Tag Archives: Charlevoix

A bucket list of things to do if you are heading to Charlevoix

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By West Michigan Tourist Association

Planning a trip to the Charlevoix in the near feature? Whether you are visiting for the first time, or are a seasoned Charlevoix guest, below is a list of things we highly recommend visitors see, do, and explore. Let us in on the fun and be sure to tag us in your pictures and videos by using #VisitCharlevoix.

1. Shop downtown Charlevoix
Charlevoix’s small-town charm and boutique shopping has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a great book, specialty food items, Charlevoix memorabilia, new clothing, artwork, and sweet treats- you can find it here. Check out The Mercado for many new additions to the vibrant downtown scene.



2. Family Friendly Zip Lining Experience
Wildwood Rush is a family friendly high ropes and ziplining course through the treetops of scenic Charlevoix. With over 7,000 feet of zip line courses, thrill seekers will love the fast-paced zip lines and great views of Lake Charlevoix.

3. Beach Goers Rejoice
It’s no secret that Charlevoix has great beaches on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. You can easily access Lake Michigan Beach along the pier from downtown and making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Ferry Beach is family friendly, situated on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, offering a shallow swim area, playground, and large sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles. For info on the many other local beaches visit our website.

4. Find a Petoskey and Charlevoix Stone
One of our favorite pastimes is looking for Petoskey and Charlevoix stones. Two of the best places to find these stones is Fisherman’s Island State Park and Lake Michigan Beach. You can spend hours hunting for these iconic stones!

5. Skydive Charlevoix
Do you want to check skydiving off your bucket list? If so, you need to book a tandem skydive with Skydive Charlevoix. They specialize in first jumpers, making sure everyone is comfortable while creating exciting lifelong memories. While you soar over Charlevoix, you could see Beaver Island, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge, and Lake Charlevoix.

6. Lake Living
Charlevoix is all about its fresh water! When you visit, we recommend you get out on the lakes with a kayak, sailboat, motorboat, or stand up paddleboard. Also, experience a paddle down the Jordan River. Choose to take it easy by having a guided raft or if you’re experienced go for canoes or kayaks. This is a fun activity for friends and families.

7. Mushroom House Tour
A trip to Charlevoix would not be complete without a tour of Earl Young’s mushroom houses. This self-taught architect designed houses out of large boulders and cedar shakes, creating whimsical designs. To learn more about the interesting history houses take a guided tour.

8. Step back in time at Castle Farms
Stop by Castle Farms to view the restored historic buildings, majestic gardens, large model train collection, and countless historic exhibits. Be sure to stop by 1918 Cellars to try a great selection of Michigan wine. Be sure to check out our events calendar to see what’s happening at the Castle.

9. Where will you go?
Whether you’re looking for trails along Lake Michigan’s shoreline or a scenic inland trail, Charlevoix’s got some great options. We suggest the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area, Charles Ransom Nature Preserve, and Fisherman’s Island State Park. Each of these natural areas has amazing views of Lake Michigan and miles of trails.

10. Watch the Drawbridge
This bascule drawbridge is a quintessential Charlevoix gem. During summer months, the drawbridge will go up every half hour when boats are present, so you can’t miss it! Be sure to capture of video or picture of this fun spectacle.

12. Catch a Lake Michigan Sunset
A Lake Michigan sunset is world-class, and the South Pier Lighthouse is the perfect place to capture a painted sunset. Every sunset is a unique kaleidoscope of colors, so be sure to see it every evening you are in Charlevoix.

Summer Festivals in West Michigan

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

With summer comes a slew of festivals in West Michigan, each entirely unique and memorable. We’re talking about festivals centered around food, beer, art, culture, and more throughout the next few months. With events taking place nearly every week throughout the summer, there’s always something right around the corner for you to experience with these West Michigan festivals.

June Festivals in West Michigan

The Festival of the Arts is a three-day community celebration in downtown Grand Rapids offering art, food, entertainment, and fun activities for all ages. This year’s event is June 1st to 3rd, and will continue the tradition of bringing together the Grand Rapids art community for a summer kick-off. Ongoing for over 40 years, the Festival of the Arts is one of the longest-running festivals in the state.

 

The Mecosta area is home to festivals throughout the summer. The Lilac Festival is a chance for families to come out and do something fun, as a hometown, family-friendly event from June 1st to 3rd. Return for a summer of festivals, including the Morley Celebration on the Pond, Remus Heritage Days, and Mecosta County Agricultural Fair.

 

The Charlevoix Craft Beer Festival is a celebration of Michigan craft beer, local food, and entertainment on Saturday, June 2nd. The aim of the festival is to provide patrons the opportunity to enjoy a varied selection of high-quality Michigan craft beer while mingling with friends at the beautiful waterside venue. Attendees are encouraged to venture out and explore downtown Charlevoix’s culinary and retail offerings prior to and after the event.

 

The band Moxie Strings is set to appear at Cogdal Vineyards in South Haven on Sunday, June 3rd for the Cogdal Vineyards Wine Lovers’ Festival. Attendees can expect a fun experience of high-energy, original, and traditional tunes performed on five-string fiddle and electric cello while enjoying a glass of delicious wine.

 

Plan a summer fun Girls’ Night Out with Divas Uncorked, the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Divas Uncorked event on Friday, June 8th. This evening is devoted entirely to women, wine, food, and fun. Enjoy wine and food pairings, giveaways, shopping, and pampering. Bring your entourage, relax, and be fabulous!

 

Whether you’re looking for a fun and easy family getaway or a big night out on the town with friends, Mt. Pleasant offers a little bit of everything. They have a wide variety of events this summer, kicking off with the Back to the Bricks car show on Friday, June 8th. The following day, craft beer enthusiasts gather for the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival, showcasing some of Michigan’s greatest brews. There won’t be a dull moment during your trip to Mt. Pleasant.

 

Feast of the Strawberry Moon is June 9th and 10th in Grand Haven. The event includes reenactments, a kids day, live entertainment, and more as they explore the middleground world that evolved between Europeans and the Native Americans in the Great Lakes Region during the pre-1800 fur trade era.

 

Grand Haven hosts some of West Michigan’s fan-favorite festivals every summer. The Spring Lake Heritage Festival is June 11th to 16th, and has family fun like no other. The following week is the Grand Haven Art Festival on June 23th and 24th. The event seeks to provide the community and visitors with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artists.

 

Music, boating, arts, and culture are all happening in River Country. Some of the area’s most popular annual events include the Three Rivers Water Fest from June 14th to 16th and Sturgis Fest from June 23rd to 30th. More events include Covered Bridge Days and the Magic Get-Together later in the summer. They have a full event calendar on their website, so check that out if you need to fill your time in southwest Michigan!

 

The Michigan Maritime Museum presents the 37th Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday, June 16th, during Harborfest weekend in South Haven. This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from power boats to paddle boats. Woodworkers and collectors alike will show their boats, demonstrations on boat building techniques will be featured, and toy boat building will be available for kids. The aim is to help perpetuate the building, restoration, and use of classic boats and small craft to give participants and the public an entertaining and informative learning experience.

 

Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids is pleased to present to you Founders Fest 2018: A Celebration of Beer and Music on Saturday, June 16th. In its 11th year, Founders Fest continues to marry the finest beer with the tastiest artists from around the country and the world.

 

Located at the scenic Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival brings together the members of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail for a spectacular day in the sand on Saturday, June 16th. The festival will feature fantastic regional live music, food trucks, and local restaurants to pair with the world-class wines produced right in southwest Michigan.

 

Whitehall is home to the 40th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts. The festival is expected to draw thousands of people this Father’s Day weekend on June 16th and 17th. Creative artists will participate in this very popular juried art show, and attendees can purchase a variety of hand-made art and crafts such as jewelry, wood furniture, birdhouses, ceramics, and more. A great lineup of musicians will entertain the crowds throughout the weekend.

 

The 9th Annual Traverse City Wine & Cider Festival is Saturday, June 24th. Come celebrate local wine, food, and culture. The festival brings together a true taste of the region with great wines, art, food trucks, and live musical entertainment all in one location!

 

Visit Lansing for the 19th Annual Common Ground Music Festival from June 28th to July 1st! See some of the best rock, pop, country, and hip-hop stars in the world take the stage in downtown Lansing along the Grand River in a setting unlike any other.

 

June in Battle Creek means it’s time for the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival from June 28th to July 4th. Balloon launches or fly-ins take place every night (weather dependent) and air shows take place at noon.

 

The Soo Locks Engineers Weekend begins on Friday, June 29th in Sault Ste. Marie. This fun weekend offers exclusive access to some of the area’s historic and interesting attractions such as the Locks and the Cloverland Electric Hydroelectric Power Plant.

 

The 60th annual South Haven Art Fair hosted by the South Haven Center for the Arts is a two-day juried festival held one block from the Lake Michigan shore in picturesque Stanley Johnson Park on June 30th and July 1st. This year’s unique blend of talent includes works in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, drawing, sculpture, photography, glass, wood, clay, and wearable art. Admission is free for this two-day event.

 

The National Cherry Festival brings people from all over the world to Traverse City for a week-long celebration surrounding the cherry. Not only that, it attracts people from all over Michigan, the five-county area, and even just across the street to participate in activities. Come celebrate the Cherry Capital of the World from June 30th to July 7th for another year of food, drink, entertainment, and tradition!

 

West Michigan Tourist Association: Christmas Fun in Northern West Michigan

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Crystal Mountain

Elvyn Lea Lodge in Boyne City is the perfect place to host your next holiday get together. Guests enjoy comfortable accommodations in twenty guest rooms with varied bed configurations. Two lounges, 44 wooded acres with trails, a spectacular 1.5 acre event lawn, and fire pit area are also available. With the log-beamed ceilings in the lounge and pine walls throughout, this authentic “up north” lodge offers modern comforts and amenities, yet has retained its rustic charm.

 

Voted “Best Steakhouse” in Michigan by MLive, Vernales Restaurant in Harbor Springs is serving up delicious food for your family’s Christmas celebration. In addition to a dine-in menu, they also have to-go orders and off-site catering. You can feast upon flank steak, brisket, broiled whitefish, chicken parmesan, penne alfredo, and more. Whether you’re looking for a meal at their steakhouse or something to bring back for a Christmas at home, Vernales will be serving up a delicious holiday menu all season long.

 

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is hosting a Holiday Celebration from Dec. 16 to Jan. 6. This celebration includes everything, from the 17th Annual Snowiest Snowflake Contest and photos on the mountain to outdoor laser tag and a family campfire. Stop by anytime over the three weeks for holiday fun!

 

Left Foot Charley Winery in Traverse City invites visitors of all ages to experience Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night on Friday, Dec. 8. Unsilent Night is a free, outdoor participatory sound sculpture of many individual parts played through a roving swarm of boom boxes, mp3 players, iPhones, iPads, laptops, all carried through a cloud of sound which is different from every listener’s perspective. Unsilent Night is an international event that has taken place in cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, Missoula, and Melbourne. Detroit and Traverse City are the only Michigan cities among the members of the international community that are part of this phenomenon.

 

There are so many ways to celebrate Christmas with Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire. Plan a weekend getaway to relax, unwind, and celebrate. Choose the weekend before Christmas when Santa will visit to read holiday classics during Storytime with Santa, taking advantage of Breakfast with Santa the following morning, and the annual Tannenbaum Blitzen celebration Saturday night. Saturday wraps up with the Torchlight Parade, led by the big guy himself, down Schuss Mountain. Shanty Creek Resorts also has a gift to you this holiday season: Join Santa on the slopes of Schuss Mountain on December 25th and ski for free!

 

Three events at the Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire lets your family bring out their creative side. Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle on Saturday, Dec. 9, to create an assortment of holiday crafts and gifts. Return on Saturday, Dec. 16, to create nature ornaments and decor using glass globes, wood, candles, and objects found on the trail. Each weekend brings another exciting craft to help you decorate your home for the holidays.

 

Charlovoix is popular place during the holidays.

During the holiday season, Charlevoix’s restaurants offer a festive variety of unique holiday food options. Enjoy a variety of Christmas lights downtown and in residential areas, and visit the area’s shops to find unique gifts for someone special. Also Castle Farms in Charlevoix will have a holiday train display open through Dec. 23.

 

Starting Dec. 15 and ending Dec. 31 is Light Up the Soo, an event where the citizens and local business owners of Sault Ste. Marie decorate their homes and businesses celebrating the holidays. Your family will love the beautiful lights and decorations that are put up over town as part of this community event.