Charlevoix caters to lovers of the Great Lakes
By Rear Commodore Bill Bailey
Charlevoix (M-6) is well worth a stop for cruisers in northern Lake Michigan. It offers easy access, great food options, and all the amenities one could want.
Getting to the harbor
Entering Charlevoix City Marina requires sailing up the Pine River and passing the drawbridge on the town’s main street. The well-maintained marina is in the beautiful city park situated across from the downtown area.
Its location in Round Lake provides protection from the elements, as opposed to being directly on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The marina offers a boater’s lounge, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers, a splash pad, and a team of friendly and professional staff. Fuel and pump outs are available at Ward Marine next to the marina.
Time the drawbridges
If your craft requires a drawbridge opening, time your arrival on the hour or half hour. Charlevoix City Marina monitors VHF channel 9 only. Nearby, on Lake Charlevoix, you will find Irish Boat Shop, a full-service marina with transient dockage, maintenance and repair services for power and sail, and ship stores for parts and accessories.
Dining in downtown Charlevoix
The city marina is in the heart of downtown Charlevoix, conveniently near many attractions, including restaurants, shops, ice cream, and (of course) fudge stores.
Dining options range from delis to upscale gourmet restaurants. The Village Pub is famous for its whitefish. Harwood Gold is a good spot for morning coffee and a pastry, Terry’s offers excellent full-course dinners in a warm casual dining atmosphere. There are many other dinning choices for any taste or preference.
Ernest Hemingway ate here
Ernest Hemingway spent much of his youth in northern Michigan, including time in Charlevoix. Many businesses in the area advertise the fact that he frequented their establishments. However, the oldest restaurant in Charlevoix had a sign that read “Hemingway did not eat here.” That’s the Charlevoix attitude.
Shopping fans have many options
Charlevoix offers a delightful shopping experience with its charming boutiques and unique stores nestled along its scenic streets. Visitors can explore a diverse range of shops, from quaint art galleries showcasing local talent to trendy boutiques featuring stylish apparel.
The library is only a few blocks away from the marina and worth a visit.
Ever see a Mushroom House?
One thing not to miss while visiting Charlevoix is the Mushroom Houses. They are unique, whimsical homes created by self-taught builder Earl Young. They are made mostly of stone, using limestone, fieldstone, and boulders that he found throughout northern Michigan. Some have thatched roofs.
As the name suggests, these are not normal buildings. Tours are available.
Music on the lake
The Venetian Festival is an eight-day festival that showcases big-name concerts, fireworks, a carnival, street and boat parades, athletic events, beachfront activities, street vendors, corner buskers and much more.
It’s already too late to reserve a slip for this year’s festival, July 19-26, but put it on your bucket list. The fireworks display and the lighted boat parade are not to be missed.
Live on the Lake, a free summer concert series, takes place in East Park at the Odmark Performance Pavilion next to the marina and offers tiered seating with grassy knolls large enough for lawn chairs and picnic blankets. You can also hear the concerts from your slip. The free, weekly concerts are offered from late June to early August.
These are only a few of the events, activities, and attractions that Charlevoix offers, there are many more. If you find yourself in northern Lake Michigan, Charlevoix The Beautiful is a must-see.