A lot has happened locally over the past few months. If you’re returning for summer, here’s a sampling of what you’ll notice.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail continues to grow.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail continues to grow. The three-mile trail from Glen Arbor to Port Oneida is under construction, with a planned completion date of June 1. There are some great sections in this segment that go thru swamps, cedar, pine and hardwood forests and fields with nice secluded distances from roads.
Water levels on Lake Michigan are 15 inches higher than last year.
Water levels are rebounding all over the north from the historic lows of the past several years. Lake Michigan is 15 inches above what it was last year at this time. Signs of the old Glen Haven pier are mostly underwater. And much of the beach grass that has dominated Sleeping Bear and Good Harbor Bay’s shorelines has been washed away.
The new Glen Arbor Artisans building on M-22.
Glen Arbor has a rare new commercial building in town. It was built by Kristin Hurlin and Paul May who hosts the Glen Arbor Facebook page. It will showcase Kristin’s award winning art and Paul’s giant sized photography. Look for the Glen Arbor Artisans sign south of town on M-22.
The newly renovated M-22 store
Matt and Katy Wiesen have expanded their M-22 store in dramatic style at the northeast end of town. It boasts an industrial look and plenty of natural light.
It is always good to see important properties transition to the next generation. David and Theresa Gersenson purchased the Sylvan Inn on M109 in Glen Arbor this past February and are looking forward to their first summer. And Doug and Tonya Thomas, who have owned Glen Arbor’s Totem Shop for several years, have also finalized the purchase of the building right in the center of Glen Arbor.
Also in Empire, new(ish) owners – Peter and Megan Schous now own the Lakeshore Inn and Tiffany’s Ice Cream in Empire, and are adding a second storefront to the latter: Little Finger Eatery opens in June.
Glen Arbor Township did a unique deal with Leelanau Schools— the township leased Leelanau Schools tennis courts for ten years and then resurfaced them and added both tennis and pickle ball lines to the four tennis courts. They are available to the public. The courts will also be used for kids and adult tennis clinics all spring and summer. Stay informed at the Glen Arbor Tennis Facebook page.
And finally, our Glen Arbor cafe opens this weekend for ice cream and beverages.
