TRAVERSE CITY — Mosey into the Hayloft Inn on a Friday or Saturday night and you might think you’ve been transported to a Western movie set. The scene pulses with live music and line dancing staged amidst country-style barrel tables, rustic wood walls covered by old-time posters, animal mounts and antique farm tools.
Located about five miles west of Traverse City off M-72, the country-western venue evolved through the decades to secure its standing as a favorite local hang-out.
Hayloft Inn Restaurant and Bar opened in 1983 in a converted garage. Marion Peplinski was behind the bar serving customers on day one. It soon became her happy place, and in 1987 she purchased the business. Although her daughter Marnie Williams and Marnie’s husband Nick run the Hayloft these days, Peplinski pops in now and then to oversee the good times.
“She’s still the matriarch of the place,” Marnie said.
The venue comes by its authentic country character honestly. Marnie and her four brothers spent their formative years working on the family farm with their late father Donald and helping out at the Hayloft.
“We went from baling hay in the day to busing tables, working in the kitchen or waitressing at night,” she said.
The Hayloft gained greater popularity in 2004 when its Open Mic Night “The Roundup” was streamed and later recorded for broadcast on various Northwest Michigan stations, including Interlochen Public Radio. A number of performers made their mark on the show, including the national bluegrass star and grammy award winner singer/songwriter Billy Strings.
One singer’s Hayloft performance remains a mystery.
“Toby Keith performed, or else it was an impersonator,” Marion said. “He looked like Toby Keith. He sounded like Toby Keith, but we still don’t know for sure if it was Toby.”
“The Roundup” ended when the pandemic hit.
While the Hayloft’s signature is its country vibe, post-pandemic changes developed a wider following. The traditional entertainment lineup features Two Ole Broads with friends Roger Choponis and John Ufer. They bring 50’s, 60s, 70s classic country music to the stage weekends on even months.
The Two Ole Broads, Butch Broad, 75, and George Broad, 85, mark 35 years of playing the Hayloft this December. On Oct. 13 a packed house cheered the brothers’ formal induction into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame.
“I love to play and see people happy and celebrating,” Butch said.
Their steel guitars, fiddle playing and vocals fill the house with country music favorites.
“They are really relaxed. They have done it so much that it’s like breathing,” Marnie said. “They’re happy-go-lucky guys and you see it when they play.”
Odd months feature live rock, blues and pop music popular with younger crowds. November’s lineup of local bands includes the Dune Brothers, Time Bombs, Empire Highway and others.
Marion said when the day comes she decides to sell the Hayloft she hopes that the next generation of owners will maintain the venue’s cozy country charm and authentic character.
Check out the Hayloft’s Tex Mex menu and entertainment schedule on the venue’s Facebook site.