Sometimes, when planning a much-needed holiday, it’s fun to consider a quiet retreat off the beaten track rather than a popular over-crowded tourist destination. At the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association, we love to recommend just those spots. Today we are featuring the gorgeous and sometimes not advertised Chain of Lakes Region in Northwest Michigan. This hidden gem is less than thirty minutes north of the popular tourist areas of Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. These waterways and surrounding areas offer varied playgrounds, ranging from secluded rivers for kayaking and fresh water for swimming that could include the tropical-like waters of Torch Lake to quaint towns that support the farm-to-table movement and often include local breweries and wineries. Off the beaten path but filled with opportunities for unique experiences, wonderful hospitality, and fun adventures in all seasons. Follow along as we highlight three member inns in that area and some of their favorite things to do and see during your visit to Michigan’s Upper Chain of Lakes Region. Starting our adventure furthest north and ending at beautiful Torch Lake, each of these quality-assured Michigan Bed and Breakfasts has unique offerings and wonderful recommendations for you to experience during your stay.
House on the Hill Bed and Breakfast, Ellsworth
What makes the House on the Hill B & B special?
Luxurious yet relaxed country lodging with a beautiful lake setting. The inn sits on 50 private acres, including Chain of Lakes Beach Frontage, with the forested countryside
and a central location to explore the quaint harbor towns of Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Bellaire. All 7 of the luxurious guest rooms include pampering amenities and beautiful views, some of the lake and others with a babbling brook that runs through the property.
You can enjoy the complimentary use of the inn’s standup paddle boards, kayaks, or canoe or paddle boat to explore the Chain of Lakes Water Trail
Some of the innkeeper’s favorite things about the property include their own wooded nature trails and the original rock wall that showcases the 1867 masonry of the original cattle farm on this land.
Breakfast at the inn is always homemade and a feast to fortify guests for the day. Guest’s favorites include the Potato Crusted Gruyere Quiche and delicious Sweet Cherry Crepes.
Book your stay today at the House on the Hill- https://www.thehouseonthehill.com/
Tips from your innkeepers at the House on the Hill B & B
Favorite Dining in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Corner Bistro– great Tampa Dining in Bellaire (20 minutes away)
- The Foundry-out of this world burgers and fries in East Jordon (8 minutes away)
- Grey Gables in Charlevoix
- Palette Bistro in Petoskey
- Stafford’s Weathervane– in Charlevoix
Favorite Things to Do in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Walk across the Sky Bridge at Boyne Mountain Resort
- Check out all the resale shops in the area
- Catch the views at Deadman’s Hill Overlook in Elmira Michigan
- Take a hike in the Antrim Creek Natural Area
- Relax on the porch of the House on Hill and take in the beautiful lake views
- Enjoy a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in the area
- Rent a bike and check out the many bike trails in the area
- Enjoy a beach bonfire
- Try winter river rafting with the folks at Jordan Family Outfitters
Favorite Brew/Pubs/Distillers/Wine in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Bridge Street Taproom– Relaxed alehouse with water views in Charlevoix
- Water Fire- Sustainable Vineyard in Kewadin
- Short’s Brewing Company– Bellaire
Great Shopping in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Petoskey’s Historic Gaslight District
- The Lakehouse in Charlevoix
- Momentum Outfitters in Charlevoix
- Thistle in Charlevoix
The Inn at Breezy Hill Farms, Bellaire
What makes the Inn at Breezy Hill Farms special?
To say that this inn is “fun-loving” with down-to-earth hospitality is an understatement!
Innkeeper/owner Holly loves to welcome guests to her little slice of heaven in the lakeside village of Bellaire. Her property includes nine guest rooms- five cozy rooms in the main house and four luxury rooms in her carriage house. This unique boutique property is filled with relaxing places, from a comfortable hammock to spending time with Holly’s goats and chicken.
Holly is renowned for her breakfasts, which include fresh eggs, herbs, and vegetables from her gardens or local farms. Guests can choose from two breakfast options: a full, plated breakfast or a to-go continental breakfast consisting of coffee, tea, and pastries. Some of the guest’s favorites include a Pear Frangipane Tart with Greek Yogurt and Bougatsa, served with a vanilla glaze and fresh fruit.
The inn occupies a tranquil setting with delightful gardens, a barn for the goats and chickens, and a shuffleboard court, and the lakeside village of Bellaire is only a few blocks away. There you’ll explore shops, a movie theater, a brewpub, and great dining with several farm-to-table options. The inn hosts a few weddings on the property. Speak directly with Holly for details.
Book your stay today at the Inn at Breezy Hill Farms- https://innatbreezyhillfarm.com/
Tips from your innkeepers at the Inn at Breezy Hill Farms
Favorite Dining in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Corner Bistro for tapas
- Terrain– Farm-to-table Dining at its best
- Tonnie’s Fish and Steakhouse– home cooking and comfort food at its finest
- American House Wood-Fired Pizza
Favorite Things to Do in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Take a hike at Grass River Natural Area
- Spend a day on the slopes at Shanty Creek
- Rent a kayak at Paddles and Petals
- Go ice fishing
- Spend some time with the goats at the inn
- Have a glass of cider at the Bee Well Mead and Cider
Favorite Brew/Pubs/Distillers/Wine in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Short’s Brewery, Bellaire
- Terrain, Bellaire
- Hello Vino Bellaire, Bellaire
Great Shopping in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Uniquely North, Bellaire
- 45th Apparel, Bellaire
Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast, Central Lake
What makes Torch Lake B & B special?
Location. Location. Location – the beloved Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast sits high on a hill overlooking 19 miles of crystal clear aqua blue perfection! Here you will enjoy gorgeous sunsets from the inn’s comfortable porches or private dock and crystal-clear waters for every water sport imaginable. Torch Lake has received much recognition over the years, with National Geographic noting it as the third most beautiful lake in the world!
Your hosts at Torch Lake offer gracious hospitality and delicious homemade breakfasts, sourced locally whenever possible, taking advantage of their seat of agriculture location. Some of the guest’s favorites include Deb’s omelets, Belgian Waffles, and a French Toast Bake. Guests love the option of dining in their room or on the patio to enjoy the views and the cool breezes that the lake provides. 
Many guests decide to relax on the large decks and enjoy the gorgeous views of the aqua-blue waters, or you can spend the day on the lake. The inn provides complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boards, fishing rods, and snorkel equipment. If a larger lake is your thing, Lake Michigan beaches are just a short drive away.
Book your stay today at the Torch Lake B&B- https://www.torchlakebb.com/
Tips from your innkeepers at the House on the Hill B & B
Favorite Dining in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- The Blue Pelican Inn and Side Door Saloon– Central Lake
- Torch Lake Cafe– Central Lake (1/2 mile away from the inn)
- Stafford’s Weathervane, Charlevoix (a treat to dine right on the water)
- Chandlers, Petoskey (innkeeper’s favorite place to dine)
- Pearls New Orleans Kitchen, Elk Rapids
- Cafe Sante-Boyne City
- Pepe Nero– Traverse City
Favorite Things to Do in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Walking on the Worl’s Longest Timber Towered Suspension Bridge at Boyne Mountain
- Golfing at a nearby course
- Sunbathing on the inn’s docks
- Renting a jet ski or pontoon at Torch Lake
- Experience a sailing excursion
- Take a lesson to learn how to windsurf
- Try your hand at Sky diving in Bellaire
Favorite Brew/Pubs/Distillers/Wine in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Dock Side- Torch Lake- Bellaire
- Short’s Brewing Co, Bellaire
- Filling Station, Traverse City
- Jolly Pumpkin, Traverse City
- North Peak Brewing Co., Traverse City
- Rare Bird Brewpub, Traverse City
- Right Brain Brewery, Traverse City
Great Shopping in the Upper Chain of Lakes Region
- Shopping in Charlevoix- unique shops
- Petoskey & Traverse City- great bargains
- Bellaire & Central Lake- small-town shops
“Living like a Local” in Michigan’s Upper Chain of Lakes Region has never been more fun! Book your stay today at some of Michigan’s Best Bed and Breakfasts– House on the Hill B &B, Inn at the Breezy Hill Farms, and Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast and enjoy luxury and hospitality like no other.
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