When Justin discovered that my familiarity with the Leelanau Peninsula consisted of a single stroll through Sutton’s Bay and a similarly brief visit to Fishtown, he insisted that I get out and explore. Now, while half the apple harvest hangs in the orchards and grapes still dangle from their vines. Now, before the crimsons and the goldenrods and the bright greens of autumn fade into the browns and grays and blahs of winter.
So I did. Justin made me a map and highlighted a route that wound through the countryside taking me past the Bardenhagen Family Farm where our Early Glow Strawberries are grown, up Jelinek Road through the orchards where Marty & Martin Jelinek grow our Harlayne Apricots, around a curving slope of land lined with Gary Fredrickson’s apple and pear trees, down a little dirt road to the farm where Gene and Kathy Garthe tend a fledging quince orchard on our behalf, and through the adorable little town of Northport to Christmas Cove Farm, where John and Phyllis Kilcherman curate an impressive collection of 240 varieties of antique apples.
And everything was so breathtakingly beautiful that I found myself committing all sorts of distracted driver transgressions: straying into the oncoming lane as I admired the scenery, slowing to a near stop to contemplate an alternate route, or swerving off onto the narrow shoulder to hop out and take a photo.
Still, I managed to make it safely all the way to the tippy top of the peninsula and back again, breathing in the crisp air, snacking on antique apples, watching leaves flutter to the ground, and basking in the golden glow of autumn.
Tags: autumn, fall, leelanau peninsula, northport, northwest michigan, orchards, photographic tour
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I loved this post. it allows you to remember things that make Michigan a special state and an appreciation for the people that live on the farms and put so much love and caring into what they do. Beautiful pictures – thanks
Thank you for sharing your beautiful words and photographs of your farm in autumn with us, some of us being your loyal customers. To be able to stop, pause, and acknowledge the beauty of nature is a blessing. It gives balance to our lives for all that is difficult to bear, for those things that might cause one to be crushed with despair. Every season brings its unique gifts. Life only asks us to awaken, as if a rooster crowed, as if to say, “Go on!” and not miss one minute of the tomorrow that lies ahead
It’s really a special place!
These photos are so beautiful!
Next time, you MUST come out towards Glen Arbor, if for the view of the lakes alone!
I will! Thanks for the recommendation.
What beautiful pictures! I just moved to Michigan recently (Grand Rapids), but haven’t spent too much time up north. After hearing about you on Jessica’s blog (How Sweet It Is), I am definitely planning a trip! I would love to try everything! :)
Thank you! If you’re a skier, there are several ski resorts in the area that would make a winter visit worthwile.
After years of being a satisfied customer. I went online to purchase the wonderful winter compote that when we first start our realtionship with spoonfood was 4.95 a jar. now at 8.95 a jar and 10.00 shipping and the economic times as they are I am sadden that I cannot justify the purchase.