Text: R. Collins
GOLF
BOYNE Golf
Boyne Mountain Resort
1 Boyne Mountain Road, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
With 10 championship caliber courses and three resorts to choose from, the BOYNE Golf collection of properties offers a variety of ways to enjoy the game and some accompanying leisure time. Apart from lodging amenities like cozy log cabin suites, the Avalanche Bay Waterpark, and 415 skiable acres, the Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls offers elevated mountain side golf with an array of unique hazards and vista views.
“[It’s] a world class golf experience and more activities than you have time to enjoy on any given day, even though the sun doesn’t set until 9:30 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.,” said Ken Griffin, director of golf sales and marketing at BOYNE Golf.
The Alpine course’s panoramic views of Deer Lake create a breathtaking visual respite alongside a playable, open layout; while The Monument—which pulls design influences from industry greats like Donald Ross and Pete Dye—offers surprises even for returning players in undulating greens and demanding fairways.
Boyne Highlands Resort | 600 Highland Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Similarly, the Boyne Highlands Resort to the north in Harbor Springs boasts five distinct and unforgettable golf courses which pay tribute to their biggest influencers—including the architect Arthur Hills—alongside health and wellness amenities, snow sports, and an array of dining and snacking options for a classic resort experience.
“The four courses at Boyne Highlands offer tremendous variety in their own right with The Heather and The Moor offering traditional parkland courses; the Donald Ross Memorial being a compilation of 18 Donald Ross holes from courses around the world; and the Arthur Hills offering tremendous views of northern Michigan on its journey over nine miles of cart path,” Griffin said.
Something that continues to distinguish Boyne Golf destinations is its repeat guests and an affinity for exceeding expectations, according to Griffin, whether in a major course renovation project or the upcoming transformation of Boyne Highlands’ Main Lodge into an upscale luxury hotel.
Bay Harbor Golf Club & The Inn at Bay Harbor
Club | 5800 Coastal Ridge Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Inn | 3600 Village Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
In between the two resorts, on Little Traverse Bay’s south side, Bay Harbor Golf Club’s three courses, also developed by architect Arthur Hills, are formed into the site of a once-abandoned shale quarry, and the natural terrain features hardwood forest in some areas and rugged lakeside footing in others. The Inn at Bay Harbor places guests in the heart of Bay Harbor, with accommodations like the full-service spa and salon offering a lakeside respite and perhaps a spontaneous day of relaxation. Dining takes many forms at the club and inn, from a tea room to a vintage chop house, or The Links Grille, where lunch, dinner, and cocktails are served in an intimate atmosphere overlooking The Quarry’s finishing hole and the bay.
Crooked Tree Golf Club | 600 Crooked Tree Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Designed by Harry Bowers and opened in 1991, the nearby Crooked Tree Golf Club in Petoskey also offers Arthur Hills-designed 16th, 17th, and 18th holes crafted to increase playability for this northern Michigan favorite. The challenging elevated terrain is forgiving, with scenic up-close vistas of Little Traverse Bay, and century-old hardwoods and meticulously carved greens are additionally striking.
Little Traverse Bay Golf Club and Restaurant | 995 Hideaway Valley Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Water views from twelve of Little Traverse Bay Golf Club’s 18 holes, and four different tee complexes amongst the hilly terrain offer a challenging game and peaceful setting for this golf course and its restaurant and patio in Harbor Springs. The full-service restaurant, situated at the heart of the golf course, also holds views of Little Traverse Bay and is open to the public for lunch and dinner all week.
Dunmaglas Golf Course | 9031 Boyne City Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Tucked away on the edge of a nature reserve and Lake Charlevoix, the 6,897-yard Dunmaglas Golf Course offers secluded routing and distinctive sightlines for a serene 18 holes.
“We’re 360 feet above the water and you can see all the way to Beaver Island on a clear day; and you can see Lake Charlevoix and the beautiful rolling hills,” said Mike Pung, owner of Dunmaglas Golf Course. “I say it’s in the top five views in Michigan; nobody has argued that it wouldn’t be in the top eight.”
Though the course underwent a significant renovation to make it more playable after Pung acquired the property decades ago, it still offers a challenge to first time visitors and returning Dunmaglas fans alike.
“What you see is what you get; it’s very fair but we have hundred-foot elevation changes even on one hole, so you need to play it two or three times because people will use the wrong club and hit it too short or too far until they understand the up and down is different,” Pung said. “The ones that do that realize it’s very playable—not easy—but very playable; you just have to manage it.”
The scenic privacy offers a favorable setting for weddings and events at the rustic course-side barn, as well as the course’s accompanying lodging. The Cottages at Dunmaglas are tucked between the clubhouse and 18th green and offer eight condos with two bedrooms, full baths and kitchens, laundry, private balconies, and more.
Hidden River Golf and Casting Club | 7688 Maple River Rd #9726, Brutus, MI 49716
The quiet, family-owned golf and casting club at Hidden River offers 18 holes, a fishing guide, and catch-and-release-style fishing outings for visitors seeking to add variety to their golf outing. The par-73 course, designed by Michigan native Bruce Matthews III, is laid out in a tranquil setting that the course’s Rainbow Room Restaurant, and its patio overlooking the Maple River, also take advantage of.
Three flat holes interspersed with tall hardwoods characterize the first part of the course while the mischievous remaining sections offer trouble in the form of forest, wetlands, and narrow fairways. The back nine holds shorter holes—only one par four being more than 400 yards—creating some relief from power playing but still requiring careful precision.
Harbor Point Golf Club | 8475 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Harbor Point Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in northern Michigan, and its land has hosted games dating back to the late 1800s. The 18-hole golf course, designed by David Foulis, sports ratings around 68 from the black and green tees, making it a brisk, enjoyable round with small, quick greens.
“It’s a fun old-style golf course that they’ve kind of restored back to some of its older bones; they have the heather grass on the edges of some of the fairways. The topography rolls a bit more and it plays better when its dry, fast, and firm. Nice charming feel and good playability as well as time to play,” said Shaun Bezilla, PGA golf professional at Harbor Point.
As for northern Michigan’s affinity for holding beautiful golf courses with some of the best settings and views in the country, Harbor Point fits right in, added Bezilla, but it is also known for being walkable and playable.
“Harbor Point is a very classic, old resort course; one of the few very walkable golf courses in the area. It plays less than 6,000 yards so it’s not overly long; if you’re a good wedge player and putter you have a good chance to score quite well,” Bezilla said. “In the scheme of what golf is today, it’s a fun course to play and it doesn’t beat you up but it also challenges even the good players.”
Belvedere Golf Club | 5731 Marion Center Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Located just outside Charlevoix, the historic Belvedere Golf Club has been part of northern Michigan’s natural fabric since 1925 when it was designed by architect William Watson, and it is similar to many courses of the British Isles.
In 2017, the club was restored in many ways to its more historic character by architect Bruce Hepner, after original architectural drawings of the Belvedere Golf Club were found in a print shop scheduled for demolition in downtown Charlevoix. Restoration efforts included converting greens to their original size and adding five new tee boxes. Additionally, 17 bunkers were added or taken out. Hepner has completed other historic restorations by legendary designers such as Donald Ross, A.W Tillinghast, Alister MacKenzie, and Watson.
“The unique thing about Belvedere Golf Club is that the entire golf club is the original design and layout,” said Dennis Joy II, head PGA golf professional at Belvedere Golf Club. “The greens at Belvedere have never been redesigned or reseeded; they are the original Watson design. The walk from green to the next tee is minimal throughout the golf club, with the longest walk being from the number nine green to the number ten tee.”
The club has hosted 40 Michigan Amateur Championships every year until 1988, and the competition has returned two times since. In 2025, Belvedere is scheduled to host another, in conjunction with the club’s 100-year centennial celebration.
“Belvedere Golf Club is a historical treasure in Northern Michigan. One of the most prominent clubs in Michigan with a history that rivals any other,” Joy said. “Playing at Belvedere is pure golfing treat. No GPS, no alcohol sales, no radios, no beverage carts; just pure golf on a minimalist William Watson-designed club.”
STAY
Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey | 100 Lewis St, Petoskey, MI 49770
With roots that trace back to 1899, the Perry Hotel by Stafford Hospitality has overlooked the Little Traverse Bay for more than 115 years, capturing the charm of the lake town and its surrounding historic Gaslight District with comfort and elegant style through extensively restored interiors and exterior.
The landmark hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, holds 75 guest suites and an array of dining options, from a fresh brunch in the H.O Rose dining room and spirited Noggin Room pub on the lower level, to a summer grille and the Rose Garden Veranda restaurant. Guests can enjoy cozy economy rooms or bayside deluxe rooms overlooking the Rose Garden Veranda and Little Traverse Bay, king suites, and a variety of options in between, making it ideal for larger or multifamily groups seeking a unique respite along the coast.
Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant | 1637-1549 Glendale Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
This historic 38-room hotel in Bay View, Petoskey offers vintage charm and an enticing getaway on the Bay Harbor shoreline, surrounded by bluff-side Victorian cottages with views of Little Traverse Bay. Opened in the summer of 1911, the historic site seeks to preserve the friendly, home-like atmosphere guests have been accustomed to for more than a century.
At the inn, lodging options from cozy cottage rooms to King Whirlpool suites packed with amenities like kitchenettes and jetted tubs come with breakfast included. The former tea room on-site was also converted into the pet-friendly, fully furnished Garden Apartment with a private entrance with room for four. The apartment’s past roles have included an ice cream parlor and café, and stylistic touches like the furnished kitchen and ice cream stools give nods to its historic character. For a savory night in, the 1911 Restaurant offers an array of appetizers, entrees, and desserts; as well as a diverse single malt scotch list and extensive wine roster showcasing some of the area’s finest bottles.
Trout Creek Condominium Resort and Vacation Rentals | 4749 Pleasant view Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
In Harbor Springs, Trout Creek Condominium Resort and Vacation Rentals serves as a home base for the adventurous family getaway. The resort’s lodging options are as versatile as the year-round activities it offers, with everything from one-bedroom-and-bathroom to five-bedroom and three-bathroom apartments available. Apart from its many golf packages, Trout Creek offers countless activities to the year-round golf explorer or active vacationer, from hiking and snow shoe trails, fishing ponds, and tennis courts, to swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, a game room, and a fitness center.
Inn and Spa at Bay Harbor Golf Club | 3600 Village Harbor Drive, Bay Harbor, MI 49770-8577
The Inn and Spa at the Bay Harbor Golf Club combines 45 holes of championship golf with a full-service spa and salon, extensive dining options, access to boutique shopping, and nearby marina access for an exceptional Michigan resort experience. The inn is designed with elegant tributes to grand hotels of the 19th century, with lodging options ranging from comfortable hotel rooms to private cottages. The unique qualities of northern Michigan are even present at the spa, where warmed Petoskey stones and fresh lavender are utilized in luxurious treatments.
Apart from creating an active, refreshing getaway, The Inn and Spa offer a range of dining options from a light bite and tea room, casual café and fresh breakfast buffets overlooking Little Traverse Bay, to a vintage chophouse and wine bar with an upscale lounge. In the warmer months, the Cabana Bar provides live entertainment and a laid-back atmosphere alongside a full menu and refreshing cocktails.
EXPLORE
Pure Mish Sailing Charters | 00970 Marina Drive, Boyne City, MI 49712
Organize a customized trip on the calm waters of Lake Charlevoix with the help of Pure Mish Sailing Charters and captain Dan Mishler. Mishler’s sloop-rigged boat and expertise provide foundations for a variety of lake excursions, such as a leisurely day on the water, a sunset cruise, or a multi-day expedition. Sailors can bring their own beverages, food, and towels, and the boat is stocked with two private staterooms, a full galley, shower, salon, and comfortable cockpit.
Great Lakes Center for The Arts | 800 Bay Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Just outside of Petoskey, the Great Lakes Center for the Arts is northern Michigan’s answer to the state-of-the-art venue and arts organization northern Michigan has needed to showcase its many regional and international performances and cultural events. The center, opened formally in 2018, is a social and cultural hub that is active year-round with rich fine and performing arts programming, including theatre, music, dance, film, and educational events. It’s premier summer season alone featured selections with Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning vocal performances, a Buddy Holly inspired musical, and more.
Odawa Casino | 1760 Lears Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
A staple of Petoskey entertainment, the Odawa Casino’s 50,000-square-foot gaming floor is stocked with new games and beloved classics, and its nightlife offerings comprise the O Zone and Rendezvous Lounge, and performances at the 900-seat Ovation Hall. From full-service restaurant to buffet and café, Odawa also offers dining options for quick bites or relaxed, paced evenings, and its accompanying AAA three-diamond resort hotel offers 127 guest rooms, 10 luxury suites, and comfortable amenities like an indoor pool and hot tub, and views of Little Traverse Bay.
Wildwood Rush Zip Line Canopy Tours | 2575 Boyne City Rd, Boyne City, MI 49712
Head south to Boyne City to experience an invigorating zipline tour through lush northern Michigan tree canopies. One of Michigan’s largest and first fully certified zip line facilities, Wildwood Rush was established in 2011 on 50 acres of land just outside of the city to add a sustainable and adventurous new recreational program for adventuring in northern Michigan and experiencing the area’s natural ecosystem. Wildwood Rush was founded on values for forest preservation, and it was designed to minimize tree removal.
More than 7,000 feet of zip lines weave through the forest canopy, sky bridges, and tree-top platforms with views of Lake Charlevoix. Those interested in pushing their boundaries can participate in races on the 1,200-foot triple racing zip line that reaches speeds over 40 miles per hour.
SIP
Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery
Vineyard & Winery Tasting Room | 3720 Atkins Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Downtown Petoskey Tasting Room | 207A Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Petoskey Farms Vineyards and Winery is part of the Bay View Wine Trail and its tasting room is also tucked among downtown Petoskey’s shops, venues, and eateries. Sample an array of dry and sweet red, white, and fruit wines from the porch, which is heated on brisk fall days; or pair them with a wood fired pizza. At the family-owned vineyard, enjoy wine tastings from a covered outdoor patio overlooking the 22-acre property and its scenic view of the countryside.
Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery | 8370 Lakeview Rd, Alanson, MI 49706
Located a short distance away is the family-owned boutique winery, Crooked Vine Vineyard and Winery, which takes advantage of its placement in Michigan’s newest American Viticultural Area by growing wine grapes that are relatively new to market, with an approach that seeks to showcase their natural qualities. Crooked Vine selections run from dry reds and whites to semi-sweet and sweet options; and on the drier end is the Marquette Reserve 2018 dry red table wine. Some sweeter options comprise blackberry wine, “Just Peachy Sangria,” and the frontenac gris, a crisp, a semi-sweet white table wine with layers of tropical flavors, peach, and apricot. Enjoy any choice from the covered porch with panoramic views of Petoskey hills and views of the nearby lakes.
Petoskey Brewing Company | 1844 M-119, Petoskey, MI 49770
Petoskey Brewing Company’s roots reach back to 1898, when the original “Old Building” was completed. The four-story structure holds traces of 19th century brewing practices, which relied heavily on gravity for the process, and the heartily constructed building has remained relatively untouched since its construction over a century ago. The modern Petoskey Brewing Company’s year-round taps, in kind, offer classic mainstay pours in two sizes and canned four packs, from a lager and American IPA to a Belgian dubbel. Additionally, the pub menu offers hearty “munchies” alongside classic pub fare, gourmet sandwiches, and paninis.
Beards Brewery | 215 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
After outgrowing its former production facilities and relocating in 2017, Beards Brewery has grown to include a restaurant overlooking Little Traverse Bay, alongside a recently updated outdoor patio space that features a tap tree, bonfire, and grill menu.
Additionally, Beards Brewery has 24 beers on tap and more than 100 recipes on rotation, and its offerings range from a variety of ales—from cream to scotch—as well as a saison, stouts, and an English style pale ale. Cider offerings include The Sauce, their firsts collaboration with Petoskey Farms Vineyard and Winery, and the list has since expanded with Carrot Cake and Apple Pie ciders.
For a savory pairing, Beards Brewery has an expansive, locally-inspired menu, ranging from wings in house barbecue rub and tossed in a choice of five sauces, to larger bites like soba noodles, sliders, pizzas, and beer battered fish and chips. Beards Brewery also hosts a variety of rotating events at the pub or on the road, from visiting musicians and food pairings to events like the Michigan Beer and Wine Festival. This Petoskey mainstay’s status in the wider Michigan brewing scene is further solidified by Beards Brewery Co-Owner Peter Manthei’s recent election to the Michigan Brewers Guild’s 2020 board of directors.
Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen | 112 S Park St, Boyne City, MI 49712
Stiggs Brewery’s production of quality craft beer takes place in its more-than-a-century-old building, which was once the White Timber Logging Company. The handcrafted, on-site brewing process includes locally-sourced hops, malts, and other ingredients. A consistently evolving lineup of more than 30 taps focuses on seasonal, signature, and more experimental brews, and other additions include local ciders, hand-crafted cocktails, Michigan wines, Northwoods Soda Company beverages, and other beer from Michigan breweries.
DINE
Chandlers in Petoskey | 215 1/2 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Located in Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District, Chandlers has been a Petoskey favorite since 1999. The space is an intimate 50-seat dining area with a ten-seat bar and a brick courtyard for dining in the warmer months. The progressive American-focused menu changes seasonally and incorporates fresh local fare and is characterized by generous seafood dishes, classic sweets and dessert drinks, brunch specials, and fresh Sunday brunch drinks. The wine cellar, surrounded by 400 varietals of wine and seating up to 50 guests, makes for a cozy and unique location for semi-private and private events.
Legs Inn | 6425 N Lake Shore Dr, Cross Village Township, MI 49723
Legs Inn, a family-owned establishment for 100 years, specializes in Polish cuisine, and it is evidenced in an extensive menu that includes Polish lunch and dinner platters, appetizers, and desserts, alongside some international and American classics like goulash and Chicago-style hot dogs. Dishes like pierogis, hunters stew with polish sausage, potato pancakes, and Zurek sour soup comprise some of Legs Inn’s classic Polish dishes, while locally caught Great Lakes Whitefish makes its way into regional and American favorites. The historic site where Legs Inn is located also doubles as a music venue and is paired with outdoor garden dining and lakeside rental cottages which are located in a private wooded area with beach and water access, and near historic resort towns and attractions.
Sage | 1760 Lears Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Within the Odawa Casino, Sage restaurant offers a memorable dining experience among a sophisticated atmosphere. A 16-foot wine tower attended by a steward ensures a favorable wine pairing with Sage’s gourmet fare, including seafood, prime beef, and fresh ingredients. The kitchen’s creativity shows in starters like honey and lavender shrimp or roasted mushroom gnocchi, and entrees like roasted duck enchiladas and thick-cut porterhouse steaks with braised cipollini and roasted shiitake mushroom demi.
Forty Acres Tavern @ Boyne Mountain
1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
The Forty Acres Tavern, located in Boyne Mountain Resort is a local gathering space or place to refuel after an active day at the resort. A selection of 40 beers, spirits and hand-crafted cocktails pair with American pub fare featuring innovative twists on traditional dishes, as well as creative vegan and gluten free options.
Palette Bistro | 321 Bay St, Petoskey, MI 49770
The first restaurant in the Wineguys Restaurant Group collection, Palette Bistro is a Petoskey café with bay views and gourmet Mediterranean dishes and wines. Combinations like roasted chicken Panzanella, chickpea chorizo gyros, margherita pizza, and paella offer savory tastes unique to the area, while settings like the secluded wine bar, private outdoor areas, and spacious upper levels offer different places for events like wine dinners. Another unique facet of the bistro lies in its rotating collection of art works by regional and local artists, such as sculpture, photography, and oil and pastel paintings.
