It was a rainy cool day in Northern Michigan so we needed to find an alternative to all our outdoor…read moreplans. A friend suggested we check out Raven Hill Discovery Center, which was 30+ min from our hotel in Bay Harbor. I loaded up the car with my 3 kids ranging in ages 6-11 and figured we would give it a shot. When we got there we seemed to be in the middle of nowhere so I was a little skeptical, but figured after a long drive we had to check it out. We payed $10/person (adults have to pay too since "everyone is a kid at Raven Hill Discovery Center) and the lovely woman who works here gave my kids the rundown of the center. Within minutes the same woman announced it was time to learn about the animals and so we joined the other 10 or so people there to learn about and pet snakes, bearded dragons, etc. We have a bearded dragon back at home, but the kids were excited to see this one and learn about snakes. My 11 and 9 year olds stayed for the entire lesson, but the 6 year old got bored halfway thru and went back out to play in the center. And 20 or so min later his siblings and the rest of the gang joined him. The center itself is small, but packed with really fun and interesting activities such as building magnetic towers, creating a ball maze and more. After an hour or so I dragged my kids out of there, but they could have easily stayed for longer. There also seems to be a ton to do outdoors here, but we skipped that part due to the rain even though it was just drizzling when we left. I can't imagine not being outside when possible in Northern Michigan, but this really is the perfect activity on a cold and/or rainy day and great for kid (and even adults) of all ages!

Don't miss this gem of a place. We went in the Winter and Cheri accommodated us even though they…read moreare closed, we made an appointment and they opened their doors to us. For that we are grateful as the boys (4 & 2) enjoyed each and every aspect. There is so much to touch and play with and learn, we have pictures that will last a long long time. What made it even more amazing is we had the whole place to ourselves. The boys were able to touch snakes, lizards and turtles and Cheri did a great job explaining things and asking our 4 years old questions. The magnet table is such a cool thing, there is enough for all to enjoy. We have to go back when it's warm so we can experience all there is to do outside. My one critic is it's to bad there aren't walkways to get to the stuff outside when there is so on the ground and also thought it would be nice if there is a children's price as well. But we are still thankful for our time and would very much like to go again. Thanks for the family memories Raven Hill.

This place was really cool. I saw they do concerts here too but we were here just to shop, this…read morepast Saturday night, when visiting the Petoskey area. First off, they have bathrooms, if you're in need of one. Second, they have all sorts of handmade (Michigan made, the proprietor told us) gifts and tchotchkes. Most are a bit on the pricier side but I saw some rings made of forks and spoons for $8, which were pretty cool, and a few more inexpensive jewelry options, too. Everything we saw here was really interesting so that is why this shop gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. I hopefully will return when next in the Boyne City area.

My partner and I stopped in, we're on vacation right now at a nearby Ski resort. The woman we met -…read moreI presume the owner- was very kind! The selection of art is wide, varied, colorful and interesting. We got two pieces, a beautiful vase and a watercolor. Would love to purchase more someday down the road from this business.

Lucky number 300!…read more These fine folks offer their lovely barn as a venue for weddings, reunions, and their very own concert series. At the concerts there is usually a potluck which can be fun. The musicians and bands that perform are very eclectic, and I do mean that in the best way. I had the good fortune to see local favorite, Breathe Owl Breathe. On another night, I saw a middle-eastern instrumental group from Lansing. So, come one come all to the musical buffet and remember to bring something tasty for the potluck. At the farm, you will also find chickens, rabbits, and geese. They also run a csa, and sell goods at the farm market in Charlevoix. See their website for more info about all that they do. The farm can be difficult to find, it is off of Barnard Rd. in Charlevoix. The drive up from T.C. is quite pretty and I highly recommend it. disclaimer- I volunteered here for short stint earlier in 2011, so of course I think these folks are great fun...and I do hope you will too.

I have gone to numerous concerts at the barn and each one has been so amazing. Often times there is…read morea potluck, plus you can bring your own food and drink. It is a very relaxing, welcoming, and enjoyable atmosphere. The music always sounds great and the barn provides the perfect setting for the Black Cat Concert Series. This is a must see if you live or visit Northern Michigan.

I had a great experience here. The staff was exceptional, especially Patrick McGeehan. His kindness…read moreand understanding was amazing. I would recommend coming here only for his service. Great guy.

I unfortunately cannot tell you, from a true "buyers' point of view", how this yacht club compares…read moreto others located on Great Lakes. To be extremely clear, my parents are the long-time, hard workers who earned their ability to afford the fees associated with this family vacation spot. But I hope you still see some value in my review, because sometimes a visitor's outlook can be the most powerful selling point; your children/grandchildren will love coming to visit you, not only because you are awesome parents, but because you live in a really cool place with lots of fun activities. Where to begin? This spot.......just....speechless, hands down, I see God, beautiful. Even without currently owning a boat, our family still has the best time at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club. Located just 70 miles north of Traverse City, this well kept secret offers world class comfort and amenities. For starters, you can enjoy their pool where many parents swim with their kids and order refreshments poolside. If you want to stay in shape during your visit, the club has a decent workout center that doesn't get too crowded. They offer instructor-guided classes such as yoga, pilates, cardio, and even (according to my mom) stretching seminars. If you like to run, the surrounding neighborhood is fun to get lost in. For avid cyclists, feel free to journey from the yacht club to the neighboring city of Charlevoix or Harbor Springs; both are about 14 miles away in opposing directions. The beautiful bicycle path was recently completed for the entire 30-mile stretch hugging Little Traverse Bay, and I guarantee you'd be hard pressed to find a more beautiful bike path anywhere else. Remember to take your camera. If you're bored with pools, walk to their man-made sand beach and go swimming. You can also rent a kayak, paddleboat, or two-seater sailboat to go explore the bay and examine mega yachts up close. From the shore, you can comfortably lounge under an umbrella, or you may choose to build a tan along with some sand castles. There is a swing-set available for your tiny adventurers, but it might take some convincing to get them to stop hunting for tiny beach-crabs near the shore. The club also provides a food stand where you may order picnic-like nibbles like PB&J sandwiches, hotdogs, beer, juice, and sodas. The ground level of the BHYC is where you can find the bar. They offer your typical cocktails, but they throw in a few diverse drink indulgences as well. My favorite coffee drink can be found at this bar titled the "Awesome Coffee". If you like banana's foster because of the fire element, you will enjoy this drink and how it's made. Surrounding the bar is the banquet space that offers a cliffside view of the harbor, surrounding villages, sunset, and boats/mega yachts coming and going. I'm not sure who their chef is at the moment, but the menu is always inventive and the food is never disappointing. Neighboring Cities: The Village of Bay Harbor shares the same harbor as the actual yacht club and it only takes a short walk, jog, bike-ride, or tiny drive to reach. Just off of Front Street in the village is the boat ramp where you can meet with water ski and wave-runner rental companies. Just call ahead because they don't house their rentals in the harbor; they drive in and drop off. You can find many upscale fashion stores, art/restored-car galleries, wine shops, ice cream parlors, delis, high-end grocers, or restaurants. My favorite casual spot is The Knot where you will find a new standard for comparing Fish 'n Chips. You can also have your name painted onto their walls in boat-print if you try all of their 69 beers; not in one sitting of course. For breakfast, an absolute "must" is The Original Pancake House. Holy omelets, my mouth just watered thinking about their fluffy-fluffy pancakes. Petoskey is only four miles up the road and offers your more typical amenities. It has reasonably priced grocers, liquor stores, a movie theater, Walmart, coffee shops, boutique hardware stores (LOVE), parks, the famous St. Francis Xavier Cathedral for a dose of traditional mass, and some awesome Chinese food at Hu Nan. Harbor Springs is only a 15 mile drive from the club and viewable across Little Traverse Bay. It would be a waste not to pay a visit here on your trip. If you enjoy French architecture and gardens, art, homemade ice cream, bicycles, classic boats (the Ford Family Yacht can sometimes be seen here), make the trip over via car, boat, or bike. This city is also home to Nub's Nob offering a variety of short ski runs from bunny to black in the winter. In the city center one can find the Holy Childhood of Jesus Roman Catholic Church for a more contemporary Catholic Mass. Atop the daily activities, Bay Harbor offers numerous annual events, activities and celebrations. You have to be a door nob to be bored. For an up to date list of events, please visit http://www.villageatbayharbor.com/events/events.aspx. Come Up North!

What drew you in: The signs for a fresh farmer's market or for the wine tasting room? It really…read moredoesn't matter because the Royal Farms will not disappoint! A perfect stop between Traverse City and Mackinaw City, this charming, cozy, epicenter of hospitality has so much to offer. The market has a fun selection of locally-curated items to its own homemade pies, soups, salad, and in-season produce. The Tasting Room is a comfy spot, appointed with more tchotckes, nibbles, a fireplace, and an array of respectable wines and ciders to try. You can stroll around the grounds, see the scenic views, and relax over a flight of unique and tasty beverages. Most definitely a must-visit stop!

Cute farmstead and bakery, across the road from A-ga-ming golf course…read more Purchased today - honey bear, donut, red haven peaches! Service was good.

Saw Dusty Slay, Bill Blagg, and finally Randy Houser. Best…read morewas Randy. Wow! What a performance and performer. His vocals were amazing. Venue is beautiful, modern, clean and staff is very accommodating. This is our 1st season as subscribers and donors and have already bought additional tickets to future venues. Love the variety of events. We are new residents to Petoskey and cannot wait for next years line up. Ricky at the box office is so helpful and knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Cassia recognizes new members and donors and is quick to say Hello and Thank You. From the moment we walked in, til the moment we left, we felt like family. Thank you to every person on staff for a job well done! Customer service does exist and this venue is a testament to that fact.

fun spot to kill a few hours and live in some nostalgia. plenty of retro gaming consoles to buy and…read moregames to match.

Beautiful place if you're looking cute, funny and unique things for your garden and house…read more Beautiful pottery. The service is amazing, very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended to make a stop and wander around.

So many cool things - fun to browse, even if you're not looking for anything. Tons of outdoor…read morefurniture, yard items, nice pottery and unique gifts. Friendly service, reasonable prices.