Northern Michigan Events: Looking for something to do in Petoskey Memorial Day Weekend? Check out our list of worthy Northern Michigan activities! We’ve combined the best of Petoskey’s history, food scene, outdoor activites, and art for a perfect holiday weekend.
Go on a Horseback Ride
Do something active this weekend and hop on a horse! Boyne Highlands offers many different trail options and difficulty levels as well as Pony Rides for the younger crowd (all riders must be at least 7 years old.)
For more information check out their website or call: 231.526.3835 to book your ride today!
Walk in Ernest Hemingway’s Shoes
Interested in some more background on this famous writer who summered in Petoskey? Two tours of his favorite haunts offer insight into the inspiration that the author drew from the Petoskey area: Nick Adams Country Tour and the Hemingways’ Petoskey Tour. Click for more information.
Eat at the City Park Grill and the Annex
Eat at one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts, the historic City Park Grill in downtown Petoskey. Established in 1875 as “McCarthy Hall”, a males-only billiards hall, the restaurant has been a constant feature of Petoskey even through Prohibition when it became an undercover speak-easy (diners today can still see secret doors and passages). Today the City Park Grill is serving Northern Michigan cuisine, like our favorite almond encrusted whitefish. 231.347.0101, cityparkgrill.com.
Go to the Spa
Don’t let the stress of the holiday weekend get to you! Relax and enjoy a day at the Spa at Boyne Highlands. It opens in time for Memorial Weekend, with a special grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 26th from 4 to 6pm. Go to the party to check out the new facility or call and reserve a massage or facial today! 231.526.3846, boyne.com.
Stroll Through the Gaslight Shopping District
This shopping district has more than 170 unique shops with something for everyone!
Click for a complete list of shops.
Hunt for Petoskey Stones at Magnus City Park Beach
Magnus City Park Beach offers more than 1000 feet of shoreline in which to hunt for the famous Petoskey Stones that helped give the city its name! Located on Little Traverse Bay, the beach is easily accessible and within walking distance of downtown Petoskey.
Sample American Spoon Gelato
Creamy, cool Italian gelato is the perfect snack to take on a walk through Petoskey. Stop in at American Spoon Cafe, located on downtown East Lake Street overlooking historic Pennsylvania Park, to choose from more than 24 house-made gelato flavors. We’d recommend taking your snack in search of some of Petoskey’s famous murals, located throughout town. Start thinking about which flavor to order. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Check out the murals: Mushroom Mural, Petoskey Mural, Shorter’s Mural
Stay at Historic Stafford’s Bay View Inn
Owned by the Stafford Family, Stafford’s Bay View is a restored Victorian country inn on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. Built in 1886, the Inn retains its sense of timeless elegance and offers some of the best dining in town, the menu featuring classic as well as on-trend contemporary dishes. Make sure you take time to relax on the Reed Avenue Porch, and attend Sunday Brunch at the Roselawn Dining Room, served from 8:30am until 2pm.
Make reservations
Stop in at Symons General Store and Wine Cellar
Located in the oldest brick building in Petoskey, Symon’s General Store has been filling the city’s speciality food needs since 1960. Though at the time it opened, the store had no plumbing or electricity, founder Tom Symon had a vision for his store. That dream lives on today, with an extensive selection of both imported and local cheese, wine, port, pates and other food items. Come let the Symon’s pass on “three generations of wisdom about the finer things in life.”
Check out a sample deli menu.
Play a Round at Crooked Tree Golf Club
Golfers amateurs and enthusiasts alike are delighted by Crooked Tree Golf Club’s breathtaking views of Little Traverse Bay, hardwood forests and incredible greens. The Club is located in Bay Harbor, a short drive from Petoskey and offers on-course cottages, private golf lessons, as well as other amenities.
Call 231.439.4000 to set up your tee time!