Grab Your Best Friend for an Epic Fall Weekend in the Petoskey Area
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My best friend and I recently had an incredible time exploring the scenic beauty and local charm of the Petoskey Area. From peaceful lakeside mornings to vibrant downtown experiences, the Petoskey Area offers something for everyone—whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, incredible restaurants, or unique local shops.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own trip, read on to discover the perfect fall retreat in Northern Michigan.
A big thank you to the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this unforgettable fall getaway!
Where we ate:
- Maple + Batter
- Forty Acres Tavern
- Café Santé
- Cheese and Company
- Happy Taco’s Shop
- Provisions Wine Emporium & Market
What we did:
- Avalanche Mountain Preserve hike
- SkyBridge Michigan
- Boyne City Farmers Market
- Lavender Hill Farm
- Vine Ride winery tour of the Petoskey Wine Region
- Harbor Princess sunset cruise
- Young State Park hike
- Shopping in Downtown Petoskey
- Petoskey stone hunting at Solanus Mission Beach
Where we stayed:
- Water Street Inn, Boyne City
A Scenic Start at Avalanche Mountain Preserve
After hours in the car, my childhood best friend and I arrived in the Petoskey Area, ready to stretch our legs. Before checking in, we decided to make our first stop at Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City. The 462-step climb to the scenic overlook was a challenge, but once we reached the top, the stunning view of Lake Charlevoix was well worth the effort.
Even though it wasn’t full fall color yet, you could tell that in just a few short weeks, this place would explode with vibrant oranges and fiery reds. The preserve is a favorite for both hikers and mountain bikers, and it’s easy to see why. We knew our weekend getaway was off to a great start.
Cozy Comfort at the Water Street Inn
After our hike, we headed to Water Street Inn in Boyne City, where we would be staying for the trip. This all-suite condominium hotel sits right on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, and it was just what we needed to unwind. Both of us had our own spacious condo, equipped with a full kitchen and cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing after long days of exploring.
The best part, though, was the private balcony. Every morning, we would grab our coffee and sit outside, taking in the view of the lake and the peacefulness of the early hours. That quiet time together, just catching up and enjoying the scenery, felt like such a gift.
The staff at Water Street Inn was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The location was ideal, too—just steps away from downtown Boyne City, with its charming shops and restaurants.
Golden Hour at SkyBridge Michigan
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, and it was every bit as impressive as it sounds. We timed our visit perfectly, arriving just as the golden hour was casting a warm glow over everything.
Located at Boyne Mountain Resort, the bridge itself is a marvel, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. We grabbed some mocktails from the SkyBridge food truck and found a spot to listen to the live music playing nearby.
What was meant to be a quick stop turned into an entire evening of fun, thanks to the yard games and lively atmosphere. There was a giant game of chess available, and we could even try our hand at table Jenga.
It was one of those nights when time seemed to slow down, and we couldn’t stop enjoying each other’s company. With the sun setting over the bridge and the music in the background, it was a moment that felt quintessentially Michigan.
Dinner at Forty Acres Tavern
After our time at SkyBridge, we took a short walk to Forty Acres Tavern for dinner, conveniently located at Boyne Mountain Resort. The place was bustling with activity, but we were seated quickly and treated to great service. I opted for the steak, which was cooked to perfection, while my friend enjoyed the shrimp scampi.
The atmosphere was lively, and although the restaurant was busy, we never felt rushed. Originally, we had planned to head out after dinner, but the warmth and energy of the tavern, combined with the fun we’d had at SkyBridge, convinced us to make this our final stop for the night. Sometimes, the best evenings are the unplanned ones.
Morning Coffee with a View
One of the simple pleasures of staying at the Water Street Inn was starting each morning with coffee on the balcony overlooking Lake Charlevoix. It was such a peaceful way to begin the day, with the gentle sound of the water and the crisp morning air setting the tone for our next adventure. Having uninterrupted time to chat and reconnect with my friend made this trip extra special.
Breakfast at Maple + Batter
After our early morning reset at the condo, we started our day with a short twenty-minute drive to have breakfast at Maple + Batter, where the cozy vibe and delicious food make it a local favorite.
We started our meal with their incredible candied bacon – thick-cut bacon with a delectable maple syrup coating. Next up, I had a classic omelet with hashbrowns, and my friend couldn’t resist trying the lemon blueberry pancakes, which were fluffy and full of fresh flavor.
This breakfast spot perfectly captured the laid-back, welcoming feel of the Bay Harbor area, and we left feeling ready for another day of adventures.
Fresh Finds at Boyne City Farmers Market
Next, we explored the Boyne City Farmers Market, where you will find Veterans Park filled with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. Clearly, this market was a community hub, with families milling about, playing live music, and even free face painting for kids.
I picked up some beautiful produce from Providence Organic Farm and found a stunning Petoskey stone pendant from Windy Hill, a keepsake to remind me of our trip. There’s something about the energy of a local market that makes you feel connected to the place, and Boyne City’s market really delivered.
A Serene Visit to Lavender Hill Farm
Next on our itinerary was a visit to Lavender Hill Farm, and we both looked forward to the peaceful atmosphere we’d heard so much about. As the largest lavender farm in Michigan, it is a must-see destination.
The owner, Bill Mansfield, gave us a tour of the fields and shared his vast knowledge of the many lavender varieties grown on the farm. I had no idea there were so many uses for lavender!
After the tour, we browsed the gift shop and picked up a few goodies—lavender-scented bug spray for me and lavender-infused champagne for my friend. We topped off our visit with a refreshing lavender lemonade fizz, which was the perfect way to end our time there. It was such a peaceful, grounding experience, and we both left feeling more relaxed and connected.
Lavender Hill Farm is open year-round, with the Farmhouse Boutique and Copper Room available for workshops, events, and private rentals. While the farm’s summer season runs from May 10 to October 27, guests can visit the farm free of charge during this time, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can explore the walking trails, gardens, labyrinth, and lavender fields during this time, or stop by the events barn for something special. Be sure to check their events calendar for more details.
A Quick Bite at Provisions Wine Emporium & Market
Before heading out for our wine tour, we stopped at Provisions Wine Emporium & Market to grab fresh deli sandwiches. Conveniently located inside the market, the deli offers a variety of in-house specialties made with local, high-quality ingredients.
I opted for a turkey bacon club that I’m already thinking about recreating at home until I can return for the real thing. The combination of fresh, simple ingredients—turkey, bacon, provolone, tomato, lettuce, and aioli—made this classic sandwich stand out. We also appreciated the deli’s variety, offering cold and hot sandwiches and wraps. It was the perfect light meal before a day of exploring Petoskey’s wineries.
Wine Tasting with Vine Ride
In the afternoon, we met up with Jeff from Vine Ride for a personalized wine tour through the Petoskey Wine Region. The tour lasted about four hours, with around one hour spent at each winery—though Jeff was flexible, allowing us to finish at our own pace without feeling rushed.
His impressive knowledge of the area, its wineries, and stories about the local vineyards made the experience even more special. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique offerings.
A Unique Stop at Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery
Our first stop was Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery, where we tasted wines made from maple syrup—a first for both of us. The standout was their maple ginger hard cider, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, unlike anything I’ve tasted before. The welcoming staff shared the story behind their one-of-a-kind wines, making it a great stop on our tour.
Vineyard Views and Relaxation at Petoskey Farms
As part of our wine tour, we stopped at Petoskey Farms Vineyard and Winery, where gorgeous views of rolling hills and vineyards greeted us. We split a wine flight while sitting on the patio, taking in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. This spot is especially stunning in the fall, making it a great place to take in the changing colors of autumn.
It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting. Before leaving, I treated myself to an iced latte from their on-site coffeehouse, a fairly new addition to the winery. You can enjoy your coffee on the patio, in the coffeehouse, or take it to go.
It was such a refreshing way to wrap up our time there. The laid-back vibe and beautiful location made it the perfect stop for us to pause and connect.
Cozy Atmosphere at Walloon Lake Winery
Our wine tour continued at Walloon Lake Winery, where we were greeted by a cozy, rustic atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The tasting room, built with materials sourced from the farm itself, added a personal touch to the experience.
We enjoyed a wine flight overlooking the beautiful vineyard, soaking in the calm and scenic surroundings. It was another great stop to catch up and relax.
A Sweet Finish at Boyne Valley Vineyards
The final stop on our tour was Boyne Valley Vineyards, and it was the perfect place to end the day. We arrived to the sound of live music, adding to the already welcoming atmosphere. We grabbed a cheese and cracker plate to share and our last glass of wine and then made our way to their beautiful treehouse tasting area overlooking the vineyards.
As we took a short walk through the vineyard afterward, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the time we’d spent reconnecting and experiencing all the beauty the Petoskey Area has to offer.
A Quick Bite at The Back Lot Food Trucks and Bar Yard
After a full day of wine tasting, we headed to The Back Lot Petoskey for a casual dinner from their food trucks. The place was buzzing with energy, but the lines moved quickly despite the crowds.
The variety of food options made it easy for each of us to find something. I chose a burrito bowl from Happy’s Taco Shop while my friend enjoyed a sandwich from Cheese and Company. It was the perfect spot to recharge before heading to our evening plans.
Sunset Cruise on the Harbor Princess
After dinner, we made our way to the marina for a sunset cruise aboard the Harbor Princess. With its two spacious decks, this cruise gave us the best views as the sun set on the horizon. There’s nothing quite like the peacefulness of the water at dusk.
A little tip: arrive early if you want a seat on the upper deck—it fills up fast! Watching the sun dip below the waterline as we sailed was the perfect way to end a busy day of exploring and wine tasting.
These sunset cruises out of Petoskey on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay are available until September 28, 2024. Throughout October 2024, Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co. offers tours departing from the Charlevoix Marina on Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix.
Options include scenic Kids’ Cruises with complimentary cider and donuts, stunning Sunset Cruises, and daytime Color Tours, all showcasing the vibrant autumn foliage.
European Breakfast at Café Santé
Our last day in the Petoskey Area started with brunch at Café Santé in Boyne City, a European-style bistro known for its simple, delicious food. The restaurant had a warm, welcoming feel, and the menu was packed with unique options, from wood-fired pizzas to Belgian beers.
I chose a light but satisfying breakfast, while my friend opted for the Croque Madame. The atmosphere was the perfect mix of casual and upscale, making it a great spot to enjoy our final meal before heading out for more adventures.
A Fall Hike at Young State Park
We couldn’t leave the Petoskey Area without getting one last fall hike in, so we made our way to Young State Park in Boyne City. With nearly five miles of trails, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely nature hike.
The fall colors were just starting to show on the tips of some trees, and we even dipped our toes into the lake for a quick refresh. There’s something about walking through the woods in autumn, especially with an old friend by your side, that makes you appreciate the little moments.
Exploring Downtown Petoskey
We spent our final afternoon exploring Downtown Petoskey, a charming area known for its unique shops and local crafts. We stopped for coffee at North Perk Coffee before strolling through the Gaslight District, which is full of history and small-town charm. One of the standout shops was NorthGoods, where I found some beautifully crafted Petoskey stone products. It was the perfect place to grab a few souvenirs that reminded me of this special trip.
As a dog lover, my friend couldn’t resist stopping by Ruff Life Pet Outfitters. The staff was incredibly friendly and even provided us with a flyer listing all the dog-friendly spots in downtown Petoskey. It was nice to see how welcoming the area is to pets, and my friend left with treats for her dog back home.
No trip to the Petoskey Area would be complete without a stop at Murdick’s Fudge. This local favorite has been serving up homemade fudge since 1887. We each left with sweets to take home. With our treats in hand, we made our way to our last stop.
Check out 24 Petoskey Area Hidden Gems You Need to Explore This Fall
Rockhounding at Bayfront Park on Solanus Mission Beach
Our final stop of the trip was at Bayfront Park on Solanus Mission Beach, where we set out on a rockhounding adventure to find Petoskey stones. Being an avid rockhound, I couldn’t leave the Petoskey Area without searching for some fossilized treasures along the shoreline. If you’re new to rockhounding or looking to try it out, here are a few tips:
- Look for the honeycomb pattern: Petoskey stones have a distinct hexagonal pattern, making them easier to identify.
- Wet the stones: Wetting the rocks brings out the unique designs and makes them easier to spot.
- Respect the environment: Michigan’s limit for collecting rocks is 25 pounds per person annually.
Finding a Petoskey stone of my own was the perfect way to wrap up our trip, giving me a tangible reminder of our time in this beautiful area.
Plan Your Own Memorable Fall Getaway in the Petoskey Area
Our trip to the Petoskey Area was everything we hoped it would be—relaxing, fun, and filled with memories that we’ll carry with us for years to come. Whether it was hiking to scenic overlooks, tasting wines at local vineyards, or simply enjoying morning coffee with a view, each moment felt special because we got to experience it together.
The Petoskey Area is one of those places that has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cozy, local charm. It’s the perfect spot to reconnect with friends, explore Michigan’s natural beauty, and create lasting memories.
A huge thank you to the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau for helping us plan such an unforgettable trip. We can’t wait to return!