Cedar bounces back

May 23, 2007

Ed Note: This is the first in a series focusing on Northern Michigan communities. If your community has exciting projects happening contact us at info@northernexpress.com


When Sugar Loaf shut down five years ago no one was quite sure how it would impact the Leelanau Peninsula economy. The popular ski resort put a huge deposit year round into the marketplace, especially in the community of Cedar. Highway department surveys showed about 10,000 cars daily passing through the community at the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Sugar Loaf’s closure not only impacted the area’s winter economy, it has hurt the summer and fall seasons as well. Now, the property has become the “boy who cried wolf” with promises every other month that it will reopen soon, only to have excited residents of the region scratching their heads as the ski lifts and hotel rooms remain closed.
Business owners in Cedar are not waiting around for Sugar Loaf. They believe their community has plenty to offer and they plan to show off their “goods” this Saturday at their “Evening Stroll Thru Cedar,” where 17 businesses will be open from 5:30 to 8 p.m., offering wine, food and other refreshments.
Liz Saile, who opened a handcrafted jewelry shop last year in Cedar, was enticed by the quaintness of the community as well as its potential. Saile’s work would have easily fit into Suttons Bay, Leland or Glen Arbor peninsula communitys that are loaded with high-end shoppers, but she chose Cedar instead.
“Cedar is at the center, the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. The traffic through here is phenomenal,” said Saile. “This is a friendly community where the business community pulls together. Everyone helps everyone. I know I made the right choice.”

LOOKING AHEAD
As for Sugar Loaf, Saile and others are determined to make Cedar a viable destination regardless of the future of the resort.
“Cedar’s identity has been centered around Sugar Loaf and the annual Polka Fest,” said Saile. “We have a business community looking to broaden that identity. We have no control over what Sugar Loaf does and doesn’t do, but we do have control over our own destiny and that is our focus.”
Saile, and the rest of the business community, plan to aggressively market Cedar’s assets. They want people who travel the Leelanau Peninsula’s shoreline communities to look inward at Cedar.
“Traffic through Cedar is heavy year-round. Our challenge is to get people to stop and notice what we have to offer,” said Saile. “We have galleries, restaurants, a winery and several unique shops. Most importantly friendly and unique people at each of these places that makes Cedar worth a visit.”
Alan Eaker, who opened Longview Winery last year, agrees. Eaker’s wife Linda, a world-renowned artist, is opening a gallery and her son and daughter-in-law have opened the popular dining spot the Cedar Rustic Inn.
“We could have opened our tasting room anywhere on the Peninsula, but we saw the potential in Cedar.” said Eaker. “Business for both of us has been beyond our expectations. We like how everyone in this community works together.”

POPULAR STOPS
Besides Sugar Loaf and the annual Polka Festival in July, some of Cedar’s other businesses have been drawing in visitors. The Cedar Tavern has been a popular watering hole and live entertainment destination. Pleva’s Meats has attracted national attention for the community. The Cedar City Market and Buntings IGA both offer unique products.
Saile hopes that the “Cedar Evening Stroll” will be a start to educating Northern Michigan residents that Cedar is worth a visit.
“We are just 10 to 15 minutes from Traverse City and a shortcut through the Leelanau Peninsula,” said Saile. “This is a family friendly village with a lot to offer. There is plenty to do here and unique places to explore. You can put your boat, kayak or canoe in here and head up to Lake Leelanau. Looking for ice cream? We have it. You want to know anything about anything, then Ron at the Cedar Hardware has answer for you.”
As for Saile, her first year in Cedar was a success. Saile, whose maiden name is Martinek, of the Traverse City jewelry family, has 27 years’ jewelry experience.
“Summer and fall were great. This past winter was slow but it gave me time to work on my jewelry,” said Saile. “I stayed open all winter as did other shops. It takes time but we are all committed to this community. Several of us will be open again this winter.”
She points out that her neighbor across the street, Inish Knits, has been offering evening programs during the winter that has helped to attract customers.
Saile, who has been spearheading the Cedar Evening Stroll, said that they don’t have an organization just several business owners who got together to make it happen.
“We don’t have a website, not sure if we even have Internet out here, just kidding,” said Saile. “We are just taking it one step at a time. Having this open house this weekend and taking it from there.”

The Cedar Evening Stroll is Saturday May 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a handcrafted basket full of goodies from the community. The drawing takes place at 8:15 p.m. at the Cedar Tavern. For additional details contact Liz Saile at 231-409-0321 or any of the other friendly merchants in Cedar.