Archive
Music museum
We visited the Music Museum in Traverse City. Interesting tour, although it really was a museum of music reproduction machines, from the early Victrolas and theater organs, right up to modern juke boxes. What made the tour interesting was a complete description of the various machines, and especially that most of them still were able to play and demonstrate their sounds.
Early sound players were quite elaborate
And a much more modern juke box (but still an antique)
A very elaborate Nickelodeon
The nickelodeon shown above was especially interesting because it was able to play the exact recording of George Gershwin playing Rhapsody in Blue, recorded in 1924. Fascinating!
This Belgian music machine played in Dance halls in the early 1900's
This "Marching Band" organ was designed to attract people to various events, and it was really LOUD! Designed to be heard 1/2 mile away...
You would find a player piano like this in early 1900 saloons
One of the more unusual "music machines"
In addition to all the playing instruments, there was a very large collection of early phonographs, even the cylinder recording devices similar to that invented by Edison. Also early broadcasting equipment from the early radio music hall days. All in all, a very interesting tour!
Traverse City earns #1 Foodie City name
Traverse City is called the #1 Foodie City in the US, and we decided to find out why. So we drove up the Peninsula, where we found large farms, orchards, vineyards, and vegetable farms. So claim #1 – fresh local vegetables – is confirmed. Then, we went to the Traverse City Farmers market. A very large collection of fresh fruits, veggies, free range chicken, organic eggs, and specialty meats was readily available. We got some fresh corn, peppers, and blueberries. Fresh veggies readily available – check.
Next, we went downtown, which has a surprisingly busy main street. People walking and enjoying food and drink. Lots of stores. We ducked into a place called Phil’s, a cafe and chocolate store. Not by accident, but because some locals recommended it, and they are know for their “soon to be famous bread pudding”. We had a great lunch, but alas, the bread pudding would not be ready for another 45 minutes or so. So, our waiter suggested we walk around outside, and be sure to visit the oil and vinegar store across the street. Don’t worry about the bill, just pay when you come back. So we did.
So we checked out various stores, including Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars. What a fun place! First time I’ve ever had “better than chocolate balsamic vinegar”. Boy, it was good! We had unique pairings, such as Chocolate Balsamic vinegar mixed with Meyer Lemon infused olive oil. Terrific, and of course, we bought some 18 year old Balsamic Vinegar.
Back to Phil’s for the bread pudding. They use croissants for the bread, and no raisins. Instead, they add dried cherries, apricots, peaches and dark chocolate, covered with caramel butter sauce. Different, and very, very good.
In short, Traverse City is an insult to those on diets. Highly recommended. BTW, tonight there is a big dinner with Mario Batali as Master Chef. We won’t go, but we’re tempted!
A slough downtown reminded me of Holland
Downtown corner, with local bakery and coffee house
Classic, old fashioned, movie theater, right downtown
One wall inside Fustini's. Mix and make your own blend!
And right across the theater you'll find Phil's
Bread pudding, delicious. $6 gets you enough to share.
Cherry pie, wine, broasted chicken, and #1 Foodie City
Traverse Bay has been ranked as the #1 Foodie City in the USA. There are a multitude of smaller restaurants with known chefs. All of them try to cook innovative dishes, using primarily local grown produce. One restaurant (where we had a terrific lunch) has a daily menu, which also lists the farms where the produce came from.
Two days ago, we drove up the Leelanau Peninsula, based on recommendations from some locals. Our first stop was at the Ugly Tomato, where we not only got some fresh produce but for what they are really known for: cherry pie, made from local cherries. I honestly believe this was the best cherry pie I’ve ever had.
Our next stop was at a local winery for tasting. For the first time, I bought a bottle of cherry wine, it was that good. I normally don’t like fruit wine, but this was special. Then, we went up to Leland, MI to Fishers Happy Hour Tavern and had some really great broasted chicken. Yumm! We had enough leftovers to make two meals out of it, too.
Today we went to the Traverse Bay Commons. Built in 1881 as an insane asylum, there are over 1,000,000 sq. ft. of building space. It was closed in 1989, and in 2003 purchased by a developer who is slowly converting it into a first class shopping area. I think is will be a great place to visit. We bought stuff at the bakery, the winery, and had a super lunch at Trattoria Stella. Tomorrow Chef Mario Batali will be here, cooking for 500 of his closest friends. Interesting, but I think we’ll pass.
The RV Park we are staying is a luxury resort. We’re in good company; there are some VERY expensive motor homes. We walked the park today, I would guess the RVs parked here total well over $50MM. But we still like ours.
The Ugly Tomato
Some of the fruit selection
One of the Asylum wings, waiting to be restored
At the wine tasting room, good wine, friendly people
Inside the Trattoria Stella, inside one of the restored Asylum buildings
Looking down one of the rows of Class A motorhomes
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
Indian legend has a momma bear with 2 cubs swimming across lake Michigan. Unfortunately, the 2 cubs didn’t make it, and where they drowned an island formed, now known as North and South Manitou islands. Momma bear decided to wait on the shore, where she eventually became part of the land, a huge presence by the shore. She has become the Dune.
Actually, this area was formed by the glaciers thousands of years ago. You can imagine how big they were to deposit so much sand and silt to form these dunes! They are many miles long, with the tallest point being 450 feet high. There is an area where you can “walk” down the dune to the beach below, but coming back up is tough (see picture). People not ready for such a climb have had to be brought back by rescue parties!
There are some lovely scenic drives and trails, we did just one of them today. The dunes are always on the move, so hiking needs to be on marked trails. There is an ongoing battle between vegetation and sand; the last picture is a vivid demonstration of sand moving on while the tree stays rooted. A magnificent area!
A covered bridge on the scenic trail
A view back to Little Glen Lake
Dunes, as you approach the lake
Romola on her way on the hiking trail
The climbing dune -- lots of people on it!
You can walk to the beach, but can you make it back?
My favorite shot of the dunes, beach, and lake (HDR processed)
The ongoing battle between plants and sand
Polish Festival, Boyne Falls
Northern Michigan has a strong Polish history. Check out the mailboxes, lots of ****ski’s here! To celebrate, there is an annual Polish Festival, held in Boyne Falls, MI. It is very popular and well attended. The parade, and exhibits, reflect the strong roots in both the automotive industry and agriculture. And not to forget the food… kielbasa sausage, pierogies, and much more, made in old country fashion. Guess the diet is going to have to wait a little longer….
A drum and fife band to start the parade
A fully restored 1914 Ford, in my opinion, best of the old cars.
What's this, a 1924 SUV? Station wagon?
A 1930 Ford sedan
Unknown year fire engine
An 1897 (!) Huber steam tractor, still functional!
A very early vintage John Deere tractor
This old Farmall tractor and thresher are both still fully functional
This 1940 Allis-Chalmers can still pull the load at the tractor pull
Chain saw carving demonstration
Ax throw, with ax in mid flight
Old vs. new way of bucking a log (chain saw won)
Across the Mackinaw bridge
The Mackinaw Bridge is 5 miles long and 520 feet high, and connects the Michigan Upper Peninsula (UP) with the rest of Michigan. It is subject to strong winds, and as such strikes fear in the hearts of big rig drivers. Fortunately, we had almost no wind, and only traffic to contend with.
Through the windshield, approaching the mid span
So now we are back in Michigan, and next week will have our Travelling Supremes rally. Between now and then, some sightseeing, and fancy food, I’m sure….
Bridge picture taken in 2007 from the south end
Bad driving day; tall ships
Normally, a 90 mile drive is a no brainer but today was the exception. First, the main highway — I-35 — was closed to large vehicles like ours, and we had a LONG detour. In fact, we got lost on this detour. When we were finally on track, we were in downtown Duluth, navigation busy city roads. To top it off, we had a long descent to the waterfront. Since the road was full of traffic, and windy, and with stop signs, I didn’t manage my brakes well and when we got to the bottom they were smoking and smelling like burnt metal. After a cool down, all was well again and we drove on to our camp site.
This was the Tall Ships Festival week in Duluth, with 6 full masted ships stopping over. We took walk and viewed the ships, of an era now long gone. Aaarghh,matey!
The HMS Bounty, coming in to dock
Don't know how you manage all that rigging....
The bowsprit of the "Europa", a Dutch ship
The rigging of the "Europa"
One of the ships returning to harbor
These ships are on a race,and they leave here (Duluth, MN) tomorrow. However, the exact departure time and place is not pblished. I had hoped to get a picture of these ships under sail, but the best I can do is a copy of the photo of the “Europa”…
Alignment, shopping, and on our way again
When our coach was built, the rear alignment was substantially off, with 5/8″ of toe out. This caused excessive wear on the left duals, and since these tires cost $600 each that is not good. Fortunately, we found a competent shop near Minneapolis that specializes in RV tire and chassis work. So we spent two days here as they worked us in, and out.
Parked in front of the shop
Since they specialize in RVs, they had 50Amp power outlets so we could hook up power and just relax. While they worked on the coach, we went to the Mall of America (largest mall in the US), bought some clothes, caught a movie, and killed some time.
Thanks to them working on Saturday, we were finished Saturday PM and went on our way. They did a great job, the coach drove noticeably smoother, and easier as well. Now on to the casino in Hinckley, then on to Duluth to see if we can catch the Talls Ships festival.
Hello, Minnesota
We were supposed to go from Montana to the UP (Upper Michigan) for a 3 week stay, and to catch up with friends. Unfortunately, we discovered that our motor home has a serious alignment problem. The rear dual tires (drivers side) are almost worn to the warn bars. That is 16,000 miles on a 75,000 mile tire and it’s worn out…
We found a place near Minneapolis that specializes in frame alignment of large vehicles. So, we are heading there to have the alignment done, replace the two front tires, and balance all wheels. Hopefully that will be the last issue we have with our home on wheels. Since we allowed lots of time to go from MN to MI our schedule won’t be impacted, but our wallet will be…..
So, we left the mountains of Montana for the hills of North Dakota and the lakes of Minnesota. Sure is a different terrain….
Not much to see in N Dakota, except hills and grass lands....
Batesville, MN
We found a pleasant place to spend our first night in Minnesota. It is a city park in Batesville, MN, about 200 miles north of Minneapolis. We haven’t seen this much grass since we left Texas, som 4 months ago. Warm days, cool nights, beat the heck out of hot days and hot nights in Texas….
Havre, MT
Havre, MT is a railroad boom and bust town, built in the late 1800’s. In 1904, there was a major fire in the downtown area, which was totally destroyed. Some of the local merchants left, others started doing business out of their basements. Eventually teh town was rebuilt, but the basements remained, as did many of their business. This includes barber shops, bakeries, pharmacies, dentists, bordellos, and bars.
Today the underground city has been restored and a very informative tour of the “town” is available. Highly recommended if you are in this area.
Part of the model railroad in the (aboveground) railroad museum
Maintenance workshop
Dental chair (ouch!)
Inside the saloon
Inside the bordello
And, inside the barber shop
There were many more rooms, such as the Chinese laundry, the sausage factory, the cigar factory, and the opium den. A very interesting few hours in an unexpected place.
Laninga's Travel Blog 