Visiting the ports of Leland & Elk Rapids Michigan

Kadee has been off enjoying some additional time with her Best Friend so the past week has been just Ed, myself & Rolo. We headed out of Frankfort north past Sleeping Bear Dunes and stopped for the night at one of our favorite ports Leland.

Leland is known as a Safe Harbor. What that means is it is the only harbor within a safe, reasonable distance from one port to another to seek shelter. There is no where else to duck into if the weather on Lake Michigan should turn bad. This makes Leland a popular place to stop not to mention it's just a really cool spot.  Leland would be the 1st stop if your traveling across the big lake on a direct run from Wisconsin to Grand Traverse Bay Area or Northern Michigan. It is a historic fishing village, the preservation society has purchased the land along the waterway to keep its historical yet fishy flavor. The locals lovingly know Leland as "Michigan's Fish Town". There are many small shops along the docks where artists sell hand made tiles, paintings and other creative items. You can also find fresh Smoked Fish, Jerky, t-shirts all of the touristy stuff one "needs".

From there we traveled  to Elk Rapids the entrance of the harbor is well marked. You must use caution in this area due to the old pier which is not visible until you are right near it. The pier is gone however the pilings are all in place and very well preserved underwater. The pier was quite large used for shipping mostly lumber. The town is your typical old small town USA a mix of older buildings most of them well maintained. A few antique shops and a really cool old theater. One of our favorite restaurants, Pearls is located here. Pearls is a Louisiana style Cajun restaurant the food is spicy yet full of flavor. The interior theme matches the menu and the staff is fun. Hot food & cold beer a great mix. The restaurant is located about 2 or 3 miles outside of town we chose to walk it and glad we did.

This morning we are getting ready to head to Traverse City to meet up with Kadee where she will join us for about three weeks of the trip. I guess that's it for now Enjoy