A few weekends ago my dad, brother, and I roadtripped up to Traverse City, Michigan to attend a two day fly fishing school put on by the Orvis company.
A scenic trip up US-31, the 6 hour drive was broken up by a stop to see family in Paw Paw. And if you’re ever up that way be sure to visit La Cantina– a near century-old Italian restaurant owned by some family friends.
After hugs in the driveway, we continued on towards Northern Michigan. Friday was a free night before day one of school on Saturday and we were able to do a bit of exploring. Traverse City’s offering of local businesses, restaurants, and many, many brewpubs were a welcome departure from the standard fudge stores and Michigan-themed gift shops that you’re surely familiar with if you’ve visited at least one other coastal city along The Great Lakes.
A couple favorites from our time in Traverse City:
- Charles and Reid- A Detroit style pizza shop just south of the main drag. The lamb meatballs were a success and both pizzas had all the crispy cheese you could ask for. Bonus: they had everyone’s favorite one-shot digestive, Underberg, available for purchase.
- The Little Fleet- A very well-appointed indoor/outdoor bar surrounded by several permanent food trucks. This trip was only for quenching our thirsts with cold beer but I’d love to take another visit for a cocktail and some BBQ.
- Outpost Coffee- A truly beautiful coffee shop located downtown. Fresh-baked breads draw you in from the front window and you’re further enticed by the display case full of French pastries at the counter. Small bites and a curated wine selection make it a great spot to stop before dinner as well.
- Streamside Orvis- As we found out, not all Orvis stores are created equal. Carmel’s store in Clay Terrace is a corporate store. While still focused on fly fishing, these stores offer apparel, home goods, coffee mugs, etc. without specializing in one specific thing. On the other hand you have authorized retailers. Smaller in stature, these stores really offer a true experience for anglers new and old. Guides for hire, a selection of flies handpicked based on what’s biting that day, and great gear and apparel from other favorite brands like Barbour and Patagoniat plus goods from local makers like leather bags and artwork.
The Orvis school was an amazing introduction into the sport. A true departure from the fishing I did as a kid. We learned how to set up our rods and lines, cast, and control the flies. Day two was the real treat. Wading through the cold, rushing water of the Boardman River on a 90º degree day in July was enough to get me hooked (pun intended, sorry) on its own. I couldn’t recommend the experience enough.
And although nobody from our group caught a fish that day, I can promise you I’ll be out in the water again soon.
In a completely and totally unrelated note, Newman & Co. is now accepting fly fishing reels, rods, apparel, and accessories on consignment!