Girls Trip to the Petoskey Area
What is life if not living for time with your friends and family? The bond with your friends are people who have chosen to be in your life is so special that it deserves a special place to let loose and explore together – the Petoskey Area. There are so many different kinds of trips you can take: outdoor adventure-focused, a beach vacation, or a spa getaway, to name a few. Or create your own with a mix from each to experience all the different sides of the area.
Itinerary Ideas Overview
- Outdoorsy + Craft Cocktails & Brews
- Avalanche Mountain Preserve
- Skyline Trail
- Headlands Dark Sky Park
- Little Traverse Wheelway
- Gypsy Distillery
- Petoskey Brewing
- Elder Piper Beer + Cider
- Beach Vacay + Wine Tour
- Our favorite beach options
- Petoskey Area Winery Options
- Custom Bag Experience at Vilah Bloom
- Relaxing Getaway + Culinary Delights
- The Spa at Boyne Mountain
- The Spa at the Inn at Bay Harbor
- Chandler’s Restaurant
- NOMAD., Bay Harbor
- 1911 Restuarant
- The Pier Restaurant
- Where to Stay
Idea 1: Outdoorsy + Craft Cocktails & Brews
Get Outside
Avalanche Mountain Preserve, Boyne City
Avalanche Mountain Preserve has more than 300 acres of forest land and has a trailhead that is close to Downtown Boyne City. Here, it features hiking/biking trails and a disc golf course. If you’re just looking for a short hike with a beautiful view, this is also a great opportunity for that. You’ll climb 462 steps to the overlook area that has a platform and benches for viewing the Boyne Valley, Boyne City, and Lake Charlevoix. Well worth the climb. Looking to hike further? About 3 miles of hiking trails with varying terrain await. This is also a popular spot for mountain bikers; 11 miles of total bike trails with 8 different routes. These trails range from beginner to intermediate to very difficult.
Coming for a fall getaway? The overlook is absolutely stunning for fall foliage.
Skyline Trail, Petoskey
Although it is difficult to locate the trailhead on your first visit, at least it was for me, this hiking trail is a great beginner out-and-back trail with a fun viewing platform that does not disappoint.
Skyline Trail is a heavily shaded pine forest trail, making it enjoyable on those hotter summer days. In the spring, you can enjoy a view that is a bit more open without the leaf cover.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City
If you see clear night skies in the forecast for your girls’ trip, then you’ll want to plan a visit to Headlands Dark Sky Park just north of the Petoskey Area. This is a great spot to view the night sky: stars, meteors, and if you’re lucky, Northern Lights.
Little Traverse Wheelway – Bay Harbor, Petoskey, Bay View, and Harbor Springs
The Little Traverse Wheelway is a great leisurely way to bike (walkable too) around the area. Many portions of this trail offer lake views and more that add to its special nature. In total, the trail runs 26 miles through Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Petoskey, Bay View, and Harbor Springs. While it seems long, there are several trailheads that offer you a spot to jump on the trail, ride for a while, and then head back to the start.
Start in the downtown Petoskey area, head through Bay View, and over to the Petoskey State Park. Near the state park, you will find several places to eat and drink as well, making it well worth the bike ride over, whether you plan to beach it up or just have lunch and a drink. Grab a picnic of things from Toski Sands Market and take it to the beach, even!
Plan more things along the way by taking a look at our Things to Do Along the Little Traverse Wheelway blog. Looking for bike rental resources? Check out Bahnhof Sport, Latitude 45, or Touring Gear.
The Highlands, Harbor Springs
The Highlands at Harbor Springs is a resort full of fun outdoor adventures in every season. In the spring, summer, and early fall, you can enjoy golf at one of five outstanding courses. If you’re into something a little more adrenaline-filled, you can check out their Highlands Bike Park for a lift-served plethora of bike trails to ride. In the fall, you can take a scenic chairlift ride to get an aerial view of the colorful leaves.
Local Sips
Gypsy Distillery & Gypsy Spirits Tasting Room
Petoskey is home to the Michigan-original Gypsy Vodka. This locally crafted and bottled vodka has been around since 2015. Now with two locations in the Petoskey Area (one in downtown Petoskey and their new distillery near Bay Harbor), there are multiple places to enjoy this Petoskey-made spirit. Since opening, they have now expanded their products into more than just vodka, but also:
- Petoskey Stone Gin uses locally sourced lavender
- Mackinac Island Rum made with Mackinac Island fudge
- an assortment of canned cocktails
- seasonal sips and partnerships like Gypsy Apple Pie – an apple pie flavored vodka in partnership with Blake’s Hard Cider Co, Triple Jam Vodka, Gypsy Cherry Pie made with Traverse City Cherries
- Gypsy Gin – strawberry rhubarb gin
- Several original whiskeys, too.
At the distillery, you can enjoy their signature cocktails like “Larry’s Lemonade,” made with blueberry-infused Gypsy Vodka and lemonade. New this summer are their canned Lakeside Sips (a vodka seltzer) that come in mango or pineapple.
Don’t want a cocktail? The distillery now offers beer on tap and wine, too.
Originally a brewery location in 1898, Petoskey Brewing is a great stop along the Little Traverse Wheelway near the Petoskey State Park. They have lighter-sitting beers like their 1898 Lager, or you can grab a higher ABV that’s a little more complex, like the Belgian Dubbel – Horny Monk. Want something fruity? Their year-round Cranium Crush (raspberry waffle cone-flavored Cream Ale) and Blueberry Crush (blueberry waffle cone-flavored Cream Ale) might quench your thirst.
Hungry? You won’t want to skip out on their smash burgers!
Elder Piper Beer + Cider, Downtown Petoskey
The newest brewery in town, Elder Piper is a gem nestled in the Old Town Emmet District of Downtown Petoskey. If you’re in downtown’s Gaslight District shopping, it is a quick 5–10 minute walk along the Petoskey Greenway.
Their menu is very helpful in aiding your decision based on what sort of flavor profile you are looking for in your beverage – even with tasty NA options too. Whether you’re looking for a light lager, something hoppy, a malty porter, something tart & funky in a sour, or several ciders of different notes, they have a beverage for you to experience. Looking at more than one? They, of course, offer beer/cider flights of four 4-ounce samples.
Idea 2: Beach Vacay + Wine Tour
Maybe your friends’ group enjoys the fresh air, but you’re not quite wanting to catch your breath while taking a hike or bike ride. A beach day or two may be the perfect match for what you’re looking for…
Beaches We Love
Although it requires a recreation passport, the Petoskey State Park beach is far more than worth it. There is tons of room on the beach, even on a busy summer day. The beach sand narrows a bit and situates you closer to the water as you walk further down the shore. No dogs allowed on the beach but they are allowed on the trails at the state park. Kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent at concession in the beach house.
2. Zorn Park Beach, Harbor Springs
This small city beach has a small sandy beach, a beach house, and a grassy area with picnic tables. There is plenty of room to set up for a great beach day. Mid-summer, this beach gets fairly busy with kids and families.
3. Sturgeon Bay Beach, Cross Village
Just 20 miles north of Harbor Springs, you will find Cross Village (at the end of the Tunnel of Trees). Just 3 miles north of town is this beach that is a part of Wilderness State Park (a 10,000-plus-acre park). This sandy dune beach sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and is a bit more secluded than your average city or modern state park. You will not find restrooms here, so plan accordingly.
Wine Tour Itinerary
Photo-worthy: After you’ve picked out a taste or glass from the tasting room, head to the treehouse seating area for a photo or lounge there with your glass of wine.
This location is known for its open-air tasting room with a rustic pole-barn feel, complete with a fireplace, Adirondack chairs, and grounds for wandering and enjoying its natural setting, set back off the highway.
MACKINAW TRAIL WINERY & BREWERY
Grab a flight of tastes here; there are so many great ones to pick from! Small bites available here too. Walk the grounds, sit in the tasting room, or on their outdoor patio. Say hi to their golden pup named Lola.
This generational vineyard has been farming since 2014 in the countryside of Petoskey. Their small tasting room is brought to life with outdoor spaces on their patio and within their pavilion for live music. Must try: Their award winning Reycraft red wine – blend of Leon Millot and Marquette grapes, barrel aged in Hungarian and French Oak.
RUDBECKIA WINERY (& Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery)
This winery is also home to a brewery/distillery (brewstillery) with some great tastes. Our favorite part about this winery is their outdoor area with picnic tables. Snacks like flatbreads, walking taco, charcuterie, dips for sharing, nuts, and of course… s’mores.
Local tip: Call ahead for groups of 10+
PETOSKEY FARMS VINEYARD & WINERY (Coffee House & Lavender Farm)
Must-try: Love Sangria
Just north of downtown Petoskey, Petoskey Farms Vineyard has had several expansions and improvements over the past couple of years including a lavender field, sheep, and a covered patio addition to their tasting space. Enjoy a woodfired pizza in the warmer months too!
Known for: Maple wines! Sweet wine lovers will love this experience. They have wines that lean more classic red and white but also offer some unique sweet wines for sweet wine lovers like their Blackberry Maple Wine and Maple Gold.
Custom Bag Bar Experience
VILAH BLOOM, Walloon Lake
Stop by Vilah Bloom in the Village of Walloon Lake just outside of Petoskey. Here you will be able to choose from a custom bag or custom jewelry with personalized charms. You can even have your initials embossed into your bag while in-store too! Can anyone say matching bags with your BFF?!
Idea 3: Relaxing Getaway + Culinary Delights
Sometimes the schedule is just meant to be no schedule at all or a day spent pampering yourself and indulging in the area’s amazing culinary scene.
Spas to Consider
The Spa at Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
Located inside the Mountain Grand Lodge, The Spa offers 10,000 square feet of space for spa treatments, steam, relaxation, and more. Whether you are looking for a day pass to utilize their whirlpools, cedar saunas, indoor/outdoor pool, and fitness classes and gym OR you’d like to book a special treatment like a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, or body treatment. There are great price points to unwind.
The Spa at Inn at Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Inn at Bay Harbor is pure elegance and luxury, leaving you relaxed from the moment you walk through their doors. The Spa is no exception to this, giving you a full-service spa treatment with body treatments, massages, and facial options.
Unforgettable Restaurants
Chandler’s Restaurant, Downtown Petoskey
This chef-curated menu changes seasonally and is oh so refined for every taste. This restaurant is tucked under Symons General store and is a cozy little spot that most often becomes vibrant with chatter in conversation in the bar area. You’ll find main entree dishes here, sushi, appetizers like charcuterie, crab cakes, and delightful wine and cocktails to pair with your meal.
NOMAD., Bay Harbor
The name of the game here at NOMAD. for you and the girls is small plates to share if you’re feeling it. There are so many yummy things that will be calling your name that this is the way to go. Amazing entrees are available here for an upscale experience in the Bay Harbor Village too.
1911 Restaurant, Bay View
Located inside the historic Terrace Inn within Bay View Association, 1911 Restaurant has a menu of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Menu Must-Try: Classic – Planked Whitefish with duchess potatoes and stuffed tomato; Summer seasonal signature – Short Rib Rigatoni
Cafe Sante, Boyne City
Located downtown Boyne City on Lake Charlevoix, Cafe Sante offers hybrid European cuisine options with waterfront patio seating available.
Dinner Menu Must-Try: Duck Onion Soup hors d’oeuvre, Sante Salad – chevre goat cheese and balsamic, Steak Frites, or Bolognese
Brunch Menu Must-Try: Croque Madame – local Plath’s bacon, brioche, gruyere, bechamel sauce, & a sunny egg; Whitefish Benedict
Where to Stay
There are lodging options that fit the needs you are looking for. Want to check out the newest boutique? What about somewhere with walkable access to its downtown? We have some ideas to suit you!
New to Town
OTIS is newly renovated as of just a couple of years ago and is a minimalistic mid-century modern vibe that will leave you instantly relaxed. They give you an actual key for your room and little luxuries to enjoy at different points of your stay. A great little coffee shop in the lobby to start your morning and the Fireplace Lounge to cap off your day of adventures around town. Cocktails, small bites, and dinner service on some nights.
Complimentary Shuttle Available
Holiday Inn Express – Valley View, Petoskey
If you’re a Holiday Inn lover this is a great dependable option with gorgeous ‘Valley View’ rooms that allow to see the countryside and Lake Michigan in the distance. They offer a complimentary limo service to downtown! Free breakfast, too!
Odawa Hotel, Petoskey
Partnered with the Odawa Casino, Odawa Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to all the fun and games going on at the casino. Check out their dining options like Room 94, Sage Chophouse, and Copper Café. Looking for late-night dancing or a place to catch the big game? Victories Sports & Entertainment inside the casino is a good choice.
Downtown Walking Distance
Hotel Perry, Petoskey
This historic hotel is located in Downtown Petoskey, with multiple options for on-site dining in the Rose Room for breakfast and the downstairs Noggin Room Pub.
Colonial Inn, Harbor Springs
This quaint inn is within walking distance of downtown Harbor Springs and has its own beach access too.
Insider tip: Check out their new cocktail lounge Bar 1894.
Just up the street from Bay Harbor’s Downtown Village, the Inn at Bay Harbor is the epitome of luxury travel. From their dining and spa amenities to their outdoor hot tub that overlooks Lake Michigan.
Fun perk: E-Bikes to check out and venture around the village or over to East Park!
Village Suites, Bay Harbor
This condominium-based hotel is in the heart of the downtown village and offers a secure place to rest your head (and the views aren’t half bad either). In the warmer months, Village Suites also provides access to its beach club and outdoor pool.
Water Street Inn, Boyne City
This condominium hotel is beachfront on beautiful Lake Charlevoix and just steps away from downtown Boyne City. This gives you walkable access to all of the great dining and nightlife options in this small town. Don’t forget about the Lake Charlevoix sunsets!
Adventure Idea: Rent a kayak and check out the Boyne River or Lake Charlevoix!
