Photos by Keenan May/Leelanau Lab

Empire boasts a thriving public beach and two unique local festivals — Asparagus Festival in May and Anchor Day (this year on Saturday, July 16). But too often the cozy village fails to sustain crowds, and commerce. Business is booming at the colorful Miser’s Hoard and at hip Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak, but what should be done about the vacancies at the hardware store, or the old Taghon’s garage and schoolhouse on the corner of M-22 and M-72.

What ought to occupy those spaces? Share your thoughts with us at Editorial@GlenArborSun.com.