Ready for a vacation with more to do than hit the beach? Then make plans this summer to visit what has been called a Michigan treasure: The Petoskey Area of northern Michigan.
The resort communities that make up the Petoskey Area have earned quite a reputation for their stunningly beautiful beaches and spectacular lakeside settings. Whether you like strolling the soft sand looking for souvenir Petoskey stones, diving into crystal-clear Lake Michigan, hopping on a paddle board or jet ski, or catching a gentle breeze and sailing across the bay, water fun here is unmatched.
But what makes the Petoskey Area even more special is all there is to do when the beach towel has been put away for the day. While the lakeside communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City each have a quiet, relaxed charm, within that laid-back environment are countless things to do from leisurely to full-speed ahead.
You’ll find more ways to relax, more ways to have fun, more to smile about.
Be sure to explore the boutiques and galleries. The elegant Village at Bay Harbor, Petoskey’s famous Gaslight District, and the downtown areas of Harbor Springs and Boyne City are lined with dozens of inviting shops.
Wander through historic districts that offer a wealth of treasures from yesteryear. The Bay View area alone has nearly 500 Victorian structures that have earned Bay View a designation as a National Historic Landmark.
These picturesque communities are surrounded by some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails imaginable. Trails lead though magnificent forests, and along the shores of inland lakes and crystal-clear rivers and streams. Wildlife abounds, and with every crest of a hill another awesome vista arises.
You’ll remember these courses long after forgetting your scores. There are more than a dozen courses from nationally rated to economical. And the quality of those courses is often written about by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest.
Whatever you have a taste for, you’ll find it here. Perhaps it’s one of our fine gourmet restaurants. Maybe it’s one with a more casual, easy-going style. For a truly memorable experience, head out on our culinary trail. It has 38 markets, boutique food shops, wineries and breweries.
There is a whole calendar of special festivals taking place here all summer long that are guaranteed to bring a smile. Check the website for dates and descriptions.
There are a lot more things to do and see that we just couldn’t fit into this space. For complete into, including some really cool places to stay, download or order your copy of the Petoskey Area Vacation Guide. It’s free and full of things to smile about.
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About the author
Diane Dakins is passionate about all of the communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. She strives to create informative content that gives potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.