Traverse City - Spring Sip and Savor

Spring Sip & Savor

May 3 & 4, 2008
Leelanau Peninsula Wineries

Old name, mostly new event. This weekend offers you an opportunity to taste, at each of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail wineries, a wine and food pairing selected especially by the winemaker. Each winemaker will be present in the winery tasting room during the event to talk with you about the wine, and the food pairing, or answer any questions you have. The wines offered with the food pairing may be new releases, older wines, whatever the individual winemaker selected for you to enjoy with that special food pairing.
This is a great opportunity to meet the people who make the wines you love to drink. Visit up to 8 wineries on Saturday from 11 to 5pm, and finish your trail tour on Sunday from noon to 5pm. To purchase tickets, visit the website below.

For Lodging: PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS ON EAST BAY - 231.922.2200

Leelanau: Taste the Passion - Wine, Chocolate & Love

02/09/2008 - 02/10/2008

The annual Taste the Passion weekend celebrates wine, chocolate and love in anticipation of Valentine's Day! The combination of winter's beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasure of life always makes for a wonderful weekend. Each person will receive a souvenir glass at your first stop and each winery will offer you a special wine pour. To add to the weekend, many wineries will be hosting special events that celebrate the beauty and fun to be had in our region in wintertime. Attendance is limited. Tickets are just $30 each and may be purchased online at www.lpwines.com.

For Lodging Visit;
www.VisitNorthernShores.com

Beat the Winter Blues - Black Star Farms

01/19/2008 - 01/20/2008
Beat the winter blues and warm your soul at Black Star Farms Old Mission. Our tasting room is offering complimentary samples of our infamous Mulled Cherry Wine and varietal wines accompanying a hearty winter soup. Food and wine will be offered from 11 to 5 on Saturday and 12 to 5 on Sunday. Please call (231) 944-1300 with questions.
VISITNORTHERNSHORES.COM

Wine Immersion Seminar - Chanteau Chantal: Old Mission Peninsula

01/19/2008

Wine Immersion Seminar at Chateau Chantal with winemaker Mark Johnson. Seminar includes an overview of winemaking, viticulture and food and wine pairings, plus lunch, multi-course dinner, learning materials and instruction. 11 am through dinner, $135.Old Mission Peninsula (231) 223-4110
VISITNORTHERNSHORES.COM

Wine Immersion Seminar - Chanteau Chantal: Old Mission Peninsula

01/19/2008

Wine Immersion Seminar at Chateau Chantal with winemaker Mark Johnson. Seminar includes an overview of winemaking, viticulture and food and wine pairings, plus lunch, multi-course dinner, learning materials and instruction. 11 am through dinner, $135.Old Mission Peninsula (231) 223-4110
VISITNORTHERNSHORES.COM

Old Mission: Jazz at Sunset - Chateau Chantal

Last Sunday Jazz at Sunset 12/30/2007
Last Sunday Jazz at Sunset Come enjoy our tradition “Jazz at Sunset” with Jeff Hass and his Trio and learn about wine through our wine education series. 3-5:30 pm. Chateau Chantal.

Pool Bathroom Photo Update

Crews were working on the Pool bathroom today, at Peninsula Bay, in severely cold weather. The structure is taking shape and it will be exciting to see what the amenities are when complete. The ice-melt is disabled for the duration of the construction so be careful on the walks during icy conditions.

http://www.VisitNorthernShores.com

Freighter Takes Refuse in East Grand Traverse Bay

Snowy wintry day in Traverse City this last day of November. Temps were steady at 18 degrees F. with a good blow from the NW. It was surprising to me to see a freighter of this size in East Bay. Not an uncommon sight in West Bay, but its been a while, if ever, that I've seen a freighter of this size in East Bay. The photo really doesn't do it justice. The ship looked huge looming in the dark green waters off of Peninsula Bay's beachfront. There were times that I couldn't see the ship when the snow came down hard. It was in a constant state of fading and

re-appearing, very cool to watch.

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

Peninsula Bay Resort Gets Pool Side Restrooms

Pioneer Construction, of Grand Rapids, started construction on
Peninsula Bay Condominium's long awaited pool-side restrooms.
First slated for the 2nd phase of construction, the restrooms have been added to the 1st phase building in order to conform to standards regarding the outside pools and an easily available restroom facility.

Peninsula Bay Owners Donate Lodging to State Theatre Grand Re-Opening, Nov 17, 2007

In cooperation with Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, several owners of the luxurious Peninsula Bay condominiums have donated lodging to VIP guest for the Grand Re-Opening of Traverse City State Theatre downtown, this is taking place November 17th, 2007. Special guest are still undisclosed at this time.

The State Theatre is located on on East Front Street in downtown Traverse City and was originally built in 1918 and rebuilt in 1923 after a fire. It showed the first talking movie seen in Northern Michigan in 1929 when it was known as the Lyric Theatre. It closed down in 1991, before being revitalized by being used during the Traverse City Film Festival beginning in 2005

New Luxury Suite Joins Northern Shores' Rental Program

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, LLC. is proud to offer yet another luxury condominium at Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums on East Bay in Traverse City.

A very sincere congratulations to the owners of Suite C22, their suite is our newest addition in the Peninsula Bay vacation rental line up and they have been very hard at work preparing the perfect vacation suite.

Peninsula Bay Suite C22; Let me introduce you...

Suite C22 is located on the 2nd floor and is on the East side of the condominium complex. It enjoys one of the largest balconies at approx. 210 sq.ft. and is a comfortable distance from the green lawn below. I great suite for those that are not fond of great heights! Also note that the "C" suites are the closest suites to the bay while still being on the side of the building. Off the balcony is the master bedroom via a sliding glass door. There is also a separate door leading into the living room from the balcony. The master bedroom boasts a granite dual sink vanity and a stand up glassed in shower with tiled sitting stool. The master bedroom as well as the guest bedroom have roomy walk-in closets. The living room is spacious and has lots to offer. There is a flat screen TV lending a view to both the kitchen area as well as the living room. On the East wall in the corner is a "flip-the-switch" gas fireplace that is idea for cool nights or just mood lighting. There is a comfortable lounge type chair in the living room that is a wonderful place to kick back and do some reading or even some napping! The ceiling is vaulted and uses rope lighting that gives off a nice warm glow during the evening hours. Off the living room is a fully stocked kitchen. Besides Peninsula Bay's standard sub-zero refrigerators, dual drawer dishwashers, granite counter-tops, convection gas ranges, & under the counter microwaves, there are pots and pans, utensils, glasses, coffee cups, plates, silverware, strainers, knifes, right down to the paper towels - all provided. Suite C22 also has clothes washer & dryer accommodations. A near full-size stackable washer & dryer is located in the hallway near the guest bedroom and across from the extra half bathroom. There are two coat closets with automatic lighting. (open the door - light comes on, shut the door - light goes out!) The guest bedroom has two full beds and wall mounted flat screen TV. The guest bedroom has its own full bathroom and walk-in closet. The "C" suites have the largest second bedroom of all suites. Another nice inherited feature of the "C" suites is that their door to the common hallway is separate from all other suites for a little more of a private setting.

The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula

The finger of land that is surrounded by Grand Traverse Bay is home to five special wineries.

Situated at the world's 45th parallel, ideal for growing wine grapes, Old Misson Peninsula is home to five special wineries responsible for award-winning Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, sparkling and ice wines. Two of the wineries also offer lovely overnight accommodations at their Bed & Breakfast inns.
On November 24th, the wineries host the Macaroni & Cheese Bake-off . Local restaurants compete with unique Mac and Cheese creations paired with wines from each winery. These innovative dishes are definitely not out of the box! Participating wineries include:
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Chateau Chantal
Chateau Grand Traverse
Peninsula Cellars
For more information visit: michgian.org/travel

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Fall Color Tours: Traverse City - Northport - Frankfort

Best Enjoyed: Late September to Mid-OctoberApproximate
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.

For more information check out www.michigan.org/travel

Handicap accessible places to visit in and near Traverse City

Handicapped accessible hiking trails offer great opportunities for everyone. Check out these beautiful locations.

Boardman Lake Trail,Traverse City - A gorgeous 2-mile lakeside trail offers wheelchair-able pathway. East shore south end of the lake. Park at Hall Park.
www.traversetrails.org/boardman-lake-trail.shtml

Ransom Lake Preserve, Lake Ann -Smooth path along a beautiful Northern Michigan stream. End up at a wheelchair accessible lakeside deck, and try a little fishing. Park off of Lake Ann Road. About 20 minutes from Traverse City.

Perception Pathway, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire-
Braille interpretive signs and cable guides help the visually impaired enjoy one of the North's premier nature areas.Approx. 15 miles from Traverse City.

Peninsula Bay: Pools & Doors

Just a quick note that Management has decided that both pools are to be winterized starting September 24th, 2007. They will not be tending to the Hot Tub this winter. Also note that the building's doors are locked around the clock at least through the winter months.

"D" Suite Specials through September!

We make a three day getaway easy. This rate includes all tax and fees. They won't last long so call us today! You must call our office and mention this ad. These great offers are available in the month of September, subject to availability. Peninsula Bay Condominiums are some of the finest luxury accommodations on East Bay.

Peninsula Bay Suite D-34 - This 3rd floor suite has direct view of East Bay and enjoys flat screen TVs in all rooms. Large balcony, gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen, professionally decorated. Three day weekend only $577.60
Info@VisitNorthernShores.com for reservations.

Peninsula Bay Suite D-44 - This 4th floor suite also has direct Est Bay views from a nice vantage point and enjoys cable Internet. Has a large corner balcony, gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen, professionally decorated. Three day weekend also only $577.60
Info@VisitNorthernShores.com for reservations.

Peninsula Bay Sign - Finds Placement

Northern Shores VR, Let me introduce you...

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals for Peninsula Bay Condominiums is a personal and hands-on company tailored to owners of Peninsula Bay as well as our guest alike. Our direction has stemmed from experiences gained servicing owners and guests since the mid 1980s operating as Harris Properties, Inc. based out of our first Glen Arbor office. With several owners dissatisfied with Glen Arbor's Homestead Resort and its on-site vacation rental management, a business was spurred into what is now VisitUpNorth Vacation Rentals of Glen Arbor. (formerly Harris Properties, Inc.) In 2001, we positioned our second office in the 400 block of downtown Traverse City and now our parent company has grown to the largest vacation rental company in Traverse City as well as Leelanau County. On the heels of VisitUpNorth VR, was spun Northern Shores Vacation Rentals, a sister company. Northern Shores was erected to meet the demand and specialize in condominium vacation rentals on Traverse City's East side, primarily East Bay. Peninsula Bay became this new branches flag ship property and continues to be to this day. We have dedicated our resources and marketing exclusively to Peninsula Bay Condominiums and believe we have had a positive impact on the success of furthering future sales. We brought live to the complex when it had none, and our business really helped put Peninsula Bay "on the map," for travelers as well as buyers. With a new 6th Peninsula Bay suite added this fall, we remain to be the exclusive rental agency at Peninsula Bay amongst our competition. We have every intention of continuing and specializing in Peninsula Bay as our full time vacation rental commitment. We find our strength is specialization and we are running with it. We have evolved into the premier Peninsula Bay rental agency through our entrepreneurial intuition, specialization, familiarization, and dedication to our undertaking as the no-compromise Peninsula Bay vacation rental expert.

Thank you to our owners...

To our Vacation Rental owners:
Just a quick note to say "thank you" to many of you who have helped keep us in the loop in regards to vacation rental management solicitations you have received. We are appreciative and grateful that you feel compelled to pass these e-mails and letters along to us. We also want to thank you for entrusting in us your Peninsula Bay vacation rental property for yet another summer. Peninsula Bay Condominiums and all your suites have again been very well received! We have many guest securing their reservation week(s) for next summer/fall. We would like to think that this is a clear sign of our dedication to our guests and ensuring their vacation experience is an enjoyable and memorable one!

"Dove" Takes Flight

Its been 2 weeks since we received the call about the injured dove at Peninsula Bay. Today, our feathered friend was set free and with a gentle lift-off "Dove" assended several feet into the air before navigating towards a large pine tree. Perched high in a bushy pine tree over looking 40 acers of undeveloped college property, Dove seems more then at home with is health restored. I suspect he will be pairing up with other local doves in a day or so. His recovery was quick and progress was noted continually over the last 2 weeks. He was a good eater and took to a bowl of water readily. Flying around in our screened in porch was perfect and our lazy cat was entertained the entire time.

Peninsula Bay's fireplace exhaust "vents" funnel a small amount of mildly warm air as a result of the fireplace's ever burning "pilot" flame. This was mostly likely a very desireable nest location for nesting doves in the area. This next spring it will be a good idea to inspect these fireplace vents for nesting doves and keep them from nesting in these locations. We can add this to the long list of maintenance & problem solving experiences we have learned dealing with Peninsula Bays since its conception.

Peninsula Bay is Beautiful - But it's Time to Leave the Nest!

A Dove at Traverse City's finest beachfront address...

Ashley Hulet lost her beloved Parakeet (Gold Feather) this last winter and was truly heartbroken. He was fine one day and was no longer the next. So Ashley's birdcage made its way into her closet, clean and orderly, she just wasn't ready to replace her beloved feathered friend-yet. Today Ashley and I received a call from her Mom, reporting that a baby dove had been removed from Peninsula Bay's protection during power washing (for the better, it's August!) and was being attacked by the local posse of seagulls. To Nicole's surprise, she heard and then saw what all the commotion was about along the fire lane on the East side of Pen Bay. To her horror, seagulls were taking their best shots at a baby dove who was not able or no longer able to fly away. Nicole fetched a box and put it over the dove before making the phone call to us. When we arrived all the hopeful seagulls were gone and there was the box, upside down, a one bird bunker hideout. We had brought a shoebox with us, our transport capsule, and the dove easily let us pick him up without much of a fight and place him (her?) in the box. I was making siren noises with my mouth as we departed the parking lot and headed for home "Med." We stopped at a local "Wild Birds Unlimited" and explained the situation to the owner and asked for just the right "dove" food for this little guy. He fixed us up and refused to let us pay for it. Obviously, with a love for birds he just wanted to be of help. I thanked him up and down and told him I would spread the word of his good deed. When we got home, Ashley made her way to her bedroom and retrieved her bird cage of last winter. She dug out some newspaper and filled up the water and food dishes and put them on the bottom of the cage for easy access. We found a perfect place on our screened in second story porch, up high on a shelf, where "Dove" could start to feel secure again and hopefully eat and drink. Sure enough, with in a hour, he began to drink some of the water and we hope to see him try some mullet. Right now, we are just giving him some time to relax and get his bearings. We plan to release him as soon as possible, so that he can do what ever it is that doves do. We will keep you all posted as to how "Dove" is doing...

Long Term Rentals at Peninsula Bay? Yes...

Northern Shores Vacation Rentals is no stranger to long term rentals at Peninsula Bay Condominiums. We have entertained three so far. Whether your moving to the area, building a new home or remodeling, I can't think of a more comfortable place to be than at "Pen Bay." Enjoy the beauty of Fall, Winter, & the warmth of Spring, all while surrounded by the majestic charm and beauty of Peninsula Bay Condominiums. Give us a call...we can help you! (Notice the heated sidewalks-no snow!)

Nicole Hulet accepts sales position at Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums

Nicole Hulet accepts sales position at Peninsula Bay Resort Condominiums under Coldwell Banker/Schmidt Realtors. She is very excited about the up and coming sales campaign and is enjoying one of her favorite developments in Traverse City. She is at the building everyday from 11am to 4pm and is feverishly working towards the promotion of Peninsula Bay and all that it has to offer. This is her 3rd summer among Pen Bay and its been such a great project. Seems its been her "home" away from home for a while now! Anyone reading and interested in an opportunity in ownership of one of the remaining Peninsula Bay suites, please don't hesitate to contact Nicole for more information. Those of you that know her personally, know she is always more then willing to lend an ear and help in any way that she can. She loves what she does and just likes people. Below is an insert from her bio, written by her, on Coldwell Banker's website:

~Snip~
About Me:
I have been licensed in real estate since 1995. I began my career in real estate after attending Grand Valley State University for business. Then I moved back home to Glen Arbor in 1991 and worked in my families property management company that specialized in vacation rentals at The Homestead Resort. I married my husband Jason, had two beautiful girls, and moved to the base of Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. In 2001, my sister & I opened a branch of the family business in downtown Traverse City and actively manage 175 second homes. In 2005 I opened an additional branch of my own; Northern Shores Vacation Rentals & Northern Shores Real Estate Sales, LLC. My husband now runs the vacation rental business and I recently joined Coldwell Banker Schmidt Real Estate to broaden my experience and reach out to a larger market.

Areas of Expertise:
I specialize in second homes.... Dream Homes! I have always worked in an environment where I assisted in making lifelong memories. I have been a part of families who have made Northern Michigan their second home - their place to get-a-way from the hustle & bustle. It has been a wonderful experience to be involved with the creation of family memories. The joy that I see when a family has made an investment in their dream home is priceless. And their dream home is not only an investment but a commitment to create many unforgettable memories for generations. I believe that there is a dream home for everyone and I love to be a part of finding that dream!

Memberships & Affiliations
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Michigan Association of Realtors (MAR)
Vacation Rental National Association (VRMA)
Traverse City Chamber of Commerce
Leelanau County Chamber of Commerce

http://www.NicoleHulet.com

Traverse City's National Cherry Festival - 2007

The National Cherry Festival is a festival in Traverse City, Michigan in Northern Michigan. Founded in 1926, the mission of the National Cherry Festival is to celebrate & promote cherries. It also serves to promote tourism and community involvement, and to enhance the economic, entertainment, and cultural interests of the Grand Traverse region.
Every year more than 500,000 attendees enjoy the National Cherry Festival, which is now in its 80th year. Families can enjoy many kinds of activities from cherry pit spitting and pie eating contests, to the Grand Royale Parade in which the newly crowned Cherry Queen greets the crowds.
Originally held in mid- to late July to coincide with the cherry harvest, the Festival was moved to early July to take advantage of the July 4th weekend. Cherries are harvested with a "shaker", that quickly vibrates the trunk of the cherry tree and the ripe cherries fill off into a large, expandable tarp.[1] During the harvest approximately 200,000,000 pounds of tart (Montmorency) cherries are harvested. Other cherries, including sweet cherries and Balaton cherries are also harvested. The moderate climate, caused by the proximity of Lake Michigan and the sandy soil are why cherries grow so well in the region.
Traverse City is the self-proclaimed "Cherry Capital of the World" and is in the Guinness Book of World Records, for baking the world's largest cherry pie (the pie was 17' 6", weighing in at 28,350 pounds), unveiled at the festival on July 25, 1987. This replaced the pie baked nine years earlier in Charlevoix, Michigan. This record was held until July 14, 1990, when a pie weighing 37,740 lbs 10 oz, 20 feet in diameter was baked and eaten by approximately 1500 people in Oliver, British Columbia (the Wine Capital of Canada).Source: Wikipedia.com

Historic Traverse City State Theater - LIVES!

TRAVERSE CITY, MI (May 30, 2007)-- After over a decade of being dark, the lights on the marquee of the historic State Theatre in downtown Traverse City will once again come alive as the Traverse City Film Festival today accepted the deed to the theater from its most recent owner, Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
Read More...

Grand Traverse County Courthouse

Grand Traverse County was officially organized in 1851. Its first courthouse and jail were built in 1854 for $600 on land donated by the lumbering firm Hannah, Lay and Company. The courthouse, a wooden structure, burned in 1862. The county used rented quarters until 1900. In 1898 the county accepted plans for the present brick and stone structure submitted by architects Rush, Bowman and Rush of Grand Rapids.