10 Reasons to Love Charlevoix and Chain of Lakes
Top 10 list of attractions, sightseeing, scenic views and events in Charlevoix and Chain of Lakes.
Cross Fisheries.
Keith King
1. Stone Circle: Listen by bonfire as host Terry Wooten and bards share tall tales, ghost stories and poetry under the stars. Fridays and Saturdays during summer; 10 minutes north of Elk Rapids, look for a sign on the east side of U.S. 31. 231-264-9467.
2. Alden Mill House: A foodie's dream come true - lip-smacking dips, dressings, marinades, spices, dehydrated soup mixes and kitchen doodads for every culinary occasion. Open May through December. 231-331-4711 or aldenmillhouse.net.
3. John Cross Fisheries: This 60-year-old Charlevoix establishment dishes up fresh fish daily - check the chalkboard for options. Cooking tips and ice packing for your purchase is always available, no charge, from the friendly staff. 231-547-2532.
4. Avalanche Bay Water Park: Slide, float and surf at Michigan's largest indoor water park - attached to the Mountain Grand Lodge at Boyne Mountain. 800-GO-BOYNE or avalanchebay.com.
5. Lulu's Fondue Night: Find your way to this decadent dinner featuring bite-sized delicacies dipped into bubbling cheese, and dessert of teensy cake and fruit pieces served with melted chocolate. Glorious. Sunday nights in Bellaire. 231-533-5252.
6. Castle Farms: Tour this magnificent last-century stone chateau, then play croquet and giant chess or lawn bowl on the beautiful grounds. Bring along a picnic if you like. Tours are noon-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Memorial through Labor Day. 231-237-0884 or castlefarms.com.
7. Beaver Island: A 2 1/2-hour boat ride opens up an island's rich past and lush forests. Stop at the Mormon Print Shop and the Marine Museum for a dose of quirky history, or head into the heart of the island for hiking and camping. beaverisland.org.
8. Alden's Evening Stroll: Open-air music, sweet desserts, shopping and sidewalk entertainment make this Torch Lake burg the place to be on summertime Thursday nights. aldenmichigan.com.
9. Earl Young Hobbit House Tour: Mushroom-capped stone cottages sprinkled throughout quiet Charlevoix neighborhoods make for enchanting sight-seeing by car. Tour maps available at Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce. 231-547-2101.
10. Jordan River Pathway: Vistas of hills, wetlands and forest unfurl along this 18-mile hiking trail loop through the Jordan River Valley. Find the trailhead - and a jaw-dropping view - off Dead Man's Hill Road, just south of the M-32 and U.S. 31 junction.
Emily Bingham is assitant editor of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
ebingham@traversemagazine.com
Note:
This article was first published in May 2006, and was updated for the web February 2008.
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