Circle Michigan 2023 - 28

[NORTHERN MICHIGAN]
The Ernest
Hemingway
statue in Petoskey
is based on a
1920 photo.
Check out Ernest
Hemingway's seat at
City Park Grill.
Northern Inspiration
Walk in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps in Petoskey
by JACKIE SHECKLER FINCH
W
ith a copy of my favorite Ernest Hemingway
book in my backpack, I survey a
sculpture of the author as a young man.
Based on a 1920 photo, the artwork
shows Hemingway leaving Petoskey after recovering from the
life-threatening wounds he suffered in Italy during World War I.
Standing in downtown Petoskey's Pennsylvania Park, Hemingway's
6-foot frame holds a cane and suitcase as he prepares to
board a train. It has been said, however, that a book in the author's
pocket may not be a totally accurate detail. More than likely it is
said that the actual Hemingway would be carrying a liquor flask in
his pocket-as history shows he did like his drink.
I've followed the Nobel Prize-winning author on his familiar
haunts in Cuba, Spain, and Key West, Florida. But this was my first
time walking in his Michigan footsteps, and it is a fascinating trail.
" It was here in Petoskey that Hemingway decided to follow
his dream of becoming a writer and 'To write about what he
knew best,' " says Christopher Struble, president of the Michigan
Hemingway Society, an organization that has offered Hemingway
tours for 20 years.
Hemingway's parents had fallen in love with the area and built
a summer cottage on Walloon Lake. During the first 23 years of
26 | CIRCLE MICHIGAN PREMIER GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE
his life, Hemingway's family spent summers in the Petoskey area,
which he called " a priceless place. "
A good way to start my Hemingway trip was to visit the Little
Traverse Historical Museum in a former railroad depot on Petoskey's
waterfront. The museum has a nice collection of Hemingway
memorabilia. From there, I headed over to City Park Grill,
formerly known as the Annex, where Hemingway would take the
next-to-last seat on the left at the Victorian-era pub. With the seat
open, I slid in to savor a scotch and water in his honor.
Next was the majestic Stafford's Perry Hotel where Hemingway
stayed in 1916. Guests can now enjoy one of the 75 guest
rooms and relax on the expansive porch while watching " The Million
Dollar Sunset " for which Petoskey is famous.
As for that book I'm carrying, it's the Hemingway classic
I learned to love in junior high, " The Old Man and the Sea. "
Petoskey seems the perfect place to reread it and muse
about how Hemingway's Michigan memories influence his
legendary works.
As Struble concludes, " Hemingway wrote so many stories
about north Michigan right up until his death when he was working
on yet another northern Michigan story, aptly named, 'The
Last Good Country.' "
PHOTOS PETOSKEY AREA VISITORS BUREAU
Circle Michigan 2023

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