Midwest Wine Country

When thinking of a place to go for Labor Day weekend, I just couldn't think of a better place than Traverse City, MI. It's less than 8 hours away, has sparkling clear blue water, great camping, and world class wines. How could a NorCal girl resist?

We had been up to the area before for Labor Day weekend in 2007 and 2008 for backpacking on South Manitou Island. The previous years we had phenomenal weather that was perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the cold Michigan waters. This year was not so nice, but we managed to have a good time anyway. We camped at Interlochen State Park on Green Lake at the rustic sites. The peace and quiet was well worth no flush toilets and a hand pump well.

We made the best of the rainy Saturday by outlet shopping and wine tasting. Traverse City really only has a Gap and Old Navy outlet, but I really like the Gap so I was happy. After lunch at Culvers (I love those cheese curds!), we hit up the Leelenau Peninsula wineries as on our previous trip we had toured the Old Mission Peninsula wineries. We went to 3 tasting rooms: Chateau De Leelenau, Ciccone, and L. Mawbry. They all had quality wines, but I loved L. Mawbry because they specialize in sparkling wines. I was impressed with their classic brut and riesling. Afterwards we headed to the tip of the peninsula to see the state park we almost stayed at and, boy, was I glad we didn't. The weather at the entrance to Grand Traverse Bay was even more rainy and windy. The evening cleared up a bit, but was very cold compared to the 90˚F weather back in Ohio.

Lighthouse at the tip of the Leelenau Peninsula

Stormy weather at the mouth of Grand Traverse Bay

Sunday was sunny and warm so we decided to use our bikes after driving them all the way up. We took the bike path from downtown Traverse City north towards Suttons Bay. The path winds through woods crossing clear streams and passing by numerous lakes. I really like the bike paths in Ohio, but they just don't compare to northern Michigan. We had a picnic lunch at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula and walked out all the way on the natural jetty.

Sam at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula

Old Mission Lighthouse

Sam's favorite Michigan winery is Chateau Chantal and he really wanted to stop by although we had been there before. The tasting room was packed full of wine bus people. I reminded Sam we could buy all their wines at the grocery store so we left the building to roam their grounds a bit. The grapes looked almost ready to pick and the views of the bay were spectacular.

Chateau Chantal grapes

West Grand Traverse Bay

Chateau Grand Traverse

Sam was a real trooper the whole weekend. He still has a head cold, but drugs and sleep are helping nurse him back to health. I had 2 really bad nights sleeping on a broken Thermarest. After 30 years, the pad finally sprung a leak. A quick stop at Gander Mountain fixed my problem. I hope my new Thermarest lasts 30 years.

We came home with more than a case of wine! I really wish Ohio alcohol laws weren't so onerous so I could buy Michigan wines at my local grocery store. Although we didn't even get in the water we had a very relaxing time. I now want a house on Lake Leelenau and a boat to go with it. The weekend was really great until the American police state ruined our drive home. Nothing like having an highway patrol officer issue you a citation for the very same law he was breaking. I will refrain from any further tirade about the American police state (aka legalized bullying). At least I am well stocked with wines!