Applesauce Inn B&B

Torch Lake:  Supposedly named "Third Most Beautiful Lake In The World!" by National Geographic back in the 1970's. Although that remains unproven, we believe it!  With it's incredible caribbean-colored aquamarine waters, Torch Lake is just one part of the famous "Chain-of-Lakes" consisting of 14 interconnecting lakes, rivers & streams.  With a depth of 330 feet and length of 18 miles, it is one of Michigan's largest inland lakes. Although there a just a few very small beaches, the lake offers fantastic boating and a great scenic drive.  Just 5 minutes away! 

Shanty Creek Resort: one of Michigan's best Golf Resorts;  Named the Best Family Golf Resort in the Midwest by Great Lakes Golf Readers, Shanty Creek offers four championship golf courses, each a unique experience with a distinctive combination of challenges and natural beauty. Lessons, clinics, shopping and restaurants on site.  Just 2 miles from the Inn!

Golf:  Antrim County is known to have some of the best golf in Michigan...even outside of Shanty Creek Resort!  We always say "close your eyes, spin around, point in any direction and there will be a golf course!   Click here for links to several courses within 1/2 an hour from the Inn. 

Boat Rentals: Boat the Chain-of-Lakes by pontoon or glide by kayak, or try your hand at some fishing for a relaxing afternoon--Riverside Marina in Bellaire is just a few miles down the road, and they can help you with all of your fishing or boating needs on the lakes...put into the river right on site and go!  (231) 533-8559.  Just 10 minutes from the Inn.

Wineries:  The Traverse City area boasts some of the best wineries in the country.  Award-winning reislings and chardonnays are just the beginning.  Ever had Pear or Peach Wine?  How about Hot Spiced Wine?  Click on this link for a complete listing of both Leeleanau and Old Mission Peninsula Wineries, all 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours from the Inn.  Make it a winery tour! 


Canoeing & Kayaking:  There is nothing more quiet and relaxing than a leisurely paddle down the river.  See all kinds of critters, maybe even a blad eagle!  The Jordan River has been designated a "wild scenic natural river".  Sections of faster water with narrows, fallen trees & sharp bends challenge more experienced paddlers.  Other areas of the river are wider & slower, but no less beautiful, so even beginning paddlers can enjoy the sport with confidence.  Two liveries are just a short drive from the Inn.                                             

Traverse City: Just a 40 minute drive gets you to the largest little city in the North and the tourism mecca of the state; Traverse City sits nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers the best of everything. Dozens of great wineries, beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, gambling and a dining experience for every taste.

Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat'l Park:  The most beautiful natural area in Michigan.  Come and enjoy 35 miles of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, lakes, hiking trails, beaches, explore North and South Manitou Islands, and of course climb the dunes and explore Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive!  1+ hour drive from the Inn.

Mackinac Island: A couple hours to the North takes you to historic Mackinac. From Fort Mackinac on the mainland to Mackinac Island, this historic area has something for everyone. Mackinac Island offers charming streets (no motorized vehicles on the island) with horse-drawn carriages, grand summer cottages, quaint boutique shopping and fine dining. The island is just a short ferry ride from Mackinaw City. May-October. 1+ hour from the Inn

Hiking Trails and Nature Areas:  The region offers several areas for hiking, biking, snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, bird-watching and nature-loving.  Discover thousands of acres and miles and miles of wilderness trails with marked trails, nature classes, guided tours and animal & bird-watching galore.  The best of Northern Michigan is yours to explore right here!  Use the link above for a listing of Recreational Nature Areas.

Tunnel of Trees:  One of Michigan’s most spectacular drives, Michigan Highway 119 leaves North out of Harbor Springs (off of US 31), whisks you through an area once largely inhabited by the Ottawa Indians, and ventures north 20 miles to the town of Cross Village.  Known as the “tunnel of trees,” the scenic beauty of this drive is splendid in the spring or summer, but offers special majesty during peak autumn color. Originally a footpath carved out by Native Americans, this section of M-119 is twisty and narrow and comprised mostly of hardwoods and much of the road is canopied to the point where the sky is barely visible. Glimpses of blue on the other side of the road periodically open up into full panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan from high on the bluff.  The main scenic portion of the highway ends at Cross Village which is a good place to take a break.  Legs Inn restaurant is a prime stopping point for M-119 drivers; with its eclectic mix of Polish cuisine and Native American decor, the big stone building has a quirky lineup of old stove legs on the roof (hence the name) and is both a great destination for a hearty meal or a cool soda. Make sure you check out all of the unique driftwood carvings and the carefully-kept garden out back, where you can rest on a bench or old-fashioned swing, and even pinpoint those aforementioned lighthouses and islands with the help of a posted map.  M-119 starts about 50 minutes or so North of the Inn.

Area Casinos: From slots to blackjack and bingo, to Fine Dining, Big-name Concerts and Spa treatments, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has it all covered.  Visit Leelanau Sands or Turtle Creek Casinos or the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.  From 20 minutes to 1.5 hours away from the Inn. 

Art Galleries:  The region is filled with dozens of galleries, each offering a range of works from local, regional and national artists. Choose from paintings, sculpture, glassware, photography, folk art and more!  While Traverse City itself is home to many galleries, you will also find fascinating galleries in nearby towns such as Leland, Elk Rapids, Glen Arbor, Suttons Bay and Northport.

Charlevoix:  Less than an hour North sits Charlevoix. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, this is the most charming village you will ever see.  Watch the drawbridge let boats through between the lakes, walk the sandy beaches, explore the pier and the lighthouse, check out the shops, restaurants, antiquing...we could go on and on!  It's worth the drive just to sit and watch the downtown area.

Jordan Valley Glassworks: Beautiful hand-crafted stained glass pieces and hand blown glassware by local artists fills this unique store in East Jordan.  Open year round and sure to have something for any taste.  Store Hours 9am-6pm, Mon-Sat.  (231) 536-0539.   About 30 minutes from the Inn.

Baseball!:  The Traverse City Beach Bums professional minor league baseball team competes in the 12-team independent Frontier League and plays its home games in the newest minor league park in the nation - Wuerfel Park, just a few minutes south of Traverse City.   Enjoy a hot dog, sundae or beer while watching the "2006 Frontier League Team of the Year" take on visiting teams; Take me out to the ballgame!  (231) 943-0100 - A little over an hour from the Inn.

End your dependence on foreign vodka!  Grand Traverse Distillery's "True North Vodka" is distilled in Traverse City with local ingredients, was named in the "Top 50 Spirits" list by Wine Enthusiast magazine and has won two Gold Medals from the Beverage Tasting Institute.  Limited tour hours at the distillery, products are also available at local retailers, including Glen's Market in Bellaire and Mancelona, and the Bellaire General Store.  Phone: 231.947.VODKA (8635)

Old Mission Peninsula "Barn Quilt Trail"

A rural movement has been sweeping the country since 2001, today there are thousands of quilt barns located in over 24 states, and numerous quilt trails – particularly in Iowa, Kentucky and western North Carolina. There’s even a “national quilt barn trail” on the East Coast that includes some 400 stops. 

The Old Mission Peninsula Barn Quilt Trail is a good deal less intimidating. In place of sheer quantity, it offers a diverse selection of ten quilt barns set against the panorama of lakes, hills, orchards and vineyards that have long made the area popular with sightseers. Most of the decorated barns are located on scenic side roads that branch off Center Road, which follows the Peninsula’s high narrow spine.  A great way to add additional interest to your Old Mission Peninsula winery tour!