October Calls

FIVE DAYS OF SUNNY WEATHER are in the forecast for our area as we enter early October. The blue skies and blue water are absolutely alluring.

What a wonderful time of the year to hit the highway and enjoy the stunning views our region has to offer. I’m also going to take in tasty treats from local purveyors along the way. It is all part of my plan.

I’m going to get in my newly serviced Equinox, equipped with a new set of brakes and rotated tires, and travel to a few of my favorite spots that I haven't visited all summer.

Yes, I have been avoiding crowds. I’m one of those locals who smile at the tourist commerce, certainly the lifeblood of the area, and let them take in our region's offerings while I stay out of the way. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll again be A Tourist in My Own Town, visiting several favorite places, and I’ll share some thoughts and insights with you as they come to me.

The Village Cheese Shanty in Leland https://www.villagecheeseshanty.com/  The shop is in Fishtown in Leland, just off M-22, and has been such a gem for over forty years. Fresh-baked pretzel bread, quality sandwich meats and cheeses, and daily house-made spreads adorn their creations. (Closes 10-23). Carlson’s Fish Market https://carlsonsfishery.com/ offers half-pints of its whitefish pate. I will savor it for a few days with Melba toast rounds. It doesn't get any better than this, with an afternoon cocktail watching the sun set over Crystal Lake.

Nine Bean Rows in Lake Leelanau https://www.9beanrows.com/. Sourdough pastries and breads are a staple of their offerings. It has been a farm market for thirty-five years, started by the Mikowski family and taken over by the Weltys fifteen years ago. I’m a fan of their multi-grain sourdough bread sliced in their bread machine. I put my loaf in the freezer and toast slices as needed. I didn’t make enough rhubarb jam in June. Smucker’s seedless raspberry preserves will have to work.

Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor https://artsglenarbor.com/ Even with new ownership, little has changed. My school flag is still displayed on the ceiling. Their Chicken-Jalapeno Soup, served on Wednesday, in my humble opinion, is still the finest soup in the north. How do they get such a velvety consistency? It is beyond my culinary skills. Thank you, Art’s Tavern.

What a wonderful Wednesday in early October, even with my noisy front left brake pad.

Back to the dealership I go.