EMMET COUNTY, Mich. — November 10, 2020 Chuck and his team take us on a bucket list trip to the majesty, mystery and fun of beautiful Northern Michigan.
TUNNEL OF TREES
"Iconic" is probably an overused word. But when it comes to Northern Michigan, there are several sites that fit the word perfectly. The 129 lighthouses, the legendary Grand Hotel, and the moving, active dunes of Silver Lake qualify as iconic and so does the famed Tunnel of Trees.
The breathtaking, narrow, 20-mile stretch of road runs along sharp twists, jaw-dropping views and beautiful hardwoods.
Nestled along Lake Michigan on M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, this breathtaking, narrow, 20-mile stretch of road runs along sharp twists, jaw-dropping views and beautiful hardwoods that literally cover the highway — thus the tunnel.
Producer Megan Simpson, photojournalist Steve Rhodes and I were excited about travelling on this historic stretch of road, especially to get a look at the changing leaves and the spectacular vistas. We went on a weekday, when there weren't as many cars on this slow, curve-filled roadway. We saw it all, from deer taking a peek at passing motorists to the emerging of brilliant colors near Lake Michigan. Without question, the trip is worth it if you only take in the majesty of creation in your hour long trip...but if you stop, you'll experience a whole new level of appreciation for this region and its people.
LEGS INN
There is an old saying in the Channel 13 newsroom: there is a Hoosier connection everywhere.
While on our Chuck's Big Adventure, we met an Indiana University grad who has a connection to one of Northern Michigan's most unusual restaurants and a must-visit for any trip to this area.
Mark Smolak and his brother, Chris, run one of the state's most iconic eating establishments with their parents, George and Kathy: Legs Inn. This unique eatery is on the end of M-119, also known as the scenic "Tunnel Of Trees." Stone on the outside and wood on the inside, this unique restaurant features stove legs on the roof — thus Legs Inn — and has been open during the late spring, summer and early fall for generations.
The decor is one-of-a-kind: a log cabin motif with tributes to the Odawa Indians, who settled this area meshed in a strange but wonderful way with Polish heritage. There are plenty of Legs Inn gift items to take home too.
The Smolak family settled here in 1921 and began construction then, and opened this place featuring delicious Polish cuisine. People keep coming back.
"We literally see now, third and fourth generation families showing up as you do in a lot of places here in Northern Michigan," Mark said.
COVID-19 has had a major impact on the 2020 Legs Inn season. Usually, 18 international students work at the restaurant every season, but because of entry restrictions, a smaller staff has worked shorter hours. The restaurant had to close two days a week rather than stay open seven days, and the season ended Oct. 18.
Despite all that, Mark says the restaurant was still busy this season as lines formed most days prior to opening.
"What's interesting is this year, we are seeing a record number of first-time visitors coming out," Mark said. "So, there's almost this different contingent of traveler, who's staying either more local or exploring different parts, so we're getting a large number of people that have come here for the first time."
It's not unusual to see folks wait in line for more than an hour to sample the traditional Polish food. By the way, the favorite on the menu is the taste of Poland featuring kielbasa, pierogi and cabbage rolls.
George and Kathy worked the restaurant for 33 years, and Mark said that half of his employees drive 30 miles or more one-way to go to work because they love it so much.
I loved it all: the unusual décor and history, the eccentric façade on the outside and the food and friendliness you can't help but take in.
Legs Inn will open next spring, so add it to your bucket list.