Escape Guide: Glen Arbor, Michigan
by Katherine Parker-Magyar
Prefer your vacation unsalted? Plan a trip to Glen Arbor, Michigan, for this summer--we've given you enough advance notice to make this happen. We've already written of our love of Lake Michigan (see: Harbor Springs), but we can't reiterate enough how nice it is to dive into what feels like the world's largest swimming pool. Read on for our top picks in Glen Arbor, overlooking the gorgeous Glen Lake.
Put 'Em Back
Art's Tavern
6487 W Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Simply the go-to spot in Glen Arbor for a drink, a burger, a game of pool--whatever your heart desires.
Joe's Friendly Tavern
11015 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630
This spot is similar to Art's (the Midwest has the tavern game down), and is a ten minute drive from Glen Arbor. Our recommendation? Bike there on the Heritage Trail, and mix exercise with leisure.
Boonedocks
5858 S Manitou Blvd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Head here for the live music (and the booze, duh).
Local's Picks
Funistrada
4566 W MacFarlane Rd, Maple City, MI
This Italian restaurant has generous portions and a cozy ambiance. Quite popular--book a reservation in advance.
Good Eats
Good Harbor Grill
6584 Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Our recommendation for breakfast or lunch--the Instagrammable venue (bright colors, see left) is well worth the meal.
The Riverside Inn
302 E River St, Leland, MI 49654
Come here for dinner, and order a bottle of wine while you dine overlooking the river.
Get Your Fix
Foot Hills Cafe
7097 S Dunns Farm Rd, Maple City, MI
Head here for an early morning recovery after a night at Art's, Boonedocks, or Joe's. The place to go for your hangover cure.
Good Times
Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes
The mountains of sand are simply beyond belief. Head here for a hike, or merely to run down the dunes.
Bike the Heritage Trail
As mentioned above, reward yourself with a beer at Joe's Tavern before heading home.
Fish Glen Lake
Act like Hemingway and go fishing on Glen Lake. Bring a flask or two to really complete the experience.
Off The Grid
Hunt in North Manitou
The hunting in the island of North Manitou is not to be missed--just check to make sure you're in season.
Fill Your Bag
Cherry Republic
6026 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Welcome to the cherry capital of the world! Relax in the outdoor garden, and try to avoid staining your clothing.
Hang Your Hat
The Homestead
1 Woodridge Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
"America's Freshwater Resort" is always a good decision when booking a trip to Michigan.
The Sylvan Inn/The M22 Inn Glen Arbor
6680 W Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
The owners are friendly (you're in the Midwest: duh), and both Inns are conveniently located right in the heart of town.
Leelanau Vacation Rental
6546 S State St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
Go native and book a rental via Leelanau to experience how the fresher half lives (get it? they're not saltwater vacationers?) We'll see ourselves out.
Anything to add? Let us know in the comment section.
Shoutout to Mary Kate Miranowski for the insider tips!
Photo Credit: JoeyBLS, The Epicurean Traveler, Yelp, Cherry Republic
