Fishtown has a timeless presence that leaves its mark on people of all walks of life, and it’s amazing just how much of an impact a small place can have on a person. In the words that Matt Heiman used to describe the Leland River “a very small area becomes very important.” As a local, […]
The first thing I think of when I hear the word Fishtown is fish (duh), but more specifically, the SMELL of fish. Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to deny that this distinct aroma characterizes the town. If you have a keen sense of smell, you may be able to pinpoint where the scent […]
If you drive 15 minutes east of Leland on M-204, you’ll find yourself in another charming little village. Sitting along West Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay is a water focused town, much like Leland. Last week I took a break from my routine of exploring out of Fishtown and paid a visit to Suttons Bay […]
Stepping into the office last Monday morning, I could feel the nervous energy bubbling around me. The Friends of Fishtown 5K was upon us, meaning the entire week was to be filled with preparation. My only experience with 5Ks are the ones I ran (walked) during my years participating with Girls on the Run in […]
This is the first summer of my life where I’ve been out on Lake Michigan this many times. Four trips in total so far, and while that might not be many for some, I take it as such a blessing. Lake Michigan is so deeply embedded in who I am, from summer days spent swimming […]
Reading has been a constant in my life ever since I was little, and in the same way people talk about the core memories that shaped their youth, I have core books that made me the person I am today. I recall my favorite part of kindergarten was read out loud time, and as I […]
Summer is officially in full swing here in Leland, Michigan. With the summer solstice having come and gone and July peeking around the corner, we have officially entered the busiest time of the year for Fishtown. My weekend was happily spent on Vans beach getting absolutely ROASTED by the sun, and if this summer has […]
If I’ve learned anything in the last month, it’s that there’re people in Fishtown who love the sport of fishing, those who find it boring and can’t get far enough away from the smell that comes with it, and then there’s Joel. Joel Petersen, Captain of the trap netter Joy, eats, sleeps, and breathes fishing, and […]
I feel like there’s been a lot of weird weather this week, but I’ve enjoyed the haziness that’s been hanging over Leland recently. It gives Fishtown this mysterious allure and I’m really into it. I’m lucky that I’ve lived here for long enough that I’ve seen Fishtown on countless sunny days. It’s times when the […]
It’s come to my attention over the last couple of weeks that the Leland Harbor (right next to our beloved Fishtown) is not only a popular launching point into Lake Michigan for summer boaters and fishing enthusiasts – but also for the DNR, National Park Service, and scientists from all over the Great Lakes. While […]
