My things today are all NEW things we did in Michigan! (Or what not to miss when you visit Traverse City!)
Thing One:
The weather precluded us heading out to Sleeping Bear Dunes, but that might be a good thing. It forced us to discover the TART Trail and did we enjoy meandering on it! Part of it takes you along the West Bay and the day we went was wild! Crazy winds meant crazy waves on the bay! It also then intersects with downtown Traverse City and we stopped in to the Grand Traverse Pie Company to warm up. This was a first for us (I know… how is that even possible that I have NEVER stopped in here!?!) It was love at first bite let me tell you – and we went back for more bites! Ha! This little circuit also makes it convenient to then walk along the Boardman River where we saw even more surprises! The building art just made my day!
Thing Two:
We truly love all the Traverse City Microbreweries and this year our old standbys did not fail us. But, we discovered a new brewery not too far from TC in Cedar, MI – Big Cat Brewing Company – we had a beer flight with our lunch – both of which were excellent! We also spent a good bit of time at Lake Ann Brewing – this is super convenient as Heidi and Sam both live in Lake Ann. Lest you think it was just all beer, all the time (almost, but not quite!) We also hit up the Grand Traverse Distillery for some sampling. We both love their Barrel Aged Gin, but this time they also had Chocolate Vodka that was not sweet, but more dark chocolate-like! Yes, a bottle came home with us and I have some ideas for some holiday beverages percolating in my brain for it! We also discovered a new-to-us restaurant – Maddy’s Tavern and they make a killer Bloody Mary!
Thing Three:
A new and really odd thing… we did stop at Wool and Honey when we were in Cedar and I bought NOTHING. That’s right, not one skein of yarn…zero, zip, zilch, nada… Perhaps I could have used Kay’s spread sheet because my mind went blank and I could think of nothing I needed yarn to knit! I know, what on earth was wrong with me! Absolutely no stash enhancement at all on this trip, boo!
There you have our great trip to MI! Oh, and a shout out to our Airbnb host… we simply LOVED the cottage and will absolutely be back again!
Want to see more lists? Head on over to Carole’s!
P.S. Don’t you love my “dream homes”?? I would be happy with either one!
Sounds like it was a fabulous trip!
I think a knitting/meet each other retreat in one of those dream homes might be just the thing! I’m up for multiple microbreweries, pie, good chocolate vodka, and all the other great things MI has. I love the bay, waves, and sky photo, and Genevieve is adorable (but you know that, of course)!
Love those dream homes and the location is perfect and beautiful. Have only been to MI once but thought it was gorgeous and would love to go back. Thanks for sharing.
That top photo is just stunning. You’ve made me want to visit Michigan again!
Pretty pretty photos. Sometimes when I am not finding any yarn that I love in a shop, I”ll buy a pattern or ask for a store pattern. Somedays I find all kinds of yarns, somedays….not so much!
You did pick a wild-weather-week, for sure! (I kept thinking of you up there . . . as the winds picked up and the temperatures dropped.) Traverse City is a GREAT spot to visit, no matter the weather. XO
PS – I had the same problem at Wool & Honey. Such a fun little shop . . . yet nothing came home with me, either.
Looks like a great trip and how fun to discover NEW things, including the novel experience of not buying yarn but bringing home chocolate vodka – it does sound like a great beginning for some holiday happy hours!
Yeah ……….the dream homes are dreamy. Can you imagine enjoying that view EVERY DAY?????
This sounds like a lovely trip, and to a place that is on my list for visiting. You’ve named a few incentives for Hubby to go along, too. Thanks for the tour.
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! I am FINALLY caught up on all my blog reading and now I have more book and pattern recommendations!
Everything looks so fun (and look at all the happy faces!). The dream homes are dreamy!