Petoskey

Petoskey is a gorgeous tourist town on the shores of Little Traverse Bay in Northwestern Michigan, USA. Renowned for its spectacular lakeshore views year-round, abundant shopping, nearness to ski slopes, world-class golf and an undeniable small-town charm. Petoskey is annually rated as one of the best small towns in America. == Get in == === By car === Petoskey lies at the crossroads of US 131 and US 31. Petoskey is located approximately 4 hours north of Detroit and 40 minutes south of the Mackinaw Bridge and is easily drivable from Detroit, Chicago, and the surrounding states. === By bike === Petoskey is connected to Alanson, Pellston, and Mackinaw City via the Petoskey to Mackinaw trail. === By plane === You can reach Petoskey via Pellston Regional Airport (30 min), Cherry Capital Airport (90 min), or a variety of other regional airports. All are serviced by Delta Air Lines. == Get around == === By car === You'll most likely want to have a car to get around Petoskey. Taxi service in the Petoskey area is limited. A few of the hotels have shuttles but unless you're already driving you'll want to have a rental car. Traffic is generally pretty light but can be significantly busier in the summer. Having transportation will give you the ability to visit other places near by like Harbor Springs and Charlevoix, which are within about 20 miles of Petoskey. === On foot === When downtown, you can walk to just about everywhere. === By bike === Little Traverse Wheelway. A bike path that follows the shore. You can ride Petoskey to Charlevoix or Petoskey to Harbor Springs. (updated Nov 2019) == See == Petoskey stones. These stones are common on area beaches and are high in marine fossils. (updated Sep 2019) 1 Little Traverse Historical Museum (Chesapeake and Ohio Depot). (updated Sep 2019) 2 St. Francis Solanus Mission. The oldest building standing in Petoskey. (updated Sep 2019) 3 Harris Gardens (North Central Michigan College). Sculpture garden in the main quad of North Central Michigan College. (updated Sep 2019) 4 Hemmingway Statue. A statue of author Ernest Hemmingway, who often visited this area in his youth. (updated Sep 2019) The Gaslight District. Downtown Petoskey is what makes it such a cool place. There are some great shops, fantastic restaurants, and beautiful parks just to have a little stroll. (updated Nov 2019) Bayfront Park. Petoskey's waterfront is relatively unrivalled in the Midwest. There are some great parks and sights, waterfall, ponds, etc., along the shore of Little Traverse Bay. The waterfront can be easily walked to from downtown and ample parking is available. (updated Nov 2019) Bay View. Built as a Methodist retreat, it is filled with gingerbread-style Victorian cottages and two quaint inns. (updated Nov 2019) Bay Harbor. Visit this unbelievable development on the shores of Little Traverse Bay. Home to some amazing homes, a nice shopping district and great golf. (updated Nov 2019) == Do == 1 Petoskey State Park. A very popular beach during the summertime, this is the place to enjoy Lake Michigan on a hot summer day. (updated Sep 2019) 2 Emmet County Fair. (updated Sep 2019) 3 Winter Sports Park. (updated Sep 2019) 4 Great Lakes Center for the Arts. (updated Sep 2019) 5 East Park. Waterfront park. (updated Sep 2019) == Buy == 1 Old Emmet Farmer's Market. (updated Sep 2019) == Eat == Roast & Toast, 309 E Lake St. Soups, sandwiches, and coffee. Large selection of homemade sodas such as the Lucky Duck. Tin ceiling and cafe atmosphere with a patio in back. (updated Sep 2019) 1 Palette Bistro. (updated Sep 2019) Side Door Saloon (north of town on US 31 near Bay View). (updated Sep 2019) == Drink == 1 City Park Grill. Popular on weekends. (updated Sep 2019) 2 The Noggin Room, 100 Lewis St (in the lower level of Stafford's Perry Hotel.), ☏ +1-1-800-737-1899. Go for Sean Ryan. (updated Sep 2019) The Mitchell Street Pub. Pub food, burgers, and great beer. Don't be afraid to throw your peanut shells on the floor. (updated Sep 2019) Leo's Lounge. The Side Door Saloon. Schmohz Brewery, 109 W Mitchell St. (updated Dec 2019) == Sleep == The Surf Cottage, ☏ +1 231-632-0833. 4-bedroom home on Lake Michigan in "Tunnel of Trees". 150-ft private, sandy Lake Michigan Frontage. Open year round. 1 Apple Tree Inn. (updated Sep 2019) Bed and Breakfasts. (updated Sep 2019) 2 Inn at Bay Harbor (Little Traverse Bay). (updated Sep 2019) 3 Perry Hotel, 100 Lewis St, ☏ +1 231 347-4000, toll-free: +1 800 737-1899, perryhotel@staffords.com. Built in 1899 as one of some twenty original luxury resort hotels, Stafford’s Perry Hotel is the only one still in operation. (updated Sep 2019) 4 Stafford’s Bay View Inn, 2011 Woodland Ave, ☏ +1 231 347-2771, toll-free: +1 800 737-1899, bayviewinn@staffords.com. Established in 1886 with historic rooms and scenic views. (updated Jan 2020) == Connect == 1 Petosky District Library (Petosky Public Library), 500 E Mitchell, ☏ +1-231-758-3100. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. (updated Sep 2019) 2 Petoskey Post Office. (updated Sep 2019) == Go next == Legs Inn (they're up in Cross Village (20 minutes) but the drive along M119 is terrific). (updated Sep 2019)