MyNorth Holidays 2022

FOR

ON YOUR LIST

CHEBOYGAN

Libby Stallman

A

HULL'S

TAFEL

or Tin?

Holiday Pepper mint Cookies

of

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

On St. Joseph Street, The Front Porch is your stop for housewares and gifts for cooks and the cottage. Find high-quality apparel at Bahle’s, sweets at Murdick’s Fudge Shoppe, and visit Poppy Things for Michigan-made décor, jewelry and more.

MAKE MERRY

You’ll have a holly jolly time on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail during its annual Toast the Season events (Nov. 4–6 and Nov. 11–13). Spend a weekend sipping local wines paired with local bites and buy a few bottles to gift. lpwines.com; MyNorthTickets.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Grand Traverse Bike Tours offers four winter microadventures, each paired with a winery or brewery. Snowshoe through a vineyard, fat tire bike on the Leelanau Trail … it’s the perfect experiential gift. grandtraversebiketours.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Less than a mile from downtown, Stites Natural Area has glacier-carved valleys and ridges that offer spectacular views when the leaves have fallen. The trail is a .65-mile out-and-back hike or snowshoe. leelanauconservancy.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 19

Suttons Bay Friends & Family Nov. 26 Holiday in the Village Dec. 10 Library Gala

SUTTONS BAY

Decked with tinsel and lights, the boutiques and restaurants tucked along either side of M-22 are brimming with gifts and goodies.

by CARLY SIMPSON

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

On Main Street, Leland Gal offers bright, color-soaked home décor and apparel, while Leelanau Books is known for their vast selection of fiction and nonfiction, plus plenty of family fun during the holidays. Head to Harbor House Trading Co. for all of your outdoor apparel needs, from brands like North Face and Patagonia, to Smartwool and Osprey.

MAKE MERRY

Grab a latte and cozy up at Madcap Coffee Company off Main Street (formerly Blue Boat Coffee). Madcap is known for carefully roasting their beans in small batches—pick up a bag or two to gift the coffee lovers in your life. madcapcoffee.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Check out The Warren, a brand-new collective that’s home to three Leelanau makers: Sarah Peschel, Kelsey McQuown of Moraine and Kristin Hussey of Kristin MacKenzie Design. Find handmade jewelry, fine art prints, vintage pieces and much more. thewarrenleland.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Just five minutes north of downtown lies Clay Cliffs Natural Area, where you can snowshoe a scenic 1.5-mile trail system and enjoy stunning views of both Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan. Situated 200 feet above Lake Michigan, the viewing platform offers a one-of-a-kind photo op. leelanauconservancy.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS Nov. 25 Pajama Party Nov. 25 Light Up Leland Nov. 26 Small Business Saturday

LELAND

Small-town charm and holiday cheer abound in this village aglow with cozy shops and eateries. Stop to see historic Fishtown and its shanties dusted in snow, with Lake Michigan’s frigid waters just beyond.

by ALLISON JARRELL

photo by Allison Jarrell

GLEN ARBOR

When holiday shopping is followed up with gleeful sled rides down the Dune Climb, all will be merry and bright.

by ALLISON JARRELL

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Black Friday and Shop

Small Saturday are wonderful times to support area businesses (and Glen Arbor’s annual Bed Parade and PJ Party are an added bonus). Stroll downtown for local gifts from Cherry Republic, Cottage Book Shop, Coastal and more.

MAKE MERRY

Tucked between M-22 and Sleeping Bear Bay, you’ll find lights glowing and laughter flowing from inside Glen Arbor Wines— a snug wine bar that’s just about as merry as it gets. Grab a glass of Farmstead Red and sit a spell. glenarborwines.com

SANTA’S SECRET

It’s no secret that the gift of chocolate brings holiday cheer, but did you know that 10 minutes south in Empire, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate handmakes delicious confections like truffles and hot drinking chocolate? Cozy up with a cup and pop some sweets into your kiddos’ stockings. grocersdaughter.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Experience the best crosscountry skiing in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at Alligator Hill,just west of town. All three loops (easy, intermediate and advanced) offer plenty of long downhill runs and equally long climbs. nps.gov

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 25 Annual PJ Party & Bed Parade Nov. 25 Town Hall Tree Lighting Nov. 26 Holiday Marketplace

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

On Main Street, bop into Bittersweet for personalized gift baskets and holiday cookies. A few doors down, swing into a trio of shops—all connected together; it’s a fun experience— Simply Marcella for pearl jewelry and women’s apparel, Stormy Kromer A Cap & Ale House for outdoor gear and a beer and The Pig ‘N’ Whistle for retro candy stocking stuffers.

MAKE MERRY

The Queens Head Wine Pub—and its leather chairs, wood tables and large fire place—is an inviting and relaxed spot for elevated pub fare and beverages. Order the smoked trout chowder to start while you browse the wine list. thequeensheadwinepub.com

SANTA’S SECRET

The Creation Station DIY Studio & Right Brain Toys offer paint-your-own pottery and lots of crafts that make awe some gifts, plus they specialize in creative toys and science and art kits. creationstationmi.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Duncan Bay Nature Preserve is just outside of downtown (a three-minute drive). A flat 0.9-mile roundtrip trail leads to Lake Huron and is a favorite spot for locals to snowshoe. Check online for lantern-lit hike events with Little Traverse Conservancy. landtrust.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Dec. 1–31

Light Up Local Tree Displays Dec. 3 Parade of Lights & Community Christmas Party

Dec. 17 Family Friendly Cocoa Crawl

CHEBOYGAN

Winter in this buzzing city on the shore of Lake Huron brings promises of thick powder for snowy adventures and cozy moments in downtown’s shops and restaurants.

by CARLY SIMPSON

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Mitchell, Lake and Howard streets bustle with shoppers. Stop at American Spoon for holiday baking supplies (and find show stopping recipes online for fudge tarts and jam-filled hand pies).

The Rocking Horse Toy Company has been a go-to spot for parents for more than 40 years.

MAKE MERRY

For your friend who loves craft spirits and Northern Michigan, High Five Spirits has two fab options: Mackinac Island rum (four variations— barrel-aged, vanilla cinnamon, banana, coconut) and Petoskey Stone gin. The bottles are pretty darn cool; put a bow on it and under the tree it goes. gypsyvodka.com

SANTA’S SECRET

The work of Petoskey-based artist Kevin Barton is instantly recognizable—heavily textured, brightly colored paintings inspired by the North. His pieces showcase beloved destinations in Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Leelanau, Mackinac Island, Petoskey and Traverse City, from downtown scenes to local farms and shops. A Barton painting always makes for an unforgettable gift. kevinbartonartist.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Reserve one of the six rustic cabins at Wilderness State Park and spend a long weekend exploring the area. In winter, the cabins are only accessible by foot, snowshoes, cross-country skis and snowmobiles, so plan for a fun adventure. (Did you know the DNR sells gift cards that can be used for rentals and overnight stays? Purchase online, over the phone or in person at a Michigan state park or harbor.) michigan.gov/dnr

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 18

Ladies Opening Night Dec. 2

Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting

PETOSKEY

Twinkling lights shine throughout the historic Gaslight District, home to dozens of shops. Be sure to stop at the greenery-studded gazebo in neighboring Pennsylvania Park for photos.

by CARLY SIMPSON

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

One of our favorite gifts to receive? Tom’s Mom’s Cookies. The beloved bakery makes some 3,500 dozen cookies each holiday season, mailing them out in colorful tins. For something extra special, Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls always delights. And browsing one-of-a-kind artwork at Hanni Gallery is a fab way to spend an hour.

MAKE MERRY

Go wine tasting at Pond Hill Farm and pick out a few bottles for gift giving and holiday dinners. The farm also sells Christmas trees and wreaths so you can cross décor off your list, too. pondhill.com

SANTA’S SECRET

A brilliant, starry ceiling twinkles above moviegoers at the Lyric Theatre. See a show between stops at your favorite shops, and grab a theater gift card for that hard-to-shop-for friend. lyricharborsprings.org

WINTER WONDERLAND

Explore 6.5 miles of trails (3.5 are groomed for snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing) at Goodhart Farms Nature Preserve, about 20 minutes north of downtown. The property is a mix of mead ows, forest, old orchards and pine plantations. Scenic rolling fields offer Lake Michigan views. landtrust.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 12 Ladies Night Out Nov. 26 Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 3 Merchants Holiday Open House

HARBOR SPRINGS

Celebrate the season in this harborside hamlet on Little Traverse Bay, where the glow from the city’s Christmas tree has welcomed visitors and downtown shoppers since 1915.

by CARLY SIMPSON

photo by Dave Weidner

CHARLEVOIX

Charlevoix shines during the holiday season with festively decorated galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The city’s bright red lighthouse is the icing on top (and a beautiful photo op).

by CARLY SIMPSON

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL Browse boutiques on Bridge Street, and look for a sign to the tucked-away Van Pelt Alley. The Lake House has gifts for all ages, from home décor to pet items; find old-fashioned candies at The Taffy Barrel (perfect for stockings); and browse local art at Charlevoix Circle of Arts’ gift shop.

MAKE MERRY

For a truly memorable wine tasting experience, visit 1918 Cellars at Castle Farms. Located in a historic wing of the castle, the space has barn-wood ceilings and a herringbone-pattern floor with tiles dating back to the original 1918 construction. It’s especially cozy come winter. castlefarms.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Charlevoix’s popular Mushroom House Tours continue daily through the end of November. Spend the morning shopping, grab lunch downtown and then meet up with guide Edith Pair, who has extensively researched the famous Earl Young homes and provided tours for more than 10 years. mushroomhousetours.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Mt. McSauba has it all: downhill skiing, snowboarding/ terrain park, groomed crosscountry trails, 80 acres of ungroomed trails, a sledding hill, skating rink and more. cityofcharlevoix.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 25 Holiday Parade Dec. 3

Holiday Merchant Open House Dec. 11 Santa’s Workshop at Castle Farms

photo by Dave Weidner

Why choose Bonek?

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Front Street’s shops and restaurants are all fabulously festive. A few of the many must-visits are: My Secret Stash for Michigan-made gifts, M22 for outdoor apparel, Orvis Streamside for the finest flyfishing gear and Toy Harbor for creative children’s presents.

MAKE MERRY

Visit The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, and you’ll feel like you’re shopping inside a snow globe. Roam the Mercato and peruse shops like High Five Threads, Moonstruck Gardens and Silver Fox Jewelry. Then cozy up with a bevvy at Left Foot Charley or Earthern Ales. thevillagetc.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Give the gift of serenity (or enjoy some yourself!) at Solitude Float & Wellness Spa in downtown TC. “Float” sessions involve floating in an Epsom salt bath, giving you a sense of weightlessness and deep relaxation. Or choose from an array of massage services, including deep tissue, Swedish and reflexology. solitudefloatspa.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Mt. Holiday is your local destination for family fun, from skiing and snowboarding to downhill tubing. Hit the slopes, then warm up by the fire with a brew and some wings at the on-site gastropub, The Lodge. mt-holiday.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 19

Light Parade, Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting

Dec. 8

Ladies’ Night Dec. 16 Men’s Night

TRAVERSE CITY

Grand Traverse Bay winks in the background as shoppers admire the Christmas tree on Front Street, browse boutiques in the trendy Warehouse District and delight in the magic of a fresh snow at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

by ALLISON JARRELL

DOUBLE EUCHRE DECK We Winter, Traverse City, wewinter.com, $11.95

PINBALL CHALLENGE

The Rocking Horse Toy Company, Petoskey & Harbor Springs, rockinghorsetoycompany.com, $69.95

EXPERIENTIAL GIFT:

5-VISIT YOUTH ROCK CLIMBING PASS

ELEV8 Climbing Gym, Traverse City, elev8climbing.com/holidayspecial, $100 (rental climbing gear included)

PLANTOYS MINI-GOLF FULL SET Sanctuary Goods, Traverse City, sanctuarytc.com, $42.95

CANDYLAB TOYS LONGHORN BLUE TRUCK

Coastal, Glen Arbor, crystalriveroutfitters.com, $30

PRECALIBER 12 TREK BIKE

Brick Wheels, Traverse City, brickwheels.com, $279 (removable training wheels included)

“BEEN THERE, DUNE THAT” TEE High Five Threads, Traverse City, highfivethreads.com, $25

“SUMMER’S CALL: A MICHIGAN DAY”

McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, mcleanandeakin.com, $17.99

KIDS WALL MAP

“SEE THE WORLD” Uniquely North, Bellaire, uniquelynorth.com, $55

gifts for UPKIDSNORTH

Let’s have a jolly time.

WHISKEY BARREL AGED HONEY

Iron Fish Distillery, Thompsonville, ironfishdistillery.com, $15.50

gifts for

GOURMANDS

Gather ‘round the table this holiday season.

CHEESE BOARD Serendipity, Cadillac, iloveserendipity.com, $42.99 Large; $27.99 Small (without accessories)

THE ORIGINAL MURDICK’S FUDGE SIGNATURE FIVE SLICE BOX

Original Murdick’s Fudge, Mackinac Island, originalmurdicksfudge.com, $54.95

FARMSTEAD RED Glen Arbor Wines, Glen Arbor, glenarborwines.com, $23

MICHIGAN SHAPED

BOTTLE

EXPERIENTIAL GIFT:

GIVE

Company,

REBEL’S

EXPERIENTIAL GIFT:

HIRE A HOME ORGANIZER

Wellnested, Manistee, wellnested.com, on-site consult $149; closet concierge $349

“AMERICANA” ART PRINT

Ellie Harold, Frankfort, ellieharold.com, $27.35–$54.70 depending on size

The Lake House, Charlevoix, thelakehousecharlevoix.com, $89

BEACH STONE COASTERS

The Lake House, Charlevoix, thelakehousecharlevoix.com, $21 each

BLOWN GLASS BIRD

Boyer Glassworks, Harbor Springs, facebook.com/ boyerglassworks, $30–$1,200 depending on size

GOLF CLUB CLOCK

BABY ALPACA STRIPED BLANKET

Cotton Creek Farms, Thompsonville, cottoncreekfarms.com, $120

GWEN FROSTIC FRAMEABLE PRINTS

Gwen Frostic, Benzonia, gwenfrostic.com, $65–$95

HANDCRAFTED CHAIR

Sleeping Bear Twig Furniture, Suttons Bay, sleepingbeartwigfurniture.com, prices vary; each piece is custom

HAND POURED CANDLE

Traverse City Candle Co., Traverse City, traversecitycandleco.com, $28

gifts COZYfor NORTHERN HOMES There’snoplacelikehome fortheholidays.

FIND THE PERFECT PADDLEBOARD

Suttons Bay Bikes, Suttons Bay, suttonsbaybikes.com, prices vary (They’re loving the SIC Maui Okeanos Touring Board right now)

gifts for OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS Throughsnowywoods andduneswego!

AIRSTREAM BAMBI 16RB Nature & Me RV, Traverse City, natureandmerv.com, $59,300 base price

PETOSKEY STONE KEYCHAIN Wild Lettie, Suttons Bay, wildlettie.com, $18

COTOPAXI LUZON 24L BACKPACK Crystal Lake Adventure Sports, Frankfort, crystallakeadventuresports.com, $75

EXPERIENTIAL GIFT: PLAY VIRTUAL GOLF INDOORS ALL WINTER

X-Golf, Traverse City, playxgolf.com, $25–$500 gift cards available

RUMPL PUFFY BLANKET

The Clothing Company, Charlevoix, myclothingco.com, $99

UNSALTED COAST CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT

Robert Frost, Traverse City, frostshoes.com, $60

32-OUNCE HYDRO FLASK

White Birch Outfitters, Gaylord, whitebirchoutfitters.com, $44.95

RETROSPEC CHATHAM PLUS 7-SPEED STEP THROUGH Coastline Cycles, Frankfort, coastline-cycles.com, $469.99

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

With more than 40 shops under one roof, The Old Lumberyard Shoppes is your go-to stop for gifting (be sure to hit Up North Apparel & Gifts while you’re there!). Tip’n the Mitten is a must for all things made in Michigan. Art lovers, check out Main Branch Gallery and AuSable Artisan Village. Outdoors lovers, you’ll rejoice at Northbound Outfitters and Ron’s Fly Shop.

MAKE MERRY

Warm up at Paddle Hard Brewing—order an artisan flatbread pizza or panini, and don’t forget to toast winter with a barrel-aged stout or a handcrafted cocktail. paddlehardbrewing.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Next door to Paddle Hard, you’ll find Coffee by Steph, offering everything from seasonal drinks and freshly roasted coffee to smoothies and treats (like her homemade pop tarts!). Grab a gift card to keep your loved ones cozy this winter. coffeebysteph.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Hanson Hills has it all: downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing and 35 km of groomed Nordic ski trails. Get out there! hansonhills.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 19

Christmas Walk

Dec. 1 Holiday After Hours with Grayling Chamber, Paddle Hard Brewing

Dec. 1 Holiday After Hours with Grayling Chamber, Paddle Hard Brewing

GRAYLING

This city is a charmer. Our recommendation: Spend a day outdoors at Hanson Hills. Then head downtown to warm up, do a little holiday shopping and grab a bite.

by ALLISON JARRELL

GAYLORD

The Swiss-themed downtown of Michigan’s “Alpine Village” fittingly lies in the state’s snowbelt, where 140-plus wonderfully fluffy inches of snow fall on average each year.

by ALLISON JARRELL

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Main Street is a can’t-miss shopping hub. 45th Parallel is your stop for outdoor apparel, Lilac and Lemon offers gorgeous hand-painted furniture and cozy goods, and Aub Marley’s an tique store has eclectic treasures galore. Visit Alpine Chocolate Haus to give the gift of gourmet chocolate and Sugar Me Sweet Cake Shop for a custom cake to bring to your next holiday party.

MAKE MERRY

Stay on Main Street and head to the newly opened Karma Taproom, with more than 20 brews on draft, plus an array of spirits. Have dinner delivered from a neighboring restaurant, then sit, sip and socialize! facebook.com/karmataproom

SANTA’S SECRET

Surprise someone with beautiful, handcrafted metal artwork from the Gaylord-based business Michigan in Metal. Browse the online shop and you’ll see some thing for everyone—from wall hangings and solar light boxes to clocks, candle holders and coasters. michiganinmetal.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

About 10 minutes north of Gaylord’s downtown lies Sturgeon River Preserve, where you can enjoy an easy, fam ily-friendly hike or snowshoe along the scenic Sturgeon River. Need snowshoes? Borrow some from HeadWaters Land Conservancy! headwatersconservancy.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 19

Santa’s Workshop Craft & Vendor Expo at The Ellison Place Dec. 4

Breakfast and Pictures with Santa at Gaylord Eagles Hall

Tourism

Around Town SHOP LOCAL

On River Street, Wildflower Soapworks, Stoney Cabin Toys and Word Love Goods have gifts galore. At newly opened Golden Hill Farms, find beautiful bouquets, beeswax candles and potted plants to spruce up your home for the holidays.

MAKE MERRY Sip as you shop at Cellar 152, a gourmet wine and food market with holiday deals and a treasure trove of kitchen and home accessories. After picking out presents, spend some time on the heated outdoor deck for fantastic winter views as you enjoy specialty wines by the glass. cellar152.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Dig into The Flour Pot’s holiday confections, including the signature sugar cookies frosted with seasonal designs (think: holly wreaths, cheerful reindeer, crystal snowflakes). Be sure to save some for Santa, too. theflourpot.co

WINTER WONDERLAND

When dusted with snow, the Elk Rapids Day Park is entirely enchanting. Stroll past sculptures made by local artists at the park’s Walk of Art, spot birds hunkering in hardwoods and look out across icy East Grand Traverse Bay. antrimcounty.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 17–20

Myrtle & Maude’s Christmas on the Farm Nov. 26

Alden Holiday Illumination & Open House

Dec. 3

Polar Express in Elk Rapids

ELK RAPIDS

Tucked between Lake Michigan, Elk Lake and the Elk River, there’s no shortage of sparkling, frozen views in this darling village. After you browse downtown’s boutiques, visit Veterans Memorial Park to see the frosty landscapes for yourself.

by ALEA WILKINS

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Sing fa-la-la as you shop on Bridge Street: browse vintage finds and home décor at The Flying Pig, stock up on gourmet blends for holiday cooking at The Spice & Tea Exchange and delight in fabulously festive cookies at Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery.

MAKE MERRY

Short’s Brewing Company, Mammoth Distilling, Hello Vino and Bee Well Mead & Cider share a block on Bridge Street. Find bottles to gift and serve, then toast the season with friends. (Mammoth Distilling’s coffee liqueur makes a particularly good Holiday Hummer. Get the recipe: link.mynorth.com/hummer)

SANTA’S SECRET

Give the gift of adventure. Shanty Creek Resort’s Schuss Mountain has 42 runs and three terrain parks, but if skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, there’s still a whole lot of fun to be had, including snowshoeing, fat biking, even dogsledding.

The afterglow: Grab a fireside seat beside Base Camp, the resort’s food truck. shantycreek.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Rent fat bikes from Paddles & Pedals, and check out the groomed trails (about 8 miles) at Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area. The Vandermark and Eckhardt trailheads are plowed for access, and the natural area’s additional 20-plus miles of ungroomed trails are open to hiking, snow shoeing and back-country skiing. glacialhillstrails.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 5 Holiday Gift Fair at Shanty Creek Resorts

Nov. 26

Lighting Up the Inn Open House at Applesauce Inn Bed and Breakfast

Dec. 3 Light Up the Night

BELLAIRE

Bellaire lights up during the holidays, literally. Local businesses string hundreds of glowing strands across storefronts in time to welcome Santa to town during the annual Light Up the Night parade.

by CARLY SIMPSON

photo courtesy of Bellaire Chamber of Commerce

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL Walk Water Street with stops at Inspired Living (organic home goods, children’s games) and Provisions Wine Market & Deli (hostess gifts, holiday wines). And Lavender Hill Farm’s online shop is your source for local lavender spa packages, home accessories and culinary goodies.

MAKE MERRY Muskrat Distilling serves pre-prohibition era cocktails with a modern twist, and because the distillery doesn’t distribute, you can only get bottles of its aged rum, vodka, gin and bourbon at the tasting room. This is the distinctly Boyne gift you’ve been searching for. muskratdistilling.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Boyne Mountain Resort’s Chalet Edelweiss opened last February after undergoing an ex tensive renovation. The 35-room luxe retreat has an on-site Nordic sauna, rainfall showerheads and curated nosh boxes that include a bottle of Chalet Edelweiss Claret. A weekend here is the perfect gift to yourself. boynemountain.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

We love the 300-plus acre Avalanche Mountain Preserve for its close proximity to downtown and the many types of recreational activities to enjoy here. Ski, snowmobile, snowshoe ... whatever you choose, just get out there. cityofboynecity.com

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 19

Earlier Than the Bird Holiday Sales Nov. 25

Holly Jolly Boyne Tree Lighting, Santa Parade & Shopping Dec. 3

43rd Annual Holiday Hobby Craft Show

BOYNE CITY

Winter is a celebration in this small town set on the shore of Lake Charlevoix with Boyne Mountain’s ski hills just 10 minutes away in friendly Boyne Falls.

by CARLY SIMPSON

photo by Kim Mettler

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Ladies, don’t miss Mäksē Boutique and Serendipity, both on Mitchell Street. Then head to Willow Market & Meats for lunch and to grab locally sourced, gourmet gifts. More fun stops: McLain Cycle & Fitness and The Sweet Shop (get a box of the signature Snow Birds—white chocolate and Georgia pecans).

MAKE MERRY Clam Lake Beer Company boasts 40 craft beers on tap, plus wines and cocktails. Beyond that, the brewpub also has an extensive menu—pair a bacon cheddar apple grilled cheese with some truffle tots for the perfect comfort meal. clamlakebeerco.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Float along the mighty Pine River and soak in the surrounding snowy paradise during a guided winter rafting trip. Pine River Paddlesports Center is your guide, just 30 minutes west of town thepineriver.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Explore the 11-acre Waldeck Island Nature Preserve on Stone Ledge Lake. This hidden gem offers a 1.2-mile loop trail for hiking or snow shoeing. Don’t miss the wildlife viewing tower, where you just might spot an eagle or osprey land on the brand-new raptor nesting platform. calc-landtrust.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 12

Annual Band Booster Craft Show Dec. 3 Manton Holiday Craft Show Dec. 8-11 German Holiday Market

CADILLAC

You’ll have a downright jolly time in Cadillac. Get all of your shopping done then hit the trails: 200 groomed miles for snowmobiles, 60-plus for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and 34 downhill ski runs.

by ALLISON JARRELL

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Lynn & Perin Mercantile is the spot to find a gourmet gift for the foodie in your life, and The Bookstore has a huge selec tion to peruse, from children’s books to travel. Don’t forget a stop at the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts, home to Mary’s Gift Gallery featuring Michigan-made works and artists.

MAKE MERRY

We love the menu at Stormcloud Brewing Company, especially since pairings are recommended for every item.

Warm pretzel bites go well with a Birdwalker Blonde, while a salted caramel cookie is the perfect complement to the B. Sirius Dubbel. stormcloudbrewing.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Support a local institution and give the gift of movie magic this season with a gift card to The Garden Theater. Choose your amount and order online for the perfect stocking stuffer or host gift. gardentheater.org

WINTER WONDERLAND

Grab your snowshoes and head 10 minutes south of town to Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve. Nearly three miles of trail winding through forest and meadow will lead you to stunning views of Lake Michigan. gtrlc.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 25 Holiday Trail Celebration at Crystal Mountain Nov. 26

Holly Berry Art & Crafts Fair Dec. 3

Frankfort Community Tree Lighting

FRANKFORT

A much-loved craft brewery with a penchant for ugly Christmas sweaters, a renovated 1920s theater, fabulous eateries and fun shops— Frankfort is downright jolly.

by ALLISON JARRELL

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

Head down River Street and stop at Wellnested, a new home and lifestyle store; Port City Emporium, where 40 local artisans sell paintings, candles, vintage décor and jewelry; and Manistee Hobbies for puzzles, model rockets, kites and kits.

MAKE MERRY Downtown’s North Channel Brewing Co. sits right next to the Manistee River and drawbridge. Try Manistee’s IPA or the Lighthouse Lager, both available in cans for gifting. northchannelbrewing.com

SANTA’S SECRET

Canfield House Bed & Breakfast in nearby Onekama was completely renovated under new ownership in 2021 and is now open year-round. The themed weekends are especially fun: wine tasting with Black Star Farms Dec. 9–11, a murder mystery dinner Jan. 13–15 and a Valentine’s Day getaway Feb. 10–12. canfieldhousebnb.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

The Manistee Non-Motorized Trails Park has about 3.8 miles groomed for classic and skate skiing and 5.4 miles of groomed fat bike trail. Find updated trail condition reports online. skimanistee.org

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 19–20

Christmas in Onekama & Celebration of Lights

Dec. 1–4

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend

Dec. 3 & 4

A West Shore Community College Holiday Rock Spectacular Reunion at Ramsdell Theatre

MANISTEE

Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend and nearby Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park event, with its thousands and thousands of lights, will fill you with cheer.

by CARLY SIMPSON

photo courtesy of Manistee County Visitors Bureau

LUDINGTON

Ludington is a winter paradise— relax at cozy B&Bs, snowshoe along Lake Michigan dunes and find fun gifts at cheery shops downtown.

by CARLY SIMPSON

Around Town

SHOP LOCAL

The Port Ludington is a newly opened collection of boutiques and eateries housed in a single marketplace. Grab lunch or dinner after browsing artisan goods; vendors include House & Harbor, Britter’s Twisted Whisk, Cluck Bucket, Faire Heart and HumaniTea. theportludington.com

MAKE MERRY

Get gifts for gourmands and holiday entertaining essen tials (custom charcuterie boards!) before finding a spot at the bar for an après-shopping bevvy at the brand-new Ludington Meat Company. Don’t let the name deceive you; you’ll find much more than meat here. ludingtonmeatco.com

SANTA’S SECRET

For the person who has it all, gift a weekend stay at The Lamplighter, an 1890s Victorian home turned B&B. Owners Dan and Jen Hinderer are thoughtfully updating the rooms, including the Ansel Adams Suite with its large jetted tub and garden views. ludington-michigan.com

WINTER WONDERLAND

Ludington State Park is a popular spot with several miles of trails groomed for cross-coun try skiing and all others open to snowshoers. The park hosts a series of events, including lantern-lit adventures. michigan.gov/dnr

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Nov. 26

Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Dec. 1–27

Deck the Halls: A Mason County Decorating Contest

Dec. 10–11 Christmas at Historic White Pine Village

photo by Dave Weidner