Every year, once the snow begins to fly, I am inevitably asked what winter activities I participate in or enjoy. It’s a safe, conversational question that’s appropriate regardless of the setting; however, I typically surprise listeners by sharing that I’m not a cold-weather gal.
I’m not a downhill or cross-country skier, a snowboarder, a snowshoer, or a dog-sled racer. I’m a curl up with a cup of tea and read kind of northern lady, and as a woman who prefers warmth to frigid temps, here are my favorite indoor winter pastimes.
Bookstore Browsing (& Buying)
As mentioned above, I’m a reader, and as a member of two book clubs, I frequent McLean & Eakin Booksellers of Petoskey and Between the Covers in Harbor Springs when I find myself on the other side of Little Traverse Bay. Both literary establishments are well-curated and expertly staffed. If you have a question, are seeking a recommendation, or can’t find a particular book, one of the team members will assist you in short order. Customer service and selection aside, the atmosphere of both bookstores is welcoming, warm, and cozy—three things I seek when venturing out into the winter weather, or really, during any shopping experience.
My most recent book purchases have included Morning Star by Pierce Brown, a pre-order of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin.
Whether you’re seeking a gift for a friend or a new novel to add to your to-be-read stack, these bookstores have got you covered.
Storefront Shopping
Sometimes, it’s fun to strap on my YakTrax and traverse our shoveled downtown streets to find additional layers to gird myself. With a love of sweaters, cardigans, and oversized shackets, it never hurts to stop in at Expressions or Glik’s in Petoskey, Dressed in Harbor Springs, or Forgotten Treasures in Boyne City. New or vintage, I always have luck sniffing out funky and fresh pieces in these downtown storefronts. Some pieces I’ve had for years, which speaks to the quality of the garments, and other items have made excellent gifts for my mom and sister-in-law.
Other places to consider checking out are Challenge Mountain’s Resale Store in Boyne City, New Beginnings in Harbor Springs, Gold Mine Resale Shop, and Gold Mine Resale Shop North in Petoskey. Respectively, these entities support programs for individuals with disabilities, community reinvestment, and Women’s Resource Center Northern Michigan programs and services, so not only are you finding treasures, but you’re also supporting the Northern Michigan community.
Featured Films
Hunkering down for a full-length feature film is a great way to spend a chilly afternoon or winter evening, and trading in my couch for a theatrical experience is always a nice change of pace and scenery.
Having fallen in love with The Lyric Theatre almost a decade ago, it’s my go-to movie-viewing location. With a whimsically lit main comfortable seating, clean bathrooms, delicious popcorn, and adult beverages, the Harbor Springs theater is a divine adventure for any cinephile.
Additional area movie theaters include Petoskey’s Northern Michigan Cinema as well as the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, which periodically hosts its Great Lakes Cinema Series. I’ve had the pleasure of watching The Fellowship of the Ring and The Godfather on the Center’s 45-foot cinema screen, which is an all-encompassing experience with the theatrical surround sound system.
If you’re seeking cinema with a dose of camaraderie, perhaps stop by the old Carnegie Library Building on Wednesdays at 7PM for a meeting of the Petoskey Film Series, a partnership between the Petoskey District Library and the Little Traverse Civic Theatre. You can bring snacks to the admission-free screenings, and the facilitator will lead a discussion post-viewing.
Enjoying Exhibits
When I feel the urge to take a walk yet remain warm and toasty, I check out area exhibitions. Strolling the galleries at Crooked Tree Arts Center and experiencing the work of local, regional, national, and even area students definitely warms the cockles of my heart. Art is inspiring, and witnessing the creativity of others can encourage us to try our hands at something new, too.
For exhibit-viewing options with cultural and historical vibes, you can visit the Ruth Tucker Ayers Harris Watershed Discovery Center at the Tip of the Mitt, the Harbor Springs Historical Society, or the Andrew J. Blackbird Museum for insight into our waterways and wildlife, the Little Traverse Bay Area, and the area’s indigenous peoples. The Little Traverse History Museum is another place to explore, but it’s not open during winter, so pencil that in for spring or summer. After all, it’s always great learning about where you live or the place you’re visiting!
Photo credit: Boyne Mountain Resort
Restorative Relaxation
Finally, I highly recommend scheduling spa services to help keep your body in fighting form during the year’s coldest months. Honestly, maintaining relaxation practices in our hectic world is ideal in any season, but there’s something special about receiving a pedicure, facial, or massage while the snow is falling and the icy winds blow.
My number one provider of choice for self-care is the Spa at Boyne Mountain—their pedicures are delightful, and their team of masseuses leave you with muscles free of tension. However, if you don’t feel like traveling to Boyne Falls, the Spa at the Inn at Bay Harbor is a closer option that provides excellent services. And Polished on Main in Harbor Springs has the HydroLuxx treatments of your dreams if you tend to get clogged pores like I do!
So, whether you share my affinity for cozy indoor activities or want to take a break from the whipping wind and powder, I invite you to try one or two (or all five) of these positively enjoyable pastimes!
About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!