A Weekend in Central Lake & Bellaire, Michigan: Lakes, Libations & Laid-Back Vibes

Looking for a peaceful but adventure-filled escape in Northern Michigan? The towns of Central Lake and Bellairedeliver it all: beautiful inland lakes, haunted taverns, lakefront rentals, charming boutiques, and a surprisingly robust food and drink scene. Whether you're looking to hike, sip, shop, or swim, this weekend itinerary has you covered.

Day 1: Lakeside Check-In & a Haunted Dinner

🛏️ Check In at Your Lakefront Stay

Choose from two charming vacation rentals:

• The Dragonfly Cottage – A vintage 5BR lakefront home on Intermediate Lake with kayaks, firepit, and cozy indoor spaces.
• The Unsalted Mermaid – Over 2 private acres, 100 feet of sandy frontage, and plenty of room to unwind.

Both properties are ideal for exploring Intermediate Lake, Torch Lake, and Lake Bellaire.

🍽️ Dinner at The Blue Pelican

Step into The Blue Pelican Inn, a historic Central Lake institution that's served generations of locals and visitors. Once a hotel, this 100-year-old building is now a restaurant and tavern—with plenty of ghost stories to go around. Staff and guests have reported flickering lights, footsteps, and doors moving on their own. Whether you believe in hauntings or not, the food is great (get the steak bites), and the atmosphere is pure Up North charm.

Day 2: Lake Time, Local Sips & Dinner with a View

☕ Morning Coffee at M88 Morning Grind

Start your day with a strong espresso or breakfast sandwich at M88 Morning Grind—a cozy local coffee stop with drive-thru and smoothie options.

🌊 Spend the Morning on the Lakes

Choose your adventure:

• Torch Lake – Michigan’s most iconic lake, famous for its blue-green water and the popular sandbar
• Intermediate Lake – Peaceful and perfect for kayaking, fishing, or paddling
• Lake Bellaire – A scenic spot great for boating and connected to the Chain of Lakes

Browse our full lake guides here:
Torch Lake Blog
Intermediate Lake Blog
Lake Bellaire Blog

🍷 Afternoon Tour: Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

The Bellaire-Central Lake area is rich with sippable spots:

• Short’s Brewing Company – Famous for their creative beers and lively Bellaire taproom
• Cellar 1914 – Family-owned winery with scenic views and great reds and whites
• Torch Lake Cellars – Wine and cider tastings in a relaxed rural setting
• Bee Well Mead & Cider – Small-batch meads and hard ciders made with local honey and apples
• The Cellars at Royal Farms – Fruit-forward wines and orchard views
• King’s Orchard – Pick-your-own fruit plus seasonal wines and ciders
• Mammoth Distilling – Bellaire – House-distilled spirits and cocktails in downtown Bellaire

🐐 Alternative Activities (Non-Drinkers Welcome!)

Don’t want to do tastings? Try these instead:

• Yak2Yak Farm – Visit a working yak farm with tours, fiber crafts, and yak meat sales
• Brownwood Acres – Explore the historical general store and pick up locally made cherry products, jams, and syrups
  • Originally a bustling resort hub in the 1900s, Brownwood was once a top Northern Michigan destination for shopping and lakefront relaxation. Today, its legacy lives on in the famous products and rustic storefront.

🍽️ Dinner Options: Local & Laid-Back

You’ve got great choices depending on your mood:

• Chloe’s Chop House – Contemporary steakhouse with craft cocktails
• Toonie’s Fish & Steak House – Laid-back local favorite
• Dockside Torch Lake – Waterfront dining right on the channel with burgers, baskets, and frozen drinks
• Fireside Lounge – A hidden gem in Central Lake with drinks, pub fare, and a relaxed atmosphere
• Short’s Brewing Company – Excellent pub menu alongside their famous beers

Day 3: Coffee, Boutiques & One Last Walk

☕ Coffee & Small Bites

If you didn’t try it already, swing into Fireside Lounge for espresso or brunch before heading out.

🛍️ Shop Local

Wrap up your trip by supporting some excellent local businesses:

• Madams Adams – Antiques, rare finds, and historic character
• The Flying Pig – Gifts, home goods, and lakey charm
• The 45th Apparel – Northern Michigan-themed clothing and accessories

🥾 Hike Glacial Hills Before You Head Out

Stretch your legs on the Glacial Hills Pathway—over 30 miles of wooded, well-marked trails perfect for walking, biking, or simply soaking in the northern air.

Why Choose Central Lake & Bellaire?

These towns offer the best of Northern Michigan: scenic lakes, amazing food, ghost stories, and space to breathe. You're within minutes of Torch Lake and Intermediate Lake, yet surrounded by small-town charm and quiet trails. It’s the perfect long weekend.

👉 Own a property in the area? List it on Michigan Lake Vacations to connect with travelers planning their next Northern Michigan escape.

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