You should have a Great time. We are quite regulars in the Charlevoix Marina. Hal Evans is the Dock Master, Great guy. He was one of my sixth grade teachers 30 years ago.
Anyway, There is always some going on. The marina just went though a complete renovation and all the facilities are brand new - super nice. Usually a band playing in the park.


A walk off the docks to Whitney's Oyster bar, Andy's Deli ( great sandwiches), at closing time all the cool people end up at Helen's Top side bar
Endless fudge and Ice Cream shops.
Fine dining (not super formal) Grey Gables Inn ( 3-4 block walk), OR Argone Supper Club ( Quicky Cab - local drunk driver)

Beaver Island is 32 miles with the Shamrock bar.
Harbor has some great places to eat. (Tracy knows em)
Bay Harbor - gotta see this place. used to be a Cement Plant. I think the bar there is The Knot
Lealand is a favorite spot too. Typically go spend the night.
Petoskey Hmm Too Much Town for me. But I realy like to eat at White Caps. A walk from the docks

Boyne City Easy docks, Small shoppers dock though for 7) 38'+'ers
Red Mesa - great Latin American food.
220 Lake Street - food and bar

East Jordan - AKA South Arm of Lake Charlevoix - Nice cruise
Eat at the Landings in the narrows (Ironton) along the way. Kinda oh how do I say? different. not known for their great food or their low prices. But it is pretty cool to boat to there, tie up and eat right on the Docks as you watch the car ferry and other boats go back and forth. good for lunch.
once down in East jordan Murray's is the Bar

Raft out Places
Winds from the south -
Young State park
Loeb Bay 1st bay SE of Irish boat shop

From the N & NW
Oyster bay - A favorite!! straight across the lake from Charlevoix. Watch out for, but do check out the sunken Schooner. it is all the way in the back of the bay marked with a white plasic milk Jug. outline of the wreck is 1' under the water. we always anchor 15' from it. 7-9' of water, soft bottom. Look for Bald Eagles, there's a pair nesting in the back.
Holy Island great place when you want it to be warmer. just pass the norrows in the south arm.

SW winds
Forbidden bay. just West of Ironton. Forbidden, cuz someone posted no 'overnight anchoring' signs on the shore. Even through any one has the right to anchor there.

Obviously, everyone cruises the shores looking at the houses they can't afford. And believe me, regardless of how wealthly some are, this lake probably has some one wealthier. Going to East Jordan - South Arm on the North shore there is a beautiful Boat house you can put rigged sail boats in.


Hope the weather is great for You, after all it is Michigan

BTW if a PQ is a go fast, then so is BT. We just take our fridges, microwaves and toilets with us.

Thanks Shawn I really appreciate it, that's a lot of info you just typed.

Hopefuly we can meet up with you locals for a little fun and raft off on Saturday or Sunday. When it gets closer we will
talk more.

Donna

re reading your post has really made me anxious, Ian and I have been up there a few times, but really don't know the area and there is nothing like getting advice from a local.
Thanks again

No doubt! I was a local at one time (not as long ago as Shawn D I'm sure!) and a couple of those I wasn't sure of. We just got back from Cava in Bay Harbor, former Latitudes, and the food is still awesome-- no dress code, top notch food!

Sorry, I missed your post. Unfortunately, I could not make it up this year, as I am currently not working and had another commitment. Was there last year, though (sans boat) and had a great time.

Also used to vacation in this area as a kid for many years - mostly a little furthers south - at Torch Lake & Traverse City.

Will plan on being there next year, though - I'd like to spend the July 4th weekend on Torch and then just stay up there for the poker run on the following week...

What about the Villager, best Nachos around!!!

-Dave

You missed a good one- it was an awesome weekend! Sunny and warm-- some nice boats and lots of people in the party mood For sure Torch on the 4th-- and stay through Boyne Thunder next year!

nachos & burritos!

Yep! I musta forgot em, not really.. Yes the Villager Pub. They have great White fish too.
Also the Weathervane Terrace over looking the Channel on the north side is really Good too.
Also there is the little breakfast place Across from 7-11, used to be called Oma's. Not sure any more as I believed it changed hands

Locals still call it Oma's. I think it's called harbor view cafe or something along those lines now. Same menu. Good food.