The tree-shaded streets of Charlevoix complement the Victorian homes and shops along the shore of Lake Charlevoix. The highway bridge lifts for the Beaver Island ferry and for boaters moving in and out of the harbor. This is a strolling town where summer people and travelers more than triple the year-round population. In the lingering twilight of summer nights, folks amble along the waterfront and take in the line of shops. Petoskey and the neighboring community of Bay View rule like royalty over the head of Little Traverse Bay.
Joggers run alongside the waterfront park, marina and historical museum.
Up the slope is Petoskey's main shopping area, the Gaslight District, with decorative street lamps and more than 80 shops and upscale galleries. Neighboring Bay View was founded in 1875 as a Methodist summer retreat and is now included on the National Register of Historic Places. Drive the winding streets to admire the rows and rows of Victorian cottages. After sampling all the area has to offer, from wine and jams to shops and galleries, bed down for the night within earshot of softly lapping water. Dixie Franklin is a freelance writer from Vulcan, Mich., who specializes in outdoor adventure writing.