Art’s Tavern | exploRVistas

Recipe: Start with three couples and one happy dog. Stir in a teaspoon of nice river and a pinch of perfect weather. Pour into two canoes and two kayaks and bake them in the sun for a few hours. Result: Paddle Primavera!

Over the weekend, Diana organized a paddle on the Lower Platte River in Honor, Michigan. Rod and Mary, who are fellow work campers, brought their dog Gracie with them. George and Grace, seasonal residents at Wild Cherry, joined in the fun. The journey began at Riverside Canoe Trips, as we were the only ones with our own boats. Diana and I put in at the National Park Service access across the road.

Here are George and Grace, having a fabulous time. 🙂

And here are Rod and Mary with their dog Gracie. She was living the doggy-dream!

Diana was sporting her paddling smile as she floated along in her kayak Mustard. 🙂

About halfway through the trip, an influx of party tubes entered the river. We were a bit surprised at the quantity of them, as it was Sunday afternoon. Our theory was that most folks would have headed back home to the cities in southern Michigan by then. But aside from the traffic issues, everyone was having a great time!

Once we got to the take out point, we loaded up our kayaks and our friends headed back to Wild Cherry Resort. Diana and I stayed behind and enjoyed the area awhile longer.

The point where the Platte River enters Lake Michigan is a favorite hangout for families. The relatively warmer river water is great for swimming.

The bluffs at Sleeping Bear Dunes can be seen in the distance.

I got a kick out of this paddler. Her paddle is tucked away and she is enjoying a glass of white wine. Click on the photo and zero in on it. Now there’s someone enjoying all the region has to offer!

After we left the Platte River, we headed a little farther south to check out Point Betsie Lighthouse.

We had been there several times in the past, and we have always taken in this iconic view from the south.

The Coast Guard transferred ownership to a local preservation group, and now the lighthouse is open for tours…allowing us to look at the north side. We unfortunately arrived after the last tour of the day, but we were able to walk the grounds. Our interest is piqued!

The fog signal building appears to be a replica, built on the old foundation. They also have an oil house to the right, which was used to store the flammable oil required to light the lamp in the tower, back in the day. We look forward to coming back here when we have more time.

Once we left Point Betsie, it was getting a bit late. Instead of driving an hour back to Wild Cherry and making dinner, we decided instead to grab a bite to eat at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor.

Art’s has been an area tradition for over 80 years.