The most beautiful place in U.S.? Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan won this Good Morning America contest today. Why am I so excited? Two reasons. Sleeping Bear is in my now home state, and I'm planning a trip. The other reason is that Chef Mario Batali spends his summers on the Leelanau Pennisula and his love of the area's food artisans is quite an endorsement. Chef Batali serves gluten-free pasta in his restaurants in New York and is proving to be a Tender Friendly chef (so we love him even more). You might catch him dining at Hearth & Vine located on the Black Star Farms estate - a restaurant he describes as his "favorite". Black Star Farms uses local vendors and has a beautiful winery, three tasting rooms and an inn. If you would like to try something lovely and a little unusual, try their pear wine or their fruit brandies. I purchased mine at G.B. Russo & Son. The Leelenau Pennisula (map) is the home to all of this magic, and it is also the largest cherry growing region in the world.
Great things can happen when a community loves and respects the natural resources that surround them. Congratulations, Sleeping Bear!
Read the entire article on the ABC News website.
Download "10 Places Not to Miss in Sleeping Bear".
Read George Aquino's article on great things to do if you fly into Grand Rapids before driving up the coast.