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MARVAC
Northwest
Driving Tour: Explore Benzie County
Region
Driving Time: 57 minutes Mileage: 43.3 miles
MARVAC Staff Recommendation from John Lindley,
MARVAC President & CEO For almost two decades, my wife and I have celebrated our wedding anniversary with dinner at Restaurant La Becasse in Maple City. Right outside of Glen Arbor, on the shores of Glen Lake, La Becasse is a quaint, intimate “French Country” dining experience that you will not forget. While it is very popular in the summer months for obviously reasons, it is a warm and welcoming environment through the winter – beautifully decorated for the holidays. Owner and Executive Chef Guillaume is likely to greet you at your table himself. My favorite is the duck duet.
Stop ➊ Sleeping
Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore
Located between Empire and Frankfort on M22, Old Indian Trail within the southern portion of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers wanderers the choice of two trails: the Black Arrow Loop and the Green Arrow Loop. Each loop is approximately 2.5 miles long, with the Black Arrow Trail slightly closer to Lake Michigan. Both trails lead you through a maple-beech forest – and a brief hike through the beach dunes – and meet at a scenic lookout of the big lake.
Seventeen miles north along M22,
in Leelanau County, is the entrance
to Pierce Stocking Drive. One of the biggest attractions of the National Lakeshore, the 7.4-mile long Pierce Stocking Drive has numerous overlooks and an observation deck 450 feet
above lake level. It’s a popular roadway for walkers and bikers, so be careful driving and abide by the 20-mph
speed limit.
Stop ➋ Frankfort
This gem of a Lake Michigan town is dripping with charm and beauty. It’s a favorite spot for surfers – yes, you read that correctly. You can surf on fresh water and Frankfort is the spot to do
it. There is an outfitter that will get you all the gear you need. If you’d rather stay on dry land, there is plenty you can do. The Point Betsie Lighthouse just north of Frankfort is the oldest standing structure in Benzie County (1858) and still fully operational. Just south of town, you can wander Elberta Beach and down the pier to the Frankfort
Lighthouse, a towering white structure. Bring a fishing pole if you like, but be cautious on windy days as the railing- less pier can see its share of waves.
For a hike, visit the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve. The 1.7-mile walking trail – dog-friendly if you have a leash – is wooded and shady with some slight elevation changes. There are stairs that lead down to the beach, too. Hikers
and bicyclists will appreciate The Betsie Valley Trail, which is 27 miles long and begins in Frankfort’s Lake Michigan Park. The first several miles of the trail is wheel-chair accessible because it’s paved, but the rest of the way is packed limestone. Traversing the entire trail will take you around Crystal Lake, through wetlands, part of the Pere Marquette State Forest, and several small towns.
Stop ➌ Beulah Beautiful Beulah is where you’ll find
something for adults and kids alike. The children’s science museum, Cognition, is a hands-on experience and perhaps a welcome respite from outdoor activities. As for the adults, visit St. Ambrose Cellars. The picturesque farm setting has plenty of outdoor seating at picnic tables with red umbrellas. Choose an estate mead, red, or white wine. In addition there is a gorgeous public beach on Crystal Lake, the colors of which rival the Caribbean.
Stop ➍ Thompsonville Thompsonville is home to Crystal Mountain, a ski resort that is a favorite destination during the winter months; however, visiting in the other seasons also has its perks. You can hike 25
miles around the hills and even go for a chairlift ride in the fall to see the colors. There’s a water park the kids will be clamoring to visit, and there are golf courses and a spa for mom and dad. While you’re in town, visit Iron Fish Distillery, Michigan’s first farm-based distillery. Tours are available, capped with a tasting flight. Choose from an assortment of gins, vodkas, rums, bourbons, and whiskeys, to sample in the tasting room or to bring back to
the campfire.
Stop ➎ Honor
If you time it right, you might be able
to see a double feature at the Cherry Bowl drive-in, one of the last drive-
in movie theaters in the state. Watch old-time cartoons and commercials before and between films. There is a concession stand with all the goodies, but you are welcome to bring your own movie snacks as well. If you have a truck, lay out some blankets or sleeping bags in the bed, and enjoy the show. Of course, any standard vehicle will do.
Another very popular thing to do in Honor is to float or paddle the Platte River. It’s an easy, casual route that takes about three hours and concludes at Lake Michigan and North Bar Beach. Bring your own tube, kayak, or canoe, or rent one from an outfitter. Although the river time is relaxing in and of itself, make sure you have beach supplies handy for your time at the beach. Don’t restrict yourself to a schedule. Make a day of it!
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCI MOON
MichiganRVandCampgrounds.org
2023 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS
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