Libby here again—today’s topic is an exciting one, and something we love to share! The team at A Day In May is very proud of where we live. I mean, what’s not to love about Northern Michigan? From beautiful snowy winters to long summer days on the water, we really are living in one of the coolest places on Earth. So many visitors come to Northern Michigan right about this time of year (and we can’t blame them!), so we thought it would be a perfect time to tell you a bit about our hometowns.

Alicia: Well a boy (my dad) met a girl (my mom) and the rest is history! Just kidding 😉 Oh, you want to how did I come to TC?! Gotcha. I am actually a native, born and raised in Traverse City. After high school graduation I headed south to the University of Michigan (Go BLUE!). I loved living in Ann Arbor and my college experience but I knew that home for me was “up north.” I met my hubby in college (he went to Michigan State… I know, I know… hard to believe we are still married!) and he’s also from Northern Michigan so it was an easy move for us to settle where our roots were planted. After college, and in my former life, I was a golf professional and PGA apprentice- with so many great courses and mentors around it was ideal. I knew I always wanted to own my own company but in the glory days of playing 18 holes after work and epic farmer tans, I had no idea that my move back home would have landed me A Day in May Events. We live in a four season’s playground and I love the outdoors. What prompted me to stay? My family is here. My husband’s family is here. We hope to raise a family here. And in my mind, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Tana: Growing up, my grandma live in Williamsburg- which is located about fifteen minutes east of Traverse City- on Lake Skegemog which is part of the “Chain of Lakes” (Elk Lake, Lake Skegemog, Torch Lake, Clam Lake, Lake Bellaire, Intermediate Lake and other smaller lakes all of which drain into East Grand Traverse Bay in the town of Elk Rapids).  We visited her many times throughout the year but some of my best memories are those with my cousins playing in the lake until the sunset, using our imaginations and just being kids!  It was the ultimate playground!  Needless to say, my love of Northern Michigan was ingrained at a very young age and as I got older in high school and college, I knew I had to get back and hopefully someday live in the area.

In college, I took an internship at an interior design firm in Charlevoix and further fell in love with the area, but it wasn’t until a couple years out of college that I was able to finally make the move.  I officially moved to Northern Michigan in May of 2010 to take a position with A Day in May.  In the same year, I met my future husband (a Leelanau County boy!), three years later we got married and then shortly after that we had our son.  Just recently, we relocated from Traverse City to Williamsburg (minutes away from where my grandma used lived).  I feel like I’ve come full circle from experiencing the area as a child and now an adult.  I hope our son grows up to love the area as much as we both do- it truly is such a magical place an unlike anywhere I’ve ever visited!  The one downside- winter!  This Indiana girl just can’t grasp the fact that winter indeed can last almost half of the year!

Emily: I was born in Traverse City and I never got that ‘itch’ to leave. What’s not to love?? You’re surrounded by water, wilderness of all kinds, local breweries, wineries, restaurants, etc., and the most amazing community of people. Don’t get me wrong, I love to travel! However I always find myself excited to get home.

Kerry: Northern Michigan is such a special place and I feel so fortunate to have grown up here in Traverse City. After graduating from Michigan State, I was eager to try something new and leave Michigan to experience life in the big city. My husband and I moved to San Francisco and while we loved the West Coast, the Midwest and Northern Michigan in particular kept pulling at our heartstrings. So here we are…back in the small town we love so dearly! We love the beauty of every season, the supportive and creative community and being near our friends and family!

We’ll make our way up the Leelanau Peninsula following along the west shore of West Grand Traverse Bay.  Our first stop will be Suttons Bay which is home to a variety of great restaurants and shops.  A couple of my favorite places include: the Bayside Gallery (home to one of the largest, most colorful assortment of lawn decorations I’ve ever seen) and Haystacks (cute women’s clothing boutique with other locations in Traverse City, Glen Arbor, Leland, Elk Rapids and beyond).  If you have the extra time and are up for an adventure and a little workout, be sure to check out Grand Traverse Bike Tours for a Leelanau Wine Trail self guided bike tour.

Following the stop in Suttons Bay, we’ll continue heading up the shore the the quaint, yet booming town of Northport.  Out of all the Northern Michigan towns, I’d say that Northport has experienced the most growth and development throughout the past couple of years.  They’ve added a multitude of restaurants and shops to their downtown and now even have a bowling alley- Tucker’s of Northport.  If you have the time, a quick stop at Barb’s Bakery (112 N Mill Street) for their cinnamon twist donuts is a necessity.  Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove (11573 N Kilcherman Road) is a must stop in the fall.  They specialize in antique apple varieties, fresh pressed cider and a killer display of vintage glass bottles!  Before heading south again, you may want to make a stop at Leelanau State Park or Peterson Park.  Both stops offer amazing, uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan!

Ok, so your tummy is rumbling so that must mean it’s time to head south to Leland and Historic Fishtown.  Head back where you came from and catch the southern stretch of M-22 just outside of Northport.  You’ll travel south until arriving to Leland just in time for lunch.  First thing’s first- looking for a killer sandwich on house made pretzel bread?  Visit the Village Cheese Shanty to grab the sandwich of your choice.  Don’t be alarmed by the long line- we promise it’s worth the wait- and be warned they accept cash only.  After grabbing your sandwich, grab a picnic table right in Fishtown or depending on your appetite, save your sammy for the next stretch of the road.  Leland and Historic Fishtown are home to some great shops and restaurants, as wall as, amazing beaches and lake views.  It’s here where you can catch the ferry to the Manitou Islands for an exploratory day trip or extended stay camping adventure.  If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, visit the historic Riverside Inn nestled along the shore of the Leland River.  Their amazing food and wonderful hospitality is not to be missed!

Time to hop in the car again and head further south to Glen Arbor.  Along the route, you’ll experience panoramic pastoral views and peek-a-boo glimpses of the big lake along with several inland lakes.  You’ll enter into the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore before coming to a stop in Glen Arbor.  If happy hour has arrived, you may want to make a quick stop at Art’s Tavern-another cash only establishment- for a libation and a snack.  Be sure to check out the local merchants with visits to Cherry Republic, Cottonseed, and Becky Thatcher Designs.  Enough with the shopping already, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and explore the park.  While you could certainly take up a whole day or days visiting the park alone, if you’re in a rush, some of my must see’s include: Pyramid Point Trail, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and paddling the Crystal River.

Heading further south from Glen Arbor, you’ll arrive in the village of Empire.  The Philip A. Hart Visitors Center calls this cozy village home.  At Village Park (Lake Michigan Drive) you can enjoy a long walk on the breach, as well as a breathtaking sunset.  If you’re in need of a quick bite before heading back, be sure to stop in at the local’s favorite Joe’s Friendly Tavern (11015 W Front Street).  As you head back to wherever you are staying, you’ll be sure to reminisce on the day, the amazing scenery, the wonderful cuisine and the friendly locals who are lucky enough to call this beautiful slice of land home!  After all, the don’t call Leelanau the “land of delight” for nothin.