Vacation!
Towns & Festivals
BENZIE, MANISTEE & WEST SHORE
Arcadia: From its spot on the Lake Michigan shoreline, this village offers exceptional fishing, boating and beaches, plus great Petoskey stone hunting. Pull over at scenic Inspiration Point, a lookout perched at the highest point on Lake Michigan. Don’t miss: Arcadia Daze, July 25–27 Kids fishing, parades, fireworks, live music, arts and crafts, and more.
Bear Lake: A tiny burg perched along the shore of its namesake lake. Standouts: superb fishing, the marvelously restored B&B named Bear Lake Manor and the classic hardware store downtown. Don’t miss: Bear Lake Days, July 11–13 Fishing competition, pig roast, kids games, sidewalk sale and lots more.
Benzonia:This burg’s pleasant downtown is home to art studios and galleries, boutiques and some tasty dining. Famous for being the birthplace of Bruce Catton, a nationally acclaimed Civil War historian. Don’t miss: Used Book Sale, July 11 This annual event at Mills Community House is so popular it may as well be a festival.
Beulah: Situated on the shores of Crystal Lake, Beulah is quintessential Up North, with galleries, shops, and cozy eateries. This four-season paradise offers plenty of outdoor activities; tubing or canoeing the Platte River is a favorite. Excellent fishing, too. Don’t miss: Beulah Art Fair, July 6 Peruse work by dozens of local artists at this low-key fest in the town’s lakefront park.
Elberta: Situated between beautiful Betsie Bay and a stunning Lake Michigan bluff, Elberta dishes up one of the region’s best in-town beaches, plus a handful of eclectic shops and eateries. Don’t miss: Solstice Festival, June 21 Celebrate the longest day of the year with live entertainment, kids’ activities, and wine, beer and food from local vendors.
4Frankfort: Pretty port town with a bustling marina, lovely city beach, and the kind of downtown that invites leisurely lingering at shops and cafes. Home to two historic lighthouses, including the beloved Point Betsie. Don’t miss: Frankfort Art Fair, Aug. 15 & 16 This event celebrates its 38th year this summer. Held in Market Square Park.
ANGELA BROWN
Honor: A sweet, sleepy hamlet home to a classic drive-in movie theater, mom-and-pop style lodging, and the legendary fishing waters of the Platte River, where the state’s first salmon were planted in 1966. Don’t miss: Honor Coho Salmon Festival
Ludington: Bordered by beautiful Lake Michigan coastline and Pere Marquette Lake, this beach town is home to romantic Victorian B&Bs, two
historic lighthouses, and of course, gorgeous Ludington State Park, one of the state’s best. Don’t miss: Suds on the Shore Craft Beer & Michigan Wine Festival, Aug. 16 Live music, homebrewing demos, and more than 40 vendors sampling beer and wine from around the state. Proceeds benefit United Way of Mason County.
Manistee: A lumber-era boom town and former Odawa Indian settlement, nestled where the Manistee River meets Lake Michigan. Golden beaches, Victorian-era architecture, and an elegant, strollable downtown. Don’t miss: Manistee National Forest Festival, July 2–6 This historic fest, which began in 1936, celebrates the woods and water of Manistee. Parade, juried art show, fireworks and much more. Sleighbell Festival, December 4–7 Weekend fest with renowned parade that includes horse team pulling 40-foot-tall standing Christmas tree. Many activities with Victorian spirit.
Onekema: The gateway community to scenic highway M22, this little village is perched between Lake Michigan and Portage Lake, making it a dream destination for outdoor recreation. Find an ice cream parlor, fruit markets, several eateries and gift shops in the laid-back downtown. Free concerts every Monday evening at Onekama Village Park, June 30 through Aug. 18. Don’t miss: Onekama Days, Aug. 1–4 Parades, craft shows, fireworks, live music, pig roast, beer tasting, and other summer fest essentials.
Pentwater: This little Lake Michigan hamlet has a postcard-cute downtown, with historic gingerbread boutiques, art galleries, ice cream parlors, a picturesque marina, and plenty of beautiful beaches nearby. Don’t miss: Pentwater Homecoming, Aug. 14–17 A family friendly fest, with a sandcastle contest, strawberry shortcake sale, softball tournament, and more. MyNorth 2014 Vacation! 19