The Beauty of Summer in Northern Michigan

July and August in Northern Michigan are all about reveling in summer’s bounty. The woods are vibrantly green with pine, birch, and fern dominating the forest. The waters are crystal clear and refreshingly cold. Sunset holds off until well past 9 pm, eventually welcoming a riot of stars to the night sky. From days spent sailing on the lake to feasts of oak plank whitefish, corn on the cob, and cherry pie, these are the cherished days when generations of families gather to carry on deeply rooted traditions. The frenzy of 4th of July festivities have come and gone, but what I’m most looking forward to is all that is still ahead this summer. 

Take a drive and you’re bound to come across one of the countless farms, orchards, and vineyards that make up the agricultural backbone of Northern Michigan. Asparagus, strawberries, and rhubarb fill the markets in June, but as we get deeper into summer, the farm stands from Boyne City to Harbor Springs begin to overflow with fresh lettuce, blueberries, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, sprouts, herbs, and the most flavorful tomatoes. Ears of corn are husked outside Toski Sands, while the crown jewel of them all, sweet cherries, are consumed by the handful. August brings an abundance of stone fruit and melon to our tables, and each meal is all the sweeter for it. 

Farmers markets can be found nearly every day of the week, but it’s always fun to directly visit these cherished local businesses. You can catch live music at Pond Hill Farm, enjoy lunch from Bear Creek’s food truck, or tour the lavender fields at Lavender Hill Farm. While Bill and Don McMaster of Bill’s Farm Market have retired, their cousin, Paul Hoffman, and Paul’s son, Lucas, have taken the reins and allowed the market to continue to serve the community as it always has for over 100 years. On July 27th, longtime local favorite Coveyou Farms will be celebrating 150 years with a festive farm to table dinner as the fifth generation carries on the family business. I love seeing these legendary family businesses thrive, and take great comfort in knowing I’m buying fresh produce from the same places my father and grandfather were supporting.

I’d be remiss to not mention the fact that boating is as synonymous with summer Up North as whitefish and cherries. Sailboats of all sizes skim the horizon in Little Traverse Bay, from robust sailing yachts to NMs built specifically for racing on those waters. Racing culture is big here. Whether it’s the 17s cutting across Walloon Lake’s west arm, sailors from around the country gathering for Ugotta Regatta, or the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Island, there are sailors on the water giving it their all, or just there for a great time. The more leisure minded boaters can be found on pontoons, fiberglass speed boats, and my personal favorite: classic woodies. Elegant, stylish, and meticulously crafted, there is simply no comparison to seeing a beautiful wooden boat glide across the water. To better appreciate their allure, I invite you to join the vibrant wooden boat community of Walloon Lake on August 3rd for the 11th Annual Walloon Woodies & Classic Car Show. It’s an event I look forward to every summer, and am thrilled to see grow in popularity with each iteration.

Many believe that no summer is complete without a drive up the Tunnel of Trees, and I’d have to agree. Heading north on M-119 from Harbor Springs you’ll be rewarded with some of the most stunningly beautiful vistas as the road hugs the shores of Lake Michigan. Stop in Good Hart to peruse the handful of charming local shops, including the historic General Store, before continuing onto Cross Village and the iconic Legs Inn. Built in the 1930s by Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak and members of the Odawa tribe, Legs Inn is as unique as it is convivial – go for the eclectic decor and incredible lake views, stay for the local beer and perogies. To make a full day of it, continue your drive north and stop at Wilderness State Park for a hike or dip in the lake and then venture onto the Mackinac Bridge to cross into the Upper Peninsula. Take the very first exit and pull into one of my favorite hidden gems, Clyde’s Drive-In, for a classically indulgent burger, fries, and milkshake dinner. Catch the sunset along the water and take 31 South for a swift drive back home.

Few things are better than summers in Northern Michigan. There’s ample uninterrupted time with family and friends, endless ways to spend your days, and a dip in the lake is never too far out of reach. It doesn’t take long to realize how lucky we are to call this idyllic place home. Whether you’re planning on perfecting your tennis serve this summer or just angling for as many beach days as you can muster, I know that the weeks ahead will be joyous. The cottages that create our communities hold decades of cherished memories. Here’s to filling them with many more.