Traverse City & Leelanau County Wineries!

These are on the Leelanau Peninsula. Head North on M-22 from Traverse City.

Shady Lane Cellars-9580 Shady Lane Suttons Bay
Chateau de Leelanau-5048 S.West Bay Shore Suttons Bay
Willow Vineyards-1702 E.Hilltop Rd. Suttons Bay
Ciccone Vineyard & Winery-10343 E.Hilltop Suttons Bay
Black Star Farms-10844 E.Revold Suttons Bay
Raftshol Vineyards-1865 N.West Bay Shore Suttons Bay
L.Mawby Winery-459 S. Elm Valley Rd.(off of CR633)Suttons Bay
Boskydel-7501 E. Otto Rd (off of CR 641) Suttons Bay
Leelanau Cellars-5019 N.West Bay Shore Omena
Gill's Pier Vineyard-5620 N.Manitou Trail Northport
Chateau Fontaine-2290 So. French Rd.Cedar
Longview Winery-8697 Good Harbor Trail Cedar
Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery-6530 S. Lake Leelanau Dr(CR 643) Cedar
Good Harbor Winery-34 S. Manitou Trail Lake Leelanau

These are on the Old Mission Peninsula. Head up M-37 from Traverse City.
Peninsula Cellars-11480 Center Rd (M37) Traverse City
Chateau Grand Traverse-12239 Center Rd. Traverse City
Brys Estate Vineyard-3309 Blue Water Rd. Traverse City
Bowers Harbor Vineyards-2896 Bowers Harbor Rd.Traverse City
Chateau Chantal Winery-15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City

Fall Color Tour - Traverse City - Leelanau County, Michigan

Best Enjoyed: Late September to Mid-October
Approximate Length: 190 miles

Fall is the season of the grape, where local vineyards harvest the future Chardonnays, Rieslings and Pinot Grigios. Combine a color tour of the region with a visit to Michigan's wine country - a feast for the eye and the palate.Choose one or several of the 19 wineries of Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas for a very special fall vacation. Old Mission Peninsula has much to offer the autumn leaf-peeper: delicious apples can be found at roadside stands, charming restaurants, and the Old Mission Lighthouse. "Land of Delight" is the English translation of the Indian wood "leelanau," and it's easy to understand the reason for so naming the Leelanau Peninsula, especially in fall. Circling the perimeter of the place many call Michigan's "little finger" is a color tour that has been popular for decades. An easy and interesting route, M-22 takes you along the shoreline through the quaint villages of Suttons Bay, Peshasbestown, Omena and Northport, with water views almost the entire way. North of Suttons Bay the sign reads: Northport 12 miles. Northport, situated near the tip of Leelanau Peninsula, overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, is a picture-perfect town, with a marina, waterfront, unique shops, galleries and restaurants.Each port town has its own unique charm, and each is a perfect place for shopping, dining, trying your luck at the casino or just breathing the crisp fall air. Tour the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, a living museum. Along the western coast, Leland and Glen Arbor offer still more options, and spectacular autumn color can be expected in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a 71,000-acre national park that includes 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Go barefoot "one last time" when you encounter the massive sand dunes and stunning sunset beaches. According to the National Park Service, many of the best spots for viewing fall colors at Sleeping Bear are easily reached by car or by a brief hike. The park's popular Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, for instance, gives motorists a bird's-eye view of areas like Alligator Hill, where brilliant fall foliage is set off by Glen Lake's tropical shades of turquoise, jade and cobalt blue.The Frankfort-Elberta area has much to offer, and is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Benzie County, the Frankfort and Elberta communities encompass beautiful Betsie Bay, a historic sailing harbor. The Point Betsie Light Station is one of the most visited and photographed in Michigan, and is considered to be the most popular visitor site in Benzie County. For mariners, Point Betsie (or originally: Point Aux Bec Scies), has been one of the most prominent and utilized lights on Lake Michigan.Another great side trip is to the Gwen Frostic Prints Company in Benzonia (located between Frankfort and Benzonia). This 250-acre wildlife sanctuary on the Betsie River is home to Frostic's studio with 15 Heidelberg presses using the original Frostic blocks to print a variety of paper arts. Kids will love a stop at the Homestead Sugar House in Beulah, just five miles from the top of the hill on US-31. Open until November 30, enjoy delicious hand-dipped candies, fruits and even thick sugarless syrup.You're likely to hear the sounds of music mingling with the rustling of fall leaves on a color tour of Benzie County. The Interlochen Center for the Arts offers year-round education for young people interested in the performing arts. Situated on Green Lake, the Center provides excellent professional entertainment, as well as student performances. The campus itself consists of tree-lined pathways that take on vibrant personalities during the autumn months.

Luxury Accommodations: PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS on East Bay

Grand RE-Opening: State Theatre - Downtown Traverse City - Year Around Movies!

Parallel 45 - Wine Dinner

''Parallel 45'' Wine Dinner
Mar 23, 2007

Visit Bowers Harbor Inn every other Friday night throughout the winter months as they present a series of very special dinners from some of the great food and wine regions of the world - all located on the 45th parallel. Chef Colin Beaumier has created outstanding five-course menus, and each course will be paired with an exciting regional wine to complement. This Friday 'Northern Michigan' cuisine will be featured - price is $65 per person in advance or $75 at door, plus tax and gratuity. Please call (231) 223-4222 for tickets or more information. Bowers Harbor Inn is located on the Old Mission Peninsula at 13512 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City.

Historical Traverse City Opera House Circa 1891

I was in the Traverse City Opera House this last week and this building always amazes me. It seems to defy space as you enter the auditorium. The ceiling seems to extend several stories into the sky... The Traverse City Opera House stemmed from a partnership of three gentleman, all brother-in-laws, Frank Votruba, Anthony Bartak, and Charles Wilhelm, back in 1891. E.R. Prall of Pontiac was hired to design Traverse City's first facility to use electric light bulbs. With a ceiling height of 40+ feet and hardwood maple floors the opera house has excellent acoustics. The celings have painted clouds which are painted using a technique called Trompe-l' ceil. This art technique involves extremely realistic imagery in order to create the optical illusion that the depicted objects really exist, instead of being just two-dimensional paintings. The name is derived from French for "trick the eye", from tromper - to deceive and L'ceil - the eye. The Traverse City Opera House as had many uses over the last 116 years, some include a meeting hall & auditorium, hosting concerts and traveling plays, vaudeville shows, high school graduations and dinners and balls. In 1920, a motion picture firm leased the opera house and closed it to avoid competition with its own film theaters. The city opera house was used briefly during the Depression for a WPA project crating miniature city buildings. In the early 1970s it was listed o the national and state historic registers. By the late 1970s the City Opera House Heritage Committee began raising money to restore the structure. In 1980, the opera house was given to Traverse City by the descendants of one of the original owners, Frank Votruba.

For Lodging: PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS

Spring is "in the air" in Traverse City

Sun, Sun, and more Sun... Warm temps in Traverse City today. Lots of melting snow and roof-tops were pitter-patter with dripping water drops. Grass appeared in spots where it wasn't just a few days ago. People out jogging in shorts and t-shirts. March is always a funny month in Michigan and I think especially in Traverse City with the Great Lakes contributing their mix of weather phenomenons. Some of our bigger winter storms seem to crop up in March. Never long lasted is the snow that falls this time of year. Supposed to be warm most of next week in Traverse City, we will see. If the forecast is correct, we may be well on our way to a hopeful spring!

Peninsula Bay Condominiums - Brings All Suites to Completion

The developers of Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums are in the process of completing the remaining suites, outfitting them with kitchens, appliances, carpet, and granite counter tops and granite fireplace surrounds. All top-of-the-line amenities keeping in line with the complexes reputation as being a "no compromise" luxury ,sole ownership, condominium complex right down to the heated sidewalks. This on the heals of paving 15+ parking places on the west end of "phase two's" vacant lot last fall. Negotiations and planning is in the mist in efforts to erect garages on the property. Starting later this month, renovations will start on constructing pool side bathrooms and reconfiguring some of the facilities pool equipment. Peninsula Bay has two heated outside pools, one approx. 25x45ft., located bay-side, the other being a larger diameter hot tub.

Featured Property - Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums - Suite E45

Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums is located along the "Miracle Mile" of sandy beachfront on East Bay in Traverse City, MI. I've personally spent some time at this property and is the building stout. Solid as a castle, with rich styling and lots of attention to detail. Beautiful trim work abounds with dark cherry pillars and base moldings. This featured property is located within Peninsula Bay Resort and it is referred to Suite E45. Lake, Sky, & Beach is all you see from this suite with its 4th floor vantage. Stretch out on its large balcony and breath in the fresh cool morning air. Listen to the sounds of seagulls flying by and view Hobie Cats and an occasional para glider being pulled across the bay.

Master bedroom has direct East Bay views as well. Truly breathtaking, panoramic views of the turquoise waters below. East Bay has the most colorful watercolor of any freshwater bay I've seen. Very distinct shades of aqua marine, teal, & turquoise...Suite enjoys a "bay-side" heated pool and hot tub. Enjoy lounging around at the pool or access the bay through the bayside gate down to the sandy shore. Beach chairs are included in the rental and fresh beach towels are located at the building pool exit/entry door. Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums, a new special vacation hot spot in Traverse City. Please visit the link below for details and to contact vacation rental manager for availability.
http://visitnorthernshores.com/vacation-rentals/Properties-for-Rent.htm

What is it about downtown Traverse City?

Downtown Traverse City... There really isn't anywhere like it. I'm not really able to put my finger on what it is... I just feel good being downtown, walking downtown, the sounds, the smells (most good!), and starring up at the old buildings with their charm wondering what stories they could tell.
When I was a child my Mother worked at a department store downtown called - Milliken's. From an early age, I remember the sights and sounds even back then. Like the smell of the inside of Milliken's...I know it sounds a little strange, but the smell of new clothes and new leather shoes seemed to fill the air with the ever so slight aroma of the latest perfumes. The Tea Room - It seems everyone that knew of it has fond memories of this very low ceiling diner, that overlooked the first floor of Milliken's department store. It was more of a "warp-around" indoor balcony than what you would typically think of as a diner. As a young boy, my Mother (who worked below in the shoe store at the time) and occasionally my Grand Mother would treat me to some of the then, best mash potatoes & gravy in Traverse City. (as a 6 year old - I was sure of it) But it wasn't so much the food, as it was the atmosphere. It was the hum of activity and voices that carried up from the shopping going on below. Seems my Mother and Grand Mother always knew the waitresses by first name and big smiles were always exchanged. It was a special place...back at a special time.
Today, I am middle aged, my two daughters are my age then. I've talked about the "tea room" on occasion and try to explain how things were and how special downtown Traverse City is. I do wish I could have had them experience the Tea Room too. It is funny how fast times change and towns and cities evolve. But downtown Traverse City is still very much alive with character and charm today. The events and festivals are very much the same as they were many years ago.
If you are planning a stay in Traverse City, do spend part of a day roaming around downtown. There are so many great eateries and shopping to be had. From fine cuisine to hero sandwiches to ice cream at Kilwins. You can take a break and stroll down to the Clinch Park Marina and watch the boats or take your lunch to the Open Space and lay out on the lawn soaking up your surroundings. Downtown Traverse City is truly as much of an attraction as the beautiful lakes, rivers and dunes that surround it...

Downtown Harbor Springs Condominium for Sale!

Downtown Harbor Springs Condominium

198 East Main Street, Harbor Springs, MI
Downtown Harbor Springs condominium with views of Main Street, the bluff and the Harbor. This 2 bedroom suite is in wonderful condition and includes elevator service and covered parking. Condo is located on the top floor and looking at the photo to the left, 5 windows to the left and 2 windows to the right of the top center corner window are included within this unit. A must see one of a kind location.
Offered at: $399,000
For information, e-mail or call: Nicole Hulet (231) 409-0378
Northern Shores Real Estate Sale, LLC.
411 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Listed 3/1/07

West Michigan Cottage & Lakefront Living Show

2007 Dates & Times
Friday, April 20 3pm - 9pm
Saturday, April 21 10am - 9pm
Sunday, Arpil 22 11am - 5pm
Admission (PUBLIC)
Adults: $8.00
Children (6-14): $4.00
5 & Under: Free

On behalf of Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, Nicole & I will be attending the first annual West Michigan Cottage & Lakefront Living Show at the Devos Place in Grand Rapids in April. We will be exposing Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums and all that it has to offer as a Traverse City vacation distination. If you are located in Grand Rapids or plan on attending the show, please do stop by and say hi. We would love to meet you and share our knowledge of Peninsula Bay Condominums with you.
"The Cottage" Say those words to almost any Michigander and memories rush forward like waves: the screech of gulls, or the squeal of old oarlocks; falling asleep to the rhythm of the surf, or waking to a chorus of frogs; sand in the sheets, or fish scales in the sink. Mostly, though, they're memories of family, because here in the Great Lake State the cottage is a tradition that's handed down from one generation to the next. No wonder so many of us are figuring out how to transform a summer ritual into year-round lakefront living. But whether it's your home, the family cottage on Lake Ann, or a favorite rental near Ottawa Beach, lakefront living is special. It both renews us, and returns us to happy moments from the past. Such an extraordinary part of life in West Michigan deserves to be promoted with an exceptional show.
For web site click here >>> West Michgian Cottage & Lakefront Living Show <<<

Peninsula Bay - Suite D54 - SOLD

Northern Shores Real Estate Sales holds the listing to the last remaining "D" suite at Peninsula Bay!
An opportunity to own the largest, top-most, Peninsula Bay suite! Spectacular views of East Bay's turquoise waters year around. Condo includes Pininical cabinetry, Subzero fridge, Fisher-Paykal dual-drawer dishwasher, GE gas convection oven, stackable washer & dryer, Kohler fixtures, gas fireplace, trayed ceilings with lighting, granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, dedicated dinning area. Condo has use of the 3rd floor workout room/common area, bay-side heated pool & hot tub/spa. Complex also features heated sidewalks as well as an owners lounge on 1st floor. Great Rental Potential!

Upgrades include:

• Cabinet-matching paneling on dishwasher & fridge
• Raised bar countertop
• Cabinetry above gas fireplace for flat screen TV
  
  $599,000 Offers Accepted - Sold
  For more information please call: Nicole Hulet (231) 409-0378
  More Photos: Click Here>>> Pen Bay Suite D54
  Northern Shores Real Estate Sales, LLC.
  411 East State Street
  Traverse City, MI 49686
  Updated 3/1/07

Traverse City Film Festival - 2007

Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2007

The Traverse City Film Festival will be an annual event in Northern Michigan. The 3rd annual film festival will have more films, more days, more venues, more activities, and more fun. There will be more parties and premieres, more family and children's films, as well as more panel discussions featuring actors, directors, writers and other film industry representatives. More details to follow. For more information call (231) 392-1134 or visit www.traversecityfilmfestival.org.

Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show - Traverse City

March 23-25th, 2007

The Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show is being held for three days at the Civic Center in the Howe Arena. There will be all types of new recreation vehicles - over 50 units and over 15 brands displayed ranging in price from $4,000 to more than $75,000. Booths with parts and accessories and free information on campgrounds. The entrance to the Civic Center is off South Garfield Avenue near the intersection of US-31 (Front Street) and Garfield in Traverse City. Hours: Friday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Bill Sheffer at (800) 422-6478.

Horse Shows by the Bay - Traverse City, Michigan

July 18th - August 5th, 2007

Horse Shows by the Bay is a three week equestrian festival held annually in the picturesque resort area of Traverse City, Michigan. Highlights of the weekly four arena series include a $25,000 Show Jumping Grand Prix each Sunday, $10,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior-Amateur Owner Jumper Prix, Young Jumper Classics, Hunter Classics, and the Zada Enterprises, LLC Dressage by the Bay shows. Over $350,000 in cash prizes and points for national awards are awarded.

Horse Shows by the Bay is just minutes away from Peninsula Bay Condominiums. What a great way to enjoy all the show festivities and spend some down time on beautiful East Grand Traverse Bay.

PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS on East Bay

Peninsula Bay - News & On Goings - 2007

Welcome to Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums blog presented by Northern Shores Vacation Rentals of Traverse City. Here we will soon post entries of up-coming events and on-goings at Peninsula Bay, your anytime of year get-a-way in Traverse City.To start with, Peninsula Bay is scheduled to have bathrooms added to the common swimming pool area. These bathrooms will service the pool area as well as the picnic area. Peninsula Bay has also expanded its paved parking area. On the rentals front, we have 2 more suites soon to be introduced to our rental program. They are both in the process of kitchen completion. We are anxiously awaiting summer and another beautiful season on East Grand Traverse Bay.