Petoskey, Michigan, is one of my favorite places on earth to visit. Here are some of my favorite places in the area. I'm not a big fan of fudge, so I admit that I did not make any recommendations on that matter.
Map
Sections
3
Food & Drink
Shopping
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
All the tasty treats!
This cafe is cozy and ecclectic. If you like a bustling cafe, grab a seat and enjoy a warm drink. If you prefer a little more quiet, get it to go and take a stroll through the downtown.
Roast & Toast
Symon's has a menu of great handcrafted sandwiches, a wine cellar, and so many other munchies.
Symons General Store
A neat little pub with a great atmosphere.
Mitchell Street Pub
A one-time favorite of Ernest Hemingway, I took my first (legal) drink of Scotch sitting at the end of the bar where he always sat.
City Park Grill
Hear me out: Go here for breakfast.
Smoke on the Water BBQ
This is my FAVORITE place for breakfast.
Harbor View Cafe
Shopping
Cute little shops to visit
One of many, many great bookstores in the area. Next door to Roast & Toast, so grab a drink and head over!
McLean & Eakin
Set up like a cute, old style provisions shop. Tons of quirky gifts and candies. Imagine a Cracker Barrel gift shop, but better.
Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, Inc.
This is such a fun store that specializes in all sorts of kitchen gadgets. Even when I'm not looking for anything to buy, I love to browse.
Cutler's
Just a great little toy shop! But fun for all ages!
The Rocking Horse Toy Company
I would be in big trouble if I didn't plug at least one cherry-related store.
Cherry Republic
I'm a big fan of the cherry whiskey from Grand Traverse Distillery. And the distillery tour is a great time.
Grand Traverse Distillery
A sweet little shop with preserves and such. Great for gifts or yourself.
American Spoon
Sightseeing
Natural sights, cultural institutions, and such
What kind of librarian would I be if I didn't recommend a library? The Petoskey library is in an incredible historical building. Library grounds also include a brick labyrinth and a peace pole.
Petoskey Library
Pennsylvania Park is a lovely strip of green space and home to an Ernest Hemingway statue.
Pennsylvania Park
An adorable little museum that delves into the local history of the area.
Little Traverse Historical Society/Petoskey Museum
One of many great parks in and around the lakeshore.
Waterfall Area in Bayfront Park
You can skip the guided tour if you want and drive around yourself to view the famous Mushroom Houses. Just know that many of them are currently occupied, so be respectful of residents.
Mushroom House Tours
This scenic route is about 20 miles long along M-119. Much of it was devestated by severe storms in 2026, but if you're around in the fall (or any time!), it's a beautiful drive.
