Fall in the Petoskey Area features much more than its famous color tours.

Northwest Michigan’s lakeside resort towns of Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Boyne City are more appealing than ever when surrounded by brilliant fall color. Enjoy the unique shops and boutiques, tee it up on world-class golf courses, take a stroll along the beach, or simply relax and unwind while delighting in the warm days and cool nights.

Upcoming Events in the Petoskey Area:

Harbor Springs Cycling Classic

September 19 ~ Harbor Springs

Bay Harbor Home Tour

September 19 ~ Bay Harbor

Taste of Harbor Springs

September 26 ~ Harbor Springs

Boyne 2 Boyne Marathon/Half Marathon

September 27 ~ Boyne Highlands

Visit http://www.petoskeyarea.com/ for more information.

Gingerbread & History

Founded in 1875 “for intellectual and scientific culture and the promotion of the cause of religion and morality,” the Bay View Association should be a stop on your visit to the beautiful Petoskey area.

If you’ve been to Bay View, I think you’ll agree, the collection of gingerbread homes is spectacular – even if you’re not interested in architecture. Salmon colored sidewalks lead up to the entrance of this Victorian delight – a place so special that it is a National Historic Landmark.

And then there’s the programs – guest speakers throughout the season, Vesper concerts on Sunday evenings, a musical revue (“Broadway Our Way”), an opera (Marriage of Figaro”), a musical (“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”) and classes that are open to the public.

Two historic inns, the Terrace Inn and Stafford’s Bay View are an added delight. Lodging and dining are available at both – even better both offer rocking chairs on their porches that beg to be set in.

This summer, take a step back in time to the Bay View Association. You’ll be glad you did.

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Trillium Trip

I found myself on a little road trip two days ago - Sunshine, 83 degrees and the top down on the convertible - did I mention I was actually working while on this little escape? What a deal!

I was in Harbor Springs and had to visit several different places. Far be it from me to stay on the main road; there were short cuts to be had and I am absolutely certain I saved some time by taking the back roads. Since I sliced a few minutes off my travels here and there, I felt no guilt over the times I slowed the car to a crawl and marveled at the trillium.

In some places there were just a smattering of a few white plants, but in other places, fragrant carpets covered the woods. I had grabbed my camera on the way out the door and was glad to be able to capture the beauty that too often I just speed by. These protected flowers should last for a while yet this season. Even if you don't have time to stop and smell the roses, make sure you at least take the time to slow down and notice the trillium.

Pure Michigan Tour

"They said it really loud, They said it on the air, on the radio - whoa oh oh . . . . "

'They', in this case, was Paul W. Smith; the radio station was WJR and you can still hear what they have to say on the radio, via your computer. Go to: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=87867143928&h=ij3ks&u=Hws27&ref=mf

You'll hear about the beautiful views, the great golf and the expanded spa services at the highly acclaimed Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort. Smith is doing a Pure Michigan Tour and reminding WJR listeners that there are some really cool places to visit in Michigan, one of them being the Inn at Bay Harbor just west of Petoskey. Not only does the Inn have its own appeal, but the surrounding area adds to the allure of this waterfront destination.

Join Paul W. Smith and then come see for yourself why they talk about northern Michigan on the radio!

Morels are on their way

Good news for morel hunters! We're getting the rain needed to help with a good mushroom season. Next mother nature needs to bring some warmer weather and we'll be foraging for fungus before you know it!

Pack your bags for May 14-17, when Boyne City is host to the 49th Annual Morel Mushroom Festival. You'll find a carnival, mushroom hunting, cooking demonstrations and lots of morels!

Polls Close Friday, April 3. Please Vote Now!

You can help Petoskey win the title it so justly deserves - America's Coolest Small Town - by casting your vote at the Budget Travel website. The polls close, Friday, April 3rd, so don't keep telling yourself you'll get around to it - vote today!