Friday, March 16, 2012

Finding local good eats in northern Michigan

Trying to find local foods grown in the region is important if you're interested in eating locally or finding new foodstuffs that are grown in the region. Indeed, sometimes its just good to have a change from what you can buy at the local supermarket or convience store:


The few links are interesting since they show that people who live in this part of Michigan are interested in what they eat and where it originates.


An interesting food website contributed to by 30 people.


This is a midwest touring company which intends to teaches people about the natural link that exists between sustainable farming, great cooking and the environment.


An equally good source of information on the foodstuffs of Michigan.


This company below is well known across the US for its jams, chutneys, sauces etc. It's well worth checking out if you're nearby one if it's stores.


This company is well known amongst people who consider themselves "foodies" in the US. The original American Spoon store and kitchen is in Petoskey’s historic gaslight district but there are also stores in Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Williamsburg, Traverse City, Saugatuck and American Spoon Cafe & Gelato in Petoskey. The fruit for these jams, since the company was founded has come from small family farms in Northern Michigan. It uses fruit varieties such the Red Haven Peach, the Early Glow Strawberry, the Damson Plum, the Rubel Blueberry and the Northern Spy Apple.

Sometimes even visiting a local farmers markets is enjoyable and different from going to the supermarket! Here's some links to places closeby to the cabin:

It is two miles south of Petoskey on US-131. It is a working Michigan Centennial Farm owned and farmed by the same family for more than 136 years. The farm was an original homestead under President Grant in 1874. The next five generations saw the farm change from being a dairy and livestock farm until 1960, to growing potatoes during the 1940s - 1960s, to cereal grain from the 1970s until 2000. Since 200 the farm has changed again to grow fruit, vegetables, flowers and seasonal trimmings and focused on providing high quality products that are directly marketed to the public.


Lavender Hill Farm, near Horton Bay, Michigan was acquired in 2003 by Linda and Roy Longworth and it has been groomed for lavender production. Lavender thrives on the 45th parallel in both the northern and southern hemispheres. It lies on the 45th parallel and the natural limestone deposits common in the Great Lakes region provide the soil with an ideal Ph of 7 out of the 6 to 8 recommended for growing lavender. The farm currently has over 8000 plants of 30 different varieties.


The Mackinaw Trail Winery is based in Manistique, Michigan and it is open year round but it has two tasting rooms in Mackinaw City and Petoskey.


The Sugary is 4 miles east of Petoskey on 80 acres of property. Here one can tour the sugary and sample items such as maple syrup, maple candy, maple ice cream and even maple root beer.


This is a group of northern Michigan family farmers who are committed to grow and marketing organic produce, juices and hard ciders.


Harbor Springs Vineyards and Winery is located at Pond Hill Farm in Petoskey. The winery is open year round. It's possible to attend winery tastings by the bottle and the glass. Wines include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cherry Wine, Cherry Finale Dessert Wine, and a fantastic Tunnel Vision Hard Cider. They will soon be bottling their Regatta Red Wine as well as a new Peach Mead. The tasting room is made using lumber harvested from the property. Be sure to hike up to the top of the terraced vineyard on a clear day to see the beautiful view of Lake Michigan.
Open daily year round 11am to 6pm.

No comments:

Post a Comment