Faye

I was looking at a weekend away this summer near Petoskey. The Inn at Bay Harbor looks fabulous, but wasn't sure how the kids would like it. I have two kids, ages 13 and 10. Is this a family resort? Any other suggestions for a family weekend getaway?

auty1

Check out tripadvisor.com. Type in
"inn at bay harbor" in the search box...
there is a recent review of the Inn.
I've always heard good things about the
place...the only negative comments I've
heard over the years, are that there is
not much of a beach and it can be a
little stuffy. But it's supposed to be
beautiful...with great golfing closeby.
The Homestead just west of Traverse
City is also beautiful...been there
10 to 15 times. I'd say the "beautiful
resort with iffy service" is a common
complaint up north....hard to get
good help way up there.
Good Luck!

Faye

Thanks auty1,
How was the Homestead? It must be good if you visited that many times!
Is this a good place for kids?

mclhart

I'm looking in the same area and have decided the Inn will be a little too boring for my older kids (14, 12 and 10). I have never been there but it looks like the "town" only has a shop or two and it's too far from the other towns to ride there to hang out. The condos were also far away from any beach. The place looks pretty but not really enough action for pre-teens.

auty1

Check out thehomesteadresort.com,
they have a beautiful website that
gives you a good feel for the resort.
It's even more beautiful in real life.
Your kids will like the area if they
like the outdoors, golf, tennis,
watersports, hiking, etc.
Many rent through local management
companies like leelanau.com(?) Renting
directly through the Homestead management has gotten a bit steep over
the years, but might be ok if you can
afford it.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!

dmkujat

Bay Harbor is only a few miles south of Petoskey, right on Lake Michigan, so getting to where the "action" is, is not a problem. Bay Harbor is definately "upscale" and I would not call it a family resort. It definately has a wonderful view of the Lake, but you could find a great hotel right in Petoskey for less money. If you do decide to stay there though, there is a wonderful paved bike path that runs alongside Bay Harbor development all the way down to Charlevoix (15 miles) and north through Petoskey and close to Harbor Springs. Petoskey has lots for your kids....parks, a great beach at the Petoskey State Park, miniature golf, fudge shops, sailing on the bay, concerts in the park downtown, biking, golfing, fishing and is a safe place for kids to walk around. The "downtown" of Bay Harbor, is really just a small development of 8-10 stores, restaurants, pretty pricey and really not where kids want to scout for take home goodies.