Rachel’s guidebook for Warren Hill Lavender Farm
Benzie County Beaches and Hikes
Here are some tips for the local area beaches and hikes close to the house
Beautiful Lighthouse views. Great beach to watch sunset or look for Petosky stones. Its pretty rocky so don't recommend as much for a day lying on the beach
Point Betsie Road
Point Betsie RoadBeautiful Lighthouse views. Great beach to watch sunset or look for Petosky stones. Its pretty rocky so don't recommend as much for a day lying on the beach
This trailhead is right down the road from Warren Hill. You can pay the sleeping bear dune fee at the trailhead. Its a great short walk through the woods and then over the dune to Lake Michigan. There are no amenities once you get to the lake so bring food and water if you want to stay awhile. The hike is long enough you probably wouldnt want to carry anything besides a backpack. If you are out there around sunset make sure to bring a headlamp to hike back. Dogs aren't allowed on the trail, but somehow we always see them.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailoldindian.htm
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Old Indian Trail
4349 North Scenic HighwayThis trailhead is right down the road from Warren Hill. You can pay the sleeping bear dune fee at the trailhead. Its a great short walk through the woods and then over the dune to Lake Michigan. There are no amenities once you get to the lake so bring food and water if you want to stay awhile. The hike is long enough you probably wouldnt want to carry anything besides a backpack. If you are out there around sunset make sure to bring a headlamp to hike back. Dogs aren't allowed on the trail, but somehow we always see them.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailoldindian.htm
A little further drive but great to pair with the town of Empire, Pierce Stocking Drive or the Dune climb. Or on its own. It is a short and steep trail to amazing views of Sleeping Bear dune. Note there is no beach/lake access from the end of this trail. Bring water!
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailempirebluff.htm
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Empire Bluff Trail
Empire Bluff TrailA little further drive but great to pair with the town of Empire, Pierce Stocking Drive or the Dune climb. Or on its own. It is a short and steep trail to amazing views of Sleeping Bear dune. Note there is no beach/lake access from the end of this trail. Bring water!
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailempirebluff.htm
Great river to paddle or float down! Get more information here http://northernmichigantrails.org/paddle/platte-river/
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Platte River
Great river to paddle or float down! Get more information here http://northernmichigantrails.org/paddle/platte-river/
Great beach right down the road. Perfect for picnics and sunset or all day hanging by the beach
More information https://friendsofsleepingbear.org/beaches/lake-michigan-beaches/platt-river-point-beach/
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Platte River Point
Great beach right down the road. Perfect for picnics and sunset or all day hanging by the beach
More information https://friendsofsleepingbear.org/beaches/lake-michigan-beaches/platt-river-point-beach/
Favorite Wineries and Distilleries
There are lots of great wineries and distilleries in the area. Here are some of our favorites and why
Local distillery that is family owned. Highly recommend doing the tour as they are super nice people. The tour ends in a tasting. Great for a rainy day too. They also have great cocktails and food (even Gluten Free pizza, a treat in Benzie County)! Highly recommend the Maple Bourbon.
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Iron Fish Distillery
14234 Dzuibanek RdLocal distillery that is family owned. Highly recommend doing the tour as they are super nice people. The tour ends in a tasting. Great for a rainy day too. They also have great cocktails and food (even Gluten Free pizza, a treat in Benzie County)! Highly recommend the Maple Bourbon.
This is a great stop on your trip. They make beer, wine, cider, and mead. It is all pretty reasonable. Recommend doing a tasting as you can mix and match. Really close to the Airbnb. Be careful the Mead is strong and there aren't Ubers in Benzie County. Call Jen and Don if you end up sampling too much!
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St. Ambrose Cellars
841 S Pioneer RdThis is a great stop on your trip. They make beer, wine, cider, and mead. It is all pretty reasonable. Recommend doing a tasting as you can mix and match. Really close to the Airbnb. Be careful the Mead is strong and there aren't Ubers in Benzie County. Call Jen and Don if you end up sampling too much!
We highly recommend doing a little winery tour while up north. If you like wine that is! Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula have some surprisingly good wines! Mawby is a most stop if you like sparkling!
https://lmawby.com/
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MAWBY Vineyards and Winery
4519 Elm Valley RdWe highly recommend doing a little winery tour while up north. If you like wine that is! Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula have some surprisingly good wines! Mawby is a most stop if you like sparkling!
https://lmawby.com/
It is beautiful and worth the drive. While you are there check out some of the wineries along the way! We love the view at 2 Lads
http://www.wineriesofomp.com/37/trail-map
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Old Mission
It is beautiful and worth the drive. While you are there check out some of the wineries along the way! We love the view at 2 Lads
http://www.wineriesofomp.com/37/trail-map
Beautiful drive and lots to do up here! We love the wineries and Fishtown
Here is the wine trail map https://www.lpwines.com/maps/
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Leelanau Peninsula
Beautiful drive and lots to do up here! We love the wineries and Fishtown
Here is the wine trail map https://www.lpwines.com/maps/
These are some of our favorite wines in the area. Great patio to sit outside!
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Shady Lane Cellars
9580 E Shady LnThese are some of our favorite wines in the area. Great patio to sit outside!
Favorite Local Restaurants
There are plenty of places a short drive away to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner
Located in Elberta 735 Frankfort Ave, Elberta, MI 49628 this places has fantastic breakfast
The Lighthouse Cafe
Located in Elberta 735 Frankfort Ave, Elberta, MI 49628 this places has fantastic breakfast
Good food and drinks! Friendly atmosphere. Sometimes a wait
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Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar
415 Main StGood food and drinks! Friendly atmosphere. Sometimes a wait
Cabbage Shed
198 Frankfort AveSit outside for a nice view of the harbor.
Great coffee shop! They have good pastries including gluten free options!
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Petals & Perks
429 Main StGreat coffee shop! They have good pastries including gluten free options!
L' Chayim Delicatessen
274 S Benzie BlvdL'Chayim Delicatessen
318 Main StRoad House
1058 Michigan AveEasy to get to and good mexican food
closest coffee shop to the house and has breakfast options
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Ursa Major Bistro (formerly Blue C Cafe)
245 S Benzie Blvdclosest coffee shop to the house and has breakfast options
Lucky Dog Bar and Grille
223 S Benzie BlvdGreat food and happy hour
Great beers and food. Nice outside patio and fun atmosphere. They have gluten free options that are good too
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Stormcloud Brewing Company
303 Main StGreat beers and food. Nice outside patio and fun atmosphere. They have gluten free options that are good too
The Manitou
4349 N Scenic HwyRocks Landing
1577 Crystal DrBeautiful views and great food right on Crystal Lake