Local Attractions

Harbor Springs. Only five miles from True North is Harbor Springs, a lovely little resort and summer home community that's known far and wide for its excellent dining, upscale shopping, gorgeous views of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, and an array of outdoor activities—including golf, skiing, cycling, fishing, sailing, and sail boarding.

Petoskey. Roughly 10 miles from True North, on the south side of Little Traverse Bay, is the beautiful city of Petoskey. Slightly larger than Harbor Springs, Petoskey offers an even broader assortment of things to see and do. As evidenced by the number of people who spend their summers here, the Petoskey area is considered one of Michigan's most popular places for golf and water sports. Superb dining and endless shopping are additional hallmarks of the Petoskey area. During the winter, the town is all about downhill and cross-country skiing. Among its nearby resorts are Bay Harbor (including the fabulous Inn at Bay Harbor), Boyne Highlands, and Boyne Mountain. For thrills of a different kind, Petoskey is also home to Northern Michigan's newest and most exciting gaming facility—the Odawa Casino Resort.

Mackinac Bridge. Within an easy drive of True North is arguably the state of Michigan's most amazing man-made wonder-the Mackinac Bridge. Completed in 1957 to accommodate vehicle traffic between the state's upper and lower peninsulas, this astounding structure is the third longest suspension bridge in the world. Stretching across the convergence of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, the bridge known as "Mighty Mac" measures a whopping 5 miles long and is crossed by more than 3,500,000 cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles each year.

Mackinac Island. A short ferry ride from either end of the Mackinac Bridge, in Lake Huron, is another of the state's most popular attractions-Mackinac Island. Partly because it was the site of a battle during the War of 1812 and partly because it offers casual to fine dining, quaint shopping, and eye-popping views, Mackinac Island is annually one of Michigan's most visited and beloved locations. Unlike the Mackinac Bridge, though, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island. Modes of transportation include horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Charlevoix. A few miles south of Petoskey, on the shores of both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix (the state's third largest inland lake), is the charming city of Charlevoix. Like Petoskey and Harbor Springs, Charlevoix offers visitors a long list of things to see and do—which is why its year-round population of about 2,000 jumps to 30,000 or more during the summer. In addition to its many choices for golf, shopping, and dining, Charlevoix is a popular spot for charter boat fishing and day trips (nearby Beaver Island, for example, is known for its beautiful beaches). And during the winter, Charlevoix becomes a haven for skiers and snowmobilers.