Area Attractions

Shops

While you stroll through the port city of Frankfort, be sure to stop into Hull’s of Frankfort for some women’s fashion, and Kilwin’s for some delectable chocolate delights, and peek in the windows of Betsie Bay Furniture, for some interior design inspiration.  Try Port City Smokehouse for some local fresh or smoked fish, and the best whitefish pate’ in the world.  In Beulah, just a few of our favorites are Crystal Crate & Cargo, which offers everything you could possibly want in your gourmet kitchen, Northern Décor for some “up-north” keepsakes, and of course Jackleen’s Jems for some custom-made Petoskey stone jewelry.

Restaurants

This area offers many options when it comes to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but while you’re in the neighborhood be sure to try each of these places at least once:

• Beulah
  • The Cherry Hut
  • L’Chayim Delicatessen
  • Phoenix Café
  • The Hungry Tummy Restaurant & Corner Pub
  • My Dairy King
• Benzonia
  • The Roadhouse Mexican Bar & Grill
  • The Crystal Café
  • Hill Top Soda Shoppe
• Frankfort
  • A & W
  • Fusion
  • The Coho Café
  • Dinghy’s
  • Betsie Bay Inn
• Elberta
  • The Mayfair Tavern
  • The Cabbage Shed
• Crystal Mountain Resort/Thompsonville Area
  • Little Betsie Bistro
  • The Wild Tomato
  • The Thistle
  • Rosie’s Country Cafe
  • The Laughing Horse Saloon
  • Geno’s Sportsbar & Grill

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking, Biking, and Exploring

Check out the terrain at the Old Indian Trail or throughout the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  The 22 mile long Betsie Valley Bike Trail offers fantastic bike riding, extending from Elberta to Thompsonville. SBD Tours in Empire offers guided hikes or bike tours throughout the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Fishing, Canoeing, and Kayaking

Be sure to book Tiny Bubbles Charters for a day of charter fishing on Lake Michigan, or stop into Riverside Canoe Rentals and spend the day canoeing or kayaking to the “Mouth of the Platte River”.  Crystal Lake, the Platte Lakes, the Platte River, and the Betsie River all offer excellent fishing opportunities for beginners or the avid fly-fisherman.  Crystal Lake Adventure Sports, with locations in Beulah and Frankfort would be more than happy to outfit you with all the gear you need to have a fun-filled day on the water.

Golfing

Take a swing at one of the areas many golf courses, including Interlochen, Crystal Lake Golf Club, Pinecroft, Mistwood, Arcadia Bluffs, or Crystal Mountain Resort.

Sunning, Swimming, and Watersports

With so many beautiful lakes, rivers, and beaches in the area, how could you go wrong?  The Boat Doctors, Crystal Lake Marina or MacDonald Marine are the ones to call when you would like to rent a boat during your stay.

Skiing and Snowmobiling

Whether you are interested in cross-country or downhill, skiing or snowboarding, Crystal Mountain has it all.  They also offer snowmobile and snowshoe rentals if you would rather traverse one of the many trails in the area.