Malayzia Mag Issue 7: The Thanksgiving Edition | Page 29

The Steurys aren’t alone. Many other travelers to this Lake Michigan resort community seem
to revel in the diverse experiences offered by local bed & breakfasts. They include the
palatial townhouse of a turn-of-the-century lumber baron, a historic country inn whose guests
once arrived by steamship, a laid-back “Up North” retreat surrounded by miles of wilderness,
and a winery chateau with breathtaking views of water, sky and vine-covered hills.
“There’s certainly a lot of variety in this area,” says Dave Olsen. He and his wife, Melanie,
own the rusticLake ‘N Pines Lodge, tucked
away on a nearly uninhabited lake 15 miles
from downtown Traverse City that’s
surrounded by 6,000 acres of state forest – a
designated wildlife sanctuary where loons,
swans, beaver, eagles and osprey are
frequently spotted. “We’re all about the nature
experience; wives bring their husbands here
to show them that B&Bs don’t have to be
allfrou-frou.”
A pair of “urban refugees” from the Detroit area, the Olsens have operated the Lodge since
2009. Its five units range from a two-bedroom cottage to a 900 square-foot suite -- and in
keeping with their wilderness theme, they offer guests the free use of their fleet of canoes
and kayaks. (They’re also proud of their unique “made to order breakfast” menu.)
Gary and Jamie Creason had much the same idea in mind when they moved from California
three years ago to take over the Applesauce
Inn, in the picturesque Chain of Lakes region
northeast of Traverse City: a combination of
great cooking, a relaxed atmosphere and easy
access to a wealth of outdoor activities, from
hiking, cycling, golf and fishing to skiing and
snowshoeing.
A converted farmhouse built in the American
Foursquare style, the Inn benefits from its
nearness to the golf courses and ski slopes of
Shanty Creek Resorts – but it’s also becoming
a favorite haunt of craft beer lovers on pilgrimage to the home of Short’s Brewing in nearby
Bellaire.
“We’re just extremely cozy and casual,” says Jamie. “And really, if I say so myself, the food
isgood.”
At the other end of the scale is Traverse City’s most “urban” B&B: the
historic Antiquities Wellington Inn, where Ron and Barb Steury like to stay when they’re in