Girls-Only Weekend in the Petoskey Area is on Target

November in the Petoskey Area means the fall colors are nearly gone, the shorts and tanks replaced with jeans and fleece, and darkness will set in before many are even ready for dinner. It also means the opening day of the firearms deer season is just around the corner – November 15^th to be exact – and that weekend Nov 13 – 15 is a perfect time to take advantage of a late autumn escape sans men.

Girls-only weekends are becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason – women deserve them! Deer widow or not, wouldn’t you really like a chance to relax before the pull-your-hair-out flurry of the holiday season kicks in? Get your besties together and check out some of these things to do in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City this November:

The Bay View Wine Trail – nine wineries dotted throughout the area – each big enough to offer a variety of delicious wines (a couple do brews, too), but small enough that you won’t be overwhelmed. Divide the tour between Saturday and Sunday or do it all in one. No one wants to be responsible for getting you to and from the wineries? No problem. By the Bay Transportation will do the driving for you and even has a tour that includes the tasting fees.

Shop! Browse or buy – either way you’re sure to enjoy exploring the downtowns in each of our communities. But don’t stop at just the downtowns. When you’re traveling between towns, keep your eyes open for places like B May Bags and Sturgeon River Pottery. Head further north to Three Pines Gallery in Cross Village. It’s worth the time to get to this working studio featuring all northern Michigan artists.

Head for some amusement at the Odawa Casino. Gather around the table for a game of blackjack or poker. Looking for less skill and more lady luck? Choose from 1,200 slot machines waiting for you to hit the jackpot. There’s live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays on the casino floor, and the chance to rent a party pod for your group to dance the night away in the Ozone nightclub.

Treat yourself the way you want your friends to be treated – revel in pampering the one who you think of last – you! Get your group together and make spa appointments for manicures, pedicures, massages or facials. Whatever you think will feel good, do it!

Get in touch with your adventurous side – book a group zipline adventure! Fun, exhilarating and maybe even just a little bit outside the comfort zone for some, the Zipline Adventure at Boyne Mountain is 2.5 to 3 hours of speeding through the trees and over the hills at heights of up to 50 feet. Who better to share this kind of fun with than your buddies?

Eat! If you’ve got kids, dining out with your friends is particularly appealing, as you can go to restaurants that serve something other than burgers and grilled cheese. You’ll find unique options like Café Sante in Boyne City (European flavor), Mustang Wendy’s Cask & Cuisine in Harbor Springs (try the Eggs Hemingway for a tasteful start to the day), and Chandler’s in Petoskey for a trendy feel and an extensive wine selection. Still want that burger even without the kids? Vintage Chop House | Wine Bar at the Inn at Bay Harbor serves up their Bay Harbor Burger with grown-up goodies like Vidalia onion jam, morel and leek jack cheese and garlic aioli. Pair this delight with one of the Michigan microbrews and an incredible view, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a major gabfest.

If opening weekend of deer season is when you plan to run away with your pals, be sure to check out the calendar of events for the Petoskey Area so you don’t miss out on Ladies Opening Night in Petoskey, concerts, a ghost walk, farmers markets and Ladies Night Out in Harbor Springs.

There’s a wide variety of lodging options available in the Petoskey Area, so whether it’s one night or the whole weekend, get your BFFs together for a slumber party you won’t forget!