You can find a member of the Hudson/Ruffe family sipping a beer on the patio here almost every summer Saturday. Our favorite place for food and drinks. Trevor recommends the Stormavore pizza.
The lighthouse is just across the road from our ceremony/reception venue and is worth a stop. A great place for a day at the beach, or just a picturesque drive-by.
The original Cherry Republic location (now throughout Michigan). There is a wine tasting room, general store, and cafe. Hillary recommends picking up a boomchunka cookie (or a cone of their chocolate cherry ice-cream).
Also in Glen Arbor, a great place to stop for lunch before visiting the Cherry Republic. Cash only, and don't expect anything fancy - just a darn good bar with great fried anything (we recommend the smelt, clams, and onion rings).
Crystal Mountain is just a short drive away and great for anyone looking for a golf or spa experience. They also offer an alpine slide!
Arcadia Bluffs is another great option for golfers. The course sits on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan and is truly a picturesque experience.
We try to make a trip down the river once every summer. It is a beautiful float that culminates at Lake Michigan. There are short and longer routes, with tubes, kayaks, and canoes available for rental. (Don't forget the beer tube!)
If you want to stick close to Crystal Lake and Frankfort this is a great place to rent Stand Up Paddle Boards, kayaks, bikes, etc.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was voted "The Most Beautiful Place in America" for a reason. Even if you don't fancy the full 3.5 mile (difficult) dune hike all the way to Lake Michigan, climbing just to the top of the first dune affords gorgeous views.
You might not expect amazing Mexican food in Northern Michigan, but the Roadhouse is a family favorite and they serve up a great margarita and their own house-made salsa. Check out the patio for live music. Fun fact: Hillary worked here as a bus-girl when she was 15 years old.