January 2023 Blog

After Years Of Adversity, Leland's Fishtown Finds Brighter Days In 2022

By Craig Manning | The Ticker

As the sun sets on 2022, all is well in Fishtown. For Amanda Holmes, who serves as executive director of the Fishtown Preservation Society, ending a year on that note is the most pleasant of surprises. For years, Leland’s iconic fishing village has faced one existential threat after another – from rising water levels in Lake Michigan to fraught times for Michigan’s fishing industry. This year has brought better fortunes, including momentous generosity from the public and a much-needed assist from Mother Nature. The result, for Holmes, is maybe the first opportunity in years to breathe a true sigh of relief. In the wake of a triumphant Giving Tuesday – where Fishtown netted “over $56,000” in community donations – the Leelanau Ticker sat down with Holmes for a report on Fishtown’s 2022 and a look toward 2023.

Here are five things we learned. 1. 2022 saw the successful completion of Fishtown’s biggest-ever capital campaign The big headline this year, Holmes says, is the completion of a sprawling five-year capital campaign – a fundraising effort that began as one thing and transformed into another as water levels rose and wreaked havoc on buildings and infrastructure. “It’s a campaign that started in 2017 with a few little things [that we needed to do around Fishtown],” Holmes tells the Leelanau Ticker. “And then, because of the high water and all the problems that caused, we went from it being a $1.7 million project to an overall campaign of nearly $5.5 million. And it was challenging, having to keep our heads steady with all of those changes, and to communicate that to everyone.

But I'm just so pleased to say that we completed that campaign this year and we're all set with funding for all the projects that we have ahead that were campaign-related.” 2. Some of the highest-priority projects are already done With significant capital funds in place, Holmes says Fishtown was able to complete some of its most urgently-needed projects this year – namely the replacement of the north docks and a full demolition and rebuild of the historic Carlson’s Fishery building. The former, Holmes notes, is crucial for making sure Fishtown remains safe for visitors, while the latter is paramount to Fishtown’s continued status as a village with ties to the fishing industry. “Carlson’s Fishery has needed a new building for most of the time that I've been here,” says Holmes, who celebrated her own 15-year anniversary with the Fishtown Preservation Society this year. “So the fact that it finally actually happened is huge, and I think the guys down there are just ecstatic that they no longer have to worry about being up to code. They can be open and deal with things. What was there before was a charming building, but it was literally being held together by moss. Having it fixed up means that the fishing industry can keep going here, which is what's most important to me. We want the boats to be able to keep going out fishing.” 3.

Many other big projects remain on the agenda for the future Despite big progress in 2022, the work isn't done: Major projects remain for the 2023 season and beyond. One priority is lowering the dock piles now that water levels have significantly declined. “Right now, if you go down to the docks and you stand a certain way, you almost can’t see the river,” she says. Also still on the to-do list is a major reconstruction of Fishtown’s main entrance, which will address a failing retaining wall, drainage and water flow issues, and more. That project was initially supposed to proceed this fall, but Holmes says problems with contractor availability have delayed it into 2023. Despite the wait, Holmes is particularly excited for that improvement, which she says will make Fishtown ADA accessible. “This time last year, I had a broken foot, and I discovered how scary it was to actually enter Fishtown,” she says. “So, that gave me a new appreciation for the plans that we have and for the opportunity to make Fishtown actually accessible to people without them getting hurt.” Other big priorities still to come include repairs to Fishtown’s welcome center, seasonal vacation rental building, Ice House, and Dam Candy Store. Those buildings, Holmes says, were all “undermined very seriously with water,” some to a greater extent than originally thought. “With the Dam Candy Store, there were a lot more issues than we realized,” she notes. “It wasn’t until we were redoing the docks that a lot of that was exposed.” Plans on these projects are still being finalized, but will likely proceed sometime in the New Year. 4.

Holmes wants Fishtown to play a bigger role in preserving Michigan commercial fishing “One of the things that's so important about getting these projects done and in having the campaign wrapped is there are so many opportunities to do more in Fishtown with education,” Holmes says. “One of the challenges of commercial fishermen around the Great Lakes is that you don't have enough people who know how to do the work. So I’m actually working with Michigan Sea Grant to develop an apprenticeship program, which would take a handful of people each year. And they could end up doing anything from hands-on stuff like learning how to weld and repair engines, to doing fisheries management and getting a better understanding of why this industry works the way it does. So, my board is working on updating our strategic plan and building a bigger focus on education into our organization.” 5.

Fishtown is already thinking about the next cycle of high water While the existential threat of high water is gone for now, Holmes says that she and the Fishtown team understand it will be back again eventually – perhaps sooner than expected, given that cycles of high and low water seem to be speeding up in the Great Lakes. “All the work we’re doing now is in response to that future high water,” Holmes assures. “I feel that, when the water does come up next time, our dock piles and buildings will be such that they can withstand the water. Everything we’re doing right now – the Morris Shanty, Village Cheese, Carlson’s, and even our vacation rental – we’re doing them in such a way that if everything gets wet, it can dry out. It’s not going to become a mold problem, or a rotting problem. So, choice of materials and things like that, we’ve had to think about those factors with each and every building we’ve been working on.” Holmes continues: “My goal is that, for whoever follows me in this job, when the water comes up, they’ll be able to look back and be grateful to our organization for the work we did to preserve Fishtown long-term. We want there to be payoff on this investment for the next 50-100 years.”

Photo of the Month

Photo from @Leelanau_county Instagram

Real Estate Update

 

NEW

79 E Dusty Lane Maple City, MI 49964
MLS#1907350$300,000Fondly named "The Chalet", this property is brimming with character and charm. Located in the quaint village of Maple City, enjoy all the recreation and attractions Leelanau Peninsula has to offer. Comprised of two generously sized lots equaling 1.85 acres, this parcel boasts a level outdoor space with a large fenced-in area, gardening space, and a two-car detached garage with ample storage. The interior features south-facing windows that fill the great room with natural light, an airy kitchen with beautiful counters and stainless-steel appliances, two main-level bedrooms, and a primary bedroom loft with a private ensuite. Only a 30-minute drive from Traverse City, and equidistant (10 minutes) to the Glen Lakes, Lake Leelanau, and Good Harbor Bay on Lake Michigan, making this a great Up-North getaway or year-round home! Click on the Virtual Tour link for an incredibly realistic view of the interior.Click Here to View the Full Listing 

 

SOLD

S Cherry Blossom Lane Suttons Bay, MI 49682
MLS#1886451
$67,900Quality, well-established, quiet Stony Pt. neighborhood with all the bells & whistles-U/G utilities, Nat gas, County Maintained Roads, 1250 sq ft minimums, protective covenants! Waterfront Park has new vinyl dock, just enjoy and contribute! Waterfront Park includes 700' of shared West Bay frontage. Just minutes to Suttons Bay Village- biker, walker & boater friendly neighborhood. Additional lots available. Owned by James C Baldwin Trust - Baldwin Homes and Land - licensed RE Broker in MI & well-known for his quality craftsmanship & Green Building. No time frame to build - have it your way! DESIGNATED BUILDER Baldwin Homes Inc. Prices are firm and park photos and renderings pre-highwaterClick Here to View the Full Listing

 

CREATED SALE

AROUND NORTHPORT
OLDER RANCH ON 10 ACRES SOLD FOR $255,000
NEVER MADE THE BOARD

 

Brasserie Amie Closing/New Concept Coming, Loco Boys Brewing Company Opening, More Restaurant/Retail News

By Beth Milligan | The Ticker

After two years at the corner of Front and Cass streets, Brassiere Amie will close its doors at the end of this month. A new concept is set to take over the space in early 2023, led by the same owners and staff. Meanwhile, on West Front Street, new brewery and restaurant Loco Boys Brewing Company is targeting a January opening. The Ticker has the latest details on these and other restaurant and retail updates from across the region. Brasserie Amie New Year’s Eve will be the final day of service at Brasserie Amie, the Parisian-style restaurant that opened in late 2020 in the former Franklin space in downtown Traverse City (pictured). Jason Thibodeau and Rob Lindsay of The Parlor, who partnered with Eric Fritch of Patisserie Amie to open Brasserie Amie, say a combination of factors are contributing to the restaurant’s closure.

Those include lingering impacts from the pandemic, labor shortages, and rising inflation and food costs. “Everything that makes up French food went through the roof,” explains Thibodeau, including eggs, milk, cheese, flour, and sugar. Adds Lindsay: “It’s not fair to raise our menu prices anymore. French food is expensive to make. We want to be able to have a more affordable price point for the menu.” The partners say that North Bar TC – a separate concept that operates upstairs – and The Parlor are both running successfully and will remain open. Meanwhile, Brasserie Amie is set to be converted to a new concept. Lindsay says more details will be unveiled in January, but calls the new concept – accompanied by the rollout of an entirely new interior and décor – more “approachable and community-oriented.” The staff from Brasserie Amie will remain employed and part of the new establishment. Fritch is also preparing to launch his own food truck called Le Petit Amie, according to the owners.

For those looking to squeeze in a farewell brunch or dinner, Brassiere Amie is accepting reservations now through December 31. On New Year’s Eve, the restaurant – positioned directly in front of the CherryT Ball Drop – will stay open until midnight, with cocktail and champagne service after dinner. Lindsay says the partners plan to get immediately to work in January converting the space over to the new concept. Loco Boys Brewing Company After more than a year of supply and construction delays that have impacted numerous projects across the industry, Pangea’s Pizza and Incredible Mo’s owner Chris Mohrhardt – along with his brother and business partner Mike Mohrhardt – are preparing to open Loco Boys Brewing Company at 901 West Front Street. The brothers are targeting a January opening for the 3,800-square-foot microbrewery and restaurant, which will occupy the historic building formerly home to Impres Salon Spa and the original Oleson's Grocery store.

The Mohrhardts are bringing on Andy Largent – whose resume includes brewing experience at The Filling Station Microbrewery, Stormcloud Brewing Company, and Right Brain Brewery – to oversee the brewing program. The company will produce its own craft beer, seltzers, ciders, and wine for on-site consumption, with to-go sales eventually planned for beer and possibly other beverages. For the food program, the brothers have landed Chef Bryon Figueroa – of Fig's Breakfast & Lunch and Northport Pub & Grille fame – to oversee the menu. “We’re doing a really great authentic Mexican menu,” says Mike Mohrhardt. “He’s creating some great dishes with big flavors and a little spice. We’re really excited.” Mike Mohrhardt says the interior – which can accommodate just under 100 – will have a “light, airy, California vibe” with a Spanish-style flair. An outdoor patio is also planned for warm-weather months. “It’s quite spacious inside,” he says. “There’s a nice flow between the interior and exterior spaces.” The brothers have just begun ramping up hiring and are looking at a five-day week to start – including lunch service on the weekends – with the potential to expand to six or seven days by summer. The building is also home to ten business studios in the back, with nine of those occupied by former or newly acquired tenants and one still on the market. Other business openings, closings, and moves… Outdoor enthusiasts will have a new way to enjoy the northern Michigan scenery this summer. Wheels on Rails, founded by Macie Hefron, is targeting a Memorial Day week launch to offer rail biking excursions in northern Michigan.

The company will offer six-mile round trips – down and back – on custom bikes outfitted to ride on top of old railroad tracks. Wheels on Rails will operate off US-31 in Grawn Township on a privately owned out-of-service rail line. There is no train traffic, and the rail line is disconnected from any active track, according to the company’s website. Tandem bikes are available for two guests, or quad bikes fit a group of four (larger groups can also be accommodated). Wheels on Rails is booking outings now for 2023. Owner James Brewington has launched a new late-night food delivery service for night owls in the Traverse City area. Open Late Kitchen operates Thursday-Saturday from 10pm-3am serving up “simple, homemade comfort food from scratch,” Brewington says. “We worked third shift before, and wanted a late-night food option that the whole family could afford and that workers who were up late in this area could also enjoy/afford.” The menu includes options such as sandwiches, wraps, sliders, salads, gourmet chicken strips, and sides including tots and mac-and-cheese bowls. The company takes orders online and by phone at 231-590-9055 and delivers in a five-mile radius around Traverse City, from Acme to Long Lake to Greilickville to Chums Corner. Open Late Kitchen will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, according to Brewington. Coffee lovers have three new options to choose from in the Traverse City area. Mundos has opened its new headquarters at the corner of Garfield Avenue and Boon Street, moving into the spacious 11,000-square-foot digs and closing its former smaller location at Boon and Woodmere.

The new headquarters will not only offer expanded storage, roastery, and kitchen space to serve all four Mundos locations but also allow for on-site classes, tours, and cuppings – the industry term for coffee tastings. At the Cherryland Center, Biggby Coffee officially opened a new drive-thru location last week adjacent to Burger King along South Airport Road. And in Elk Rapids, Happy Camper Coffee Co – which started in a pop-up trailer – has opened a new brick-and-mortar shop at 212 River Street. The truck is expected to continuing operating separately during warm-weather months. Bohmey Beauty – which has locations in Adrian and Ann Arbor – has opened a new Traverse City location in Warehouse MRKT between Hexenbelle and Handz on Art. The company specializes in “clean and conscious” products, including clothing, beauty and lifestyle collections, according to its website. “We take care to research each product, so you can succeed on your own journey towards a more conscious and ethically-minded lifestyle,” the website states. “Our shop reflects both contemporary style and progressive ideals, and we eagerly work with brands who do the same.” The Little Fleet has launched a winter series of pop-up restaurants called Kitchen Takeover in the Happy’s Taco Space on some Mondays and Tuesdays when Happy’s isn’t open. Upcoming pop-up concepts will include The Fatted Calf (January 16/17), Fried Chicken and Caviar (January 23/24), and Sister Cindy’s Tamales (January 30/31). The Little Fleet is also hosting Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza for “Slice Night” (a slice and a drink for $6) on Tuesdays and is continuing its popular Soup and Bread series, where local restaurants donate soup and customers pay what they can – all to benefit local charities. Upcoming Soup and Bread events are on January 9 (benefiting the Reproductive Access Fund), February 6 (benefiting the National Alliance of Mental Health), and March 6 (benefiting TCAPS Student Support).

Art & Soul Gallery has found a new home after finishing a 20-year run this fall in the Arcade on Front Street. Owner Amy Staffan-Hess originally planned to move the shop to Savannah, Georgia, but has since secured a new Traverse City location. Art & Soul Gallery has relocated to 3311 South Airport Road inside Northwoods Printers & PakMail Traverse City. The store is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and select Saturdays 11am-3pm. New sushi restaurant The Dojo opened December 5 in the Long Lake Culinary Campus at 7738 North Long Lake Road. Owned and operated by Brent Shafer, who has over a decade of sushi experience, The Dojo is open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and also offers catering services and private parties, according to a company release. Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls in Logan’s Landing has expanded to add lunch service Thursday-Saturday, with the restaurant now opening at 11am on those days and offering new menu items including subs with organic homemade buns baked fresh daily. The company will also soon be restarting delivery service to local breweries that allow outside food. While the owners posted earlier this fall that they were looking to sell the business, family members stepped up to help operations – with the company no longer for sale, the owners tell The Ticker. Timothy Hefty and Dan Karabacz of downtown Traverse City pizza shop Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza have launched a new food concept at Silver Spruce Brewing Company.

Bull & Bear Kitchen operates inside the brewery Tuesday-Thursday 1pm-8pm and Friday-Saturday 12pm-8pm, with menu offerings including a steak-and-cheese Philly-style sandwich, burgers, grilled cheese, pulled pork, and more. The Men’s Emporium and Women’s Emporium have relocated from Eighth Street to new digs at 219 Cass Street. The stores specialize in vintage and retro clothing, classic accessories, home bar commodities, and more. Posted hours are Monday 12pm-5pm and Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. National franchise Board & Brush has opened a new Traverse City location at 1326 West South Airport Road. The company, which held a grand opening December 9, offers “a place for creating fun and unique wood decor projects from scratch while enjoying a fun instructor-led atmosphere,” according to its website. Date nights, ladies’ nights, and parent-child workshops are among some of the classes offered, with bookings now available into February.

Restaurant of The Month 

PLAYA BOWLS

222 E.STATE STREET SUITE 101 TRAVERSE CITY

DIRECTIONS: CASS TO STATE EAST ON STATE JUST PAST THE TOWN PLAZA ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE STREET

OPEN 8:30 TO 5:30 DAILY

They have fresh, best quality ingredients for poke bowls, smoothies, juices, and coffee. Just everything to help you keep healthy and happy. Excellent winter and summer Specialties, lots of choices. https://www.playabowls.com

Recipe of the Month  

Pork Chops with Tomato Gravy

Serves 4Ingredients:Salt and Pepper½ teaspoon paprika½ teaspoon sugar¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper4 (8 to 10 oz) bone in pork rib chops, 1-inch thick, trimmed4 slices of bacon, chopped fine2 tablespoons vegetable oil1 onion, chopped fine1 celery rib, chopped fine1 garlic clove, minced3 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 tablespoon tomato paste1 cup chicken broth1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme1 bay leafInstructions:Step One: Combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, paprika, sugar, and cayenne in bowl. Pat shops dry with paper towels and sprinkle all over with spice mixture.Step Two: Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel lines plate, leaving fat in skillet. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook chips until well browned on 1 side, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate, browned side up.Step Three: Reduce heat to medium, add oil and heat until shimmering. Add onion, celery, and garlic, cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add flower and tomato paste and cool, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth, tomato sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and cooked bacon and bring to boil.Step Four: Arrange chops, browned side up, in a pan and add any accumulated juices from the plate. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chops are 145 degrees, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer chips to serving platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste, remove bay leaf, cover, and keep warm. Stir any accumulated juices from platter into gravy and por over chops. Serve 

CARTOON OF THE MONTH

 By: Realty Times

Test Your Leelanau Smarts This Holiday

By Kandace Chapple | The Ticker

With all the holidays at hand, it’s time to enjoy some forced family fun. How about some Leelanau Trivia? Loser does the dishes!

Leelanau has the second-highest proportion of water area of any county in the United States. What county has the first?
Answer: Keweenaw County in the U.P.
Bonus: Who has visited both counties or can find Keweenaw on a map?

How many miles of shoreline does Leelanau County have and how many sides touch Lake Michigan?
Answer: It is bordered on three sides by Lake Michigan, with 100 miles of shoreline.
Bonus: What town is at the northern most tip of the county? Northport!

How many inland lakes does the county have?
Answer: 33
Bonus: Name as many as you can think of – here is a partial list: Cedar, Duck, Gilbert, Glen, Little Glen, Lime, Little Traverse, North and South Leelanau, School, North and South Bar, Shisler and Shell (Briggs). Can you list the others?

What lake has a “sea monster” in it, according to local lore?
Answer: Lake Leelanau. 
Bonus: Extra points if there are believers in the room.

How long and wide is Grand Traverse Bay, which borders Leelanau Peninsula?
Answer: The bay is 32 miles long and 10 miles wide.
Bonus: How deep? Up to 620 feet in spots. About the height of the Space Needle!

What are the names of the two famous boats at Fishtown?
Answer: The Janice Sue and the Joy are owned and operated by the Fishtown Preservation Society.
Bonus: What kinds of boats are they? The Janice Sue is a gill net tug and was built in Wisconsin in 1958 for Leland fisherman Louis Steffens. The Joy is a trap net tug and was built in Leelanau County in 1981 for Ross Lang.

What is the highest point in Leelanau County?
Answer: Varney Hill. There are 11 named mountains in Leelanau County. Varney Hill is the highest point at over 1,100 feet and located near Oviatt Road and Maple City Highway/669 near Burdickville.)
Bonus: What is the most prominent mountain? Shauger Hill.

What was Maple City’s original name?
Answer: Maple City was founded in 1866 and was originally called Peg Town because William Parks and J. T. Sturtevent built a shoe peg factory that same year. When the post office was established in 1875 – in a stand of grand maples – the name Maple City was chosen.
Bonus: What is a shoe peg? A wooden peg used to attach soles to the upper part of shoes.

How long does it take Pitcher's thistle (also known as dune thistle) to bloom?
Answer: It blooms only once - when the plant is 7 years old!
Bonus: Where can this be found? This native thistle grows only on Great Lakes and can be found on the sand dunes in Leelanau County. This is a threatened species. Tread lightly!

How many miles of beach are there in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Answer: 35 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Bonus: How many hiking trails are there in the Lakeshore? 13. Try naming them all. Here’s a partial list: Alligator Hill, Empire Bluff, Windy Moraine, Sleeping Bear Heritage, Platte Plains and Shauger Hill.

How long is Pierce Stocking Drive?
Answer: 7.4 miles (which includes a covered bridge!)
Bonus: How many cars make the drive in a typical year? More than 80,000 vehicles make the trip, in addition to bicyclists, hikers and skiers who use the road each year during the off season.

What two lakes is Lake Leelanau situated between:
Answer: North and South Leelanau lakes.
Bonus: What did Native Americans first call the land between the lakes? “Ke-ski-bi-ag,” which means “narrow body of water.” One of the stories behind the settlement of Lake Leelanau says that in 1871 a Frenchman was seeking his fortune drilling for oil, and instead, hit an enormous artesian well that still flows today.

How many wineries are on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail?
Answer: 22
Bonus: List as many as you can. Here’s a partial list: Bel Lago, Boathouse, Chateau Fontaine, Cherry Republic, French Valley, 45 North, Aurora, Dune Bird and Silver Leaf.

Now keep the (Leelanau!) wine flowing and enjoy the arguments that have ensued from trivia night.

Happy Holidays from The Leelanau Ticker!

Judy’s Movie Reviews

NETFLIX

THE ELEPHANT WHISPERS 

A couple in South India, Bomman and Belle devote their lives to caring for an orphaned baby elephant named Raghu. This is a touching documentary and it is worth seeing, especially if you appreciate how special elephants are. 4 out of 5 stars.
Click Here to View the Trailer

HBO MAX

THE AUDREY HEPBURN STORY

This is a 2000 year movie. It is a biographic made for TV story of one of the most famous Hollywood actresses. It takes you from her early childhood just before World War II to her life with her first husband Mel Ferrer and her fabulous career. This is not a great movie but an interesting one. It reviews what a hard life she had at the beginning to her Hollywood years and her devotion to the children of the world.
I found it interesting and give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. Then I did a Hepburn retrospective of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, SABRINA, AND MY FAIR LADY. Hepburn won Best Actress for Sabrina. These three movies are 4–5-star performances. A great way to binge movies.
Click Here to View the Trailer

AMAZON PRIME

ONDINE

Colin Farrell stars as a fisherman who hauls in an unexpected catch, when a beautiful and mysterious woman gets tangled in his nets, in this thrilling and charming romance. 4 out of 5 stars
Click Here to View the Trailer

AMC CHERRY BLOSSOM THEATRE

AVATAR, THE WAY OF WATER ( 3 HOURS AND 12 MINUTES)

 This is a predictable Avatar story, but the main reason for seeing it is that the visual effects are so spectacular that it is a stunning experience. For that fact alone, I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. 
Click Here to View the Trailer

    

  Video of the Month    

Clay Cliffs Natural Area on Leelanau Peninsula

Click Here to View the Video of the Month

Trees cling to the Clay Cliffs Natural Area in Leland Twp., Michigan on Monday, June 13, 2022. Clay Cliffs was preserved by the The Leelanau Conservancy in 2013. The 104.5 acre park features 1.5 miles of trails and overlooks of Manitou Islands from 200-feet clay cliffs towering of Lake Michigan. (Drone Image by Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

Local Information

The City Opera House

The State Theater and The Bijou By the Bay

Old Town Playhouse

Leelanau County Farmers Market

Met Opera

 Cherry Capital Airport guide