I've been vacationing at our family cottage in Northern Michigan for a dozen years and accrued a distinct list of favorites I have to get to when we're there for a week or a quick weekend. These are the tried and true places that I love whether we're there to play on the beach or ski down the slopes.
Petoskey
American Spoon Cafe for lunch and gelato (which one must save room for). I get the whitefish sandwich. Every time. Note that it's closed in the winter off-season.
Chandlers is another great lunch spot. Sit outside on the covered patio in the summer or inside the warm brick walls in the winter.
Twisted Olive for lunch or dinner. They have tempting desserts and a great view of the water. They're also gracious when you bring kids.
Cutlers for kitchen gadgets galore.
Bearcub Outfitters for super cute kid shoes and clothes, dog accessories, and a killer sale section.
The Rocking Horse Toy Company for biodegradable water balloons and a sweet water balloon launcher. There is an additional location on Main Street in Harbor Springs.
McLean and Eakin Bookstore. I make it a habit to buy books when I'm on vacation so I can support local book stores. They have a sizable kid section, too.
Then & Now Antique and Consignment Mall for vintage linens, jewelry, and anything else that fits your fancy.
Toski-Sands for fresh fish and whitefish spread.
Crooked Tree Breadworks for bread (cherry pecan is my favorite for breakfast), lavender shortbread cookies, scones, hand pies, and anything else that looks tempting in the case.
Bill's Farm Market. This is maybe my favorite place to shop while on vacation. Bill's is an old school family farm with outstanding produce at the best prices. We go at the beginning of our week Up North and at the end of the week to stock up before heading home. Note that they are closed on Sunday and in the winter.
Harbor Springs
Georgina's is my new favorite restaurant in both Harbor Springs and the entire area. The food is interesting and delicious and the drinks perfect. This location opened July 1st, the building is beautifully decorated, and there is an ample patio. If you're eating out at one place, this has to be it. EDIT: As of 2017, this tasty spot is only open in their Traverse City location.
Tom's Mom's Cookies for chocolate chunk (not chips!) and cherry, oatmeal butterscotch, chocolate caramel pecan, and tons of other choices. Get a dozen. You won't regret it, and they freeze well if you have enough restraint to not eat the whole bag.
Sandwiches from the nondescript Gurneys. Get anything that goes well with deli sauce; I'm a fan of turkey. You can pass as a pro if you read the menu and make note of veggies they have and don't have. Pick up a bag of chips, cold drinks from the cooler, and take your sandwiches (and cookies from Tom's Mom's!) and head west to the park on the bay for a picnic. And bring cash. No credit cards accepted here. Another pro tip: you can buy deli sauce to take home, too.
Cocktails on the dock at Dudley's with picturesque views of the harbor full of boats.
Ice cream or something on a stick and dipped in carmel at Kilwins. I went for the first time when a family friend was working there and recommended the butter pecan ice cream. It's wonderful.
The Outfitter for shoes, clothing, and a hat (or any other sun or snow gear) when you forgot yours at home.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is my favorite hiking spot in the area. The trails are meticulously maintained (and relatively wheelchair accessible), the surroundings are beautiful, and it's only $5 per car to enter.
Pond Hill Farm to feed the fish. Bring lots of quarters because you'll use them all.
Thelma & Louise for more antiquing fun. Note that they're only open Friday through Sunday.
M-119 and Beyond
Legs Inn is a fieldstone restaurant you can't miss, and it has a huge patio with outstanding views of the lake, including Beaver Island on clear days. I'm not ordinarily a big eater of Polish food, but I love eating here. I always go for the sauerkraut pierogi (which for ages I remembered by thinking of the filling choice that sounded the most odd). Their sampler platters are delish, too.
Bliss Polo is a surprisingly accessible (it's free!) and entertaining match to take the kids to. There are tons of horses both on and off the field, and everyone gets to go out and replace divots.
P.S. Wondering where to stay? Our family cottage in Good Hart (which has turned into a pure sand beach in recent years!) is available on VRBO, and we have stayed at a host of other rentals when we've been in the area for skiing, weddings, and other occasions. This home on the lake is just down the road from the historic church in Good Hart/Middle Village. This home on Lake Michigan in Harbor Springs is another favorite. We had good luck with this home in downtown Petoskey when skiing a couple winters ago, too.
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