From NY to Michigan- Suggestions???
 

My husband and I who are both in our early 30's with no children as of yet are planning a trip next June to Northern Michigan- We are from New York city and this is our first trip to the Midwest- Our plan is to visit Traverse City for 3 nights , Petoskey one night and then off to Mackinac island for 3 nights- We love antiquing, small boutique type shops, quaint towns, great restaurants and some outdoor activities(hiking, sunset cruise etc..) We are totally open to spending good money for good food , places to stay etc..- I am thinking about staying at the Bayshore Resort in TC and Harbor Inn In mackinac Isl- ANY suggestions for me as to great places to eat , things to do or anything else you can think of- would love to have the name of a Great, romantic fine dining restaurant in any of the towns that I mentioned-

The Bayshore is a lovely resort and within easy walking distance of downtown.

My favorite restaurants are the Old Mission Tavern, the Red Mesa Grill, Red's BBQ, and The Boathouse. There is no shortage of good restaurants in the TC area, we are blessed with very talented people who could work anywhere they wished but want to live in TC. Also, Tapawingo (often rated the best restaurant in Michigan) and the Rowe Inn are in Ellsworth, about 45 minutes NW of TC. I haven't eaten at Tapawingo, but it's supposed to be great but of course pricey. The Rowe Inn was fabulous the one time I ate there.

Oh, another thing........... If you get a chance, go to the Beacon Bar in the top of the Park Place. It has the greatest view of TC around. There used to be a restaurant there, but they closed long ago. They are right in the middle of downtown.

If you want to get an area guide for TC, you can call 1-800-TRAVERS (1-800-872-8377).

You don't want to miss Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Consumers Reports rated them the number two national lakeshore in the country.

While you are on Mackinaw Island, dine at the Mission Point Resort. Check out their web page. Expensive but lovely, indoors or outdoors, great views.

I would rethink 3 nights at Mackinac Island unless you are really into relaxing. The island is a fun place to go, but 2 nights is probably plenty. It's just not that big. I'd add another night to the Petoskey area. Make sure you visit Harbor Springs when you're in Petoskey. Upscale, quaint, old money. Between Traverse City and Harbor Springs are a couple of restaurants with gourmet reputations - Rowe Inn and Tapawingo - both near Ellsworth - both have websites.

The Grand Hotel would be on my short list of fine dining experiences, along with the already mentioned Tapawingo. If you can venture a little farther north, Tacquamenon Falls is one of my favorite spots for natural beauty.

Oops, sorry, Tahquamenon Falls.

3 nights on Mackinac is too much. It is a very small place. I would stay at the Iriquois.