Travel Guide For Exploring Petoskey, Michigan

Oct 3

Written By Emily

Travel Guide For Exploring Petoskey, Michigan

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Escape to Petoskey and explore one of Michigan’s most beautiful towns. From amazing restaurants to stunning parks, let this travel guide show you the way.

I went up north to Petoskey, MI for two days in September. Downtown Petoskey is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Michigan. I love visiting quaint small towns that are right on Lake Michigan. I’ll share my favorite things to do and what shops I like to visit.

Staying in a 1970s vintage camper

I stayed in groovy 70s camper named Hammie on AirBnb. I’ve never camped before and I wanted to check that off my fall bucket list (Click the link to print a FREE autumn bucket list)! The camper was in someone’s backyard and cost $40 a day so it was super cheap. You can see all the details in my Staying in a Vintage 1970s Canned Ham Camper blog post or watch the video below.

Visiting Petoskey, Michigan in September

Visiting Petoskey, MI in September

I stopped in Petoskey, Michigan first thing. I’ve visited here many times and I always like to spend my time in the charming downtown. The trees are turning just a little but you can still see some summer flowers out. It’s a wonderful time to travel up north!

Eating lunch at Stafford’s Bay View Inn Restaurant

We drove up to Petoskey in the morning so by the time we got there it was lunchtime. We stopped at the Stafford’s Bay View Inn restaurant and were seated immediately. The food was good and I loved walking around the historic inn. The gardens are beautiful and the restaurant has a great view of the Bay. You can walk down to the shoreline too from the inn.

I love visiting historic inns and hotels but they are so expensive to stay at. I’ll eat at the restaurant instead and ask if I can walk around the hotel for free which they always say yes to!

Downtown Petoskey

I absolutely love downtown Petoskey for its charming little shops. It’s right on Little Traverse Bay!

Halloween decorations in early fall

I visited late September and was excited to see Halloween decorations out! The storefronts did a great job getting in the festive spirit!

Roast & Toast Coffee Shop Cafe

I always have to stop in the Roast & Toast cafe for some hot chocolate. I love the atmosphere and how colorful the coffee shop is. It’s a local haunt and a great place to rest and get a sandwich.

McLean and Eakin Book Store

Right next door is the cutest bookshop McLean and Eakin Booksellers. It has an upper and lower level filled with books and vinyl records.

Petoskey Pretzel Co

By this time I was ready for a snack so I stopped at Petoskey Pretzel Co for a freshly made pretzel. We tried the cajun pretzel and the classic cinnamon which are both delicious.

Whenever I get a pretzel here I like to walk down to the Bayfront Park which is just a few steps away. You walk down some stairs under a tunnel. This park is right on the bay and you get a great view of the little harbor.

Bear River Valley Hike

I didn’t have time to visit Bear River Valley this time but at my last visit I did the hike along the river and it was wonderful. The river is beautiful and you get to walk right alongside it. It’s a fast river that people white water kayak down so definitely check it out if you like hiking!

Merchant and Tailor Vintage Clothing Shop

Merchant & Tailor is an “underground” vintage clothing shop literally because you go underground to shop there. They have some really cute vintage pieces and it’s also a tailor shop!

There’s so many adorable shops here like Cutler’s and Kilwin’s Fudge. There’s something for everyone!

If you’re looking for some fall activities near Petoskey be sure to check out my post on Pond Hill Farm during the fall. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Gold Mine Resale Shop Thrift Store

I couldn’t make this list without sharing a thrift shop! One of my favorite things to do is thrift shop while road tripping. I love visiting the Gold Mine Resale Shop close by downtown Petoskey. There’s a north location too but it’s a bit more expensive and not nearly as cute. I always find something to buy here and the prices are great!

I highly recommend stopping at Petoskey! I’ve visited at least 5 times so far and I keep coming back. You’re minutes away from visiting one of my other favorite places in Michigan, Harbor Springs & the Tunnel of Trees.

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Hi, I’m Emily! The vintage lover and thrifter behind this blog. I share vintage interior design, DIY projects and holiday content to inspire you to live a joyful life. You can learn more about all things Emily Retro here.