KALKASKA'S 80TH ANNUAL NATIONAL TROUT FESTIVAL, APRIL 27 - MAY 1

Michigan's Trout Season begins on Saturday, April 30 this year.  Kalkaska has celebrated that opening for the last 80 years and present the first Festival of the year in Northern Michigan.  This Annual National Trout Festival will run from Wednesday April 27 to Sunday May 1.  In 1935, the National Trout Festival made its first debut with two days of festivities held on April 30 and May 1.  Forty floats made up the parade on the first day. The trout King was crowned in the bandstand where evergreen boughs were arranged.  The recently departed author Jim Harrison spent time in Kalkaska Trout Fishing and I am sure tipping a few at the Hotel Kalkaska.  He even wrote about us in his book, Just Before Dark.

The Village of Kalkaska sits on the banks of the Boardman River and is home to two additional rivers, the Manistee River and the Rapid River.  The schools are closed for Trout Friday and the whole town celebrates all things Trout.  The most infamous Trout is of course the statue that sits prominently on U.S. 131 in the center of town.  The link above will take you to the schedule of events for the week.  It is a great family affair featuring kids trout fishing, carnival, kids parade, Grand Royale Parade, Classic Car Show and the Wood Memorial fun run, 5K and 10K runs.  Last but not least, if you are a fly fisherman, come for a visit and tour our beautiful streams and rivers.  You will not be disappointed.

Log Cabin, 10 acres, 1,000 ft. of frontage on N. Branch of Boardman River

If you have been looking for a peaceful setting, full log cabin, water, acreage and close to Traverse City - look no further.  This property is situated among only 7 private properties and surrounded  by thousands of acres of state land. This is a 3-4 season getaway.  As you drive down the road through the tunnel of trees, you start to feel a sense of privacy and when you arrive at the property and drive down the long driveway a feeling of serenity overcomes you. You have some very lovely homes as neighbors even though you never see them.

Awesome spot for bird and deer hunting, fishing, trail riding (4 wheelers, snowmobiles or horses), or just observing nature as it happens.  This home is full log with 2BR,2B, 1400 finished sq. ft. and 1,000 (basement) unfinished sq. ft.  Metal roof, newer septic system. underground electric and excellent cell reception make this a cabin that is suited for very comfortable living.  Small horse barn with water if you want to bring the horses. Current owner lived here year around.

Click here for further details. 5264 N. Crofton Road, MLS #1800179 priced to sell at $214,900.

Consider The Boardman River if you're seeking Traverse City waterfront living

The Boardman River near the Supply Road bridge

The real estate market in Traverse City has definitely been booming in recent years.  That holds especially true for properties on the water.  As prices continue to rise (about 8% annually for the last couple of years) it’s becoming more difficult to find anything of quality on the water that falls within most budgets.  Most buyers we’re working with are looking to live in the region for the natural beauty and slower pace but they don’t want to give up the very well done home they’re moving from.  Because it’s really only been in recent years that so many full time residents have flooded to the area, there simply aren’t enough quality homes for them to purchase.

For more and more buyers, this means building a new home.  Fortunately there are a number of builders who have gravitated to the area in order to service this growing demand.  This means that very high quality builders, who can be trusted to complete a project far from home, are available.  While costs are higher than they were a few years ago (most of our clients will spend at least $175/sq. ft. to build a high quality home), they’re starting to come in line with the cost of buying an existing home that isn’t really ideal for the buyer’s needs.  One of our favorite builders right now is Eric Render with Render Construction.  He’s built a number of custom homes for our clients and the results have always been spectacular.  Our clients have found that he’s very trustworthy and reliable and he worked closely with them to ensure they ended up with the perfect home in the end.  He has some great information on his website, www.renderconstruction.com.

I recently visited a large vacant parcel on The Boardman River with Eric in an effort to get a sense of the properties limitations from a building standpoint.  While there are many more buyers seeking to buy and build along Grand Traverse Bay or some of the area lakes, The Boardman River is an excellent option where buyers can find a much better sense of privacy at a much better price.  This parcel, in particular offers over 20 acres of wooded land with 750’ of frontage, including frontage on the other side of the river to ensure privacy.  The seller already went through the site approval and preparation process which normally takes a bit of time and a lot of cost.  Click  HERE for more information on this parcel.  It’s being offered for $229,900.  Compared to 100’ bay front lots starting around $350,000, that’s a terrific buy. 

We have another parcel that’s also beautiful and offers convenient access to town but is a little upstream.  This 7 acre parcel has 1,100’ of frontage and was recently reduced to $187,500.  Click HERE for details.

I know it may be outside the concept many buyers originally had in mind when they began their search in our area, but a small shift in thinking can often lead to a spectacular result.  Spending evenings watching trout rise and deer meander through the yard isn’t all bad, especially when it’s just minutes from all the amenities of Traverse City.

Contact Chad Brown today to learn more about these properties or to set up a time to discuss ALL the available options in seeking the ideal northern Michigan home or cottage for you and your family or friends.  chad@homewaters.net or (231) 499-8292

Build your Boardman River Dream Home - 2720 River Bend Road, Traverse City

Have you been looking for that special home on the Boardman River, close to Traverse City that is not a cabin or difficult to get to or just doesn't have the river views.  If so, this unique property is exactly what you are looking for and provides over 20 acres of privacy, approximately 775 feet of Boardman River frontage and minutes to Traverse City and all the amenities.  The building site for your new home or cottage as well as an additional site for a garage/storage building has necessary approvals in place and the views to the river have been protected and maintained over the years.

Life on the river is really special when you can wake up every morning to the sounds of flowing water, peace and quiet.  The views are ever changing with the seasons.  Rivers attract all the wildlife that you may never witness until you move out of the concrete jungle and into your very own natural paradise.  This property is beyond compare and is looking for a new owner who appreciates how special it really is.

Follow this link  to find out more information about the property.  Survey and site approvals available.  Enjoy wildlife, seclusion, and some of the finest trout fishing in Northern Michigan without sacrificing the comforts and convenience of Traverse City Living.

CUSTOM LOG HOME ON NORTH BRANCH OF BOARDMAN RIVER

Amish built log home with over 1,000 feet of frontage and 10 acres on the wild and scenic portion of the Boardman River.  This property is surrounded by hundreds of acres of state land and only five private parcels. Situated on the western edge of Kalkaska County it is only minutes away from all the amenities and diversity of Traverse City.

From the moment you enter the property you will experience the peacefulness of being in nature along with  the sounds of chirping birds or the gurgling sound of the river.  Easy access to the river below and great opportunity for small game, bird and deer hunting make this a sportsman's paradise.  The home is tastefully appointed with hardwood floors, central forced air heat, cathedral ceiling, full poured basement waiting to be finished and main floor bedroom and bath along with upper loft and second bath to accommodate friends and family.

This unique property  is ready for a new owner and priced to sell at $219,900.  Contact mary@homewaters.net  or call 231-384-1207 to schedule a showing.

Boardman River Now Offers More to Kayakers and Paddlers

During a recent drive near the removal of the Brown Bridge Dam, I snapped the above photo.  Though this picture is only a week or so old, I'm sure the green banks are filling in rapidly making for even more lush vegetation (especially after the amount of rain we got last night!  Yeesh!).  Though the landscape around the area is a reminder that a large dam once stood here, the river itself seems to be finding its way very happily and naturally as it meanders through and on its way to Grand Traverse Bay.  Not only does the recovery of this river to its natural, meandering state mean it's a healthier river, it now offers an adventurer the opportunity to paddle more seamlessly through the landscape.

From the Forks Campground to Grand Traverse Bay, the Boardman River is considered to be a moderate to fast current, making a fun day trip (you can choose to go about 27 miles from the Forks area) on a canoe/kayak.  A newer sport spreading through the area, stand-up paddleboarding, is also a great way to enjoy the Boardman.   I stand-up paddle often and river paddling is one of my favorite ways to enjoy Northern Michigan; the perspective of standing allows you to see the fish, turtles, and wildlife from a completely different angle.  A leisurely paddle down the river used to more often than not end at the Boardman Pond (unless you were willing to get in some weight-lifting too and schlepped your mode of transport to the other side - nothankyouverymuch!), but now, with no dam you can just keep calm and paddle on.

Historically, the Boardman is an expensive river to buy property on, however, we've just listed a charming log cabin for just $129,900 on a terrific stretch of water.  See the info below or contact me right away to schedule a showing!