Getaway Guide: Weekend Trip To Petoskey
Getting There
Petoskey is about 260 miles north of the Detroit area and getting there is as easy as heading north on I-75 for roughly 220 miles to exit number 282, the second Gaylord exit. This exit connects you to M-32. Make a left turn and head west on M-32 for just more than 12 miles where you will intersect with M-131. Turn right on M-131 and head north for 22 miles to Petoskey.
For a truly complete listing of accommodations, activities, recreation spots and just about anything else you can think of when it comes to the Petoskey area, check out the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau website at www.petoskeyarea.com.
Hunting the Elusive Petoskey Stone
Shoreline of Little Traverse Bay
Petoskey, MI
The official state stone, the Petoskey Stone, is actually a collection of ancient fossilized 350 million-year-old colony coral along the shores of Little Traverse Bay near Petoskey. There is no better way to find these stones then by walking in the shallow waters along the shores of the many sand beaches in the area. In the city you will find Magnus City Park Beach, which offers more than 1,000 feet of shoreline to explore and the beach is within walking distance from the historic downtown area.
Petoskey State Park
2475 M-119 Highway
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 347-2311
www.michigandnr.com/Price: from $27/a
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park.
Also along the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay is Petoskey State Park, which offers not only a beautiful beach to enjoy but camping for the entire family. There are two campgrounds at the state park, Dunes Campground with 80 sites and Tannery Creek Campground with 100. These are modern campgrounds that offer electrical service at each campsite, running water, and modern restrooms and showers. Enjoy two hiking trails at the park, Old Baldy, which is .5 miles long and Portage Trail, which stretches for 2.5 miles. You will also find day-use picnic areas, a playground for the kids and a beach house on the beautiful beach along Little Traverse Bay.
Related: Fun For The Road – Car Games For Your Next Road Trip
Crooked Tree Arts Center
461 E. Mitchell
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 347-4337
www.crookedtree.org
Price: free
If you are in the mood to enjoy the work of some of the best artists in Northern Michigan, then plan on heading to the Crooked Tree Arts Center, which features "Artists of Mackinaw Island." Many of the 24 artists displaying their work are year-round residents of Mackinaw Island, making it easy to take in an intimate view of this paradise. Don't miss out on classes, concerts and even film screenings at this awesome area venue.
600 Highlands Drive
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
(231) 526-3835
www.boyne.com/
Prices based on adventure
If you have never been on a zipline, then you owe it to yourself and the kids to give it a try. Zipline Adventure guides take you along seven lines that weave through trees, over the hills and finally back to the base of the basin. It is a relaxing, yet exciting way to discover what it feels like to fly through the trees. The tour takes up to two hours and reservations are required. If you are looking for something a little more exciting, then try the 1,350-foot-long twin zip ride, which takes you down the mountain at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Even though this is an adventure that thrills, it is meant for the entire family, with the only limits being children must weigh at least 60 pounds and be at least three feet tall, and adults must weight less than 275 pounds.
Where To Eat
Julienne Tomatoes
421 Howard St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 439-9250
www.juliennetomatoes.comWith a name like Julienne Tomatoes, you know the food must be unique. Serving breakfast through late lunches every day, you will find meals that fill you up without emptying your wallet. The breakfast menu runs the gamut from a luscious egg and cheddar and bacon combination served on your choice of croissant or a white or wheat wrap, to full blown pancakes and eggs. Lunches here are something to behold with offerings including a peppered turkey on bacon, lettuce and tomato on home style Italian bread, and a scrumptious vegetarian sandwich that would quench anyone's hunger. Julienne tomatoes helps to support local Michigan companies and farms as well.
City Park Grill - Wineguys Restaurant Group
423 E. Lake St
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 347-0101
www.cityparkgrill.com/
Restaurants abound in the Petoskey area, but if you want some of the best eats the town has to offer, head to the City Park Grill. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city, the grill offers meals ranging from fresh white fish, chicken or pasta to a burger made with beef tenderloin and morel mushrooms. All meals are made from scratch with a certain touch that takes them from ordinary to extraordinary. Being part of the Wineguys group of upper Michigan restaurants, it also offers a large selection of wines, beers and mixed drinks. It also offers a full lunch menu and for the family, a complete and affordable kids menu.
Stafford's Crooked River Lodge and Suites
6845 US 31 North
Alanson, MI 49706
(231) 548-5000
(866) 548-0700
www.staffords.com/
Price: from $79
With the feel of a north lodge, Stafford's Crooked River Lodge offers accommodations that are both affordable and unique. Each room boasts a balcony that overlooks the Crooked River, and with the pine decor, you will be surrounded with the feel of the north woods. Amenities include a full complimentary breakfast, high-speed wireless Internet, an indoor whirlpool and swimming pool along with an exercise area. There is also a children's play area off the lobby so mom and dad can sit and relax while the little ones have a place to play.
Apple Tree Inn
915 Spring St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 348-2900
(800) 348-2901
www.appletreeinn.com/
Price: from $149
Styled after a Victorian mansion, the Apple Tree offers the feel of times gone by, but with all of the modern conveniences. Surrounded by flowers and a view of the bay, Apple Tree is located only a short distance from downtown Petoskey's myriad offerings. Enjoy a parlor with a fireplace for guests to relax in and areas to sit and enjoy the outdoors as well. Each room offers a balcony that overlooks Little Traverse Bay making for sunset views that will not soon be forgotten. Amenities include a full continental breakfast along with high-speed Internet, indoor whirlpool and swimming pool, and a complete exercise area.
