Fall is nice time to dine near the lakeshore!

This place is very cool! Check out Frankie's Place in Union Pier for fine but not pretentious dining. The fall season shrinks the lake crowd unless the winery visitors form a crowd. Do you like Frank Sinatra music playing while enjoying excellent food? Ever had a grilled cheese and chef prepared tomato soup for an appetizer? Best with a martini and a swagger. This place has lobster cake or ahi tuna appetizers, great soups, nice salads and top shelf entrees. Some nice touches are the "lighter fare" and the "prix fixe" menus. Also, try the aged delmonico steak, the brie & pear pork chops or the New Zealand rack of lamb. Nice desserts and a full bar. Live entertainment on Saturdays. Check out the guide for more details.

BBQ in Harbor Country

This BBQ joint is near Warren Dunes and Sawyer. Right on Red Arrow Hwy it looks like a carryout place from the road. Once inside Smokin' Woodys Char-B-Q is a classic. Indoor seating is comfortable and they have a neat screened porch in back that makes you feel like you are down south. Great rib tips, smoked chicken and smoked sirloin lead the way, but don't miss the racks of ribs or the pulled pork sandwiches. They also have red hots, hot links and brats. The burger looked very good as well. Nice salads with their smoked meats on top as well as sides like corn on the cob, cole slaw and baked beans. You do not know what potato you will get so just go with it. No alcohol. Fun place for the family with lots of great BBQ. Check out the guide for more details.