The bottom-most body of water you see here is Lake Michigan. A channel takes you under the drawbridge into Round Lake which hosts the story-book setting of the town of Charlevoix. Another short channel takes you into Lake Charlevoix which offers 14 miles of deep, clear water to the town of Boyne City at the other side. The “arm” of water that juts off to the right and out of the picture leads to East Jordan. Oyster Bay juts off to the left and offers a great anchorage. When Lake Michigan gets a little too lumpy, these waters offer a smooth sailing alternative.
The city of Charlevoix is perched on an isthmus between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, spreading out onto the shores of Lake Charlevoix. The population of the city is about 3,000, which swells to an estimated 30,000 in the summer. Charlevoix is populated by a blend of longtime summer and local residents. In addition to Charlevoix’s natural attractions, the area boasts excellent shopping, dining and special events which take place throughout the year in our little northern Michigan community known as “Charlevoix the Beautiful.” Our area restaurants are world-renowned for their cuisine, while our lakes are sought by many for sport fishing and boating. Sunsets over Lake Michigan are rivaled only by the moonrises over Round Lake.
Food & Drink
The Bridge Street district of Charlevoix, nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, has countles
s options for dining. The atmosphere is inexpressibly surreal, and what better way to experience it than dining lakeside, watching the village bustle with activity. Any of these fine options for food would add to your experience of Charlevoix the Beautiful:
The Weathervane Restaurant: Known as Charlevoix’s only true waterfront dining, the Weathervane Restaurant sits on the Pine Lake Channel overlooking the scenic drawbridge in downtown Charlevoix. Designed by acclaimed architect Earl Young in the 1950s, the Weathervane offers fresh whitefish from Charlevoix’s John Cross Fisheries, an assortment of wine and bar choices, and the fresh air scent from anywhere you sit.
Whitney’s Oyster Bar: This three-story oyster bar is right downtown and serves the best clam chowder around. With all glass walls facing Round Lake, roof-top dining and a view overlooking Charlevoix’s newly renovated and beautiful East Park and Charlevoix Municipal Marina, Whitney’s needs to be on your itinerary.
The Villager Pub: Serving John Cross Fisheries fresh whitefish, featuring live entertainment and a true local hot spot, The Villager Pub upholds the fun, laid back, but beautiful atmosphere Charlevoix has to offer. The help is local, the food is local and you need to eat here. You’ll notice it right next to your slip in the Charlevoix Municipal Marina!
The Dairy Grille: Offering drive-up dining, locally purchased food items and the gathering place for residents and the Charlevoix Street Legends antique, authentic car club, The Dairy Grille is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The locals use the opening and closing of the Dairy Grille as marking the beginning and end of the summer season. Located a short jog along the petunia-aligned sidewalks of Bridge Street, the Dairy Grille offers burgers, hotdogs and a lot of ice cream!
Activities & Events
Charlevoix has activities scheduled all year-round! Whether you’re catching Operation Petunia in the spring, A Taste of Charlevoix in June, Venetian Festival in July or Apple Festival in October, you’ll stay busy in Charlevoix.
Aside from the festival, there is live entertainment every weekend in the East Park band shell in the summer, three breathtaking public beaches and enough walking ground to keep you busy for weeks. Castle Farms, a renovated castle whose structure has been standing since 1918, is the wedding destination of Michigan and offers tours and activities year-round.
For more information on Charlevoix the Beautiful, visit the site of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce.
