old fisherman’s haven. Today charter fishing boats bring in fresh caught salmon to be smoked at Carlsons, and the Manitou Transit waits to take visitors on the short journey to the Manitou Islands. From unusual cheeses to locally-made clothing, these rustic shanties hold a vast array of treasures.
10. Tour Art Galleries. For the art lover there are dozens of unique galleries all along the M-22 corridor. Stop in Glen Arbor to discover the distinct style of Sticks painted furniture at the Ruth Conklin Gallery. Becky Thacher’s exquisite jewelry is a must-see along the road to the beach. And on the other side of the peninsula you don’t want to miss Michigan Artist’s Gallery in Sutton’s Bay, where art can be fun, fresh, stylish and affordable. Check out the Fall for Art in Leelanau on Columbus weekend for a county wide art tour.
11. Hop on the Wine Trail. The Leelanau peninsula is home to 16 wineries and counting! Many of them are off-the-beaten-path, but well worth the diversion. Taking a wine tour has become one of the most popular activities for Northern Michigan visitors. From the tiny tasting room of Chateau Fontaine in Lake Leelanau to the large and impressive Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, the wineries are as diverse and interesting as the wines they produce.
12. Dine along the water’s edge. When the warm summer’s breeze becomes a brisk autumn wind, find a room with a view and enjoy the scenery from the cozy warmth of the restaurant. Check out The Bluebird in Leland, where tables line the windows along the Leland River. Or visit Knot Just A Bar in Omena where you gaze over Grand Traverse Bay or sneak next door for a sip of wine from Leelanau Cellars tasting room.
13. One Fish, Two Fish, They Fish or You Fish. All along the Platte and Betsie Rivers you’ll find fishermen casting their lines for salmon and trout as they head up stream. If you like to fish, bring your wadders as the water’s getting colder. For a learning adventure drive over to the Platte River State Fish Hatchery on US31 and 669 just past Honor. This is Michigan’s primary salmon hatchery, where eggs are harvested for coho and Chinook salmon to be raised and restocked in Michigan’s lakes.
14. Take a Haunted Hayride. Looking for a fright this fall, then head over to Empire for their annual haunted hayride, Field of Screams. A fundraiser for the Empire Eagles to support needy families through the holiday season. Take a spooky ride through an eerie wood filed with ghouls. Cider and donuts await those who make the trip. Held the last two weekends before Halloween, on M-72 near 669.
15. Bike or Hike the Betsie Valley Trail. One of the newest rail-to-trail programs, the Betsie Valley Trail is a 22 mile pathway from Frankfort, through Elberta and Beulah on to Thompsonville. Much of the trail is non-motorized and perfect for bikes and pedestrians. The entire trail is stunning this time of year.
16. Take a Beach Walk. The waters of fall are often too cold for swimming, but the beaches are still a great place to enjoy nature’s gift to Northern Michigan. Follow M-22 from Frankfort to Empire and explore some of the roads that lead to small beaches. Peterson Beach, Otter Creek and North Bar Lake are great places to hike the dunes, comb the shores for fossils and capture the picturesque views of Lake Michigan. Or join the park rangers for an evening beach patrol along Sleeping Bear Point in Glen Haven.
17. Shop ‘Til You Drop. The M-22 scenic drive takes you through a half dozen quaint towns defined by their unique locations and the collection of small businesses that make up these communities. Take time to browse through their stores, sample their homemade edibles and bring home something to remember your journey. Perhaps some M-22 logowear would be appropriate.
18. Stop, Look and Listen. The change of seasons brings much to enjoy if we take a moment to do so. Listen for the honk of Canadian geese overhead as they migrate in their tell-tale V-formation. Examine the forest floor and you’ll discover mosses and fungi of all sorts thriving on the moist soil. Bite into a honeycrisp apple and enjoy the syrup-sweet taste of Michigan’s fruitful harvest. Soak it up and savor this season.
Autumn in Northern Michigan has so much to offer. So to all you leaf-peepers, welcome! As you travel along M-22 through Benzie and Leelanau counties don’t hesitate to take a few detours along the way. And don’t forget your cameras!
Harvest Festivus at Left Foot Charley
October 3, 2008
Celebrate the Grape Harvest with Left Foot Charley on Sunday, October 5th
Join winemaker Bryan Ulbrich and all the Left Foot Charley crew as they take advantage of the last chance for relaxation before the busy harvest season begins.
On Sunday, October 5th from 12-6pm they’ll be partying at The Village. Enjoy free brats/dogs, music from Don Julin, wine by the glass, hard cider, a grape stomp, apple bobbing, fresh pretzels and all kinds of fun.
No reservations needed. Bring the kids! For more information on Left Foot Charley visit their website.
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