Entries by editor

The Bolen Girl’s “Night Owl” at Art’s Tavern

Sophie Bolen, a 23-year-old rising country/pop music artist who grew up in Grand Rapids, summers in Glen Arbor, and writes and records in Nashville, recently released the music video for her single “Night Owl” (a song borrowed from acclaimed songwriter Deanna Walker). The video features scenes at iconic locations including Art’s Tavern, the beach at Glen Haven and Sleeping Bear Point. Click here to read our interview with Bolen and to watch the video.

/by

Leland Wine and Food Fest returns to Leland Lodge

The Leland Chamber of Commerce will hold the 37th annual Leland Wine and Food Festival on Saturday, June 10, from noon-6 pm. This is Michigan’s oldest wine festival, returning for its second year at the Leland Lodge. This volunteer-organized event is a wonderful opportunity to sample the exceptional local wines and foods that make Leland a culinary and viticultural paradise.

/by

Glen Arbor Players present The Drawer Boy

The Glen Arbor Players Readers Theater troupe will present The Drawer Boy by Michael Heaton from June 8-10 at the Glen Lake Church. The play covers a full range of emotions from heart-warming to humorous to extremely intense.

/by
,

Captain Gerry Shiffman offers sailing excursions to at-risk youth

The goal of Empire resident Gerry Shiffman’s Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters is to take at-risk and underprivileged youth out for sailing adventures at no cost. Anyone who pays to sail automatically supports that mission. Shiffman’s is a carpe diem story of seizing opportunities. He grew up in Toronto, left a dysfuctional home six weeks after turning 16, and immigrated to the United States in 1978. The following year he started Master Plaster Patcher in Grand Rapids, refurbishing many of the former furniture barons’ Victorian homes. Shiffman helped start the Empire Area Community Center as president in 2011. The organization holds concerts to raise money for locals who have fallen on hard times while also protecting their anonymity.

/by

Empire Asparagus Festival turns 20

The Empire Asparagus Festival— once lovingly dubbed one of the world’s weirdest festivals by MSN.com—returns for its 20th year on June 3. The fête includes local asparagus eats, great music, and fun activities for all generations. Read the story for the full lineup.

/by

Leland Library hosts “The Crib Shines On”

The Leland Township Public Library and the Leelanau Historical Society are collaborating to host a program called “The Crib Shines On” on Thursday, June 1, at 1 pm at the library. This program, featuring the North Manitou Light Keepers, aims to shed light on the history of The Crib, an iconic offshore lighthouse, as well as the ongoing restoration project undertaken by the North Manitou Light Keepers.

/by
,

“Flat white guy” writes the book on cocktails

For the longest time, the owners of Inn and Trail Gourmet called him “flat white guy” because they didn’t know his name. Steve would frequent the Glen Arbor business almost every day and order a flat white—an espresso coffee drink. Turns out that Steve Reddicliffe edited “The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails”—a spirited tome of recipes, stories, and reflections written by quaffing legends. On Thursday, June 1, from 5-6:30 p.m., Steve will sign copies of the book at Inn and Trail while guests sample a couple special drinks he has created for the event.

/by
,

Where are Herman’s trees?

“As my 80-year-old dad and I make the trek slowly up the heavily-canopied, half-century old two-track, I wonder what his reaction will be as we make it to the cherry orchard entrance,” writes Rebecca Carlson in this first installment in a series about the legacy and impact of Leelanau County farming families. “With the sun shining in our faces, Dad stops dead in his tracks and takes his first look at the orchard in several years. ‘Where are all the trees? Where are all Herman’s trees?’ Silent and shaking his head, my Dad continues to scan the empty orchard. ‘Dad, all our trees were removed last year,’ I say. ‘There were only about 20 cherry trees left.’ He responds, ‘But I don’t remember agreeing to that.’ While his eyes well with tears, I realize this was yet another loss of family ties and precious memories from our years of farming.”

/by
,

Local farm produce springs in Leelanau

There is nothing shy about a northern Michigan spring—grouse and turkeys heady with lust walk the roads bemused by approaching vehicles, the stuttering calls of sand hill cranes returning to fields that green while you’re watching, and a hillside that just yesterday was filled with decaying leaves is now covered with the verdant stems of ramps, writes Julie Zapoli, whose story about farm produce in Leelanau County features Bardenhagen Farms, Lively Farms, 9 Bean Rows, and MI Farm Co-op.

/by

Empire Asparagus Festival seeks entries for recipe, poetry contests

The annual Empire Asparagus Festival, which will be held on Saturday, June 3, invites entries for both its popular recipe and poetry contests. Click here to learn more about submitting your asparagus recipe or poem.

/by