If you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s eve to ring in 2024, towns and local businesses in Leelanau County have a number of specials and celebrations perfect for just yourself or the entire family.
Starting at the tip of the peninsula in Northport is a plethora of activities that begin in the early evening around the village. However, perhaps the most anticipated of activities happening towards midnight is the new year’s eve “anchor” drop at the Northport Inn right in the heart of downtown. The annual beloved tradition garners interest from both locals and visitors alike, and the anchor drop, which switched from the usual “ball” last year, compliments the picturesque village right off the water.
This year, the Northport Inn, which organizes the new year’s eve tradition, said they have a bigger and brighter anchor to celebrate the welcoming of 2024. Before the midnight drop, there will also be live music and entertainment from Soul Patch at The Northport Union from 9-11 p.m. with delicious food and drinks.
Northport Inn co-owner Lynden Johncock attributes the success of the event and great attendance year after year because of the village’s focus on family and kid-friendly activities, as well as businesses offering longer hours and adapting in every season.
“It’s going to be pretty cool this year — There are more and more people that are gravitating to Northport, I think they like the low key vibe of the town and it’s still very family oriented,” Johncock said. “It’s hard to believe how many people still come out at midnight in Northport, the streets get filled and it’s just such a cool buzz, and I really think it’s because of the families that are up there.”
Like every year, Northport Inn staff are helping run the new year’s eve drop, and have plans to set off a few fireworks from the roof, too. Johncock said his family and himself, as well as fellow Northport Inn coowner Steve Ball, have usually helped with the midnight celebration since they acquired the Inn in 2021, but this time they’ll be out of town.
The Inn is known for being booked years in advance and around popular holidays especially, so Johncock said they reserved enough rooms ahead of time for their team’s and their families that will be present on new year’s eve.
“I think more and more of the businesses are seeing they have to be open more consistently, and they are, so part of it for us is just consistency… our building, that’s our mission, to make it the centerpiece of the town,” he added. “Obviously the tree is that for sure, but outside of the tree, in regards to lighting it (the anchor) up and making sure we’re offering things at the Inn, having the gym open, and the pizzeria (The Big Hot Woody) is going to be part of that pretty soon and we’re going to try to keep that open as much as possible.”
In addition to the Northport Inn and The Union, The Mitten Brewing Company will host their New Year’s eve extravaganza once again with live music from Local Riff Raff & Handsome Dan and The Hooligans. Walk down Waukazoo Street and you’ll find Northport Pub & Grille rocking out into the new year with the Traverse City band Knee Deep performing from 8 p.m. to midnight. At $30 per person, attendees will have two hours of bowling, with salad and pizza served during the night.
Just south of Northport in Peshawbestown, Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge will host its classic new year’s eve celebration with $25,000 in cash and prizes from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. in addition to party favors, champagne pours, and a balloon drop at midnight, “the Prolifics” Detroit band will perform live in the Sand’s Showroom. Big Dex’s Restaurant will have a dinner buffet, featuring food like carved prime rib, honey ham, and sweet and sour chicken with rice, from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $30 per guest. On January 1, New Year’s day, 23 players are still eligible to win $240 cash and a top prize drawing of $2,400 from 12-4 p.m. The Big Dex restaurant will also have a breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to noon for $17 per guest featuring other delicious items like a made-to-order omelet station, and sausage gravy and buttermilk biscuits.
OTHER RESTAURANT LOCAL SPECIALS
In Suttons Bay, restaurants like the VI Grill will have a new year’s eve “surf n’ turf” buffet from 5- 9 p.m. and are currently taking reservations. For $29.95, people can get battered cod, citrus salmon, and braised pot roast, among the many other menu items. On January 1, the grill will have a “Rose Bowl Buffet” for $19.95 from 3-9 p.m. featuring chili dogs, barbeque ribs, chicken wings, potato salad, slaw, and much more.
North Country Kitchen and Bar have a few reservations left for their new year’s eve meal consisting of two entrees (lobster tails, prime rib, ribeye), and a bottle of wine or champagne for $120.
Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay will have a new year’s eve multi-course, wine paired dinner on Sunday from 6:30-9 p.m. at its inn. The evening begins with a welcome reception featuring a specialty-themed craft cocktail followed by dinner at large feasting tables, where the chef will share the inspiration behind the evening’s menu. In addition, a winery representative will discuss the wine pairings and share updates on new releases and vintages. Tickets include a welcome cocktail, dinner, wine pairings, and service fee.
Glen Arbor Wines plans to have the quirkiest ball drop at midnight with live music starting at 8 p.m., along with a free complimentary gourmet mac n’ cheese bar, great wine and cider. People can call the business at 231-835-2196.
