These Northern Michigan towns set out the welcome mat with food, libations, music and fun in the sun.
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ARCADIA
Tucked between Lake Michigan and Arcadia Lake, the community of Arcadia is about water sports and beach days. But don’t miss the nationally renowned Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club. Just north on M-22, pull over at Arcadia Overlook, the highest viewing area on the Lake Michigan shoreline, and make sure to work in a hike at the magnificent Arcadia Dunes. Don’t Miss: Arcadia Daze, July 26–28
BEAR LAKE
Rent a boat at Bear Lake Marine and spend the day on the gorgeous sandy-bottomed lake of the same name. Then find an old-fashioned country store feeling at Wee Bee Jammin’. Don’t Miss: Bear Lake Days, July 12–14
BENZONIA
Brake on US-31 in Benzonia for margaritas at The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill, stop for house-made ice cream at Hill Top Soda Shoppe, explore the fabulous Benzie Area Historical Museum and challenge the fam at Crystal Falls Mini Golf. Don’t Miss: Sidewalk Sales Day, Aug. 3
BEULAH
The beloved Five Shores Brewing, a boutique-filled shopping district, a darling downtown beach on Crystal Lake, acclaimed golf courses nearby and Thursday evening Music in the Park concerts make Beulah a destination town. Don’t Miss: Beulah Art Fair, July 6
Photo by Taylor Brown
CADILLAC
Blessed with lakes Mitchell and Cadillac, add a plethora of fabulous walking and biking trails; a bustling downtown home to boutiques, eateries, Owl Eye Coffee Roasters and Clam Lake Beer Co.; a children’s splash pad and a renovated performing arts center. Cadillac pretty much has it all. Don’t Miss: Cadillac Freedom Festival, July 4–8
ELBERTA
Find a bountiful farmers market (Thursdays, May–October) and stunning views of Betsie Bay and Lake Michigan—shhh, the beach here is a best-kept secret. Top an Elberta day off by dining outside at the Cabbage Shed.
FRANKFORT
The Lake Michigan harbor town Frankfort is a favorite thanks to hopping Stormcloud Brewing Company, the Garden Theater, memorable eateries, fun shops, a popular Lake Michigan beach, a lighthouse pier for sunset walks, the picturesque Point Betsie Lighthouse and the main trailhead for the 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail. Don’t Miss: Frankfort Art Fair, Aug. 16–17
Photo by Mae Stier
Read Next: Best Benzie Region Outdoor Dining Spots
HONOR
Tucked near secluded sandy beaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Honor is bordered by the Platte River and home to classic Northwoods taverns including Platte River Inn. Pick up BBQ from Jim’s Joint and have a picnic. Then canoe down the Platte. Don’t Miss: National Coho Salmon Festival
LAKE ANN
Set on the shore of lovely Lake Ann, find an old-fashioned grocery store, the rocking Lake Ann Brewing Company (with a fab pizza place next door, The Stone Oven) and a downtown beach. Hike or mountain bike the Lake Ann Pathway. Don’t Miss: Lake Ann Brewing Co.’s Summer Music Series, May–September
LUDINGTON
The car ferry S.S. Badger calls this Lake Michigan harbor town home—hop it to Wisconsin just for fun, but come back to Ludington for the beaches, concerts in the park, Victorian-era shopping district, two historic lighthouses and groovy food. Plus, count ’em, three craft breweries. Don’t Miss: Love Ludington Street Party, June 7
MANISTEE
It’s all things Victorian, from history tours through Manistee’s lumber-era architecture to the annual Manistee Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. But it’s always fine to throw off your corset and dive into Lake Michigan at one of this city’s primo beaches, or belly up to its fabulous pubs, eateries or downtown’s North Channel Brewing Co. Don’t Miss: Manistee National Forest Festival, July 3–7
Photo by Dave Weidner
Photo by Mae Stier
ONEKAMA
This idyllic, slow-mo coastal town has access to both Lake Michigan and Portage Lake. Take in the outdoor Concerts in the Park on Monday evenings July 1 through Aug. 12, and be sure to nose around for some cool finds at MacBeth & Co., a styling home decor shop. Don’t Miss: Onekama Days, Aug. 1–5
THOMPSONVILLE
Crystal Mountain, the hub of this rural township, is a top destination for snow sports and summer fun including the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide. Off-campus, check out Thompsonville’s Up North-style taverns and the hip Iron Fish Distillery. Don’t Miss: Michigan Beer and Brat Festival, May 25