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GRAND RAPIDS | KALAMAZOO | MUSKEGON | 8.7.22

When we chose the stories for this edition, all the events and dates were accurate. As always, find the mostup-to-date information on the event/ activity website, Facebook page or other direct information source.

For Michigan, whose summer’s essence we savor in

[LOOK INSIDE] Some of our favorite MI Best around MI South Haven Flint Institute of Arts

Traverse City SPONSORED by Traverse City Tourism

e Michiganders know summer’s recipe well. We spend the season accumulating the necessary ingredients that harvest lasting memories. Some of us may go with the rooted staples, as others seek out the alternative, secret fixings that introduce different zests to the season. We recognize our window of opportunity and meticulously plot out our sun-soaked activities, so no time is squandered. The state’s ambience this time of year creates an appetite for the season. In this latter half of summer, the cravings are emphasized. We understand before we know it, we’ll be putting on coldweather clothes again as the seasons change. Alas, instead of thinking about mittens, there remains ample time to cherish and explore the Mitten before summer is fully served. We look up to something in the act of admiration. And when it comes to appreciating our state, we can look up to Northern Michigan, where we find Traverse City. Perhaps no area better represents Michigan’s summertime fixtures.

HERE ARE FOUR MAJOR INGREDIENTS THAT CAPTURE THE FLAVORS OF A MICHIGAN SUMMER IN TRAVERSE CITY AS WE SAVOR THE SEASON’S WANING LUSCIOUS DAYS. AGRICULTURE Michigan features the second-most diverse agriculture industry in the country, behind only California. Traverse City is a quintessential agritourism destination in the state. Cherries, apples, and grapes are major harvests in the area. Drive the countryside and you pass by orchards and farm stands that offer everything from fresh produce to vibrant flowers. The area also boasts several U-Pick farms and farmers’ markets to truly engage with abundant agriculture. The region’s climate, moderated by the waters of Lake Michigan, Leelanau, and Old Mission Peninsulas, even yields grapes that make award-winning wines, which brings us to the… FOOD & DRINK SCENE Of course, a robust agricultural environment provides the makings for a delectable local dining scene. The beautiful wineries nestled upon Leelanau and Old Mission pair nicely with a bustling downtown area replete with breweries, restaurants, food trucks and more. You can spend the

day relaxing on a vineyard appreciating stunning views and award-winning wine and then by evening find yourself experiencing exciting nightlife with a craft cocktail. Summer is synonymous with patios, and there are plentiful options for that in the area. Outdoor dining here means everything from waterfront to farm to city views. Eclectic restaurants underlined with a farm-totable culture compose a diverse cuisine scene. GREAT OUTDOORS While the area’s bounteous agricultural and dining flavors capture your sense of smell and taste, there are also numerous sights to explore. Michigan’s best features to gaze upon are natural, which is a harmonious attribute in the Traverse City area. There is nothing so refreshing than the waters of Lake Michigan come summertime. Couple that with inspiring views along the shoreline and you have a captivating environment courtesy of Mother Nature. The gifts upon the shoreline also include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a park that offers opportunities to climb dunes, have a beach day, get in the water, and more. Because the great outdoors is about looking and touching…

OUTDOOR RECREATION Nature is more than a sight to behold, it’s an experience in waiting. Witnessing wonders like the Sleeping Bear Dunes is pleasant while immersing in it spurs fulfillment. By land and by sea the outdoor recreation opportunities in the area are seemingly endless. Miles of well-connected trails, both paved and unpaved, invite bikers of all types and levels to explore an array of landscapes from city to woods to shoreline. Whether a leisurely jaunt along the 10.5-mile paved TART signature trail across the city or whipping through

waterways by kayak, canoe, paddleboard and more. Accessing the water in the area is simple, with several places to rent the vessel you need if you don’t possess your own. From paddling along the riverways to jet skiing in the Bay, soaking good times are afloat in the region. We Michiganders love the state in the summer for its landscapes and the experiences to cultivate that stretch the spectrum of our senses. We hear the ebbs and flows of the water, we smell the crackling campfires Up North, and we feel the sand between our toes. We

wooded singletrack trails, hopping on a bike provides a new perspective on the area bereft of traffic and without the pains of finding a parking space. On a bike you can acquire a better sense of Traverse City’s flavors. Those who want to make a splash into the outdoors can traverse the area’s

amble in the woods for some inner peace and stroll city streets searching for music to dance the night away. We dive into summer, we pedal through it, and we relish its nourishment. There is nothing like a home-cooked recipe. Summer is for Michigan, whose essence we savor in Traverse City.

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totally chill

Michigan from east to west and north to south;

some of our favorite MI Best stops and treats

MI Best | MLive.com | MLive Media Group

e have been lucky enough to spend years traveling this great state of ours. We’ve had a smidge too much delicious food, met incredibly unique and warm people, marveled at sunsets and sunrises, experienced the great outdoors and bustling urban centers in all seasons, and had a chance to share all of it with you.

SOUTH HAVEN A triple-threat charm of relaxation, a busy dining and shopping scene, and plentiful outdoor activities position South Haven as a quintessential summer destination. Whether you’re vacationing in town or swooping in for a beach day, here’s how to make the most of a South Haven visit.

TRAVERSE CITY WINE COAST There are more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms along the Traverse Wine Coast, and each and every one is a unique destination worth a visit. Summer is one of the most popular times to go wine tasting along the Traverse Wine Coast, which stretches from the beaches of Lake Michigan across the Leelanau Peninsula to Traverse City, up Old Mission Peninsula and on to eastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay. It’s an ideal season to soak in the incredible beauty of northern Michigan while sipping some of the latest vintages from the Midwest’s leading wine region.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN ALPENA Known as the “Sanctuary of the Great Lakes,” Alpena is a charming small town that provides year-round outdoor adventure. Alpena features 45,000 acres of state forest land and 300,000 acres of fishable water, three dark sky preserves, over 200 sinkholes, and glass-bottom boat rides over shipwrecks. Adventure awaits in Alpena.

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 8.7.22 |

LOCAL EATS: KALAMAZOO’S BERRIES FAMOUS PANCAKE HOUSE AND MORE! “I guarantee there’s no place where people can get this kind of breakfast in Kalamazoo,” says Chis Mavrakis, owner of Berries Famous Pancake House and More!. “Our skillets are excellent. Nothing is pre-cooked. Our vegetables are cut daily, our eggs blended to order for the (five-egg) omelets. And our bread is delivered from Ed’s Breads (in Portage) daily. “No one will ever leave here hungry, 75% of our people we have to give them to-go boxes.” Check out this brand-new restaurant in Kalamazoo and read more about our recent visit.

5 DETROIT LIVE MUSIC VENUES THAT FLY UNDER THE RADAR At some of Detroit’s hidden-gem venues, music lovers can get close to bands they know and discover great new artists. These small and medium sized locations are where visitors can count on finding bumping beats, jazz jam sessions or indie influencers. The path to Detroit’s biggest stages often winds through these locations, and later guests can claim that “I saw them when...” as they perform for larger crowds. The experience is worth a trip from anywhere in the mitten state.

LOCAL EATS: ANN ARBOR’S TASTE KITCHEN Opened in 2014, Taste Kitchen is a chef-owned Ann Arbor restaurant that prides itself on its small menu that uses fresh and local ingredients. Owner and chef Danny Van selects menu items based on which ingredients are in season and the freshness of products.

BRUNCH ON GRAND TRAVERSE BAY Brunch on the Tall Ship Manitou is the ultimate, unique weekend experience. The early morning sail offers a relaxing, quieter Grand Traverse Bay experience. Enjoy picturesque views while tasting seasonal, locally sourced food prepared on the Manitou’s antique woodstove. This is one of Michigan’s most instagramable brunch spots.

FARM CLUB IN TRAVERSE CITY A farm, brewery, restaurant, and marketplace all nestled in Leelanau County. About 90% of the food on the Farm Club menu is grown right there on the farm, making the ingredients as fresh as they can possibly be. The bakery items are made from Michigan grains, too, and the market produce is sourced locally. Even the grains for the brewery come from the farm.

PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE IN MUNISING Nothing compares to the breathtaking view of Michigan’s (and America’s) first National Lakeshore from the Pictured Rock cliffs to Miner’s Castle and Chapel Rock. Get a one-of-a-kind perspective, from the water. LEELANAU CHEESE COMPANY Since 1995, Leelanau Cheese Company has been carefully crafting award-winning artisan cheese at a small facility in Northern Michigan. Visitors are welcome to view their cheesemaking process through windows in the shop. Cheese is made on Mondays and Wednesday, with the exciting process of curd hooping happening around 10:30 a.m. on those days

Continue chasing U.P. waterfalls here:

TAHQUAMENON FALLS Tahquamenon lays claims to being the third largest falls east of the Mississippi, spanning 200 feet across its namesake river and a 50-foot drop at the upper falls. Four miles downstream, the lower falls are more serene and every bit as majestic. This slice of paradise is so remarkable that the Discoverer travel newsletter recently ranked it as one of the best waterfalls in the U.S.

LOCAL EATS: LENAWEE COUNTY’S BOOT JACK TAVERN The “Up North” feel and building is reminiscent of a hunting cabin, inspired the name of Boot Jack Tavern, a destination spot in the Manitou Beach Community. Fresh, homemade, and locally sourced food fill the menu. The tavern focuses on pub-style food, such as burgers, fries, sandwiches, cheese curds and fish. It is a great stop when you are craving some U.P. flavor but are still in the lower peninsula. Read more about the restaurant’s history and our recent visit.

MANISTEE SELF-GUIDED TOURS Calling all history buffs! Manistee County offers self-guided tours covering everything from ‘Brew, Wine & Spirits’ to an M-22 Coastal tour, a Historic Sites tour (there are over 100 sites!), and even a Quilt tour. Just remember to put on your good walking shoes, as you’ll definitely be racking up the steps.

SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES With miles of dunes and shoreline, Silver Lake is a must-visit familyfriendly destination. The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are the only sand dunes east of the Mississippi River where visitors are allowed to drive private motorized vehicles over the dunes, but that’s not all it has to offer. Beyond the sand, you can check out animals and activities at Lewis Farms, unforgettable wings from the Chicken Shack, and have unending fun at Craig’s Cruisers.

MONROE ST. MIDWAY IN DETROIT Enjoy the full sizzle of Summer in the D at Monroe Street Midway. Detroit’s only outdoor roller-skating rink, colorful murals, mini-golf, food trucks and more make this a summertime mustvisit.

PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE IN MUNISING Nothing compares to the breathtaking view of Michigan’s (and America’s) first National Lakeshore - from the Pictured Rock cliffs to Miner’s Castle and Chapel Rock. Get a one-of-a-kind perspective, from the water.

MACKINAC ISLAND Recently named the number one island in the continental US, as named by Travel + Liesure Magazine and a summer must visit. Mackinac Island’s Main Street is full of charming boutiques, iconic restaurants, one-of-a-kind attractions and worldfamous fudge shops. While Market Street is home to Historic Downtown Mackinac, offering an authentic glimpse into Mackinac Island’s past and first-hand experiences of what life was like in the old days.

FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS Feeling a little artsy? Look no further than Flint Institute of Arts. Offering glassblowing and flameworking experience to the public. Fell the heat from the 2100-degree furnace, and then manipulate the malleable glass into artistic and functional forms using specialized tools and equipment.

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR GREATEST HITS AND FAVORITES BUT THERE ARE MANY MORE TO EXPLORE, BE SURE TO KEEP UP WITH US: mlive.com/michigansbest

@MLiveMIBest on Facebook

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MIBest on YouTube MICHIGAN’S BEST | 8.7.22 |

truly connected totally chill

Summer in Traverse City...or TC. The one place to truly connect with your friends or special someone. On the water. Over drinks. Or anywhere your heart leads. TC in summer — a Pre y Great Place.

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TraverseCity.com MICHIGAN’S BEST | 8.7.22 |

Cinch Park E. Front St

Traverse City Country Club

Veterans Dr.

131

Grand Traverse County Civic Center S. Garfield

Barlow St.

131

Board man L ake

S Cass Str

Traverse City

W. South Airport Rd

N Garfield Rd

W. South Airport Rd

Traverse City celebrates opening of scenic

Boardman Lake Loop Trail

t TANDA GMITER | tgmiter@mlive.com

TRAVERSE CITY, MI

he ever-expanding network of trails that make up the Traverse City area’s TART system is not only loved by locals but has become a big draw for cyclists who vacation there. And maybe no new piece of the TART system has been so anticipated as the last stretch of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail. This finished scenic four-mile corridor is an elongated oval and travels past the city’s waterfront library, a brewery and a mix of spaced-out residential areas. The final segment includes a long bridge across Boardman Lake, making the Loop the “crown jewel” of the non-motorized and multi-use TART network. It’s the culmination of a vision for a community trail that was born decades ago. And for the last several years, “closing the Loop” has been a priority. “Thirty years ago a group of local visionaries set forth on what we now know as the Boardman Lake

Loop Trail,” said TART Trails Chief Executive Officer, Julie Clark. “Thanks to their efforts and ability to stir hearts and minds, this project stands as an example of what is possible when we work towards a collective community goal. Along the way, countless individuals, community partners, public and private funders and enthusiastic trail users have helped us achieve this significant milestone that stands as a legacy for people to enjoy for generations to come.” Some sections of the Loop were completed years ago, but the southwestern rim remained unfinished. The final piece of this project broke ground last year. Locals and visitors alike have been eyeing construction updates on social media for months as crews pushed to complete it. While not as busy as Traverse City’s downtown corridor, the Loop area is still a hub of activity. The northern part of Boardman Lake is sandwiched between the

Traverse Heights and the Old Towne neighborhoods. On a recent day, there was a big crowd spread out for an outdoor yoga class near the lake while rental kayaks sat ready along the shore for by-the-hour paddlers. In the distance, foot traffic was brisk by The Filling Station restaurant and craft brewery, and a steady stream of people moved in and out of the library. The Loop’s completion is being celebrated as a collaboration between community partners. This includes TART, Traverse City, Grand Traverse County and Garfield Township. Marty Colburn, Traverse City’s manager, called it a transformational project that is also a great example of what can be accomplished with cooperation. “The project has had the City’s full support and will serve as a critical connector for non-motorized transportation and recreational users in our region.” Nate Alger, Grand Traverse County administrator shared,

focused on the wellness boost the Loop and other nearby amenities create. “Grand Traverse County is committed to healthy initiatives such as the Boardman Lake Loop and our new Fitness Court which sits adjacent to a segment of the Boardman Lake Loop. Recently recognized as the healthiest county in the State of Michigan, Grand Traverse County strives to make wellness a priority. This is in part due to Grand Traverse County and all of our local partners embracing the effects of wellness in our community and being willing to use our combined resources to make wellness a priority for our county.” In the next few weeks, Loop users are likely to see work being done on the finishing touches. Benches are being added along the new section. Interpretative panels are being installed. Later this summer, a weekend-long celebration is being planned for the trail.

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MICHIGAN’S BEST | 8.7.22 |

HERE ARE SIX MORE OUTDOOR DINING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT TO THE TRAVERSE CITY AREA:

Slow down, enjoy the view

AMICAL – Originally a bakery café in downtown Traverse City, Amical has evolved into a European-style bistro with an ever-changing menu of fresh dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The restaurant is known for its popular Cookbook Series that overhauls the menu with different themes for one week several times a year. Amical also sports a streetside patio where you can dine right in the midst of the downtown energy this time of year.

Breathtaking rooftop bar and 6 more outdoor dining hotspots in TC

SPONSORED CONTENT

Mackinac Island Voted

Best Island in Continental U.S. 4 Reasons Travel & Leisure readers rated Mackinac Island No. 1

It’s official. Mackinac Island is No. 1! Michigan’s iconic travel destination has been a popular escape for generations. Now, visitors from across the globe have named charming and beautiful Mackinac Island their favorite place to get away, putting it atop the list of the Top 15 Islands in the Continental U.S. in this year’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Travel + Leisure readers hailed the “Jewel of the Great Lakes” as the “quintessential vacation spot for enjoying the simple pleasures.” They love Mackinac Island’s car-free streets full of horsedrawn carriages and bicycles, its historic character and well-preserved Victorian homes, and its incredible natural beauty and world-famous Mackinac Island fudge. “What a different place to visit,” one voter said. “It’s like its own little world.” Travel + Leisure each year asks readers to rate their travel experiences based on things to do, sights to see, natural attractions, food, overall value and more. The feedback is used to recognize an elite group of travel destinations with World’s Best Awards – everything from best islands to best cities to best cruise ships and beyond. Mackinac Island is no stranger to Travel + Leisure readers, who ranked it No. 9 in 2021. Here are four reasons Mackinac Island topped the list in 2022: ■ MACKINAC ISLAND’S CHARMING ATMOSPHERE – “You’ll find neither cars nor chain brands on this tiny island,” Travel + Leisure writes. It’s the perfect place to “escape from the hustle and bustle” and feel as though you’re stepping back in time to a slower, more relaxed pace of life. The way vacation should be! ■ MACKINAC ISLAND’S EXTRAORDINARY HOSPITALITY – Visiting Mackinac Island is “like stepping into a fairy tale,” writes Travel + Leisure. Travelers arrive by ferry boat at the Mackinac Island dock “where horse-drawn carriages await to whisk you and your luggage to your lodging.” The many places to stay on Mackinac Island “channel a bygone era” and exude “genteel hospitality.” ■ MACKINAC ISLAND’S DIVERSE SHOPPING AND DINING – From the “irresistible smell of homemade fudge” to delicious dishes prepared by star chefs at fine-dining restaurants,

Best U.S Islands Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards 2018

Mackinac Island is a wonderful place to gratify your palate with a variety of flavors, writes Travel + Leisure. It’s also home to some of the prettiest picnic spots in the world. And the many art galleries and boutique shops of Mackinac Island offer special, one-of-a-kind treasures to be discovered. ■ MACKINAC ISLAND’S ADVENTUROUS LANDSCAPE – Travel + Leisure readers love the many sights to see and things to explore on Mackinac Island, both in town and in the expanse of the state park that covers 80% of the island. Visitors enjoy riding a bike all the way around the lakeshore drive that circles Mackinac Island and paddling the surrounding waters in a kayak. They have fun exploring historic Fort Mackinac and gawking at some of Michigan’s oldest and grandest homes. And they appreciate the chance to “get lost in a flutter of delicate wings” at Mackinac Island’s beautiful butterfly conservatories. Being named the No. 1 Island by Travel + Leisure readers is one of many accolades – or shall we say, “Mack-olades” – that Mackinac Island has earned. Mackinac Island also has been named the most tourist-friendly U.S. city by Expedia and the Best Family Vacation Destination by Away.com. It’s the site of the best picnic spot in Michigan, per Reader’s Digest. HGTV even rated Mackinac Island one of the country’s best Christmas towns! Here are 10 more honors for Mackinac Island, the “Jewel of the Great Lakes” and the No. 1 Island in the Continental U.S. ■ Best Little Beach Towns to Visit This Summer, Coastal Living ■ 5 Best Golf Experiences in Michigan, Golf Digest ■ Top 10 Car-Free Destination in the World, Sherman’s Travel ■ Best Wedding Destination in the U.S., DestinationWedding.com ■ Best Midwest Small-Town Getaways, Midwest Living ■ Top Family-Friendly Beach Town, NerdWallet Travel ■ No. 1 State Park in the US, FamilyFun magazine ■ Most Romantic Destinations in the U.S., DatingAdvice.com ■ America’s Grandest Hotels, The Huffington Post ■ 100 Places to Take Your Kids, Frommers

Lilac Festival chosen as one of America’s 14 Best Small-Town Festivals Fodor’s

Best U.S Island Destination Islands.com

Hottest U.S. Summer Destination 2018 Trip Advisor A Most Tourist Friendly U.S. City 2018 Expedia Best Little Beach Towns to Visit This Summer 2018 Coastal Living Best Picnic Spot in Michigan 2018 Reader’s Digest

America’s Grandest Hotels, #6: Grand Hotel The Huffington Post

Travel + Leisure readers have voted Mackinac Island

Top 15 Islands in the Continental U.S. in the publication’s World’s Best Awards this year.

MACKINACISLAND.ORG

5 Best Golf Experiences in Michigan 2018 Golf Digest

Top Family-Friendly Beach Town Nerd Wallet Travel

Top 10 Car-Free Destination in the world, #5 Sherman’s Travel

Grand Hotel Top Michigan Hotel U.S. News & World Report

Best Wedding Destination in the U.S. DestinationWeddings.com

Top Ten Island in the U.S. Trip Advisor Mackinac Island State Park was named the #1 State Park in the U.S. FamilyFun

Best Island Destination in the World, #5 National Geographic

Country Living Magazine names Mackinac Island in the Top 5 All American Islands Country Living Magazine

Pink Pony named the most Iconic Bar in Michigan Thrillist

Grand Hotel among the 50 Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations in the United States Yahoo 10396095-03

MICHIGAN’S BEST | 8.7.22 |