New Places to Visit in the Petoskey Area

As we approach the bustling summer season here in the Petoskey Area, our communities prepare with downtown beautification, infrastructure improvements, and new businesses joining lineups. Here are some new entrepreneurial endeavors to check out throughout the Petoskey Area!

New to Alanson

Crooked River Coffee—an eye-catching pink building—and its attached upper-level Airbnb, opened late last year, breathing new life into a historic structure that was formerly an antiques shop. Owned by Sandra and Nick Ruicci, Crooked River Coffee has quickly become a place of gathering and community. Its welcoming space is a meet-up spot for women’s golf leagues, fiber artists, and friends, and to connect with the community, the Ruicci’s are embracing collaborations with local businesses like Petoskey Cheese. The coffee shop even offers convenient curbside pick-up to keep you caffeinated while on the go.

Beautifully decorated and designed, this new hangout spot in Alanson offers comfy seating, a cute and colorful bathroom, and with its Airbnb upstairs, you could stay for the weekend and grab great coffee each morning with absolute ease. The apartment provides an open-concept layout, accommodations for a family or group, plus a private porch overlooking the Crooked River.

The coffee shop and rental space have expertly preserved the existing building’s charm and history while imbuing it with modern luxury and amenities. Alanson is also a great location for vacationers. From this point, you can easily get to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Mackinaw City, and everywhere in between!

Another new place in Alanson is The Postal Market. Situated in the village’s original post office, erected in the late 1800s, The Postal Market is a new culinary outlet that co-owners Mark Neill and Vi Keller say came from “a vision of celebrating the history of the Alanson area.”

Both Mark and Vi have extensive experience in the culinary and customer service industries, making their partnership a no-brainer. Mark recently helped open Trovato at Hidden River, and Vi has owned Scovie’s Gourmet in Charlevoix for 20 years, with both establishments providing excellent food and service.

The Postal Service is a grab-n-go spot, open every day except Sunday, that also caters events with an impressive catering menu, ideal for family events, social gatherings, holidays, and more.

 

New to Petoskey

Over in Petoskey, Finetuned Coffee has officially opened inside the popular Vogue Salon. Open Tuesday through Saturday, Finetuned Coffee is nestled in the loft overlooking the salon space and offers delicious espressos, lattes, filtered coffee, and teas. So now, whether you’re getting your hair done, enjoying a pedicure, or just strolling down Howard Street, there are new brews to try!

Happy’s Taco Shop, a beloved facet of downtown Petoskey, has recently left The Back Lot to open its own brick-and-mortar in the former American Spoon Gelato Cafe on East Lake Street. Known for its street tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, crunchwraps, and fun shareables like choriqueso rangoons, this food truck has been doling out fantastic fare to hungry Northern Michigan visitors and residents since 2013, and with plans to reopen later this month, Happy’s Taco Shop will surely have a crowd to help them christen the new location.

Also, downtown Petoskey is undergoing some extensive infrastructure work throughout the ten-block commercial district. All businesses, including your favorite boutiques, shops, and restaurants, are open, but getting to them may take some extra time as you maneuver around the orange cones and yellow tape. Please plan accordingly!

 

New to Boyne City

Further inland, on the shores of Lake Charlevoix in Boyne City, there’s a new bookstore that specializes in romance while dabbling in other genres. Dust & Blush Romance Bookshop, owned and operated by Rachael Hilliard, opened in April to a warm community welcome. Prepare for pink when you cross the threshold of the former Spuds retail shop and get ready to peruse the selection of romance novels and book-themed gifts, all lovingly curated by Rachael herself.

If you’re seeking a reading recommendation, Rachael will be happy to provide one based on your recently consumed books, and, if you need refreshment while shopping, the in-store mocktail bar offers thirst-quenching beverages—ones that hydrate and others that energize.

Dust & Blush will also be hosting special events throughout the year, including book release parties, so keep an eye on the website calendar for those announcements!

Another relocation is occurring in downtown Boyne City this summer—the Boyne Arts Center is moving from its second-level spot above Cafe Sante to a street-level space for greater visibility and community impact. With its mission to inspire, serve, and strengthen the community through the arts, the Boyne Arts Center is excited to become more deeply embedded in the local community while continuing to support exhibitions and arts education.

This new location will make it easier for area residents and visitors to experience and engage with local art and artists. A specific opening date will be announced at a later date.

 

New to Harbor Springs

Around the bay in Harbor Springs, Dusty’s Dogz is serving gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, street tacos, and more, seven days a week. With a passion for providing the best food with the freshest ingredients, Dusty’s Dogz has something for everyone, regardless of preference and palate.

This more-than-a-hot-dog joint also has a food truck for events as well as catering services for private parties, corporate events, festivals, family gatherings, and even weddings. And one of the coolest things about Dusty’s Dogz is that the business proudly donates a portion of its proceeds to the local animal shelter, from one dog to another!

Also, downtown Harbor Springs will soon see the addition of a B.May Bags storefront. Slated to start welcoming shoppers this summer, there isn’t an official open date yet, so keep a lookout for more details!

Then, south of Harbor Springs on M-119, Woody’s Adventure Gear opened its doors last fall, just in time for the snowy winter season, which the business claims is its “jam.” Northern Michigan’s hub for all things outdoorsy, Woody’s Adventure Gear is stocked with all supplies you’ll need for hiking the trails, camping under the stars, enjoying the rivers and lakes, plus all the necessary items and apparel for staying warm and dry during your snow adventures. No matter the season or activity, this outdoorsy outfitter aims to make engaging with nature easier, more fun, and way less intimidating, so if you’re coming to experience the great outdoors of Northern Michigan, Woody’s will be a good stop to include on your must-visit list.

So, regardless of the Petoskey Area community you visit, there’s something new to see and experience right alongside all of your favorite shops and stops!

 

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!