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It’s hard for anyone to pinpoint exactly when a town changes. Most of the time we’re too busy with our daily life to notice the subtle transformations, writes Julie Zapoli, co-owner of Glen Arbor’s Inn and Trail Gourmet. Living in one place prohibits noticing much beyond our typical path, but we adjust: a clothing shop becomes a food market, the old school house becomes a vacation rental, a bed and breakfast changes hands after 23 years. The Glen Arbor Bed and Breakfast, which was purchased earlier this year by Michael Aragon, was originally built as a boarding house 150 years ago for the loggers who came to northern Michigan to cut timber. Some of that Michigan timber helped to rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871 ravaged the city when Mrs. O’Leary’s cow (supposedly) kicked over a lantern … it’s that kind of history that makes you appreciate a place.

The hard-working international staff at Anderson’s Market in Glen Arbor paused on Aug. 19 to pose for a team photo. Standing in the back row are (l-r) Britnie and Annalisa (Jamaica) and Sabina (Kazakhstan); in the middle (l-r), Clint (U.S.), Kerem (Turkey), Francis (Dominican Repubic), and Rahma (Tanzania), and in the front (l- r), Filiz and Yeşim (Turkey), owner Brad Anderson, and Karina (Kazakhstan). Photo by Jamie Cline

It doesn’t get any better than seeing all those cute kids ready to run their first race in the Running Bear Run’s ½ Mile Kids’ Run. They are so excited and can’t wait to start the race and beat the BEAR. Then there are the best runners from all over the area warming up and ready to hit the pavement in the 5K Run. But best of all is seeing the Grandmas and Grandpas walking or running with their families and the mom’s with their strollers pushing little ones along the race route. It is just fantastic to see everyone enjoying Glen Arbor’s annual Running Bear Run on Tuesday, July 26.

So, if you are Katie Dunn, and you have been coming to Glen Arbor every summer since 1976, and you have worked all over town, and you know everybody, are you still a ‘Fudgie,’ or ‘Permafudge,” or now a ‘Local?’ Katie declares, “I feel like I’m ‘Local-ish.’ When I bought a car to keep up my 1927 log cabin I own on Big Glen Lake, I got a Michigan license plate. Doesn’t that give credence to me being a local?” she asks with a smile.

The Homestead resort north of Glen Arbor opens today for lodging and short-term rentals. “America’s fresh water resort”, which celebrates its 50th birthday in 2020, will also open Whiskers indoor/outdoor bar and grill and Cavanaugh’s deli and general store. Both will serve customers at 50 percent capacity and also offer takeout. Whiskers will offer outdoor live music on weekends later this summer.

Tourists and owners of vacation homes here could conclude that rural northwest Michigan is a safer place to be than in a densely populated metro area during the coronavirus pandemic. But that conclusion is a dangerous one. Here in the Grand Traverse region—as with rural areas across the United States—Munson Medical Center is woefully unprepared to accept a deluge of infected COVID-19 patients.

Join friends and neighbors for the annual Glen Lake Winterfest on Presidents Day Weekend: Saturday, February 15. Festivities include a perch fishing contest and chili cook-off.

Classically-inspired contemporary Italian cuisine prepared with the freshest local ingredients by Chef John Piombo. Accompanied by full bar service and boutique wines. Served in a three level, timber-framed structure with natural stone fireplaces, a chef’s table, two intimate dining areas and a warm and welcoming loft. The unique layout of Nonna’s allows it to offer […]

At The Homestead, you’ll find neighborhoods — lakefront, riverfront, river and lakefront, lake view and forest view — separated by nature. Within those neighborhoods, you’ll find many choices for accommodations, all of which are ranked with quality standards — Grand, Classic or Simple. Privately owned resort condominiums and homes are available at all quality levels; Grand, Classic or Simple. Whatever you choose, you will enjoy complete access to all of the resort’s amenities, restaurants and services.

Visit Glen Arbor and shop local for the holidays. The Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce invites you to take part in a variety of anticipated holiday-themed shopping events in Glen Arbor over Thanksgiving weekend. Events are free and open to everyone.