How can a creative practice help one navigate the grief that accompanies the death of a loved one? This topic is explored during Exploring Grief Through Creativity, the third in a series of retreats hosted by the Glen Arbor Arts Center and focused on increasing wellness through a creative practice. This retreat takes place on Saturday, March 9, from 9 am-5 pm at Pine Street Studios, next door to GAAC in Glen Arbor. The cost is $175 and includes all materials.
The historic Sleeping Bear Inn, the oldest hotel in the National Park System, is now taking reservations for August and beyond. Click on the story to read more and to reserve a room. Originally built between 1865-1867, the inn located in Glen Haven across the street from the cannery building served as a frontier hotel for business travelers and local workers. It continued in operation throughout the next century, evolving into a tourist hotel. It has been closed since the mid-1970s. The nonprofit Balancing Environment and Rehabilitation (BEAR) signed a lease in 2022 to renovate the Sleeping Bear Inn and operate it as a bed and breakfast. “This year marks two years of active renovation at Sleeping Bear Inn for our BEAR team, and with the finish line in our sights, we are elated to start thinking about the hospitality aspect of our work,” said executive director Maggie Kato.
It is maple sugaring time in northern Michigan, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is hosting its second public maple sugaring event. Maple Sugaring Days will be at the Dechow and Olsen farms in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3, each day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experience the process of making maple syrup from start to finish and learn how maple sugaring has evolved over the last 400 years. Maple Sugaring Days is presented by the National Lakeshore in partnership with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, and in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ Natural Resource Department. On Saturday, March 2, join a Community Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., just down the road from Port Oneida at CQ’s Cabin in the village area of The Homestead Resort.
“Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.” Those are the prescient, portending words of Gertrude Stein, the American 20th century expatriate, novelist, art pioneer, and culturalist extraordinaire. Her words are still deeply salient—a century later. Divisiveness is easy currency—globally, nationally, locally. We have become, regrettably, media saturated and disconnected. The Leelanau Community Cultural Center at the Old Art Building (“OAB”) in Leland, most fortuitously, has provided a counterpoint — an antidote of sorts — to this malaise: the Blue Lantern Tea Room program — a reimagination of the historic, communal salon experience.
On Thursday, Feb. 29, at 6:30 pm, La Becasse, the French restaurant in Burdickville, will hold its almost annual celebration of the food (and rhum!) of the Caribbean, with a special nod to the island of Guadeloupe–timed just when we start really needing a warm-weather escape–even if it’s just for an evening (and in Burdickville). Typically five courses (details available soon), with paired drinks–our last event started with a Punch Planteur and ended with Rhum Coco, and featured wine pairings in between. Break out your Caribbean attire and come prepared for fun!
Got cabin fever? You’re not alone. Fortunately, help is on the way. Guitarist and vocalist Hugh Pool’s Cabin Fever tour will touch down at the home of James Walker in Suttons Bay on Tuesday, Feb. 20. “WNMC has sponsored (concerts) and Mulebone played at (his) house. We’ve become friends,” says Pool. Mulebone is the bluesy duo with Pool and wind player John Ragusa, which has performed in northern Michigan numerous times. He and Ragusa still work together, and Pool is also part of an electric trio that plays in the New York area. This is simply a chance to play some dates that showcase a different side of his musicality. Pool also performed at Common Good Bakery in Traverse City and Peninsula Township Library.
You’re invited to Winterfest in Glen Arbor. The Chili Cook-Off will be on the deck at Boonedocks on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 12-3 pm, or until the chili runs out. This sizzling event promises a flavorful showdown and celebration of winter in Northern Michigan! Dress for the weather. Due to the current conditions and weather forecast, the Perch Fishing Contest has been canceled.
The Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2024 Yeti Fest dubbed “The Best Yeti Fest This Side of the Himalayas”. The event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm and features a chili cook-off and fun events throughout the Village for the whole family. Yeti Central headquarters will be located at the VI Grill event space adjacent to the bar. Stop in to receive an event map, commemorative Yeti merchandise and day-of tickets. Enjoy a variety of activities within walking distance.
Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern, the popular destination on M-22 south of Northport, reopened this past November after closing in December 2022 following 51 years in business. Tonight, Fischer’s will host “Live From the Happy Hour”—a private (now sold-out) concert featuring Elizabeth Landry, Joe Wilson and Caul Bluhm. Landry shared what Fischer’s has meant to her over the years, as a community destination and as a music venue.
On Saturday, Feb. 17, Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay will open its doors to the community and beyond with a complimentary property-wide showcase. Its 106 acres encompass everything from a vineyard and tasting room to a boutique inn, restaurant and hiking trails. The venues will be showcased as much as the food and beverages. Members of the Black Star team will be on hand to guide guests through various offerings at the sprawling property.