Escargot at happy hour. A new campground near the Tunnel of Trees. The vast shoreline at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Here’s what our editors are loving this month.
This is a MyNorth.com exclusive. Want more? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
Lissa's Swooning Over ...
Happy Hour at La Bécasse
True, parting the red velvet curtain and settling in for dinner at La Bécasse in Maple City is one of the finer things about life in Northern Michigan. But not to be overlooked: The La Bécasse happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday on the deck. The wine list is luscious, as are the charcuterie, escargot and other small plates. Relax, chat a bit in French with Chef Guillaume, listen to the wind off Glen Lake stir the trees, sip a bubbly rosé from Provence. À votre santé!
Photo by Lissa Edwards
Photo by Lissa Edwards
Allison's Swooning Over ...
Blissed-out Camping
I can feel summer’s end drawing near, but this week I received a bit of news that gave me hope—it’s not too late to find my slice of camping paradise. Thanks to the folks at Blissfest, you can now reserve campsites in the idyllic woods near Cross Village, home to the annual folk and roots festival each July. Campers have access to 200+ acres of trails and countryside, including an 18-hole disc golf course and the North Country National Scenic Trail, which passes through the property. The location is ideal for accessing state parks, Lake Michigan beaches and the Tunnel of Trees, or stay on-site, lay out on a blanket, look up and enjoy the dark, starry night skies.
The campground’s 25 drive-in and 10 walk-in sites all run $20 a night. Head to Hipcamp and search for “Blissfest Arts & Recreation Center” for more info.
Photo by Blissfest Campground
Carly's Swooning Over ...
Classic Summer Moments at Pictured Rocks
Sunset cruise on Lake Superior with gorgeous views of towering sandstone cliffs and formations? Obviously worthy of your bucket list. While most Michiganders know just how special Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is, the park is also getting national attention this summer from The New York Times.
Good to know: Pictured Rocks Cruises frequently sell out. Pre-purchase your tickets.
Related Read: The Best Things to Do and See at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Rachel's Swooning Over ...
Lunch at Lylah’s
Working from home a few days a week has afforded my husband and me the opportunity to support local and try lunch options in our town of Suttons Bay. We typically order to-go once or twice a week and my sweet husband offers to pick up. This time our spot of choice was Lylah’s, and we had some errands to run in town so I tagged along.
Walking up to the counter, I had to do a double take when I saw the person at the register was in fact a young girl. I jokingly asked her, “Are you going to take our order today?” to which she giggled and said, “No!” Then I asked her if she worked there, to which she again replied “No,” following up with, “But I am the boss!”
Before we could finish chuckling, a man cozied up to the side counter with a sandwich and a pile of chips and said, “Well, I guess if the place is named after you, you ARE in charge!” Ahh, we had met the famous Lylah!
I ordered the Turkey Rachel (called “Who’s Rachel?”) and Matt, my husband, ordered the Chicken Gyro (“Oh What A Year-Oh”) both served up with Great Lakes Potato Chips and a Northwoods fountain soda. After waiting a few minutes, our food was ready and upon leaving each member of the staff, including Lylah herself, said goodbye and we were on our way. While these lunch outings are typically to-go missions, after the hospitality we received, the quality of sandwiches and the number of thoughtful details (like the napkins at each table rolled up into a rose) there’s no doubt our next visit will be dine-in!
Photo by Rachel Soulliere