Two-Day Winter Itinerary
A trip to Petoskey is also a trip to its surrounding communities like Harbor Springs and Boyne Falls. Both of these are home to the best skiing and riding you will find in Northern Michigan. Not looking to ski or snowboard? Or traveling with those who do but you’re looking for something else to do? We’ve got fun things to do and ways to enjoy the area without hitting the slopes.
Where to Stay?
Check out our listings of accommodations within the Petoskey Area by visiting PetoskeyArea.com/stay. Want to stay at a ski resort? Check out The Highlands in Harbor Springs.
DAY 1
LUNCH
If you’re not staying at the lodge for a quick bite between runs, head downtown Harbor Springs to try Turkeys Café & Pizzeria. You’ll want to try something with turkey, of course. The reason is they use carved oven-baked turkey! I love their Turk’s Turkey Day Sandwich that comes on homemade toasted wheat bread, cranberry relish, cream cheese, and lettuce. Although, you can’t go wrong with any of their Turkey Classics. If you’re feeling like pizza, that is a good option too!
HIT THE SLOPES
The Highlands and Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs are both awesome places to visit and experience winter fun in northern Michigan. Each has advantages, but both are packed with great trails – downhill and Nordic alike.
Be sure to take note of the latest and greatest ski lifts being installed at each of these properties. The Highlands launch their Camelot6 six-person heated bubble lift (the midwest’s first) to make you feel comfortable between ski runs this year. Nubs Nob will replace one of their 8 ski lifts - the ‘central hub’ lift right outside the main lodge the Green Chair with a 4-person American-made fixed grip.
The chairlifts aren’t the only thing that should have you excited… we have some of the best snow, just wait and see.
DINNER & DRINKS
Gypsy Distillery in Petoskey is Gypsy Vodka’s latest tasting room and the home to their production. What was once an equestrian club, is now home to a tasting room with specialty cocktails, yard games, and food stands like Libe Lula and Fresh Coast Sliders.
DAY 2
BREAKFAST
Head to Downtown Petoskey for a homestyle breakfast at Julienne Tomatoes. You’ll expect great portions and locally sourced ingredients. If you’re a quiche lover, they are sure to have a couple of quiche options for you to pick from. Maybe you’re looking for their Lamp Lighter breakfast sandwich or Vegetarian Delight – highly recommend trying it in a wrap if you’re into that sort of thing.
One other option for a great breakfast downtown is Sam’s Graces Cafe - think eggs benedict, classic and whitefish. Of course, you can’t forget crispy hashbrowns and pancakes, so good! Those looking for something a little outside the American classic can try their Greek frittata. Sam’s Graces offers breakfast in the form of brunch so you could very well have a grilled cheese and soup while your friends have breakfast.
SKI OR NOT TO SKI
Keep the good times rolling by hitting some more runs on the slopes OR try something new and exciting. Take a winter rafting trip with Jordan Valley Outfitter or with Big Bear Adventures in Indian River. This is a great experience to have in the great white north and is such an incredible time. Dress warm and in clothing to keep you dry from a splash or two – you will have a great time you can count on it!
Not looking to try something so… adventurous? How about renting a pair of cross-country skis and hitting one of the MANY Nordic trails in the area? All of our ski resorts offer groomed Nordic trails. You can also check out one of Little Traverse Conservancy trails in the area if you want to glide through somewhere a little more untouched by man.
LUNCH
It’s lunchtime! And if you went the adventurous route it’s likely dinner time already so skip ahead to that section. But if you took a leisurely adventure on a Nordic trail you will be hankering for some lunch! You can’t let a trip to Petoskey go without a visit to Roast & Toast!
Roast & Toast is a great little café adorned with colorful coffee cups all over the front of it. They roast their coffee in-house so you will be met with roast coffee smells as well as all of the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. This is the spot for soup in Petoskey as they usually have three soups on rotation that come by the cup, bowl, or even a flight. The sandwiches and salads are also great and can be ordered as a combo with a cup or bowl of soup if you are having trouble deciding. Try the Avocado BLT, Turkey Avocado Club, or Classic Caesar Salad. The homemade croutons are large and in charge and full of flavor, with sliced mushrooms, homemade Caesar dressing, and add in sliced chicken – just so good and fresh.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWNS
Walk around while you digest that great meal and explore either Downtown Petoskey or Downtown Harbor Springs. In Downtown Petoskey be sure to check out these stores for some great souvenirs: North Goods, The Katydid, and Grandpa Shorter’s. In Downtown Harbor Springs: Hanni Gallery, Harbor Wear, and Little Traverse Tile Works. Here is a short list of yummy local souvenirs to grab too:
- Kilwin’s – Harbor Springs & Petoskey
- Murdick’s Fudge/ Petoskey Popcorn – Petoskey
- American Spoon – Harbor Springs & Petoskey
- Tom’s Mom’s Cookies – Harbor Springs
- Howse’s Fudge – Harbor Springs
DINNER
Your perfect “après ski” destination in Downtown Harbor Springs is Pierson’s Grille & Spirits. You’ll notice right when you walk in they have an après ski theme around local ski resorts with old signage from Nubs Nob Ski Area. Some menu highlights that we would recommend: Sushi, Pizza, or the Pierson’s Burger. And like the name suggests, it would be a good idea to try a cocktail or two while you’re there too!
Another reservation-required suggestion in Downtown Harbor Springs is The New York restaurant just across the street from Pierson’s. This place is rich in history dating back to 1904 as a then hotel, New York Hotel. The New York restaurant has been open since 1977 in its present arrangement and has been serving up exquisite meals for many years.
DAY 3
BREAKFAST
Hitting the road after two nights in the area you’ll want to leave on a high note, and that is with another great place for breakfast!
If you’re heading south, swing through Boyne City to Café Sante within the Petoskey area (just under 10 minutes off of US 131). This little European inspired restaurant offers some brunch items that are seriously out of this world. Menu highlights are:
- Croque Madame
- Vienna Pancakes (with pistachio butter, berries, Michigan maple syrup, and whipped cream)
- German Pork Chop
- Bloody Mary lovers will love this stop too for the Café Sante bloody mary – they aren’t packed with crazy garnishes, but they are good.
See you next time!
