Cape Coral, Florida is located in Southwest Florida near Fort Myers with a Population of 204,510 (2021). Cape Coral is known for having over 400 miles of canals giving it the nickname “Waterfront Wonderland”. Most homes in Cape Coral have access or are on one of its many canals making it a boater’s paradise. The following blog post will dicuss in detail and go over what discovering a hidden coastal retreat on the gulf coast means.
Interesting Fact
Cape Coral has the largest population of burrowing owls in Florida. They are the smallest owl species averaging 5 to 8.5 ounces and 7 to 11.5 inches tall
Cape Coral has over 400 miles of canals, often called the “Venice of America,” offering more extensive waterways than Venice, Italy (Washburn, 2022).
355 Days of Sun: The city averages 355 days of sunshine per year.
Where to Stay
The Westin Resort at Marina Village
5951 Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914
The Westin Resort in Marina Village is considered a 4-diamond AAA resort. This hotel has 263 rooms and was built in 2010. This hotel is considered a hidden gem for couples and anniversaries due to its privacy and amenities. The resort has 2 pools and 2 restaurants. Thier is a small upscale shopping plaze connected to the hotel with additional restaurants and even an icecream parlor.
Lobby with water feature
The main lobby was quite impressive as it was clean, polished and its centerpiece was a floor to ceiling water feature that really added to the ambience. In additon, next to the check in station was a large in wall aquarium that was also really cool. Overall. the hotel was very clean, freindly staff and the hotel was well kept up. The Westin Resort is located at Marina Village in Tarpon Point.
Typical Room View
The rooms are spacious with screened in lanias that over look the Caloosahatchee River and nature preserve. We really enjoyed the mornings as they were peaceful watching the sunlight reflecting over the waterway was very serene. The whole area in general is extremely quiet and relxing as their is no traffic accept the occasional boat or Pelican.
For a more indept walk through of a Suite at this hotel please see the below video.
Marina Village is the connecting point and is located right next to the resort. The village is a small open air shopping center with several restaurants, shops, and even an ice cream parlor. A beautiful boardwalk with upscale shoping and dining that encomasses the marina.
Marina Village connects the resort with the marina and the neighboring condo complex. The Village resembles coastal Italian architecture and is very pleasant to walk though as it is well landscaped and also quite peaceful.
A beautiful shopping center right on the water edge. Features great restaurants, ice cream and upscale art and boutique women’s clothing store.
The Food of Cape Coral
Now no trip would be complete unless we talk about the food. Marina Village despite its size had a few amazing places to dine at.
Cape Coral, Fl. has an amazing array of food and surrounding beauty to enjoy it in. Tarpon Point has some of the best restaurants in the area and some of the best cold treats too.
The first being the restaurant Gather. This was a more of a formal / business casual restaurant that served breakfast on the weekends and a dinner menu Tuesday through Sunday. Talk about pretzel and how you and your wife love a nice baked pretzel.
A warm Pretzel with a side of Truffle Honeycomb Mustard Dip.
Gulf Coast Fudge Ice Cream This charming establshment has some amazing treats along with ice cream. A perfect placer to take the family after dinner or catching the sunset.
MY wife and I enjoyed the Freak Shakes as you can see pictured below they were quite impressive. This will make any child happy and probably hyper.
PB OMG a delicious assortment of nutty buddy’s peanut butter cups mixed in a creamy vanilla ice cream. Best Ice Cream and Candy Shop in Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral, FL. A place of Peace & Tranquility.
Cape Coral, FL is a great place to relax and enjoy a more intimate family vacation away from the hustle and bustle of other Florida coastal cities.
As both photos show the Westin Resort in Cape Coral and Cape Coral in general is quite a relaxing place.
The photo to the left was taking at their pool looking up at the back end of the resort. I think this was the most relaxed my wife and I have every felt at a resort pool.
The other photo to the right was taking during one of our morning walks and it shows how beautiful the sun rise is despite being on the west coast of Florida. Very calm morning with minimal traffic. No highway noise or large attractions nearby just birds and trees and gentle breezes.
Take Care for now and Enjoy the Journey.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. We hope you enjoyed the post as much as we did creating the post. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTokand subscribe to our YouTube channel
Washburn, M. (2022) Greater Fort Myers, Live your dream, Premiere Plus Realty Co. Bonita Springs, FL. retrieved from: https://www.greaterftmyers.com/blog/fun-facts-about-cape-coral/
Creating the best website with Hostinger in 6 moderately easy steps
Creating a website can be a cumbersome process. Selecting the platform that works best for you is very important. In my opinion, Hostinger is by far the best hosting platform for your website. This article will outline how to get started and why you should choose Hostinger as your hosting platform. Furthermore, Hostinger offers competitive prices and a variety of packages.
Why Choose Hostinger for creating the best website?
24/7 customer support.
Customer support that is available 24/7 is great if you are new to starting a website. When I started my website, I was calling these guys weekly with questions. They always responded promptly, were courteous and answered my tedious questions. Sometimes they even helped me solve the problem by remotely accessing my website.
Access to WordPress
Signing up with Hostinger will give you access to WordPress where you can build your site. WordPress is a builder that simplifies the entire web creation process. WordPress is also extremely user friendly and makes some of the best-looking websites out there on the web.
A good portion of the internet runs on WordPress.
This just shows you how much they dominate the world wide web.
Frequent updates.
This means that you will always have an advantage on non-WordPress websites. In addition, WordPress offers limitless customizations with hundreds of free themes.
The following link will get you started and offer you a 20% Discount
To get on the road to building your website, a better life and dive into those creative juices you have been suppressing for far too long is to come up with a catchy domain name.
Choosing a domain name is important as it will be the name of your website. You can use Google or Hostinger to register your domain name. Make sure you pick something that identifies what your website is about, is catchy and easy to recognize.
You want a name that will withstand the test of time and be able to grow with you as your website develops. Basically, pick a name that you will not regret in a few years. After you have carefully picked the perfect name that will not only represent you but the subject matter on your website, you will also need to make sure that it is available. This can be done by searching domain names when registering your name in Google or Hostinger.
When I was creating my website, I ran into problems finding a name. I would come up with great names, but they were not available. Eventually, I started playing around with words that I wanted to use that best represented my website, such as “Mindful Travels,” “Traveling to Food,” and “A Mindful Traveler,” you get the point. I interchanged words around until I came up with Traveling Mindfully. The name captures the topic of my blog, and it is easy to remember.
Step 2: Choose your Hosting Platform
The next step is to choose your Hosting platform. Hostinger will prompt you into picking a hosting package. Hostinger offers various package options including a website builder which will give you confidence and ease when you are designing and creating your website. There are currently 4 different packages available to choose from. The packages can be purchased for 12 months, 24 months, 36month or 48 months.
I would recommend doing the 48 months as building, launching, and creating content can take time and effort. I chose the Business Web Hosting since it offered free Automated Backups, which is great for when you update, or when your website goes down (which is rare). The automated backup service keeps records of your website’s content, such as pictures, texts, videos etc. This service will easily restore your website to a previous point in time in the event of a crash or mistake in editing. This worked wonders for me as I made a lot of mistakes. My advice would be to be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to get acclimated.
Step 3: Create and Access your Hostinger Account
When you log into your Hostinger account you will be able to access WordPress and begin building your website. Before you begin building your website you will have the option to create an email address that will be on the main screen. This can be advantageous as it gives you more of a professional and polished appearance. The email address will be linked to your website name such as “Jane.Doe@websitename.com.”
Depending on what plan you purchase with Hostinger you might be able to have up to five emails addresses associated with your website. This is great if you plan on having employees or multiple people associated with your website. When you set up your email, they will ask you if you want the paid options, which are much nicer and more conducive. However, they do offer a free version that works just as well. I chose the free version because of my limited budget, and it works for me.
Step 4: Selecting a Theme
The next step takes place when you log into Hostinger where you will be prompted to log into your WordPress. This is where all the magic happens. When you begin building your site the first decision you will need to make will be what theme you would like to use for your website.
A theme is similar to a power point presentation and shows you what the layout of your website will look like. This can be a lengthy process as there are a lot of themes and many of them look great and will most likely meet your vision. Fear not though, you will know when you find the one that suits your needs. You can always change your theme later if you find a better one or want to upgrade to a more premium theme selection. I recommend going into this selection process with an open mind and trying to visualize which theme will play to your creativity and vision.
Step 5: Creating your Landing Page
The first page you will create will be a landing page. This is the main page that visitors will see when they enter your website. From the landing page they can interact with your posts and other pages. You want to make this page interesting, attention grabbing and easy to navigate as this will determine your bounce rate (the amount of time visitors spend on your website and landing page and never explore any other part of your website). You can also create a menu for your landing page (more on that later).
Step 6: Creating your Content
After you have selected your theme and landing page, you can begin to work on your content from the dashboard. The dashboard is the backend for your website. The backend of the website is where you can create all the content that will be featured in your site. Take your time with this as you can create pages and posts and not have to publish them right away. I worked out of the backend of my website for several months before I published and launched my site.
As you are putting together your masterpiece, I would encourage you to explore the block editor as it makes life much easier. WordPress has a large assortment of blocks that allows you to insert paragraphs, quotes, images, videos, and much more. This is only a fraction of what WordPress can do for you.
So now you are ready to create the best website on Hostinger using WordPress
WordPress offers all skill levels of website builders an opportunity to create a fully functioning professional website that looks and functions great. I have truly enjoyed my experience with WordPress, and I am confident you will too. With that being said, the link below will direct you where you need to sign up and begin your new journey. If the following article post was helpful or you have more questions, please feel free to contact us and leave a comment in the section below. Thank you and enjoy your new journey.
The following link will get you started and offer you a 20% Discount
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Where to find Endless Mountains, Fall Leaves & Hot Apple Cider
Exploring Autumn in Stowe, Vermont is nothing short of magical. Stowe, is tucked between the valleys of the Green Mountains that make up Vermont. Stowe is a small picturesque town in northern Vermont that is known for skiing and tourism. One of the town’s main attractions is Mount Mansfield’s, which is also Vermont’s highest peak (1). Although, Stowe today ranks as on of the most popular ski destinations in New England and the United States, it has a lot more to offer than just ski slopes (1). Let’s go check out this charming tourist town tucked away in the Green Mountains, which is also known for its Fall Leaves & Hot Apple Cider.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Downtown Stowe, VT.
Downtown Stowe, VT. gets very busy. It was very difficult to find a parking spot and therefore we were not able to make a stop and walk around. Although, the downtown is small and quaint, we did notice many wonderful stores and restaurants that we will look for during our next visit. Moreover, the downtown offers sidewalks on all sides of the road making leisure walking at a mindful pace much more enjoyable.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Fun Fact
Stowe, VT. is known as the “Ski Capital of the East.” Stowe is the birthplace of alpine skiing in Vermont and home to the nation’s oldest ski patrol (1.)
Places to Explore
Gondola Skyride
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
My wife and I arrived on a typical brisk cloudy autumn day. The visibility was not great, but the atmosphere and the surrounding nature was exquisite. We started our day at the famous and probably more popular attraction, the Stowe Gondola Skyride.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The Gondola Skyride is located at the base of Mount Mansfield. The Gondola ride will take you to the shoulder of the mountain near the peak. This drop point has various hiking trails, a gift shop, a restaurant, a snack shop that serves waffles, and a viewing platform. The top of the mountain was much colder than the base and we were literally inside a cloud when we departed the skyride. So, for anyone who has never traveled up a mountain, be prepared for drastic temperature drops and different climates.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The Cliff House is situated at the top of the Gondola Skyride. The restaurant serves American cuisine with a rustic flair. The Cliff House is only accessible via the Gondola Skyride and is only open for lunch. Outside of the Cliff House restaurant are restrooms if needed. This is a vast contrast from the base as they only offer porta potties for your restroom needs. So, if you can hold it until you reach the top, we would recommend that.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Viewing Platform
The Viewing platform was a bit cold and cloudy, which obstructed most of the view. The day we went out was unfortunately a typical overcast autumn day which limited our viewing ability. We can only imagine what a clear day would be like. Maybe next time. Supposedly, the locals claim you can see parts of Lake Champlain from this height.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Located across from the gift shop, near the exit ramp is The Waffle. Here, they serve the frosty traveler a warm delicious waffle that can be topped with a choice of Vermont’s own maple syrup, or chocolate sauce. The Waffle is a grab and go establishment and dining would have to take place at some of the benches located outside the complex. The Waffle also offers various packaged snacks, and refreshments.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Belgium waffle with maple syrup
This would be a typical Belgium waffle or what is left of it. The waffle was softer and easy to break apart giving it more of a pastry composition. We ordered ours to be topped with maple syrup since this is Vermont and maple syrup is their specialty. The waffle was made to order, served hot, and was a nice compliment to a cold autumn day.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
The top station has many points of interest for relaxing and enjoying the alpine environment. One of those areas happened to be a row of Adirondack chairs that are positioned outside the Gondola top station near the cliff. Too bad it was cloudy because I am sure this view would have been breathtaking!
Restaurants & Shops
Stowe Bee Bakery & Café
1056 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The Stowe Bee Bakery is a great bakery with a wide assortment of sandwiches, pastries, coffees, and other delicious treats. The ambience inside the bakery is relaxing, charming, and clean. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. The inside is filled with large windows letting in a lot of sunlight, giving it a bright and cheerful feel. The food is delicious and made with quality ingredients that are locally sourced, adding to the wholesomeness of the food.
They also have a unique gift shop inside where you can buy some of Vermont’s world-renowned maple syrup along with other goodies. This place is a convenient stop as it is easy on and off from the main road, has a large parking lot for ease of parking and great food. This little spot meets all the qualifications of convenience and quality food.
Stowe Bee Bakery interior
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
The dining room is airy, with lots of windows to let in the sunlight. The hardwood floors are polished and well maintained. Moreover, there is an abundance of lighting for the gloomier days, which makes for a nice year-round ambience.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl
Throughout the bakery there are various cupboards, pictures, and other unique quirky items that add to the cozy appeal the bakery offers its patrons. Below are a few items we had for our lunch that we thought were exceptional.
Mt. Triple Grilled Panini
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
A delicious panini that has a generous portion of grilled chicken, local ham, Cabot white cheddar cheese, and a house made maple mustard. The sandwich was amazing and had that perfect crispy texture that only a perfectly grilled panini can give you.
Cinnamon Sugar Muffin
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl A delicious cinnamon sugar muffin that has a nice texture with a moist fluffy center. A great ending to a terrific lunch.PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
This wall pretty much sums up the bakery’s motto and how they incorporate bees into their products. The food, ambience, and artistic approach this bakery takes is one that is genuinely unique and would add meaningful delight to any trip to Stowe, VT.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
3600 Waterbury-Stowe-Rd Waterbury Center, VT
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is the essence of what Vermont is all about, hot apple cider, gift shops full of maple syrup, cider donuts and endless views of autumn-colored mountains. This magnificent cider mill has it all and will bring out the joy of autumn to anyone who ventures here. This unique working cider mill allows all patrons to see the inner workings of a real cider mill.
The cider mill showcases the process of creating apple cider. The mill presses raw cider on their vintage rack-and-cloth press machine, delivering a real Vermont McIntosh apple cider (2). Furthermore, the cider mill is also environmentally friendly by using solar power for powering most of the mill (2). They also recycle shipping boxes, and they no longer use polystyrene packing or GMO-modified ingredients (2).
The Cider Donut Process
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
The cider donuts are one of their biggest attractions and for a good reason. They are delicious! The donut is a cake donut that measures approximately 2.5 inches in diameter (2). The donuts are made fresh daily by their old fashion donut machine. The picture below gives you an idea of how the process works (2).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The mix is pushed out through a specialty donut shaping machine to the hot oil where it is cooked.PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl After the donut has been cooked it is placed on a conveyor belt which allows the donut to dry and form the texture, we all know and love.PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Finished product that is ready for consumption.
What I enjoyed about this donut is that there are no additives such as chocolate, frosting, or powdered sugar that would detract from the flavor. Instead, it is just a natural authentic cider donut. This famous donut goes great with a cup of warm apple cider.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The final result was a freshly made cider donut with a cup of steaming hot apple cider.
The apple cider donut is a delicious cake donut that has a light crisp texture on the outside and a fluffy moist center. We would recommend you pick a few, especially if you can get them when they are freshly made. They also make a great road snack as well; your kids will thank you.
On the way to get your donuts, you will have the opportunity to get a cup of finished warm apple cider. The warm apple cider is a wonderful addition to a cold New England fall afternoon. This was the first time my wife and I tried authentic warm cider. I can honestly say there is nothing like it and this experience should not be missed. The apple cider will warm you up not only temperature wise but also with the spirit of autumn.
Photo: Christopher Gradwohl
Throughout Cold Hollow Cider Mill complex there are several great places to sip on hot apple cider, eat a cider donut and enjoy the beautiful distant mountains. Every trip to Stowe, VT. should include a trip to Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This place has it all. The cider mill is extremely popular and usually draws large crowds, especially during the autumn months. Nevertheless, it is worth the crowded lines.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, Stowe, VT. is a great place to stop with plenty to see and do. This is a smaller town, so a few hours would be all that is necessary to experience what Stowe, VT. has to offer. Make sure to check the times of the Gondola Skyride as they change throughout the year. Also, getting an up-to-date weather report might reward you with some better views.
Stowe does offer a lot to do and many places of interest that would entertain the whole family. The next time you are in Vermont, I would recommend making a stop in Stowe, VT. as this small Vermont town is known for its endless mountains, fall leaves & hot apple cider. You will leave impressed and really get to see all the highlights that the lovely state of Vermont has to offer.
Autumn is a special time of year as it draws families near with warm kitchens, crisp breezes, and the beauty of the changing of the leaves, which gives the world a natural canvas of color. Make this upcoming Autumn season memorable with a trip to Stowe, VT. and enjoy the endless mountains, fall leaves & hot apple cider.
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Where to Find Covered Bridges, The Woodstock Inn, and a Picturesque Downtown
Woodstock is one of the most picturesque towns in Vermont. This charming New England town is not very large but does have a lot of history, nature, and a very enchanting downtown. There is a shallow creek that cuts through the downtown regions and flows off into the distant mountains providing a very tranquil feel to the area. The sidewalks are large for easy foot traffic and allow for a more mindful walk through the downtown. The town was built for pedestrians as there are plenty of crosswalks, and benches.
Photo: Christopher Gradwohl
Woodstock was chartered in 1761 and settled in 1768 (4). In the recent years Woodstock has become a very popular tourist town due to its heritage in artisan culture and historic American charm (4). From the quaint downtown to the tree lined sidewalks, Woodstock will be sure to entice any mindful traveler.
Fun Fact
Woodstock was named “The Prettiest Small Town in America” by the Ladies Home Journal magazine. (5)
Where to Explore
Covered Bridge
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Middle Bridge Woodstock, VT
The Middle-Covered bridge is an idyllic wooden structure that gives insight to a bygone era in our history. This 139-foot-long bridge is a remarkable sight for anyone visiting Woodstock (1). This bridge really adds to the picturesque feel of Vermont and is a true statement to the New England heritage. The bridge was built in 1969 by Milton Grace to replace an 1877 iron bridge (1). Despite being built in the 20th century, it was still constructed using traditional methods such as material and even wooden pegs instead of nails (1).
This covered bridge had a separate walkway for pedestrian traffic, which is wonderful because it really gives you a chance to look out at the river below and the vast mountains in the distance. The covered bridge is a sight to be seen and is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity. My wife and I were grateful to see such a renowned part of history.
Woodstock Inn
14 The Green
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Woodstock Inn front yard
In my opinion, the most famous Inn in all of Vermont would be the Woodstock Inn. This captivating Inn at the edge of the downtown district is one of distinction and beauty. From the perfectly manicured lawns to the authentic New England craftmanship, this Inn is an extraordinary experience for any traveler. The Woodstock Inn has been known for its epitome of luxury standards and has been rooted in the Woodstock community since the late 1790s.
Originally the Woodstock Inn was built as a tavern. The tavern has developed over time to the luxury hotel it is today (2). In 1830 an expert carver created a large golden eagle that was mounted above the Tavern’s entrance. The eagle symbol is still prevalent today as the Woodstock Inn’s brand identity (2).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Woodstock Inn sign
Although we did not get the chance to stay at this Inn, it was absolutely stunning to see the hotel in the Autumn. We enjoyed a very peaceful and tranquil walk around the beautifully maintained grounds. This would definitely be one of those places that we will be adding to our bucket list of places to stay at and so should you. I hear Christmas is nothing short of magical.
Picturesque Downtown Shopping Woodstock, VT
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Downtown Woodstock, VT
Although the downtown is not very large, it is well appointed and has its own unique allure. The shopping district which would encompass most of the downtown area has many locally owned shops that offer many of Vermont’s unique merchandise. The products are mostly made in Vermont or nearby, making them very authentic and unique. The store fronts are well arranged, and each has their own story to tell. When my wife and I walked into a couple of the shops in search of an ornament for our Christmas tree, we were greeted by a cozy and warm atmosphere.
General Store
16 Elm Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
This charming General Store has been in the Woodstock community since 1886. Walking inside this store you are immediately transported back to a much simpler era with the smell of cedar wood and local timber permeating throughout the shop. The store has a little bit of everything. True to its roots it still serves local dairy, meats, cheeses and other various household goods. Also, if you find yourself in need of a greeting card or some bath products, you will find them here. My wife and I perused through the gift area and locally crafted baked goods. We found several items of interest that made for a delicious roadside snack.
Vermont Treats
Apple Cider Donuts
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Apple Cider Donuts is a delicious treat that completes any autumn day. The apple cider donut is a tasty treat and a pleasant surprise. Native to the Vermont and New England area this donut is the essence of apple cider, cinnamon and sugar married together to make the perfect autumn treat.
Pure Vermont Maple Candy
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Pure Vermont Maple Candy is a Vermont tradition and favorite autumn candy. This unique candy is made with pure maple syrup (6). The syrup is stirred, cooled, and poured into a leaf shaped candy mold (6). The candy is pure maple syrup so it is very sweet and will most likely prompt you for seconds or as my uncle used to say, “that tastes like more”. Every visit to Vermont should include a box of these tasty treats.
My wife and I have also used candies for our oatmeal. We make a bowl of oatmeal and when it is finished and at its hottest point, we simply drop one of the candies into the oatmeal and stir it around. The maple candy really adds a wonderful sweetener and maple flavor to the oatmeal. This is just a nice unique sweetener to liven up breakfast or take you down memory lane of your New England autumn trip.
Maple Creemee
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Maple Creemee in a waffle cone
The Maple Creemee is another one of Vermont’s famous treats. A maple Creemee is a soft serve ice cream that is infused with maple syrup. This classic taste of Vermont is one of the best soft served flavors of ice cream that my wife and I have ever experienced. If you add Vermont’s abundance of dairy farms you will see why ice cream is such a big deal in this part of the country. When it comes to ice cream, the fresher the dairy, the better it will taste, and Vermont has the Diary.
Woodstock Scoops
20 Central Street
Woodstock Scoops has a great Maple Creemee that should be tried when visiting the region. They offer soft serve ice cream that is flavored with maple syrup. Their milk is provided by a local dairy farm down the road, so they do have that creamier texture that we all know and love about good ice cream.
Architecture
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Most New England towns that were built during the colonial times, such as Woodstock are famous for their architecture. Along the river and main road are several homes and buildings including the courthouse, library and other public structures that showcase the architectural splendor that the 18th and 19th century had to offer. The following are a few of them.
The Windsor County Court House
12 The Green
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Windsor County Court House
This beautiful building is a wonderful structure to photograph as it brings a lot of colonial distinction and charm. This is the typical New England architecture that defines and adds to the loveliness of the town of Woodstock.
Norman Williams Public Library
10 The Green
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Norman Williams Public Library entrance
This magnificent piece of architecture was built in 1884 and has housed and served as the town public library for Woodstock (3). The Norman Williams library is a modern facility that provides the best contemporary library services to the greater Woodstock area (3). We found this library to be an architectural marvel. The building was designed perfectly facing the famous Woodstock Green.
Nature
Kedron Brook
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Kedron brook is a shallow stream that cuts through the landscape creating a beautiful backdrop of color and ambience.
A quiet peaceful bubbling brook that gently flows through the downtown of Woodstock and eventually into the Ottauquechee River. The calmly flowing stream is a wonderful place to sit next to and have a picnic or a Creemee. This stream was very picturesque, and the water was crystal clear.
Ottauquechee River
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Ottauquechee River
The Ottauquechee River is a 41-mile-long river in eastern Vermont. The source of the river is from the runoff of the Green Mountains and flows south eastwardly to the Connecticut River. This is a popular river to kayak or canoe during the summer months or hike in the Autumn months. Moreover, this charming river has numerous spots for picnics to enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding nature.
The Woodstock Green
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl The Woodstock Village Green
This beautiful park is a charming setting with large overgrown oak trees and a vast well-manicured lawn. Like most small towns, Woodstock has a nice village green which serves as their location for many activities such as farmers markets, festivals, and other outdoor events. The town’s green is a long stretch of grass with benches throughout the park.
Conclusion
Woodstock is a beautiful town with a lot of picturesque nature, architecture, and tree lined streets. The town is a lot smaller than we anticipated so if you are visiting you will only need a few hours to see the majority of it. This is a great option for a stop through on the way to another destination. Each New England town, especially the smaller ones have their own unique charm about them. Woodstock is a must for any traveler venturing to the Northeast. You will discover a culture from a bygone era in this charming New England town.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Woodstock Covered Bridge
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Cape Elizabeth is known for Lighthouses, Lobster, and Ocean Views. This little town boasts some of the most scenic lighthouses and iconic landscapes that make Maine such a popular travel destination. Cape Elizabeth is located about 5 miles southeast of Portland on Maine’s southeastern coast (1). The town of Cape Elizabeth has five lighthouses that are great spots for photo opportunities. Moreover, exploring the light houses gives you a wonderful chance to relax and enjoy some mindful moments.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Eastern Lighthouse
The lighthouses are surrounded by parks and other outdoor attractions. This along with Maine’s famous lobster rolls are the makings of a very mindful excursion as scenic beauty and ocean breezes will be the distinguishing points of your trip to Cape Elizabeth, ME.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Atlantic Ocean
My wife and myself drove from New Hampshire to Cape Elizabeth for the day. Our itinerary included exploring lighthouses, state parks, and eating some lobster rolls. When we arrived at the Lobster Shack, which is next to two lighthouses, we were a little disappointed that the lighthouses were not as easily accessible. However, we were able to take some pictures from the distance.
The grounds are owned by the restaurant, which include all the picnic benches on the ledge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The area is not large and is easy to walk around. With that in mind, you will only need about an hour or two to explore and eat lunch.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Eastern Lighthouse and Driveway
Things to Consider when Traveling to Maine
There are some things to keep in mind when traveling to Cape Elizabeth, Maine for your lighthouse excursion. First and foremost, the drive is a distance and out of the way from many major highways and towns. Furthermore, when you are researching lighthouses to visit, make sure that you have the appropriate name and directions as each one requires different travel routes. Moreover, the lighthouses can vary by location and can be next to restaurants, in state parks, or in very remote places. Most state parks will ask for a nominal entrance fee. Therefore, plan accordingly as some surprises are not always enjoyable.
Moreover, if you are not familiar with driving through Maine you might want to consider their tolls, which can be costly at times and there are a lot of them. My wife and I drove from New Hampshire to Cape Elizabeth, ME. Our round-trip costs were roughly $12.00, and we did not get very far into Maine. This is not a crazy cost, but it is one to consider when you are in the budgeting and planning phases of your trip. Consequently, the small fees and unanticipated costs associated with travel are the ones that can add up the fastest eroding away at funds you had set aside for other intentions.
Where to Eat and Enjoy the Views
TheLobster Shack
225 Two Lights Road
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lobster Shack Outdoor Patio
The Lobster Shack Restaurant has great food and the prime location for photographs. Although, the food will make for a unique experience, we must mention that it is not reasonably priced. In other words, if you are on a budget, we would recommend having your lunch at one of Portland’s downtown restaurants and splurging on a desert at the Lobster Shack. Nevertheless, the location is amazing as you have access to indoor and outdoor seating that will give you incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lobster Shack outdoor patio
The Lobster Shack is extremely popular and can produce long lines. However, the restaurant is efficiently run, and can go through a line quickly without diminishing customer service or quality of food. The restaurant itself represents an authentic fisherman lobster shack that has warm wood and large windows that provide a lot of sunlight and astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean. For that reason, The Lobster Shack is one of Maines iconic restaurants and gives you a true immersion into the culture, atmosphere, and food of Maine.
Lobster Roll Boat
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Lobster Roll Boat
A generous portion of steamed lobster that is lightly salted, peppered, and infused with a dash of lemon juice. This dish is served in a hotdog bun that is topped with a dill pickle and paprika seasoned mayonnaise. The lobster boat is accompanied by a side of crinkle fries. This Maine delicacy is well revered throughout New England and the world.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Raspberry Pastry
The Raspberry pastry is a flaky outer shell that is filled with a raspberry jam, topped with buttercream and a dash of powder sugar.
Ocean Views
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl View from the outdoor seating of the Lobster Shack.
The outdoor patio offers unobstructed views of the ocean, which makes for a wonderful place to relax and take it all in. This is also a great spot to eat and enjoy the boats passing by.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Two Lights Road Beach
The beach at the end of Two Lights Road is both beautiful and naturally undisturbed. Evidently, this seems to be a prominent theme throughout the Coastal Maine region. As a result, the natural unperturbed rocky beaches help contribute to Maine’s abundance of seafood and their fishing industry, making them one of the top exporters of seafood in the United States (3).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Atlantic Ocean View From The Lobster Shack Grounds
Undoubtedly, the grounds near the Lobster Shack provide spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beautiful and scenic views offer the mindful traveler excellent photo opportunities and a nice ocean breeze that can cool off any sundrenched traveler. Moreover, the natural landscape of wildflowers offers the photographer a beautiful canvas, and the mindful traveler an enjoyable and peaceful stroll along the ocean’s edge.
PHOTO: Nina Gradwohl Two Lights Eastern lighthouse seen from rock jetty
The above image captures the view of the eastern lighthouse, which is still active today and is one of the brightest lighthouses in Maine. The eastern lighthouse is visible up to 17 miles at sea (2). Unfortunately, this lighthouse is not accessible to the public and it is not associated with any public park.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Two Lights Eastern Lighthouse
Overall, Maine and Cape Elizabeth are both known for lighthouses, lobster, and ocean views. The lobster was great, and the coastline views were legendary. In other words, this beautiful place is worth the visit.
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In my opinion breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and therefore finding the right restaurant can really add to your entire experience. Finding a restaurant that has great food, and creates a memorable experience is not an easy feat. This can prove especially difficult when traveling with a group, since everyone’s views on the optimal breakfast may differ. However, worry no more because when it comes to breakfast, the Pink Pony is the spot. This amazing restaurant has not only traditional favorites but some local ones as well. With an abundance of options, their menu will have something for everyone. Along with great food they also have some incredible views from their outdoor covered patio.
The Pink Pony
7221 Main Street
Pink Pony Restaurant outdoor covered dining room.
The Pink Pony is located inside the Chippewa hotel. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. The Pink Pony is one of the most established and loved restaurants on the entire island.
Breakfast at the Pink Pony is phenomenal. This is one of the few places where I can honestly say that they have just too many good options. If I were to narrow it down, I would recommend the Home Style French Toast. This delicious choice includes several thick slices of cinnamon or banana nut bread that are cooked to a perfect light crisp texture, with a soft inside and topped with powdered sugar. Both options, the banana nut bread and cinnamon bread are amazing and served with your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham.
If French Toast is not your thing, I would also recommend the Mackinac Country Skillet. This is a delicious skillet that is loaded with onions, peppers, sausage and topped with cheddar and pepper jack cheese. It is also served with two eggs and toast. This would be a good option for someone who wants a heartier breakfast.
My Wife’s favorite is the Pony Power Scramble. Just as the name suggests, this little breakfast pleaser will get you energized for those long island walks or bike rides. The Pony Power Scramble consists of egg whites, spinach, onions, asparagus, tomatoes, mushrooms, and it is topped with homemade salsa. This dish comes with home fries (diced potatoes cooked in oil and topped with salt and parsley) and choice of toast.
Mackinac Island Public Harbor
If you are not much of a breakfast person, this landmark restaurant has some amazing lunch and dinner options as well. For lunch and dinner, they are famous for their whitefish dip and lunch burgers. Moreover, if you enjoy a livelier dinner experience, the Pink Pony provides live music, which is played all throughout the summer months.
Waterfront Dining
The dining options are excellent, but for those who enjoy a beautiful Michigan summer morning, then you may want to make this your breakfast place. If you are spending a few nights in one of the Mackinac Island hotels, you may need to visit this breakfast spot a few times in order to get to try all of those delicious items on the menu. My wife and I only got to have one breakfast while there, and we sure wished for a repeat so that we could try more of their delicious options.
Furthermore, if you enjoy those beautiful Michigan mornings, you will also want to venture to the outdoor patio for your breakfast, which provides beautiful views of the island and marina. In my opinion, The Pink Pony has the best outdoor real-estate on the whole island. The views provide you with the opportunity to enjoy breakfast as you are surrounded by nature and distant sailboats gliding through the tranquil waters of Lake Huron.
Sailboat in Mackinac Island Public Harbor
If you are visiting Mackinac Island in the summer take a trip to the Pink Pony restaurant. You will not regret it. If you are able to ask to be seated in the outdoor patio as it overlooks the Mackinac Island State Harbor. We also recommend getting there early and being prepared to wait a little, as this place is quite popular. However, the spectacular view and great food makes it worth the wait.
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Mackinac Island is a unique place that everyone should experience in their lifetime. A truly remarkable experience that is full of history, breathtaking beauty and just one of those places that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The hotels are also just as unique as the Island. Each hotel offers its own unique style and themes that cater to different types of luxury and distinctive characteristics of Mackinac Island. Here are a couple of The Best Hotels on Mackinac Island that we feel would be a good choice for a family or couples.
Lilac Tree Hotel
The Lilac Tree Hotel is located right in the middle of downtown Mackinac Island. The hotel is steps away from restaurants, shopping, the ferry docks and fudge. This central location gives you access to all that downtown Mackinac Island has to offer. In this little downtown you will find exceptional gift shops where you can collect a memorable ornament or keepsake. Throughout the downtown you will also find various ice cream shops that will cool you off after a warm walk through the sun-drenched afternoon. If you do not mind a little noise and a little hustle and bustle, you will enjoy this hotel.
Downtown Main Street Mackinac Island at dusk
We would recommend a room with a balcony as they face the main street where you can see all the action. The majority of the tourist traffic occurs during the day. At night, the main street quiets down a lot, providing a calmer atmosphere. All of the rooms have a small sitting area, marble top bathrooms, and each balcony comes with a table and chairs. On the balcony you can enjoy your mid-day latte or even a meal from one of the local restaurants as they are all within a short walking distance. Furthermore, the balcony gives its visitors a spectacular view of the stars and distant boats on the horizon.
Balcony from the Lilac Tree Hotel overlooking Main Street Mackinac Island. As you can see you are in the center of all the action.
Mission Point Resort
Entrance into Mission Point Resort
If you are looking for a little quieter accommodation with a little more luxurious touch, the Mission Point Resort might be your spot. It is located about a mile from downtown Mackinac Island. This beautiful hotel has some of the best views of all the hotels on the island. Upon entering the lobby you will be awed by the hotel’s enchanting and cozy appeal. The main entrance is lined with several fireplaces and over sized couches that overlook the forests of Mackinac Island, giving an intimate and relaxing feel. Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or an afternoon latte with your favorite book. This lobby was probably one of the coziest lobbies I have ever visited. Filled with over sized chairs and leather couches the comfort level is incredible and makes waiting for anything more enjoyable.
Mission Point Resort seen from the Great Lawn
The outside of the resort is just as impressive as the inside. In front of the hotel you will have access to “The Great Lawn,” which offers a beautiful meadow that feels like a lush carpet on your feet. The oversized Adirondack chairs that are positioned throughout the landscape are extremely comfortable and are great to have a picnic on or to enjoy the beautiful summer weather that northern Michigan has to offer. This also makes for a great place to watch the boats pass by and feel a sensation of tranquility.
My wife and I enjoyed a nice picnic with sandwiches and pastries on a beautiful sunny afternoon. We saw the boats gently gliding through the straits and Canadian Geese flocking overhead. It was a memory we will always cherish and hold dear.
Mission Point Resort’s famous Great Lawn at dusk.
In addition, the hotel features several restaurants. This allows you to stay in after a long day of exploring the island and gives you an assortment of food options. The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a grass putting course as well as a kids club. The kid’s club is open daily from 4:30pm to 7:00pm (late May to early September) and provides dinner, activities and ice-cream. So, if you bring your little ones along, they will alway have something to do.
This well-established resort offers some of the most breathtaking and uninterrupted views. Furthermore, the hotel rooms are large and provide exceptional views of the straits of Mackinac and Lake Huron. In the morning you will wake up to large cargo ships gently gliding through the calm waters of Lake Huron. Peace, tranquility, and luxury are the defining points of this world-class resort.
Mission Point guest room view from the Main Guest Lodge
So, whether you want to be in the heart of it all or on the outskirts of the lively downtown, there is a place for everyone. Most hotels that are not directly located in the downtown region offer horse drawn taxis that run throughout the day. The island is very walkable as horse drawn taxis and bicyclists make up the majority of the traffic. So, there you have it the Best Hotels on Mackinac Island, MI.
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When it comes to picking the right place to stay there are several factors to consider. The location of the hotel, the amenities, and the level of comfort a hotel offers. The Harbor Lights Resort on Lake Michigan meets all of those and so much more. Let us explore this iconic resort right on Lake Michigan in the beautiful charming beach town of Frankfort Michigan.
Harbor Lights Resort
15 South 2nd Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Luxury Suite
The Harbor Lights Resort is on lake Michigan and has its own private beach access from the resort. This resort is family owned and the owners are onsite daily. You are also within walking distance to downtown Frankfort and the vast majority of its restaurants and shopping. I personally feel walkability is a big factor to fully enjoy a relaxing vacation. In my opinion this is the best resort in town. Not only does it offer great amenities but it is also in a convenient location. You can literally park your car and never have to use it since you can easily walk to the beach or the downtown area. Additionally, there is ample parking and it is free of cost.
Furthermore, the resort offers an indoor pool, and the lobby serves coffee and has fresh donuts delivered every morning from the crescent bakery. We have stayed at this resort multiple times so far and plan on continuing to stay there when we travel to Frankfort in the future. Moreover, the resort is very clean, and cozy. Upon entering the suite we were overwhelmed with a warm northern feeling of comfort. Also, the staff is friendly and always able and willing to assist with towels and other inquiries that you may have.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Hot Tub Inside Bedroom
This resort offers various types of rooms. I would recommend the luxury suites for its size and amenities. The luxury suite is about $80.00 more per night than the standard motel rooms, but you get a lot more, including double the amount of space at around 740 square feet. Basically, you go from a motel room to a full condo with amenities, such as a whirlpool, fireplace, balcony, living room, and a full kitchen stocked with plates silverware and glasses. Moreover, the balcony gives you a partial view of lake Michigan and Betsie Lake.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Full Kitchen
Each Suite comes with a complete kitchen, which can be advantageous as you can shop for groceries at the Main grocery store or stock up on some of the baked goods from the Crescent Bakery down the street. This also allows you to do some of the cooking at home, instead of having to go out to eat for every meal. The luxury suites have a large dining room table for meals and a comfortable living room with a double-sided gas fire place to really set the mood. The fireplace is especially wonderful during the cooler fall months.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Gas FireplacePHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Living Room
The best part of the luxury suite is the large balcony each one of these suites offers. We would spend every morning and evening sitting on the balcony in one of the Adirondack chairs and listen to the waves in the distance crash onto the shore. The balcony is also a great place to read your favorite book while enjoying a mid afternoon latte.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Balcony view of Lake Michigan
Frankfort is a special place that merges nature, good food, and a beautiful beach to provide a one of a kind family gathering or relaxing vacation. If you want to reconnect with loved ones and family, then stay at the Harbor Lights Resort on Lake Michigan. This beautiful resort is located in the best charming beach town in Michigan.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Twilight over lake Michigan & Frankfort Bluffs
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Enjoy the Lake, Boating and Waterfront Dining during the summers in Northwest Michigan. Charlevoix is a beautiful old-fashioned town located between Lake Michigan and Round Lake. This is a true northern Michigan treasure. The town is associated more with Lake Charlevoix, which connects into Round lake. Lake Charlevoix is one of Michigan’s most premier lakes registering as the third largest inland lake in the lower peninsula (Michigan.org/city/Charlevoix, 2020). Charlevoix is famous for its lake, boating, waterfront dining, boutique shopping and ferry rides to Beaver Island. Charlevoix has just an all-around charming appeal.
Moreover, this is a great place to visit while passing through to other destinations. The town has many options for a bite to eat, an ice cream cone or to enjoy a relaxed shopping experience. This beautiful town offers an abundance of photo opportunities from its beautiful lakes and parks, to its charming flower lined streets. If you enjoy Lakes, Boats and Ice-cream with a relaxed and intimate feel then this is a place to visit. A short visit around the town and you will see there is a great deal of pride that goes into the well-manicured parks, and sidewalks. This will be a truly enjoyable visit for anyone who wants beauty and relaxation out of their trip.
Restaurants
Stafford Weathervane Restaurant
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Stafford Weathervane Restaurant
The summers in Northwest Michigan should also include great food. The best place to enjoy a great meal in Charlevoix, MI. would be Stafford Weathervane. Stafford Weathervane is a beautiful restaurant located on the charming Round Lake Channel, overlooking the Charlevoix iconic drawbridge. The food and the view are incredible. This is a must see if you are visiting Charlevoix, Michigan. I would recommend making a reservation if possible, since the wait time can be lengthy. I would also recommend asking for outside seating on their terrace that overlooks the Channel so that you can get the full northern Michigan experience. This is a lot of fun, especially if you have children as the boats drift by frequently. If you are lucky you might be able to see the drawbridge ascend, and the Emerald Ferry depart to Beaver Island.
The food is also amazing. They have your typical northern Michigan selection of freshwater fish, such as Whitefish, Perch, and Walleye. They do cater more to the seafood lover but they also have selections such as chicken, prime rib, tenderloin, BBQ ribs and lamp chops. I would highly recommend this restaurant based on the ambiance, location, views, food, and service. As for the price point, they are on the pricier side; a typical lunch is around $50.00 for two people not including alcoholic beverages. I did not attend dinner as this was a day trip, but I can only imagine from glancing at the dinner menu that the food only gets better. Enjoy!!!
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Emerald Isle ferry passing under the Charlevoix bridge seen from the Stafford Weathervane Restaurant Terrance. This ferry transports visitors along with cars to Beaver Island.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Charlevoix Public Library Park
Charlevoix Public library park is a beautiful park that is well maintained. The assortment of flowers and landscaping was truly a joy to photograph. In the center is a large statue of a butterfly enjoying nectar from a flower.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Charlevoix East Park Marina
Summers in Northwest Michigan should always include a mindful walk to enjoy the sights and sounds and Charlevoix East Park Marina is a great spot to do just that. East Park Marina is a public park that has many benches and tables with umbrellas. The Park overlooks the city marina and Round lake, which connects Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. This connecting lake makes Lake Charlevoix highly desirable for boating enthusiasts as they can not only make use of Lake Charlevoix but also have access to Lake Michigan without having to leave the water. This park also hosts the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Estates on Round Lake
This would be an example of a boating enthusiast. Round lake grants the enthusiast access to Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan along with providing a deep-water docking for their boats. This lake has become very prestigious because of this, making it a highly desirable real estate area in Michigan and Internationally.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Round Lake Channel
This deep-water channel connects Round Lake with Lake Michigan, giving boaters a broader option of boating and much longer excursions since they now have access to all that Lake Michigan has to offer. In the distance is the Charlevoix South Pier Light Station.
Charlevoix, Mi is a great place to enjoy lakes, boats, ice cream and so much more during the summer months in northwest Michigan. Every summer road trip through northwest Michigan should include a stop or a night in beautiful Charlevoix.
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Where toShop, Parks to visit, Restaurants to Eat at & What to See in this Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay
Petoskey is a Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan. This water wonderland paradise is located in the northwestern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is known for its picturesque coastline along Little Traverse Bay. This small city happens to combine a small-town charm with a vibrant resort community. Furthermore, this small city offers fun activities for all ages throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Petoskey is best described as a Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Harbor Breakwater Lighthouse Petoskey
We visited Petoskey in the summer of 2019 for a day and we had a very cozy experience. The cozy experience is most likely the result of the small town feel and its walkable sidewalks. As we headed towards downtown, we were mesmerized by the beautiful rolling hills that slipped into the gorgeous plumage of blue colors that made up the bay. Upon parking our vehicle, we immediately felt excited about exploring the town.
We first made our way down to the Bayfront Park to see that gorgeous bay with its different shades of blue. Afterwards, we worked up an appetite and found a delicious pretzel shop. We ate our pretzels outside on their patio that overlooks the Bayfront Park. After enjoying our pretzels, we headed to explore the Gaslight District to find a Christmas Ornament. This is where we were able to explore their shops and restaurants that we will be sharing with you in this article.
Why Choose Petoskey, MI.
Petoskey is one of those cities that will instantly relax you as it brings in all the charm from Northern Michigan. The city sits on Little Traverse Bay, which is simply picturesque during the summer months. Furthermore, Petoskey has some of the most adorable shops and parks throughout the downtown and Bayfront. The city has many sidewalks and is easily walkable whether you are in the Historic Gaslight District or just wandering around enjoying the ambience of this charming city.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl
Petoskey has pretty much everything you would want for an enjoyable summer vacation. For instance, they have golf courses, docks to park or rent a boat, wineries, and an abundance of nature that will satisfy any explorer. It also makes for a great place for a summer vacation with the family. This resort city can be an excellent stop for a day or several days. So, be a part of the history and beauty of this iconic northern Michigan city and Enjoy the Journey.
The Petoskey Stone
Over 350 million years ago Michigan was once covered by warm shallow saltwater (1). A particular marine animal once thrived on the area of land we now call Michigan (1). The animal was called colonial coral (hexagonaria percarinata) and it thrived with other marine life in tropical reefs (1). The Hexagonaria percarinaysn consists of tightly packed six-sided corallites, which are the skeletons of the once-living coral polyps (1). The hexagon shape of each cell and thin lines radiating out from the dark “eye” in the center are distinguishing features unique to this fossil.
Several million years ago glaciers scraped the earth and spread these fossils across the northern lower peninsula, while also depositing a large amount of them in the Petoskey region (1). This prehistoric fossil which is unique to the Northwest region of the lower peninsula of Michigan also became Michigan’s state stone in 1965(1). The word Petoskey is a native word that translates to “rays of light” (2).
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Little Traverse Bay
History
Petoskey was established in 1879 and originally named Bear River. The name was changed to Petoskey after the local Indian Chief and well-respected businessman Ignatius Petoskey (2). A statue was built in honor of Chief Petoskey in 2005 that overlooks Little Traverse Bay on Lewis Street (2).
Ernest Hemingway
One of the greatest American authors used to frequent the Petoskey area during the summer months. His name was Ernest Hemingway, and his family had a cottage on Lake Walloon. Hemingway spent the first 22 years of his life every summer in Petoskey (2). The young Ernest Hemingway created several short stories and a novel that was inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the Petoskey area.
Economy
Petoskey’s original economy when it was being settled was dependent on limestone mining and timber (2). Furthermore, the lumber in this region helped rebuild a lot of Chicago after its famous fire (7). Petoskey is located on Little Traverse Bay, which is connected to the Great Lakes. This helped make Petoskey easily accessible for commerce to other cities on the Great Lakes such as Detroit and Chicago.
Tourism
Petoskey started to become a tourist spot for many Midwesterners during the late 1800s (2). Petoskey offered cooler summers and pleasant summer evenings due to the cool breeze that would come off the Bay and lakes in the surrounding area. This region became especially popular for families to escape the busy and non-airconditioned cities of the Midwest during the summer months (4). By 1900 there were 14 hotels in Petoskey that could accommodate up to 2,000 overnight guests. Petoskey has since grown into a small city and tourism is still one of its main economic drivers. Currently, the city’s tourism has grown to well over 750,000 guests every summer from 2,000 over a century ago (4).
Bayfront Park is a large 25-acre park that parallels the shores of little traverse bay. This is a great place for a family photo or to just peacefully watch the boats glide through the waters of Little Traverse Bay. The park is easily accessible on foot from the downtown district and has over 7800 feet of public shoreline on Little Traverse Bay (5). This is also a great place to hunt for that Petoskey stone you always wanted.
Gaslight District
Gaslight District is where you will find the majority of restaurants and shops in Petoskey. This is a great spot to stop for a snack and some mementos as they have an abundance of neat, and charming stores. Each store offers distinctive gifts that are local to the region and give off a northern woods appeal. In the Gaslight District you will find bookstores and art stores that reflect the nature and homage of the Petoskey area. Furthermore, the Gaslight District has large wide sidewalks that can easily accommodate a group, therefore creating a very walkable downtown.
Pennsylvania Park
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Pennsylvania Park Benches
Pennsylvania Park is a beautiful park in the heart of downtown Petoskey, just east of the Gaslight District. The park is filled with large beech wood maple trees that present a shaded canopy for the daytime traveler. The park also features a beautiful gazebo that is great for relaxing and enjoying your surroundings, as well as a statue of the famous author Ernest Hemingway. In addition to features, the park also has a public restroom and is home to many picnics and live music concerts in the summer months. This beautiful park is well maintained and a great reprieve from a day of shopping and dining.
The Best Quaint Shops
McLean and Eakin
307 E Lake Street
McLean and Eakin opened in 1992 by a schoolteacher and lover of books. This charming bookstore is located in the Historic Gaslight District of Downtown Petoskey. The bookstore has old world charm and a quaint feel to it that will leave you inspired to read more. The store features many local authors, such as a large collection of Ernest Hemingway books. This is a wonderful book store that we are sure you will enjoy when you are visiting Petoskey, MI.
Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts
301 E. Lake Street
Grandpa Shorter’s is a fascinating gift shop that offers all kinds of unique souvenirs that represent the area’s beautiful natural setting. This is Petoskey’s original souvenir shop which opened its doors in 1946 (6). The gift shop is full of locally sourced jams, treats, Petoskey stones, clothing and many other fun gifts. The store also has toys for children.
In addition, the shop features Minnetonka Moccasins (handcrafted footwear that is influenced by traditional native American moccasins and uses natural leather) which was the first item the shop ever ordered in its modest and humble beginnings. The shop is still owned by the same family passing from generation to generation.
This gift shop had a wide selection of souvenirs but unfortunately they were lacking in the Christmas ornament department. My wife and I are always on the search for the perfect Christmas ornament that represents the region or area we are visiting at the time of our travels. Unfortunately, we did not find one, but we did find a great souvenir shop where you will find some unique gifts for your loved ones.
The Best Restaurants
City Park Grill
432 E. Lake Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl City Park Grill Main Bar
This is an amazing restaurant and it is one you must dine in when visiting Petoskey. The restaurant is in one of the oldest buildings in Petoskey and it was originally constructed in 1875. The City Park Grill is one of the highest rated restaurants in the area and is known for some amazing dishes. Also, this used to be the famous author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hangout in the 1920’s. If you venture to the bar, there is a small indentation on the bar top where Mr. Hemingway used to put out his cigar when he visited (3).
Now onto the food. The food in the restaurant is phenomenal. My wife and I were amazed by how each dish we tried was delicious and full of unique flavor. A few of the items we enjoyed are the following:
Chicken NoodleSoup – The soup my wife ordered was a delicious hearty version of the classic chicken noodle soup. The soup had large chunks of white chicken meat and fresh vegetables. I could not help myself and had to sample my wife’s soup several times, which she was happy to share.
Creole GumboSoup – I ordered the gumbo and was equally impressed with this soup as with the chicken noodle. My wife was also impressed, and we ended up sampling each other’s soups throughout the course. This delicious southern inspired soup had large shrimp, large chunks of white meat chicken, and spicy sausage that really enhanced the flavor profile. It was also loaded with fresh vegetables and rice that seemed prepared that day.
Hummus platter – This appetizer was not only delicious but immense and could easily be shared with a large group. By the time we had finished the appetizer we contemplated ordering any more food. The hummus platter had delicious grilled pita bread that was crunchy and soft in all the right places. The hummus dip itself was a delicious chickpea seasoned spread that had a unique smokey flavor to it. We ended up finishing the entire platter.
Parmesan-Herb Whitefish – After our fill of soup and the hummus platter, we decided to split the Parmesan-Herb Whitefish, and I am glad that we did as this dish was amazing. The dish was served with mashed potatoes which were excellent and really complimented the dish. They were made with white truffles and mashed to perfection. We simply could not get enough of those delicious mashed potatoes and almost ordered them as a side to take with us.
The locally sourced whitefish was divine as well and had a parmesan and herb seasoning on top encrusting the fish, which really preserved the flavor giving it a nice crunch with every bite. As with our previous dishes, the vegetables were grilled and tasted like they were picked that day. When visiting Michigan, you need to try the Whitefish as it is a true delicacy and gives you the flavor and taste of Michigan.
Petoskey Pretzel Co.
200 Petoskey Street
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Petoskey Pretzel Co. entrance door overlooking Bayfront Park
This charming shop is located across the street from the famous Bayfront Park tunnel and on the corner of Bay Street in the Gaslight District. This little pretzel shop is sure to delight any traveler who is looking for a nice warm soft pretzel for their mid-day snack. Their pretzels are made fresh daily in house, using all natural ingredients including their very own patent flour blend. This is what adds to that perfect texture and flavor profile that we all love about a soft warm pretzel.
The interior of the shop is small, charming and cozy while smelling of fresh pretzels. The fresh smells will permeate your senses as you enter the shop, enticing you to leave with more than what you intended to come in for. The shop has indoor and outdoor seating offering a dine-in counter and a few tables and chairs outside the shop. Most patrons take their order to go and enjoy their pretzel in one of the beautiful parks surrounding the downtown area of Petoskey.
The Pretzel Co offers many types of handmade pretzels served daily such as the PPC Buttery Original, which is the original house made butter and salt pretzel. This is where the magic all started.
The Cinnamon & Sugar Pretzel is for the sweet tooth lover (my wife). The Pretzel is an original buttered pretzel that is dipped in cinnamon and sugar. Tasty!
In addition to their classic pretzels, the shop also serves several seasonal pretzels such as the Pumpkin Pretzel. Moreover, the store offers various beverages, hot drinks, bottles of water and other flavored beverages that you can easily transport with you.
PHOTO: Christopher Gradwohl Downtown Petoskey Map
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, everything you could do in one day in Petoskey Michigan. Petoskey is a city where you could easily spend a few nights and still feel like there is more to explore and do. That is the beauty of northern Michigan in the summer, there is always somewhere to explore. The weather is beautiful, and each day can be a beach day, a shopping day, or just a day to explore the abundance of beautiful nature that Petoskey and northern Michigan have to offer. We hope you make a stop here during your travels to Michigan’s northern part and enjoy this Beautiful Quaint City on Little Traverse Bay.
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Schons, Mary. (2022). The Chicago Fire of 1871 and the Great Rebuilding. National Geographic Society. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/chicago-fire-1871-and-great-rebuilding
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