Michigan bluegrass band Detour headlined this summer’s Dune Climb concert, which was held on July 15. This free annual concert, which celebrated its 15th year, is the highlight of the season for many families. It’s the fruit of a creative partnership between the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Glen Arbor Art Association’s Manitou Music Festival.
TART Trails and Cherry Republic have partnered to sponsor the “Charge Up the Dunes” raffle to raise money for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail campaign. The bearer of the winning ticket will drive away in a brand new Chevy Volt. The raffle has been limited to 1,200 tickets being sold at $100 each or three for $250. The Volt was purchased from General Motors at a significant discount, and it’s a chance to win a $45,000 car for $100.
The views and trails are timeless, but the tools to help you get there are cutting edge. Check out Jane and Joy’s smart phone application, “Sleeping Bear Trails: Aunt Jane’s Trail Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore” by visiting iTunes.
Phase One of the Heritage Trail, a paved, 10-foot-wide multi-use trail, which runs from the Dune Climb to Glen Arbor, is the first leg of what supporters envision will one day be a 27-mile trail from the Leelanau-Benzie County Line running north to Good Harbor Bay. Though it has been operational for over a month, the Heritage Trail’s official grand opening is scheduled for June 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb.
She’s back again and holding on to her trophy. Keri Pawielski of St. Joseph, Mich., claimed first place in the women’s division of the M-22 Challenge for the fourth year in a row with a time of 1:23:43. Pawielski also took home the Queen of the Dune trophy for reaching the top of the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb first.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail officially opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) Dune Climb on Wednesday, June 20, at 1:30 p.m. The ribbon cutting celebrates the completion of nearly five miles of trail between Glen Arbor and the Dune Climb. When fully completed, the 27-mile trail will run from the southern edge of Leelanau County through the National Lakeshore, Empire, and Glen Arbor, to Good Harbor Bay. Construction of the remaining segments will continue as funds are raised.
The most beautiful place in America … the second healthiest nationwide, with the best beaches and chocolate … an epicurean and film destination. How about one more feather for the cap? Leelanau County could become a prime bicycle destination too.
Sleeping Bear Gallery owner Heather Caverly hopes to bring an art revolution to Empire. Caverly purchased the Empire Clipper Building across Front Street from the Village Office in January and, together with curator Becky Willis, she aims to turn it into a haven that features artists in residence, demonstrations and lectures and, of course, displays of unique art including metals, wood, glass, fibers, paintings, sculptures, ceramics and photography. Caverly and her husband Mark live in the apartment upstairs.
And the next ‘Best Of’ honor bestowed upon our neck of the woods is … drumroll please … “Best Landlocked Beach”. Our proverbial hat is sinking under weight of feathers!
The accolades and attention continue to bless Leelanau County — and our summer season is still over seven weeks away. A University of Wisconsin study published today named ours as the third healthiest county in the United States — behind Los Alamos County, N.M., and Colorado’s Douglas County. That means we’re the fittest Americans east of the Mississippi River!