Amid the flurry of December festivities, give yourself the gift of R&R at one of these Northern Michigan bed and breakfasts—lodging perfect not only for peace and quiet, but also as ideal base camps for local holiday shopping excursions.


Charlevoix-Petoskey Getaway

MacDougall House | 109 Petoskey Ave. | Charlevoix

An 1896 Victorian B&B complete with white wicker furniture on the front porch and a cottage garden, in summer anyway. Within walking distance of downtown and Lake Michigan, it offers a casual atmosphere, six rooms, private baths, full breakfast (think French toast, Belgian waffles, bacon and eggs), and free wi and TVs.

Festivities: Check out these Charlevoix and Petoskey holiday events.

M22 Vacation

The Inn at Black Star Farms | 10844 E. Revold Rd. | Suttons Bay

You can book a two-night “winter escape package,” available December 1 through February 28, 2018 ($550). A bottle of bubbly Bedazzled Sparkling Wine and two Black Star Farms Champagne flutes are yours to keep, and you’ll enjoy a full gourmet breakfast as well as complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. Snowshoes for use on the inn’s recreational trails also are part of the package.

Festivities: Find Leelanau County holiday events happening throughout December.

Downtown Traverse City Visit

Antiquities’ Wellington Inn | 230 Wellington St. | Traverse City

A 1905 neo-classical mansion built by one of Traverse City’s lumber barons has been fully restored to its original grandeur and features period antiques throughout the nine guest rooms, dining room, library and living room. You’re never far from the action given the inn’s location to downtown, the TART Trail and bay shore. Seeking a longer stay? Wellington also offers two two-bedroom Carriage House apartments.

Festivities: There are so many fun Traverse City holiday events like Ladies’ and Mens’ Shopping Nights!

Lake Michigan Escape

Arcadia House Bed and Breakfast | 17304 Northwood HWY (M22)

Built in 1910, Arcadia House offers Edwardian elegance and modern conveniences in the port village of Arcadia. Special features: an on-site massage therapist, outdoor garden hot tub, private baths, cozy fireplace and breakfast featuring local, in-season food. Catch a Lake Michigan sunset with a five-block stroll to the beach. Ask about the “relaxation package,” starting December 1 (two nights, two 30-minute massages; $250 plus taxes).

Festivities: Visit downtown Manistee to see the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree on River Street, and check out these holiday events.

Traverse travel editor Heather Johnson Durocher writes from Traverse City. travel@traversemagazine.com.


More Winter Travel Ideas in Northern Michigan

Photo(s) by Carly Paszek