Torch Lake
A Harbor Towns Special
The secluded spots and quaint towns tucked away in harbors and bays on the Lake Michigan coast have long been desirable destinations for those seeking a weekend respite or relaxing summer season away from the usual harried hubbub. Sandy beaches with hidden Petoskey Stone treasures beckon, restaurants of local fame prepare home-style meals, and freshwater bodies welcome you with friendly waves. With so many tiny towns and cozy communities to visit and explore, let Northern Express provide some insight.
Torch Lake is famously beautiful, a freshwater anomaly of turquoise and sea green. (It shares the same white sediment and low organic content as the Caribbean.) Torch is also very long, measuring 19 miles from end to end, which works both ways for those who want to enjoy its waters: restaurants, lodging, and marinas are pretty far flung, some concentrated in Eastport, at the northern end, and more in Alden and beyond, on the southeast shore.
Eastport is a tiny spot on the map, but a good starting point for exploring the northern end of the lake and the attractions dotting the surrounding countryside. Alden is a sweet village on southeastern Torch Lake with around 125 residents but thousands of seasonal visitors. It’s also nearer the south end action, namely the famous Torch Lake Sandbar. (Some blame Kid Rock.)
Nosh & Nibble
Lay in supplies at the Eastport Market before casting off. This full service, one-stop-shop carries everything you could possibly need. eastportmarket.com
Enjoy lunch on-site or to go at Torch Lake Café, originally an 1880s church, with a divinely inspired menu. Sizeable lunch and dinner menus, pizza, entertainment, karaoke, one of the best kids’ menus ever, and a full bar round out the experience. torchlakecafe.com
Grab a morning espresso and house-baked goodie from The Muffin Tin and return for indulgent Lobster Bisque at lunchtime, plus beer, wine, cocktails. (231) 676-2040
Check out the subs, Italian sides, salads, and unique pizzas at BlueWater Bistro & Pizzeria. Guests can even buy a round for the staff as a thank-you for all that delicious flavor. torchlakepizza.com
Must-sees & Must-dos
Families love Torch Lake Township Day Park (William K. Good Day Park), on 3 acres with 75 feet of shoreline, including a buoyed swimming area. Find picnic tables, covered pavilions (fee), and basketball, as well as a playground, boat launch, on-site restrooms, and ample parking ($10). On the way, swing by 31 Scoops for burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream. antrimcounty.org/park.
On land, tour Providence Organic Farm’s natural café and food market, bursting with colorful organic produce, gifts, and products from over 30 regional vendors. (231) 599-2020. Or drive the kid-friendly Torch Lake Tour: In addition to breweries, a distillery, wineries, and cideries, tours also include farm experiences, cafes, bakeries, gifts, and more. torchlaketour.com/wineries
Browse True BLUE Gallery’s Art for the Sake of the Lake and learn about the Torch Lake Watershed. (Proceeds support Torch Conservation Center.) Visit on Facebook or call (231) 421-4822.
Check out the model trains and restored train cars—plus much more—at the Alden Depot Park & Museum. Fun fact: During the heyday of train travel, Alden was considered the finest depot north of Grand Rapids. aldendepot.com
Last but not least, savor the aromas at Alden Mill House, with 200 spice varieties and 33 house- blends, plus the stuff of your kitchen dreams. (Now there’s a souvenir you’ll actually use.) aldenmillhouse.com
Lay Your Head
Set up camp at Barnes Park and Campground (pictured), fronting Grand Traverse Bay, on the west side of US 31. A beautiful beach, two pavilions, playground, two bathhouses, 3 miles of walking trails, plus areas for baseball, basketball, and volleyball make this a family favorite.
Not wanting to pitch a tent? Settle in at the nicely renovated Torch Bay Inn and Cottages, also on the west side of the highway. Visitors give it high marks. torchbayinn.com
Relax big-time at the seriously upscale Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast. Amenities abound, from Aveno hair and bath products to dockage for your boat…or seaplane, if you prefer. torchlakebb.com
Sleep tight at The Inn at Torch Lake, where four suites and one apartment with wet bars, fireplaces, gourmet kitchen or kitchenette await. Wake to an in-house breakfast buffet. Inn-at-torchlake.com.
Dock It
Boaters can put in at the Eastport boat launch, a roomy DNR site with restrooms and parking for 55 cars/trailers. Two cement ramps easily accommodate larger boats. (Michigan Recreation Passport required.)
Downtown Alden’s Safe Harbor has boat launch and docks and is adjacent to Valleau Landing Park with portable restrooms and carry-in launch. Parking is off-site, but nearby, at Alden Depot Park.
Dewitt Marine, north of Alden at the mouth of Clam River on Torch Lake, is a full service marine center, including Tritoon pontoon rentals. The nearby Clam Shack sells food and necessities. dewittmarine.com.
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