Folklor Guide to Charlevoix
Fair warning, this guide was written by your local farmer who enjoys slow, quiet mornings in town, picnics at the beach and spending every possible minute outside. Here’s our guide to where to eat, what to do and where to stay in Charlevoix the beautiful!
WHERE TO EAT
If you’re here in the fall or summer season, town will be busy. We recommend kicking back, leaning into the slow pace or ordering takeout to take advantage of one of the many lake-front picnic spots around town.
5695 N Michigan 88, Central Lake, MI
We can’t think of anything better then eating right where your food is grown! Providence has a wonderful on-farm cafe and market that serves excellent coffee, and has great food options like breakfast burritos and soups made with their organic produce and meat. Check out their social media for their regular pop-ups that include authentic Mexican food and Ramen. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, this is also a great spot to stock up on local prepared foods and snacks for a quick, delicious meal in. Don’t let the drive deter you! providence-organic-farm.square.site/market-and-cafe
Bier’s Inwood Brewery & Pizza Girl
17959 Ferry Road, Charlevoix, MI
Our up-the-road neighbors serve the best pizza in Northern Michigan. Think thin crust, pesto, roasted garlic and loaded salads. Not to mention the tasty beers and stunning sunsets over Lake Michigan. Every Friday night in the summer they have live music in their outdoor pavilion overlooking the lake. This spot is kid and dog friendly and should definitely be on your list! www.biersinwoodbrewery.com
Harwood Gold is a great spot for breakfast, coffee and locally produced maple syrup products.
230 Bridge Street, Charlevoix, MI
Located right downtown Charlevoix, Harwood Gold serves delicious savory hand pies, pastries and added a much-anticipated breakfast bagel to their menu. Their cooler is conveneintly stocked with grab and go wraps and salads. Located on the same block as the marina, this is a great spot to grab a coffee and bite and sit in the park overlooking Round Lake. www.harwoodgold.com
230 Ferry Ave, Charlevoix, MI
Charlevoix is the second Northern Michigan location for the Back Lot. This food truck roundup looks out over Ferry Beach Park and has lots of room for bigger groups both inside and outside and is pet friendly. With 5 food trucks to pick from, there’s lots of options from fish and chips to sliders and Caribbean barbecue and a wide selection of craft beers and ciders on tap. www.thebacklot.menu/charlevoix
Bridge Street Taproom has been a favorite since we first moved to Northern Michigan. They have a huge selection of Michigan craft beers on tap, great burgers and views over the marina on Round Lake. www.bridgestreettaproom.com
The Bridge Street Tap Room has outdoor seating along the marina and views of the bridge.
308 Belvedere Ave, Charlevoix, MI
Located in an old Victorian home, Grey Gables offers both an upscale dining experience in their main dining room and a more casual hand-held and sushi menu in their bar area. This is our go-to when we’re feeling fancy. Their large dining rooms and experienced staff provide an old-school, comfortable dining experience. www.greygablesinn.com
Sunshine Charters catamaran cruises take you out on Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.
WHAT TO DO
Get out on the water
Charlevoix is uniquely located between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, connected by the Pine River. Getting out on the water is a great way to take in the water, natural beauty of the lakeshore and get a peek at the spectacular homes on the water. A cruise on the Sunshine Charters catamaran or a slightly more raucous ride on the Charlevoix Cycle Pub is a great way to take it all in.
For an alternative water-filled adventure, paddling on the Jordan River takes you through the scenic Jordan Valley. The Jordan Valley Outfitters are located a quick drive south of Charlevoix and offer canoe, kayak, tube and stand-up paddle board rentals.
Book a private vineyard tour & wine tasting
Take a private tour of the organically-farmed vineyards and orchards at Folklor Wine & Cider with owners and winemakers, Derrick & Izabela followed by a tasting of 6 of their wines and ciders.
Tours and tastings are by reservations, which means you have the farm and scenic porch to yourself and get to spend time with the folks growing the fruit and making the wines and ciders. Reservations are available from 12 - 8 on Saturday and Sunday and can accommodate parties up to 10. Book online today and make a day of it by checking out these Charlevoix wineries and cideries.
Visit the Downtown Charlevoix Farmers Market
Every Thursday from 8am - 1pm, the Charlevoix Farmers Market takes over downtown. Grab a sweet or savory crepe from Gilda’s Bakery stand and peruse the fresh local fruits, produce and even local cheese. We’ll see you there June - September, pouring free samples of local wine and cider!
No Northern Michigan weekend is complete without a swim in Lake Michigan. We love Fisherman’s Island State Park. The park boasts more than 6 miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. The island (or peninsula when water is lower) for which the park was named is located off the shore of the day-use area. This park is great for both hiking and beach accessible from a single parking lot if like us, you try to cut down your drive time whenever possible.
Bier’s Inwood Brewery has live music every Friday night through the summer.
The City of Charlevoix organizes a great, free outdoor music series right on the shores of Round Lake on the marina. Pack a picnic and a blanket every Thursday. Bier’s Inwood Brewery also has a great summer music series on Friday nights from May - October.
Rooftop yoga at the Earl Hotel with Charlevoix Yoga.
WHERE TO STAY
120 Michigan Ave, Charlevoix, MI
This historic hotel on the shores of Lake Charlevoix is a show stopper! Originally designed and built in the 1950’s by Charlevoix’s famed architect, Earl Young, the hotel has recently been remodeled. The design team preserved much of the original architecture and added luxe, funky design finishes. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth strolling across the bridge and grabbing a drink on the rooftop bar. www.hotelearl.com
Fisherman’s Island State Park Campground
16480 Bells Bay Road, Charlevoix, MI
The state park has phenomenal lake-front camp sites with better views and proximity to the water than most hotels around! www.dnr.com
12082 Antrim Dells Road, Ellsworth, MI
This family-owned mom & pop motel is conveniently located on US31 10 miles outside of Charlevoix, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown traffic. Clean, cozy rooms “10 minutes from everywhere.” It’s also more affordable than many in-town options. www.atwoodinnmotel.com
Ellsworth Cottage with Vineyard Views
Antrim Drive, Ellsowrth, MI
This sweet cottage is a little off the beaten path and the perfect northern Michigan getaway. It’s located steps away from Antrim Dells Golf Course, Lake Michigan beaches and has a sauna on-site. It’s also surrounded by vineyards tended by the hosts parents! www.airbnb.com
206 W Carpenter Street, Charlevoix, MI
Located walking distance to downtown Charlevoix, the Sunflower Inn offers 4 guest rooms and serves breakfast daily. www.sunflowerinn-charlevoix.com
