Hops Returns To Empire: today’s crop finds a niche market

By Pat Stinson Sun contributor It’s the world’s largest pole barn, or a wind farm, or a kiwi farm. Those are some of the guesses made by visitors to a new hops farm on the north side of M-72, east of Fredrickson Road in Empire. With a twinkle in his eye, Dan Wiesen, one of […]

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Narrows Minded: Marina wide open for summer

By F. Josephine Arrowood Sun contributor Since the dismantling of the Narrows Bridge late last year, local residents have become used to taking the long way around either of the Glen Lakes to get to and from homes and businesses in the Glen Arbor area. With summer now underway, seasonal residents and visitors are also […]

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New vision for King’s Challenge

Suiting destination golfers to a tee By Pat Stinson Sun contributor If you haven’t already heard, the King’s Challenge golf course near Sugar Loaf Mountain in Cedar has new owners — and one of them is Bob Kuras, president of The Homestead in Glen Arbor, the largest resort on Lake Michigan in Leelanau County. And, […]

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Greening Cherry Republic

By Forest Mullins Sun contributor “We are not just selling cherries anymore; we are trying to make a better world,” says Cherry Republic President Bob Sutherland, who has taken a cue from one of the country’s prominent environmental philanthropists and made an effort to “green up” his popular Glen Arbor business that sells all things […]

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Old Hellos, New Goodbyes: Laker Shakes Scoop!

By F. Josephine Arrowood Sun contributor For many residents and visitors to the Glen Lake area, summer’s relaxed pace and delicious warmth wouldn’t be complete without a cool, smooth malted, cone or sundae from Laker Shakes. The venerable Burdickville destination, on the east side of Big Glen Lake, has been owned and operated by Richard […]

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A fest of art and fine food

Press release La Becasse Restaurant in Burdickville is presenting its first art exhibition, featuring two Grand Rapids artists, Tommy Allen and Michael Pfleghaar. The exhibition “Feast” celebrates work inspired by Michigan’s lakes and landscapes, as well as still life interiors. The intimate cottage-like setting of La Becasse and its menu of French country cuisine by […]

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Fairy-tale Weddings, Magical Settings at The Homestead

By Pat Stinson Sun contributor It’s been 17 years since I lived on Lake Street in Glen Arbor and cross-country skied to work at The Homestead. Since then, my career path has meandered almost as much as the Crystal River. And, though I moved just 25 driving minutes southeast of the resort, seven years have […]

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North Centennial Inn features Vietnamese cuisine

Press release On the evening of Sunday, July 27, owners Nick and Livia Vandenbelt and Chef Greg Murphy of the North Centennial Inn will host a special dinner featuring Vietnamese cuisine. Last fall long-time friend Tim Leahy proposed preparing a Vietnamese dinner at North this summer. Tim is currently finishing a Master’s degree in Southeast […]

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Licking the competition: Ice Cream Shops from Cedar to Empire

By Pat Stinson Sun contributor News that Moomers of Traverse City won “America’s Best Scoops” in a national ice cream poll conducted in May by ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” caused great celebration among the ice cream shop’s many fans, who cast thousands of votes for the local company online. Indeed, Moomers’ sweet and creamy homemade […]

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Catch the game at Benchwarmers

By Tim Sutherland Sun sports writer One of the great venues to hit the scene in the last 15-20 years has been the sports bar. A chance to meet friends, enjoy good food and drinks and watch the big game is a dynamite combination for any sports fan. Add to that live entertainment, 11 big […]

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