Leelanau.com Blog
leelanau county news • traverse city news • michigan news

This week's photo was taken by Andy McFarlane last November from atop the Sleeping Bear Dunes on the way to the shipwreck that had washed ashore. Check it out background big and in his Sleeping Bear Shipwreck slideshow.

John McCormick aka Michigan Nut is one of my favorite Michigan photographers, and he recently took a vacation on the Leelanau Peninsula. Here's a slideshow of his photos and for a real treat, check out his Flickriver.

This week's photo comes via the Leelanau County Facebook. Click to check it out bigger and definitely tune in there regularly for all kinds of great photos of Michigan's most beautiful county!

Ken shot this last night in Fishtown - see it bigger along with a couple more in his slideshow.

The display of the aurora borealis was one of the finest in a decade and was part of an EXPLOSION of Northern Lights that was seen all over Michigan!

Halloween dates back to ancient Celtic times, and although modern celebrations may not resemble the ancient ones, they're still a favorite of kids and adults alike! Here's our list of weekend activities in Leelanau and the surrounding area. Did we miss something? Undoubtably - add it as a comment below!

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse invites you out this Friday or Saturday night and next for a ghost walk where you can learn the stories of those who once dwelt there. Click through to get details from them. Also next Saturday Oct 29 in Northport is a free Halloween Concert at the Northport CAC featuring the Northport Community Band, The Village Voices and others - wear a costume!

Glen Arbor Trick or Treating for Children happens on Sunday, October 30 from 1-4 pm. The Empire Chamber invites you to the Town Hall on Front Street Halloween night (Oct 31) from 6pm to 8 pm for a spooktacular time filled with games & treats.

From 5-9 PM Cedar's Haunted House will again be scaring people October 31 starting at 5:00 pm. Come see what everyone is talking about!

The Haunted Hayrides at Black Star Farms will scare even the bravest of goblins, and are offered October 21, 22, 28, and 29, from 7-10 pm. $10 per person. Please call 231.944.1251 to confirm if the weather is iffy!

The Riverside Inn in Leland has reported ghostly activities in year's past, and while we have no official word, you should probably check it out. You might also enjoy Jacob's Corn Maze on M-72.

Looking for something unusual to do on Halloween? Check out the Zombie Run, sponsored by TART, a 5K Run/Walk starting at 9am on Saturday, October 29 at Right Brain Brewery. You are invited to register as "Infected" or "Survivor." "Survivors" will be given a one-minute head start at the beginning of the race and will want to be prepared to RUN FOR THEIR LIVES before the infected pursue their morning snack.

If you're wanting a little Halloween spirit in your cup, how about Vicious, an American wheat IPA from North Peak that pays tribute to Michigan's legendary Dogman? Read about the Dogman from Weird Michigan & Absolute Michigan. If beer's not your thing, Michiganvine.com suggests Leelanau Wine Cellars Witches Brew as the perfect treat. The secret recipe is made with cinnamon, cloves and other natural spices and is best served by warming it gently in the microwave by the glass or by simmering it in a crock pot with a cinnamon stick for a true “witches brew.”

Photo: Noche de luna llena - Full moon night by Flowery *L*u*z*a*

This week's photo is pumpkins by ojoyous1. See more in her Autumn slideshow.

This Friday (Oct 21) the galleries & shops of the village of Suttons Bay will host award-winning regional artists. This annual event offer visitors a chance to hear live music, sample wines from many of Leelanau's wineries and register to win a $250 shopping spree at the end of the annual Suttons Bay Fall Art Walk.

The event is sponsored by the Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce and you can contact Sue Ann Round at the Michigan Artists Gallery (271-4922) for more information.

Painting by Dan Oberschulte - courtesy Michigan Artists Gallery.

What can you say except for "Take THAT doubters of the most beautiful place award!"?

Terry took this shot of North Bar Lake and Lake Michigan from the Pierce Stocking overlook. Check it out bigger and in his slideshow.

Fall is here and the Northport Omena Chamber of Commerce invites you to Northport's annual Fall Festival this Saturday (Oct 15) from 11 - 4! The village is decorated for fall and the merchants are looking forward to greeting you when you visit. Enjoy the fall colors & decorations and dine at one of the local eateries. They will once again offer free rides on the horse-drawn wagonette, and local restaurants will be offering specials:

• Barb's Bakery - Pumpkin donuts and apple cider
• The Galley - A free order of breadsticks with any large pizza
• Garage Bar & Grill - Squash soup, roasted root vegetable salad, prime rib and apple crisp made with Kilcherman's apples.
• North End Eatery - A cup of butternut squash bisque, grilled cheese and a fountain drink for $8.00
• Stubbs - A full or half-rack of pork ribs at a reduced price
• Treasurer Chest - Boiled dinner soup (cabbage, ham, carrots etc.) and caramel apples

photo credit: KAScott_20111002_4456tmaBb by Ken Scott

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sent this over:

Fall was traditionally "shipwreck season" on the Great Lakes, and before radio communications were used at sea, ships could not call for help. Spotting a vessel in distress from the shore was the only way rescue crews knew that their assistance was needed. Therefore, 100 years ago beach patrol was an essential duty of a U.S. Life-Saving Service (LSS) surfman, who set out each night to hike the shoreline in search of ships in distress.

You have a chance to experience a little of what that was like on Saturday, October 8 and/or October 15 as you join Park Rangers to recreate a traditional evening beach patrol. Dress for the weather and meet at the Sleeping Bear Point Life-Saving Service Station/Maritime Museum in Glen Haven at 7:30 p.m.

You'll hear an in-depth explanation of the patrol process and some local shipwreck stories inside the station, then join National Park Service Ranger for a lantern-lit hike along the beach. There are always a few surprises along the way and everyone should carry a flashlight for safety. Wind and rain will only make the patrol more authentic, so be ready for any weather!

Unlike the original surfmen, hikers may turn back at any time during the one-hour, one mile roundtrip beach walk and return to the Maritime Museum where they will be welcomed by a volunteer and find shelter.

The entire program lasts about two hours. For more information, you can call the National Lakeshore at 231-326-5134, visit their website at www.nps.gov/slbe and join them on Facebook.