Mark these dates; July 27 to August 1^st for the Sixth annual Traverse City Film Festival Did you know the famous Michael Moore makes his home “Up North”.  Regardless of how you feel about his politics he was “THE” instrumental person involved in the resurrection of the Traverse State Theater in downtown Traverse.  With an all volunteer cast the State was brought back to life six years ago (after being closed for years).  The stars in the theater roof replicate an August night sky over Traverse and it’s the only theater where you can relax in Mustang car seats.  Theater seats were ordered from the same Michigan company that provides them to Ford and they are comfortable with lots of leg room.

Over 500 hundred films from around the world were screened to come up with this years choices.  These films aren’t available to watch anywhere else in one place.  Lest you think this is some small town event, there are international Hollywood types (besides Michael who seems to be everywhere), Jeff  Garvin, well known in the comedy club world, and presidents of Sony Pictures Tom Bernard and Michael Barker who brought us “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”.  Surprise visits by actors, directors and producers from around the world are just part of the fun.  (you can gauge the affluent attendance by the airport full of private jets.)  Award winning films from around the world are in abundance, like “The Secret in Their Eyes”, winner of the 2010 Best Foreign Film Oscar.  Tickets to movies will be sold out, and I mean fast so get on-line and take a look at the approximately 150 showings. www.traversecityfilmfest.org

In addition to the ticketed events there are free movies shown on a huge screen at the Open Space on the Bay.  I have already picked out Thursday to see the classic Beatles movie “Help”.  You really have to look at the schedule and movie descriptions to appreciate how fabulous this chance is to see these movies.  The final night event will be at the Top of the Park, a Traverse icon.  It promises to be a magic final evening looking out at the “string of pearls” as the locals call it (lights surrounding the bay).

The film festival is a hopping place, full of good humor and grand movies.  It will be wonderful at end of day to return to the more serene setting at Indigo Bluffs.  To quote from the mission of the festival, “Our goal is for people to leave the theater with the feeling that they just watched something special”.  I have attended each one and testify that they have met they are succeeding.

Glen Lake Art Fair July 21,  My favorite art fair in the county. I’ve been attending for over 20 years.  Beautiful shaded grounds at the Village Hall, inside and out.  Tremendous original art, just a beautiful way to spend a day.  Once you are in Glen Arbor here are a few of my personal picks: a cherry pie at Cherry Republic – for best cherry pie anywhere in the area, Becky Thatcher’s jewelry story for an education in gemstones from around the world, excellent coffee roasted locally at Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company and see what is on sale at the Black Swan!    Once you start walking around you will see how much the little town of Glen Arbor has to offer!

Juy 25^th Holy Rosary Chicken Supper .   Once in a while you should just have a big Sunday Supper and not worry about the calories.  The ladies of Holy Rosary in Cedar don’t share the secret Polish recipe for their chicken but share portions that are sure to induce an afternoon nap.  If you can’t round up everyone to go, they have “carry outs” but bring a box to put them in since the plates will barely hold the weight.  Since my birthday often falls on the last Sunday in July I have selected this as my birthday dinner.

A brief fishing report. My son and grandsons caught more Perch and Walleye this last week than any time in the last four years.  Check with the front desk for help with your own fishing experience Up North.

MUSIC MUSIC   Glen Arbor, Leland, Northport and Suttons Bay all have a host of musical evening offerings.  Be sure to check out the bulletin board in the office, Leelanau Enterprise newspaper or Leelanau Chamber calendar at www.leelanauchamber.com Tonight we will be attending one of the best in my opinion, the Dune Climb Concert sponsored by the Manitou MusicFestival Group of Glen Arbor.  Too late for you this year but put it on your calendar for the 2^nd Sunday in July , 2011.  Last Thursday we “did” Interlochen and watched Shameka Copeland bring the house to their feet with her “Just a Ghetto Child” and she was just the warm up for Taj Mahal.  Taj is probably the most versatile, powerful and entertaining jazz musician I have seen in a long time.   We drove home from Interlochen that warm summer evening, top down on the convertible, basking in the afterglow of the music.  Life doesn’t get much better!

Enjoy our delights …

- over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and beautiful beaches.

- award winning restaurants and a culinary experience that combines creativity, experienced chefs, local growers and nearly 30 local wineries.

- entertainment from casino’s to street music, theatre to national artists, 100′s of festivals/events, professional baseball.

- 100′s of hiking, biking and walking trails leading to scenic overlooks and secret beaches.

- boating on the inland lakes or paddling/floating down it’s miles of rivers.

Email us your interest or questions to visitus@indigobluffs.com.

Again, space is limited, so please call us at 800.224.4488 or email us at visitus@indigobluffs.com with your reservation now.

“We absolutely enjoyed every minute at Indigo Bluffs – beautiful resort, delightful people.” Jack and Barb Austin, Texas

Basketball Anyone? Do you still think you have what it takes?    Jun 5 – 6, 2010 Traverse City Gus Macker Tournament  For more info: www.macker.com ANYONE CAN PLAY! The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is designed for male and female players of all ages, sizes and abilities. Teams are computer-matched into competitive divisions according to the age, height and playing experience of all four (4) players on the team roster. So, you don’t have to be an NBA star, WNBA star, rec. league legend, or even a middle school star, to be a part of the Macker experience. Sign up your team and bring your family and friends to Gus Macker – a weekend family festival that celebrates the half-court, pick-up basketball game.

RUN, BIKE, PADDLE June 12 The M-22 Challenge is a multi-discipline event based in beautiful Leelanau County in Northern Michigan designed to challenge athletes over a course that includes Sleeping Bear countryside and the beautiful Glen Lakes.   Be a participant or spectator.  This is a real “M22 Challenge”.  See m22challenge.com for specific information.

The Leland Wine and Food Festival is a northern Michigan tradition held on the second Saturday in June 12, noon to 6pm. Local wines, Historic Fishtown, music, views of Lake Michigan and the Manitous make an unbeatable combination.  Did I mention the shopping?     The $12 admission includes an etched wine glass and two tickets for wine tasting.  See more details at lelandmi.com.

Girls Night Out in Glen Arbor! June 17, 5-8pm at the Town Hall.  Sounds like fun and it’s right next door.  Our favorite merchants will host a one-stop familiarization with the offerings of the Glen Lake area catering to the tastes of the ladies.  A great excuse for an evening on your own and a “girls night out”.   See more info in reception area.

Grand Traverse Kennel Club, June 18 and 19 at the Civic Center The best of the northwest struts their stuff at this annual dog show event.  A great chance to check out lots of breeds and talk to owners.  See gtkc.org for more info

Northport Lighthouse & Maritime Festival June 19^th, Haserot and Marina Parks, Downtown Northport The first annual Northport Lighthouse & Maritime Festival includes schooner cruises, fish boil, boat building demo and a lot more.  The drive through the orchards to get to Northport is fabulous.  For details see website: grandtraverselighthouse.com

New Leelanau Small Plates Event, June 19, 6-9pm. Seven Leelanau have worked with area chefs to create a substantial tapas dish paired with a full glass of wine. Each of the wineries will host 3 seatings, with tickets for each seating only $10.  Seating is very limited so check out  lpwines.com “small plates” event for participating wineries and reservations.

Three Men and a Tenor concert, picnic, silent auction at Thoreson Farm on June 26^th . A Glen Arbor Art Association fundraiser sure to be entertaining.  For more info: 231-334-6112 or office@glenarboraart.org

Announcing A New Foodie Event!  For you Paella lovers. The August 6 event, “Paella in the Park,” will be a celebration of Old Mission Wines wines paired with paella, the classic rice-based dish. The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) is the host of the event with seven selected chefs competing for bragging rights.  Paella will be paired with the wines of  Old Mission and will be held bay front in Traverse City.  For more info see  wineriesofoldmission.com .

Check the bulletin board in reception for the Farm Market schedule.  Every day there is a market to enjoy close by.   The Traverse/Leelanau Region is gaining national recognition for its’ excellent restaurants (Traverse was named the number 5 Foodie City in Midwest Living Magazine) and the demand for local produce has been a bonanza for everyone who wants to cook “fresh”.

And keep an eye on our web site.  We will be bringing you more “BUZZ” on a regular basis.   Let us know if you have any tourism questions.  Direct them to Janice@ IndigoBluffs.com or Diana@IndigoBluffs.com .  We will be happy to check it out and get back to you!

Happy Spring from Indigo Bluffs!   How do we know it’s spring?  The street sweepers have finished washing the winter salt and sand off the roads, and more significant, Interlochen Center for the Arts has published the schedule for this summers’ concerts. Headliners and personal favorites are Sheryl Crow on June 14 and Taj Mahal on July 8 (I have my tickets to this one).  Also consider The Capitol Steps on July 3; it may be the only time you can enjoy politics.  It’s time to get out your calendars and make sure you have reservations for the best of times around Leelanau County this summer.  Get your Interlochen events schedule and tickets at Interlochen.org.   You will find student performances as well as the professionals and those student performances are fabulous.  Best seats and popular performers will be sold out so don’t wait.

Indigo Bluffs is so lucky to be right next door to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.   There are a couple things going on that you will want to keep track of.    The park website includes special park events and tours that are planned.  The summer low-down isn’t published yet but you will want to keep this as a “favorite” if you are an outdoor enthusiast.   The plans for 27 miles through the Lakeshore from the Leelanau County line north to County Road 651. 27 miles through the Lakeshore from the Leelanau County line north to County Road 651. a 27 mile non-motorized trail, running north from the Leelanau County line to 651 is still “a go”.  No work on this yet, but there are plans for 2011.  Great news for bikers and hikers!  nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/things2do.htm  

June is a great time to visit since it is quiet and there are some wonderful events to enjoy before it gets really busy.   June 12 will be a big day.  You can choose to exercise or eat and drink.   Always the second Saturday in June, the Leland Wine and Food Festival will delight  foodies and wine lovers.   It is also a nice excuse for a drive up to Leland to enjoy the shops and restaurants.   The website for the event is lelandmi.com/blog/leland-wine-food-festival/ If you are more athletically inclined you can participate in the 2^nd Annual M22 Challenge.  This multidiscipline event looks to be a continued success as it incorporates the beautiful and challenging terrain in Leelanau County for the “Challenge”.    Start training now if you want to get in on this one!  M22challenge.com 

Indigo Bluffs is so lucky to be right next door to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.   There are a couple things going on that you will want to keep track of.    The park includes on their website special park events and tours that are planned.  The summer low-down isn’t published yet but you will want to keep this as a “favorite” if you are an outdoor enthusiast.   The plans for 27 miles through the Lakeshore from the Leelanau County line north to County Road 651. 27 miles through the Lakeshore from the Leelanau County line north to County Road 651. a 27-mile non-motorized trail, running north from the Leelanau County line to 651 is still “a go”.  No work on this yet but there is plans for 2011.  Great news for bikers and hikers!  nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/things2do.htm  

A personal favorite is the free Dune Climb Concert, to be held this year on Sunday, July 18 at 7 p.m.  The Bill Lucas Jazz Quartet will play the world premier of Fanfare for the Sleeping Bear.  Families of all ages bring snacks and beverages and enjoy the music while the sun sets.  This is the kickoff event for the Manitou Music Festival group that hosts weekly concerts in Glen Arbor, just a few miles from Indigo.   Check out www.glenarborart.org for the concert list as well as a wonderful line up of art classes and events through the summer.

Keep an eye on our web site.  We will be bringing you more “BUZZ” on a regular basis.   Let us know if you have any tourism questions.  Direct them to Janice@ IndigoBluffs.com or Diana@IndigoBluffs.com .  We will be happy to check it out and get back to you!

Rally Date: October 9 – 11

For a reduced two-night rate of only $60, we will bring you samples of the favorite foods of the region, tour beautiful Leelanau County, and enjoy fireside entertainment – and that’s just a hint of what’s in store.  Complete weekend itineraries will be forwarded as we line up the entertaining details for you.

Space is limited, so call now 800.224.4488 to reserve your space.

If you can’t make it on the rally dates, we will be hosting additional receptions and events throughout the season.  We are also offering half off rates ($30 per night) from now through October 31.

Again, space is limited, so please call us at 800.224.4488 with your RSVP now.

“We absolutely enjoyed every minute at Indigo Bluffs – beautiful resort, delightful people.” Jack and Barb Austin, Texas

(Empire, MI) – Representatives from Indigo Bluffs, the nation’s newest motorcoach resort, announced today they are in the final days of preparation for the resort’s opening set for Sept. 9, 2009.  Located on West Empire Highway, just outside Empire and Glen Arbor, the resort is likely to be the only one of its kind in Leelanau County.

To celebrate their opening season, the resort will host a series of rallies and events over a four-week period.  The RV rallies are designed to attract visitors to the region to experience Indigo Bluffs and the surrounding communities firsthand.  Many confirmed attendees plan to arrive early to truly experience the region, visiting the communities of Empire, Glen Arbor, Traverse City, Petoskey and the many areas in-between.

“We have spent the past 12 months marketing Indigo Bluffs on a national scale, attending RV shows and events and promoting the property from California to Florida and have received an overwhelmingly positive response from perspective owners,” said Gary Becker, proprietor of Indigo Bluffs RV Retreat.  “I am proud of our team of local contractors and professionals who have helped us deliver on our vision and promise to create a truly unique experience at this RV Retreat.”

Rally activities include performances and presentations by local artists, entertainers and culinary experts.  In addition, regional tours and activities are scheduled for participants.

The three official rallies are planned for:  Sept. 18 – 20, Sept. 25 – 27 and Oct. 9 – 11, and they are expected to attract coach owners from as far as California and Texas.  For those unable to attend any of the three rallies, the resort’s activities director has arranged a broad range of activities and tours throughout the month.

The resort is currently taking reservations for both rallies and individual visits.  Information can be found online at IndigoBluffs.com or by calling 800.224.4488.

“Our opening has been anticipated by the RV community for some time,” said Diana Aug, Activities Director for Indigo Bluffs.  “We are thrilled at the level of inquiries and reservations we are already taking – weeks before we are open. People will discover that Indigo Bluffs truly is a distinctive RV retreat.”

About:

Indigo Bluffs is a distinctive RV Retreat that allows you to feel at home in a land far away. With an extensive list of amenities and an onsite activities director, Indigo Bluffs isn’t just a place to visit; you belong here. For more information visit IndigoBluffs.com or call 800.224.4488.

By Reyhaneh Fathieh

With 401(k)s taking a hit, Americans are in no rush to retire now. But that doesn’t mean they’re not
planning for their golden years. A recent survey of real estate agents, by Coldwell Banker, finds that many
50-somethings are buying their retirement homes now, well before they retire.

Driving trend: plummeting home prices and low interest rates. “The areas hardest hit by the recession can
be prime spots for second-home seekers,” says Jim Gillespie, Coldwell Banker CEO. Among them: Cape
Coral-Fort Myers in Florida, where prices have dropped 59.1% in the last year; California’s San Diego-
Carlsbad-San Marcos area, down 29.6%; and Las Vegas-Paradise in Nevada, down 37.3%.

Below is our surprising list of the top five cities for young retirees (55 to 59), compiled exclusively for USA
WEEKEND by Coldwell Banker and data experts Onboard Informatics. Rankings are weighted, in order,
based on recreation, weather, health resources, crime and cost of living (in all five towns, it’s below the
national average).

Buy now, retire later in these hot markets

1. Helena, Mont. (pop. 28,726): This town has a local
   symphony and fine-art galleries. Nature lovers can trek 1,000-
   plus miles of mountain and forest trails. Median home price:
   $191,500.
2. Pensacola, Fla. (pop. 54,283): The sun always shines on
   its white beaches, it’s super-safe (the crime rate is well below
   the national average), and the American Association baseball
   team boosts hometown spirit. Median home price: $137,200.
3. Creve Coeur, Mo. (pop. 16,933): Its 320-acre lake is a
   boating haven surrounded by picnic sites and an archery
   range. And St. Louis is a half-hour drive away. Median home price: $355,000.
4. Traverse City, Mich. (pop. 14,339): The “cherry capital” is famous for its vineyards. Plus, its health
   services are top-notch; the Munson Medical Center is consistently named one of the top 100 hospitals in
   the nation. Median home price: $129,500.
5. Butte-Silver Bow, Mont. (pop. 31,967): This area’s 29 recreational facilities (golf courses, parks,
   pools) keep residents active. And Butte will host the National Folk Festival again next summer. Median
   home price: $108,500.

Source: Onboard Informatics for USA WEEKEND

Oh, so close!

These cities almost made the cut, rounding out our “Top 20 Cities to Retire”

6. Scott Township, Pennsylvania
7. Carnot-Moon, Pennsylvania
8. Doctor Phillips, Florida
9. Municipality of Monroeville, Pennsylvania
10. Boardman, Ohio
11. Huron, South Dakota
12. Live Oak, California
13. Williston, North Dakota
14. St. Augustine, Florida
15. Middleburg Heights, Ohio
16. Birmingham, Michigan
17. Bellevue, Washington
18. Santa Fe, New Mexico
19. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
20. Aventura, Florida

Like the housing and automotive businesses, the recreational vehicle industry has been hit hard by the economic turmoil. Many people who otherwise would have considered an RV this spring or summer instead are worried about losing their homes or jobs.

Dealers aren’t stocking their lots with inventory. In 2008, RV shipments were down 32.9 percent from 2007, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, and shipments are expected to go even lower in 2009.

The dried-up credit market is affecting buyer and seller, too. Credit restrictions are causing RV buyers to delay purchases while forcing RV dealers to keep inventories low.

There is some good news: Qualified buyers with good credit should be able to find a lender who is eager to give them a loan. Kristin Taylor of Kidd RV Resort Consulting in Tallahassee, Fla., says, “The American Bankers Association released a report saying ‘RVers’ are deemed very trustworthy when it comes to credit lending and are preferred above all credit seekers.”

Stimulus help

The RV industry and hopeful RV buyers may benefit from provisions included in the recent economic stimulus package. Phil Ingrassia, vice president for communications for the National RV Dealers Association, says the tax provisions involving RVs may help boost sales. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes a tax provision that allows a portion of the sales or excise tax paid on the purchase of a new motor home to be deducted. The deduction is applicable to taxes on the first $49,500 of the purchase price. Individuals with an adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 and joint filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $250,000 are eligible for the deduction.

“We’re hopeful that federal credit and stimulus packages will help free up credit and contribute to the RV industry’s recovery,” says Richard Coon, president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

Existing tax breaks

Even before the stimulus legislation, RV owners had some tax advantages. The interest paid on most RV loans is tax-deductible as home mortgage interest, provided the following qualifications are met:

• The RV must be used as security for the loan.
• The RV must have basic sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities.
• The RV must be rented out less than 15 days per year.
• Interest expense deductions on the RV must exceed the taxpayer’s standard deduction.

Taxpayers may not claim the interest from more than two qualified homes on their tax returns. Ask your tax adviser for more information, or check out related information on the IRS Web site.

2009 outlook is cautiously optimistic

When trying to predict how things will go for the industry this year, RV experts have mixed assessments. Shipments are expected to be lower again this year than they were before 2008, but there are signs of a turnaround. “We’re optimistic about the industry’s long-term future,” says Coon. “Primary demand for RVs remains strong. RV show attendance and sales this year have been encouraging. Sales at shows across the country exceeded expectations.”

Coon says dealers exhibiting at recent shows in about a dozen states reported surprising attendance and sales, which they attributed to “pent-up demand and the desire of consumers to burst out of the malaise affecting the economy. Sales exceeded expectations, and consumers generally displayed a positive attitude.”

Taylor agrees, saying, “Generally, the financial outlay of RV-related businesses has been an indicator that our economy is on its way out of a recession. Many of the resort owners we work with are investors and stay in tune with the future of our economy.”

There are also reasons to be hopeful that RV-related lending may loosen up as the year progresses. “Inclusion of RV consumer loans and RV dealer floor-plan loans in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (or TALF) could ease credit and stimulate RV lending,” Coon says. “We believe credit will flow back into the RV market as lenders increasingly recognize that RV consumers are excellent credit risks.”

Less gloomy in the luxury market

The high-end motor-home market seems to have taken a gentler hit than the RV industry in general. Karl Blade, president of Oklahoma-based Newell Coach Corp., which specializes in luxury motor homes, says, “Most of our customers are cash buyers. Those that finance can still find financing if they have good credit.”

Those who don’t have the cash on hand may be taking a little longer to make the purchase but still aren’t willing to settle. “When they buy, they still want all of the amenities,” Blade says.

Taylor says, “We’ve found that Class A motor-coach owners have discretionary income.” This allows them to buy and maintain pricey RVs, while also buying a lot at an upscale RV resort like Indigo Bluffs RV Retreat.

A study conducted by PKF Consulting, a travel and tourism consulting firm, found that “typical RV family vacations are on average 26 (percent) to 74 percent less expensive than other types of vacations studied.” That means even during challenging times, the cost of RV ownership can be a worthwhile investment, especially for people who travel a lot — or would like to.

MotorHome Magazine

Representatives from Indigo Bluffs RV Retreat are celebrating the RV lifestyle with the Bear Tracks Photo Contest, which has been extended from its original end date until July. At stake are many great prizes, including a $5,000 rally for owner groups, clubs and associations at Indigo Bluffs as well as qualification for a free 3 day/2 night stay for all those that enter the contest.

To enter, contestants simply go to Indigo Bluffs and click on the link on the home page to upload a photo featuring the wonderful RV lifestyle and the Indigo Bluffs Bear. Participants then choose the category they wish to enter. Categories include: Happy Hour, With Friends, Destinations, At the Rally, Pets and “Other.” Once submitted, the photos will go into an online gallery, allowing people to visit and vote for their favorites.

“Whether it’s at the next pit stop, in your rig or at one of the many beautiful destinations nationwide, we want people to show off the wonderful freedom, friendships and experiences the RV lifestyle offers,” said Gary Becker, proprietor at Indigo Bluffs RV Retreat. “We are excited about offering a retreat that actively promotes the richness of these experiences. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to have fun with this contest.”

The contest officially began April 1, 2009. To submit an entry or be notified of the kickoff, go to the website and register today. Contest rules can be found on the contest page.

Visit the contest Web page to get started by downloading a cutout of the Indigo Bluffs mascot.

About Indigo Bluffs
Indigo Bluffs is a distinctive RV Retreat that allows you to feel at home in a land far away. With an extensive list of amenities and an onsite activities director, Indigo Bluffs isn’t just a place to visit; its a place to belong. For more information visit Indigo Bluffs or call 800.224.4488.

By Greg Gerber

EMPIRE, Mich. — Representatives from Indigo Bluffs RV Retreat are celebrating the RV lifestyle with the Bear Tracks Photo Contest.

At stake are many great prizes, including a $5,000 rally for owner groups, clubs and associations at Indigo Bluffs as well as qualification for a free 3 day/2 night stay for all those that enter the contest.

To enter, contestants simply go to IndigoBluffs.com and click on the link on the home page to upload a photo featuring the RV lifestyle and the Indigo Bluffs Bear. Participants then choose the category they wish to enter. Categories include: Happy Hour, With Friends, Destinations, At the Rally, Pets and “Other.” Once submitted, the photos will go into an online gallery, allowing people to visit and vote for their favorites.

“Whether it’s at the next pit stop, in your rig or at one of the many beautiful destinations nationwide, we want people to show off the wonderful freedom, friendships and experiences the RV lifestyle offers,” said Gary Becker, proprietor at Indigo Bluffs RV Retreat. “We are excited about offering a retreat that actively promotes the richness of these experiences. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to have fun with this contest.”

The contest officially began April 1. To submit an early entry or be notified of the kickoff, go to the website and register today. Contest rules can be found on the contest page.
Visit IndigoBluffs.com/BearTracks to get started by downloading a cutout of the Indigo Bluffs mascot.