Pictured Rocks, Upper Peninsula
Boyne City & beyond
Things To Do
From the water to the fairway — a guide to the best of Boyne City and Lake Charlevoix
Boyne Harborview sits at the center of one of northern Michigan's most activity-rich destinations. Whether you're looking for a leisurely morning on the water, a round of championship golf, a scenic bike ride through the hills, or a memorable dinner in town — it's all within easy reach.
Restaurants
Dining in Boyne City
Boyne City punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. The downtown strip offers everything from casual lakeside fare to thoughtful farm-to-table cuisine — most are a pleasant walk from the house.
Café Sante
Farm-to-table bistroA Boyne City institution beloved for its seasonal menus, local ingredients, and warm, unhurried atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed dinner after a day on the water.
There is often a wait during peak hours, so a walk downtown to put your name in helps
Boyne City Tap Room
Craft beer & pub fareLocal craft beers on tap alongside elevated pub food. A lively spot for lunch or a casual evening out, with a great selection of Michigan-brewed ales and lagers.
Dog-friendly patio in summer
Red Mesa Grill
Southwestern & MexicanBright, bold flavors in a casual setting. The margaritas are legendary and the fish tacos are not to be missed. A favorite for families and groups.
Great happy hour specials
Lake Street Pub
Casual lakeside bar & grillA laid-back waterfront spot right on Lake Charlevoix with cold drinks, classic pub fare, and one of the best views in town. Perfect for a casual lunch or a sunset beer after a day on the water.
Great waterfront patio
Stiggs BBQ
BarbecueSlow-smoked meats, house-made sides, and generous portions make Stiggs a local favorite. Whether you're after brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, this is northern Michigan comfort food at its best.
Takeout friendly
The Backlot
food trucks and bar yardA local favorite with two convenient locations — one in Petoskey and one in Charlevoix. Known for creative cocktails, a thoughtful menu, and a relaxed but lively atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. Multiple food trucks so everyone can find something they will like.
Petoskey & Charlevoix locations
Boyne City Farmers Market
Weekly summer marketRight in the heart of downtown Boyne City, the weekly farmers market is a summer highlight — fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers, artisan crafts, and friendly faces from the community.
Saturdays, 9am–1pm, June–October
The Landing
Waterfront diningA favorite destination for boaters and landlubbers alike, The Landings is easily reached by water with a number of slips available right at the restaurant. Great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and one of the most convenient spots on the lake to pull up and stay awhile.
Boat-in dining — slips available
Legs Inn
Polish-American roadhouseFor the adventurous — Legs Inn in Cross Village is one of the most singular dining experiences in Michigan. A hand-built roadhouse perched on a bluff above Lake Michigan, with Polish-American food, cold beer, and a folk-art interior unlike anything else in the state. The drive up M-119 through the Tunnel of Trees is half the experience.
Cross Village — about 1 hour
Dining at Home
Some of the best meals happen right at the house. These are our favorite spots to stock the kitchen — from specialty markets and artisan butchers to a great wine shop and a full-service grocery just minutes away.
Toski Sands Market
Specialty marketA beloved northern Michigan institution, Toski Sands in Harbor Springs is the kind of market you linger in. Exceptional produce, prepared foods, specialty items, and a curated selection that makes stocking a vacation kitchen genuinely enjoyable.
Harbor Springs — about 30 minutes
Wine Shop at Harbor Springs
Wine & spiritsA thoughtfully curated wine shop in Harbor Springs with a strong selection of Michigan wines alongside an excellent range of domestic and imported bottles. The staff know their inventory and are happy to help you find the right bottle for the evening.
Harbor Springs — about 30 minutes
Plath's Meats
Artisan butcherA Petoskey institution since 1922, Plath's is the real deal — a full-service butcher shop with house-made sausages, smoked meats, and exceptional cuts. Worth the short drive for a proper cookout or a special dinner at the house.
Petoskey — about 25 minutes
Provisions Wine Market & Deli
Wine market & deliRight in downtown Boyne City, Provisions is the perfect one-stop shop for a great evening in. A well-chosen wine selection, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and deli items — everything you need for a relaxed night on the porch.
Downtown Boyne City — 5-minute walk
Family Fare
Full-service groceryFor everyday groceries, Family Fare in Boyne City is the most convenient option — a full-service supermarket with everything you need to keep the kitchen stocked throughout your stay.
Boyne City — 5 minutes
On the water
Boating & Water Sports
If you brought your boat, the house slip is across the street in the marina. Slip 42. But even without a boat, the lake is always at your fingertips. Lake Charlevoix offers some of the finest boating in the Midwest — clear water, protected coves, and miles of open lake to explore.
Boat rentals
Multiple outfitters on Lake Charlevoix rent pontoon boats and powerboats by the half-day or full day — perfect for cruising the lake's three arms, anchoring at a sandy beach, or making the scenic run through the Pine River Channel into Charlevoix. Ask locally for current availability and rates.
Wave runners & jet skis
Wave runner and personal watercraft rentals are available on the lake for those looking for a little more excitement. A great way to cover the lake quickly and explore coves and shoreline that are hard to reach any other way.
Kayaks & paddleboards
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available near the marina. The calm waters close to shore are ideal for a relaxed morning on the water, and the shoreline rewards those who take it slow with quiet coves and beautiful scenery.
Boating to Charlevoix
One of the great pleasures of Lake Charlevoix is the ability to boat directly into the town of Charlevoix via the Pine River Channel, where you can dock and explore the shops, restaurants, and galleries along Bridge Street.
Fishing
Lake Charlevoix is home to excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. Local guides are available for those who want to find the best spots — ask at the marina for recommendations.
Two wheels
Biking & Trails
The hills and forests surrounding Boyne City offer outstanding cycling for riders of all abilities — from paved rail trails to challenging mountain bike terrain.
Little Traverse Wheelway
A paved multi-use trail running 26 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Charlevoix to Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Flat, scenic, and suitable for all ages — one of the finest rail trails in Michigan.
Boyne Valley Pathway
A network of natural-surface trails winding through the hardwood forests and rolling terrain around Boyne City. Beautiful in any season, spectacular in fall color.
Avalanche Preserve Trails
Within walking distance from the house. You can walk to the top and enjoy the views of Boyne City and the lake. Frisbee golf is also available. There is a system of mountain bike trails on the hills above Boyne City, maintained by the local trail association. Challenging climbs reward riders with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Road cycling
The back roads of Charlevoix County offer exceptional road cycling through orchards, farmland, and lakeside villages. Low traffic, rolling hills, and stunning scenery make every ride memorable.
On the fairway
Golf
Northern Michigan is one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest, and Boyne City sits at the heart of it. World-class courses designed by legends of the game are within a short drive.
Boyne Mountain
10 minutes36 holes across two distinct courses — the Monument and the Alpine. Both are carved through the hardwood forests of Boyne Mountain with dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditioning, and views that make every round memorable. One of the region's premier golf destinations, right in the backyard.
Dunmaglas Golf Course
15 minutesA course along the north shore of the lake with wonderful lake views. Dunmaglas offers a beautifully well maintained course with rolling terrain and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. A great value round with scenery to match the bigger names.
Bay Harbor Golf Club
20 minutesA stunning Links-style course routed along the bluffs and shoreline of Little Traverse Bay. Bay Harbor offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Midwest golf — with Lake Michigan views on nearly every hole. A truly special round. Can get a bit expensive.
Belvedere Golf Club
30 minutesA classic northern Michigan course with a rich history and a loyal following. Belvedere's tree-lined fairways and well-conditioned greens offer a traditional, unhurried round in a beautiful setting.
Boyne Highlands
40 minutesTwo outstanding courses at Boyne Highlands: the Heather, consistently ranked among Michigan's finest with its classic parkland layout and challenging greens, and the Donald Ross Memorial, a loving tribute to the great Scottish architect featuring replicas of Ross's most celebrated holes from across the country.
Hidden River Golf & Casting Club
45 minutesA hidden gem in Brutus, Hidden River offers a beautifully routed course through northern Michigan's rolling terrain alongside the Maple River. A peaceful, uncrowded round with a classic north woods feel — and fly fishing on site for those who want to make a full day of it.
Treetops Resort
45 minutesHome to five distinct courses designed by legends including Robert Trent Jones Sr., Tom Fazio, and Rick Smith, Treetops is one of Michigan's premier golf destinations. Spectacular elevation changes and immaculate conditioning make every round memorable.
Forest Dunes Golf Club
1 hour 20 minutesOne of the most celebrated courses in the Midwest, Forest Dunes features a stunning Tom Weiskopf design routed through towering pines and natural duneland. A bucket-list round for any serious golfer.
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
2 hoursWidely regarded as one of the finest golf experiences in America, Arcadia Bluffs sits on dramatic bluffs above Lake Michigan with views that rival any course in the world. The drive is worth every minute — this is a once-in-a-trip experience.
On the slopes
Skiing & Winter Sports
Northern Michigan is home to some of the Midwest's finest ski resorts, and Boyne Harborview puts you right in the middle of it. From groomed groomers to challenging terrain, world-class skiing is just minutes away.
Boyne Mountain
10 minutesThe closest resort to the house and one of the region's most complete ski destinations. Boyne Mountain offers 60+ runs, multiple terrain parks, and a lively village atmosphere — plus the SkyBridge and year-round activities.
Nub's Nob
40 minutesA beloved local favorite known for its friendly atmosphere, excellent grooming, and loyal following. Nub's Nob offers 53 runs and a classic northern Michigan ski experience without the resort crowds.
Boyne Highlands
40 minutesFour distinct mountains, 55 runs, and some of the best vertical in the Midwest. Boyne Highlands is a full-service resort with outstanding terrain for all ability levels and a charming village at the base.
Otsego Club & Resort
35 minutesA classic northern Michigan ski club with a rich history and a devoted membership. Otsego offers excellent terrain and a more intimate, club-like atmosphere that sets it apart from the larger resorts.
Treetops Resort
45 minutesHome to four mountains and 100+ runs, Treetops is one of Michigan's largest ski destinations. The resort features courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rick Smith — a must-visit for serious skiers.
Snowmobile rentals
Ask locally for current rental optionsNorthern Michigan has an extensive network of groomed snowmobile trails, and rentals are available locally. A great way to cover ground and see the winter landscape from a different angle — the trails through the forests and along the river valleys are particularly scenic.
Wine country
Wineries & Tasting Rooms
Northern Michigan is one of the Midwest's most celebrated wine regions, and you're right in the heart of it. The Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula are dotted with award-winning wineries, and there are even beautifully illustrated tasting maps available online to help plan your route. A leisurely afternoon of wine tasting through the vineyards is a northern Michigan tradition.
Boyne Valley Vineyards
15 minutesThe closest winery to Boyne Harborview, right in the backyard. Boyne Valley Vineyards produces small-batch wines that reflect the character of the northern Michigan terroir — a perfect first stop on any tasting tour.
Mackinac Trail Winery
20 minutesA welcoming tasting room along the scenic Mackinac Trail corridor, known for approachable, fruit-forward wines made from northern Michigan grapes. A relaxed stop with a friendly local atmosphere.
Gypsy Distillery
25 minutesA craft distillery producing small-batch spirits with a creative, adventurous spirit. Gypsy Distillery's tasting room is a fun departure from the wine trail — excellent cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Muskrat Distillery
5 minute walkRight in downtown Boyne City — an easy walk from the house. Muskrat Distillery crafts distinctive small-batch spirits with a sense of humor and a lot of local character. A perfect stop before or after dinner.
Pond Hill Farm
45 minutesA working farm and winery in Harbor Springs with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for fruit wines, ciders, and a beautiful setting with farm animals, a market, and a pizza oven on site. A fun stop, especially with kids.
Chateau Grand Traverse
1 hour 20 minutesOne of Michigan's most storied wineries, perched on the Old Mission Peninsula with sweeping views of Grand Traverse Bay. Known for exceptional Rieslings and a stunning tasting room that draws visitors from across the country.
Bonobo Winery
1 hour 20 minutesA boutique Old Mission winery celebrated for its small-batch wines and breathtaking hilltop setting. The tasting room overlooks Grand Traverse Bay on both sides of the peninsula — one of the most scenic spots in all of northern Michigan.
Live music & nightlife
Live Entertainment
Boyne City and the surrounding area have a surprisingly vibrant live music and entertainment scene, especially in summer. Several of the best spots are just a short walk from the house.
Boyne City Tap Room
The Tap Room regularly hosts live music on weekends — local bands, singer-songwriters, and the occasional touring act. A great spot to catch some music with a cold Michigan craft beer in hand.
Check their social media for the current schedule
Muskrat Distillery
Just a five-minute walk from the house, Muskrat hosts live music and events throughout the summer. The intimate setting and excellent cocktails make for a memorable evening right in the neighborhood.
5-minute walk from the house
Gypsy Distillery
Gypsy Distillery brings a lively, creative energy to its events — live music, themed nights, and a fun crowd. Worth the short drive for a night out with a different vibe.
About 25 minutes away
Boyne Valley Winery
Boyne Valley hosts live music events in a beautiful vineyard setting — a relaxed, scenic backdrop for an evening of wine and good company. Check their calendar for summer concert dates.
About 15 minutes away
Lavender Hill Farm
A working lavender farm that hosts outdoor concerts and events through the summer season. The setting is unlike anything else in the area — rolling fields of lavender, open skies, and live music. Check their calendar for dates and lineups.
Check their website for the current season schedule
Castle Farms
A stunning historic castle in Charlevoix that hosts concerts, festivals, and special events throughout the summer. The grounds are beautiful and the venue is one of the most distinctive in northern Michigan — worth checking what's on during your stay.
Charlevoix — about 15 minutes
And more
More to explore
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Charlevoix
The charming resort town of Charlevoix — with its iconic mushroom houses, boutique shopping, and vibrant waterfront — is just 15 minutes away by car or a scenic boat ride through the channel.
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Petoskey & Harbor Springs
Two of northern Michigan's most beloved resort towns are within 30 minutes. Petoskey's Gaslight District and Harbor Springs' waterfront offer excellent shopping, dining, and galleries.
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Traverse City
About an hour and 20 minutes south, Traverse City is the hub of northern Michigan — great restaurants, a lively downtown, the Old Mission and Leelanau wine peninsulas, and the National Cherry Festival in July. Worth a day trip.
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Tunnel of Trees
M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village is one of the most scenic drives in Michigan — a narrow two-lane road that winds through a canopy of hardwoods right along the Lake Michigan bluff. It is beautiful any time of year, but in fall color it is something else entirely. Best driven slowly, with no particular schedule.
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Hiking
Wilderness State Park, Young State Park, and the Jordan River Valley offer miles of hiking through some of Michigan's most beautiful natural landscapes, all within easy driving distance.
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Local events
Boyne City hosts a lively calendar of events throughout the summer — the National Morel Mushroom Festival in May, the Boyne City Film Festival, and weekly farmers markets among the highlights.
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SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain
One of the longest suspension footbridges in North America, the SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys from 120 feet in the air. Open seasonally — a must-do for the whole family.
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Mackinac Island
About an hour and a half to two hours away, Mackinac Island is one of Michigan's most iconic destinations. No cars allowed — just horses, bicycles, and the irresistible smell of world-famous fudge. Take the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and step back in time.
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
For the die-hard adventurer, Pictured Rocks is about three hours away in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Towering sandstone cliffs painted in brilliant mineral colors rise above the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior — one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Midwest. Worth every mile of the drive.
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