If you’ve had young kids, you’ve been there. Bundling layer on layer to noncompliant littles isn’t an easy task. Add the cold temperatures and an inevitable toddler tantrum (or two!)—because, no, you can’t eat snow—the lengthy efforts are for a short amount of playtime. You get it.
But when asked to head to Harbor Springs during the holidays to write this travel piece, I only needed a little push ... and I was all in.
Snowpants? Packed. Road snacks? Yep. Sunglasses? Absolutely. Our family of four is ready to go.
Snowmobile tracks line the road as we drive closer to Emmet County. My husband and I are slightly giddy as we drive our two sons to our holiday trip to Harbor Springs and points beyond. At three and almost two years old, we know better than to tell them any details in advance about our adventure—we’d never hear the end of it. So we keep our upcoming destination a secret between us. And instead, when we are asked where we’re going, we simply tell them, “North.”
We hear our boys’ first gasps of excitement from the back seat once we arrive in downtown Harbor Springs, as they spot the biggest Christmas tree they have ever seen, right in the middle of the street. The bustling heart of Harbor is beautiful—but we don’t stop driving yet. We roll down the window to wave at the marvelous tree and holler, “See you soon!” as we drive higher in elevation. Our first stop is for a snack break.
Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra December 2019-utgaven av Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Camping With Your Dog
Bringing your dog on your next outdoor overnight excursion? Oh, yes! With a little planning, your canine companion will enjoy camping just as much as you. These Northern Michigan spots are perfectly pet-friendly.
SWEET ON THE BETSIE
JENA MATZEN AND GREGG TRAHEY WEREN’T LOOKING FOR A BIG HOME UP NORTH. BUT THEY DID WANT STYLE.
REFRESH IN BLUE AND WHITE
ASKED TO MOVE A HARBOR SPRINGS HOME FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRANSITIONAL STYLE, INTERIOR DESIGNER GEMMA PARKER BUILT ON THE FRESH, TIMELESS ALLURE OF BLUE AND WHITE.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Explore Emmet and Cheboygan counties by foot, bike or hoof, thanks to this scenic trail.
Please, eat the violets.
The wild violets that dot our forest floors are pretty enough to eat. Go ahead—let our six simple recipes fuel your culinary imagination.
OASIS ON ELK LAKE
ARCHITECT KEN RICHMOND DESIGNS A HOME THAT CAPTURES THE CARIBBEAN COLORS OF ELK LAKE WHILE FEELING COMPLETELY ORGANIC TO THE NORTHWOODS.
LOSS AND NATURE
Leelanau's Cedar River Preserve provides peace and perspective.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Celebrating an unconventional trout opener among friends.
CHAMPION OF TREES
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is the “most hopeful project on the planet,” says David Milarch.
DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE
American House—the Siren Hall spinoff—is making darn good pizza.
