Solo Travel Itinerary for Charlevoix, Michigan

Charlevoix, Michigan is a great side-excursion from Traverse City or Petoskey. If you are a solo traveler in the area, this itinerary will be just what you are looking for to experience all that the city has to offer over a weekend. While you are there, you will realize why the city is my favorite in Michigan.

Where to Stay:

Solo travelers will find themselves right at home at The Lodge Hotel located at 120 Michigan Avenue. While the regular rooms are nice, but the spacious suites have balconies that overlook Round Lake. They are moderately priced between $69 a night in the off-season to $179 a night in peak season.

Friday

For your first night, make sure that you take time to relax at Whitney's of Charlevoix. This restaurant overlooks the Yacht Basin and is the place to go for oysters. If you are not into oysters, there are many other selections on the menu.

As evening approaches, take a walk along the Pine River Channel. Starting just North of Downtown Charlevoix, this walking path will take you from Round Lake, all the way to Lake Michigan if you take the entire two mile trek. If you made it far enough into Boyne City, stop off at Cooper's Pub and Grill for some entertainment and drinks.

Saturday

When you get up in the morning, skip the continental breakfast at the hotel, and head straight for the Harbor View Café at 100 W. Antrim Street. This is where you will find the best skillet breakfast in town. Make sure that you are there in time to watch the sun come up over Round Lake. Be one of the few people that has seen the sunrise and sunset on two different bodies of water without traveling more than two miles.

Head north along the water for Downtown Charlevoix. You can travel along the main thoroughfare for all of your shopping needs. At 1 p.m., I suggest taking the Keweenaw Excursions boat tour of the area. For $25, you will get two hours out on Lake Michigan, or on Round Lake if the weather is not cooperating.

Diner should be at Esperance on U.S. 31 North as the entire menu is built around the wine selection, and is an experience in itself. Spend the rest of your evening checking out an outdoor concert, or some local entertainment at one of the watering holes. If you missed the sunset last night, do it tonight.

Sunday

Make sure that you charter a boat for the morning on Sunday. Even if you do not fish, a chartered boat will take you to many of the nooks of Lake Michigan that few ever see. Make sure that your camera has fresh batteries as you are sure to see a variety of wildlife. Many of the charter companies run deals on Sunday morning.