Located just minutes away from The Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast there are a several wonderful towns. Charlevoix, Petoskey and Harbor Springs. The charm of small towns and the fun offerings of these areas make them worth a visit. If you are planning your trip to Torch Lake, it is best to include these towns in your itinerary, and in this article, we will tell you why.
Charlevoix the beautiful is only 20 minutes from The Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast. This wonderful little town is located between the Shoreline of Lake Michigan and Round Lake.
The town of Charlevoix offers tourists miles of tracks and trails for biking and hiking. The area around the trails is quite scenic with dales and hills, and the shoreline on one side. Art galleries, boutiques and eateries offering gourmet food keep the tourists on their toes and truly sated. However, what makes it to the top of the list are the iconic mushroom houses - truly a wonderful sight to witness and savor.
If you are a first-time visitor in Charlevoix, this is a list of the top 10 must-do activities especially curated for you:
#1. Take a Trip to the Mushroom Houses by Earl Young
It would not be an exaggeration to say that if you went to Charlevoix and did not take a guided tour to the mushroom houses, you missed the whole point of the visit. A trip to Charlevoix is incomplete without that. Earl Young, a self-taught architect, designed these whimsical mushroom houses out of boulders and cedar shakes that he collected while exploring the shorelines and woods in the northside. Earl Young took inspiration from the houses in Cotswold and built around 30 houses including one sporting a thatched roof.
Image source: Roadtrippers
#2. Go shopping downtown
You will find lots of appealing items in the boutique-style shops in downtown Charlevoix. From books to sweet treats to works of art, these shops have something for everyone. While you are at it, make sure to grab some Charlevoix memorabilia in the vibrant colors of the town and take some bites of the delicious cuisine.
#3. Book a tandem skydive in Charlevoix
If you have been meaning to check skydiving off your bucket list, you must book for the best thrill there is out there with a tandem skydive in Charlevoix. The area has a company with specialist first jumpers who make sure you are comfortable before you literally take a leap of faith for some exciting lifelong memories. As you dive and soar over Charlevoix, you will witness some spectacular views of the lakes below.
#4. Find the iconic Petoskey and Charlevoix Stones
When in the vicinity, looking for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones is a must-try relaxing pastime. To find these cute iconic stones, you can either head to Lake Michigan Beach or Fisherman's Island State Park.
#5. Enjoy the sun on the beach
For those of you who spend most of their routine days either cooped up inside due to work or live somewhere that snows or rains a lot, the beaches at Charlevoix are a great place to get your necessary dose of sun and vitamin D. If you are close to downtown, you can easily walk to Lake Michigan beach. A great choice for families is the Ferry Beach on the shores of Lake Charlevoix. There is a playground and a shallow swim area that is perfect for kids to take a dip in. Children can also make sandcastles in the sandy area at Ferry Beach.
#6. Marvel at the architectural details of the Hotel Earl
Take an architectural tour and get inspired as you marvel at the details of Hotel Earl. It is located close to Lake Charlevoix. This boutique hotel was designed by Earl Young too. However, recently it has been redone to add some new details inspired by the same mid-century style that was seen in the original design.
#7. Breathe in the history of Castle Farms
The Castle Farms built in 1918, as a model dairy farm, are absolutely a vision to witness and marvel at. Add it to a day with sufficient time so you can truly appreciate the amazing model train collection, the historic exhibits, and stop at the cellars to try the Michigan wine. The majestic gardens and the French Normandy-style historic buildings that have been restored are worth taking a tour.
Image source: Hour Detroit
#8. Experience life at the lake
Enjoy all the goodness that comes with fresh water - be it sailing, taking rides on a motorboat, paddle boarding, or kayaking. If kayaks and canoes overwhelm you, enjoy a laid back guided raft ride with your favorite people.
#9. Explore the nature around you
Charlevoix is rich in fun and nature - the best combination you could ask for. From scenic inland trails to trails moving along the shoreline, your hikes and bikes will always be entertained.
#10. Enjoy a Lake Michigan Sunset
The sunset at Lake Michigan is a beautiful sight, so make your way to the South Pier Lighthouse and enjoy a slow hour of a surreal sunset. If you are an artist, make sure to take your gear with you and make memories that last a lifetime.
#11. Take pictures of Drawbridge
The drawbridge is an absolute Charlevoix gem that goes up every half hour during the summers when the boats are mostly out. It is fun watching it go up.
#12. Enjoy the shortest ferry ride in the country
Hop onto a 650-feet only ferry ride crossing of the Charlevoix river for a short but sweet ride.
The Petoskey Area is in the heart of the Midwest all-season resort area and it is among the most popular zones. Known for the Little Traverse Wheel way, its Vintage Trolly, gaslight district shopping, and offering the best way to experience and enjoy winter, the Petoskey area is a must-visit.
In the Petoskey Area, you will experience winters without being cooped up inside. Rather you can enjoy endless outdoor fun surrounded by incredible scenery. Also, when you are done with a long day of running about in the open, you can drop by at the Chandler's Restaurant and treat yourself to a delicious meal. Petoskey Area is one of the five waterfront resort communities considered to be a Michigan treasure and a must-visit region for all tourists in the area.
Image source: Petoskey Area Twitter
When we say that the Petoskey area will show you how to thrive in winters, we mean exploring the breathtaking views of the Nordic Trails and breezing along the slopes, all while keeping your taste buds fully entertained with flavors. You can go ice skating or biking and when it starts to feel too cold, redirect yourself towards a wine tasting hour.
Image source: Petoskey Area Twitter
Having said that, the Petoskey Area is not strictly just a winter destination. Rather, it is a four-season region known for unique seasonal activities for every tourist. You can go skiing on the slopes, biking on the trails, or kayaking in the water, or simply just explore the Gaslight Shopping District.
The little Petoskey area will make sure its charm gets to you and you will see why Ernest Hemingway loved his visits here so much. Away from the busy routine of daily life, walking your way through the pedestrian tunnel, watching the boats make their way into the marina at the waterfront park will change your perspective on life.
While you are here, make sure to bike around the famous Little Traverse Wheel way, and breathe in the beautiful scenery. The whimsical mushrooms in the spring, the lush green foliage in the summers, and the wonderfully white snow in the winters are sights to feast your eyes now. It is no wonder that families have been visiting the Petoskey area for generations. These are some of the top 5 activities you must not miss out on when you finally make your first visit here:
Skiing at Petoskey’s Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands.
Play golf and more golf.
Swimming, kayaking, fishing, and sailing the Little Traverse Bay.
Downtown activities like attending season-special festivals and concerts.
Taking a guided tour of the area.
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