Sometimes we Need a Change of Scenery
2020 was a bit of a rollercoaster for all of us and my life was not spared. For me it was a year that turned in a completely different direction than I thought it would but it also brought me a brand new start and memories of Elvis, Dolly and the blue ridge mountains. But that’s another blog down the road.
Cadillac, Mi. is a small town in Northern Michigan that I’ve passed by many times en route to my downstate destination. This little town was more known to me as the 45 minute marker to home. Like route 66 of long ago, the highway directs people away from the downtown area so even though I’ve lived in Northern Michigan for most of my life, I never really stopped. One day that all changed.
I’ve lived just outside of Traverse City since I was around 5 years old and am so fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in America. It was a wonderful place to grow up with lots of places to hike and explore most often without another soul in sight. Then the secret got out and over the years our little area became more well known. It started around 2011 when Good Morning America nominated the sleeping bear dunes as the most beautiful place in America. And it continued every year with our small town making several lists from road trips, wineries, best beaches…………..Now don’t get me wrong, our area relies on tourism and has for years with the National Cherry Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival being the front runners until recent years when wineries and breweries grew in numbers. However, our small town started to lose its small town value. Old familiar signs were replaced with block lettered minimalist signs ( I will forever miss the giant Arby’s hat and the old Holiday Inn sign), affordable apartments turned into air b and b rentals, hiking trails that were once a place of solitude became a busy foot highway of people from all over the country. Restaurants raised prices, changed menus and hotel availability did not exist. Our little town was discovered and fleshed out.
stock photo of Clinch Park Marina Traverse City, Mi.
It was a hot summer day when I wandered with a friend to the small town of Cadillac, approx 45 south of Traverse City for a quick little get away. Was I in for an unexpected surprise. What started out as a simple stop at Clam Lake Beer for a late lunch and a sampling turned into so much more. Located in the downtown district, the area was literally what Downtown Traverse City was in my youth. Old signs, an amazing fountain in the city park, water, bike path, I discovered Cadillac. Winding our way through the historic district I was amazed at the old houses lined up the hill commanding a view of the downtown area as well as Lake Cadillac. It was an eye opener for me. I fell in love with a couple of old houses, contacted the local realtor and found out they were both under contract and due to close any day. It was a lovely thought, we finished our day and drove back to Interlochen. And then I had a dream………….
