Warmer temps are on the horizon and that means spring is right around the corner. If you haven’t visited Charlevoix during the spring, you are missing out on a magical time of year. The weather is starting to get warm, the trees are starting to bloom, and it’s time to get outside to make the most of spring. Here are nine reasons why you should visit Charlevoix this spring.
Spring blooms Warmer temps call for spring blooms. Northern Michigan is home to numerous cherry and apple orchards. While you may be familiar with taking a fall color tour, have you ever thought about taking a spring bloom tour? The orchards are awash in beautiful spring flowers and fresh scents. If you visit wooded areas, you may even find trilliums in bloom (just a reminder, these flowers cannot be picked, and they’re protected under Michigan law).
Morel mushrooms During the spring months, people head to the woods to find the elusive and delicious morel mushrooms. If you want to try your luck, morels thrive in or near wooded areas. Here’s a complete guide on how to find morel mushrooms. You can even celebrate the morel mushroom harvest at Boyne City’s annual Morel Mushroom Festival! If you want to try morel flavored cuisine, local restaurants also have an amazing selection of this delicacy:
Castle Farms There’s nothing quite like Castle Farms. This Renaissance-inspired castle welcomes visitors to explore the majestic grounds and historic structures of this beautiful facility. Stop by 1918 Cellars to try a flight of wine, visit the numerous historic exhibits in the Castle, and take in one of Michigan’s largest displays of model train displays. Take a guided tour to learn more about the interesting history of the Castle.
Mushroom Houses When in Charlevoix, make a point of seeing the architectural collection of self-taught builder Earl Young. Over the course of his fifty-year career, Young built twenty-six residential houses and four commercial properties. Earl Young's houses feature his signature designs with wide, wavy eaves, exposed rafter tails; cedar-shake roofs; and a horizontal emphasis in design. Take a tour to learn more about these quirky houses.
Golf Insiders know the attraction of spring golf in Northern Michigan: crisp, clear days; no crowds; and very attractive rates. Nestled between three lakes, Charlevoix boasts of five renowned area golf courses. This region of northern Michigan offers interesting course diversity and easy access to multiple courses. For a complete guide on spring, golf click here.
Outdoor Recreation Get outside this spring and explore all that Charlevoix county has to offer. Explore the beautiful wooded trails or play a challenging round of disc golf at the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area. Enjoy the views and take a leisurely bike ride along the shores of Lake Michigan on the Little Traverse Wheelway. If you’re looking for an adventure, take a rafting trip down the Jordan River. Spring is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy warmer weather.
Now that winter is over, spring is the best time of year to find Petoskey and Charlevoix stones. Stroll along Lake Michigan Beach to find these unusual coral fossils. Spring storms and wind generally churn up the lake and can provide great stone deposits.
Birding Birdwatchers flock to Northern Michigan during the migration of birds during the spring. More than twenty nature preserves and parks within a short distance of Charlevoix provide for endless hours of birdwatching. These protected habitats have diverse landscapes, waterscapes, and topography, which boast sightings of more than 400 species of birds.
Craft Beverages Calling all craft beverage drinkers! Northern Michigan welcomes you to try our beer, wine, and spirits. Stop by Bier’s Inwood Brewery for unique craft beverages and a great variety of seasonal brews. Explore the Petoskey Area Wine Region for an awesome variety of local wineries. You will have a hard time picking which wineries you want to visit! Click herefor a map of area breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
.jpg)
.jpg)