Cathy's Garden Fresh Cooking Blog

Michigan Vacation

 

I’m back! We went on vacation to Michigan, first to Suttons Bay then off to Mackinac Island. Pictures are on the cell phones and camera so it took me some time to get them ready for posting. I’m still learning how to do this so maybe next time I’ll be able to post from my new iPhone as I travel.

We fell in love with the Sutton Bay area on the Leelanau Peninsula north of Traverse City. It is so beautiful; the white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters are breath taking. Kayaking would be cool.  It is an area for foodies with orchards and vineyards at every turn. Eighteen wineries are mentioned in the Wine Trail on Leelanau Peninsula with over 100 wines to sample. There is also plenty of hiking trails in the area as well as Sleeping Bear Dunes.

We stayed at Kottage Korner B&B in Suttons Bay. Jim and Linda make you feel right at home with their warm hospitality. They have thought of everything, even ear plugs if you have a snorer with you. The cleanliness is pristine, the sheets are ironed and smell faintly of lavender. They even put a chocolate on your pillow for you to enjoy when you return for the day. We left with a full belly every morning, Jim is a wonderful cook and they make the best granola. Our stay was wonderful and we will be back. Checkout their website and tell them Cathy sent you from Home Garden Cook.

Cook’s House Restaurant, one word; AWESOME!! A small place serving 5 star, locally grown foods skillfully cooked to bring out the flavors and artistically plated. We meet Chef Eric Patterson and he signed his cookbook for me. If you’re in the area, dining at the Cook’s House is an absolute must!

After a picturesque ferry ride we arrived at Mackinac Island, smelling fudge as soon as you stepped off the ferry. No cars are allowed so transportation is limited to walking, biking or horse and carriage. I’m not going to lie, it smells like horse poop! Yes, they are constantly cleaning it up but the aroma hangs like a fart in the air you can’t outrun. My husband said if you like the smell of fudge and horse poop, Mackinac is perfect for you. Hahaha.  It was so cool to call a taxi and have a horse and carriage show up at the door. They even run 24/7.  The horses are absolutely beautiful and I like to hear the clip, clop of them walking the streets. I kept the window in our room open just a crack for that reason. We biked around the island on a tandem bicycle and lived to tell the story. It was very cold and windy near the water. Biking 4 miles around the island doesn’t sound like much, but a strong cold wind in your face will change your perspective quickly. There are a lot of bike and hiking trails and the scenery is beautiful.

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2 Responses to “Michigan Vacation”

  • Uncle Wayne says:

    I haven’t been here for a while—I’ve missed some outstanding recipes and ideas—–it is good to catch up. Love the Greek Pasta Salad—-such a nice change from the Italian version. And the no cook tomato pasta is to die for!

  • linda munro says:

    Thanks Cathy and Jim for being such great guests at the Korner Kottage B&B. We certainly enjoyed sharing our northern Michigan paradise with you “first timers’ to our area. We enjoyed chatting with the two of you about things to see and do, places to eat and just our lives in general. It’s amazing the connections made when people “move into our home” for multiple days. You checked in as guests but you left as friends….. such is the beauty of being inn keepers. We are so pleased you enjoyed your trip to Suttons Bay and the Leelanau Peninsula. We look forward to your return trip. Thanks for spreading the news. Linda and Jim

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