2 Day Adventure Guide to Boyne City

Did you make the mistake of only booking a two day stay in Boyne City for your upcoming visit? It’s okay – we know you’ll be back again for longer. While you are visiting the most charming small town in Northern Michigan, we want to help you make the most of your trip! If we only had 48 hours in the north, this is what we would do.

First things first, wake up and wander downtown to Gildas’ Lake Street Bakery for a delicious pastry that will be the perfect start to your day. They offer a wide variety of savory and sweet dishes. It’s always a toss-up between ordering a cinnamon roll or a savory quiche – so we say just order both. Another delicious option they have is crepes made to order. If you love a delectable crepe, this is the spot to order one. You won’t regret it! Open Wednesday – Sunday, 8am – 1pm, make sure that you get there early. You don’t want them to sell out before you make it in.

After a slow morning savoring your breakfast, head to Avalanche Mountain Preserve, a 300+ acre park that is in Downtown Boyne City and offers incredible views at the top! If you are feeling adventurous, there is a 2.8 hiking trail that loops up the back of the mountain.  You will wind up through a beautiful, wooded trail path that is steep at spots, but doable for everyone in your group. It’s well maintained and well-marked, leaving you with no questions on where you are headed.

 Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with incredible views! Even though you just ate at the bakery, pack a snack and a book to sit and relax while you take in the view of Lake Charlevoix, Boyne City and beyond. Once you’ve enjoyed the beauty of the view, you can start your descent by walking down 462 steps to the bottom, or wind back down the mountain to lengthen your time spent outside!

 If you are an avid mountain biker, Avalanche also offers over eight miles of biking trails for you to explore. With the park offering over 1000 feet in elevation change, biking these trails will make for an adventurous time! Because of the big elevation changes, the trails are labeled as challenging, but it’s definitely worth it.  

Michigan Trail Maps gives a lot of great information about hiking and biking Avalanche Mountain Preserve.

In between being exploring Boyne City’s outdoor spots, we also recommend eating your way through this small town! Though Boyne City is small, the culinary offerings are truly delectable! We have an entire blog post: Boyne City Restaurant Guide. After that hike up Avalanche, it’s time for a big lunch!   

After lunch, wander the shop downtown to support local businesses! Two shops we love to visit include 52 Weekends and Spuds. 52 Weekends is filled with clothing, gifts, home décor, jewelry and more! We love popping in to see what’s new – they have the cutest home décor to remind you of your trip Up North to Boyne City.  Spuds is filled with unique finds that will bring a smile to your face – we bet you won’t be able to leave empty handed.

Stop in at Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company, located downtown on Lake Street. While their coffee is amazing, the coffee shop is also a favorite spot to settle down. The large windows create an inviting spot for you to relax and soak up the sunshine or take a break from the elements. Bring a board game, your computer or book to sit back and relax for a while after your busy morning.

Some activities in Boyne City are dependent, on time of year, like visiting Horton Bay General Store & Inn. Check their website to see if they are open, but if you are visiting the area while they are open, make sure you stop in. Offering local foods, old fashioned customer service, ice cream, fresh flowers and more, Horton Bay General Store & Inn is rich in history – it’s a spot you want to visit! 

While you are out in that part of town, drive just 2 miles further to Lavender Hill Farm! There is so much to do at Lavender Hill Farm, including walking trails, gardens, farmhouse boutique and obviously the rolling hills of lavender! They now have their Farmhouse Boutique, private classes and workshops open year-round. But if you want to explore the lavender fields in peak season, July is the perfect month to visit! Their website details what happens May – October and what you see each month when the lavender is being prepped, grown, and harvested during that time. But wait, there is more: live music is also offered in their events barn! The Series at Lavender Hill Farm is quickly becoming a summer staple in the community – and something you don’t want to miss if you are in town. Other events at Lavender Hill Farm include kid’s workshops, yoga, dining events and more. Lavender Hill Farm is a must see destination when visiting Boyne City.

 On the way back into Boyne City, you will pass the entrance to Young State Park, one of Michigan’s top state parks! Filled with over six miles of hiking trails, a boat launch, a picnic area and beautiful beach, this is a spot that is a must visit regardless of the time of year! This is one of the beaches you want to check out for swimming during the summer months. Plus, the sunset from the shore of Lake Charlevoix is unparalleled.  Even if it’s not warm enough to swim, it’s worth visiting the beach to see the beautiful view.  

Now that the day has been full of exploring so many different part of Boyne City, it is time for a delicious dinner! If we only had one or two nights in Boyne City for dinner, we would make reservations at Cafe Santé! One of their most popular options on the menu is their wood fired pizzas. The entire menu features traditional European offerings that everyone loves, including Shrimp Scampi, Lemon Fried Whitefish Caesar Salad, Steak & Frites and more. Cafe Santé also offers a full-service bar. If Cafe Santé doesn’t sound like what you want for dinner, make sure you reference our Boyne City Restaurant Guide here!

While it’s been a busy day sight-seeing in Boyne City, it’s time to head back to your Boyneland Vacation Rental and cozy up for the night. We hope you booked on of our rentals with a fire pit – we always think that s’mores are the perfect way to end a day spent outside exploring. If not, that’s ok, ice cream from one Kilwin’s or Alpine Chocolate Haus brought back to the rental is also an excellent way to end the day.

At the end of the day, it’s so satisfying to climb into a comfortable bed! Did you know that all the Cozy Earth sheets at Boyneland Vacation Rentals feel like silky butter?! We are 100% telling the truth. The sheets become velvetier the more you wash them – the 100% bamboo is the secret. You’ll sleep in them for the weekend and then be asking us where you can order them for your own home! Which you totally can with the promo code COZYBOYNE and you’ll save 40% OFF! Visit their website here: https://cozyearth.com .

That first day in Boyne City was a busy one! We told you there was a lot to see and do in Boyne City! What we love about Boyne City is that it’s a town for everyone – regardless of your age.

Your second day in Boyne City is a day for adventuring or a day for taking it slow!

Either way, we know you will have an incredible day staying at a Boyneland rental. If you are looking for an excellent breakfast with a beautiful view, make the short drive to Barrel Back Restaurant on Walloon Lake, just 10 minutes from downtown Boyne City. For breakfast they offer the classics like pancakes and French toast, farmer’s breakfast, and avocado toast. Their open-air dining during the summer makes the experience feel like you are truly on the water!

Adventure is just around the corner if you are ready for it! After breakfast, head to Bear River Canoe Livery. Offering canoe and kayak rentals by the hour, this is such an exciting way to see the nature that Up North has to offer. Wildlife seen on these canoe trips includes beaver, turtles, ducks and other animals. Be sure to pack a lunch from Lake Street Market for your outdoor water trip!

For a relaxing afternoon, if you are traveling to Boyne City without kids, we suggest visiting Boyne Valley Vineyards during your visit. This is a great way to spend your second day on vacation. This vineyard offers incredible views and outstanding wine. Make this part of your weekend plans if you enjoy wine and a laid-back kind of vibe! The winery also has live music on Saturdays featuring some incredible Northern Michigan artists!

If you do have kids with you for your up north getaway, it’s the perfect afternoon to visit our other favorite beach in Boyne City, Whiting Park! Whiting Park offers a beautiful beach, along with 4 miles of hiking trails. The trails are well marked and the perfect length for families with young children! Even if it’s not beach season, their trails are able to be used year-round.

For dinner, we recommend The Landing Restaurant, close to Whiting Park. The Landing Restaurant is located about 30 minutes outside of Boyne City next to the Ironton Ferry. They have great seafood options - like perch, cod and lobster! They also offer the traditional favorites like a BBQ pork sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich and Caesar salad. They are open seasonally, check their website during your visit.

 Grabbing dessert from a local eatery and heading back to your rental is the most comfortable way to end your day!  

Did you know that Boyneland Vacation Rentals has over twenty different rentals in the Boyne City area? Each rental has so many incredible amenities and are in great locations. Slope side, lake front, downtown Boyne City - whatever style rental you are looking for – we probably have it! We can accommodate groups from 2 – 13!

An amenity that we love offering our guests is Schuil Coffee, so if you don’t want to have to run out first thing for a coffee to go, you can have coffee in the comforts of your own rental. A Michigan roaster for over 40 years, we love the quality and consistency of their coffee. We know you’ll love it too!

I wrote this post with spring and summer in mind, since we are rapidly approaching the end of a long Northern Michigan winter!  What we love about Boyne City is that it’s THE town to visit in Michigan – regardless of season. There is so much to do outside in Boyne City, but if the weather proves to be a hindrance to a lot of outdoor activities, the opportunities are still limitless. If you happen to be visiting Boyne City and you need an indoor activity, here are a few local spots to check out:

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark at Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls: This is Michigan’s largest waterpark in the entire state! Enjoy the Lazy River Adventure, Vertigo Cannonball (the craziest, wildest water slide!) or the Glacier Hot Springs, relaxing hot tubs we know you’ll love.  

Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen, Petoskey: If they are open, you can take a factory tour! Watch their team members make their mouth-watering chocolates and other treats. Open 7 days a week, this is a great rainy-day activity for you and your kids! 

Castle Farms, Charlevoix: There is so much to see and do at Castle Farms. Take a self-guided tour or a guided tour to see all that there is to offer. If it’s not raining, the grounds are incredibly beautiful! Visit the World War I Museum, Sears & Roebuck Museum, and more during your trip to Castle Farms.

Spending a weekend Up North in Boyne City is full of activity and adventure. Like we said, we know you’ll be back for more visits after your short weekend spent visiting our small town! We want you to always have an incredible experience when you stay with us at a Boyneland Rental. We hope that this 2 Day Adventure Guide to Boyne City gives you so many ideas for your visit.