Frankfort & Elberta
Locale
In 1969 Wendell & Edith Putney started a resort service around Crystal Lake and vicinity. As the need for lawn equipment, tools and the desire to provide their costumers with a quality product became greater the idea of opening a garden center was entertained. In 1976 this idea became reality and they opened the garden center that is proudly named Crystal Gardens. As times changed and several angles of the retail market were explored, Crystal Gardens finally has settled into what it is today…”More than just a garden center!”…and growing! Wendell still works a few days a week during the summer in the Rock Shop and Edith loves to help in the geranium greenhouse and with the watering during the height of the planting season. Their four, now grown, children manage Crystal Gardens and all it has to offer.
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Crystal Gardens
1299 Pilgrim HwyIn 1969 Wendell & Edith Putney started a resort service around Crystal Lake and vicinity. As the need for lawn equipment, tools and the desire to provide their costumers with a quality product became greater the idea of opening a garden center was entertained. In 1976 this idea became reality and they opened the garden center that is proudly named Crystal Gardens. As times changed and several angles of the retail market were explored, Crystal Gardens finally has settled into what it is today…”More than just a garden center!”…and growing! Wendell still works a few days a week during the summer in the Rock Shop and Edith loves to help in the geranium greenhouse and with the watering during the height of the planting season. Their four, now grown, children manage Crystal Gardens and all it has to offer.
The Cherry Bowl Drive-In is a retro movie theater that is a must-do for every northern Michigan vacation! You won't regret staying up late for this fun nostalgic activity!
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Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre
9812 Honor HwyThe Cherry Bowl Drive-In is a retro movie theater that is a must-do for every northern Michigan vacation! You won't regret staying up late for this fun nostalgic activity!
Really talented local artistan that uses beeswax to make candles and other fun and useful products.
Beedazzled Candleworks
841 River RdReally talented local artistan that uses beeswax to make candles and other fun and useful products.
Amazing antique treasures and loads of local ephemera can be found here! Also, the family that owns the store are good friends of ours. Tell them you're staying at the Newsted's cottage! :)
The Elberta Mercantile Co.
704 Frankfort AveAmazing antique treasures and loads of local ephemera can be found here! Also, the family that owns the store are good friends of ours. Tell them you're staying at the Newsted's cottage! :)
When duty calls, the classic and functional Frankfort laundromat will suit your laundering needs just right.
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Frankfort Laundromat
829 Main StWhen duty calls, the classic and functional Frankfort laundromat will suit your laundering needs just right.
Art & Music
Gwen Frostic born as Sara Gwendolen Frostic, was an American artist, entrepreneur, author, and Michigan Women's Hall of Fame inductee. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Frostic is known for her naturalist, Linocut block print artwork, created using Original Heidelberg Platten presses.
In 1960 she bought 40 acres of land in Benzonia with the intention of moving herself and her shop further inland into the forest. Her new property was located in a rural wooded riparian area on the Betsie River, initially accessed only by dirt roads. Frostic oversaw the construction of the print shop and dwelling, building it in relation to the woodlands. She conceived of a number of naturalistic and artistic elements including large stone boulders and a natural spring flowing inside the structure and an area with a green sod roof. On April 26, 1964, her new shop opened for business in the completed building of her own design. From an area of the shop, the Heidelberg presses could be observed from above, rhythmically printing away on the various paper products. Her artwork frequently depicted the natural world surrounding her shop: trees, plants, birds, mushrooms, flowers, berries, and animals. She incrementally grew her property into a 285-acre wildlife sanctuary.
Her business grew and prospered steadily over the years. Frostic was recognized as a successful entrepreneur at a time when few women were celebrated for this. The Detroit Free Press reported that she had 34 employees working in her printing business in 1985.
Several of Frostic's prints are in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. She was a long time member of the Northwest Michigan Artists and Craftsmen.
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Gwen Frostic Prints
5140 River RdGwen Frostic born as Sara Gwendolen Frostic, was an American artist, entrepreneur, author, and Michigan Women's Hall of Fame inductee. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Frostic is known for her naturalist, Linocut block print artwork, created using Original Heidelberg Platten presses.
In 1960 she bought 40 acres of land in Benzonia with the intention of moving herself and her shop further inland into the forest. Her new property was located in a rural wooded riparian area on the Betsie River, initially accessed only by dirt roads. Frostic oversaw the construction of the print shop and dwelling, building it in relation to the woodlands. She conceived of a number of naturalistic and artistic elements including large stone boulders and a natural spring flowing inside the structure and an area with a green sod roof. On April 26, 1964, her new shop opened for business in the completed building of her own design. From an area of the shop, the Heidelberg presses could be observed from above, rhythmically printing away on the various paper products. Her artwork frequently depicted the natural world surrounding her shop: trees, plants, birds, mushrooms, flowers, berries, and animals. She incrementally grew her property into a 285-acre wildlife sanctuary.
Her business grew and prospered steadily over the years. Frostic was recognized as a successful entrepreneur at a time when few women were celebrated for this. The Detroit Free Press reported that she had 34 employees working in her printing business in 1985.
Several of Frostic's prints are in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. She was a long time member of the Northwest Michigan Artists and Craftsmen.
Interlochen Center for the Arts
4000 J. Maddy PkwyIncredible concerts and events!
Food & Drink
Stormcloud Brewing Company
303 Main StGreat pizza, beer, and environment!
Classic A&W! Great root bear floats, burgers and inexpensive breakfasts.
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A&W Restaurant
21 Lake StClassic A&W! Great root bear floats, burgers and inexpensive breakfasts.
Cute, classic & quaint country-esque market that has local farm fresh produce, other local products, and flowers. Very reasonable prices.
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Market Basket Inc
187 N Michigan AveCute, classic & quaint country-esque market that has local farm fresh produce, other local products, and flowers. Very reasonable prices.
Wonderful boutique grocery store near the beach that stocks an array health products.
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East Shore Market
276 S Benzie BlvdWonderful boutique grocery store near the beach that stocks an array health products.
Delicious Mexican fare! Amazing enchiladas, chips & salsa, and margaritas! Be careful with the margs, tho. They're strong! ;)
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Road House
1058 Michigan AveDelicious Mexican fare! Amazing enchiladas, chips & salsa, and margaritas! Be careful with the margs, tho. They're strong! ;)
Satisfying sandwiches, deli options, etc. Perfect for a lunch to stay or go for picnic matter.
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L' Chayim Delicatessen
274 S Benzie BlvdSatisfying sandwiches, deli options, etc. Perfect for a lunch to stay or go for picnic matter.
Classic soft serve cones with fun flavors of the day offered! My personal favorite, when available, is Dairy Maid's lemon soft serve.
Frankfort Dairy Maid
1017-1028 Forest AveClassic soft serve cones with fun flavors of the day offered! My personal favorite, when available, is Dairy Maid's lemon soft serve.
Papano's is the only pizza establishment you need to know about in the area. We've been enjoying their pies for as long as we've been spending our summers in Frankfort since 1988.
Pro tip: You can buy their dough for less than $1 per dough ball. Just call ahead and tell them you're coming in. Then, enjoy making your own custom pizzas at our little cottage!
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A Papano's Pizza
13033 Cadillac HwyPapano's is the only pizza establishment you need to know about in the area. We've been enjoying their pies for as long as we've been spending our summers in Frankfort since 1988.
Pro tip: You can buy their dough for less than $1 per dough ball. Just call ahead and tell them you're coming in. Then, enjoy making your own custom pizzas at our little cottage!
Best coffee in town! They serve Higher Grounds coffee which is brewed up in Traverse City. Great service and always kind to talk to.
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Petals & Perks
429 Main StBest coffee in town! They serve Higher Grounds coffee which is brewed up in Traverse City. Great service and always kind to talk to.
Aside from the incredible historic local legacy that Watervale plays host to, it also serves as one of the best breakfasts in the area. Most visitors don't know about this hidden gem! And although some secrets are best kept true to form, we can't help but share our love of this place with you. It's such a special and unique locale and is rich in Michigan history!
Watervale Inn
1244 Watervale RdAside from the incredible historic local legacy that Watervale plays host to, it also serves as one of the best breakfasts in the area. Most visitors don't know about this hidden gem! And although some secrets are best kept true to form, we can't help but share our love of this place with you. It's such a special and unique locale and is rich in Michigan history!
An earnest local gem that is conveniently located a short 3 blocks away from The Maple Tree Cottage, the "Cabbage Shed" is a classic Elberta eatery that is worth going to at least once. It will give you a sincere taste of the local flavors! And while you're there, play some pool or darts while you're at it.
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Cabbage Shed
198 Frankfort AveAn earnest local gem that is conveniently located a short 3 blocks away from The Maple Tree Cottage, the "Cabbage Shed" is a classic Elberta eatery that is worth going to at least once. It will give you a sincere taste of the local flavors! And while you're there, play some pool or darts while you're at it.
Sightseeing
Stunning views and legendary natural landmark. You'll know what we mean when you experience it for yourself!
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Sleeping Bear Dunes
Stunning views and legendary natural landmark. You'll know what we mean when you experience it for yourself!
Point Betsie is one of the most iconic and recognizable lighthouses in the state of Michigan. Just a short drive from our cottage, this architectural institution is a must see no matter how old you are!
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Point Betsie Lighthouse
3701 Point Betsie RdPoint Betsie is one of the most iconic and recognizable lighthouses in the state of Michigan. Just a short drive from our cottage, this architectural institution is a must see no matter how old you are!
Since 1988 when we first began vacationing in the Frankfort and Elberta area, "Inspiration Point" has been one of the few must-see/must-do activities that we take all of our friend and families to when they come for a visit.
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Inspiration Point
Michigan 22Since 1988 when we first began vacationing in the Frankfort and Elberta area, "Inspiration Point" has been one of the few must-see/must-do activities that we take all of our friend and families to when they come for a visit.
Activities
Fun activities for all 4 seasons! From golf and swimming to skiing and luging.
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Crystal Mountain
Fun activities for all 4 seasons! From golf and swimming to skiing and luging.
Rent a canoe, kayak, or inner tube and float down the lazy river like a true local. Or better yet, bring your own inner tubes and save yourself some cash.
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Riverside Canoe Trips
5042 N Scenic HwyRent a canoe, kayak, or inner tube and float down the lazy river like a true local. Or better yet, bring your own inner tubes and save yourself some cash.