Kachink. Kachink. Kachink. That's the sound of you filling up your gas tank. How high can the gas prices go? Maybe the rising cost of gas is making you think twice about taking a driving trip for a week or a weekend.
Help, as the saying now goes, is on the way. There are a number of places around the Chicago area that you can get to and from on a tank of gas. And one of the richest experiences you can have in this regard is the Red Arrow Ride.
The Red Arrow Ride follows a part of Michigan's old Red Arrow Highway through a section of southwestern Michigan dubbed Harbor Country because of its close proximity to Lake Michigan. The ride begins in New Buffalo, progress northward through Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, and Sawyer. Along the way, you'll see plenty of antique shops and malls, art galleries, and fun restaurants. Many of the establishments are owned or operated by LGBT folk. This is a very gay-friendly area. So hop in the car, and let's go.
Snooping for things past
If antiquing is one of your favorite things to do, be on the lookout for antique signs along the roadside. You'll find individual antique shops as well as large antique malls. In the malls, small dealers rent stalls to sell their wares.
Even before you leave New Buffalo, you'll find your first stop, the big red Antique Barn. Off the Red Arrow a bit on York Road in Union Pier is Frog Forest Findings. Next, on the Red Arrow, comes Lakeside with D.J. Benard Antiques and Lakeside Antiques. In Harbert, look for Marco Polo Antiques and in Sawyer, Stewart James Antiques & Galleria. Also in Sawyer is a big mall, the Dunes Antique Center. And there are even more, smaller antique places to poke around in.
You probably will not find a great treasure at a bargain price. These dealers know their merchandise. But, you stand a pretty good chance of discovering a magnificent piece of antique furniture, well displayed, and in excellent condition. Then, there is always that Depression glass, old post cards, toys, and just stuff.
The Artsy Side of the Ride
If you are looking for art and the artist's life, you will definitely find it along the Red Arrow. Art galleries and studios literally blossom in the nautical/countryside setting. There are no less than half a dozen galleries in New Buffalo alone. Take, for example, Fenway Gallery, which also has locations in Chicago. Here you can view and purchase paintings by Fenway founder Bruce Wood as well as distinctive, imported rugs and furniture. Gaia Gallery is a cooperative of local artists with their works on display. There is always something new, because the exhibits change every month.
Stop in and browse at Local Color in Union Pier. Visit Sprite of Hand in Lakeside. Marvel at Fritz Olsen Sculptures on Holloway Drive in Sawyer.
Individual galleries host openings and other events throughout the year. But the big annual art bash is Art Attack, held every April. For an entire weekend, you can attend gallery receptions, artist's workshops, exhibitions, and open houses.
Buy Stuff
There's lots of stuff other than art and antiques in little boutiques here and there along the Red Arrow Ride. Downtown New Buffalo is crammed with shops that sell all kinds of things, from nautical-themed merchandise at Sweetwater Boating to Country Mates with its year-round Christmas store to Whittaker House with chic clothing and gifts.
Poke around in Patty's Picks in Union Pier. Maybe you will find an old-fashioned rocking horse or a gift for your best friend's pet. Maybe you need some new jewelry. Check out Amethyst Gallery in New Buffalo or Abigail Heche, LTD, mother of Anne, in Lakeside. If you're in the market for a painted, life-size Chinese dragon, you are likely to find one at Custom Imports in New Buffalo.
Eat Food
With all that strenuous shopping and browsing, you need food to keep up your strength. There is no lack of eating places along the Red Arrow Highway. One of our favorites is the Red Arrow Road House in Union Pier, noted for its casual atmosphere, barbequed ribs, and broasted chicken. It's not unusual to see gay families with their kids in here on a Saturday afternoon.
There are some terrific fine dining places in Union Pier. Choose from Moxie's, Millers Country House, or Timothy's in the Gordon Beach Inn—a real Arts & Crafts building. Enjoy outdoor dining at Café Tuscany.
If you are into prime rib, dine at Skip's Other Place, also on the Red Arrow just outside New Buffalo. If you are into Italian, you've got to go to Brewster's in New Buffalo. Want lunch or a more casual meal? You want the Stray Dog in New Buffalo. One of the oldest, largest, and most popular places in New Buffalo is Hannah's. The huge menu is bound to have something that pleases everyone. The list of great restaurants goes on and on.
So, you come to the end of a perfect day riding the Red Arrow Highway. And you still have plenty of gas to take you back home. But maybe, just maybe, you'll stay one more day.
Cynthia A. Marquard is the owner of Aqua Terra Travel, 65 E. Wacker Place, Chicago IL 60601. You can reach Cynthia at 312-787-2400 or 1-800-44-ENVOY. Visit the Web site at www.aquaterratravel.com .