Playcation - Destination Bellaire

Celebrate spring in Bellaire during our April Playcation: Hops in Bloom! From raising a glass at Shorts Brewing’s Anniversary Party to enjoying fresh flavors, live music, and downtown in full spring color, this weekend is all about new beginnings and good times. Stay, shop, dine, and sip your way through Bellaire as the season—and the beer—comes alive.

FRESH POURS / SPRING BLOOMS / LIVE MUSIC / AND SMALL-TOWN FUN

• Arrive in Bellaire and check at your Lodging Partner

  1 Full-Service Resort / 2 Lodges / 2 Bed & Breakfasts / 3 Inns / 6 home/condo companies / 1 campground to choose from - Click here to STAY
  

• Take a relaxed stroll downtown to browse shops and enjoy spring window displays in bloom

• Book an escape room adventure for Saturday or Sunday  Escape Bellaire 

• Check out Golf Spring Specials at Shanty Creek Resort

• Local favorite dinner options - YOU CHOOSE  

• Head to Shorts Brewing Company to kick off the weekend with anniversary releases or featured brews

• Live music, trivia, or casual social time around town

• Wind down with a nightcap or cozy fireside hang back at your lodging

Transportation tip:  Bellaire does not usually have Uber or Lyft available.  Everything downtown is walking distance.  Shanty Creek Resort has a resort bus that will do trips downtown.  See Shanty Creek for their schedule.  Stonewaters Inn, Spillway Lodge, Grand Victorian, Park Street Inn are all within walking distance to downtown. Some airbnbs are within walking distance.  Downtown bars typically close by 11pm on Fridays.  

SATURDAY MORNING / AFTERNOON

• Enjoy breakfast at one of Bellaire's local favorites Dining options - YOU CHOOSE
• Celebrate spring as downtown Bellaire comes back to life.

• Browse downtown shops filled with fresh florals, spring décor, and local finds

• Enjoy coffee, cocoa, or a spring cocktail while you shop

• Look for sidewalk displays and seasonal specials

• Stop into local boutiques, gift shops, candy stores, specialty food shops, and outfitters

• A perfect weekend to refresh your home, wardrobe, and gift lists

• Grab lunch at a local favorite restaurant or food truck.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

• Experience the Shorts Anniversary & Spring Celebration downtown Bellaire.  The entire downtown joins in on the celebration.  Make sure you have your ID.  

• Toast to another year of Shorts and spring in full swing
• Anniversary beer release
• Live music & entertainment
• Games, merch, and celebratory vibes
• Enjoy live music or entertainment spillover throughout Bellaire

Transportation tip:  Bellaire does not usually have Uber or Lyft available.  Everything downtown is walking distance.  Shanty Creek Resort has a resort shuttle that will do trips downtown.  See Shanty Creek for their schedule.  Bars will close early on this night to not overserve as the festivities start earlier in the day.  

More Family Friendly Option or other outdoor activity: spring hike, walk, or early-season biking (weather permitting)

Take a hike at Grass River Natural Area or Glacial Hills Trails.   Mountain Bike rentals @ Paddles & Pedals, downtown.  Fat tire biking at Glacial Hills only. 

Tip:  Grass River has mostly flat trails. Glacial Hills has some flat and lots of hills.  There are direction signs.  Neither place has lighting for night.

SUNDAY MORNING — Sleep in & Brunch

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch at one of these Breakfast/Brunch Options: 
• Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery - downtown Bellaire coffee shop
• Short's Brewing - serves Brunch on Sundays.  Open at 11am.  Downtown.
• The Blue Pelican Inn - Central Lake - serves full breakfast.
• Shopping - Final shopping for gifts, treats & souvenirs at the shops that are open on Sundays.
• Optional - attend a church service - local Churches welcome visitors for Sunday services.

Choose your own spring adventure: Hiking, Cozy coffee shop stops. Bourbon bar & Indoor golf simulators at the Chief Pro Shop  Trackman Simulator - The Chief Golf Course

Take a hike at Grass River Natural Area or Glacial Hills Trails.   Mountain Bike rentals @ Paddles & Pedals, downtown.  Fat tire biking at Glacial Hills only. 

Tip:  Grass River has mostly flat trails. Glacial Hills has some flat and lots of hills.  There are direction signs. 

Head home refreshed, a little hoppy, and already planning your next Bellaire Playcation.

We hope you enjoyed your Playcation in Bellaire!  So much that you'll come back and do it again!  Because some places you visit, and some places feel like they've been waiting for you.  Bellaire, Michigan

Check out more Playcation Weekends...And what are you waiting for?  Book your Playcation today!