The Dune Climb Inn is proud to announce the renovation and rebrand of a classic motel, formerly Duneswood Resort, on M-109 in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Inspired by the nature surrounding it, the rooms are dressed in blues and greens and feature local art and photography, retaining that intimate motel feeling with a colorful refresh. It is the perfect home base for an outdoor adventures and escape.
Nestled on Kasson Road as it winds through the trees outside Cedar is a dynamic property called Cedar North. Part Airbnb, part artist residency, part gallery and artists’ studio, the space is an investment in the artist community and ecological landscape of Leelanau. Owned by husband and wife James Reznich and Julie Botsford, the project has evolved over seven years of living and farming on the adjacent property at their farm, J2 Farms. Both professionals by day—James, a dentist, and Julie, a pharmacist—the couple cares for their sprawling regenerative farm, utilizing permaculture techniques as they raise goats, cattle, chickens, and ducks, alongside gardens and a forest containing sugar maple and mushroom groves.
The cozy book shop in a nearly 100-year-old log cabin in the heart of Glen Arbor has a new owner this spring. Jenny Puvogel acquired the Cottage Book Shop from Sue Boucher on April 1 after working there for five years. Boucher bought the book shop 10 years ago from Barbara Siepker, who acquired it from founder Mollie Weeks in 1995 and then moved it across Lake Street to its current location between the Glen Arbor Gardens and Lake Street Studios. We asked Puvogel about her love for the book shop and the area, what’s happening there this summer, and what’s she’s reading now.
June = Bardenhagen strawberry season. Yes, it is its own season in the Leelanau Peninsula. Every year around the peninsula, usually from mid-June to the beginning of July, fans wait impatiently for the harvest of the Bardenhagen strawberries. Once the word is out that the strawberries are ready, making the trip to the Bardenhagen farm stand at 7990 E Horn Road is a must. The harvest of these gorgeous berries launch the summer season and are a reason to celebrate.
Change is difficult for many people, but it is also challenging to lead change. This is what the Telgards have been doing for five generations in Leland and how they became a local legacy family influential in protecting the town’s heritage and character, writes Abby Chatfield. The Telgards own the iconic Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern, which was recently demolished and is being rebuilt. Common threads throughout the family’s history are forward thought towards its future generations’ ability to thrive and the important role they play in providing a social hub for the community. Their reputation is based on a foundation of consideration for their community’s needs—not an easy role to maintain for well over a century.
Anderson’s Market celebrates its 30th anniversary since Brad Anderson acquired “Steffen’s IGA” from Bill and Jen Heston in 1994. The grocery store will host a party in the parking lot on Sunday, May 19, from 2-5 pm and provide local beer from Short’s, homemade pulled pork sandwiches and bratwursts, Moomer’s Ice Cream, and live music, while supplies last. Brad Anderson reflected on 30 years of serving Glen Arbor, including challenges such as re-opening during the August 2015 megastorm, being an essential business during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the struggle to find workers.
River Club Glen Arbor, located where the Crystal River turns and heads northeast toward The Homestead and Sleeping Bear Bay, has announced its grand opening in mid-June. The project of former advertising executive and current Lake Leelanau resident Mike Sheldon, the River Club will offer Mexican-inspired foods, signature drinks from the Caddy Shack bar, riverfront and sky deck seating, a concert stage, a landscaped 18-hole mini-golf course and a gift shop. The destination will bring even more action to the east side of Glen Arbor, where Crystal River Outfitters, the Cyclery, the M22 Store and Coastal already draw crowds. River Club will throw a Job Fair/Party in the Park on Saturday, May 18, from 11 am – 3 pm. The event will provide an opportunity to meet the team and get an exclusive firsthand tour of the park.
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend on Saturday, May 11, at Glen Arbor Wines from 4-7 p.m. The business on Lake Street, just north of M-22, will feature a mini-art show, “Reflections of Sleeping Bear,” where guests can meet the talented exhibitors: artists Linda Alice Dewey, Morgan Fisher, Maryann Barnes and photographer Eric Raymond. Local photographer Gracie Dickinson will also show her vintage maps and photos of Leelanau County. In addition, Leelanau Cheese will demonstrate the delicious art of melting locally made raclette from 4-6 p.m., and musician John Piatek performs from 5-7 p.m.
In a significant stride towards sustainable viticulture, Bel Lago Vineyard, Winery & Cidery, along with Bel Lago North Farm and its sister winery, French Valley Vineyard, announced the attainment of the prestigious SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification this past February. This accolade highlights Bel Lago’s commitment to eco-friendly winemaking, its community, and patrons.
First generation cherry farmers are an anomaly in Leelanau these days. As far as Sarah and Phil Hallstedt are aware, the Hallstedt Homestead Cherries was the “last in before doors slammed and prices dropped.” They knew most of the challenges involved with cherry farming in the early 2000s, when they began to look for the right piece of property to start their retirement career as farmers, but at the time it did not deter them. They performed a business case with MSU extension, local growers and fruit distributors from around Michigan. As Phil put it, “We felt we had a good business plan, but that was in 2006. We fell in love with the fruit and the community, and we are just stubborn.” Click here to read Abby Chatfield’s story, which appeared in our April 11 print edition.