Visiting Charlevoix End of April

My husband and I are attending a family wedding at Castle Farms the first weekend in May. We will be arriving 4/30/09. I was wondering if there were any shops/galleries that we shouldn%26#39;t miss, as well as any places to visit. We would love to just drive around and check out the scenery as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Visiting Charlevoix End of April

Scenery will probably be a better bet. You%26#39;re coming %26#39;between seasons%26#39; so many shops and galleries could be closed or light on inventory. Good news though is that crowds won%26#39;t be an issue. Have a good time.

Visiting Charlevoix End of April

I guess I didn%26#39;t anticipate shops being closed. I understand it being between seasons, but I will be disappointed if that is the case.

I%26#39;m not saying they will, but don%26#39;t be surprised if you find some are. Store owners need vacations too.

Take a drive along the shore up to Petoskey. You%26#39;ll find more activity there.

Thanks - we%26#39;ll do that.

Petoskey is a short, nice drive north of Charlevoix. We were there last weekend and a few of the shops were closed but it looked like they would be opening in a few weeks. That said there was still plenty to do in the downtown (gas light district)and lots of places open.

I would spend the morning in Charelvoix visiting what%26#39;s open there and then drive up to Petoskey for lunch and wander there for the afternoon.

Lunch suggestion: City Park Grill in Petoskey

The responses you have received are spot on. You may find some of the shops newly opened but many of them closed after Christmas and will open in time for Memorial Day. Having said that, it well worth your while to spend some time on US-31 (Bridge Street). Wander down the street to see what is open, end up at the Weathervane for a nice lunch overlooking the Pine River. Watch the drawbridge go up and down and, hopefully, watch some majestic boats pass by. I don%26#39;t know if these galleries/stores are open or not, but I love North Seas Gallery, Elements and many others. If American Spoon is open, stop in to taste the delicious sour cherry preserves, a Northern Michigan treat. I also love Otis Pottery on M-66 just south of town, on the way to East Jordan. The owners are wonderful and the work beautiful. On your way to Petoskey, stop by the Crooked Tree Art Center. It is wonderful and frequently has interesting temporary exhibits or shows. I also agree that you may find more shopping open in Petoskey%26#39;s Gaslight district. It, too, is a wonderful little town.

Take care and enjoy your trip! Moms

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I%26#39;m sure we will find plenty to do. We are looking forward to visiting the area.

Great little art gallery south of Charlevoix http://www.biergallery.com/index.htm

That is a great gallery! I always try to stop at any place that has beer. Oh, that%26#39;s Bier. Oops.

Seriously, they do have a great collection of talent there. Well worth a stop.

And if you get up to Petoskey and feel like going farther you can extend the day with a drive around the bay to Harbor Springs. It%26#39;s equally as charming as Charlevoix IMO. However, like Charlevoix, you%26#39;ll find some shops between season with hours and inventory.