2021 MyNorth Vacation! Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes

CHARLEVOIX

& CHAIN OF LAKES NORTHERN MICHIGAN

BOUTIQUES, BEAUTY & BOATS Torch Lake

ALDEN ∙ BEAVER ISLAND ∙ BELLAIRE ∙ CENTRAL LAKE ∙ CHARLEVOIX ∙ EAST JORDAN ∙ ELK RAPIDS ∙ ELLSWORTH ∙ GAYLORD ∙ GRAYLING ∙ TORCH LAKE 2021 MYNORTH

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Scrapbooking your day through Grayling...

s, itten for snack M e th n p’ Ti to Dip in d beautiful ice cream, an e finds, Michigan mad and wine. including beer

Stop in to the recently remod eled Ole Dam to stock up on Party Store beverages for all ages and activities.

Take advantage of the expansive trail systems of the region, all easily accessed from Grayling, a Naturally Beautiful community.

unch Enjoy a delicious br and craft drinks at Michigan Brew.

Stop by Th pets, an e Curator, full o d everyon f unique ee fin selection of specia lse, with a wide ds for the home , l jewelry to baby ty treasures from essentia ls.

#DowntownGrayling ~ downtowngrayling.com ~ #OneCanoe 0521_VG_charlevoix.indd 82

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CASTLE FARMS IRONTON FERRY FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

The Insider's

BREEZ E WAY THE BREEZEWAY

CHARLEVOIX & CHAIN OF LAKES Make the most of your vacation in the charming Charlevoix region.

BELLAIRE SMOKEHOUSE JORDAN RIVER

OTSEGO RESORT SHANTY CREEK RESORT

ELK RAPIDS ANTIQUE MARKET

COVER PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER

Cruise the Breezeway—the scenic, bucolic C-48 that winds through East Jordan, Ellsworth and Atwood—past farm stands, small towns and lakes. ridethebreezeway.com

Golf the acclaimed (and breathtaking) courses, The Classic and The Tribute, at Otsego Resort in Gaylord. otsegoclub.com

Canoe or kayak the beautiful Au Sable River.

Find a livery at grayling-mi.com.

Fill your picnic basket at the Bellaire Smokehouse with smoked fish, wine and cheese. bellairesmokehouse.com

Tour the stunning castle and gardens at Castle Farms in Charlevoix. castlefarms.com

Golf one or all of the four lauded courses at Shanty Creek Resort. shantycreek.com

Paddle, raft or tube the wild and scenic Jordan River. jvoutfitters.com

Browse the 8,000-square-foot Elk Rapids Antique Market. elkrapidsantiques.com

Put your car or bike on the Ironton Ferry for the five-minute float across Lake Charlevoix’s picturesque Ironton Narrows. visitcharlevoix.com

Soak up summertime with the kids at the Fountain of Youth, an interactive fountain with a music-and-light show in Charlevoix’s downtown East Park. visitcharlevoix.com

AU SABLE RIVER 2021 MYNORTH

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Stunning Sunsets Sandy Beach on Lake Michigan Shaded & Accessible Camp Sites Trails for Hiking and Biking 12298 Barnes Park Rd, Eastport, MI Modern Restrooms antrimcounty.org/parks_and_rec.asp For reservations: campspot.com/book/barnesparkcampground

Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites HANDCRAFTED CIDERS & WINES FROM OUR ON-SITE FAMILY FARM 11595 US 31 S., WILLIAMSBURG, MI TOWNLINECIDERWORKS.COM • 231.883.5330

If you have a kitchen, get in here!

Spicing up lives for over 37 years!

• Only rated hotel in downtown Charlevoix • Free continental breakfast • Largest seasonal outdoor heated pool • Indoor hot tubs and fireplaces • Year-round indoor 8-person hot tub • Some balconies with views of lake or bridge • Free high speed fiber internet.

www.weathervane-chx.com • info@weathervane-chx.com 111 Pine River Ln., Charlevoix • 231.547.9955

DISCOVER

ST. IGNACE, YOUR HOME PORT IN THE MAGNIFICENT STRAITS OF MACKINAC.

Exploring is Better Above The Bridge! Make St. Ignace your vacation hub and discover the beauty of the big lakes, the miles of pristine trails, and 350 years of rich history. Contact us today! We’ll help you create a memorable stay.

Kitchen & Pantry Accessories Decor, Gifts, Gift Baskets Famous custom blended seasonings of the highest quality pepper and spices.

The House of Good Taste!

Downtown Alden • Open 7 days, 10am-5pm May thru Dec (231) 331-4711 • (800) 226-5481 Visit us all year long at www.aldenmillhouse.com

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1.800.338.6660 stignace.com

Your home port with small town charm.

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Torch Lake

cruise THE CHAIN OF LAKES Pack your sunscreen, swimsuit and a cooler, then float a summer day away.

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

Elk Lake, Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire are all connected by rivers and smaller lakes in a waterway known as the Chain of Lakes. Happily, the chain is navigable by pontoon or similar watercraft. Spend the day tubing behind your boat and enjoying other watersports on these deep-blue lakes, or putz along taking in the shoreline view. Tying up at the Dockside on Torch Lake for a burger and a beer is always a popular activity. Don’t have a pontoon? Dockside can rent you one. docksidetorchlake.com Other marinas that can set you up for a Chain of Lakes trip: Elk Rapids Marina, Elk Rapids, elkrapidsmarina.com // Dewitt Marine, Bellaire, dewittmarine.com (also home to The Clam Shack; easy dock access for snacks, sunscreen, beverages, more) // Riverside Marina, Bellaire, riverside-marina.net // Butch's Tackle & Marine, Bellaire, butchstorchlake.com 2021 MYNORTH

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PHOTO BY TESS CROWLEY

Alden

Elk Rapids

Ellsworth

PHOTO BY TESS CROWLEY

Charlevoix

East Jordan

Central Lake

Gaylord

Bellaire

Alden

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Grayling

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

Elk Rapids

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SMALL TOWNS, BIG CHARM This region of lakes, rivers, forests and old-fashioned downtowns is made for vacations.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

ALDEN

Lovely little Alden on Torch Lake is filled with boutiques, cafes, a specialty spice store, an old-fashioned general store and even a wine bar. A sandy-bottomed swimming area on Torch Lake is adjacent to the downtown boat launch. Raise a glass to a great collection of Northern Michigan craft brews at the Torch Lake Beer Co. visitalden.com

BELLAIRE

The grand old Antrim County Courthouse presides over this charming town that straddles the banks of Intermediate River and sits between Lake Bellaire and Intermediate Lake—so yes, think fabulous watersports.

Find a lively shopping district and four-season Shanty Creek Resort here.

For a small town, the night life is hopping with Short’s Brewing Company, Hello Vino wine bar, Mammoth Distilling and Bee Well Meadery & Cider. bellairechamber.org

CENTRAL LAKE

This sweet town, located where Hanley Lake meets Intermediate Lake under the bridge, has an Up North vibe—kicked up when Mammoth Distilling opened its doors several years ago. Dinner at the venerable Rowe Inn should be on your must-do list, and don’t miss a meal at the stately Blue Pelican Inn—better yet, take a room there. centrallaketownship.org

CHARLEVOIX

The fabulously charming downtown on Lake Charlevoix is brimming with galleries, boutiques and great restaurants. East Park is a hub of outdoor concerts, festivals and farmers markets. With Lake Michigan on one side and Round Lake on the other, stunning beaches and a first-class marina, this city is for water worshippers. Watching boats pass under the drawbridge is a major past-time here, as is drinking great craft beer in front of a stellar Lake Charlevoix view at Bridge Street Tap Room. visitcharlevoix.com

EAST JORDAN

With a bounty of Lake Charlevoix and Jordan River shoreline, this lovely city combines outdoor sports with fun downtown shops and eateries. Watch for a new sculpture Art Walk along city streets this summer. ejchamber.org

ELK RAPIDS

Wedged between Elk Lake and Lake Michigan, this town is a spot of heaven. Find your place on a golden-sand Lake Michigan beach, check out the boats in the 270-slip marina, browse the boutiques and galleries downtown, explore one of the North’s most beautiful library settings, then fill up at one of this town’s awesome eateries—including the new American House Wood Fired Pizza. elkrapidschamber.org

ELLSWORTH

Tucked on the northernmost point of the Chain of Lakes, this charmer of a village on Ellsworth Lake has a public park with a fishing pier, labyrinth garden and Michigan’s largest public archery range. villageofellsworth.com

GAYLORD

This charming town is the gateway for viewing the elk that roam the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Find an alpine vibe thanks to Gaylord’s relationship with twin town Pontresina, Switzerland. With four-season resorts, Treetops and Otsego, and surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of state forest, Gaylord is an outdoor sports mecca. Two breweries (Snowbelt Brewing Co. and Big Buck Brewery) and a handful of intimate pubs make the day’s end part of the adventure. gaylordmichigan.net

GRAYLING

Surrounded by an abundance of public land and headquarters for two of Michigan’s greatest rivers, the Au Sable and Manistee, Grayling is a four-season outdoor sports hub. The stand of virgin white and red pine forest at Hartwick Pines State Park and the annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon are standout attractions. Paddle Hard Brewing jibes with classic eat/drink spots like Dawson & Stevens, a '50s-style diner. grayling-mi.com 2021 MYNORTH

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A REGION OF

beautiful beaches

The Charlevoix/Chain of Lakes region is filled with an array of beaches, from hideaway spots to places to see and be seen. Start planning your beach day here!

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

Torch Lake, Eastport

MICHIGAN BEACH PARK, CHARLEVOIX

There’s something for everyone in the family at this in-town Lake Michigan beach. Enjoy a sandy beach, swim area, great rock hunting, playground, volleyball, pavilion and concessions—all within walking distance of downtown Charlevoix. visitcharlevoix.com

DEPOT BEACH, CHARLEVOIX

Located next to a historic train depot, Depot Beach on Lake Charlevoix is outfitted with paddleboard rentals, a pavilion and restrooms. visitcharlevoix.com

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RICHARDI PARK, BELLAIRE

Here you’ll find a sandy swimming area, grills, picnic tables, a pavilion, ice cream cones and other summer treats close at hand in downtown Bellaire. bellairechamber.org

TORCH LAKE, EASTPORT

The little hamlet of Eastport, at the crossroads of US-31 and M-88, boasts Torch Lake’s only two public swim areas. Find a pavilion, picnic tables, grills, swimming area and boat access at Torch Lake Township Park south of town on US-31. Another swim area and boat access are located at the north end of town off M-88.

ANTRIM CREEK NATURAL AREA, ATWOOD

This mile-long Lake Michigan beach, found just west of Atwood, lies at the end of Rex Beach Road and down a two-track. Walk south along the beach to find where Antrim Creek spills into the big lake. gtrlc.org

ELK RAPIDS DAY PARK, ELK RAPIDS

This Elk Rapids favorite offers big sand, wide Lake Michigan views and every amenity a beach can have, including darling Elk Rapids close by. elkrapidschamber.org

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ELLSWORTH - CENTRAL LAKE - BELLAIRE - ELK RAPIDS

PADDLE NORTHERN MICHIGAN'S

PRISTINE WATERs

100+ miles to explore PLAN YOUR TRIP AT: CHAINOFLAKESWATERTRAIL.ORG The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is proudly hosted by Paddle Antrim

LODGING 4871 N. US 31, Eastport, MI 49627 • 231-599-2412

PHOTO BY TESS CROWLEY

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME! The perfect destination for enjoying summer fun on the beaches of Grand Traverse Bay or the pristine waters of Torch Lake! We are centrally located for all of your adventures in nearby Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Charlevoix, or Petoskey. torchbayinn.com

MT. MCSAUBA RECREATIONAL AREA, CHARLEVOIX

This sandy beach on Lake Michigan is threaded with spectacular views, hidden dunes and beautiful hiking trails. visitcharlevoix.com

ELM POINTE, EAST JORDAN

RESTAURANTS 614 East Cayuga St. Bellaire, MI 49615 • 231-350-7011

Coffee shop/cafe with a friendly & comfortable atmosphere. Specialty coffee drinks, pastries, quiche, sandwiches, soups, salads, & more.

Dine in or grab-n-go. m88morninggrind.com

Keep Up on Up North!

Subscribe to our e-newsletters: MyNorth.com/Newsletter

Elm Pointe Park boasts 11 acres with frontage on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix and Monroe Creek. eastjordancity.org

Plan a full day of outdoor adventures.

MyNorth.com/Outdoors

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PHOTO BY TESS CROWLEY

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

MyNorth.com/FoodandDrink

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

Taste something new.

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SIP LIKE A LOCAL Take a Torch Lake beverage tour, visit an island brewery and hang out at beloved small-town pubs.

BY CARLY SIMPSON

A TORCH LAKE TOUR

Against the breathtaking backdrop of Torch Lake, a tasting tour is a winning day. With two breweries, a distillery and multiple wineries and cideries, the Torch Lake Tour has something for everyone. Find a map at torchlaketour.com.

Starting in Williamsburg, Townline Ciderworks sits on an expansive property with wide-open orchard views and plenty of outdoor seating. Ciders range from dry to sweet and everything in between. Not far from Townline, the industrial-chic distillery and tasting room at Ethanology in Elk Rapids has live music and cocktails resembling works of art. Owners Nick and Geri Lefebre source ingredients from local farmers to provide flavor profiles that encompass the Torch Lake area. New in Elk Rapids, Short’s Brewing Company is welcoming guests to its indoor tap room at The Pull Barn, and Old Mission Eats food truck is slinging good eats onsite spring through summer.

Heading north, don’t miss WaterFire Vineyards on the west side of Torch Lake in Kewadin, the first certified sustainable vineyard in the Midwest. The property’s name pays homage to Torch Lake—water, referring to the lake, and fire, referring to the torch-shape of the lake. Royal Farms on US-31 in Ellsworth is a cherry-filled oasis, complete with a wine tasting room and market with homemade baked goods. Bier’s Inwood Brewery, also on US31 (about seven miles south of downtown Charlevoix), is tucked in a white Victorian home behind the bright red schoolhouse that’s home to Bier Art Gallery and Pottery Studio. The brewery features 12 taps along with cider and wine.

While not an official stop on the Torch Lake Tour, downtown Charlevoix has several great spots to enjoy a bevie including Bridge Street Taproom with its 32 taps of Michigan brews and bistro-style menu (hello, smoked brisket nachos), and The Cantina Tacos & Tequila where the bar is home to a wide selection of artisan and small-batch tequilas. Town House Bar, The Villager Pub and East Park Tavern are also favorite hangouts.

Now, going south on the east side of Torch Lake, swing by Cellar 1914 in Central Lake. It boasts a winery and tasting room on a farm owned by the same family since 1914. In nearby Bellaire, grab a bite at the well-loved Short’s Brewing Company and when you’re finished, sip across the street at the equally tasty Bee Well Mead & Cider and Hello Vino. Also not an official stop on the Torch Lake Tour, but a fun destination, Mammoth Distilling has

tasting rooms in Central Lake and Bellaire (Traverse City and Bay Harbor, too, if you’re traveling that way). Not far from downtown Bellaire sits Torch Lake Cellars, where wines are named after local attractions, like Sandbar Chardonnay. Continuing south, your last stop is in the quaint town of Alden at the downtown tasting room Crushin’ It at Vista Ridge Vineyards.

Designated drivers are always necessary. If you need a shuttle, check out the Brew Bus (tcbrewbus.com), Road Runner Tours (roadrunnermi.com) and Traverse City Wine & Beer Tours (wineandbeertours.com).

I-75 DRINK DESTINATIONS

Gaylord and Grayling are both set off Interstate 75, and both are home to several beloved breweries and bars.

Grayling has two breweries and a brewpub: Rolling Oak Brewing Co. (rustic vibes; patio with food truck), Dead Bear Brewing Co. (classic log building; 21 taps; large food menu) and Paddle Hard Brewing (paddler heaven; artisan flatbread pizzas; lots of Michigan beers). Spike’s Keg O Nails makes a mean Bloody Mary—the house-made mix is so good they sell it to go in a jug—and Ray’s BBQ, Brews & Blues is a favorite for its outdoor seating on the Au Sable River, chicken wings and 30 beer taps. Gray Rock Pub & Grub is the place for karaoke and pool.

In Gaylord, Snowbelt Brewing Co. is serving up great beer in a cozy setting.

Garage doors open up to downtown’s bustling Main Street and the food menu includes an intriguing Mac Waffle—tater tots and mac 'n' cheese pressed together on a waffle iron and served with jalapeño ranch. Next door at Taproom 32 there are local microbrews, craft cocktails and a nice wine selection, plus sushi, small plates and more good eats. Nearby on Wisconsin Avenue, Big Buck Brewery is known for “big brews, big tastes and big stuffed heads on the wall.” (With a name like that, you should know what to expect.) Bearded Dogg Lounge and Pine Squirrel are also local faves. For a beer trail map, visit gaylordmichigan.net.

SIPPIN’ ON ISLAND TIME

Beaver Island is a must-visit for its miles of sandy shoreline, two historic lighthouses and super chill vibes. It’s also home to Whiskey Point Brewing Company. Have a cold beer or a glass of wine while you look out at Paradise Bay and, yeah, it’ll feel like paradise.

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PLAN YOUR DAY TRIP TO

C H A R L E VO I X !

downtowncharlevoix.com

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Michigan Ave

E Dixon Ave

Hotel Earl

BEST 25 THINGS TO DO IN CHARLEVOIX 1. Get a crepe from That French Place 2. Shop Thistle Boutique for sophisticated casual clothing

PINE RIVER CH

ANNEL

ROUND LAKE Bridge Park

Bridge

Hoffman Park

P Van Pelt Alley

P

Circle of Arts

P State

5. Stroll the shops and eateries in the Charlevoix Mercado

7. Get lunch at My Grandmother’s Table 8. Grab dessert at Brian’s Ice Cream Experience 9. Shop women’s & men’s apparel at The Clothing Company 10. Buy locally harvested maple syrup at Harwood Gold

Clinton

11. Grab a drink in the lobby bar at Hotel Earl

Hoop Skirt Alley

Trout Stream & Splash Pad

P

City Hall

4. Go on a Mushroom House Tour

6. Buy a tote made from recycled sails at Sea Bags Bridge Park

Park

3. Grab a pastry at Bentley Hill Bakehouse

Visitor’s Info

East Park

P P

Bridge

Mason

Antrim

12. Buy home decor and gift items at The Lake House 13. Walk the pier and visit the Lighthouse 14. Feed the fish in the Trout Pond at the Marina 15. Take the kids to the Splash Pad at the Marina

Odmark Perf.

Pavillion

16. Visit the Children’s Garden at the Library

E Antrim

17. Relax at the Pine River Hammock Park

Veterans Park

State

Belvedere

18. Visit the Harsha House Museum 19. Experience local art at the Circle of Arts 20. Attend a concert in East Park 21. Visit the historical signs to learn about Charlevoix

Hamilton

E Hurlbut

Bridge

Hurlbut

W Upright

22. Rent bikes 23. See a movie 24. Play chess in Hoop Skirt Alley 25. Attend the Farmer’s Market

downtowncharlevoix.com

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Find more trails across the North.

MyNorth.com/HikingTrails

Grass River Natural Area

TAKE A HIKE! The Charlevoix region is ribboned with gorgeous trails that wind through forests and wetlands and past rivers and lakes.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

ALONG A BEACH

A short boardwalk with stairs at the roadside Wilcox-Palmer-Shah Nature Preserve leads to a stellar stretch of East Grand Traverse Bay beach, just south of Kewadin. Walk it as a roundtrip and get a mile in! To help protect the sensitive ecosystem (threatened Pitcher’s Thistle and Lake Huron Tansy), walk below the high water mark. gtrlc.org

Hike the 7.5 miles of trails that wind around and over wetlands in the nearly 1,500-acre Grass River Natural Area north of Alden, on Alden Highway. You’ll come away dazzled by how much life there is in a wetland. grassriver.org

BY A RIVER

Take a day hike or heft your backpack for an 18-mile roundtrip overnight: Either way, the Jordan Valley Pathway, located near East Jordan, offers an adventure that traverses this 18,000-acre protected valley along the Jordan River—the state’s first designated Wild and Scenic River. michigan.org/dnr 94

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

THROUGH A WETLAND

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Jordan Valley Pathway

HAVE A DOG? HAVE FUN!

Where there are lakes and woods (and you, of course!) your pooch is happy.

Check out these places where your four-legged buddies can stretch their legs.

Remember, Michigan law requires dogs to be on 6-foot leashes in public.

BY ALLISON JARRRELL

NATURE PRESERVES

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

The Little Traverse Conservancy owns or manages almost two-dozen natural areas in the Charlevoix region where leashed dogs are allowed. Check out landtrust.org for the list.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy also owns and manages six natural areas in Antrim County, most of which allow leashed dogs. Antrim Creek Natural Area includes a mile of Lake Michigan frontage made for glorious dog walks. Check out gtrlc.org for more specifics.

At Grass River Natural Area, located north of Alden, leashed dogs are allowed on the Algonquin and Rail trails (grassriver.org). And you are free

to walk your dog on the Little Traverse Wheelway, as well as the Boyne City to Charlevoix Trail.

ANTRIM/CHARLEVOIX/OTSEGO/CRAWFORD PARKS

All of the state, county and city parks in the Antrim/Charlevoix/Otsego/ Crawford region are dog-friendly, though dogs are not permitted at swimming beaches. Dogs are welcome on the several miles of Lake Michigan beach, as well as on the 0.7-mile hiking trail at Mt. McSauba Recreational Area (find great sunsets, too!).

Headed to a winery, distillery, brewery or cafe with outdoor seating? Chances are there is seating in a dog-friendly area. Call ahead to verify.

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SPEND SOME TIME UP NORTH...

WITHOUT USING VACATION DAYS. Subscribe yourself or someone you love for a full year of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine for $24.95 and receive 6 issues of Northern Home & Cottage, the Vacation Guide and 10 other special sections.

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THINGS TO DO ON

Beaver Island Lake Michigan’s largest and most remote inhabited isle is waiting with outdoor adventures, fascinating history lessons and so much more. The 32-mile journey from Charlevoix across open water is worth the trip.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

Paradise Bay

PHOTO BY FRANK SOLLE

Believe it! Beaver Island once had a king. James Strang, a Mormon renegade, set up a colony on the island in the 1800s and had himself crowned.

Stop by the Mormon Print Shop (now the Beaver Island Historical Museum) to find out more. beaverislandhistory.org

Raise a beer. Celebrate Beaver's Irish soul (its moniker is the Great Lakes’ Emerald Isle) at the Shamrock Bar & Restaurant.

Play in the surf and turf! Rent a paddleboard, jet ski, pontoon or ATV. beaverislandboatrentals.com

Climb the 46 wrought iron steps. The lonesome and lovely Beaver Island Head Light tower was built in 1858 and sits 20 miles from the town hub in St. James—a trek that is well worth the adventure.

Snorkel or scuba dive. Let Paradise Bay Boat Charters take you to the sunken treasures that surround the island. paradisebaydiveshop.com

Kayak Paradise Bay. If you are a novice paddler, stay in the bay. Experienced? Take on the 42-mile Beaver Island Water Trail that circumnavigates the island. Happy Paddle is happy to outfit you. happypaddle.com

Get to Beaver Island by ferry (bibco.com) or plane (islandairways.com; freshairaviation.net). For travel and lodging info: beaverisland.org.

Mountain or fat tire bike. Discover Beaver’s quiet andscenic dirt roads, from horizon to horizon. Pavement ends five miles outside of the town of St. James. Happy Paddle can outfit you with bikes. happypaddle.com

How to have the best vacation: MyNorth.com/InsidersBeaverIsland

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smoked and fresh fish

we pack for travel

smoked sausage

209 Belvedere Avenue

pate and seafood

231-547-2532

CHECK OUT MYNORTHTICKETS.COM FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!

CHARLEVOIX masks required & hand sanitizing stations in store

MICHIGAN 49720

800.836.0717 // MYNORTHTICKETS.COM

Gifts Art Tile Jewelry Pottery

Visit our studio and gallery shop Alden, Michigan by beautiful Torch Lake

shoes optional, relaxation required 231-533-6077 • bellairebandb.com 212 Park Street Bellaire Michigan

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Open Year Round Winter/Spring Hours: Thurs - Mon 11-5pm Shop our online store!

www.whistlingfrog.net

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Find your vacation home base.

MyNorth.com/Hotels MyNorth.com/Cottages

LODGING FOR EVERYONE

An array of fun stays await you in the Charlevoix area.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

HISTORIC STAYS

The recent reopening of the Hotel Earl (hotelearl.com) in downtown Charlevoix shines a spotlight on the historic-style lodging in this area. The hotel, originally designed in the last century by the famed local designer Earl Young—known for his genius stonemasonry—joins the landmark Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites (weathervane-chx.com) as tributes to Young. In Charlevoix, several homes designed by Earl Young are also available for rent (mushroomhouses.com).

Complementing the Earl Young lodging are a slew of charming Victorianera inns, vintage lodges and mom ’n’ pop resorts scattered throughout Charlevoix (visitcharlevoix.com), East Jordan (ejchamber.org) and Bellaire (bellairechamber.org). In Grayling, the Hanson House, built in 1890 and once the home of lumber baron Rasmus Hanson, has lovely gardens, antique furniture, and offers a candlelit breakfast (hansonhousebandb.com).

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

FOUR-SEASON RESORTS

Looking for the full menu of amenities, all in one place? Check out Shanty Creek Resort (shantycreek.com), Otsego Resort (otsegoclub.com) and Treetops Resort (treetops.com).

CAMPING

The Antrim County-owned Barnes Park, located in Torch Lake Township, offers wooded campsites on Grand Traverse Bay. antrimcounty.org Darling Thurston Park on Intermediate Lake in the town of Central Lake has waterfront sites and hook-ups. centrallakemi.org Camping at Hartwick Pines State Park means getting to see one of Michigan's last stands of majestic old-growth pine forest. Reserve up to six months in advance. Overnight lodging (cottages, safari-style tents, geodesic domes, cabins, yurts and lodges) and shelter reservations can be made up to a year in advance. michigan.gov/dnr

ISLAND ESCAPE

A Beaver Island getaway is the ultimate antidote to stress. Don’t look for frills, but do look for friendly, unique and perfectly picturesque accommodations at the island’s several hotels and lodges. There are also three campgrounds on the island. beaverisland.org

PRIVATE RENTALS

An abundance of privately-owned homes and cottages on lakes and in the woods are available through airbnb.com, vrbo.com and other home rental sites.

Two state parks—Young on Lake Charlevoix and Fisherman’s Island on Lake Michigan—together offer more than 300+ wooded sites to pitch your tent or park your RV. michigan.gov/dnr 2021 MYNORTH

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EARL YOUNG’S WHIMSICAL HOMES Learn about the unique stone buildings scattered through Charlevoix's downtown.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

MUSHROOM HOUSE TOUR: Board a GEM car with tour guide Edith Pair (or one of her employees) for a relaxing cruise through the Charlevoix neighborhoods where Young built his homes. Pair’s commentary is lively and informative. mushroomhousetours.com WALKING, BUS OR PRIVATE VEHICLE TOUR: To set up a tour, contact the Charlevoix Historical Society.

The photo book, “Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix,” also available from the society, is a great place to start your Earl Young tour. chxhistory.com 100

PHOTO BY SHEA HADDAD

Earl Young built and designed 26 homes and four businesses in Charlevoix between 1918 and the early 1950s, all from boulders he collected while exploring the shoreline and forests in the area. Allowing the shape of the rocks to determine each building’s style, the homes are reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle Earth, with touches like wavy roofs and chimneys that look like snow is melting from them.

The homes are sometimes known as “Hobbit Houses,” while others refer to them as the “Mushroom Houses" for their squat, organic appearance. Check out these two ways to get acquainted with Earl Young’s homes.

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