Back to school means a fresh start, brand new school supplies, and fabulous fall fashions. While it may be hard to put the beach days, flip-flops, and shorts behind you, fall of 2019 has many fabulous fashion trends to keep you looking cool for the cooler weather and help you make stunning first impressions when you meet new people. These new fashion trends include fun colors, patterns, accessories, and so much more. Leopard and Leather ComboLeopard and leather are going together like the peanut butter and jelly in your lunch box this fall. Leopard makes a bold statement and when paired with a leather jacket and leather boots, you are showing the rest of the school that you are as fierce as a leopard from the wild and a biker girl of the night. The black in the leopard design and black leather make this combination work so well together. Tie-DyeTie-dye does not end when the nights on the boardwalk are over. Tie-dye is a timeless fashion trend. You can wear a tie-dyed with a skirt if you are dressing up for the day, a pair of jeans if you are being casual for the day, or even a pair of sweatpants to be extra comfortable for the day. The beautiful array of colors makes for a great look no matter what you wear it with. Maxi Dress and a Cropped JacketLong with short is what this look is all about. A maxi dress is a comfortable, but a stylish option. Adding a cropped jacket will help you stay warm as the cooler months look in and keep you in-check with the school’s dress code while keeping you still looking fabulous. Bold Animal PrintLeopard is not the only animal print that is in-style this season. All animal prints, especially bold ones, are in-style for the season. These animal prints can be worn on shirts, skirts, sweaters, pants, etc. to make you look fierce. Layered FloralsFlorals are not just restricted to the springtime or Hawaiian-themed parties by the pool. They can make their way into the classroom to add colorful, eye-popping look. The best way to wear florals this year is to layer your floral sundress over a tank top to follow the three-finger rule while feeling and looking great. Pull-OversPull-overs are a simple way to stay warm all throughout the day. You simply pull them over your head and are done with them for the rest of the day. LeggingsLeggings are a comfy fall trend that can be paired with outfits in a variety of ways. They can be worn simply as pants, to keep your legs warm under a skirt or dress, or add a chic look with a long shirt. Black leggings are standard, but fun colors and wild patterns make leggings even more stylish. T-ShirtsYou can never go wrong with an old-fashioned t-shirt because they are comfortable, can be worn with almost anything, and can help you express yourself. Plain t-shirts can be work with a skirt or pants that have a fancy print. T-shirts with quotes can express your personality, and T-shirts with logos or graphics can express your likes and interests. Livinfresh is a solid choice for finding Michigan-inspired clothing. Michigan-inspired fall apparel can help you express your love for your home and the Great Lakes. Check out their website for Michigan-inspired fall fashions to have you looking fine for school. from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/school-fashion-choices/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/187215027232 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/187215078570
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There is no place better than Traverse City, Michigan to spend a summer boating. The area surrounding Traverse City is rich in natural attractions, including forests, vineyards, and numerous freshwater beaches. In fact, the numerous nearby lakes will give you and your family tons of variety for a full summer of boating fun. Let’s take a look at some of the best lakes for boating near Traverse City, Michigan. Long LakeLong Lake is the largest of the many lakes in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. This beautiful lake is just a short 15-minute drive west of Traverse City. It’s a very popular recreational lake in the area, with three public parks along the shore of the lake. Gilbert Park, Taylor Park, and Crescent Shores Park & Boat Launch are the places to go around Long Lake for fishing and boating. Silver LakeThis gorgeous, small lake is well known for its irregular coastline surrounded with dense, fragrant pine forests. Silver Lake also has lots of pretty little islands and peninsulas for adventurous boaters to explore and fish. The public boat launch is located on the eastern shore, and Holiday Park Campground also has boat access as well as camping on Tent Island. Lake LeelanauAlso known as Carp Lake, this lake is actually composed of two interconnected lakes, North Lake Leelanau and South Lake Leelanau. Just a short drive southeast of Traverse City, this large lake in Leelanau county encompasses around 8,608 acres. The village of Lake Leelanau is the place to go to enjoy this lake’s scenic beauty and is the launch point for boating and fishing. Likewise, the tiny town of Leland has a full-service marina. The Manitou Islands within the lake are well known as a haven for wildlife and are accessible by boat, and camping is permitted on the islands. Glen ArborThe tiny township of Glen Arbor, in Leelanau County, is another popular launch point for boaters in Michigan. Glen Arbor is along the shores of Glen Lake to the east and to the west, Lake Michigan. Glen Lake is actually two interconnected lakes, Big Glen and Little Glen Lakes. Glen Lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan. Its waters are incredibly clear, and often seem to glow with iridescent shades of turquoise and indigo blue. Its pristine beauty and placid waters make this lake a popular lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. Likewise, the Crystal River meanders through points of the town; the river is a popular place to kayak and fly fish. Torch LakeAt 19 miles in length, Torch Lake is the longest lake in Michigan, and with more than 18,000 acres, it’s also one of the largest lakes the state. Torch Lake is among the glorious Chain of Lakes, a 75-mile stretch of interconnected lakes spilling into Lake Michigan. The best place to access Torch Lake’s gorgeous water is at Torch Lake Township’s William K. Good Day Park. The park has a pretty little beach, picnic areas, and a public boat launch making this a great place to spend a day boating and picnicking. Michigan is a boaters paradise, rich in natural beauty, and the perfect place to enjoy “Lake Life”. Declare your love for the Lake Life with Michigan apparel from Livnfresh.com. from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/best-lakes-for-boating-in-michigan/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/187122055517 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/187122075250 Michigan natives already know that Northern Michigan is a special place. This is especially true in the fall when the millions of acres of forests of the Upper Peninsula and the Northern Lower Peninsula burst into a blaze of brilliant color. You don’t want to miss these spectacular views! There are many great color tour options to choose from. To help you choose, we have highlighted four of the best color tours in Northern Michigan. These routes offer spectacular views of brilliant fall foliage as well as interesting attractions and dining stops along the way. For your best leaf-peeping experience, you’ll want to plan your trip at the peak of color. See each tour description for the best time to go. 1. Eastern Upper Peninsula – Saint Ignace – Whitefish Point – Engadine Begin in Saint Ignace and drive north on Interstate 75. Take exit 352 to get on state Route M-123. Take M-123 north to Paradise through the Hiawatha National Forest. At Paradise, follow Whitefish Point Road to Whitefish Point. Return to Paradise and get on M-123 heading west, then south to Route 28. Turn right on Route 28 and go west to State Route M-117. Turn left on M-117 and go south to Engadine to pick up U.S. 2. Head east on U.S. 2 back to Saint Ignace. Interesting stops along the way include the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum & Whitefish Point Light Station in Whitefish, Tahquamenon Falls State Park with a 200 ft wide waterfall, Oswald’s Bear Ranch, and Garlyn Zoological Park with a live cougar, bear, wolves, and reindeer. Peak Color: Mid-September to early October. 2. Central Upper Peninsula – Marquette – Negaunee – Au Train Begin in Marquette and drive north on County Road 550 to Big Bay. Head back down County Road 550 and turn right on County Road 510. Merge onto County Road 502 and continue to U.S. 41. Take a right onto U.S. 41 and head into Negaunee. Take state Route M-28 to Ishpeming and then follow County Road 476 to Palmer. From Palmer, travel south on State Route M-35 to Gwinn, then continue on M-35 south to Little Lake. From Little Lake, head east on County Road 456 and turn left on U.S. 41. Drive north to state Route M-94 and make a right to Chatham. Continue east on M-94 to Au Train Forest Lake Road. Follow Au Train Forest Lake Road north to state Route M-28. Turn left on M-28 and head west back to Marquette. Along the way you can check out Marquette Harbor Lighthouse in Marquette, Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay for a great meal, Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee and the National Ski Hall of Fame in Ishpeming. Peak Color: Mid-September to early October 3. Western Upper Peninsula – Houghton – Eagle River – Copper Harbor Start your tour in Houghton and Hancock. Take U.S. 41 north to Phoenix, then turn left onto state Route M-26 and head west to Eagle River. Continue west on M-26 to Eagle Harbor. Continue on M-26 to Copper Harbor. Take U.S. 41 south back to Houghton/Hancock. Some great attractions on this tour include Quincy Mine in Hancock, Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn in Phoenix for an overnight stay, the Light Station Museum Complex in Eagle Harbor and the 1866 Copper Harbor Lighthouse and Maritime Museum in Copper Harbor. Peak Color: Mid-September to early October 4. Northern Lower Peninsula – Grayling – Torch Lake – Lake City Begin in Grayling and head south on I-75. Take U.S. 127 south to pick up state Route M-55 west to Lake City. Head north on State Route M-66 and turn left on State Route M-42 to Manton. Head north on U.S. 131 to Fife Lake. From Fife Lake, take State Route M-186 west and turn right on State Route M-113. Head west on M-113 to state Route M-37. Turn right on M-37 and head north to Traverse City. From Traverse City, take U.S. 31 to Elk Rapids. Take Ames Street and continue north on Cairn Highway through Kewadin. Continue southward on County Road 593. Take a right onto Rapid City Road NW and head south to state Route M-72. Continue on M-72 to Kalkaska. Head west on M-72 back to Grayling. Some great stops on this drive include North and South Higgins State Parks and Wellington Farm Park USA near Grayling and the Monroe Achers Bed & Breakfast near Manton. In Traverse City, you can sail on the schooner Manitou or enjoy a hot air balloon ride with Grand Traverse Balloons. Peak Color: Late September to Mid-October Enjoy these outdoor adventures in Michigan style! Visit Livnfresh.com for great Michigan inspired clothing. from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/color-tours-michigan/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/187044006212 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/187045181895 With over 3000 miles of freshwater shoreline, Michigan is a top spot for boating trips. While you are enjoying the exquisite beauty of Michigan’s waters, be sure to bring along some Michigan beers. With Michigan’s growing selection of craft beer, you will have plenty to choose from. Here are a few beers that will refresh you on a warm, sunny day in the Great Lakes State. 1. Bell’s Brewery Oberon, Pale wheat ale; 5.8%A great summer beer, Oberon is a popular choice because of its smooth feel and refreshing citrus flavor. The beer, made with only four ingredients, has a fruity aroma with a hint of spice for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. With its cheerful sunny golden orange color, you won’t want to miss this signature beer on your trip to Michigan. 2. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Amber Ale, La Roja, American wild ale; 7.2%If you prefer a sour beer, Jolly Pumpkin’s Artisan Amber Ale is a great choice. Barrel-aged and tart in flavor, this beer has a dark amber color and a dry, crispy texture that will refresh you on a warm, sunny day on Michigan’s gorgeous lakes. 3. Austin Brothers Beer Co, Blood Orange Mango Smoothie IPA; 6%On a hot summer day, this juicy IPA hits the spot. Brewed with lactose, this beer will remind you of an orange creamsicle. Medium in carbonation and perfectly balanced in flavor, this robust and fruity beer is a perfect choice for your boating adventure. 4. Bell’s Pooltime Ale, Wheat ale; 5%Made by Bell’s Brewery, this refreshing Belgian-style beer is similar to Oberon but with the addition of the juice of Montmorency cherries from the Traverse City area. The sweet, tart taste and fruity character make this an ideal beer to enjoy on a Michigan boat trip. 5. Short’s Brew, Local’s Light; 5.2%Crafted by Joe Short in 2004, this crisp “beer in its simplest form” is bright yellow in color, balanced in flavor, and highly drinkable. Redesigned in 2018, it remains one of the state’s most popular and beloved beer and is the perfect complement for a long summer day on the water. 6. Founders Brewing Co., All Day IPA; 4.7%This is the flagship beer at Founders, Michigan’s largest brewery. Its low alcohol content makes it easy to drink and a great choice for a boating trip. It is flavorful, crisp, and refreshing. If you are looking for a great IPA, you can’t go wrong with this flavorful, crisp, and refreshing beer. 7. Stroh Brewery Co., Bohemian-Style Pilsner; 5.5%This all-malt European-style pilsner is brewed in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood using Saaz and Magnum hops with Vienna malt. It is perfect if you are looking for a crisp pilsner with a moderately bitter hop. 8. Old Nation Brewing Co.; M-43A flavorful New England style IPA that is hoppy and but not overly bitter, M-43 is made in Williamston from pilsner malts, wheat, and oat. Best when consumed fresh, this popular beer, with its citrus flavor and a creamy feel, is an excellent choice for boaters. After you have decided on which beers to bring along, don’t forget to visit Livnfresh.com for a great selection of Michigan inspired clothing and accessories to make the most out of your Michigan adventure. from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/michigan-beers-boating-trip/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/186982401692 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/186982507605 Fans of the Michigan Wolverines football team had high hopes for their team when they hired legendary coach Jim Harbaugh four years ago, but his entire run with the team has a bit disappointing despite having an extremely talented roster every season. They have just fallen short every time they needed to win a big game. While it may be hard for Michigan fans to get overly excited after the recent disappointments, the Wolverines finally look poised to have the breakout season everyone has been waiting for since the hiring of the new head coach. The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a solid 10-3 season that saw them finish as the 14th ranked team in the country. The team appeared to be ready to play for a championship until losing their final two games of the season. Despite this poor finish, there is a lot to like about the Wolverines entering the 2019 season. They are one of the few elite teams in the country returning the vast majority of their roster. They also made a key coaching change that should help invigorate the offense. The biggest change the Wolverines made in the offseason was the hiring of Josh Gattis as offensive coordinator. Gattis plans to employ an uptempo short passing offense this season. This should help transform Shea Patterson into one of the most effective quarterbacks in the country. Patterson will get to rely on his elite accuracy to make easy throws to the receivers. This will let Mike Sainristil, Giles Jackson and the other speedy wide receivers to make plays in open space. The new offense should also make it easier for all of the young running backs to find open holes on a regular basis. After scheduling a tough ranked opponent in the opening week the last two seasons, Michigan will open their season against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in 2019. This relatively easy opening game will give the offense an opportunity to grow and learn the new system before getting tested by a tough opponent. Nobody wants to get a loss in the first week of the season, so this is brilliant planning by the coaches. While the Wolverines will be tested on a weekly basis during Big 10 conference play, the fate of the team will likely come down to their clash against Ohio State in the final week of the regular season. Unlike last year, this key game is going to be played in front of the home fans at Michigan Stadium. If Harbaugh and the Wolverines can’t top the Buckeyes this year, then it likely will not happen in the foreseeable future. The Wolverines have a talented team, but they also have to play one of the toughest schedules in the country. Finishing the regular season as the Big 10 champions with an 11-1 record seems like the most likely outcome for the Michigan football team this year. It will then come down to the playoff committee to determine if that is good enough to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. Since it appears that the Wolverines are poised to have a big year, it only makes sense to stock up on great Michigan inspired clothing from LivnFresh. Visit the website to find your fan gear before the upcoming season. from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/michigan-football-team/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/186888850757 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/186890198665 Navigation:
Summer is coming to an end, and Labor Day is right around the corner. Time sure does fly. This Labor Day, it’s time to throw a bash that your friends and family will be talking about well after Christmas. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to throw the ultimate Labor Day party without breaking the bank. Now, let’s dive in. 1. Invite the Right PeopleA bigger party isn’t always the best party. If you invite everybody you know, you might end up with a group of wallflowers or gossipy types that drag the entire party down. Instead, choose a select group of people that you know will enjoy spending time together. The right people create the best environment for everyone to enjoy. 2. Food, Food, FoodLabor Day is one of the best days of the year to fire up the grill and make all of the neighbors jealous of the aromas. For your Labor Day party, focus on outdoor foods that everyone will enjoy. Of course, you’ll want plenty of burgers and hot dogs. But think outside the box by working in veggie skewers, roasted vegetables, and even rotisserie chicken. For side dishes, pick up some pre-made pasta salads and potato salads from the grocery store. Put them in your own bowls and take credit for them if you want! Desserts should be light and refreshing. A simple fruit salad with whipped cream will get the job done. Or, if you’re feeling more aggressive, strawberry shortcake with a side of chocolate will be a huge hit. 3. Fireworks Aren’t Just for the 4thIf you only shoot off fireworks on the 4th of July, you’re missing out. A proud display of fireworks during your Labor Day party will make a huge impact while keeping attendees around well after the sun has set (if that’s what you want). 4. Stoke the Fire PitWhen 8:00 pm rolls around and the sun starts to set, it’s time to get the fire pit roaring. Buy some hot dogs, marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate so that your guests can cook up some goodies while they sip on beer or wine. Another workday might be coming on Tuesday, but tonight’s Labor Day. It’s time to celebrate. 5. Don’t Set HoursAvoid a pre-set constraint on what hours your party will be happening. A simple invitation to your party should say something like, “Labor Day afternoon until you’re ready to head home. Come and go as you please.” Setting specific hours will cause pressure on your guests to arrive on time, then make them feel obligated to leave at the time you specify. Keep it general so the atmosphere is more relaxed and inviting to all guests. The Ultimate Labor Day Party Is Just AheadMaybe we’re biased, but Labor Days in Michigan are especially gorgeous. They probably are where you are too. But to channel the early Fall in Michigan, get your hands on some Michigan-inspired clothing at Livnfresh.com. You’ll be the hit of your Labor Day party. best michigan clothing companyfrom Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/labor-day-party/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/186839629187 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/186841020250 Navigation: The changing nature of the climate in and around Michigan is making it difficult for us all to decide what to wear and how to stay safe when we head out onto the Grand Traverse Bay waters. We have gone through a long period of low levels in the Great Lakes with scientists often clashing over what is the cause of these periods of high and low water levels. Among the reasons why we look set to face a period of record-high levels is a lack of evaporation, record-high rainfall totals over the winter and spring, and the phenomenon of Seiches. Grand Traverse BayYou may question why the issue of record high water levels in the Great Lakes is such an issue for us? Firstly, if you are like us and hope to spend some time enjoying the waters of Grand Traverse Bay you should be aware that record high water levels can have serious consequences for our summer enjoyment. Secondly, we enjoy getting out on the water and using our boats to navigate some of the most beautiful marine areas of the U.S. but this can be made more dangerous when water levels are high. Speed limits are often set to limit the amount of wake we create as this can often reach land and increase levels of coastal erosion. Other problems caused by high water levels include crops being planted late and the issue of electrocution when a dock is powered by electrical power. Higher Water LevelThe average water levels are far higher than we have seen in the last few years with statistics from the Army Corps. of Engineers showing water levels higher than record-setting levels of 1986. The rise in water levels throughout the Great Lakes as a whole and in Grand Traverse Bay is often reported to be the result of heavy rains in the May and early June. However, we have been looking back at the statistics from local colleges and we have been experiencing heavy rains above the local average for around six years. The higher than average level of rain in the Great Lakes for the last few years has been accompanied by a shorter summer period that has resulted in less evaporation for a number of years. Buy Michigan state clothes you’ll actually wear from https://www.livnfresh.com/collections/michigan Coast of Grand Traverse BayOne of the biggest problems we are facing when we see higher than average water levels in the Grand Traverse Bay region is the chance for higher water levels along the coast. Along the Coast of Grand Traverse Bay and the rest of the Great Lakes, the chances of flooding will be high as coastal regions will see higher water levels with storms raising the water level to dangerous levels. The phenomenon of seiches will be one we will have to be aware of as this can make certain areas of the coast more dangerous than others. You can expect a sudden rise in the water level on one coast of Grand Traverse Bay when seiches are taking place and high winds drive more water to one end of the lake than another. The coming Summer is forecast to be a changeable one for the majority of regions in and around the Grand Traverse Bay area with storms and flooding a real possibility. If you want to be as prepared to face all the elements possible in the Great Lakes region you should head to Livnfresh.com and check out the unmatched level of apparel we have on offer. best michigan clothing company from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/grand-traverse-bay-water-levels/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/186630150787 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/186630817005 Navigation: One of the most polarizing regionalisms in the food and beverage category is the ongoing debate of soda vs. pop. Many passionate wars of words have sparked, thanks to this endless vernacular skirmish. We at Livinfresh decided to get to the bottom of the disagreement by performing our own comprehensive research. Of course, due to our undying Michigan pride, we knew going in that the correct term is pop! There are highly valid arguments that we believe put pop on top. The phrases used for carbonated beverages are regional reflections, and perhaps the debates over the “right” term stem from allegiance to one’s geographical origins. Those who fall into the pop camp are generally from the Midwest and Northwest, although there are a few pockets in the Midwest that lean the other way. From around Green Bay to Milwaukee, there is a stray slant toward soda. University of Kentucky linguistics professor Dr. Jennifer Cramer explains such sections by saying, “Pockets like this can often be explained by things like migration or transportation routes.” Soda’s PopularitySoda’s prevalence is in the Southwest, Northeast and in pockets in between. Surprisingly, calling all carbonated beverages, regardless of brand, Coke is prevalent in southern states, which is where the famed Coca-Cola beverage company is based. No matter what side of the pop vs. soda debate one falls into, we can all agree that using Coke just seems wrong! Now that we have delved into regional preferences, we must explore the origins of both designations. Soda stems from soda fountains that produced soda water. In 1863, New Haven, CT was the first US city to have a soda fountain, so this explains why soda is so deeply embedded in East Coasters’ vocabularies. The fizziness of soda water caused the word soda to be associated with carbonated soft drinks when they were later created. Buy Michigan state clothes you’ll actually wear from https://www.livnfresh.com/collections/michigan Loyalty to PopWe are steadfast in our loyalty to pop, as it just seems to be the jazzier of the two terms for a multitude of reasons. We owe thanks to British Poet Laureate Robert Southey for the superior descriptor. In 1812, he wrote, “A new manufactory of a nectar, between soda-water and ginger-beer, and called pop, because ‘pop goes the cork’ when it is drawn.” The poetic pedigree is impressive, and the fact that it is a palindrome lends to further coolness. The moniker pop is more evocative than its rival, and at just one syllable, it is faster to say! Of course, our devotion to pop is associated with our allegiance to The Great Lakes State, and we respect those soda-shippers who will also defend their usage until the end. We should all embrace our love of state and country. We invite those of you with a case of incurable MI infatuation to showcase your pride with a selection from Livinfresh’s comprehensive line of fashion apparel that features attractive designs and phrasing that pays tribute to our fantastic home state. best michigan clothing company from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/soda-vs-pop/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/186553662467 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/186553865710 Navigation:
Traverse City might be the cherry capital of the world, but it’s also home to some of the best vineyards and wineries in the country. If you’re planning a tasting tour at the tip of the mitten, here are a few you don’t want to miss! 1. Bel Lago Vineyards and WineryBel Lago has been serving up fine, European style wines for more than twenty years. They specialize in unusual grape varieties, which are grown in a 37-acre on-site vineyard. They’re also known for a special extended barrel aging process for some type of wine. Try Bel Lago wines for yourself in a beautiful tasting room overlooking Lake Leelanau. This is actually where the winery gets its name—”bel lago” is Italian for the beautiful lake. But if you can’t make it up to Traverse City regularly, you can also join Bel Lago’s wine club and receive two custom-curated shipments of wine per year. 2. Black Star FarmsBlack Star Farms actually has two destinations in the Traverse City area: one on Old Mission Peninsula, and another across the bay in Suttons Bay. Originally a first-class equestrian facility, the farm was converted into a luxury retreat where food and wine lovers can find not only some of the best-laid tables in the state but also make use of the on-site inn, hiking trails, and, yes, there are still horses available if you’d like to go for a ride. Black Star Farms wine list is extensive, including award-winning white and red wines as well as sparkling vintages, dessert wines, and fruit wines that feature more than just Traverse City’s signature fruit! 3. Chateau Grand TraverseFamily owned and operated for more than 40 years, Chateau Grand Traverse is one of Michigan’s oldest vineyards. They specialize in European grape varieties and produce award-winning Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Pinot Noir and more. They have more than 200 acres of vineyard in production, with 122 on-site with the main tasting room and even more in the surrounding area. 4. Mari VineyardsWhile some of Traverse City’s vineyards seem to have been plucked from France or Germany, Mari Vineyards looks to be transplanted straight from Italy, with its warm stone villa nestled among rows of exotic grape varieties. Some are a little more exotic than intended! In the flurry of activity surrounding the initial planting in 1999, several rows of vines were mixed up and mis-planted. Rather than destroy the plants, Mari Vineyards created something new: the flagship wine dubbed “Row 7,” which contains a combination of the different varieties accidentally all planted together. The planting may have been a mistake, but the results are delicious! 5. Chateau ChantalFeaturing a first-class bed and breakfast as well as a winery and tasting room, Chateau Chantal is another must-see vineyard located on Old Mission Peninsula. For those who want more than just a basic tasting experience, they offer cellar tours and wine dinners featuring seven courses, each paired with the perfect Chateau Chantal vintage. 6. Two K FarmsKnown not only for their wines but also their hard ciders, Two K Farms is one of the smaller wineries in the Traverse City area, but not to be missed! The 80-acre farm is primarily given over to cider apples, with sites for wine grapes carefully selected and tended to produce only the finest grapes. Not only are the wines and ciders delicious, but the view can’t be beaten. The tasting room is tucked into a secluded wood and overlooks West Grand Traverse Bay. You’d never know you’re only ten minutes from town! 7. Brys Estate VineyardFamily-owned Brys Estate Vineyard is the result of a life-long dream for the Brys family. Knowing they wanted a northern climate for their vineyard, they searched along the 45th parallel (the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator), which happens to run right through the tip of the mitten. The rest, as they say, is history! Today, Brys Estate grows eight different grape varieties and produces a whole range of wines from Merlot to Rose. Buy Michigan state clothes you’ll actually wear from https://www.livnfresh.com/collections/michigan 8. Hawthorne VineyardsHawthorne Vineyards is a small winery with big flavors. With only 26 acres in grape production, their wines are harder to come by than some of their larger neighbors, but it’s worth the trek to Old Mission Peninsula! An intimate tasting room and secluded location make Hawthorne Vineyards perfect for a private night with friends or a spot to celebrate a special occasion. 9. Left Foot CharleyLocated right in Traverse City on the grounds of the old Traverse City State Hospital (an asylum and long term care facility that was closed in 1989), Left Foot Charley is a winery but not a vineyard. Instead, their vintners work with small local growers who have vines, but no winery. Rather than letting these small batches get snapped up by massive out of state wineries, Left Foot Charley creates wines that feature these unique local flavors. 10. Peninsula CellarsGoing back to school isn’t so bad when it’s the historic, one-room schoolhouse tasting room at Peninsula Cellars! Their first vines were planted in 1991, but the Kroupa family, who owns and operates the winery, has been farming the same land for nearly 120 years! The first vintages were made available in 1994, and not long after that, Peninsula Cellars started collecting awards for their wines. They haven’t stopped since! With red and white wines, fruit wines, and more on offer, there’s something for everyone. Want a taste of Peninsula Cellars between visits? Check out their “Honor Roll” wine club! Getting thirsty yet? Before you head out, don’t forget to pick out something appropriate to wear. Check out our full line of Michigan-themed apparel and accessories that will be the perfect pairing for your mitten-state wines! best michigan clothing company from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/traverse-city-wineries/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/186469690537 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/186471677320 Navigation: If you’re visiting the Wolverine State this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll be heading to the beach. There’s a reason this great state is also nicknamed the Great Lake State. With coastlines bordering three of the great lakes, this state is surrounded by beautiful, inviting beaches. If you’re traveling with the family, it can be helpful to brainstorm a list of essentials before heading to the beach. After all, you don’t want to show up to the coastline only to realize you’ve forgotten something important. We’ve compiled a list of things to bring to the beach when you have kids to help simplify the process. 1. Rolling Beach CartIf you’re heading to the beach alone or as a couple, there’s a good chance a backpack will suffice. Two beach towels, sunscreen, and other odds and ends are all you’ll really need for a great day along the coast. Things are different when you’re traveling as a family though. It’s always a good idea to take a rolling beach cart to ease the load. After all, a day at the beach is all about relaxation and fun. There’s nothing relaxing or fun about dragging a massive bag around all day. 2. SunscreenEven though the Great Lakes State isn’t Florida or California, you still have to remain cognizant about the sun. It’s just as powerful here as any other state. You’ll want to take enough sunscreen to last the whole day for the entire family. Higher SPF sunscreen is always a good option to offer extra protection about harmful sun rays. Don’t forget to apply before getting in the water and to reapply a few times throughout the day, especially if you’re going to spend the entire day at the beach. 3. SnacksThe sun is hot at the beach, and there may not be many shops or restaurants around. We always recommend families to bring snacks to help curb their hunger. If you’re planning to be at the beach for just a few hours, snacks will suffice. On the other hand, you may have to pack a few sandwiches or other meal options if you’re going to spend the whole day at the beach. Nobody wants to deal with hangry family members. With the heat from the sun and all of the swimming, your hunger is going to skyrocket. Packing a few snacks can make a day at the beach much more enjoyable. Buy Michigan state clothes you’ll actually wear from https://www.livnfresh.com/collections/michigan 4. CoolerYou’re going to need to bring something to keep those snacks cold when visiting the beach. A cooler with some ice will work wonders for your trip. If you’re visiting from out of town and don’t have a cooler, you can always pick up a cheap, styrofoam cooler from a gas station or grocery store. Although these models aren’t as robust as plastic options, they’ll do the trick for a few weeks. 5. DrinksIf you’re bringing a cooler with ice, you might as well leave some room for refreshments. The summer temperatures along the coast can reach pretty high depending on where you’re visiting. Having a cold drink can transform a hot day at the beach into a relaxing getaway. Juice and soda are great options for the kids. The adults should consider grabbing some local beers from Right Brain or Shorts Brewing. Between the two breweries, you’ll have a wide range of options. Don’t forget to bring a bottle opener. Here at LivnFresh, we want to help you make the most out of your trip to Michigan. Visit our website for more information about our products and services. best michigan clothing company from Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/beach-things-for-the-kids/ from Livnfresh Share Your State Pride. https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/post/186321710087 via https://livnfresh.tumblr.com/ via Tumblr https://annchumleigh.tumblr.com/post/186321715020 |
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