Charlevoix, A Beautiful Beach Town, Episode 1

A Beautiful Beach Town:
Episode 1
I'm just a regular gal with an adventurous
spirit who likes to day trip to Charlevoix.

My first visit to Charlevoix was on the 12th of June, 2014. It was my birthday and the innkeeper I worked for in Traverse City highly recommended visiting Charlevoix for the mushroom houses, shopping, and water activities. That birthday spent in Charlevoix was magical and since than I've made a handful of day trips back to Charlevoix and each visit gives me a new perspective of what I call "A Beautiful Beach Town"


When the snow finally melts and the fragrant scent of flowers sprinkles through the air, it's common knowledge that spring has sprung. The verdant trees brighten the landscape and birds sing from the branches above. The days grow longer as May turns into June. Summer is here and it's time to vacation in beautiful C H A R L E V O I X. Nestled between two lakes quaint Charlevoix is especially lovely during the summer months. This is the time of year when Bridge Street is bustling with activities like farmers markets, outdoor concerts and festivals. Adults and children stroll the streets shopping for treasures and eating in their favorite restaurants. 

The best part is the water. Both Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan offer ample boating and swimming opportunities. Over on Lake Michigan there's the popular Michigan Beach Park. Fill your day with summer fun. Michigan Beach Park offers concessions, basketball courts, fishing, kayak and paddle board rentals, volleyball courts, a playground, walking trails, and plenty of swimming. The iconic bright red colored lighthouse sits on the pier and looks great from all directions. Pick famous Petoskey stones, or just lounge on the white sandy beach. The sunsets are spectacular here. Over on Lake Charlevoix, Depot Beach is an enjoyable beach. The waters are calm and refreshing, there's plenty of shade from the trees, and it's perfect for picnicking.

When you're hungry it's good to know that Charlevoix has two supermarkets. Olesons is at 112 Antrim Street in downtown and Family Fare is off M- 66. It's always good to have groceries on hand but why not eat at one of Charlevoix's restaurants and leave the cooking to the chef? You'll be pleased with all the choices available for dining. Some of my favorites are listed below.

Restaurants in Charlevoix:

                                 
Cantina
101 Van Pelt Place

A true cantina off the beaten path. Great outdoor seating and delicious Mexican fare and drinks.
Elote Street Corn, grilled corn on the cob brushed with chile-lime mayo and covered with cotija cheese is highly recommended .

                                                 Great Eating at Cantina





That French Place
212 Bridge Street

What a gem of a place. It's like being in France without the jet lag. Owners Brian and Emily have traveled throughout France and now prepare French delicacies right at their cafe on Bridge Street.
From buttery flaky croissants to savory and sweet crepes "That French Place" is a delight to the tastebuds.

                                     Traditional made crepes at That French Place (magnifique)

                                        T

Scovie's Gourmet
111 Bridge Street

My favorite place to get a bite to eat. Super friendly staff, excellent sandwiches and reasonable prices. This is where the locals go to eat. The chicken salad, grilled tree hugger panini, and Northern Michigan carrot cake get my thumbs up.

Simonsen's Bakery
115 Bridge Street            

With an Italian setting, Simonsen's Bakery is the place to enjoy baked goods, frittata, and quiche.
The cappuccinos and lattes are the best in town.

                                                                                                  
Smoke on the Water                      

103 Park Avenue                           

                             Enter the doors of Smoke on the Water for home-cooking

You can smell the smoked food when you walk through the front doors. The menu has changed a bit here. Some of the old favorites are now going to be featured at the Boyne Mountain Inn located in Boyne City which was recently purchased by the owners of Smoke on the Water. This was the first place I ever ate at when I made a day trip to Charlevoix on June 12, 2014 to celebrate my birthday.
Breakfast, and Lunch menu. Baked goods like the apple bourbon banana bread are amazing. So happy that Smoke on the Water is still around.

Stafford's Weathervane
106 Pine River Lane

Great views of the canal and drawbridge from the windows. Classic dishes such as flash fried perch, oak planked white fish and prime rib are served in an elegant setting.

      Terrific views and delicious food is what you'll get at Stafford's Weathervane

                                        
Dining is just one of the many wonderful things to do in Charlevoix so follow me on my next post....Episode 2 where you'll learn about a nature oasis just outside Charlevoix called Fisherman's Island State Park.