SLOW DOWN IN A SMALL TOWN! BIG Adventures can come in small packages! Charlevoix County, Michigan remains a constant gem of a find!
Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan are three points of interest on three completely separate triangular points located on Lake Charlevoix. This northwest lower peninsula Michigan county is a complete tourist destination offering many hidden gems! Each location is vastly different, yet each share the same waters lapping on their beautiful shores.
What an amazing place to grow up, return to as an adult, and raise my own family! We are blessed! This touristy mecca is complete with numerous entertainment opportunities, endless outdoor activity choices, and a peacefulness unfound anywhere else on earth to me!
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“The nice thing about living in a small town is that when you don’t know what you’re doing, someone else does.”
~Immanuel Kant
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, MICHIGAN
CHARLEVOIX
THIS IS WHERE I GREW UP!
So many fond memories of growing up here in this glorious, quaint little town. Charlevoix has evolved as have I. Most of the shops have flipped to new ventures, remodels occurred. Time changes all, right! Many of my favorite places are no longer. The foundation of my northern Michigan upbringing remains seated here though! I can boast that my parents and their parents were year-around residents in this predominantly second home culture.
The amazing real estate found here can be overwhelmingly obnoxious to some. I grew up with this as my normal. It wasn’t until I moved away from this quaint area that I truly understood that my slice of “normal” was anything but normal. I lived elsewhere for seven years before I realized that I was choosing to not be in this amazing northern Michigan region. What a great place to settle and raise a family. It is quiet, peaceful, and filled with a tranquility of a slower paced life.
Don’t get me wrong, summertime in northern Michigan is filled with festivals and events scheduled every weekend in all three towns. One does not have a hard time finding super interesting outings to fill their free time. Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce lists the population filled with summer residents jumping from around 2.47K per year-around residents to 15K-25K summer residents depending on which festival weekend is happening. No traffic issues downtown in the winter switches to 30-45 minutes to travel through town to cross the drawbridge daily in a one stop light downtown area.
It is one of the most unique places in Michigan. I have not experienced any place even similar. It can be magical. It can be the opposite of magical too when tourists are rude with big city mentality invading our tranquil existence or bring their big city “bad habits” north.
The waters of Lake Michigan flow freely into Pine River Channel connecting to Round Lake. Round Lake in turn connects with Lake Charlevoix.
To learn more about the history of Charlevoix’s Lighthouse click on this link. It has a fascinating history!
This Lake Michigan bluff view is one of my favorites. Notice the unique color of the water! Our region is known for the iron ore found on the bottoms of the lake.
CHARLEVOIX STREET VIEW
Excellent shopping can be found downtown in theses unique shops. I remember back to school shopping from my childhood right here in these shops and I remain a loyal shopper to these unique places. Unique interesting quality items are sold in these quaint locations.
I cannot tell you how many times I have walked these streets. This park can be filled most every weekend with booths set up for whatever festival is happening that weekend. Transient dockers arrive here by water to rent a nightly docking space to enjoy our little town each day. Marinas on each lake provide these services.
Private sections of the town are called the Chicago Club and Belvedere Club. These second summer home communities for many, embody a large part of what makes Charlevoix so unique and historical. Many of these summer homes are generational. The stories the walls could whisper if one could only hear…
MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
I LOVE eating breakfast out! It is such a great, peaceful way to welcome in a new day! I recommend the California Egg’s Benedict here! I enjoy it frequently. Many memories have been made here from taking my son to breakfast weekly after training at the pool to annual “FAVORITE UNCLE” breakfast when he comes to town.
“Living in a rural setting exposes you to so many marvelous things – the natural world and the particular texture of small-town life, and the exhilarating experience of open space.”
~Susan Orlean
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, MICHIGAN
BOYNE CITY
THIS IS WHERE I CALL HOME NOW!
It is certainly a compelling place to visit and enjoy a slower pace of life! Family, friends, a sense of belonging to a community spirited with American patriotism. A place does exist where neighbors take care of each other, looking out for one another, assisting each other through the trials of life’s ups and downs. This is a classic Northern Michigan locale. The Boyne City Chamber lists Charlevoix County (2015 estimated census) with an estimated 26K residents and Boyne City specifically with approximately 4K.
Many tourists visit Boyne City annually and enjoy the many micro-brew pubs and restaurants along the downtown area. Stand out favorite stops remain fudge shops along with ice cream treats!
The waters of Lake Charlevoix invite playtime in many forms and fashions. Power boating, water-skiing, Jet skiing, windsurfing, surfing behind a power boats wake, wake-boarding, fishing, sailing, swimming, ice racing, ice fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. the list too long to list all of the joys the lake provides. The iron ore reflecting from the sunshine off the lake bottom tints the waters a breathe taking shade of green/blue that beckons lake lovers to indulge.
CLICK HERE: Live Local WEBCAM to view real time action in the downtown area!
Boyne City’s marina and lighthouse have an interesting story too. Click here to read more. BOYNE CITY HISTORY
MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
Cafe Sante’ in Boyne City offers more than just breakfasts, but I LOVE their traditional Egg’s Benedict here. I can’t tell you how many volunteer organization breakfasts I’ve attended here with girlfriends planning events. This is certainly a favorite. This place symbolizes much to our community. The view is such a wonderful addition too!
STREET SCENE IN BOYNE CITY, MICHIGAN
The downtown shopping area in Boyne City is also filled with several very unique shopping opportunities. Unique finds can be found for the shoppers here.
“For any American who had the great and priceless privilege of being raised in a small town there always remains with him nostalgic memories.”
~Dwight D. Eisenhower
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, MICHIGAN
EAST JORDAN
THIS IS THE THIRD LOCAL TOWN ON LAKE CHARLEVOIX!
While walking, look down at the pavement in any town with a street. Locate a manhole cover…where was it manufactured? YES! EAST JORDAN, MI!! No matter where we travel we are always amazed at this discovery when we look down at manhole covers originating from this company. East Jordan Iron Works, now known as: EJ, INC.
This beautiful little Norther Lower Peninsula Michigan town located on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix provides a beautiful location for many tourists. The East Joran Chamber of Commerce lists 2.1K as the annual population here in this amazing location.
This area is full of natural habitats for many wildlife species. We are so blessed to have these wonderful views daily available to overwhelm our senses. Tranquility and peacefulness bombards your senses here. It is a complete luxury to just be here.
Boating is a popular pastime here. Many enjoy Outdoor enjoyment down the Jordan River on a canoe trip too! It is probably the most rustic of the three towns.
What a view, RIGHT!
DOWNTOWN STREET VIEW
East Jordan, Michigan provides a unique downtown area shaped through historic manufacturing of iron works. This is a hard working community of locals enjoy this beautiful south arm of Lake Charlevoix daily.
MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
The South Arm Cafe provides the community with such a great community gathering place. Local football teams meet here on game day mornings to load up with fuel to provide success! The iron skillet is a favorite menu item here!
This downtown area provides the residents of East Jordan, Michigan with the heart of the community. Many quaint shops provide goods and services for their community here.
“In small towns people scent the wind with noses of uncommon keenness.”
~Stephen King
Well, I hope that this list has triggered some amazing travel ideas for you to explore northwest lower peninsula Michigan in Charlevoix County this next year! Not only are these areas tranquil and beautiful, but they are filled with several outdoor activities awaiting your pleasure! Please leave me a reply below indicating which is your favorite location that interests you to explore more, and if you have ever traveled here before! Do you have a favorite destinations like these near where you live? Maybe your perspective of your hometown needs to be looked at with new eyes and appreciation like I recently found myself doing!
Christ fills us each day with His spirit. Be sure to open your eyes and ears daily to see and hear what He has prepared for you. Take stock of your blessings, daily. Breathe the clean fresh air of peace filled tranquility and share the fruits of God’s blessings daily in your actions. Others are watching. Be an example.
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A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
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TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞
Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
I love to slow down and travel. Lake Michigan looks very relaxing, and I could use more of that in my life right now. Thanks for sharing a little of your hometown in Charlevoix County with us.
I love small towns! In fact, we have many of them here where I live in Florida. There seems to be something new to discover even in a small town and to support those mom and pop stores to me is important. I’ve never been to Michigan, but Charlevoix County seems like a great place to visit!
While Charlevoix County is amazing, Marquette offers many amazing outdoor attractions as well. The hiking trails and camping opportunities are great and the the winter snow fun is also a draw there!
This is a great and detailed post about Charlevoix County, Michigan. I’ve never been to Michigan, but I enjoyed reading about Charlevoix County. All of the pictures are calming and peaceful!
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24 Comments
Tammy Horvath
I love to slow down and travel. Lake Michigan looks very relaxing, and I could use more of that in my life right now. Thanks for sharing a little of your hometown in Charlevoix County with us.
Barbara Robinson
My pleasure! God is good!
Suzan
Small towns offer so much! Such quaint locales.
Barbara Robinson
Yes! A community looking out for one another and supporting each other through the roller coaster of life!
Cynthia Mackintosh
I love small towns! In fact, we have many of them here where I live in Florida. There seems to be something new to discover even in a small town and to support those mom and pop stores to me is important. I’ve never been to Michigan, but Charlevoix County seems like a great place to visit!
Barbara Robinson
Completely agree!
Sandi
I haven’t been to Charlevoix County Michigan yet. We are heading to Marquette in January for some fun in the snow!
Barbara Robinson
While Charlevoix County is amazing, Marquette offers many amazing outdoor attractions as well. The hiking trails and camping opportunities are great and the the winter snow fun is also a draw there!
kmf
I would love to slow down in a small town. Charlevoix County, Michigan seems to offer the perfect destinations for doing just that.
Fransic verso
That is a lovely place during the day. I’ve not been there too many times but would love to travel there to the lake.
Barbara Robinson
I am definitely blessed to enjoy this area frequently!
Dana
This is a great and detailed post about Charlevoix County, Michigan. I’ve never been to Michigan, but I enjoyed reading about Charlevoix County. All of the pictures are calming and peaceful!
Barbara Robinson
Calm & Peaceful are paramount to sanity! 🙂
Lisa Manderino
Wow, it is so beautiful. I love the color of the water and those trees!
Barbara Robinson
Thanks Lisa! We love our little area!
Megan
Charlevoix County Seems so cute and charming! I love the downtown areas with that have unique shops and restaurants. What a great place to live!
anatureescape
I love small towns! And I love local brunch cafes. I love Michigan but I have not been to these towns yet.
Cindy Moore
Charlevoix County looks like a beautiful and charming area! I’d love to explore here.
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
Coming from small towns ourselves, we love visiting them! Charlevoix County sounds like a place that we could spend days exploring.
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
Small towns are so charming. These 3 in Michigan sound amazing. Thank you for sharing them.
Sandi
Charlevoix County is beautiful. It must get very cold!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! Yes it does!
Whitney
Wow, sooooo beautiful. So many beautiful colors!
Barbara Robinson
Glad you enjoyed!