Petoskey, Michigan is a quaint resort town seated in Little Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan. The name "Petoskey" is said to mean "where the light shines through the clouds" in the language of the native Odawa Indians. The town is famous for a high concentration of Petoskey stones, the state stone of Michigan, and is the boyhood home of singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens.
Petoskey and the surrounding areas are notable for being the setting of several of the Nick Adams stories by Ernest Hemingway. He spent his childhood summers on nearby Walloon Lake. Petoskey is also notable in the setting of Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex. The protagonist of the book, Calliope, experiences events in Petoskey that have severe and lasting impressions.
Downtown Petoskey is the place to eat and shop. North (Harbor Springs, Boyne Highlands, and Nub’s Nob) and South (Boyne Falls, Boyne Mountain) of Petoskey are the best places to ski. Bay Harbor, Charlevoix, and Torch Lake have the best harbors and boating is wonderful. Only 45 minutes away is Mackinaw Island and 1 ½ hours is Traverse City, home of the National Cherry Festival.
During the summer, there is a festival practically every weekend from sidewalk sales to art fairs. This area is one of the most gorgeous places to check out the cornucopia of autumn colors and also the blanket of sparkling, white snow during the amazing ski season. Along the coastline of the bays, there are local fruit farms of fresh produce and pies. Traverse City is also one of the few places in America that still has an old-time, drive-in movie theater, The Cherry Bowl, which plays current movies.
After a long day of skiing, shopping, driving, boating, and golfing, you’ll want to relax and dine at some of the delectable restaurants in the area. If you’re looking for a great, American pizza go to Papa Lou’s in Petoskey and order the Della Donna pizza. For the best beer list, head to Knot A Bar in Bay Harbor. Chandler’s has adult strength cocktails appropriate after a long day of fun in Petoskey. Julienne Tomato, also in Petoskey, is a must for Wednesday lunches for their tomato gorgonzola soup. Get there early, though, because they run out fast. American Spoon (Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs) also has the best gelato (though not as good as going to Italy to get it, but close enough).
Our best packing tip for visiting Petoskey is always bring a jacket. A hot day up north is usually somewhere near the 80s with warm weather lasting about 3-4 months. It’s always humid, so dress is light in cotton or linen layers. It also rains abundantly, so bring an umbrella. The rain in northern Michigan rarely lasts all day, so dress in layers according to season. Bring water shoes since the water and beaches are rock based. You don’t want to hurt your feet. Bring bug spray to ward off any bugs from the woods. For the majority of the year, it’s cold, windy, and snowing making it necessary to bring lots of warm clothes. Hats, gloves, parkas, scarves, and boots will suffice for the season. Dress here all year round, including formal events, is casual. Jeans, sundress, t-shirts, and sweatshirts are all you need to fit in perfectly. Interestingly, I have noticed designer style does come in cars and purses. Mercedes and Louis’ galore.
So, please enjoy what the bay has to offer for skiing, boating, shopping, and eating in quaint, beautiful Petoskey.
