Eat, Drink, Shop
Lake Street Shopping
10 Great American Shopping Streets
Only a few years ago, cities were declaring their downtowns dead, victims of regional shopping malls, online retailers and suburban sprawl. But some urban shopping districts have come back big time. “They have what I call the X-Factor of Urbanism. Very cool, historic and filled with interesting shops and restaurants, surrounded with walkable neighborhoods,” says Robert Gibbs, an urban planner who has worked with 300 cities and teaches at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. He says vacationers spend more time shopping than on any other vacation activity, making these neighborhoods natural for travelers. He shares some favorite downtown districts with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Gibbs says this Lake Michigan community is one of the best small towns in the Midwest. It scores a perfect 100 on walkability, a measure used by urban planners to reflect the ability to stroll to shops, restaurants, parks and other amenities. With mild, sunny summer weather, vacationers come from cities like Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis, to enjoy its bookstores, coffee shops and boutiques.
Wine Trail or Beer Trail?
You don’t have to choose when you plan your next visit to Northern Michigan’s Tip of the Mitt.
Bay View Wine Trail
Following the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay and the inland lakes of the “Northwest Michigan Wine Region”, you’ll find new wineries with remarkable old world wines, as well as exceptional new grape, and fruit varieties to the wine world. Come enjoy a relaxing wine tour without the crowds, and discover why this beautiful area comprised of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Indian River has been attracting resorters for more than 100 years. Plan your next visit with bayviewwinetrail.com.
Breweries and Tap Rooms
Beards Brewery
In the first few years at Beards Brewery they have created over 100 delicious recipes inspired by local, seasonal products of Northern Michigan. The new pub features 10 taps as well as viewing glass into our one-barrel brewing system, allowing patrons to see the beer making process. Along with the Petoskey pub and brewery, they also have a 15 barrel production facility in Charlevoix. Built to feed our growing distribution in Michigan, Beards beer is not only on draft across the northern regions of the state, but can also be found in cans at local shops.
Burnt Marshmallow Brewery
Burnt Marshmallow Brewing is the newest Nano-Brewery to open in Petoskey, Michigan. At BMB they strive to make beer unlike any other, using ingredients grown on our 190 acre farm, Rudbeckia Farm, and by using other local resources. Enjoy an unconventionally handcrafted beer from one of there seven rotating taps. Our Brewer brings nearly a decade of award-winning brewing experience to this small but mighty brewhouse to turn out adventurous/experimental brews and push the envelope on our creative endeavors.
Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery
The Mackinaw Trail Brewing Company has established itself as a premier Microbrewery in Northern Michigan. Currently including fourteen taps, a rotation of fresh beers is always occurring. Whether you come to taste by the sample glass, pint, snifter, or take home a custom Yelper, Howler, or Growler, MTB should have something for everyone! Two great locations in Manistique and Petoskey.
Petoskey Brewery
The building known as the “Old Brewery” was first completed in 1898 and was used to brew Petoskey Sparkle beer until 1915. It wasn’t until 2012, under the new ownership of and complete renovation by Patrick Dowd and Lou Gostinger, that beer once again flowed within the walls of the “Old Brewery”.
TAP30 Pourhouse
TAP30, in Downtown Petoskey, truly embodies the craft beer culture with a unique atmosphere! Featuring 30 rotating taps of the most sought after brands for any true beer enthusiast. Pair any meal with a draft beer or choose from a vast selection of bottle beers, wine and signature spirits. TAP30s full kitchen creates unique comfort food with a twist that offers options for the whole family. Come enjoy an experience like no other at TAP30 in Downtown Petoskey.
Tunnel Vision Brewery
Established in 2014, Tunnel Vision Brewery is a newest addition to Pond Hill Farm. Our master brewers take extra care in growing and harvesting ingredients for a original recipes that reflect the flavors and natural nuances of Northern Michigan.
We were voted Best of the Fest at the Harbor Springs Beer Fest in 2015!