Historic Fishtown

         All too often we make the assumption that in order to enjoy a beautiful vacation we must travel far from home to an exotic location. I have found that some of the most enjoyable getaways are hiding right under our noses. This past April my boyfriend and I began to develop a bad case of cabin fever after a long winter. Flying out of the country was out of the question so we began exploring ideas nearby. We decided that driving towards Traverse City, Michigan would ease some of our restlessness. Although Traverse City offered many cute street front stores and cherry based products, it was not quite what we had in mind. The city seemed very developed and did not offer the remote getaway that we had imagined. Upon realizing this we decided to get off the beaten track and drive until we found what we were looking for.

      For those who have not taken a long scenic ride up M10, I highly recommend it. It was this beautiful Michigan road that led us to one of the most beautiful towns we had ever encountered. Leland, or famously known as Historic Fishtown.

     Leland is located right on the edge of Lake Michigan. Lake Leelanau, a beautiful inland lake, feeds out into Lake Michigan and runs directly through Historic Fishtown. Small shops and restaurants that feature locally caught fish are scattered right next to the dam.

     The image to the right is one that was taken from from a restaurant called The Cove that is right above the dam. From this restaurant you can view fishermen tying up boats and seagulls diving for fish. The coast nearby Leland is scattered with local wineries. This really is a hidden gem on the lakeshore of Michigan. For those that need a getaway, Leland is the perfect place for a weekend filled with breathtaking beach views that make you realize that we take advantage of all that Michigan has to offer.