At the heart of Northern Michigan’s vacation wonderland lays Charlevoix, Michigan. The unrivaled beauty and charm of this classic resort town makes it the crown jewel of northern Michigan vacation destinations. Perched on a narrow isthmus of land stretching between Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake provides a magical appeal that has attracted guests for more than 100 years, and makes Charlevoix an excellent area for year round family fun.
The main street in Charlevoix is only four blocks long, but you’ll want to leave plenty of time to stroll from one end to the other. The number and quality of art galleries, clothing boutiques and gourmet restaurants is certain to bring several stops along the way. And that doesn’t even count the number of candy stores, fudge shops and ice cream parlors that are impossible to resist. And don’t forget to look for the number of Earl Young built “Mushroom” or “Hobbit” houses scattered around the edges of the town.
Blue water, white sand, gleaming yachts in one of the world’s most beautiful harbors that’s just the beginning of what makes Charlevoix so captivating. Elegant Victorian homes, white picket fences and vibrant petunias accent the gracious atmosphere. Many wonderful parks on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan provide the perfect place to sit back and simply while away the time. Many of Northern Michigan’s most renowned golf courses, providing beautiful views and exciting challenges for all levels from beginner to expert lie within a few miles of Charlevoix.
From its many arts and crafts markets, to the classic car shows, to the famous Venetian Festival in July and Applefest in October, there is almost always something fun and exciting going on in Charlevoix for the Northern Michigan vacationer. Just plan your Northern Michigan vacation early… these hugely popular summer fairs cause most Charlevoix hotels, condos, and other rentals to be fully booked in many cases a year a head of time.
Charlevoix’s central location makes it the perfect choice for exploring all that Northern Michigan has to offer. Almost everything in northern Michigan, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Gaylord, Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge, Leelanau Peninsula and the Leelanau Sands Casino, Sleeping Bear Dunes, wineries, and many of the Midwest’s best downhill ski resorts, including Boyne Highland’s and Boyne Mountain (and don’t forget Boyne Mountain’s fabulous new Avalanche Bay Indoor Water park), Shanty Creek and Schuss Mountain, Nubs Nob, and much more are all within an easy hour drive. This area is also renowned for its magnificent colored leaf tours every fall. There are also numerous cross country ski trails and snowmobiling trails in the immediate Charlevoix area.
And bikers, joggers, hikers and skaters, don’t forget the Little Traverse Wheelway bicycle path that cuts right across the front of the Charlevoix Country Club. This 29 mile long paved path runs from Charlevoix all the way to Harbor Springs. Just north of the Charlevoix Country Club, the trail offers a unique 3/4 mile long boardwalk bridging a wetland area rich with wildlife. The trail includes several beautiful stretches directly along the Lake Michigan shoreline, perfect for finding Petoskey Stones, and includes two parks that are perfect for a picnic or scenic resting spot.
All this and more awaits you in Charlevoix, where your Northern Michigan vacation memories will be treasured for years to come.