The Ultimate Getaway For Two in the Petoskey Area

Since having kids, I can count on one hand the number of times my husband and I have managed to get away for a romantic two-night stay just the two of us. Family vacations are their own kind of messy, magical fun, but there’s no replacement for connecting with your partner one-on-one, away from everyday responsibilities.

A fun-filled trip to the Petoskey Area was just what we needed – complete with a luxurious hotel, gorgeous lake views, scenic hiking trails, an exhilarating e-bike adventure, an amazing wine tasting tour, and so many stellar dining experiences. 

If you are looking for an incredible place to reconnect with a loved one – whether that’s your partner, best friend, or any special someone – the Petoskey Area is the perfect choice. 

Thank you to the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau for hosting Awesome Mitten for this getaway and for planning such a well-thought-out itinerary for our weekend!

Note: The Petoskey Area experienced significant damage in a severe ice storm in the spring of 2025. Check for the latest Petoskey Area Ice Storm Information before visiting.

A Luxurious Stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor

For our weekend getaway, staying at the luxurious Inn at Bay Harbor was an absolute delight and the perfect retreat for us. 

The resort goes above and beyond to make every guest feel like a VIP with extras like valet parking, complimentary fresh cookies upon arrival, and plush white bath robes hanging in the closet. 

All the Amenities

The Inn at Bay Harbor grounds are simply breathtaking, with detailed touches inside and out. The hotel itself is so large, it’s difficult to fit the whole building in one photo! 

Inside the Inn at Bay Harbor, we were greeted by welcoming staff and a show-stopping crystal chandelier in the lobby. As we walked through the first floor, we found a wealth of amenities: two on-site restaurants (Vintage Chop House | Wine Bar and the Sagamore Room), Peloton bikes and complimentary earbuds in the fitness center, and a full-service spa that uses natural products.

Our room had the most comfortable bed and a balcony with white Adirondack chairs overlooking the Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan – perfect for a quiet morning cup of coffee or catching a stunning sunset.

The Outdoor Grounds & Hot Tub

As we explored the resort’s outdoor spaces, we found they were just as stunning as the interior. A brick patio with white railing and rocking chairs creates an inviting spot to admire the water. Winding pathways connect to various outdoor amenities: a putting green area, the pool and hot tub, a fire pit surrounded by chairs, and a rocky shoreline along Little Traverse Bay.

While the outdoor pool was not yet open for the season (typically opening by Memorial Day weekend), the outdoor hot tub is open year-round.

Boyne City: Scenic Views, European Cafe, & After-Dinner Drinks 

When arriving to the Petoskey Area on Friday afternoon, we set out to explore Boyne City. As the neighbor of Boyne Falls (most well-known as the home of Boyne Mountain Resort and SkyBridge Michigan), there is so much to love in Boyne City – including hiking and biking trails, sparkling Lake Charlevoix, and a charming, historical downtown. 

Avalanche Mountain Preserve

After a three-hour car ride, a climb up 462 steps to the scenic overlook at Avalanche Mountain Preserve was the perfect way to stretch our legs and breathe in some fresh air. At the top, we were treated to a panoramic view of downtown Boyne City with beautiful Lake Charlevoix in the distance.

With overcast skies and a cool breeze, it was so peaceful at the top of the hill just before a rainstorm rolled in. We actually enjoyed the climb so much that we decided to stop again a few days later on our way back home to soak in the views on a sunny day too!

Beyond the scenic overlook, there are multi-purpose trails for hikers, disc golfers, and mountain bikers that extend for nearly 3 miles at Avalanche Mountain Preserve. 

Cafe Santé

For a delicious European-style meal with views of Lake Charlevoix, Cafe Santé is a must-try in Boyne City. Sitting by the window watching the rain, surrounded by rich, dark wood interiors, made for a cozy date night dinner. 

One of my favorite things about my husband is his willingness to share food at restaurants. We often order meals with the intent to each eat half of both plates. It’s a winning strategy if you want to try multiple dishes on the menu.

At Cafe Sante, we indulged in the melt-in-your-mouth Tuscan salmon, complemented by creamy kale and roasted Yukon potatoes. The crispy, wood-fired Margherita pizza made a great pairing with the salmon, rounding out a truly satisfying meal.

Muskrat Distilling

After dinner, we popped up our umbrellas and strolled through downtown Boyne City in the rain. As we made our way to Muskrat Distilling for drinks, we stopped to read the historical markers on buildings that share details of the fascinating heritage of the area.

Located in the town’s restored pharmacy building from the 1890s, Muskrat Distilling has funky, inviting vibes. Plants decorate the front windows, lights twinkle overhead, and muskrat-themed artwork lines the walls.

Lately, I’ve noticed more non-alcoholic drinks appearing on menus, so we decided to explore that option for a change. It’s refreshing to have alternate choices that make a night out just as enjoyable.

The Pom & Petals was fruity and sweet, and was topped with a floating edible blossom. The Coco Jack was a delicious blend of rich pineapple juice with a warmer hint of chai maple. I will definitely be trying more non-alcoholic drinks in the future!

A Magical Evening

Back at the Inn at Bay Harbor, we treated ourselves to a relaxing dip in the hot tub. It was a magical sensory experience: soaking in the warmth of the bubbling hot tub, gentle rain falling around us in the crisp spring night air, and listening to the sound of Lake Michigan waves.  

The Inn offers in-room amenities and we indulged in an artfully arranged charcuterie board decked out with cheeses, meats, dried fruit, crackers, and chocolates. It was perfect for a decadent late-night snack.

E-Bike Adventure from the Inn to East Park

Breakfast at Sagamore Room

On Saturday morning, we had breakfast in the Sagamore Room, a spacious dining area conveniently located on the Inn at Bay Harbor’s first floor. Windowed patio doors lined the lakeside wall so every seat could enjoy breakfast with a fantastic lake view. 

The weekend buffet full of fresh, local food had anything you could ever want for breakfast: bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, roasted potatoes, French toast, oatmeal, pastries, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, coffee, and juices.

My personal favorite was the omelette station, where a chef prepared made-to-order omelettes. It was a satisfying and delicious way to start the day.

The Little Traverse Wheelway

The Petoskey Area is home to one of the most beautiful bike paths I have ever ridden on – the Little Traverse Wheelway. This scenic 26-mile trail winds along the Little Traverse Bay, connecting the towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Charlevoix. 

You can bring your own bikes or rent e-bikes right from the Inn at Bay Harbor (available May – October). As a first-time e-bike rider, it took a little time to get used to the controls, but the extra boost came in handy for going up hills!

Note: For safety reasons, only Class 1 e-bikes (no throttle, pedal assist only up to 20 mph) are allowed on the Little Traverse Wheelway.

East Park

From the Inn at Bay Harbor, we took the Lower Harbor Trail to East Park, where a breathtaking hilltop view of Lake Michigan awaited us. The midday sunlight sparkled on the water, reflecting a deep turquoise, almost tropical color.

From there, we circled back onto the main Little Traverse Wheelway path along US-31, pedaling through the tree-lined trail. We came in through the main entrance on Bay Harbor Drive, back to the hotel. It was a short but invigorating ride!

Note: Some sections of the Little Traverse Wheelway are currently closed. On the Lower Harbor Trail, a section of the path is blocked by fallen rocks from the cliffs above, but we were able to walk our bikes around it. On the main trail back to the hotel, there is an area blocked for construction where we walked our bikes along US-31 back to the trail.

Downtown Petoskey: A Coffee Shop & Charming Gazebo

Roast & Toast 

For lunch, we headed to Roast & Toast, a local favorite in Downtown Petoskey. The vibrant, eye-catching sign, featuring colorful broken dishes, makes it impossible to miss as you walk through downtown. 

Roast & Toast is a great spot for a quick, affordable meal and a coffee fix. You order at the counter, seat yourself, pick up your food when it’s ready, and clear your own table when finished. 

Inside, the eclectic atmosphere continues. We chose a cozy table by the front window under an iconic poster of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s holding a coffee cup with the Roast & Toast logo drawn on.

From the menu, we ordered the flavorful Teriyaki chicken bowl and fresh Lake Street salad. I also indulged in dessert in drink form – the Accidental Tourist, a tasty latte with peanut butter and chocolate topped with whipped cream. 

Pennsylvania Park

After lunch, we took a short walk through Downtown Petoskey to Pennsylvania Park. The charming white gazebo here is perfect for a cute photo op. 

As we set the self-timer and posed for a photo holding hands, two kids rode by on their bikes. One shouted, “Look, they’re getting married!” Definitely made me laugh! 

A Wine Tasting Tour Through the Petoskey Wine Region

What romantic getaway is complete without a little wine tasting? Saturday afternoon, we set out to explore the Petoskey Wine Region, embarking on our own self-guided wine tasting tour.

Boyne Valley Vineyards

We started at Boyne Valley Vineyards, the largest tasting room we visited that day. Here, the modern farmhouse vibes are relaxed and inviting, and their menu features a wide selection of wines along with some light appetizers.

We arrived just as the live music kicked off, managing to sneak in as the last wine tasting of the afternoon. Once the music starts, the focus shifts to serving wine by the glass rather than tastings.  

Between pours, we took the opportunity to stroll around the grounds. In the back, there’s a fun treehouse deck that hasn’t opened yet for the season, but it looks like a lovely spot to taste wine outdoors.

My personal favorite at Boyne Valley was the 2023 La Crescent – a summery, semi-dry white wine with hints of pineapple and lemon.

Resort Pike Cidery & Winery

Next, we ventured to Resort Pike Cidery & Winery, known for its distinctive American flag murals painted on the barn’s exterior and above the taps inside. 

As a smaller, more intimate tasting room, we enjoyed a personal tasting experience – one of the benefits of visiting during the quieter spring season. Our server shared about the community pulling together to help each other after the recent devastating ice storm, which was both heartbreaking and uplifting.

From the menu, we had our choice of ciders, sparkling wines, and still wines. While I tend to favor ciders, the red wine here pleasantly surprised me as the standout. We brought home a bottle of the Pinot Noir – a light red wine with a silky smooth finish.

Walloon Lake Winery

At Walloon Lake Winery, four generations have carried on the family business, and you can feel the history woven throughout the property. Resembling a classic log cabin, the tasting room incorporates cut wood logs inside and out for a warm, rustic feel.

Here, I was looking for a white table wine, and Smooth Sailing was a winner. Their sample glasses with the shape of Walloon Lake were so cute, I couldn’t resist bringing home a couple as souvenirs. 

Before leaving, we took a few moments to relax on the porch swing, soaking in the beautiful blue skies and peaceful farm surroundings.

Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery & Rudbeckia Winery

Now, I am more of a light-weight when it comes to libations. Three wine tastings in a row is my personal limit. However, we had to check out one more winery just down the road with an unforgettable name – Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery & Rudbeckia Winery.

The grounds here are designed for plenty of outdoor enjoyment, with outdoor seating, a bocce court, horseshoes, and geodesic domes. Their impressive menu features beer, wine, cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic mocktails. Plus, small plates, ice cream, and even s’mores. 

At Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery & Rudbeckia Winery, we only walked the grounds and perused the menu this time, but we found another new gem to try on our next visit!

The Village of Bay Harbor

Within the idyllic Bay Harbor community, the downtown Village has everything you need for a memorable stay with boutiques, art galleries, dining and drink options, and even the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, only a short distance away from lodging. 

Brandy’s Harbortown

After freshening up at the hotel, we took advantage of one of the several dining options available in the Village within walking distance from the Inn at Bay Harbor. We took a leisurely stroll along the bay to Brandy’s Harbortown, nestled right on the harbor. 

At Brandy’s, the atmosphere is casual – you order at the bar and seat yourself – but extra details like velvet loveseats and a beautiful fireplace add a sophisticated feel. 

We settled into a table by the window with a stunning view of the harbor. While we waited for our food, we enjoyed live music and played Connect Four from a stack of board games. The burgers and seasoned fries really hit the spot for dinner.

Brandy’s strikes the perfect balance as a versatile dining spot. It’s a place I’d recommend for a relaxed date night or a family-friendly dinner out with the kids.

Sunset on Lake Michigan

After dinner, we walked back to the hotel, stopping along the shoreline to search for Petoskey stones. I was lucky enough to find one, snapped a picture, and left it behind for someone else to discover.

As the evening chill set in, we headed up to our room to grab jackets. The sun began to dip below the horizon, and we took a moment to enjoy the breathtaking sunset from our balcony. Then, we headed down to the community fire pit, where we warmed up by the fire and roasted some classic s’mores.

To cap off the night, we took a romantic sunset stroll along the beach path – a must-check on any romantic weekend bingo card – back through the downtown Village. The glow of string lights over the main street and the shimmer of harbor lights are utterly magical at night.

Maple + Batter

Honestly, I could easily get used to living in a lovely, walkable community like Bay Harbor. On Sunday morning, we took another peaceful stroll along the Little Traverse Bay back to the Village for breakfast at Maple + Batter.

Maple + Batter exclusively serves brunch, so they are experts at their craft. We shared the decadent breakfast charcuterie board brimming with waffles, pancakes, honey biscuits, fresh fruit, syrup, and whipped cream. We also ordered breakfast tacos with crispy hashbrowns. If you love sharing plates, these two dishes were the ideal combination of sweet and savory.

After another scenic walk along the water back to the hotel, we paused to savor the lake views one last time before checking out.

Thank you, Inn at Bay Harbor, for an unforgettable stay!

Downtown Petoskey: Beautiful Parks & Lunch with a View

Bear River Valley Recreation Area

For the last day of our trip, we spent more time exploring charming Downtown Petoskey. One thing I truly love about the Petoskey Area is how seamlessly natural spaces like the Bear River Valley Recreation Area blend into the downtown areas.

What’s great about the Bear River Valley Recreation Area is that it offers both paved and gravel paths. The accessible paved trail runs higher above the river, while the gravel hiking path follows closely alongside the water’s edge, with occasional staircases connecting the two.

As we walked, signs of spring were everywhere: people fishing in the rushing river, wildflowers dotting the forest ground, and buds appearing on bushes and trees. Although we didn’t see anyone paddling the river at the time, it would be an exciting adventure to tackle the whitewater course in the Bear River.

Note: Despite the recent ice storm damage, the paved path was clear of debris. The gravel trail still had some fallen trees blocking the way, but we easily navigated around or under them.

Palette Bistro

With so much natural beauty nearby, the Petoskey Area has no shortage of restaurants with gorgeous views. For lunch, we ate at Palette Bistro and were treated to the sights of Bayfront Park. With warm hardwood floors and striking artwork throughout, Palette Bistro feels like dining inside an art gallery. 

The menu here features Mediterranean food. After a hearty breakfast at Maple + Batter, we opted for lighter fare for lunch. The warm, velvety butternut squash bisque and perfectly-spiced Muhammara served with tasty pita bread were just the right balance.

Bayfront Park & Breakwall

After lunch, we took a short walk through the pedestrian tunnel, under US-31 to Bayfront Park. Through the tunnel, we admired a beautifully detailed fish mural.

At the park, we ventured out to the end of the Breakwall, marveling at the panoramic views all around us. The water was so calm and clear, you could see all the way to the bottom.

Symons General Store 

Before heading home, we made one last stop to pick up a treat for our kids. At Symons General Store, the front porch with barrel tables and chairs was so welcoming, we had to pop in. Browsing their specialty food selections, we decided on some irresistible chocolate-covered pretzels to take home.

Already Planning Our Next Visit to the Petoskey Area

If you are craving a special getaway with a loved one, the Petoskey Area is an unbeatable choice. Surrounded by the beauty of lakes and nature preserves, these welcoming communities offer endless outdoor adventures alongside exceptional dining, drinking, shopping, and lodging options.

A friendly piece of advice: One weekend just isn’t enough time to experience everything the Petoskey Area has to offer. You’ll be smitten and will want to keep coming back again and again, revisiting local favorites and finding new gems to explore each time.

I am already adding to my own list of places to visit on our next trip to the Petoskey Area.

Thank you again to the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau – their online resources are truly unmatched for expert recommendations on must-see places to visit.