This past October, in celebration of the one year anniversary of my husband’s proposal we went back to where the excitement had all unfolded, Northern Michigan. This trip I felt we were better able to celebrate his 23rd birthday, whereas, last year we were celebrating our new engagement! This time there were no surprises in where we were headed, we had been anticipating going back for his birthday celebration! We arrived in Traverse City late Friday night because we started our 2.5- 3 hour drive after work. My dear friend, Amy (Aim), offered to let us stay at her new apartment in downtown Traverse for what ended up being two nights. We were grateful because not only was I thrilled to see her and her new home, but being newlyweds we don’t have the budget for lodging. Aim's place was within walking distance to downtown Traverse where we explored her new home and went to a laid back bar, Bubba’s. I’m convinced it doesn’t matter where you are but who you’re with that makes everything more fun. And sharing yummy Chicken Fajitas makes it more enjoyable too of course!
The next morning Steve and I were anxious to go wine tasting on Old Mission Peninsula, but first we tried a little French café near downtown Traverse City. Patisserie Amie, was delicious!! My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Charleston, South Carolina and fell in love with a French café there as well, now we only make French press coffee at home. Patisserie Amie,not only had an awesome menu, we shared a Croque Madam, but the relaxing, small atmosphere was welcoming. Later in our trip, Steve continued to insist that we go back instead of trying somewhere new because he especially LOVED it. I can assure you he has already put the items on my grocery list to try to recreate this menu item. Although, I can’t imagine any attempt could be quite as delicious. Someday, we would like to open our own little French Café in Grand Rapids so hopefully we can master it eventually! We have already bought a French cook book to recreate this deliciousness we continue to rave about : ) Next, I had unfortunately persuaded Steve that we had to drive to Alden, a little town just outside of Traverse City. It had been recommended to me and the brochure looked attractive but there was very little to see or do there! There were a few little overpriced shops and a nice bed and breakfastthere. We felt, we drove out of our way to use the restroom at their general store where we felt obligated to buy candy (which was still fine by us ;) and sit on a dock by Torch Lake. While the colorful drive was beautiful and I am glad to have experienced Alden, I still wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re looking for a nice scenic drive in the fall! There are too many other fun things to do in and around Traverse City.Next, we were headed to Old Mission Peninsula to follow the wine trail. Can you tell, we LOVE wine? I’m so grateful because my husband enjoys wine probably more than I do. It was a beautiful day and the tasting rooms were very busy so a few of the wineries we drove to the location just to enjoy the view. From our experience we preferred Leelanau peninsula’s wineries because there are more and for that reason seemed less busy and the majority of them were free. As we drove up Old mission peninsula we decided to go to the Old Mission lighthouse there . This was near the wine trail and was nice to enjoy the view of the stony beach at the lighthouse. Following wine tasting, we drove to Sutton’s Bay and spent time in the cute little town on our way up Leelanau peninsula. We stopped at Tandem Ciders which is part of the wine trail , they allowed us to taste all of their hard ciders for free. This was such a nice, quaint little place, we just bought a gallon of there regular cider and took it home for Steve’s family and everyone really loved it. Apple cider is one reminder of the beauty of everything fall, which I love!
Once we got to Sutton’s Bay, there were quite a few nice shops and restaurants there; it’s just a short drive outside of Traverse. We stopped there briefly on our way to Northport and got more candy at a candy shop. Can you tell we love candy too? A lot, It’s a problem. The drive up the peninsula is along the Lake and there were a few places to stop to rest at picnic tables. We stopped and I had packed a birthday picnic but brrrr it was breezy and cold! We noticed a group of girls picnicking at a nearby table too, enjoying some wine with the scenic views. Northport was our final destination where my Grandma lives; two of my Aunties were in town also and we were able to visit with them all. We had intended to stay the night but just visited with them because Grandma had a full house that night. There isn’t much to do in Northport but it’s a relaxing, more private destination away from the busy city . We drove back into Traverse that night again to stay with Aim, which was about a 30-40 minute drive I would guess from Northport. We opened our bottle of wine we had received the year prior at Leelanau Cellars winery when Steve proposed. Unfortunately our celebratory wine had gone bad! Aim saved the day and served us her Leelanau cellars wine instead, thank you! Then we had convinced Steve to watch PS. I love you.
The next day before we went home, we had to make a stop at Leelanau cellars winery because it is our favorite so we actually drove out of our way back to Omena, near Northport again. When we questioned our wine that had gone bad during our wine tasting they offered us a free bottle to our surprise. We purchased some wine and ate next door at a little restaurant, who’s name escapes me now, but the views are beautiful as you sit right on the bay in Omena. Next we had the drive home to look forward too, if you can look forward to that? I already can’t wait to visit again. This is easily one of our favorite spots in MI so far, especially with the memories we’ve continued to make here! Yet, nothing is quite like home, which is Grand Rapids for us, home sweet home.
