What to Do for Summer Fun in Petoskey, Michigan
Northern Resort Town is a World Class Destination on the Bay
Mar 6, 2008
Most people who visit Petoskey approach it from the south, coming up US-131 North. And most people who visit Petoskey never forget the first time they top the hill and suddenly and completely unexpectedly see the gorgeous bay spread out right in front of them. The view is breathtaking and the thrill never fades no matter how many times a person is privileged to visit this northern Michigan gem.
Petoskey has something for everyone in the summer. Indoor or outdoor, families or couples, nature or culture, sports or shopping… Petoskey has it all and in abundance.
Located on Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey is a favorite vacation spot for people throughout the country. Nestled in the far northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, it features a mix of culture, nature and vacation destination.
Shopping
Petoskey has a pedestrian-friendly gaslight district. Located on the bay, the downtown area features diverse and unique local shops with a definite “up north” flair. Fine art, men and women’s clothing, children’s clothing, books, home furnishings, and gifts are just a few of the many offerings to browse while enjoying the beautiful summer temperatures and sunshine.
Eating
So many fabulous places to eat and never enough time to visit them all! Petoskey has a great assortment of eateries ranging from delis to casual family to upscale formal.
Whitecaps features great food with a spectacular view of the bay through their two-story high wall of windows. Contemporary furnishings, light jazz music, and innovative food make for a memorable experience.
The City Park Grill in downtown Petoskey has a history intertwined with that of Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway frequented the restaurant during Prohibition and devised the short story “Killers” while in the part of the establishment known as the Annex.
The American Spoon Café is a great place to stop for a casual bite to eat or some fabulous gelato. The café is an extension of the American Spoon food company which produces award winning preserves, fruit butters, salsas, and grilling sauces from carefully selected northern Michigan farms and the wild.
Sleeping
Quaint inns, bed and breakfasts and national chain hotels are all fully represented in Petoskey. Perhaps the two most recognizable landmark lodging establishments are The Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey and the Bay View Inn located in the Bay View area.
The Perry Hotel offers spectacular views of the bay in a historic hotel setting. When it was built in 1899 it was one of twenty luxury hotels in the town and is the only one still in operation. It has three dining options including a formal restaurant, a casual pub ,and an outdoor dining area.
The Bay View Inn, located on the bay, is a delightful rambling building of uniquely decorated rooms and suites suitable for couples, families or those traveling alone. Built as a country inn in 1886, it also has a charming dining room and wide porch.
Bay View Association
The Bay View Association of the United Methodist Church is a community of 440 cottages, 33 community buildings and 2 inns. Open only from spring to fall, Bay View offers a variety of programming events throughout the season. These worship, music, lecture and educational presentations are open to the public. At the very least, a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the Bay View grounds to enjoy the beautiful turn-of-the-century cottages that range from simple and humble to ornate and breathtaking is a must for the first-time visitor to the area.
Petoskey Stones
No trip to Petoskey would be complete without a Petoskey stone! These fossilized corals are found only in Petoskey and the immediate surrounding areas. In the summer, Magnus Park and Bayfront Park are the best places to look for a Petoskey stone in the wild. Otherwise they can be purchased downtown either polished or unpolished.
Petoskey is truly one of the gems of northern Michigan!
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