The Area

There’s a great article that catches the flavor of northern Michigan and the Leelanau Peninsula by R.W. Apple Jr. of the New York Times called Up North: Michigan’s Flavorful Vacationland [07/30/03] (link will open in new window)

Outdoors

Hike back trails, bike the new, kid-friendly 5-mile asphalt-paved Bike Path through the Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore from Glen Arbor to the Dune Climb or the 13-mile on-road Glen Lake loop, climb the dunes or simply sightsee at the extraordinary Sleeping Bear Dunes; or explore one of our three lighthouses in Northport, Frankfort and on South Manitou Island.

Fish, sail, boat or canoe our waters.

Spend a morning at a unique bird sanctuary with the well known Kay Charter or on one of the birding trails in the county (ask the innkeeper — she has maps).

M-22, which passes the inn and circles the Leelanau Peninsula through the unique villages, farms, orchards and open spaces, is so exceptional that it has been designated a Scenic Heritage Route. Why not travel its length, stopping along the way just to take in the sights. It is stunning any time, and spectacular in the fall. Or cross over to South Manitou Island on the Manitou Island Transit Ferry from Leland’s Fishtown. Here time has stopped and the lighthouse is waiting for you.

Art & Museums

Visit our history at the Leelanau Historical Museum or the natural heritage of the region with The Leelanau Conservancy.

Admire the rich and varied art works at the Michigan Artists’ Gallery in Suttons Bay, the nationally known Gwen Frostic Gallery in Benzonia, or Synchronicity Gallery and Ruth Conklin Gallery in Glen Arbor. The try to stunning landscape photography by Jeff Rabidoux of Life on the 45th, that may be found right here in the reception room at the Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast, or see the works at the Dickinson Photo Gallery down the street.

Take an art class at Glen Arbor’s own Lake Street Studios or the Glen Arbor Art Association (kid’s and adults!).

Catch a terrific first-run or classic movie at the stunningly renovated, historic State Theatre on Front Street in Traverse City or treat yourselves to the remarkable works previewed each year in late July at the Traverse City Film Festival.

Attend a headliner performance in the great amphitheater, or enjoy the many chamber and student events at the renowned National Music Camp only 30 minutes away at Interlochen.

Then, for an extra treat, travel to Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, 40 minutes south of us in Benzie County, to wander the fascinating Michigan Legacy Art Park. The newly established venue offers a unique experience of art, nature and history. Over 35 major works of art by Michigan artists line trails that loop through a serene densely wooded forest. Give it a try.

Wining & Dining

Start your journey with a coffee or latte from Leelanau Coffee Roasters to take on the road or around the block. Then see the Leelanau Peninsula while you assemble your picnic from such stops the Riverfront Deli (the cherry chicken salad sandwiches are the best) right here in Glen Arbor, Stone House Bread or Carlson’s smoked fish in Leland, the Leelanau Cheese Company at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, or the special cherry-pecan sausage at Pleva’s Meat Market in Cedar.

Be sure, too, to make a wine tasting stop or two. There are more than a dozen wineries in the county.

Did you know that Bon Appetit named Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula one of the the “Top Six Small Foodiest Towns” in America? Find out why. In the evening, dine at wonderful restaurants nearby , such as the charming Trattoria Funistrada or LaBecasse around Big Glen Lake in Burdickville, or the exceptional blu in Glen Arbor with James Beard-nominated chef Randy Chamberlain. More casual favorites are the Cedar Rustic Inn (no website, call 231.228.2530) in Cedar, The Manitou Restaurant south of Empire, The Bluebird Bar & Restaurant (a traditional spot) in Leland and Knot Just a Bar with a waterside deck in Omena. Or try a newer restaurant with rave reviews, Martha’s Leelanau Table, also in Suttons Bay.

If you are venturing into Traverse City for the day or evening, we have additional recommendations at some outstanding places. Try the wonderful, not-to-be missed Trattoria Stella Italian restaurant, also with a James Beard-nominated chef (be sure to ask for directions from the innkeeper), Hannah’s on Cass (Shrimp & Grits is the best), Amical’s French cuisine or The Cook’s House on Front Street. On the more casual side, find Sleder’s Tavern for the best burgers and “country” atmosphere around, or our favorite Blue Tractor Cook Shop or Soul Hole on Union Street, .

Let us make reservations for you when you are booking your room or cottage. We know about discounts at many of our favorites (or yours) in the off-season, and preferred seating in prime season.

Entertainment

Try your hand at the tables of the Leelanau Sands Casino in Suttons Bay or the Little River Casino an hour south in historic Manistee!

Shopping

Browse through antique stores.

Poke around such speciality shops as Becky Thatcher or Wildflowers or The Totem Shop in Glen Arbor. And you won’t want to miss the Great Lakes Tea & Spice shop a block away on M109, with special blends they ship around the world. Too, discover the small places in Leland and Suttons Bay or make an afternoon checking out every shop on Front Street in Traverse City.

Then, how about browsing among best sellers and old classics at The Cottage Book Shop and buy a new sportswear outfit or two at amazing prices at Momentum, which is right next door.

Golf

Finally, play golf at more than a dozen courses such as Mistwood at Lake Ann, The Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms, the beautifully updated Arnold Palmer course at Manitou Passage Golf Club in Cedar, Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, The Homestead in Glen Arbor, or Dunes Golf Club in Empire. Most are within 30 minutes of Glen Arbor and none are more than an hour away.