Michigan Travel,  Uncategorized

What to do in Leland, Michigan

What to do in Leland Michigan

I recently visited Leland, Michigan. I hadn’t been in years but was excited to visit and join in Leland Gal’s 5 year anniversary. And, honestly, it’s Northern Michigan… you really can’t go wrong up there. The water is a shade all its own and is as clear as can be. There is a very relaxed beach town vibe complimented by good old Midwestern friendliness.

[This post contains affiliate links]

What to do in Leland Michigan

Fishtown is a small village comprised of shanty shops down by the water. You can picture what it must have been like back in the day to work in one of the shantys. Fishtown is still a commercial fishing village, as we saw on an early morning stroll when racks of fresh lake trout and salmon were being prepared. Not surprisingly, Fishtown was named a Michigan Historic Site in 1973.

What to do in Leland Michigan

Fishtown is a “must visit” place. The shops are quaint and wonderful. I, of course, am a little biased but you really shouldn’t miss a trip to Leland Gal. The vibrant colors are enough to brighten anyone’s day, so the friendly staff is just the icing on the cake. The owner, Maggie Revel Mielczarek, is a true talent (stay tuned because I’ll be sharing how Leland Gal came about next week).

What to do in Leland Michigan

Tug Stuff is also a super cute store, featuring Michigan apparel and children’s clothing. Again, the staff is incredibly welcoming. The Village Cheese Shanty is another great place to stop, especially if you are headed out for a picnic on the beach or just to the docks to watch the boats coming and going. And don’t forget to pick up something sweet at Dam Candy Store (it lasted all of 2 seconds when I brought some home for my kids). While you are in Fishtown, you might as well meander down to The Cove to get a bowl of seafood chowder and a Chubby Mary (I’m not certain, but I feel like ordering a Chubby Mary is a right of passage for tourists up here. You can definitely buy an M-22 sweatshirt if you order this drink.)

What to do in Leland Michigan

Up on the main drag, Blue Boat Coffee is a perfect place to stop in for a cup of coffee. One, it is good. Two, it made me feel at home with its MADCAP grounds. Three, it is super cute. Four, at 8am on a Friday morning, they kept it simple for me…. and it was much appreciated.

What to do in Leland Michigan

Just across the way, is Leelanau Books. Who doesn’t love a cozy book store? I wasn’t able to make it in this time because we needed to get back home before it opened, but I have heard wonderful things about it and will definitely be checking it out the next time.

What to do in Leland MichiganWhat to do in Leland Michigan

Also up the road from Fishtown and Main Street is The Riverside Inn, which is both a restaurant and, as the name suggests, an Inn. It has beautiful water views of the Leland River and is classic yet updated both inside and out.

What to do in Leland Michigan

The food at The Riverside Inn is as delicious as it is gorgeous and, once again, the staff is professional and pleasant. Much of the food and wine is local.

We were fortunate enough to stay at Maggie’s family home, which was delightful and stunning (it even came complete with a very talkative 4-year old, making me feel right at home). However, I do have a family-friend who grew up in Leland, and her recommendations of places to stay included The Whaleback Inn and The Leland Lodge (which was recently remodeled).

What to do in Leland Michigan

If you are traveling back out of town on M-22, stopping in Sutton’s Bay, another adorable town in Northern Michigan, is always a good idea. We meandered around, grabbing coffee, window shopping, and standing in awe of this beautifully colored glass garden.

What to do in Leland Michigan

Leland and Sutton’s Bay are also great stops to consider on your way farther north. If you are headed to Mackinaw Island to experience the back-in-time splendor or watch the boats finishing their long treks in the Race to Mackinac, my friend, Lexi, has some wonderful information on the island accompanied of course by her lovely photos over on the blog, In the Hutch. Lexi’s Instagram account is amazing, too!

If you haven’t been to Northern Michigan, it is worth a trip, especially in the summer and fall. If you have been to Leland and Sutton’s Bay, what did I miss? What are your recommendations?

What to do in Leland Michigan

As always, here is a Pin:

What to do in Leland Michigan

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

11 Comments

  • Joanna

    I love the beautiful quiet scenery of Leland, I can imagine it’s a wonderful destination to get back in touch with nature and destress from the big city’s chaos. The Fishtown looks so cute, perfect to explore and buy some cute local goods. I would also think having dinner at The Riverside Inn is a must, with that delicious pairing menu.

  • Katherine

    What a cute little town! I just looked it up on a map and saw how surrounded by water it is, it must be a gorgeous place to stay, although I’m sure it’s probably freezing! Now excuse me while I hop on over to Leland Girl to check out everything there!

    • Mackinaw Road

      It really is! It is beautiful in the summer and just the right temperature, but yes, in the winter all of Michigan is freezing!!! Luckily, there are ski slopes nearby 😉

  • LifeIsFullOfAdventures

    What a gorgeous little town…I never knew it was there, and I lived a few hours away. I must make a point to visit, love finding this quaint little towns along the way. That glass garden is incredible!