There's a great article that catches the flavor of northern Michigan and the Leelanau Peninsula by R.W. Apple Jr. of the New York Times called Up North: Michigan's Flavorful Vacationland [07/30/03] (link will open in new window)
Hike, bike the 13-mile Glen Lake loop, simply sightsee at the extraordinary Sleeping Bear Dunes; or enjoy the many parks and wonderful lighthouses around the peninsula.
Or spend a morning at a unique bird sanctuary with the well known Kay Charter.
And M-22, which passes the inn and circles the Leelanau Peninsula through most of the villages and open spaces, is so exceptional that it has been designated a Scenic Heritage Route. Why not travel its length, stopping along the way just to take in the sights all the way to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip, around to Sutton's Bay and back. It is stunning any time, and spectacular in the fall. Then cross over to South Manitou Island on the Manitou Island Transit Ferry from Leland's Fishtown. Here time has stopped and another lighthouse is waiting for you.
Attend a headliner performance in the great amphitheater, or enjoy the many chamber and student events at the reknowned National Music Camp only 30 minutes away at Interlochen.
Then, for an extra treat, travel to Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, 40 minutes south of us in Benzie County, to wander the fascinating Michigan Legacy Art Park. The newly established venue offers a unique experience of art, nature and history. Over 35 major works of art by Michigan artists line trails that loop through a serene densely wooded forest. Give it a try.
See the Leelanau Peninsula while you assemble your picnic from such stops as Stone House Bread or Carlson's smoked fish in Leland, the Leelanau Cheese Company , Hansen's Grocery or the Silvertree Deli in Sutton's Bay, the Riverside Deli (the cherry chicken salad sandwiches are the best) or Thyme Out for unique desserts right here in Glen Arbor, and, not to be missed, the cherry-pecan sausage at Pleva's in Cedar.
Then make a wine tasting stop or two. There are nearly a dozen wineries in the county.
In the evening, dine at wonderful restaurants, such as Trattoria Funistrada around Big Glen Lake in Burdickville (called the best new restaurant of 2001 by Traverse magazine), the Benchwarmers Sports Bar few miles away in Maple City, Cedar Rustic Inn a little further in Cedar, for the "special occasion" the completely renovated, historic North Centennial Inn (formerly Leelanau Country Inn) with fabulous food by the owner/chef from LaBecasse. Other great spots include The Manitou at Cedar Landing south of Empire, The Bluebird Bar & Restaurant (a traditional spot) in Leland or Samuel's in Suttons Bay. Or try a new restaurant The Manor on Glen Lake. Opened in 2006 by the former owners of LeBear, the Glen Manor is a "white table cloth" venue in a vintage setting on the south side of Little Glen Lake.
If you are venturing into Traverse City for the day or evening, we have additional recommendations. Try the wonderful Trattoria Stella Italian restaurant (be sure to ask for directions from the innkeeper), Sleder's Tavern for the best burgers and "country" atmosphere around (again, ask), or Amical's French cuisine on Front Street.
Let us make reservations for you when you are booking your room or cottage. We know about discounts at many of our favorites (or yours) in the off-season, and preferred seating in prime season.
