Petoskey Area Blog
Romantic Date Night Ideas in the Petoskey Area
Whether you’re looking for a unique dining experience or something a little more affordable, the Petoskey area has some great choices to take your sweetie out for a great date night. It’s not all about where you go to eat. Put a little more thought into it and pick a [...]
Where to find the Petoskey Area’s finest Valentine’s Day chocolates
How and when did chocolate become the flavor of choice for Valentine’s Day? If you don’t get your sweetheart a box of chocolates for the holiday, are you a terrible person? For the second question, I think that really depends on your sweetheart. But the first has a real answer. [...]
7 Best Winter Hikes in the Petoskey Area
Maybe you long for the tranquility and stillness that accompanies winter hiking. Bright, white drifts muffle your footfalls as you navigate the trail in snowshoes. Huge crystalline flakes flash briefly on your coat before melting. Chickadees rasp their calls to one another, flitting past you in search of winter forage. [...]
The 2026 Petoskey Area Bucket List
My first visit to the Petoskey Area was in the late 1990s, when a business trip brought me to Stafford’s Perry Hotel during the fall season. As I traveled north along US-131, I crested a hill on the outskirts of town, and a 180-degree view of the autumn colors met [...]
4 Historic Hotels & Inns in the Petoskey Area
‘Tis the time of year when all of us living in or visiting Northern Michigan have an innate desire to be contentedly cozy. Yes, our region—in particular the Petoskey Area—adores outdoor winter activities of all kinds, from skiing and sledding to snowshoeing and skating; however, even the most adventurous want [...]
Things to Do in Petoskey Area to Work off the Thanksgiving Meal
Overindulging on Thanksgiving is to be expected—from the excessive food consumption to the chemical reaction of tryptophan found in the turkey that is said to make us tired or sluggish. Getting outside for some fresh air and a little exercise can boost your energy level and mood. There are plenty [...]
A Book Lover’s Guide to the Petoskey Area’s Best Bookstores
If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent many happy hours perusing the shelves at your local brick-and-mortar bookstore. And in spite of the age of ordering everything online, bookstores continue to thrive. How do they do it? Well, local independent bookstores build community and offer personalized recommendations. They hold author [...]
Top Places to see Holiday Lights in Petoskey Area
There is something magical about twinkly lights over the holiday season. Whatever holiday you are celebrating, twinkle lights are just magical – especially reflecting against a white blanket of snow. Sometimes it is part of the magic when you stumble upon a beautifully decorated house on your own. But what [...]
9 Places for Winter Warmers and Cozy Cocktails
The first flakes have fallen throughout the Petoskey area, which means it is time for cozy cocktails to warm even the coldest of days. We’ve tapped the local restaurants and pubs for a list of their seasonal offerings that are sure to fill you with holiday cheer. 1. The Whi-Ski [...]
Loyal to Local: Meet Chef Jason DiGise of the Petoskey Area
Officially the Executive Director of Culinary for Cotton Collection Northern Michigan since August 2025, Chef Jason DiGise has found his footing in the Petoskey Area region, embracing local flavors, community connections, and educational opportunities that arise in kitchen settings and restaurant experiences. Meet the Chef A Midwesterner through and through, [...]