CHARLEVOIX CONDO: Leggs Inn was packed...

In the fall, we like to travel in Emmet County (the most northwest county of the Lower Peninsula) because it has rolling hills and gorgeous fall colors. While driving around, we like to stop at the LEGGS INN in Cross Village for a drink and some good Polish cooking.

If you look on your map of Michigan, you can tell that Cross Village is basically in no man’s land. You can take 31 north to 66 west and end in Cross Village or you can take 119 along Lake Michigan – if you dare.

Traveling 119 is like travelling in a tunnel of trees. The problem is that the road is very narrow and you have to be alert to on-coming traffic. The road is popular with bikers who consider 119 a thrill ride.

Being this late in October, we thought the Leggs Inn would be closing soon so there would not be a crowd of people there – wrong. The place was packed with bikers and other visitors out to see the colors. There was a 60 minute wait for a table and the seating was inside and on the terrace overlooking Lake Michigan; we settled for a drink.

For you who do not know about this place, it was founded by an immigrant from Poland that arrived in this country in 1912 and built the Inn ~ 1920 with the help of the local Indians.

If you can see how far off the beaten path the Inn is in 2010; what do you thing the area looked like in 1920?

Several family members have been running the Inn since the founder died. They also bring in young people from Poland to serve the guests during the summer season and maybe brush up on their English.

Next summer, make this your destination when up north.