Tag: things to do Lake Michigan

Great for All Seasons: A Highlight of Traverse City, MI

Posted on Mary Walters

It can be difficult to find a lake area that’s pleasant throughout all seasons. Summer heat can keep you close to the air conditioner, afraid to go outdoors and face the humidity. On the other hand, the winter blues can make you feel lonely as everything closes shop, and you have no choice but to bundle up inside the house. One location that’s close to perfect, regardless of the weather, is Traverse City, Michigan. Every season provides plenty of opportunities for the whole family to get outside and enjoy the pleasant lake atmosphere. Take a look below to see what’s available in Traverse City– winter, spring, summer, or fall!

Winter

Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.

In some vacation spots, winter shuts down all the activities, everyone goes home, and everything goes quiet. In Traverse City, winter is one of the more exciting seasons. A major attraction is the ski lodges that surround the area. At night, they even offer cross country skiing. Further, one of the best winter attractions specific to Traverse City is snowshoeing across the sand dunes. This activity allows you to see the beauty of the lakeshore in the quiet winter snow.

Spring

cherry blossoms
Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.

With the flowers in bloom, spring is an excellent time to enjoy the beautiful, quaint life of Traverse City. You can go on a tour of the cherry orchards that peak around mid-May. It’s a full excursion of beautiful cherry blossoms and flowers around the area. Another great idea for spring is a wine tour to explore various vineyards throughout the region. May is Michigan Wine Month, which Traverse City celebrates through specialized wine tours. Many visitors make the trip to Traverse City to enjoy a fun weekend discovering the vineyards in northwest Michigan.

Summer

traverse city lake beachy shoreline

Of course, you cannot beat the weather and lake life in Traverse City during the summer. Because the city sits right on the lake, there are countless opportunities to enjoy a sun-kissed day full of swimming and outdoor activities. If you’re a history buff, a popular option is to set sail on one of the tall ships. Summer is also considered a festival season. This city hosts the National Cherry Festival every July, which is a great time to enjoy this classic fruit from the Cherry Capital of the World. Additionally, there is a fun art and film festival scene throughout the summer where you can discover the latest, cutting edge creations from various artists.

Fall

fall foliage traverse city michigan

As the leaves begin to change, you will not want to miss the beauty of Traverse City. The best way to get out and enjoy the crisp fall weather is a hike along available trails. The famous sand dunes make for an excellent view of the lake, but there are also various forest trails in the area to enjoy watching the changing leaves. Another unique way to enjoy this season is by attending Traverse City’s annual Beer Week in November, an event that highlights local breweries. During this festive week, you can sign up for a race or check out other seasonal events. 

Whatever time of year you choose to visit Traverse City, there will be no shortage of activities to enjoy in this versatile, northern Michigan paradise. 

Lucky Lake Living: St. Patrick’s Day Events In Our Lake Areas

Posted on Camille Smith
March 17th St Patrick's Day

For lake homeowners, day-to-day life is already overflowing with greenery from the amazing views of nature that surround us. However, there’s a day once a year where things at the lake are especially green. That’s right — we’re talking about St. Patrick’s Day. A religious and cultural celebration honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, this holiday is recognized throughout the U.S. For some, it’s a peaceful time of introspection, honoring Lent, and attending religious services. For others, it’s a day to wear as much green as possible, find the nearest parade, and hit the Irish pubs. Whatever your intention on this holiday, these St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in our lake areas are certainly worth checking out.

Sham ‘Rock the Block’ — Lake George, NY

Man in keg tossing contest
Photo courtesy of The Sun.

In upstate New York, just a few hours north of the city, the community at Lake George will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a two-day event centered around Duffy’s Tavern called Sham ‘Rock’ the Block. Duffy’s, a traditional Irish pub, is a beloved landmark of the area for both residents and visitors. At this festival, you can expect to enjoy traditional Irish music, amazing food (think corned beef and Reuben sandwiches), and arts and crafts activities that will be fun for the family. On Saturday, March 14th, from the upper deck of the tavern, you can get views of both the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the amazing Lake George in the background.

Live Music Weekend — Deep Creek, MD

Live music bag pipes
Photo courtesy of Deep Creek Blog.

In the Deep Creek Lake area, there’s no shortage of activities going on over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. A major highlight of the festivities is the number of live music shows that you can discover in the area. If you head over to the Honi-Honi Bar on Saturday March 14th, you can join the St Patrick’s Day Party featuring cover tunes from the band Time Flies. While you’re out on the town, find out who’s playing at other bars and breweries in the area. Also on March 14th, E May is playing at Moonshadow at 8pm, and Ronnie Boroughs is performing at the Black Bear Tavern at 6pm. No matter where you end up, don’t miss an opportunity to see live music in Deep Creek.

St. Pat’s Booze Cruise — Lake Michigan, IL

pat's booze cruise lake michigan
Photo courtesy of Chicago Party Boat.

If your vision of St. Patrick’s Day involves lots of dancing, drinking, and proximity to a major city, Chicago’s Booze Cruise is the event for you. If you book a ticket for this two hour cruise, on March 14th, you’ll find yourself aboard a luxury yacht on the great Lake Michigan. Whether you’ll opt to stay on the interior deck or check out the open-aired top deck of the boat, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing lakeside views while dancing to the DJ’s party playlist on one of the dance floors.

Parade and Shamrock Festival — Smith Mountain Lake, VA

st patrick's day parade handing out candy
Photo courtesy of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Smith Mountain Lake is a popular vacation spot for Virginians and out-of-state visitors alike. Resting in a valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Roanoke region, this lake is primarily known for water sports and fishing (especially for striped bass). As if Smith Mountain Lake doesn’t have enough going on, the region is abuzz over St. Patrick’s Day weekend. They host the Freedom First St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 11:00am, at which the Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to make an appearance. Throughout the day from 10:00am-5:00pm, you can check out the exciting music festival called the Shamrock Festival featuring bands such as Jive Mother Mary and Strung Like a Horse.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Lake of the Ozarks, MO

st patrick's day parade hanging out beads
Photo courtesy of Lake News Online.

If you find yourself in the Lake of the Ozarks region in Central Missouri, you won’t want to miss the 30th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14th at 1:00pm. Sponsored by the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, this historic area of the region is where the parade takes place. Between marching bands and decorative floats, you can check out the local restaurants and stop in for corned beef sandwiches. 

No matter which event you attend, whether it’s one of these five or in your nearby lake area, be sure to wear your green this St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate!

Freezin’ for a Reason: Upcoming Polar Plunges in Our Lake Areas

Posted on Camille Smith
participants running into San Pedro beach on new year's day

At this time of year, you may look out the window of your lake house and see a freezing body of water, perhaps partially covered in ice, and can imagine that jumping in would be downright unpleasant. Even standing outside in the cold is hardly bearable, much less being submerged in frigid lake water. However, thousands of people do this every year. Whether it’s raising money for a cause or just for the thrill of it, groups of people come together and jump into a cold body of water, such as a lake or beach, during January, February, and March. Appropriately, it’s called a Polar Plunge (could also be referred to as Polar Bear Plunge or Polar Bear Swim).

The History

massive crowd at Annual polar bear swim in Vancouver, Canada
Annual Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver. Photo courtesy of Red Leaf.

Although it may seem odd, these events aren’t new. In fact, people have been participating in Polar Plunges for over 100 years (a plunge in Boston in 1904 was the first one recorded) and they’re practiced around the world. In Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands, Polar Plunges are typically held to celebrate the new year. In South Korea, there’s an annual polar swimming contest that takes place on Haeundae Beach. There’s even a Polar Plunge in Antarctica, which is a rite of passage for scientists conducting research on this southernmost continent. Regardless of where you are, there’s certain to be a nearby Plunge to satisfy your search for an adrenaline rush. Here in the U.S., you can attend a polar plunge in 2020 at many of our lakes. 

Polar Plunges in the U.S.

Participants take to the icy waters at Canandaigua Lake, NY
Polar Plunge participants take to the icy waters at Canandaigua Lake, NY. Photo courtesy of Daily Messenger.

Across the country, Polar Plunges primarily work to raise money for the Special Olympics, a global organization that provides athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Chances are, you’ll find a Plunge this season that benefits the Special Olympics in your specific state. In New York, you’ll find Polar Plunges on Cayuga Lake on March 21st and Canandaigua Lake on March 28th, both raising money for the Special Olympics of New York. In Missouri, check out the Polar Plunge at Lake of the Ozarks on February 29th, or if you’re in Texas, there’s an event at Lake Gladewater on February 8th, both benefiting the Special Olympics of their respective states. Of course, there’s a Plunge on the great Lake Michigan in Chicago. If you attend this particular plunge on March 1st, you might even run in to Lady Gaga or Vince Vaughn who have attended in the past. 

Besides the Special Olympics, there are several Polar Plunges that benefit other charities as well. For example, a Polar Plunge at Lake Anna State Park in Virginia raises money for the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Warrior Foundation that provides financial support for both retired and active-duty EOD war veterans. We encourage you to take a look at upcoming Polar Plunges in your own communities — you never know who you might meet or what great local causes you’ll be able to support. 

Why Take the Plunge?

Man raising rock on symbols in air running into lake with large crowd behind him
Polar bear plunge participants splash their way into the new year on Sanders Beach in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Photo courtesy of The Spokesman-Review.

For those of us who steer on the side of caution, Polar Plunges might seem too intense, unpleasant, or even unsafe. While there’s certainly a debate over whether jumping into icy water is dangerous, most every organized Polar Plunge has a trained safety team on staff to make sure that conditions are appropriate. As long as your heart is healthy, a few seconds in the water would only give you a good shock — enough to leave you with a jolt of energy as you run back to your awaiting warm towel. At the end of the day, it’s about doing something different with a group of people to celebrate a new year or a good cause. That sense of community and spontaneity is what lake living is all about. 

Interested in the lakes mentioned in this article? Learn more here: Cayuga Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Gladewater, Lake Michigan, and Lake Anna.

Traverse City, MI: The Hot Spot for Millennial Millionaires

Posted on Hallie Mitchell

There are 70 million millennials in the United States, and of those, 618,000 are millionaires. With that number growing, many of them are looking to invest their money in property. When imagining all the places that these young wealthy people could enjoy their millions, what exotic or wealth laden areas come to mind? Traverse City, Michigan, is the answer for more millennial millionaires than any other locale by zip code. Millennials are those who were born between 1982 and 1996, and ages range from 23 to 37 in 2019. The millionaires among them have a reported net worth between $1 million and $2.49 million, and their value is only projected to grow. 

 

Location, Location, Location

Photo courtesy of Traverse City Tourism.

Roughly 44% of these millennial millionaires are located in California. Still, those who are looking for a different pace are flocking to Traverse City. The draw for this active group is a community that boasts microbreweries, wineries, and a robust food scene. They are leaving the hustle and bustle of the big cities and heading north and situating themselves on the shores of Lake Michigan. 

The city is located in the northwestern part of Michigan and accommodates many needs with a central location that makes travel to much of the United States convenient. It’s close to major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Milwaukee and it’s only a short plane ride from the Cherry Capital Airport to New York and Washington, D.C. The geography makes Traverse City an ideal spot for those busy young people looking to find a place to settle down or vacation.

Traverse City offers homes overlooking freshwater and beaches for a better price than homes in larger metropolitan areas. According to the Lake Homes Realty Lake Real Estate Market Report, Lake Michigan is the number one lake located in the state when it comes to having the most listings and most homes available. The Traverse City Area comes in number four on the list of listings with the most expensive land of fewer than 10 acres. However, Lake Michigan also has plenty of that land that millennial millionaires can purchase and build the lake home of their dreams, and with 92% of them purchasing property as opposed to existing homes, that’s what most are opting to do.

Get Out and Explore

Good Harbor Beach – Sleeping Bear Bunes National Lakeshore
Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Living.

Traverse City gives those calling it home plenty of opportunities to get out and experience life. You can always explore a new area of Traverse City because every new season brings a new adventure. With Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore trails, ski slopes, beaches, and the downtown area, there is something for everyone to do. Head over to a park and explore a new area on one of the many local bike trails. You can hit the slopes, shop downtown at any of the latest trendy clothing stores or head to the beach and enjoy the freshwater and the white sandy beaches. With 40 wineries, 13 craft breweries, and over 150 restaurants, there is always a new place to explore or spend time with friends. 

Grand Traverse Commons
Photo courtesy of Experience Michigan Magazine.

The Grand Traverse Commons is another hidden jewel of Traverse City. The building looks like a castle, and in winter, covered in snow, it seems perfect for a starring role in a Hallmark movie. The former mental asylum is located in a 480-acre park that is a favorite for cyclists and hikers. Though it has a somewhat disturbing past, the new Commons boasts restaurants, galleries, shops, and even apartments. There is also a 25-acre Botanical Garden at the Historic Barns Park that was built on what was once the former asylum’s farm complex. In the same area, just a little north is a place called Slabtown, which was once a neighborhood inhabited by those who worked as millworkers and stevedores. Sleder’s Family Tavern located there is Michigan’s oldest continuously operated bar.

Since more millennials have decided to call Traverse City home, the city has experienced a growth of trendy restaurants, businesses, and festivals. Many love the lifestyle of living in a smaller city. Diverse residents and a healthy stream of tourists create a vibrant local culture.

Lights, Camera, Action

Photo courtesy of Traverse City Film Festival.

Events are always taking place in Traverse City. Throughout the year, the city hosts various activities, including Beer Week, guided walking ghost tours, restaurant week, the Downtown Chili Cook-off, and a full calendar of other events. During the winter, you’ll find ski races at Shanty Creek, and it also hosts the Northern American VASA Festival of Races.

One of the more notable festivals that has become a hit is the Traverse City Film Festival. It was established in 2005 by the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore. It is a charitable and educational nonprofit organization founded on the idea that “One Great Movie Can Change You: Just Great Movies” is helping to save the cinema. The festival helped to revive the State Theater, and the event occurs every year in late July to early August.

Traverse City also hosts an Ironman 70.3 competition, which has been an enormous success. The Ironman 70.3, also known as a Half Ironman, is a part of a series that takes place all over the world. It consists of a 1.2-mile swim in West Grand Traverse Bay, a 56-mile bike ride through the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and a 13.1-mile run that concludes in downtown Traverse City.  

 

No matter what you enjoy, there is an activity or event for you in Traverse City. 

All About the Lake Lifestyle

Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Living.

Living on the lake in Michigan is your access to unlimited watersports. Along with every form of boating, the winds make it ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing on the lake. Have you never done it before? No problem, there are plenty of shops that offer both equipment and lessons. Want something with a little more power? You can either bring your own or rent a jet ski and enjoy Lake Michigan differently. For the less serious athlete, there is a kayak brewery tour. The tour takes you to local brewers in Traverse City while you also get to explore more of Lake Michigan.

Lake Michigan offers breathtaking beaches, and if you are a dog lover, you are in luck. There are many beaches where your fur baby is welcome to enjoy Lake Michigan with you. 

Salmon Fishing at Sunset
Photo courtesy of Grand Traverse Living.

Clear blue water and inland lakes make Traverse City an excellent place to do some freshwater fishing. Smallmouth Bass, King and Coho Salmon, Walleye, Lake Trout, Great Lakes Muskie, Brown Trout, and Steelhead are all found in the waters of Lake Michigan. The peak times to fish in this area are between May and October because it offers a consistent supply of fish. During the winter, when the ice begins to thicken, you can head out on the “hard water” and participate in the “Up North” tradition of Ice Fishing. 

 

Traverse City offers so many amenities and activities; it’s no wonder young and wealthy millennials are flocking to the area. 

Click HERE to learn more about Traverse City, Michigan.

The Waterfront’s Finest Wines and Vineyards

Posted on Staff

Article co-authored by LakeHomes.com intern Sam Harvey

Simply being near the water can increase your sense of calm and alleviate stress and anxiety – a phenomenon called the “blue mind effect.”

However, owning a lake home also tends to make you the most popular person in your friend group, which can create a few stressors.

Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from entertaining guests, taking the kids tubing and cleaning up lake toys. You need an activity that’s more, shall we say, adult.

“Wine” down every once in a while at any of these award-winning waterfront wineries located on your favorite lakes. 

Pleasant Valley Wine Company

Nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake in Upstate New York is one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes region.

Built in 1860, the Pleasant Valley Wine Company offers connoisseurs a variety of 31 products ranging from the official champagne of the National Women’s Hall of Fall Induction ceremony to a refreshing strawberry white Zinn and some of the finest cooking sherries in the country.

A trip to Keuka Lake is not complete without a tour of the Pleasant Valley Wine Company facility, comprised of eight stone buildings recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also find the equipment from the original establishment and wine-making displays.

Offered from Memorial Day through mid-November, Pleasant Valley tours are self-guided beginning at 11 a.m., daily. The last tour group of the day departs at 3 p.m. and concludes with a complimentary wine tasting.

Bottles are also available for purchase on-site and online, ranging in price from $3.50 to about $30. Among the winery’s most popular beverages is the Pleasant Valley Chocolate Lab, made of labrusca grapes and flavored with rich chocolate.

The winery recommends mixing this dessert wine with their Autumn Frost Strawberry White Zinfandel or Blackberry Merlot and pairing it with blue cheese.

Lake Michigan Vintners

Lake Michigan Vintners, situated just 10 minutes from the Lake Michigan waterfront, is the Midwest’s only teaching winery.

Part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, this world-class facility boasts products made with locally sourced ingredients, producing wines comparable to those made in the Bordeaux and the Piedmont regions of Italy.

The Lake Michigan Vintners tasting room is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Sundays and from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. For just $10, winery guests can enjoy a sampling of five wines of their choice.

Lake Michigan Vintners produces all wines in small batches, so availability is limited.

Among those wines currently available for tasting and purchase is the Grüner Veltliner, characterized by green apple aromas, a hint of lime and lemon shortbread cookies. This beverage pairs nicely with goat cheese and mozzarella.

Also available this summer is the Wavelength White, which features floral aromatics, jasmine, and hints of honey.

For red wine lovers, the Lake Michigan Vintners Pinot Noir tastes reminiscent of cherry pie and baking spices. Serve with savory dishes like pot roast and grilled lamb.

Rosemont of Virginia Winery

Conveniently situated on the Virginia-North Carolina border, just two minutes from beautiful Lake Gaston, the Rosemont of Virginia Winery invites guests to tour their 25 acres of grapevines and sample their 15, 100% estate-produced wines.

The Rosemont Estate, housed on 450 acres, dates back to the mid-1700s, during which time its grounds served as farmland for vegetables, hay, tobacco, soybeans, corn, and peach trees.

Winery construction began in 2006 and today is complete with an underground state-of-the-art gravity flow production facility.

Tours and tastings are hosted daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. With a $10 tasting fee, winery visitors can sample each of the venue’s current vintages and receive a commemorative Rosemont wine glass at the tour’s conclusion.

Unique to the Rosemont of Virginia Winery is their Adopt-a-Vine program, through which wine lovers can donate $300 to the facility in exchange for access to exclusive events and their own vine of Chambourcin grapes.

Adopt-a-Vine program members can learn to prune and trim their vines, help harvest their grapes and receive a bottle of wine made from their fruits for three harvest years.

One of the winery’s most popular wines is their Traminette 2017, a semi-sweet, dry, white wine characterized by touches of citrus and spice and bright floral notes. The winery recommends pairing this beverage with spicy cuisine or light summer salads.

Also a Rosemont favorite is their 2016 Cabernet Franc, which features light oak and dark cherry aromas alongside hints of berry and pepper.

This Cabernet Franc is a delicious red, aged for 20 months. It has the perfect complement to earthy flavors such as those found in olives and feta, fontina, and goat cheese.

Rosemont of Virginia Winery sells its products outside Virginia in North Carolina, Maryland, Washington D.C., New York, Florida, Michigan, and California. Bottles range in price from $14 to $33.

For more local flavor, be sure to check out our article “Tastes of the Lake: A Spotlight on Your Favorite Lakeside Restaurants“!