How to spend the perfect day in Cedar
A pint of beer at Big Cat Brewing Co. is a must during your visit to Cedar.
By Sadie Murphy
Sun contributor
The air is alive with small town energy as visitors are carried from shop to shop by friendly locals and unique treasures. This Michigan town is a marriage of the natural beauty of National Park land and the familiar bustle of Leelanau County. Home to a variety of stores, eateries, and sights, a day-trip to Cedar is one to remember.
Duck to Swan Gallery is the perfect stop to begin the day for anyone who appreciates the stunning sights of northern Michigan. The paintings of Michelle Hart Jahraus are on display, depicting the beauty of Leelanau. Visitors to Cedar can have a slice of northern Michigan charm for themselves in the form of one of the many masterpieces for sale in the gallery. In addition to beautiful completed pieces, the gallery is home to an artist’s studio, where—with luck—patrons may be able to watch Michelle’s art come to life in front of them. Cedar resident Grace Muma considers Duck to Swan a must-see. “The gallery has beautiful paintings and fun things to look at. I love going to look around and say ‘hi’ [to staff]”. Muma—like many Cedar frequenters—values Duck to Swan for its charm, style, and welcoming atmosphere. The passion for Leelanau County is sure to be instilled in everyone who enters this Cedar gem.
From the doorway of Duck to Swan Gallery, a beautiful river can be seen. For the outdoorsy sort, the winding currents of Victoria Creek make an excellent paddle. By kayak, canoe, or paddle board, this quiet waterway offers a nature-lover the beautiful and wild views of Pure Michigan in a family friendly adventure. Leelanau County is home to incredible and unique ecosystems, several of which are on display throughout the preserved wetlands of Victoria Creek. Visitors share their travels with undisturbed wildlife; it is not uncommon to witness a variety of peaceful land and lake creatures along the creek’s banks. The flexibility of a boat outing can fit most any schedule. Eventually emptying into Lake Leelanau, a river trip can be sectioned into a quick exploration, or a 7.2-mile morning of relaxing boating.
After an adventure in the sun, a stop by Blue Moon for a scoop of ice cream– or maybe two– is the perfect pause in a busy day. Patrons of Blue Moon can expect the hometown charm of a family ice cream parlor and the quality sweetness of staff and product. The expansive menu includes favorites such as Michigan Pothole in generous servings, so come hungry! Located in the heart of Cedar, Blue Moon is where locals and visitors bond over cherries on top while enjoying the Michigan breeze.
Just down the street from Blue Moon stands a portal to another time and place. One may not expect to take a day-trip to Poland while in Northern Michigan, but that is exactly what happens at Cedar’s Polish Art Center. A slice of traditional Polish life transports customers to a world of brightly-colored clothing, treats of ‘babushka’ approval, and the folksy flare of Polka music. Everything in the shop, from the decorations to jewelry pieces, is an homage to the culture of Poland. A pillar to this culture and the traditional Polish social structure is family. In the Polish Art Center, the strong bond and unconditional acceptance of kin stretches beyond blood. Greetings abound from staff and customers alike as Polish tunes play a soundtrack to this cultural adventure. “Everyone who enters the store becomes a part of the family,” says owner Kathleen Bittner. One step into the Polish Art Center confirms her statement. Family-owned and operated, it is common for guests to be treated to a story or quick Polish language lesson as they browse art and collectables, or sample from an assortment of sweet treats. This store is not one that customers will soon forget.
From Poland to Mexico, Cedar satisfies the world traveler in us all. Cedar Sol Hydro Farm sits at the top of Cedar and serves up a feast of farm-fresh delicacies. Cedar Sol is a staple of Leelanau; its food encapsulating the adventurous spirit of northern Michigan, while its welcoming staff creates an atmosphere of pure Cedar comfort. Owner Nikki McHugh comments that “Cedar Sol is more than its food. If you need an attitude adjustment come on out… for soulful food, beautiful views, and good community.” Cedar Sol has the heart of northern Michigan at its roots, with a background of sustainable agriculture practices and reliable sourcing. McHugh adds that a meal is “good for the body, environment, and community.” It is a one-of-a-kind stop.
An afternoon trip to the community park is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and small-town beauty of Cedar. Picnic tables and a sitting area on the bank of Victoria Creek are the best spot to relax and take in the Cedar way of life. Public basketball and tennis courts offer the opportunity for group games and Cedar’s adult leagues draw crowds to the nearby softball diamond for tournaments of fun and sportsmanship. The games are great to watch and offer newcomers a sense of the strong Cedar community, complete with a victory stop at the Cedar Tavern for the winning team.
Dinner brings with it the classic hometown feel and friendly staff of Big Cat Brewing Co. This restaurant and pub offers a wide menu of food and drink; a family-friendly experience that is not to be missed. Every Wednesday, patrons are treated to the musical talent of Leelanau, with a variety of performers to serenade diners with folksy tunes. The delicious menu offers a selection of cuisines, perfectly suited to fuel the hungry bellies of Cedar adventurers. The artisan brews of Big Cat’s craft beers and ciders are the restaurant’s claim to fame, made in-house and hand selected for service. The music, food, and drink at Big Cat combine to create the perfect end to a day in Cedar, while every stop leaves visitors with a taste of life in northern Michigan.
