Petoskey ~ Harbor Springs ~ Boyne City

Fall in the Petoskey Area features much more than its famous color tours.

2009-09-04T08:24:00.006-05:00

Northwest Michigan’s lakeside resort towns of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Boyne City are more appealing than ever when surrounded by brilliant fall color. Enjoy the unique shops and boutiques, tee it up on world-class golf courses, take a stroll along the beach, or simply relax and unwind while delighting in the warm days and cool nights.

Upcoming Events in the Petoskey Area:

Harbor Springs Cycling Classic

September 19 ~ Harbor Springs

Bay Harbor Home Tour

September 19 ~ Bay Harbor

Taste of Harbor Springs

September 26 ~ Harbor Springs

Boyne 2 Boyne Marathon/Half Marathon

September 27 ~ Boyne Highlands

Visit http://www.petoskeyarea.com/ for more information.

Gingerbread & History

2009-06-26T09:26:00.004-05:00

Founded in 1875 “for intellectual and scientific culture and the promotion of the cause of religion and morality,” the Bay View Association should be a stop on your visit to the beautiful Petoskey area.

If you’ve been to Bay View, I think you’ll agree, the collection of gingerbread homes is spectacular – even if you’re not interested in architecture. Salmon colored sidewalks lead up to the entrance of this Victorian delight – a place so special that it is a National Historic Landmark.

And then there’s the programs – guest speakers throughout the season, Vesper concerts on Sunday evenings, a musical revue (“Broadway Our Way”), an opera (Marriage of Figaro”), a musical (“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”) and classes that are open to the public.

Two historic inns, the Terrace Inn and Stafford’s Bay View are an added delight. Lodging and dining are available at both – even better both offer rocking chairs on their porches that beg to be set in.

This summer, take a step back in time to the Bay View Association. You’ll be glad you did.

Follow us on Twitter

2009-06-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

You can find our feed here: http://twitter.com/PetoskeyArea

Trillium Trip

2009-05-22T12:49:00.008-05:00

I found myself on a little road trip two days ago - Sunshine, 83 degrees and the top down on the convertible - did I mention I was actually working while on this little escape? What a deal!

I was in Harbor Springs and had to visit several different places. Far be it from me to stay on the main road; there were short cuts to be had and I am absolutely certain I saved some time by taking the back roads. Since I sliced a few minutes off my travels here and there, I felt no guilt over the times I slowed the car to a crawl and marveled at the trillium.

In some places there were just a smattering of a few white plants, but in other places, fragrant carpets covered the woods. I had grabbed my camera on the way out the door and was glad to be able to capture the beauty that too often I just speed by. These protected flowers should last for a while yet this season. Even if you don't have time to stop and smell the roses, make sure you at least take the time to slow down and notice the trillium.

Pure Michigan Tour

2009-05-07T09:10:00.003-05:00

"They said it really loud, They said it on the air, on the radio - whoa oh oh . . . . "

'They', in this case, was Paul W. Smith; the radio station was WJR and you can still hear what they have to say on the radio, via your computer. Go to: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=87867143928&h=ij3ks&u=Hws27&ref=mf

You'll hear about the beautiful views, the great golf and the expanded spa services at the highly acclaimed Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort. Smith is doing a Pure Michigan Tour and reminding WJR listeners that there are some really cool places to visit in Michigan, one of them being the Inn at Bay Harbor just west of Petoskey. Not only does the Inn have its own appeal, but the surrounding area adds to the allure of this waterfront destination.

Join Paul W. Smith and then come see for yourself why they talk about northern Michigan on the radio!

Morels are on their way

2009-04-27T11:40:00.004-05:00

Good news for morel hunters! We're getting the rain needed to help with a good mushroom season. Next mother nature needs to bring some warmer weather and we'll be foraging for fungus before you know it!

Pack your bags for May 14-17, when Boyne City is host to the 49th Annual Morel Mushroom Festival. You'll find a carnival, mushroom hunting, cooking demonstrations and lots of morels!

Polls Close Friday, April 3. Please Vote Now!

2009-04-01T14:17:00.004-05:00

You can help Petoskey win the title it so justly deserves - America's Coolest Small Town - by casting your vote at the Budget Travel website. The polls close, Friday, April 3rd, so don't keep telling yourself you'll get around to it - vote today!

The Inn at Bay Harbor is among the very best!

2009-03-24T12:02:00.002-05:00

The Inn at Bay Harbor was just selected as one of the BEST hotels in the WORLD by Travel & Leisure magazine. Congratulations!!

BOYNE Season Passes on Sale for 2009 - 2010

2009-03-17T10:42:00.003-05:00

I have to admit, I'm the girl that pays a whole year's worth of car insurance so that I can save money. My lawn care maintenance is already paid for this summer, too, though I can't even see my lawn yet. So I was really excited when I found out I could get next year's season pass for BOYNE right now.

I know that I'm going to buy a pass anyway - it's my son's favorite Christmas present every year - so why not save a cool hundred while dangling the proverbial candle in frontof the kid? BOYNE has set up a great deal - save $100.00 on the lowest prices offered in 2008 - 2009; lock in the savings now and you pay later with a 3-pay plan. There's some other perks included, too, so you may want to check into this cool deal at www.BOYNE.com/Passes.

Death, taxes and snow in northern Michigan . . . might as well plan now for 2010!

Romeo, Romeo - Act II

2009-03-09T12:34:00.006-05:00

"Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo" - Well, I'll tell you - Romeo, Macbeth, Hamlet and all the other characters I never understood are hanging out at Petoskey's Crooked Tree Arts Center in the hilarious play, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged". And after seeing last Friday's performance, I can actually say "I like Shakespeare - I really like him!"

This parody on Shakespeare was every bit as funny as I was led to believe it would be - and then some. Definitely not a show for children, there were innuendos a plenty. Ane believe me, double entendres are even funnier when being spoken by grown men wearing bright green, bright yellow and bright pink tights! Catch a glimpse of the guys with gams at http://www.ltctlorg/.

The cast of three talented actors bring the show back this coming Thursday through Sunday, March 12th - 15th. Tickets are just $15 and paired with one of the $9.95 specials at the Perry Hotel's Noggin Room or a selection from nearby City Park Grill, you've got a stellar evening. Of course, if you invite someone who thinks they're not interested, simply tell 'em you think they doth protest too much - and bring them anyway!

Voting Closes Friday, April 3. Please Vote Now!

2009-03-09T11:59:00.005-05:00

Budget Travel received 152 nominations for America' Coolest Small Towns - then they narrowed it down to 22 - including Petoskey, Michigan!

Ask anyone who lives here and you'll hear that Petoskey has a cool waterfront, a cool beach and hiking trails, a cool downtown (including a very cool arts center) and a cool sense of community. Ask the thousands of people who visit every year and chances are that they will agree on all of those counts (plus they'll probably add a few more of their own favoirte "cool" thoughts about Petoskey.

You can help Petoskey win the title it so justly deserves - America's Coolest Small Towns - by casting your vote at http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/index.html?wpisrc=newsletter. The polls close, Friday, April 3rd, so don't keep telling yourself you'll get around to it - vote today!

Romeo, Romeo . . .

2009-03-05T10:06:00.004-05:00

I was one of the lucky ones and found my Romeo - that's as close as I ever got to actually enjoying Shakespeare. Yet I find myself holding tickets to see "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). And, yes, I'm even looking forward to it.

There's just three actors that will parody all of Shakespeare's plays in two acts - and they even promise some audience participation. What really intrigued me (and prompted me to buy tickets) was The Today Show's endorsement, "If you like Shakespeare, you'll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you'll LOVE this show!" Okay, Will - show me what I missed in all of those English classes.

The Little Traverse Civic Theatre always hits their target with good productions and I'm betting they'll have a bull's eye with this one, too. Show dates are March 5 - 8 and March 12 - 15 with curtain times at 8:00 pm except for the Sunday performances which are at 2:00 pm. You can reserve tickets ($15) by calling the box office at 231-348-1850 or go online at http://www.ltct.org/. "All the world's a stage" but this particular performance will be at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in beautiful downtown Petoskey. Get out and visit northern Michigan; you can find lodging at http://www.petoskeyarea.com/. To be here, or not to be here - is there really any question?

A Tribute to the Beatles

2009-02-12T11:41:00.005-05:00

My cheeks still hurt this morning from smiling so much at last night's concert at the O Zone Nightclub inside the Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey. I have to give the casino staff credit - whoever booked "The Apples" sure knew what they were doing. This "Tribute to the Beatles" was a blast!

From the moment they took the stage, "Ringo, John, Paul and George" had the audience swaying. clapping and for many of us, taking a trip down memory lane. Dressed in the black suits and skinny black ties reminiscent of their appearance some 45 years ago on the Ed Sullivan Show (remember it was broadcast in black & white), these guys put on a fantastic show with favorites like I Want to Hold Your Hand and Hard Days Night. And when asked to chime-in on Yellow Submarine, I think every guest in the sold-out room, was singing at the top of his/her lungs. One couple moved to the front of the crowd during several songs and showed us some terrific dance moves - somehow that added to the fun of the evening.

A standing ovation got us one extra song after an incredible hour and fourty five minute non-stop performance. Yoko and Linda would have been proud.

Hopefully the Odawa Casino Resort will bring these boys back again. Until then, keep an eye on their upcoming entertainment schedule and plan on a fun night out. Kudos to the waitress, too, who never let my soda glass get empty!

Shake the Winter Blues in Petoskey

2009-02-09T14:57:00.009-05:00

Winter hit early this year in northern Michigan and blessed us with fantastic snowmobile conditions and ski hills that opened earlier than this old gal can ever remember. Nice as that was and as much as those of us who live here like the fluffy white stuff, we too, sometimes get a case of the mid-winter blues. In an effort to combat those blues, Downtown Petoskey came up with the Winter Blues Festival taking place February 7 - 14.

This past weekend the weather didn't exactly cooperate for the Snow Sculpture Contest in Pennsylvania Park. Warmer temps scared off prospective "artists," but that can happen with any outdoor event.

The retailers have gotten together to put on the Petoskey-KEY Treasure Hunt . . . it's kind of like the scavenger hunts we used to have when we were kids, but the prizes are much better than a box of Cracker Jack! I've been wandering around town, in and out of shops trying to fill in my scorecard. It's been a lot of fun getting to check out all the stores and I'm thoroughly convinced I'm going to WIN!

Friday night, February 13th, there's going to be a Torchlight Parade through downtown starting at 9pm. Sounds like lots of lights. I've missed the glow since the Christmas lights came down, so this should be good.

All week long, the businesses downtown are doing neat "blue" specials like buy a Roast Beef & Bleu Sandwich from Grand Traverse Pie Company and get a free slice of blueberry pie or 30% off anything Blue in the window at Bondurant.

And if you're old enough to remember this, you could always buy some Red Roses for a Blue Lady for Valentine's day this year. It's not one of the specials, but I'm hoping someone remembers to do that for me! Don't be blue in a town that's cool - check out www.petoskeydowntown.com for all the details on the new Winter Blues Festival.

Boyne's Big Blast!

2009-01-13T11:45:00.008-05:00

Yes, it was a blast . . . from the music, to the flares, to the fireworks - Boyne celebrated 60 years in style this past Saturday. If you were there, you know what I'm talking about; if you weren't, make sure to mark your calendars for the 70th anniversary because these folks know how to put on a gala (as we've seen at their March Carnivals over the years).

You didn't even need to be a skier to realize you were in the middle of a party that would not soon be forgotten. The food was German, tasty and plentiful. The music kept us all dancing up a storm with different bands in different rooms; the Sun Messengers kept me very happy for quite awhile. It was a real kick to see models wearing "vintage" ski wear . . . and to think those were all clothes that we thought were totally "cool" at the time.

I loved watching the ice skaters on the pond. I'm always amazed by those who really know how to skate and make it look as if they're not even trying! I have to admit to goosebumps (and not from the cold) when the torchlight parade headed down the slopes. Hard to believe how many times I've been able to enjoy this particular event - no, not each one for the last 60 years, but a bunch of them anyway! And there were the fireworks - an explosion designed to punctuate 60 years of skiing and winter fun in a breathtaking shower of color.

I don't know the Kircher family, but I have to admit when one of the former Boyne executives presented the Kircher kids with pieces of a hemlock tree, I got all choked up. Seems the first lift at Boyne was named for the tree and then the tree was cut down in the 70's after some jerk vandalized it. No one knew that the speaker (whose name I can't remember) had saved pieces of the tree for just such an auspicious occasion.

I'm sure founder Everett Kircher would have been thrilled with the party, the turnout, and the family that continues to provide a world of winter fun in northern Michigan. Thanks, Boyne!

Winter in the Petoskey area - More than just Alpine Skiing!

2008-12-30T10:49:00.005-05:00

I have to admit I’m not much of a downhill skier. It’s too fast; I’m too old (and have been since the great tree crash incident of 1984). My son makes up for my lack of enthusiasm on the slopes and just watching him gives me enough of a rush to keep me happy. The whipped cream on top of my hot chocolate jut adds to the rush.

As BOYNE has expanded their operations, I find we spend more and more time there despite my personal handicaps on the hills. For instance, the cross-country trails are gorgeous, groomed and tracked. Boyne Highlands even added navigational lighting on over two miles of their trails expanding the amount of skiable time. The boy is thrilled to go schussing down black diamonds along with hundreds of other non-fraidy cat adults; I’m happy plodding along at my own pace enjoying the peace and quiet.

Last year Boyne Highlands added dog sledding, too. What a blast! This is not only exhilarating, but how many people do you know that can say they’ve ever been pulled by a team of incredibly beautiful, enthusiastic dogs – and didn’t have to go to Alaska to do it!

There are times, too, when the lure of the ice gets to us. Ice skating is available on ponds at both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, but also at various other locations. The Sk8 Park in Harbor Springs, the Winter Sports Park in Petoskey and Avalanche Preserve in Boyne City each make me feel like Sonja Henie (okay, Tara Lipinski for you younger folks). And as long as I stay the mandatory 100 yards away from my teenager we both have a great time.

Off to relax in the outdoor hot tub - it's a great place to actually have a conversation with a teen. More winter fun stuff later.

Northern Michigan Ski Resorts are Open and Perfect for the Holidays.

2008-11-21T16:00:00.002-05:00

The three major ski resorts in the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob, are covered with snow and will be open before Thanksgiving. This will be one of the earliest openings ever for the resorts.

Lake effect snow has been piling up for nearly a week. And with temperatures falling below 28º, the resorts’ artillery of snowguns has been roaring away adding to the base.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, a family vacation in the Petoskey Area is certain to create long-lasting memories and rekindle old ones. To those who return year after year, there’s no better gift than being together on the freshly covered slopes.

After a day outside, browse unique shops, splash into Avalanche Bay™, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, and relax in restaurants ranging from casual to gourmet.

For more information or help finding the hotel, inn or condo with all the amenities you’re looking for, visit www.PetoskeyArea.com.

Winter Guide now available!

2008-11-04T15:28:00.002-05:00

Before you head up north this ski season, be sure to get the new Petoskey Area Winter Guide. For your free copy visit www.PetoskeyArea.com or call 1-800-845-2828.

The Petoskey Area Winter Guide provides information on the three area ski resorts: Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob, and lodging options throughout the region.

It also features information on other winter activities such as cross-country skiing, sledding, sleigh rides, winter festivals and snowmobile rentals. Plus, things to do and see in the area when you’re not enjoying the outdoors.

Become a Fan!

2008-10-08T10:01:00.002-05:00

The Petoskey Area now has a Facebook page. Become a fan and see what others have to say about the area. You can even add your own photos and comment on your experiences in the area.

Boyne Highlands Resort Hosts The Golf Channel's Hit Series - BIG BREAK X!

2008-10-03T10:58:00.002-05:00

Located in beautiful northern Michigan, Boyne Highlands the proud host of Big Break X. The Golf Channel's Big Break series travels from the sugar sand beaches of Ka’anapali to the stunning green corridors of Boyne Highlands. This series marks the tenth season of the high ranking show.

In this first ever one girl/one guy team format, PGA and LPGA tour exemptions, lifelong friendships and more are on the line.

Tune in to the Golf Channel starting Tuesday, October 7th, and see how well the contestants fare on your favorite Boyne Highlands courses!

Interactive Fall Color Tour Brochure

2008-09-26T09:32:00.005-05:00

No need to wait -- take a look at our fall color drives online, and get away this weekend! There are plenty of seasonal events to enjoy, too. We hope to see you soon!

Offer Extended!

2008-09-08T10:52:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the great response to our "4 Nights for the Price of 3" promotion, we are extending the offer through October 31. Please call the Visitors Bureau to make plans for your fall getaway.

How was your visit?

2008-07-17T11:30:00.002-05:00

"I was just up in the Petoskey-Bay Harbor area and met some fellow golfers from Calfornia who were here visiting for the first time. They were really amazed at the high level of golf, lodging, recreation and dining and said they would spread the word back home - and that they would definitely return."

Excerpt from article on Mlive.com.

Stay four nights for the price of three!

2008-05-27T09:36:00.001-05:00

Who wouldn’t like their Northern Michigan vacation to last one more day? In the Petoskey Area, it can.

From now through Labor Day, when you stay for four nights at any participating hotel, resort, inn or condo in the Petoskey Area – you only have to pay for three! That’s another day to spend with your family as you enjoy the charming lakeside resort towns of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Boyne City.

You’ll have more time to explore the unique shops, golf the spectacular courses, stroll the immaculate beaches along Lake Michigan — and simply have fun being together.

Plan your trip now and enjoy one FREE NIGHT of lodging when paying for four. To make it even easier to enjoy a long Petoskey Area getaway, there are no blackout dates.

It’s Morel hunting time in the Petoskey Area.

2008-04-21T08:58:00.004-05:00

It’s my favorite time of year again. The Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival from Thursday, May 15 to Sunday, May 18 in Boyne City.

Boyne City is just down the road from Petoskey. And it’s proud to be the Morel Capital of America. So Morel lovers from across the country will be flocking there in search of the rare ‘shrooms that are considered a gourmet treat.

The Festival starts on May 15 at 5:30pm with a Kick-Off party featuring beer, wine and great hors d’oeuvres for only $5 per person.

On May 16, there will be a guided Morel hunt ($10 fee – register at www.morelfest.com), a craft show, a morel seminar, and a Wine & Dine on beautiful Deer Lake.

The day ends on a high note with a concert featuring “Da Yoopers” in a musical comedy show under a heated tent. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

On Saturday the 16th, there’s a Morel breakfast at 7:30am. Then the National Mushroom Hunt from 9:00am — 3:30pm. The big event of the weekend, the Morel Taste of Boyne takes place from 12:15pm – 3:15pm. Here you’ll find the largest concentration of morel cooking in the world. Mmmm!

And there’s a whole lot more including an amusements carnival, a Euchre tournament, and cooking demonstrations.

If you’ve been Morel Hunting with us before, click on “Comments” at the bottom of the page and let others know how much fun it is.

See you at the festival. Just don’t follow me to my secret hunting place. Oh, for more info check out www.morelfest.com.