MyNorth Vacation! Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes

Vacation!

CHARLEVOIX

& CHAIN OF LAKES NORTHERN MICHIGAN

shops, sips, stunning spots

(and boats!)

ALDEN ∙ BEAVER ISLAND ∙ BELLAIRE ∙ CENTRAL LAKE ∙ CHARLEVOIX EAST JORDAN ∙ EASTPORT ∙ ELK RAPIDS ∙ ELLSWORTH ∙ TORCH LAKE 2020 MYNORTH

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FOOD DRINK DRINK FUN FUN ON ON TORCH TORCH LAKE LAKE FOOD

Open for lunch & dinner April - November, 11:00 am - 11:00 pm OpenLake for lunch dinnerMI April - November, 11:00 am - 11:00 pm 6340 Old Torch Drive, & Bellaire, 49615 docksidetorchlake.com 231-377-7777

6340 Old Torch Lake Drive, Bellaire, MI 49615 docksidetorchlake.com

231-377-7777

BEST BEST SELECTION SELECTION LOCATION LOCATION SERVICE! SERVICE! docksidetorchlake.com/rentals docksidetorchlake.com/rentals

PONTOON & & WAVERUNNER WAVERUNNER RENTALS RENTALS PONTOON Tri-toon:

WE PROVIDE NEW, TOP OF THE LINE, WE PROVIDE NEW, TOP OF THE LINE, AVALON BRAND TRI-TOONS AVALON BRAND TRI-TOONS

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Tri-toon Advantages Tri-toon Advantages • Stability Comfort • Stability Capacity • Comfort Handling • Capacity • Handling

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27’ 27’ Changing room & Infinity stereo on all boats Changing room & Infinity stereo on all boats

25’ 25’

Next door to the Dockside 231-377-7777 Next door to the Dockside 231-377-7777 0520_VG_charlevoix(2).indd 22

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BEAVER ISLAND

ic

M e k a L

The Insider's

CHARLEVOIX & CHAIN OF LAKES Make the most of your vacation in the Charlevoix region!

the JOHN CROSS

FISH MARKET

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

JOHN CROSS FISHERIES

IRONTON FERRY

THE LANDING

FARM MARKETS

Historical

Elm Pointe

ELM POINTE PARK

BREEZ E WAY

JORDAN RIVER NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY

THE BREEZEWAY

Cruise the Breezeway—the beautiful, bucolic C-48 that winds through East Jordan, Ellsworth and Atwood.

Put your car or bike on the Ironton Ferry for the five-minute float across Lake Charlevoix’s Ironton Narrows.

Take the family swimming, grilling and exploring at Elm Pointe Park on Lake Charlevoix’s South Arm.

Visit Jordan River National Fish Hatchery, the annual birthplace of 3 million trout destined for the Great Lakes.

Stop by John Cross Fisheries on Belvedere Avenue in Charlevoix for fresh and smoked fish, whitefish sausage and smoked fish salad.

Pick up fresh fruit (cherries!) and fresh fruit pies at roadside stands and farm markets along US-31 in Antrim and Charlevoix counties.

Boat to The Landing Restaurant on Lake Charlevoix in East Jordan.

Soak up summertime with the kids at the Fountain of Youth, an interactive heated splash pad in Charlevoix’s downtown East Park. The fountain is open daily 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hop the ferry or take a plane to Beaver Island, about 30 miles across Lake Michigan from Charlevoix.

Spice up your life at Alden’s Mill House with chef-inspired blends.

ALDEN MILL HOUSE

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If you have a kitchen, get in here!

The Home of Pepper Mill Spices

Kitchen & Pantry Accessories Decor, Gifts, Gift Baskets Famous custom blended seasonings of the highest quality pepper and spices.

Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites • Only rated hotel in downtown Charlevoix • Free continental breakfast • Largest seasonal outdoor heated pool • Indoor hot tubs and fireplaces • Year-round indoor 8-person hot tub • Some balconies with views of lake or bridge • Free high speed fiber internet.

www.weathervane-chx.com • info@weathervane-chx.com 111 Pine River Ln., Charlevoix • 231.547.9955

Barnes Park Campground A vacation ... a life time of memories

The House of Good Taste!

Downtown Alden • Open 7 days, 10am-5pm May thru Dec (231) 331-4711 • (800) 226-5481 Visit us all year long at www.aldenmillhouse.com

antrimcounty.org/barnespark.asp 231-599-2712

THE BEST SIPS AND SNACKS IN THE NORTH DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MONTHLY! MYNORTH.COM/NEWSLETTER

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6/27/20 5:43 PM

secret

DOWNTOWN CHARLEVOIX Go ahead, soak up the excitement of Bridge Street in Charlevoix with its shops, eateries, view of the city marina and fun Fountain of Youth splash pad. But be sure not to miss the good stuff that lies just to the west. Here’s what’s waiting.

PHOTOS BY KELLY REWA

Find the sign for Van Pelt Alley between Clinton Street and Park Avenue and you’ve found the boho/trendy side of this city. It’s called Charlevoix’s Mercado at Van Pelt Alley and, packed into one alley-sized block, you’ll find eateries, a salon and day spa, a floral design shop and more. charlevoixmercado.com Van Pelt Alley is also where you’ll meet Edith Pair and her Gem Car for a Mushroom House Tour. This fascinating tour that takes you past Charlevoix’s historic Earl Young-designed stone houses is a must for any visit to Charlevoix. mushroomhousetours.com

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cruise the

CHAIN OF LAKES Pack your sunscreen, swimsuit and a cooler, and float a summer day away.

PHOTOS BY KELLY REWA

Wonder of water wonders! Elk Lake, Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire are all connected by rivers and smaller lakes that are navigable by pontoon or similar watercraft—a waterway known as the Chain of Lakes. Spend the day tubing and enjoying other watersports on these deep-blue lakes, or putz along taking in the shoreline view. Tying up at the Dockside on Torch Lake for a burger and a beer is always a popular activity. Don’t have a pontoon? Dockside can rent you one. Other marinas that have rentals: Elk River Marina in Elk Rapids or Dewitt Marine and Riverside Marina in Bellaire.

Discover more water adventures.

MyNorth.com/Boating

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Plan your perfect getaway.

MyNorth.com/CampingTrips

discover

FISHERMAN’S ISLAND STATE PARK This park just south of Charlevoix is worth a day trip— or make it your summer vacation destination.

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

The truth is, this 2,678-acre park isn’t an island. But the one-acre island it is named for sits about a half-mile offshore. In past years, when water levels were low, there was a land bridge connected to the island. But with Lake Michigan at record high levels, it is an island again this summer, as it has been for the past several years. Enjoy the vision of the island from your perch at the beach or make it a fun paddling destination (kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard). Take note: Park personnel warns against swimming to the island because of the undertow.

There’s plenty to explore on the mainland portion of this park including trails that wind through forested dunes and cedar bogs and nearly six miles of shoreline. Want to spend the night? Make a reservation for one of the rustic campsites: 800.447.2757. michigan.gov/dnr

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Island Airways 111 Airport Drive Charlevoix, MI 49720

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MyNorth.com/subscribe

Call for your reservation today! islandairways.com

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Charlevoix

Ellsworth

East Jordan

Central Lake

Elk Rapids

Bellaire Shanty Creek Resorts Alden

Small Towns, Big Charm In this region of liquid beauty, each sweet town sits on a lake.

Really, does it get any better than that?

CHARLEVOIX

The fabulously charming downtown on Lake Charlevoix is brimming with galleries, boutiques and great restaurants. East Park is a hub of outdoor concerts, festivals and farmers markets. With water on two sides, stunning beaches and a first-class marina, this city is for water worshippers.

EAST JORDAN

With a bounty of Lake Charlevoix and Jordan River shoreline, this lovely city combines outdoors sports with fun downtown shops and eateries.

ALDEN

Lovely little Alden on Torch Lake is filled with boutiques, cafes, a specialty spice store and an old-fashioned general store. A sandy-bottomed swimming area on Torch Lake is adjacent to the downtown boat launch.

PHOTOS BY TESS CROWLEY

ELLSWORTH

Tucked on the northern-most point of the Chain of Lakes, this charmer of a village on Ellsworth Lake has a public park with a fishing pier, labyrinth garden and Michigan’s largest public archery range.

CENTRAL LAKE

This sweet town, located where Hanley Lake meets Intermediate Lake under the bridge, has an Up North vibe—kicked up when Mammoth Distilling opened its doors several years ago.

BELLAIRE

The grand old Antrim County Courthouse presides over this charming town that straddles the banks of Intermediate River and sits between Lake Bellaire and Intermediate Lake—so yes, think fabulous watersports. Find a lively shopping district and, of course, beloved Short’s Brewing Company and Shanty Creek Resort.

ELK RAPIDS

Find your place on a golden-sand Lake Michigan beach, check out the boats in the 270-slip marina, browse the boutiques and galleries downtown, visit one of the North’s most beautiful library settings, then fill up at one of this town’s awesome eateries.

For more on these charming towns: visitcharlevoix.com, ejchamber.org, visitalden.com, villageofellsworth.com, centrallaketownship.org, bellairechamber.org, elkrapidschamber.org, shantycreek.com

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Taste something new.

PHOTO BY DAVE WEIDNER PHOTO BY TESS CROWLEY

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

PHOTO BY KELLY REWA

MyNorth.com/FoodAndDrink

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SIP LIKE A LOCAL The Spirits of Torch Lake Tour The spirits are on fire in the Torch Lake area where start-up breweries, cideries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries are making delicious names for themselves. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Torch Lake, a tasting tour is a winning day.

Remember, designated drivers are always recommended. If you need a shuttle, check out the Brew Bus (tcbrewbus.com), Road Runner Tours (roadrunnermi.com) and Traverse City Wine & Beer Tours (wineandbeertours.com).

For years, the bright red schoolhouse that’s home to Bier Art Gallery and Pottery Studio has been a worthwhile stop on US-31, six miles south of Charlevoix. Now add another reason to stop by: Bier’s Inwood Brewery, housed in the white Victorian home in the back of the studio. The brewery features 12 tap lines of beer and cider and also local wine. And in true Bier style, regulars can join the mug club and get their photo fired onto their own mug.

At Royal Farms on US-31 in Ellsworth, owner Sara McGuire has created a cherry-filled oasis complete with a wine tasting room and market with homemade baked goods. The tasting room showcases beautiful views of the farm and nearby flower garden.

Mammoth Distilling now has tasting rooms in Central Lake and Bellaire (Traverse City, too, if you’re heading down that way). Browse the distillery’s “Cocktail Library” online at mammothdistilling.com before you go for a taste of what you've found.

Cellar 1914, another new and rising star north of Central Lake, boasts a winery and tasting room on a farm owned by the same family since 1914. In the vintage tasting room filled with family-farm memorabilia, you’ll get a history lesson on the way this farm has moved from cherries, cattle and corn to wine.

In nearby Bellaire, grab a bite with your beer at the well-loved Short’s Brewing Company, housed in a former hardware store. When you’re finished, sip across the street at the equally tasty Bee Well Meadery. Bee Well gives patrons a true taste of Northern Michigan: Honey from local bees and apples from local orchards make Bee Well’s meads and ciders truly products of their surroundings.

Not far from downtown Bellaire sits Torch Lake Cellars. The Sheneman family, who has owned the farm for several decades, puts care into every product. Wines are named after local attractions that encircle Torch Lake, a 19-mile body of fresh water. Try the Deep Water Point Pinot Grigio or Kalchik Cherry Wine, made from, you guessed it, locally grown cherries.

Continuing south around Torch Lake, stop in the quaint town of Alden and visit the downtown tasting room Crushin’ It at Vista Ridge Vineyards. Grab a glass of vino and sit out on the patio to catch a breeze from the lake.

Don’t miss WaterFire Vineyards on the west side of Torch Lake in Kewadin, the first certified sustainable vineyard in the Midwest. The property’s name pays homage to Torch Lake—water, referring to the lake, and fire, referring to the torch shape of the lake.

Hit up Elk Rapids next, where you’ll encounter the science and art of distillation at Ethanology.

Owners Nick and Geri Lefebre are believers in natural and sustainable practices. Ethanology sources ingredients from local farmers to provide flavor profiles that encompass Torch Lake and the offerings of the area. In the industrial-chic distillery and tasting room, enjoy live music, cocktails resembling works of art and some of the finest spirits imaginable.

Not far from Ethanology is Townline Ciderworks. Townline sits on an expansive property with wideopen views and picturesque scenery. Ciders range from dry to sweet and everything in between.

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smoked and fresh fish

we pack for travel

smoked sausage

209 Belvedere Avenue

pate and seafood

231-547-2532

CHARLEVOIX masks required & hand sanitizing stations in store

MICHIGAN 49720

SPECIALIZING IN WOMEN'S CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, AND UNIQUE GIFTS 205 Bridge St. Charlevoix 231.437.3966 thistlestyle.com

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