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Bridges to Michigan’s Past

If your interest in covered bridges dates back to the 1995 film “The Bridges of Madison County” with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, you’re not alone! It was shortly after seeing that romantic drama that I began researching Michigan’s historic covered bridges – of which just few still exist. Over the past 12 months or so, I made a point to visit a couple of these bridges that I had yet to see for myself (in person). It renewed my interest in these beautifully rustic structures and I am reworking my presentation of the same name to add to my portfolio and am even looking at publishing a book in the future with The History Press.

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Tragedy on South Manitou Island

Lighthouse keeper Aaron Sheridan was a Civil War soldier who lost the use of his arm in battle and as such, he was able to get his wife — Julia — appointed his assistant keeper oft his important beacon in the norther part of Lake Michigan. Given his injuries, when he needed to make the trip across the waters to the mainland, Aaron would often hire a local fisherman named Christ Ancharson to man the 25-foot Mackinaw sailboat. During such a trip, on Friday, March 15, 1878, high waves and bad weather overturned the boat just as it was approaching the harbor on South Manitou Island. Sadly, the Sheridans — including their infant son, Robert — died that day.

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Featured DestinationNews Releases

Throw Caution to the Wind During 6-Day Windjammer Sail Aboard Tall Ship Manitou

You’re invited to set sail aboard the Tall Ship Manitou – one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes – during a 6-Day Windjammer Cruise, September 17-23. Guided by the passionate, skilled and entertaining crew of the Traverse Tall Ship Company, this voyage sets sail out of Grand Traverse Bay aboard a replication of an 1800s “coasting” cargo schooner.

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Grand Traverse Distillery Receives 8 Medals at National Spirits Competition

Grand Traverse Distillery was awarded eight (8) individual medals at the American Distilling Institute’s 11th Annual Spirits Competition, held as part of its annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland earlier this month.

Recognized as one of the 2013 “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” In 2013, GTD currently operates five tasting rooms in Michigan – including two in Traverse City, one in downtown Frankenmuth; one in Leland; and one in Grand Rapids (with a new location, scheduled to open in September, 2017).

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