If you are looking for a great, family-friendly vacation getaway, Harbor Springs, Michigan is the place to go. The team from Aero Charter loves visiting each summer. With so many great outdoor activities, you can’t help but have fun. Located on Michigan’s upper peninsula, Harbor Springs’ cooler summer climate is perfect for hiking, playing golf, boating and visiting the beautiful beaches.
Why Aero Charter Loves Harbor Springs, Michigan
This lakeside town is located on Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. The downtown area is a great place to wander amongst boutique shops, restaurants and unique stores to explore.
When you are there, be sure to visit the Harbor Springs Marina. Nothing says summer more than beaches, sand and boats. The Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company offers ferry rides from Harbor Springs to Petoskey or Bay Harbor. The trip takes around 25 minutes and is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family experience.
If you are a golfer, you are in the right place. Harbor Springs has an array of options when you decide to hit the links. Some of the most popular courses include:
- Boyne Golf
- The Highlands
- Bay Harbor Golf Club
- Harbor Point Golf Club
- Arthur Hills Golf Course
- Chestnut Valley Golf Course
If you love hiking and boardwalks, you will want to visit Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. This one of a kind reserve includes three trails that wind through woods, take you past small ponds and offer beautiful overlooks. The quick one mile walk will put you on a direct path to the best beaches in the area.
Best Places to Stay
The Highlands at Harbor Springs transforms from a beautiful ski resort during the winter to a classic destination during the summer. The resort offers plenty of activities including zipline adventures, Segway tours, golf, dinner theater and other opportunities to share time together with friends and family. Reminiscent of an English country estate, the main lodge offers recently updated rooms. Other lodging options include upscale hotel rooms, condos and townhomes with full kitchens.
Another beautiful resort to stay at is the Inn at Bay Harbor. The resort offers access to the top northern Michigan attractions. The resort has something for everyone including 45 holes of championship golf, a full-service spa, signature afternoon tea, gourmet dining, sandy beachfront and sunset views every night. The hotel features 105 Marriott collection hotel rooms and two groupings of charming cottages. Here you will find luxury, comfort and gracious hospitality with world-class amenities.
The Colonial Inn is a hotel in a historic inn that sits across the street from a sandy Lake Michigan beach. The rooms feature gas fireplaces, and some open onto patios or balconies. There’s an outdoor pool and dock that extends into Lake Michigan. Staying here will give you easy access to picturesque waterfront paths and the quaint downtown.
Top Places to Eat & Drink
Stafford’s Pier is a delicious restaurant found right on the waterfront. Locals may refer to it as “The Pier” restaurant. The food is great, and the atmosphere is even better. If you are looking for a place that celebrates the maritime heritage and overlooks the area’s historic yacht basin, this is the place for you.
Pierson’s Grille & Spirits sports a vintage ski lodge ambiance. Featuring retro signage, photographs and other memorabilia adorn the walls, paying homage to northern Michigan downhill skiing and winter recreation. Even though you may not be traveling to Harbor Springs, Michigan in the winter months, the food here is worth the stop.
You can play pinball, shuffleboard and other classic arcade games. The menu includes pub fare, homestyle comfort foods, signature drinks and a diverse selection of wine and beer. We highly recommend the white fish and pot pie with a cold draft to wash it down.
Put the Paper Station Bistro on your list of must-try restaurants. They boast of serving up the best burgers in Michigan. If you make it over there, you have to try the thick hand-dipped onion rings and truffle-parmesan French fries. If burgers and fries aren’t your thing, select from any number of choices from the flavor-packed Asian, Korean-style fusion menu. It is easy to get to, right on Main Street, just one block from the water.
How to Travel to Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs is one of our favorite destinations during any season of the year. But, we’re looking forward to escaping the scorching heat and exploring the beautiful lake community in northern Michigan.
The best part? Aero Charter can offer you the luxury of a private aircraft. We land at Harbor Springs regional airport, so you can get straight to the fun.
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Experience the beauty of a private flight with Aero Charter. Take-off and land anywhere anytime. Get a quote today!
