BOYNE CITY

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 extensive 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

photo by Kim Mettler

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