Charlevoix

Discovering Charlevoix County: Lighthouses, Festivals and Boats

September 10, 2012

Today on our blog, Jerry Roach, published photographer, historian, lecturer, preservationist, tour guide and author of three books on the lighthouses of Michigan, takes us on a tour of lighthouses (and other attractions) in the Charlevoix area. For more on lighthouses in Michigan, visit michigan.org.

My wife Barb and I began our quest to visit, document, and photograph all 123 Michigan lighthouses in 2000. Before we knew it that idea became a project to write a book on our Great Lakes Lighthouses. It also didn’t take us long to realize that getting to each light wasn’t going to be as easy as we hoped; there were a lot more lights offshore than we had estimated. One day while planning our next adventure, we happened upon a family which started a boat tour company the very same year we began our quest. The Keweenaw Excursion Company, operated by the Funkey family, began their tours of the Keweenaw Peninsula, based out of Houghton, Michigan.

In 2009, Fred, Kraig and Jason decided they could do more by moving the Keweenaw Star to Charlevoix, Michigan. Keweenaw Excursions is truly a family based business with over 60 years of experience plying the waters of the Great Lakes. Their boat, the Keweenaw Star was built in Louisiana as a crew boat which served the oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico. She was built in 1981 by a company called Camcraft, and is powered by three Detroit Diesels which can achieve a maximum 1900 horsepower. Believe it or not, the 110-foot long by 23-foot wide boat only needs 6-feet of water to navigate.

On this day we have chartered the Star to take us on a lighthouse tour on Lake Michigan. Our first stop was the Little Traverse Lighthouse. This light was built in 1884. A boat like this is one of the few ways a person can see this light; it is landlocked behind a gated community. Once everyone got the shots they wanted, we left this light and made our way towards Isle Aux Gallets, also known as the Skillagalee Island Light. This light was built in 1851. The next light on our tour was Gray’s Reef Light, which was first marked by a Lightship. The last few lights on our journey could be seen a short distance from our boat. We navigated towards White Shoal which was built in 1910 to replace the Waugoshance Shoal Light, the last lighthouse on our tour. Did you know that during World War II, the Waugoshance Light was used as a target for bombers to practice their drops?

In addition to Keweenaw Excursions you will also find the Beaver Island Boat Company located in Charlevoix. The Beaver Island Boat Company serves Beaver Island and is located at the mouth of Lake Charlevoix. Speaking of boats, you could spend hours just walking the docks, imagining life on one of these luxury liners.

Summer in Charlevoix is always busy beginning with the Morel Fest in nearby Boyne City followed by the Memorial Day Parade in Charlevoix. As June rolls around why not try your luck in the Trout Tournament on Lake Charlevoix? July is jumping with events like the Downtown Art Festival, the Venetian Festival and a Polish Festival at Boyne Falls. A Vintage Car Show rolls in to town come August, followed by a Regatta in September, and who could resist fresh cider during the Apple Festival in October? These are just a few of the many happenings in and around the Charlevoix area. For more information on these and other events and attractions, log on to www.charlevoix.org.

Jerry Roach is a published photographer, historian, lecturer, preservationist, tour guide, and the author of three books on the lighthouse of Michigan. His books called the “Ultimate Guide” series include the The Ultimate Guide To West Michigan Lighthouses, The Ultimate Guide To East Michigan Lighthouses, and The Ultimate Guide To Upper Michigan Lighthouses. You can explore lighthouses of the world and especially the Great Lakes by visiting his website, view thousands of photos at his gallery, or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

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From Our Community: Hidden Gems in Pure Michigan

March 27, 2012

in Posts by Region

Last week, we asked our Facebook fans and Twitter followers to name their favorite hidden gems in Michigan – whether it was a store, a restaurant or just a favorite place. The response was overwhelming and we collected some our favorite gems from around the state. Check out the list below and thanks to everybody that submitted a suggestion!

“The Wooden Spoon restaurant in Spring Arbor, MI!” – Jennifer Wisdom

“The Mitten Bar in Ludington” – Javier Ruiz

“Cornwell’s Turkeyville between Battle Creek and Marshall.” – Andria Aylor

“Mike’s Village Restaurant in Dimondale…I can smell the homemade bread now!” – Patty Moshkosky

“The Music House in Traverse City = Outstanding!” – Jenny Anspach Bruyette

“Charleviox has many hidden treasures whether its a private beach or an awesome whitneys oyster bar, they have a little of everything! ” – Brooke Miller

“Elk Rapids – the town, the library, the marina, the beach/park. But don’t everyone go rushing there now.. my special spot!” – Martha Scherf-Pompa

“All of the many beautiful waterfalls…” – Leigh Powell

“Pentwater, Silver Lake, any of the state park campgrounds along Lake Michigan are beautiful. I love Michigan!” – Jackie Murray

“Looking at all the rocks at rainbow lodge on Lake Superior.” – Mark Richman

“Mr. C in St. Ignace! Best burgers in Yooper country:)” – Janine Scüb Shuey

“The Outback Lodge in Stanwood, MI. Awesome bed and breakfast with amazing owners and the BEST stuffed French toast I have ever had!” – Becky Jordan Rottenbucher

“Lumberman’s Monument scenic outlook, near Oscoda” – Sue DeCelle

“@PureMichigan hidden Gem is Harbor Country. drove past for 25 yrs on 94 Couldn’t believe what i missed. Decided to move here and LOVE it!” – @lakelifenb

“@PureMichigan My favorite hidden gem is Pentwater. Greatest beaches in the whole world.” – @BobCNatra

Lost Valley! (In Montague)- @KassyFinefaceLost

The intelligence and creativity of #Yoopers is an underappreciated hidden gem of Michigan – @EBooksUP

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Our 500th Blog Post: Let’s Take a Trip

January 31, 2012

in Northeast,Northwest,Outdoors,Posts by Region

Michigan celebrated a big birthday in January, and this blog’s 500th post gives another great excuse for cake! In honor of the milestone, we looked at roads less traveled and came up with a 500-mile (OK, 504 miles) “Top O’ The Mitten To Ya” road trip that encompasses all the natural beauty and relaxation of Pure Michigan.

Start in Muskegon, home to Michigan’s Adventure Amusement and Waterpark. If the season’s not right for the “Shivering Timbers” rollercoaster (or Muskegon’s 27 miles of beach), explore life as an old-timey lumber baron at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site.

Heading north will lead you to the beaches, trails, lighthouses and dunes of beautiful Ludington, where you (and your car) can cruise Lake Michigan aboard a real steamship. While a honey badger might not care, the S.S. Badger does.

Next, head northeast to Manistee – home to quaint Victorian shops, the world-class Arcadia Bluffs golf course and Little River Casino. Manistee County is also one of the best places in the world for rainbow trout and salmon fishing.

Again heading north, stop in at the Sleeping Bear Dunes Natural Lakeshore. Encompassing 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Sleeping Bear Lakeshore is also home to an 1871 lighthouse and an extensive rural historic farm district.

Now, head east, with a quick detour north to the wine country of Suttons Bay. You won’t find a parking meter or stoplight, but you will find art, antiques and Ciccone Vineyard & Winery, owned by the family of a little-known entertainer by the name of Madonna.

Head south again for Traverse City. Grand Traverse Bay is a four-season destination, featuring 180 miles of sugar sand shoreline and extensive snowmobile and ski trails. Chances are good you’ll find cherry everything, among other delicious eats.

Continue northeast towards Charlevoix, where you can catch a ride on the Beaver Island Ferry and Petoskey, known for its fresh air, historic architecture and lending its name to Michigan’s state stone.

From Petoskey, head south towards the charming Alpine delights of Gaylord, and Grayling, for canoeing, kayaking, fishing on the AuSable and Manistee rivers, and snowboarding, sledding and ice skating in the winter. Grayling is even a great place for downhill skiing.

Head southwest towards the Traverse City Forest, and on to Cadillac. In the winter, Cadillac offers 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and 34 downhill ski runs with over 485 feet of vertical drop. Year-round, Cadillac offers 90,000 acres of state and national forest.

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and this trip winds down in Big Rapids. One of Michigan’s better-kept secrets, Big Rapids offers swimming in the summer, gorgeous color in the fall, snowshoe trekking in the winter and lakefront picnic ground in the spring.

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From Our Community: Pure Michigan Must-Dos

November 23, 2011

in Posts by Region

Who knows Michigan better than a Michigander? With that thought, we asked the Pure Michigan Facebook and Twitter faithful to pick a place in Michigan and name one thing they HAVE to do when there. Responses were fairly evenly divided between eating and nature, with frequent emphasis on…potatoes.

So without further ado, here’s a sampling of the must-dos across both peninsulas. Thanks to all who commented and submitted!

Where to Eat

Troy Rowley – Grand Haven: MUST have Pronto Pup!

Gina Helrigel Frazier – Rockford: Eat at The Old Mill above the dam of the Rogue River.

Cindy Hill Freeman – Copper Harbor: We have to have dinner at Harbor Haus. I order the best fresh whitefish ever! Enjoy the great view of Lake Superior anywhere in the restaurant and the wonderful German food.

Michael T. Szczepanski – Mackinaw City: Have Scalawags whitefish and chips, with awesome hushpuppies!

@AudaciousWolf – Frankenmuth: Must have the Zehnders family style chicken dinner, Yum! Mouthwatering road trip.

Susan Laing – Albion! Enjoy an avocado and bean tostada at Lopez Taco House.

Travis Kelley – Baldwin: Jones Ice Cream Shop. Best homemade ice cream ever!

Where to Nature

Shirley Burnett-Moore – St. Clair: Go stand or sit by the river. It speaks to the soul and spirit.

@AndrewPieschke – Charlevoix: Watch the sunset over the lighthouse.

@Natasha Colleen – Marquette: You have to hike sugar loaf and check out the black rocks, so beautiful!

Natasha Lynn Snyder – Jackson: To visit the Cascades Falls.

@SandraMitchellM – Lowell: Fallsburg Park; step back in time and walk across the covered bridge.

@DTreeBayCity – Bay City: Tall-ship sail under the stars on the Schooner Appledore.

Vicki Pierce Schmucker – Adrian: Visit the historic Croswell Opera House in December to see White Christmas!

Where to Potato

Debra Kay Hukill – Gaylord: Visit the Old Spud Warehouse. The structure is amazing, not to mention the merchandise they sell.

Tina Lambert – Posen, for the Posen Potato Festival. Can you say Polka?!

Kristel Johnson – Crystal Falls: Don’t forget to stop by Johnsons Potato Farm and pick up some fresh spuds!

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Finding Balance at the Water’s Edge

September 9, 2011

in Beaches,Guest Blogger,Northwest,Outdoors,Posts by Region

There’s definitely a chill in the night air now and the water temps are cool. If you’re not going to be cooling off in the sparkling great lake waters this fall, why not create a little shoreline art in your favorite Michigan location.

At the Lake Michigan beach in Charlevoix, that’s exactly what our “kids” decided to do. Our three young adults were not content to just lie on the sand wishing the water wasn’t so cold. Inspired by the British nature artist/photographer, Andy Goldsworthy, they ventured to the shore to connect with nature and find balance.

It’s called “rock stacking”. It’s the same thing you did with wooden blocks in your living room several decades ago, but this time the building blocks are treasures found in the shallow waters around Michigan (a different sort of toy box).