An Ideal Summer Place, Ernest Hemingway's Petoskey, Michigan (Feel Carefree)

Imagine a place where summer days are carefree and moments of bliss are pure as gold. A summer place where you can delight yourself with the simple pleasures of life like reading a book in a hammock, sampling chocolates in a candy factory, listening to musical performances in the midst of Victorian summer cottages and bicycling on a path that overlooks the waterfront. Swimming or paddle boarding in the calm waters, taking a boat cruise and enjoying a round of golf. How about sitting on a bench and watching the magnificent sunrise and sunsets? With its hilly terrain and spectacular views of Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey shines with beauty at every corner. The historic Gaslight District is lined with art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. Parks abound and there's never a shortage of open space to sit down and eat a sandwich or indulge in homemade fudge and ice cream from Kilwins or Murdick's. Famous writer Ernest Hemingway spent many summers enjoying Petoskey and its surrounding areas and many people are now following in his footsteps. Petoskey has been named one of the Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine because its idyllic setting is priceless. Come visit this northwest corner of "Pure Michigan" and experience genuine storybook enchantment. 

Petoskey's Waterfront is Stunning!

LODGING OPTIONS:

                                             The Terrace Inn

The Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant is located on the grounds of Bay View Association, a historic landmark community of nearly 500 Victorian cottages. The Terrace Inn sits on a bluff overlooking Fair View Park and Little Traverse Bay. There are 38 rooms with private baths. Breakfast is included with your stay. The on site restaurant is open most evenings (June through August). The Terrace Inn is one of the best places to stay in Petoskey. A real gem!

Stafford's Bay View Inn with its Victorian setting is steps away from Little Traverse Bay. An elegant hotel with a friendly staff and great dining options on site. The beautiful surroundings will reward you with calmness and relaxation. 

Stafford's Perry Hotel with its large wraparound porch is a full service hotel with lots of amenities. A fantastic hotel to relax, and it's ideal location in downtown Petoskey makes it easy to walk everywhere. 

DINING OPTIONS:

                                Julienne Tomatoes offers awesome breakfast and lunch options.

Artisan Pizzas, Burgers, Cinnamon Rolls, Pierogies, Indian Food, Thai Cuisine, Sushi, Fish & Chips, Soups, Sandwiches.....it's all here in Petoskey!

Aamchi Mumbai has crowds galore that seek authentic Indian food. One of the only Indian restaurants in northern Michigan, the food here is made fresh and is real tasty. Check out the diverse menu of gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and non vegetarian options.

Beard's Brewery, scratch made pizzas and house brewed beer with indoor and outdoor seating plus views of the bay make this a favorite place to hang out. Beard's Brewery was the brainstorm of two guys who experimented making beer in their basement and now their specialty beers can be found as far as Japan.

Chandler's serves delicious New American fare and sushi in an intimate setting. A 4,000 bottle wine cellar adds to the appeal.

City Park Grill, an Ernest Hemingway hangout, constructed in 1875, this classic restaurant with global cuisine is favored by locals and tourists night and day.

Grain Train is an excellent option for natural foods. They have lots of ready made meals and desserts in stock. Many are prepared in the Grain Train kitchen. Aisles of groceries too. Stock up on healthy items.

Jose's Authentic Mexican provides hearty portions at reasonable prices. Burritos, Enchiladas, Mexican Pizza, Tamales, and Quesadillas are some of the popular dishes to eat here.

Julienne Tomatoes has a cozy atmosphere and offers a breakfast menu, lunch menu, and pastry menu. The New York Times calls their famous chocolate chip cookies "best chocolate chip cookies in town."

Palette Bistro offers bay views and features gourmet style Mediterranean fare and wine. Try the crab cakes, forest floor soup, salmon, scallops, and seafood paella and finish it off with key lime cheesecake.                               

Parkside Deli often has a line of customers patiently waiting for their signature sandwiches and salads. 

Pour Kitchen & Bar where succulent dishes are prepared from scratch. The menu may be limited but that's because each dish is prepared to perfection.

Roast and Toast is a crowd pleaser with its extensive beverage menu and awesome salads, sandwiches, and soup.

Thai Orchid Cuisine offers healthy inspired Thai dishes, appetizers, fried rice, curries, and noodles.Takeout Only!

DESSERTS:

American Spoon is a gourmet grocery store featuring grown and made in Michigan products. Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Grilling Sauces, Lemon and Passion Fruit Curd, Jams, Preserves, Relishes, Salsa,Vinaigrettes, and dozens of other items in glass jars will brighten your taste buds. Not to be missed is the spacious gelato shop, feel like an Italian and savor the wonderful flavors of American Spoon Gelato made right on the premises.

KILWINS CHOCOLATE KITCHEN, the original Kilwins at 1050 Bay View Road feels like a movie set. Remember Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Watch employees make an array of chocolates and indulge in some free samples.The conveyer belt is reminiscent of the classic "I Love Lucy" episode. The choices of confections here are endless. The creamy fudge is awesome and the Ohio made ice cream flavors are spectacular. Don't hesitate to try the fudge and ice cream before making your pick. I highly recommend the toasted coconut chocolate chunk fudge when it comes to picking the ultimate fudge. Ice Cream at KILWINS is pure perfection. It's super- premium with a creamy consistency and rich texture. 

Flavors:

Blue Moon, Blueberry Waffle Cone, Butter Pecan, Cake Batter,  Cappuccino Chocolate ChIp, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Toasted Coconut, Cookies & Cream, Dulce De Leche, Fudge Brownie, Georgia Peach, Kilwins Mud, Kilwins Track, Mackinac Island Fudge, Marsh-Mellow S'More, Mint Chocolate Chip, New Orleans Praline Pecan, Old Fashioned Vanilla, Peppermint, The Perfect Apple Pie, All- American Two Berry Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pistachio, Run Raisin, Sea-Salt Caramel, Sea-Salt Chocolate Caramel, Lemon Sorbetto, Raspberry Sorbetto, Strawberry Chunk, Superman, Traverse City Cherry, Turtle Cheesecake, Raspberry Greek Yogurt, NSA Caramel Ripple (no sugar added) 

My Personal Favorites are the "All American Two Berry Pie" and the "New Orleans Praline Pecan."

MURDICK'S FUDGE at 311 Howard Street has two entrances and its adorable historic building adds to the appeal. Watch employees make caramel corn and fudge, it all smells so good. The handmade ice cream is amazing. On my first visit I felt like a kid trying seven different flavors of ice cream. What magnificent ice cream. In my humble opinion the "Lemon Cheesecake" deserves first place. So refreshing and pleasing to the palate. I couldn't resist coming back the next day for another cone of "Lemon Cheesecake." There's a park just outside of MURDICK'S FUDGE with picnic tables, a comfy place to indulge in MURDICK'S award winning ice cream.

 

                                                      Feel like a kid again at Murdick's Fudge!

TILLIE'S TAFEL is the place for cinnamon roll lovers. Every morning at the crack of dawn Grandma Tillie's Family Recipe is used to make the best cinnamon rolls from an old German recipe. Try these gourmet cinnamon rolls when you're in downtown Petoskey. They're out of this world. 

                                                     Come here for out of this world cinnamon rolls

                                                       

BAY VIEW ASSOCIATION

Charming Victorian Cottage at Bay View

About two miles from downtown Petoskey is the idyllic Bay View Association. Founded in 1875 by Michigan Methodists, Bay View Association is a touch of Chautauqua Institution in New York State and Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Bay View Association is like the pages of a Hans Christian Anderson storybook. The Bay View Association is an historic, summer community. It's a friendly Christian-founded community with adult programs, music conservatory, social clubs, and youth programs. The cultural immersion here is first class and the area draws summer residents from around the country. Surrounding the educational buildings are 500 colorful summer Victorian cottages, In 1987 the National Park Service designated Bay View as a National Historic Landmark because it is one of the finest remaining examples of a uniquely American community of the Methodist camp and meeting place. 

                                                                                                          

So there you have it, one of the sweetest small towns in America is beckoning to you for summer fun, so come to Petoskey and experience an enchanting storybook setting, just the way Ernest Hemingway liked it. PETOSKEY in northern Michigan is the "Ideal Summer Place."

                                       Johan's Pastry Shop in Petoskey is ever so sweet!

Nearby Attractions:

Harbor Springs is a town dreams are made of. Come here to enjoy the wonderful swimming. Lots of boating options, stroll through town and explore the museums, shops, and restaurants. Gaze at the stunning homes in town and on the waterfront. Visit nearby Pond Hill Farm for a fun filled afternoon.

It's less than an hours drive to Mackinac City where you can catch a ferry to the majestic Mackinac Island, one of the loveliest islands in the world where no cars are allowed.

Petoskey State Park has acres of land for bicycling, camping, dune climbing, and walking! Check out the public beach!

Walloon Lake is filled with opulence. and is known for its culture, history, and nature. This is one of the places Ernest Hemingway spent his summers. The Walloon Lake Inn offers state of the art dining and lodging.