Best Places in the Petoskey Area to Work Remotely

In our high-tech, internet-based world, working remotely has become quite commonplace. Many who work remotely enjoy setting up shop in a home office; however, others prefer a public setting as their work site. For those who work remotely, here are some public spaces ideal for getting work done and connecting with people, as well as a couple of co-op options in the Petoskey Area.

 

Coffee Shop Vibe

If constant access to caffeine and an overarching atmosphere of buzz and bustle is your scene, there are numerous coffee shops throughout the Petoskey Area communities to satisfy that itch.

North Perk Coffee in Petoskey is a popular choice for casual coffee drinkers, people meeting up with friends, and remove workers. I will note that it’s important to arrive at North Perk Coffee early, as tables do tend to fill up—especially those with access to electrical outlets (some booths and high-tops).

As a freelance writer who doesn’t think it’s appropriate to meet with potential or established clients at my kitchen table, my M.O. is to schedule meetings or appointments at untraditional times. Not first thing in the morning—that’s when many 9-5-ers are grabbing coffee to go; not at lunchtime; and definitely not right when school releases—North Perk Coffee is definitely a spot where teens congregate, meaning tables and chairs are at a premium.

A place with a lot of hustle and some quiet times, too, I recommend bringing headphones to block out the world of sound, music, and chatter if you’re on a deadline and need to get stuff done, sans auditory distraction.

Another coffee shop that presents different seating options for your remote working comfort is Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company in Boyne City. Bar seating lining the streetside window, low, comfy chairs encircling a coffee table, or high-top tables lining the wall, you have your pick here—what suits your working style?

Also known to be buzzy and busy during high-traffic coffee times, it’s best to secure your spot between 8:00am and 8:30am, or sidle in late morning before the lunch-break rush. It’s worth noting that Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company is only open until 4:00pm every day, so I don’t recommend a late-afternoon timeslot, as you’ll have to pack up not long after getting into your work groove.

In Harbor Springs on Main Street, you’ll find Birch Tree Bakery & Cafe, a small coffee shop that prides itself on homemade baked goods crafted with love and quality ingredients. With several two-top and four-top tables, there’s space to get work done while also sipping a drink and eating a baked good. A cozy spot in a fabled Northern Michigan downtown—just make sure you don’t start daydreaming too much instead of working!

New to the coffee shop community is Crooked River Coffee in Alanson, a bright pink building formerly an antiques shop that has been recently renovated to maintain the historic structure’s charm while giving it new life.

Well-curated and cozy, the coffee shop provides comfy seating, including a leather couch and oversized chairs, as well as cafe tables, booth seating, and a high-top with barstools.

Crooked River Coffee also has snacks and beverages in a to-go cooler in case you need further sustenance or hydration while hard at work.

Also, in case you just need to grab a quick cup of coffee on the run, both North Perk Coffee and Crooked River Coffee offer online ordering so you can fly in and snag your drink in a flash.

 

 

A Quiet Place

If a busy setting is not your speed for getting work done remotely, then consider stopping by a couple of spaces known for their quiet.

The Petoskey District Library offers numerous spaces where people can plug in their laptops and get to work. On the main level, there are several small tables not far from the main reception desk where you can set up shop. As you can imagine, though, this is the library’s main thoroughfare, so if you need more quiet, I suggest heading upstairs to the Adult Library. On the second floor, there are nice, big tables where you can spread out and bask in the atmosphere that is synonymous with libraries. I even know a few writers who tend to work here from time to time, drafting and editing manuscripts.

Another option is the Boyne District Library, situated in the historic Carnegie public library. Here you’ll find spaces to work in peace, surrounded by books—what could be better than that! Then, on the north end of Little Traverse Bay, there’s the Harbor Springs Library that, along with beautifully shelved books in its second-floor location, has public access computers and wireless printing and scanning for last-minute or planned remote work needs.

Both libraries have mobile printing available in case you need to print pages or documents in this digital-heavy world. They also have small meeting rooms available to reserve if you need a closed door to keep distractions at bay. There are no fees involved in these reservations—just make sure to stop by the front reception desks to check availability.

 

 

Out of Doors

The Petoskey Area is rife with outdoor options for remote work. Picnic tables, pavilions, park benches, grassy green spaces, beaches, etc. As long as you don’t mind the noise that comes with being in public places, you won’t have trouble finding a spot to work on good weather days.

One spot that I’ve worked in with great success is Pennsylvania Park in Petoskey. One park divided in half by East Lake Street, Pennsylvania Park is separated into two chunks—the one with the white gazebo, Ernest Hemingway statue, public restrooms, historic cannon, and annual Christmas tree is the more popular side. Lots of foot traffic and activity. Across East Lake Street, the second half of the park is much more subdued. With benches, picnic tables, and grassy space for a blanket, this side of the park is where I prefer to work. Shade from trees and a breeze off the Little Traverse Bay, this outside location is great if you need some green beneath your toes and fresh air.

 

Co-Op Spots

Now, working remotely can feel a bit isolating, as you’re typically working alone and not part of a regular day-to-day office environment. For many of us, that’s perfectly fine—we introverts appreciate the solitary nature of our work life. But there are others, extroverts, who much prefer being around others.

If a shared space is your style, there are a couple of co-op spots in the Petoskey Area that offer day rates and memberships to use dedicated desk/office space.

North Coast Work, located on Howard Street in downtown Petoskey, is a coworking space that combines remote work with office amenities and camaraderie. Perks of engaging with this co-op are Roast & Toast Coffee, in-house printing, free wi-fi, use of a conference room, and, obviously, a place to work.

Open year-round, Monday through Friday, North Coast Work offers a $20 day rate pass and a $325 monthly rate that gets you a private desk for regular use and 24/7 unlimited access to the space, key included. In these types of settings, you can keep work and home separate while also connecting with other professionals who rock the remote-work life.

Across the Little Traverse Bay, you’ll find The Loft, a nonprofit coworking space in downtown Harbor Springs. Operated by Harbor Inc., this workspace functions as a community for remote workers and home-based professionals who want a shared office environment. Comfortable, productive, and welcoming, The Loft has 17 workstations, including seated and standing desks, with amenities including high-speed internet, computer monitors, printing and copying services, and complimentary coffee and tea.

This co-op spot has $20 day rates for drop-in access and membership levels for everyone, from college students to small businesses and families. The space offers a supportive and casual environment, networking opportunities, a Main Street business address and mail drop, collaboration areas, and easy access to Downtown Harbor Springs.

So, depending on your vibe, personality, and needs, the Petoskey Area offers abundant spaces for those who, like me, have adopted the remote-work lifestyle. Maybe I’ll see you at one of these fine establishments sometime!

 

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!