Things To Do

RECREATION

Beaches

Frankfort Beach- Walk from the condo. Stay at the downtown beach or walk for miles for exercise and seclusion.
Elberta Beach- Stop up top for a fantastic view. Park down below. Typically less crowded than Frankfort.
Esch Road Beach- North on M22. Unmarked beach. Look for Esch Road and turn left. Take it to the beach. Incredible views of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.
Empire Beach- Drive through town and turn right, then left. Two beaches at one location. Great beach on Lake Michigan and another on South Bar Lake (if the water of Lake Michigan is too cold).

Hiking/Walking

FRANKFORT

Downtown Frankfort- Walk through residential areas to view beautiful old homes.
Frankfort Beach- Walk north along the shore at the base of the dunes. Barefoot is best because there are places where the water takes over the beach.
Elberta Beach– Walk south along the beach.
Mineral Springs Park- Walk or run the asphalt trail around the bay to River Road.

EMPIRE

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore- Buy a daily, weekly or yearly sticker at their headquarters
for access to parkingat the trailheads
Old Indian Trail- Trailhead located between Frankfort and Empire on M22 and Sutter Road. Wooded, Flat to rolling terrain 2-3 miles. Three separate loops. The White Trail takes you to secluded Lake Michigan beach.
Platte Plains Trail- Several trailheads but we use the one off of M22. Take Trails End Road around to parking area. 15 Miles of Trails. One direction affords views of beautiful Otter Lake. Another provides terrific views of Lake Michigan. Get a map.
Empire Bluff Trail- Trailhead off M22 on Wilco Road just south of Empire. One mile with some climbing. Spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.
Dunes Trail- On M109. Strenuous climb up the Dunes (fun for the kids) then if you choose, 3.5 miles round trip to Lake Michigan. Incredible views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.

Biking

Betsie Valley Trail- Start at Mineral Springs Park in downtown Frankfort and ride nine miles on mostly smooth trail to Beulah. At M115 the trail turns to hard packed gravel. if you have a mountain bike, you can continue from Beulah on to Thompsonville. Great for walking and running, too.

Kayaking/Canoe

HONOR

Riverside Canoe Livery at the Platt River on M22.

ELBERTA

Conundrum Cafe- Rent a Kayak in Elberta and paddle on the Betsie River right from Elberta, or put in at the parking area on River Road and paddle downstream to Elberta.

Fishing

FRANKFORT

East Shore Marina – Fishing Charters

Golf

BEULAH

Pinecroft Golf Plantation………………………………………………………………231.882.9100
Crystal Lake Golf Club………………………………………………………………..231.882.4061
Champion Hill Golf Club………………………………………………………………231.882.9200

ARCADIA

Arcadia Bluffs…………………………………………………………………………..231.889.3001

LAKE ANN

Mistwood Golf Course………………………………………………………………..231.275.5500

INTERLOCHEN

Interlochen Golf Club…………………………………………………………………231.275.7311

SHOPPING

Beulah

Crate and Crago-Kitchen Stuff
Crystal Adventure Sports-outdoor apparel, bikes, kayaks
LIVE Art- gallery
Northern Decor ‘N More- clothing, gifts

River Road between Frankfort and Benzonia

Bee Dazzled- wonderful handmade soaps, candles
Gwen Frostic- stationery, paper products

Empire

A few artsy stores and an antique shop

Glen Harbor

There are a lot of shops and restaurants. Stop in at the quaint Cottage Bookstore,

Dining

FRANKFORT
There are many more restaurants in and around Frankfort. Listed below are a few we recommend.

Storm Cloud Brewery Co,…………………231. 352.0118
2 doors down
A Papano………………………………..231.352.6700
Best place in town for pizza. Try the butter parmesan crust. Also in Beulah.
Coho Cafe…………………………….231.352.6053
Conveniently located right across the street. Contemporary cuisine with a cozy vibe.
Dingy’s Restaurant and Bar………………….231.352.4702
Famous ribs and great cherry chicken salad.
Fusion…………………………………………231.352.4114.
Casual fine dining. Extensive Asian fusion menu. Great views and cocktails.
Crescent Bakery……..231.352.4611
Baked goods, sandwiches and soups. Try one of the breakfast paninis. Also serves espressos and lattes.
L’Chayim Deli…………………231.352.5220
Take out or eat in. The best bagels and bagel sandwiches. Also in Beulah.
Manitou…………………………………231.882.4761
M22 between Frankfort and Empire. Casual fine dining. Great fish and seafood.
Hotel Frankfort……….231.352.8090
Check out the great bar for drinks and appetizers.

ELBERTA

Cabbage Shed………….231.352.9843
Fruit and vegetable warehouse from the late 1800s. Go there for Betsie Bay views, drinks and appetizers. Jukebox and pool table adds to the ambience.
Conundrum Cafe………..231.352.8150
Lunch, latte’, general store. Bike and kayak rentals. Located at the Elberta “Rails to Trails” trailhead and across the road from the Betsie Bay.
Lighthouse Cafe……………231.352.5273
Small, old-timey diner. Breakfast and lunch.

BEULAH/BENZONIA

A Papano………………………………………………………231.882.2300
Best place for pizza in town.
Cherry Hut………………………………………………….231.882.4431
M 31. Kitschy former fruit stand. American style homemade food (turkey sandwich and mashed potatoes, etc.). Specials for each day of the week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be sure to take home a cherry pie. The best!
Cold Creek Inn Rest and Motel………231.882.5531
East Shore Market………………………………………………..231.882.4323
Downtown. Don’t be alarmed by the half-stocked shelves of natural and exotic foods….. Head to the back of the store and order one of the best deli sandwiches around. Sometimes they have pre-made specials, Get enchiladas if they have them.
L’Chayim Deli……………………………………………………………………231.882.5221
Downtown. Take out or eat in. The best bagels and bagel sandwiches around. Also sells cheeses and baked goods,.
The Roadhouse Mexican Bar and Grill…………231.883.9631
Fresh Mex with cool cantina atmosphere and outdoor patio. Always crowded. Try their “top shelf” Margarita.

FURTHER AWAY BUT WORTH THE DRIVE ON M22 (Incredible views)

ONEKAMA

The Glenwood…………………………………………231.889.3734
Casual dining. Almond battered shrimp and bleu cheese filet mignon. I haven’t been but plan to soon. The locals rave about this place.

EMPIRE

Joe’s Friendly Tavern………………….231.325.5506
Family tavern serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Famous for their burgers. Great Sandwiches. Family game room.

BURDICKVILLE (Maple City)

Trattoria Funistrada…………………………………………231.334.3900
Fine Italian food with extensive Italian wine list. Intimate dining. Small children not recommended. Reservations a must in peak season.
LaBecasse………………………………………………………………………….231.334.3944
Fine dining. Cozy authentic French bistro. Desserts to die for. Reservations a must during peak season.