Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is beginning to reopen and increase recreational access to park facilities, the Lakeshore reported today in a press release. Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, the Lakeshore is increasing recreational access and services before Memorial Day weekend.
On Friday afternoon and into Saturday, triathlete and Cedar resident Andy Belanger plans to run the entire length of M-22 (nearly 120 miles)—from Arcadia in Manistee County, north through Benzie and Leelanau counties, and south along West Grand Traverse Bay and into Traverse City. Belanger is raising money to support the Leelanau Conservancy.
The Leelanau Community Cultural Center is thrilled to announce the VIRTUAL Leland Air Exhibition. “Leland Air: a plein air event” is celebrating its eighth year, albeit with a new twist due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paintings in the show will be created en plein air on Friday, May 22. Since this is a virtual paint-out, artists may still be at their stay-at-home locations anywhere in the country.
Dede DeWitt deManigold of Traverse City wasn’t expecting the call yesterday. Even so, when asked whether she had an ancestor buried at the former Glen Arbor Township Cemetery, her response was immediate. “Not an ancestor,” she replied. “Ancestors.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today that restaurants, bars, retail stores and offices in northern Michigan—including here in Leelanau County—may reopen at reduced capacity on Friday, May 22, in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Asparagus farmer Harry Norconk seeks a team of three workers to help him pick his asparagus crop, starting this coming week. Interested applicants should be prepared to work 8-12-hour days, starting at 8 a.m. The asparagus season lasts for approximately 6 weeks. Norconk expects his crop will be ready to pick this coming week. Norconk’s farm is located at 10004 Aral Road in Benzie County, just south of the Leelanau-Benzie County Line. If interested, please call (231) 326-3540.
In order to adapt to the new takeout business model necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic and state-mandated shutdown, Rove Estate winery is innovating by offering a “build your own wine picnic”.
To fill the gap created by coronavirus-related cancellations, the Glen Arbor Arts Center will continue to develop and facilitate all programming virtually through December 31. Plans are in process for converting the GAAC’s signature summer painting event, the Plein Air Weekend, to a virtual format. A variety of virtual classes and instruction are in development.
Cherry Republic will open all six of its Michigan stores this weekend. Cherry Public House, the restaurant and brewpub on the flagship Glen Arbor campus will open Friday from noon until 8 p.m. and hold those hours through the following week. Cherry Republic may extend hours for Memorial weekend. Check out our interview with Cherry Republic president Bob Sutherland about the decision to reopen now, what will be different about the shopping experience, and the biggest hurdles he, his family and his staff have had to overcome during the coronavirus pandemic.
Good Harbor Grill co-owner Cady Hall announced that the restaurant on M-109 in the heart of Glen Arbor will reopen for curbside takeout service on Saturday, May 16. Hall and Cos Burrows took over the reigns from Cos’s parents, Ann and Brendan, two years ago.