This summer, for the first time, Verterra Winery is opening its Swede Road vineyard near Northport for public wine tastings and tours. Guests will have a chance to see unparalleled views of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, surrounded by vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula.
Twenty years ago, Kerm and Sallie Campbell learned about the listing of a gorgeous 120-acre farm near Suttons Bay, complete with plantation style home, Centennial barn and indoor and outdoor equestrian facility. Rounding up three partners and a young winemaker, Sport Valley Farm was purchased and Black Star Farms began. The first crush was celebrated that fall, and the home was turned into a luxurious inn. Now a 160-acre winery estate producing 45,000 cases and consistently rated the top winery in the state, the Campbell family are the sole owners and remain the majority supplier of grapes to the winery.
If you’re in Leelanau County with a craving for carne asada, tacos, burritos, or incredible nachos, here’s a guide to some of your best bets.
The morning heat was starting to sizzle as I escaped into the shade of the woods. I was just south of Suttons Bay on the TART trail pedaling north towards a dunk in the lake and a hearty breakfast. Dappled sun bounced off the clean pavement ahead as I shifted gears for more speed, energized by a cool breeze and the sight of the exit for Hop Lot.
Nancy and Larry Bordine plan to build an indoor rock climbing facility called MI Summit in Long Lake Township just west of Traverse City.
Leelanau vintners will hold a Boskydel Tribute on Saturday, July 7, from 6-10 p.m. at Aurora Cellars in Lake Leelanau. The event is a collaboration between Good Harbor Vineyards, Mawby and Bel Lago Vineyards to honor Bernie Rink, pioneer of the region’s wine industry.
One day last year, before Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate owners Jody and DC Hayden purchased the retail space next to Margaret Hodge’s Anchor Hardware—across M-22 from the Empire Village Inn—DC counted the number of cars that drove by and determined that Empire gets twice as much traffic north of the M-22 and M-72 intersection than south, where M-22 heads toward Benzie County. That sealed the deal.
Sue Boucher, owner of the Cottage Book Shop, and Connie Kroll of Century 21 Northland Real Estate and Northland Vacation Rentals, were voted co-presidents at the Glen Lake Chamber meeting on May 8.
It’s a cool and clear Friday morning in Northport. Barb’s Bakery opens at 6 a.m., but I personally don’t open up until about 7:30 or 8. Still, the famous cinnamon twists are plentiful. So I grab one twist, plus an old fashioned with chocolate icing, and a coffee to go. I nod to the regulars, hashing out the world’s problems at the round tables, swing through the screen door, and follow the breeze down to the water.
By Bob Sutherland Sun contributor Cherry Republic is heading into its 30th year. It amazes me every day that this niche business has survived with me leading it, as I personally have more weaknesses than Popeye without spinach. Every major accomplishment in the past 15 years has been implemented by talented staff like Roni Hazelton, […]