Pointes North Inn

Old Mission Point Lighthouse

by Toughluck

Drive the Old Mission Point north from Traverse City. Twenty miles (32 km) of rolling orchards and vineyards. No towns and houses scattered far and wide. When you reach the point, you'll find the Old Mission Point Lighthouse. Here Grand Traverse Bay splits into the East Arm and the West Arm. Traverse City proper is on the West Arm. Grand Traverse State Park is on the East Arm. Here, they join into one large embayment off Lake Michigan. The Old Mission Light provided ships, warning that the point was here and that the Port of Traverse City lay to the west side of the bay.

The Lighthouse is privately owned and a personal residence. Please stay on the public walks and beach while visiting.

Good Coffee and Lots of Ambience

by deecat about Higher Grounds Trading Co. Coffee bar & roastery

I was in the mood for some coffee, so we stopped at Higher Grounds Trading Company, which is a coffee bar and roastery. Higher Grounds is located in Building #53 in The Village Grand Traverse Commons and shares a building with a winery.

They advertise their coffee as "100% fair trade, organic, and shade grown." The coffee is grown by small-scale farming cooperatives in:
Columbia
Ethiopia
Mexico
Nicaragua
Peru
Sumatra
If you order a cup of coffee "to go", you take your drink with you a ceramic mug of coffee that has been donated. The reason? Because Higher Grounds not only supports fair trade wages, they also encourage environmental responsibility. I ordered a Mocha coffee to be drunk there [outside on the picnic table.] The woman who waited on us was quite interesting and knowledgeable. She told us so much about this project and pointed us toward a large window where you could watch the coffee beans being roasted.

The coffee drink was delicious, and the place was bright and comfortable. I especially liked the jukebox in the corner See photo #2.

If you have the opportunity, stop by The Village Grand Traverse Commons to relax and enjoy a fair trade cup/mug of coffee. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Girl's Spring Trip 2010

by deecat

"Traverse City"

Traverse City was the perfect "home base" for us.
Evidently, at one time, this city had gone down hill and has in need of renovation. The town rallied, and a revitalization came about, all for the beautification. Well, what a great job was done. Now Traverse City is a vibrant, welcoming community that offers good restaurants, quaint shops, and a wonderful beach area.

"Maintaing vital architecture"

This photo of The Old City Hall is just one example of how Traverse City has chosen not to tear down old buildings; rather they are reused.

"Unique Architecture of Suttons Bay"

This photo of Suttons Bay points out why Mickey and I loved it so much: unique architecture, colorful buildings, and lovely shops and restaurants.

"The Historic District of Leland Called "Fishtown"

So glad that we decided to visit historic Leland with its unique Fishtown area.

"Grand Traverse Lighthouse"

Visiting the Grand Traverse Lighthouse was a great travel moment. Being able to climb the tower for the beautiful view was a bonus.

"Unexpected Positive from a Hospital for the Insane"

Discovering the history of the multi-use of the now-named Village Commons was quite an experience. To take a soon-to-be-torn-down mental hospital complex and to turn it into a place filled with unique shops, restaurants, a bakery, a wine tasting business, business complex, and lofts and condominiums was one of the most unusual travel experience that I've experienced.

"Visting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore"

It was a big thrill to visit the outstanding National Park called Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

"Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum"

One of our last visits on our trip was to the Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum and its scenic views of Lake Michigan.