PETOSKEY & MACKINAC STRAITS

PETOSKEY

& MACKINAC STRAITS

BAY HARBOR ∙ BOYNE CITY ∙ BOYNE COUNTRY ∙ CHEBOYGAN ∙ CROSS VILLAGE HARBOR SPRINGS ∙ MACKINAC ISLAND ∙ MACKINAW CITY ∙ PETOSKEY ∙ ST. IGNACE ∙ WALLOON LAKE

Bayfront Park

Vacation!

BE HERE AT SUNSET!

petoskey state park

COVER PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER // THIS PAGE BY RACHEL HAGGERTY Check out the five choicest seats in the Petoskey region for watching the greatest show on Earth!

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

A sunset is the perfect end to a day spent exploring M-119. Fill your day with these stops along the iconic highway:

link.mynorth.com/tunneltreesguide

SUNSET PARK

101 E. LAKE ST., PETOSKEY As its name implies, this bluff above Little Traverse Bay offers a front row seat to the nightly color show. Located above Bayfront Park. To get there, take the stairway … to heaven.

PETOSKEY STATE PARK

2475 M-119, PETOSKEY Spend a day on this state park’s beautiful beach and cap it off by climbing the steps to the top of the dune known as Old Baldy to witness the glorious orb melting into the water.

STURGEON BAY, WILDERNESS STATE PARK

903 WILDERNESS PARK DR., CARP LAKE Hike, paddle and splash your way across this state park’s 10,512 acres with miles of shoreline—but make sure you are set up at Sturgeon Bay Beach on Lake Michigan at sunset. Soft sand and few people make this spot on N. Lake Shore Dr. a stellar amphitheater.

HEADLANDS INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK

15675 HEADLANDS RD., MACKINAW CITY This 550-acre park with its two miles of undeveloped shoreline is devoted to looking at the cosmos. Catching the sunsets here is just the beginning—the park is open 24 hours a day, so stay for an entire night of stargazing.

SUNSET ROCK

OFF CUDAHY CIRCLE, MACKINAC ISLAND With its dreamy due-west view of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge, this spot spells romance. To find it, head to The Inn at Stonecliffe (8593 Cudahy Cir.) and take the trail that heads southwest to the bluff. After a short walk you’ll come to a set of stone steps that lead up to it.

INSIDER'S mackinac island

As the content manager for the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, Steph Castelein knows the island inside and out. So, what are her go-tos when she takes time off to show family and friends around? Here’s her list.

BY STEPH CASTELEIN

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

RIDE BIKES AND EXPLORE

I love showcasing all of the island for friends and family. Of course, we have to make our way around the 8.2-mile perimeter, but we also like to head into the interior trails. Here we can spend time exploring places like Sugar Loaf, Arch Rock, Fort Holmes, Mackinac Airport, Sunset Rock and Wawashkamo Golf Club.

TAKE A LIVE HISTORY LESSON AT FORT MACKINAC

Fort Mackinac does a fantastic job in telling the story of the island and giving you historical context. The live demonstrations are a bonus and you can’t beat the views from the Fort Mackinac Tea Room!

WANDER SURREY HILL

Surrey Hill has a great pace to it. It’s quieter than downtown but there’s a lot to see in this area. The Grand Hotel Stables has an interesting vintage carriage museum and you can become mesmerized watching the blacksmith at work in his shop, Forge a Memory. The Wings of Mackinac butterfly conservatory is fun for both kids and adults! We love the green space and shade, and it’s a convenient location to grab a snack and use the bathroom. HIKE UP TO FORT HOLMES

With panoramic views of the Straits of Mackinac, the climb to the highest point on Mackinac Island is always worth it.

GRAB ICE CREAM OR FUDGE AND SIT BY THE WATER

My favorite part of Mackinac is getting to slow down and enjoy it. After doing all the things, it’s nice to take a break once in a while.

HIT A BAR (OR BARS!) FOR AN EVENING OF LIVE MUSIC

A night out on Mackinac is a whole lot of fun. We’ll usually visit one of the bars with live music.

SHOP AND DINE DOWNTOWN

Mackinac Island has such a variety of stores and restaurants. Check out the art galleries and grab a bite to eat throughout the day.

CATCH THE SUNSET ON SUNSET ROCK

We always seem to make our way to Sunset Rock. I like to show my guests this side of the island, take in the views, and we usually end up spending time at The Lawn at Stonecliffe, which is a beautiful spot for casual outdoor dining.

pink pony

fort mackinac magic ferries…

Mackinac Island’s ferries are more than just water taxis. They also offer incredible tours!

Shepler’s Ferry Night Sky Cruise

As the stars come out, night sky expert Mary Stewart Adams narrates the action in the heavens. Shepler’s has 11 Night Sky Cruises this year, all timed around astronomical events, plus cruises to remote lighthouses, the Les Cheneaux Islands and VIP views of Fourth of July fireworks. sheplersferry.com

Star Line’s Pirate Ship

Shiver me timbers! From June 20 to September 5, ride The Good Fortune to or from the island. Star Line has other fabulous cruises as well, including on the Tall Ship Appledore IV and a special Fourth of July Fireworks event. mackinacferry.com

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

GO BACK IN TIME AT MACKINAC STATE HISTORIC PARKS

Great Lakes history comes alive at Mackinac State Historic Parks, home to Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek, Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes. Here’s a closer look.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

FORT HOLMES, MACKINAC ISLAND

Fort Holmes was built by British soldiers in 1814 during the War of 1812 to protect Fort Mackinac against an attack. When United States soldiers peacefully reoccupied the island after the war, it was renamed Fort Holmes in honor of American Major Andrew Hunter Holmes, who was killed in the 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island. Fort Holmes was eventually abandoned. Sitting at the highest elevation on the island, the fort was recently reconstructed and is free and open to the public during normal operating hours.

Mackinac State Historic Parks are open May through October. Visitors can also tour Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinac Art Museum and Biddle House, featuring the Mackinac Island Native American Museum. mackinacparks.com

COLONIAL MICHILIMACKINAC, MACKINAW CITY

Constructed in 1715 by French soldiers and fur traders, the fort fell into British hands in 1761. It was abandoned during the American Revolution, when British troops built and occupied Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island.

Nowadays, the grounds within the stockades are abuzz with costumed interpreters. See British soldiers giving rifle demonstrations and firing the fort cannon while voyageurs and merchant families offer craft and wood-fire cooking demonstrations. Visitors can even watch the ongoing archeological dig that happens each summer within the fort walls.

HISTORIC MILL CREEK DISCOVERY PARK, MACKINAW CITY

History and outdoor adventure come together here. Watch a reconstructed sawmill in action; climb the five-story Treetop Discovery Tower; teeter across the forest canopy bridge; fly over the creek on a zip line and much more.

FORT MACKINAC, MACKINAC ISLAND

Founded in 1780, Fort Mackinac sits on a limestone bluff overlooking the island’s downtown and the wild waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Its sweeping views made it a strategic outpost for the British and United States armies for 115 years. Though the real action here ceased in 1885, the fort’s 14 original historic buildings still echo with the sounds of military pomp thanks to costumed interpreters. Hear the wicked crack of a rifle fired by a 19th-century American soldier and quick-step to the gun platforms to catch a cannon-firing demonstration (or reserve your spot to fire the morning’s first cannon volley! Must be at least 13; $75).

INSIDER’S GUIDE TO MSHP

We asked Mackinac State Historic Parks staff to share where they take family and friends when they visit. Here’s what they told us:

“I take them to Colonial Michilimackinac to see the lovely gardens. I especially like that the site is pet friendly.” –LeeAnn Ewer, Interpretive Assistant

“My family and I go straight to the Tea Room at Fort Mackinac for a milkshake. The view from the porch overlooking the harbor, Mackinac Bridge and downtown Mackinac Island is breathtaking.” –Cassondra Boothroyd, Group Travel & Special Events Coordinator

“I bring my guests to the Officer’s Stone Quarters at Fort Mackinac and tell them they’ve now visited Michigan’s oldest building (built in 1780!). That building is also home to the Kids’ Quarters [an interactive play space] and has an amazing view, so it’s definitely an easy thing to show off.” –Dominick Miller, Chief of Marketing

“I have taken middle school–aged family members out to Mill Creek Discovery Park in the summer where they’ve watched the saw pit/sawmill demonstration, climbed the rock wall, ridden the zip line … Later, when I ask ‘What was your favorite part?’ They always say the sawmill/saw pit demonstration. It’s a hidden gem.” –Suzette Schmalzried, Sales Manager

harbor springs boyne city

mackinac island

MACKINAC ISLAND CROSS VILLAGEPETOSKEY MACKINAW CITY ST. IGNACE & MACKINAC STRAITS CHEBOYGAN

GOOD HART

Li le Trav se Bay

HARBOR SPRINGS

BAY HARBOR PETOSKEY

Wa n Lake

BOYNE COUNTRY Burt Lake Mu e Lake

PHOTO BY BY KELLY REWA

petoskey

Discover an array of things to do at each of these uniquely northern towns: link.mynorth.com/towns. For a complete list of restaurants, lodging, shopping and more, head to: link.mynorth.com/directory.

small townsbig charm

Welcome to the towns (and one island!) of the Petoskey-Mackinac Straits region.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

BAY HARBOR

The additions of the Great Lakes Center for the Arts and Mammoth Distilling to this waterside village, along with the long-loved Knot Just a Bar, keep Bay Harbor hopping.

BOYNE COUNTRY

This gorgeous tapestry of recreation is woven from Boyne City, Walloon Lake Village, Boyne Resorts and shorelines on both Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake. Find fabulous craft-beer pubs, boutiques and an abundance of waterside parks including Young State Park.

CHEBOYGAN

In this city blessed with Lake Huron and Cheboygan River frontage, view shipwrecks through a glass-bottomed boat with Nautical North Family Adventures and hike and bike on more trails than in any other county in the state. Entertainment ranges from the restored Victorianera Cheboygan Opera House to the super-authentic Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows. Cheboygan Brewing Co. has the craft-beer scene covered and no one leaves town without eating at the Hack-Ma-Tack Inn & Restaurant on the Cheboygan River.

CROSS VILLAGE & GOOD HART

Treat yourself to browsing these darling towns on scenic M-119, otherwise known as the Tunnel of Trees. In Good Hart, find the Good Hart General Store, Primitive Images, Good Hart and Soul Tea Room and A Studio gift shop. Farther north, in Cross Village, stop into Old World Café, Three Pines Studio and Legs Inn—an authentic Polish restaurant in a cool stone-andtimber building.

HARBOR SPRINGS

Beach day in this town? Choose from kid-friendly downtown Zorn Park beach or 300 feet of relatively secluded bliss at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. Harbor Springs is also the launching point for the scenic M-119 Tunnel of Trees—20 miles of natural beauty. Before you take off, don’t miss the elegant boutiques and relaxed eateries that call this sweet downtown home.

MACKINAC ISLAND

Take the eight-mile scenic bike ride around the island, go back in time at Fort Mackinac, rock in a rocker on the longest porch in the world at Grand Hotel, gorge on fudge, tour the island by carriage, sip a cocktail waterside at Pink Pony, snap a selfie at Arch Rock and never, ever get in a car. These are just a few of our favorite things to do on this glorious island.

MACKINAW CITY

How could you not love a city tucked at the base of the Mackinac Bridge and at the edge of the storied Straits of Mackinac? For the best history lesson ever, visit Colonial Michilimackinac. To see how the cosmos looks from the tip of our beautiful peninsula, visit Headlands International Dark Sky Park. Don’t miss the shops, restaurants and a host of other attractions. And never miss the ferry to Mackinac Island!

PETOSKEY

For adventure, set your kayak into the whitewater at the Bear River Valley Recreation Area. Get your culture on browsing the exhibits at Crooked Tree Arts Center, or take in a concert in the resort community of Bay View, known for its gingerbread cottages. Wind down in the historic Gaslight District, where the Victorian-era storefronts are packed with fabulous shops, galleries, boutiques and eating/drinking establishments.

ST. IGNACE

Learn about the Mackinac Bridge (while you are looking at it!) at Bridge View Park, take the historic walking tour along the Lake Huron Boardwalk to the Wawatam Lighthouse or lose yourself in the silky Lake Michigan sand dunes along US-2.

region, two state parks

Shining like jewels along the coast of Lake Michigan, these two state parks offer spectacular beaches, hiking trails and camping facilities.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

PHOTO BY BY LYDIA MEJIA

PETOSKEY STATE PARK

2475 M-119 HWY., 231.347.2311 A visit to Petoskey State Park, with its stretch of dune-lined Little Traverse Bay shoreline, is a must for beach and nature lovers. Although situated between Petoskey and Harbor Springs, the park feels miles from anywhere.

Pick your own quiet spot in the sun or stroll the shore looking for Petoskey stones (fossilized coral etched with a honeycomb design that this region is famous for). Take an easy walk on the forested hiking trails—Portage Trail is two miles roundtrip and Old Baldy, a popular dune with scenic views of the bay, is just a half-mile long.

Beyond dunes, forest and water, find sand volleyball courts and 180 modern campsites—tailor-made for Lake Michigan sunsets and s’mores. WILDERNESS STATE PARK

903 WILDERNESS PARK DR., CARP LAKE, 231.436.5381 Looking for a place to disconnect and recharge? Head for the 10,000 acres, 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 20 miles of trails at Wilderness State Park. Did we mention the blazing night sky? Wilderness is a Dark Sky Preserve, meaning man-made lights are prohibited from blocking out the Milky Way’s natural shine.

Sure, you’ll meet other campers tucked into the wide range of sites (rustic, full hook-up and even cabins), but you might also cross paths with wildlife, from otters to black bears.

For more information on both parks: michigan.gov/dnr

petoskey state park wilderness state park

Kid-friendly, by the water, remote islands ... discover more camping adventures: link.mynorth.com/camp

Break for lunch plus treat your designated driver to a latte:

link.mynorth.com/dining

siplike a local

Explore the North’s buzzing craft beverage scene.

BY CARLY SIMPSON

1 MACKINAW TRAIL WINERY & BREWERY The Petoskey tasting room sits on 30 acres of rolling hills and has a bistro serving small plates. A second tasting room is located in Mackinaw City (seasonal, dogs not allowed).

1 RESORT PIKE CIDERY & WINERY

A (proudly) no-frills establishment tucked next door to a historic barn with woodsy views and a focus on sparkling wine and cider, including a unique iced cider made from frozen apples.

1 WALLOON LAKE WINERY

Rustic tasting room with soaring ceilings built from wood harvested at the long-time family farm. MAEAP Certified, meaning the farm meets the state’s highest environmental standards.

1 GABRIEL FARMS & WINERY

A winery, brewery, event center and, yes, a farm. Book a room in the historic farmhouse or a private apartment to make it a weekend away.

1 HIGH FIVE SPIRITS

Tasting rooms in downtown Petoskey (patio is dog friendly) and on Mackinac Island (the Mackinac Island Rum Co.). Renovating the former Bay Harbor equestrian center into a distillery and events center expected to open this summer.

2 RUDBECKIA WINERY & BURNT MARSHMALLOW BREWSTILLERY

Sip wine, beer, cider and spirits on 150+ acres (open to public) with views of Lake Michigan and Walloon Lake. Out back, play bocce, corn hole and board games.

3 BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS

Beautiful barn-like tasting room with a treehouse tasting deck, large patio, live music and light food. Next to Postle Farm, a 113-acre nature preserve.

4 PETOSKEY FARMS VINEYARD & WINERY

Enjoy your wine on a 1,150-square-foot deck overlooking the countryside (especially pretty in fall). Wood-fired pizzas served seasonally in summer.

5 MAPLE MOON SUGARBUSH & WINERY

Michigan’s only commercial maple winery has an intimate, cozy tasting room. Also try the maple ginger hard cider, maple root beer and maple candy.

6 POND HILL FARM

Located on the famous M-119 Tunnel of Trees, this family-friendly winery/brewery/ café/farm/market has hiking trails, a livestock barn, gnome-house hunt and more.

7 CROOKED VINE VINEYARD & WINERY

Cabin-inspired tasting room with a covered patio and panoramic views. Check out the on-site walking trail through a woodland area.

8 SEASONS OF THE NORTH WINERY & BURT LAKE BREWERY

In warmer months, enjoy the garden area and its vineyard views. Picnics are welcome. Dogs allowed inside and out.

9 BEARDS BREWERY

Watch a Little Traverse Bay sunset from the large patio with direct access to the bar. Great food, downtown location, community events, live music, 24 taps.

10 PETOSKEY BREWING

A four-story century-old brick building that was fittingly a brewhouse in its past life. Sits between two major bike routes: Little Traverse Wheelway and North Western State Trail. Outdoor seating, full food menu.

11 STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN

From-scratch food, 30+ taps and wine, cider and cocktails for non-beer drinkers. Outdoor patio with live music.

Dog friendly Must be leashed, outdoor areas only unless noted.

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11 MUSKRAT DISTILLING

A new venture in Boyne City by Detroit Stillworks.

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12 CHEBOYGAN BREWING

Pair a pint of Blood Orange Honey wheat ale with a seat on the upper deck or beside the patio’s firepit and say ahhh. (Only patio is dog friendly.)

12 NICHOLAS BLACK RIVER WINERY

Wines produced and bottled in Cheboygan. Tours welcome, appointments recommended. Second tasting room located in Mackinaw City (seasonal, not dog friendly).

13 BIÈRE DE MAC BREW WORKS

Outdoor seating in the backyard with lawn games. A partnership with Marquette’s Smelted Wood Fired Pizza means you can get a pint and a pie.

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13 RUSTED SPOKE BREWING CO.

Twenty taps, wine, spirits and a full food menu served up in a rustic atmosphere. 17

14 GREAT TURTLE BREWERY & DISTILLERY

Right Brain Brewery and Les Cheneaux Distillery provide signature beverages to this Mackinac Island hangout offering lunch and dinner. Dog friendly patio on Hoban Street.

15 NORTHLAND BREWING CO.

This Indian River brewery has a beer garden with plenty of yard games, rotating food trucks and an on-site coffee shop.

16 MAMMOTH DISTILLING

Hip spot for a craft cocktail in Bay Harbor. Dogs allowed inside and out. More locations in Traverse City, Bellaire and Central Lake.

17 FOGGY MOUNTAIN SPIRITS COMPANY

By-appointment tours and tastings at the Boyne Falls production facility with a retail space. Sold across the state. Find a retailer near you online.

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Must-try restaurants, insider menu recommendations and seasonal recipes:

link.mynorth.com/dining dine al fresco

Longing for a leisurely lunch with lovely view? Take a table outside at one of these amazing restaurants.

BY OLIVIA FELLOWS AND ELIZABETH EDWARDS

BAY HARBOR INN AT BAY HARBOR

3600 VILLAGE HARBOR DR. | 855.351.4295 At this gracious inn, dine beside Lake Michigan at the Vintage Chophouse, by the golf course at the Bay Harbor Golf Club and poolside at the Cabana Bar.

KNOT JUST A BAR

820 FRONT ST. | 231.439.2770 Elevated tavern fare and outdoor seating by the Bay Harbor Lake Marina.

MAPLE + BATTER

4165 MAIN ST. | 231.753.2122 New brunch spot in former Pancake House space with a four-season porch.

THE LOCAL

795 FRONT ST. | 231.881.9134 Local cuisine, signature cocktails and extensive outside seating by the marina.

BOYNE CITY BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT

1 BOYNE MOUNTAIN RD. | 231.549.6085 On the shores of stunning Deer Lake, Boyne Mountain’s Beach House restaurant menu includes steaks and seafood.

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM

220 S. LAKE ST. | 231.459.4487 Inventive tavern fare and a large, shaded patio.

CAFE SANTÉ

1 WATER ST. | 231.582.8800 Sip Belgian beers and enjoy European classics like wood-fired pizzas, paninis and pastas on either the covered or open-air patios—both with Lake Charlevoix views.

EVERETT’S

1 BOYNE MOUNTAIN RD. | 231.549.7959 Breakfast, lunch and dinner and a patio. Located inside Boyne’s Mountain Grand Lodge.

FORTY ACRES TAVERN

1 BOYNE MOUNTAIN RD. | 231.549.7270 Boyne Mountain’s classic slope-side tavern in The Village offers outdoor dining in warm weather.

FRIGGY’S SOBO PUB

5 E. MAIN ST. | 231.459.4102 Burgers and classic pub food at this lively bar with a covered patio.

GILDAS’ LAKE STREET BAKERY

110 S. LAKE ST. | 231.497.6060 Sidewalk café tables at this authentic French bakery.

LAKE STREET PUB

202 S. LAKE ST. | 231.497.6031 A family-friendly pub with comfortable outdoor seating and views of Lake Charlevoix.

RED MESA GRILL

117 WATER ST. | 231.582.0049 Classic Latin American cuisine with a patio just off the downtown.

THE STRAND AT SOMMERSET POINTE

00970 MARINA DR. | 231.582.9900 With views of the marina from the patio, The Strand makes a great stop for both sailors and food lovers.

CROSS VILLAGE LEGS INN

6425 N. LAKE SHORE DR. | 231.526.2281 Dine on housemade Polish cuisine in the outdoor garden at this Northern Michigan icon.

HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE

600 HIGHLAND RD. | 855.688.7022 Eat slopeside at Boyne Highlands.

COUNTRY CLUB OF BOYNE

334 HEATHER DR. | 855.908.9375 Dine outside at the Seminole Pub.

PIERSON’S GRILLE & SPIRITS

130 STATE ST. | 231.526.2967 Burgers and baby back ribs to pizza. Eat in or at the large patio with a view of Little Traverse Bay.

POLISH KITCHEN

8418 M-119 | 231.838.5377 Enjoy pierogis and other Polish dishes on the patio.

POND HILL FARM

5699 S. LAKE SHORE DR. (M-119) | 231.526.3276 Farm-cooked food made from farm-raised produce with plenty of outdoor seating and activities.

STAFFORD’S PIER RESTAURANT

102 E. BAY ST. | 231.526.6201 Seafood, steaks and more served on the patio beside Little Traverse Bay.

STATE ROAD PROVISIONS

2983 S. STATE RD. | 231.526.7605 Breakfast, lunch and dinner dine inside or out on tavern-style comfort food.

THE PAPER STATION BISTRO

145 E. MAIN ST. | 231.242.4680 Euro-style bistro with sidewalk dining.

TURKEY’S CAFÉ & PIZZERIA

250 E. MAIN ST. | 231.526.6041 Beloved restaurant and ice cream shop with a shaded patio tucked off Main Street.

VERNALES RESTAURANT

3018 M-119 | 231.242.4777 This chophouse also has a sports bar, wine bar and patio.

MACKINAC ISLAND BISTRO ON THE GREENS & ROUND ISLAND KITCHEN

MISSION POINT RESORT, LAKESHORE DR. | 906.847.3000 Fresh, inventive food and views of Round Island lighthouse and Lake Huron from the patios at both of these Mission Point Resort restaurants.

7485 MAIN ST. | 906.847.3321 Classic American cuisine and a view of the Straits.

FORT MACKINAC TEA ROOM

7127 HURON RD. | 906.847.6327 Located inside the walls of Fort Mackinac with a spectacular view of the yacht harbor; lunch here is a treat.

GREAT TURTLE BREWERY & DISTILLERY

7452 MAIN ST. | 906.847.0260 Eat on the deck or patio at the island’s only brewery.

ICE HOUSE BBQ, ISLAND HOUSE HOTEL

6966 MAIN ST. | 906.847.3347 Home-style smoked barbecue served in the garden or on the deck.

KINGSTON KITCHEN AT THE VILLAGE INN

1384 HOBAN ST. | 906.847.3542 Jamaican-inspired menu with local twists.

MARY’S BISTRO DRAUGHT HOUSE

7463 MAIN ST. | 906.847.9911 Pizzas, burgers and a dockside view of the Mackinac Straits.

MUSTANG LOUNGE

1485 ASTOR ST. | 906.847.9916 Classic fare served up on the covered porch of this historic tavern.

PINK PONY

7221 MAIN ST. | 906.847.3341 Breakfast, lunch, dinner, extensive drink menu and a waterside patio.

SMOKEY JOSE’S

7263 MAIN ST. | 906.847.4066 Tequila and BBQ! On Star Line Dock #1.

THE GATE HOUSE

1547 CADOTTE AVE. | 906.847.3772 Lunch, dinner and outdoor seating with awesome views.

THE JOCKEY CLUB AT THE GRAND STAND

1874 CADOTTE AVE. | 906.847.9212 Lunch and dinner spot located at the Jewel Golf Course with a magnificent view of the island.

WATERCOLOR CAFÉ

6939 MAIN ST. | 906.262.0642 Art studio by night, café by day. Located on the waterfront.

1852 GRILL ROOM, ISLAND HOUSE HOTEL

6966 MAIN ST. | 906.847.7222 Fine dining with outdoor seating.

MACKINAW CITY BIÈRE DE MAC BREW WORKS

14277 MACKINAW HWY. |231.427.7007 Craft beer, woodfired pizza, beer garden with picnic tables and fire pits.

810 S. HURON AVE. | 231.436.5773 Bar-style comfort food with patio.

SCALAWAGS WHITEFISH & CHIPS

226 E. CENTRAL AVE. | 231.436.7777 Fish from the Straits and memorable fries. Outdoor seating in front.

PETOSKEY THE BACK LOT

425 MICHIGAN ST. | 231.881.9933 Backyard beer garden and food trucks.

BEACON BISTRO

319 BAY ST. | 231.489.7999 Upscale bistro fare with a newly expanded patio and views of Little Traverse Bay.

BEARDS BREWERY

215 E. LAKE ST. | 231.753.2221 Craft beer, elevated bar food and views of Little Traverse Bay from the patio.

CHANDLER’S RESTAURANT

215 ½ HOWARD ST. | 231.347.2981 Euro-style dining including an intimate patio steps from downtown.

CITY PARK GRILL

432 E. LAKE ST. | 231.347.0101 Kicked-up tavern fare and a sidewalk-side patio at this downtown icon.

DUFFY’S GARAGE & GRILLE

317 E. LAKE ST. | 231.348.3663 A range of beers on tap, pizza, burgers and a patio with a view of Little Traverse Bay.

JULIENNE TOMATOES

421 HOWARD ST. | 231.439.9250 Beloved eatery that serves breakfast and lunch and offers outdoor seating.

MIM’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

1823 N. US-31 | 231.348.9994 Classic Mediterranean dishes and patio seating.

PALETTE BISTRO

321 BAY ST. | 231.348.3321 Mediterranean-inspired dishes, pizza, great wine selection and a large patio.

PETOSKEY BREWING

1844 M-119 (HARBOR-PETOSKEY RD.) | 231.753.2057 Housed in a brewery built in 1898, find craft beer selections, a menu to match and a lovely patio.

POUR KITCHEN AND BAR

422 E. MITCHELL ST. | 231.881.9800 Hip, elevated bar menu with a seasonal street-side deck.

100 LEWIS ST. | 231.347.4000 Casual outdoor dining with gardens and lake view.

ROSELAWN DINING ROOM, STAFFORD’S BAY VIEW INN

2011 WOODLAND AVE. | 231.347.2771 Bay-side outdoor dining at a historic inn.

TAP 30

422 E. MITCHELL ST. | 231.881.9572 Street-side outdoor seating at this shrine to craft beer and great bar food.

SIDE DOOR SALOON

1200 US-31 | 231.347.9291 A classic saloon-style pub with indoor and outdoor dining.

VINTAGE CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR, INN AT BAY HARBOR

3600 VILLAGE HARBOR DR. | 844.366.8986 Classic American steakhouse with a wine bar twist and views of Little Traverse Bay from the patio.

ST. IGNACE THE GANGPLANK

100 S. STATE ST. | 906.643.1500 The entire dining area of this diner is a covered patio with a waterfront view.

JOSE’S CANTINA

1101 N. STATE ST. | 906.643.1519 Award-winning Mexican (fish tacos!) served up beachside.

JAVA JOE’S CAFE

959 N. STATE ST. | 906.643.5282 Breakfast like you’ve never had it—enjoy it beachside all day!

MACKINAC GRILLE

251 S. STATE ST. | 906.643.7482 Whitefish and other classic fare served up with a water view. Outside seating.

MI PATIO BAR & GRILLE

30 S. STATE ST. | 906.984.2004 Whitefish from the Straits, patio views of the Straits.

WALLOON LAKE BARREL BACK RESTAURANT

4069 M-75 | 231.535.6000 Pasta, ribs, pizza, burgers and a covered deck above Walloon Lake.

WALLOON LAKE INN

4178 WEST ST. | 231.535.2999 Gracious dining in a historic inn with a lovely patio.

MAKE A DAY OF THE TUNNEL OF TREES

Northern Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees on M-119 is one of the state’s most iconic attractions. The scenic road winds from Harbor Springs, north of Petoskey, to Cross Village. Along the way, canopies of trees open to reveal gorgeous views of Little Traverse Bay. These stops turn a beautiful drive into an event.

BY ELIZABETH EDWARDS

Have you ever seen the Tunnel of Trees in fall? Check out our guide to M-119, including a gorgeous flyover video.

link.mynorth.com/tunneltreesguide

STOP 1: AHRENS GALLERY AND STUDIO

A working studio and outbuildings filled with art in a scenic setting on Lake Street, just off of M-119. neilahrens.com

STOP 2: THORNE SWIFT PRESERVE

Lollygag on the beach (950 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline) and take short hikes through the woods at this preserve. You’ll want to work up a good appetite for your next stop. landtrust.org

STOP 3: POND HILL FARM

Find Pond Hill Farm about two miles beyond Thorne Swift, on the right. This family-owned operation has a market with their farm-grown produce along with a vineyard, winery and brewery. Pond Hill’s Garden Cafe makes a wonderful lunch stop, too. pondhill.com

STOP 4: BROKEN BUDDHA TEA

Tea, coffee, art and music tucked into the Tunnel of Trees. Bliss. 231.412.7774

STOP 5: HOOGLAND FAMILY NATURE PRESERVE

Walk off that lunch (and those drinks!) just up the road on the 1.5-mile looped trail that winds through some of this 100-acre preserve. landtrust.org

STOP 6: MIDDLE VILLAGE PARK

Take a quick dip in the lake at the park’s beach. The trail behind historic St. Ignatius Church features an observation deck and easy access to the quiet little public swim spot.

STOP 7: GOOD HART

The Good Hart General Store’s pot pies and chocolate chip cookies are memorable (goodhartstore.com). Next door, stop by Good Hart and Soul Tea Room and find rustic furnishings at Primitive Images (primitiveimages.com). Then it’s on to A Studio Shop for gifts and home accessories (astudioshop.com).

STOP 8: CROSS VILLAGE

M-119 continues north for seven miles before ending at Cross Village and county road C-77, also known as State Road. Take State about a block to the corner of Levering Road to find Three Pines Studio (threepinesstudio.com). This art gallery features the work of more than 40 Northern Michigan artists and offers classes and workshops. Outside, you’ll find a beautiful sculpture garden. Nearby, browse home goods, apparel and gifts at Peninsulas (shoppeninsulas.com). And last but not to be missed is the famous Legs Inn (legsinn.com) featuring authentic Polish food. The historic restaurant sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan—catch a sunset and visit the garden.