Friday, August 21, 2015

10 Things to do Before School Starts

 It's that time of year again, for pencil bouquets, notebooks, and heading back to school. But before the summer sun leaves us, here are ten must-do activities to fit in before the bell rings!

#1 Ride the Waves

The temperatures are on the rise begging you to take a dive into Lake Michigan before it's too late! Rent stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, jet-skis, and boats of all kinds for your water-sport activities. Click HERE for more details.


 

 

 

#2 Enjoy the end of Summer Concerts

Bring your blanket or lawn chair to East Park and enjoy the summer sounds of the musicians lined up through August 27 in the Odmark Pavilion!
City Band Concerts are Tuesdays from 8-9pm
Summer Concert Series is every Thursday from 7-9pm

Click HERE for more details.


Or feel the rhythm of Jazz at the Library, Wednesday nights at 7pm and the Summer Folk Concerts on Monday nights at 6:30pm! Click HERE for more details.


#3 Picnic in East Park


Our East Park, in the heart of downtown Charlevoix, is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. Take a blanket or sit at a picnic table and pack your cooler or get lunch to go! Sprawl onto the grass and enjoy the spectacular view of beautiful Round Lake harbor and magnificent boats docked at the City Marina.

 





#4 Take a Hike

Fisherman's Island State Park is a beautiful location for hiking or walking down the shoreline. For specific trails in counties of northern Michigan, click HERE. To find trails in the location of your choice, visit upnorthtrails.org.




#5 Appreciate the Preserves

Spend some quality time in the northwoods of northern Michigan enjoying the natural beauty of the Little Traverse Conservancy preserves. Click HERE for maps of the nature preserves in northern Michigan counties, or download the app for your smartphone by searching "LTC Explorer!"


#6 Dine Somewhere New

Tired of frequenting the same restaurant every time you dine out? Check out the newest restaurants to the area and add some spontaneity to your meal times! 

Lake Charlevoix Brewing Company
East Park Tavern
Chee Peng
Roadhouse 757
That French Place
Pizza Girl

For our complete menu guide of restaurants in Charlevoix, click HERE.


#7 Shopping Spree

Before you head back to school, take a day to shop our local retailers for fall threads, accessories, backpacks, school supplies and more!

For the college student, shop downtown for dorm accessories and take a piece of home back with you this semester!

For the list of our local retailers, click HERE.


#8 Take a Cruise

If you haven't taken a ride on the lakes of Charlevoix, you're missing out! Cruise the waters with Keweenaw Excursions and get a history lesson along the way, or take part in sailing a catamaran with the crew at Sunshine Charters!


#9 Stay Fresh at the Farmers Market

The Farmers Market runs Thursdays from 9am-1pm from May until October! If you haven't stopped by the booths in East Park, there is still time to pick up some produce and other goodies while listening to entertainment along the way. Click HERE for more details.

 

 

#10 Take a Day Trip to Beaver Island


If you like spending time hiking, or biking in the great outdoors, and would like to tour an island rich in history, Beaver Island is the place to go. Take the 2hr Emerald Isle boat ferry, or fly with Island Airways round trip and spend the day on island time visiting historic points of interest such as the Mormon Print Shop Museum and the Lighthouse. For more information visit the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce website at beaverisland.org, or call 231-448-2505.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The Charlevoix three-day Tour!

Are you planning a trip to Charlevoix, but aren't sure where to start? Are you a resident looking for ways to entertain your summer company? Your itinerary is laid out for you, with three days worth of activities to occupy your time and get the most out of your stay in Charlevoix!

Day One

*photo by Charlevoix Convention & Visitors Bureau

Day Two

*photo by Mike Murphy

Day Three

*photo by Kyle Cyr


Visit our complete Business Directory and online Visitors Guide for more information on things to do in Charlevoix, or visit our website at www.charlevoix.org!



Thursday, August 6, 2015

Four Season Artisans

There's one more month left of summer before the leaves change and the cold rolls in, (insert groans here). Though the Michigan climate may be fickle, the picturesque beauty and charm of Charlevoix can be found nestled in several of our unique art galleries year round.

 No matter what the weather, the treasures you'll find at our galleries will make your day more vibrant and provide something for the art lover in all of us, local and visitor alike!

Downtown

Aartvark Studio & Gallery 

Interested in having a picture framed or need a photographer to take senior or family pictures? The Aartvark is a photography studio and gallery that offers custom framing, printing & many types of photography/video services: weddings, events, senior portraits, families, architecture, business portraits and more. Stop by and visit the link above for more information!
*photo by Terry Salmonson of Aartvark Studio, image found at above link

 

 

Charlevoix Circle of Arts

Come visit the Circle of Arts and walk through unique exhibits year round! The Circle also offers classes in the fine arts: music, dance, theater and more throughout the summer months and into September, as well as lectures and dramatic performances! An Up North State of Mind exhibit is running now through September 20 featuring paintings by local artists! In conjunction with the exhibit will be a plein air paint out and wet paint sale. Stop by and visit the link above for more information!
*image found at Charlevoix Circle of Arts Facebook page

 Elements

Elements Gallery houses unique home and personal accessories handcrafted by over 150 American and Canadian artists! Features an eclectic mix of functional and fine art from local artists and Michigan artists as well. Stop by and visit the link above for more information!
*image found at above link


Lit Fish Fine Art

Lit Fish is the summer art studio for John G. Posa. It features prints, paintings, and other mixed media pieces by Posa as well as other artists! Stop by and visit the link above for more information!

*A Pile of Beach Glass acrylic on linen, image found at above link

 

 

 

North Seas Gallery

 Looking for the perfect painting to hang above your mantle, or an antique cabinet to hold all of your grandmother's china? Stop in North Seas Gallery and browse through their selection of paintings from all over the world, beautifully crafted antique furniture, as well as sculpture, glass and ceramic pieces. Stop by and visit the link above for more information!
*image found at above link



Round Lake Gallery of Art and Design

A colorful and creative location that showcases local Michigan artists as well as artists from around the globe; some as far away as Peru, Guatemala, and South Africa! The unique artwork sold ranges from paintings and furniture to jewelry and accessories, with prices anywhere from $3 to $6,000! Round Lake Gallery is also the start and endpoint for the Earl Young Mushroom Home walking tours, stop in and pick up a brochure! There's something for everyone all year long. Stop by and visit the link above for more information!
*image found at above link

South of Town

Bier Art Gallery & Pottery Studio 

Check out the Bier Gallery inside the iconic red and white schoolhouse! The Bier Gallery is home to over sixty regional and national artist, making the selections diverse and unique. The Bier Gallery features pottery, sculpture, glass and metal works, mixed media/fiber, wood, jewelry, and 2D pieces! Visit the link above for more information! 
 *image found at above link


Cycling Salamander Fine Art Gallery

Explore the Cycling Salamander art gallery and 3 acre sculpture garden! The gallery features the paintings and sculptures of resident artist, Lena Dorey as well as the works of 30 other Michigan artists. Functional pottery, jewelry, etchings, sculpture for the home and garden, and more. Visit the link above for more information!
*painting by Betty Bea Washburn, image found at above link

 

 

 

 

Otis Pottery

Stop by Otis Pottery where you will find a collection of handmade functional and decorative woodfired, gas fired, and electric fired pottery in all shapes and sizes!
Visit our studio to find the perfect gift or piece for your home! Featuring thrown and handcrafted works fired right on site. Visit the link above for more information!
 *image found on the Otis Pottery Facebook page






Stonehedge Gardens

Take a stroll through the beautiful Stonehedge Gardens and gift shop! Take one of these Michigan made treasures home with you: birdhouses, bird baths, wind chimes, stained glass, purses, soaps, honey, maple syrup and so much more! Visit the link above for more information!
*image found at above link