Postcards From the Lake: Road Trip -- Lelanau Peninsula

Our road trip continued as we left Strings by Mail and headed to the Leelanau peninsula, which juts out from Traverse City and is bordered on the west by Lake Michigan. We were off to have an afternoon with our friends Mark and Jan, who have returned for several years to a resort called Jolli Lodge. It was a beautiful spot and I could instantly see why they returned.

 

There are a number of buildings, including the larger lodge and several cottages. Best of all is the view of Lake Michigan and an expansive, rocky beach. As we stood there, we watched the fog roll in.

 

Mark had met us at the parking area and as we walked toward their cottage Rick spotted a shuffleboard game. So of course he had to play, one-on-one. Both "ones" being himself!

  

With Jan in tow, the four of us set off for a little wine tasting! We headed to Verterra Winery. The Grand Traverse region has made quite a business of wine and numerous wineries dot both the Leelanau and Mission peninsulas.

 

I've long had a less than favorable feeling about most Michigan wines, but especially the reds. It has always seemed to me we had neither the climate for it nor that extra something that makes a Michigan winery red a while lot better than anything Rick's Uncle Bob made. (Some of which was -- well, memorable.) 

 

But I was pleased that the two reds I had (along with a very nice sparkling Rose) were fine. But the Rose, that was terrific! Needless to say, we had smiles.

 

It was also a lovely spot -- and a perfect day.

 

With a brilliant blue, puffy-cloud sky, we couldn't ask for more!

 

From there it was to the town of Leland, which is also the home of "Fishtown." This was the commercial fishing district of the area for more than one hundred years. Small fishing shanties and ice and smoke houses were built on the banks in the early part of the 20th century. Those buildings still remain, worn and weather beaten. 

 

Here's one looking out to the lake -- you can see how foggy it is! Normally, you can see Manitou Island from the shore but when we were in town it was blocked in by fog.

 

Some of the old buildings serve their original purpose but others have turned into shops and galleries.  I noticed this woman painting as I walked on the pier.

 

Not long after, I saw her work in one of the galleries.

 There were plenty of shops with souvenirs and they had some cute names. 

 

And others had fun signs!

 

For dinner, we decided to go for whitefish at The Cove. I had the special -- the black and bleu (cheese) whitefish -- and it was delicious!

 

After dinner, another little walk around town. You can't stop Jeanie and Jan when photo ops arise!

 

 

 

And there were plenty -- charming boats. . . 

 

 

 

. . .a lovely waterfall. . . 

 

 

 

. . . and fishing nets and chains.

 

 

 

Then it was time to head back to Jolli-Lodge, where a quick volley or two of ping pong took place. And that worked up a new appetite (not that much of one, considering our dinner!) for Ugly Blueberry Pie. Yes, that's its name. 

 

 

 

You can't beat a day like that, so it was time to head home. 

 

 

 

But those memories will be sticking with me long after the leaves fall and the snow follows. 

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