From Pure Michigan.org – Petoskey
Northern Gem: Petoskey, MI
We find it when we’re not looking for it. Something catches our eye and draws us closer. A hidden gem of the north.
The Petoskey Area: A Michigan Treasure
The Petoskey Area is where daydreams turn into lifelong memories. A breathtaking place on Lake Michigan’s glistening Little Traverse Bay with stunning natural beauty, Victorian grace and endless recreation.
Petoskey is known for its Victorian architecture, historic Gaslight Shopping District and Michigan’s state stone, the Petoskey Stone. The Bay View Association is a step back in time with 500 elegant Victorian homes and public buildings on the National Historic Register. Harbor Springs is a place where time slows down, inviting you to enjoy everything from swimming to dining and shopping to biking. The picture-perfect downtown is great for watching boats in the harbor. Boyne City wraps around Lake Charlevoix, voted second most beautiful lake in the country. There are no strip malls here, just shops and restaurants where you are likely to be personally greeted by the owner. The luxury community of Bay Harbor is bordered by the Little Traverse Bay shoreline, with spectacular views and five-star amenities. Walloon Lake, once Ernest Hemingway’s summer home, is located on a pristine glacial lake. It is home to charming retail shops, inviting restaurants and a marina. In Alanson, nestled on the bank of the Crooked River, you can take a stroll on the boardwalk or relax at Sanctuary Island.
Whichever you visit, you’re never far from nationally ranked golf courses, first-class recreation and a “million dollar” sunset, which is why the Petoskey Area is known as a Michigan Treasure.
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Attractions
The crossroads of relaxation, recreation and sophistication, the Petoskey Area is a summer classic. Discover why visitors return generation after generation to the place where you know that “you’re someplace special.”
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park
- Historical Sites & Museums
- Culinary Trail
- Wineries & Breweries
- Entertainment
- Scenic Routes
Petoskey Area Lakeside Communities
The lakeside communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, and Bay Harbor combined offer beauty, charm and a touch of sophistication; thus earning stature as classic northern Michigan destinations.
The Hemingway Connection
Recreation
Blessed with abundant natural beauty and resources, the Petoskey Area offers the outdoor enthusiast diverse recreational opportunities. Tee off, cast your line or bring your binoculars and go birding. Relax, reflect and refresh in the Petoskey area.
Lodging
If you prefer a quaint country inn with a spacious veranda and a beautiful garden, a luxurious condominium with a spa and fully equipped kitchen or a comfortable full service hotel, you will find the perfect room in the Petoskey area.
Events
The Petoskey Area’s festivals and events are Americana at its finest. Family-oriented celebrations epitomize the sense of community and playful spirit that permeates the towns.
- Stroll the Streets, 6/17/16 – 9/2/16 (Friday)
- Blissfest Jam Sessions, 8/28/16 – 10/2/16
- Boyne Kiwanis Car Show, 9/2/16 – 9/3/16
- Red Fox Regatta, 9/2/16 – 9/4/16
- Labor Day Drag Race, 9/4/16
- Boyne City Harvest Festival, 9/24/16
Dining
Dining in the Petoskey Area is part of its summer experience. Whether seated at an historic inn, dining al fresco or savoring a piece of homemade pie, you’ll enjoy a memorable meal in Bay Harbor, Boyne City, Harbor Springs or Petoskey.
Shopping
Unique offerings and personal service are the hallmarks of Petoskey Area shopping. Collect a new piece of art from a downtown gallery, add to your summer wardrobe or find that one-of-a-kind keepsake.