Getting to know Cedar

By F. Josephine Arrowood
Sun contributor
What is there to do in Cedar now that the Polka Fest has rolled up its dance tent and beer barrels? Leelanau County’s central hub, with its one blinking-light intersection, may look like a one-horse burg — but there’s plenty to see, do, and buy on Kasson Street (County Road 651). Her merchants offer all of life’s essentials: fresh flower arrangements at Stachnik Floral: nuts and bolts at Cedar Hardware, as well as tools, electrical conduit, fishing licenses, seeds and even a cat or two for petting; antiques and vintage collectibles at the Antique Junction in the old railroad depot; and fine Petoskey stone jewelry at the new L. Saile’s next to Bunting’s Market.
Cedar has become a mecca for fiber fanciers, with two adjacent shops housed in charming historic buildings on Kasson Street’s east side.

The Liberty Quilt Shop offers specialty fabrics from lines such as Benartex, patterns, and quilt tops for sale. Inish Knits, under new owners Melissa and Curtis Kelenske, celebrates all things spun, crocheted, carded, felted, and yes, knitted, in their lively establishment. Veteran fiber artist Susan Curtis can often be found spinning wool into yarn, as she discusses the history of the craft, or praises the “super cluster of people who gather around this shop,” including Cedar sheep farmer Alesha Ashley, Jenny Kelly of Empire and employee Mary Peel. Items for sale include ultra-portable “Babe” spinning wheels made from PVC, roving (fiber prepared for spinning), carders, patterns, books, and handspun and dyed yarn from local suppliers like Sunlight Fibres of Maple City. The store also does custom design and production of knitted garments, and custom spinning for knitters. Every Tuesday evening Inish Knits offers spinning drop-in, and open knitting sessions on Wednesdays, both from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Food figures largely in this robust community descended from Polish and other immigrants in the 1800’s. Day travelers, summer residents and locals can choose from a variety of culinary options. The Cedar Rustic Inn and Longview Winery have recently opened on the north side of town, serving breakfast and lunch, while the Cedar Tavern offers a casual adult drinking atmosphere and frequent live musical entertainment at night.
Fresh food, much of it locally grown or made, can also be found at several locales. Pleva’s Meat, the nationally known headquarters of PlevaLean burgers and cherry sausage, embodies the small-town atmosphere and personal service that makes rural living so enjoyable. Right next door, the Cedar City Market offers a huge selection of fine wines, specialty liquor, and organic foods, including cheeses, soy milk, yogurts and local eggs; Fair Trade and Higher Grounds bulk coffees; breads from Traverse City; ecological cleaning products; and Moon Works laundry soap, made in Suttons Bay. Jovial Cedar City Market owner Phil Thiel can often be found presiding over his wooden counter, discussing progressive politics, sports or the best local beer with customers. The Cedar City Market also serves as a ticket outlet for music events, such as concerts at Kejara’s Bridge in Lake Leelanau and the upcoming Dunegrass Festival in Empire on August 4-6.
At the intersection of Kasson Street and Bellinger Rd (County Road 616), sits the Blue Moon ice cream stand with an eye-popping indigo metal roof. New owners Bret and Molly Crimmins offer Ashby’s specialty hand-dipped ice creams, flurries, sundaes, yogurts, shakes, and malts. Ask for their unique “Grasshopper” shake or sundae with crème de menthe, or try the “Morel” soft-serve cone, rolled in nuts and coated with chocolate. After sinful dessert, feed virtue with the main course: Pleva’s hotdogs and brats, chicken and BBQ sandwiches. While eating, watch the world whiz by from sheltered patio seating. Behind the Moon, Williams Orchards has a self-serve fruit stand, where daily harvests of local cherries, peaches and apples can be savored.
At Bunting’s Market, customers fill both gas tank and grocery bag with essential fuels. The latter includes local produce, Stone House bread, a full deli with meats smoked right on the premises, movie rentals, and lottery tickets. They also offer dinners to go for busy families, including broasted chicken, and pizza on Fridays and Saturdays.
After so many food opportunities, the idea of working off some calories may be either appalling or appealing. Opportunities for recreation as well as relaxation abound, with a playground, tennis courts, and softball field all located behind the fire hall on Kasson Street. Victoria Creek Park lies adjacent, too, with a boat launch and a scenic waterway winding through the lush wetlands of Pere Marquette State Forest to South Lake Leelanau.
For more socializing, the Cedar Area Community Foundation sponsors regularly scheduled activities, such as “Walking Friends,” open to all, who meet every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. by the tennis courts; “Elder Fun — writing and sharing our life stories,” every second Wednesday of the month at the Lion’s Club in nearby Maple City; and an August 6 ice cream social at the Solon Township Hall on Kasson Street. Call Cedar Area Foundation Director B.J. Christensen at 228-3426 for more information.