A Weekend Retreat to Treat Yourself

Your guide to a day of pampering in the Petoskey area

By Brighid Driscoll | Oct. 14, 2023

Autumn, a quintessentially cozy time of year, calls for some R&R. After a busy summer and before the hectic holidays, it’s a great time to treat yourself, and what better way than a weekend getaway? We’ve mapped out a perfect self-care day in the Petoskey area packed with shopping and spa experiences, delicious food, and luxurious places for a good night’s sleep. All you have to do is get here.

Start the Day with Breakfast

Sam’s Graces in downtown Petoskey is a quaint café offering from-scratch delights, including pastries, though their breakfast is particularly beloved for Eggs Benedict. Two fluffy, homemade English muffins provide the foundation for perfectly poached eggs and bright, lemony hollandaise sauce; choose from a classic benny or a smoked whitefish variation that gets rave reviews. Savory not your thing in the early hours? Sam’s pancakes are stacked tall, with crispy edges and soft centers. Order them with blueberries—and perhaps a mimosa—for a meal you won’t soon forget.

Let’s Go Shopping

A good breakfast provides fuel for a shopping excursion, and both Petoskey and Harbor Springs are filled with charming shops and boutiques to explore (and buy souvenirs for your loved ones, if you’re so inclined).

Stop No. 1: Spruce up your home for the season at The Quiet Moose. This furniture store and design studio focuses on crafting the essence of tranquil living, combining modern classics with affordability. From plush pillows to dreamy kitchenware, The Quiet Moose can help add elegance to your home.

Stop No. 2: For a wardrobe refresh, head to the Mettlers American Mercantile. Lou and Lori Mettler have curated a well-made, classic, all-American style reminiscent of Ralph Lauren (think button-downs, stripes, crisp collars, linen, and more). The quality, cut, and timelessness of their items are all carefully considered by the pair before making it into the mercantile.

Stop No. 3: To complement your new outfit, check out Belle Aquatic in Harbor Springs for jewelry. Stunning bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more are all created specially by various artists—almost every piece is unique. Owner Katie McGauley, a jeweler herself, pulls inspiration from the feeling she gets from spending the day on the water and loves helping folks find the perfect piece.

Stop No. 4: We never miss a chance to stop by PEcado, home of elegant handbags, contemporary fashion, and accessories. Owner Alona Kelly started her store with handcrafted handbags and expanded to bringing in high-quality, designer clothing from Eastern Europe. You can also shop jewelry, shoes, and more—or set up a consultation to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Time for Lunch

Symons General Store in downtown Petoskey is a treasure trove of quality meats, cheeses, nuts, and spreads. Marvel at their deli case before choosing a sandwich for lunch. Keep it simple and nostalgic with a grilled cheese made with two cheeses on parmesan-crusted sourdough, or find something heartier with a Shipwreck (corned beef, ham, turkey, salami, and the fixings) or even a chicken quesadilla. The deli also offers excellent salads and pizza made on naan bread. Before you leave, peruse the aisles of the general store. Symons has an outstanding wine collection, plus plenty of local goodies ranging from chocolate to jam to tea to salsa.

Say Spaaaaa

Now it’s time to really relax. Forty-five minutes outside of Petoskey is Boyne Mountain Resort, and while it’s not yet time to ski, the resort has a full spa reading and waiting. For the head-to-toe treatment, opt for the Spa Signature Journey ($690; $710 on weekends and holidays). The package begins with a 90-minute Swedish massage to dissolve the stresses of daily life. Next, treat your skin to a 90-minute custom facial tailored to your unique needs. The resort’s skilled estheticians will nourish and revitalize your complexion, giving you a radiant and refreshed glow. As you continue your pampering adventure, experience the ultimate in hand and foot care with a 60-minute Mountain Manicure and a 60-minute Mountain Pedicure.

Other treatments include body buffs (think lemon/lavender or Manuka honey), deep tissue and hot stone massages, and facials that address everything from aging skin to inflammation to dehydration. Unwind and enjoy every moment of this immersive escape.

Stop for Dinner

Head back to Petoskey for dinner at Spring and Porter, where the menu changes regularly based on the season and the chef’s access to quality ingredients. Find classic appetizers like oysters, charcuterie, and beef tartare on the menu, plus dinner favorites like tenderloin filet, Alaskan halibut, and Bay of Fundy salmon. Oh, and the wine list is 11 pages long, with bottles from all around the world in the cellar. This is a meal to slow down and savor.

Sleep Tight

After a day of treating yourself, don’t worry about the drive home. The Inn at Bay Harbor is a gorgeous stay with waterside views, and the historic Stafford’s Perry Hotel has all the turn-of-the-century character you could hope for. Note that both spots often offer shoulder-season deals for a getaway.

For more seclusion, consider checking out a rental home like the Sunset Cottage and Bungalow, a serene, newly-renovated five-bedroom home with fabulous sunset-watching opportunities and within walking distance of downtown Petoskey. ($875/night when we checked Airbnb.) For a step back in time, seek out the Bay View Victorian Charm Cottage, a six-bedroom cottage that has a wrap-around porch with—you guessed it—views of Little Traverse Bay ($650/night). Or consider the Water View Loft in Petoskey if you’d like to be in the heart of town. This second-floor loft also offers lovely glimpses of the bay and downtown with three bedrooms and two bathrooms ($540/night).