Summer in Bellaire is all about sunshine, water days, and easygoing fun—and Beachy Days & Holiday Ways adds a festive twist to the season. This July Playcation blends peak Northern Michigan summer with playful Christmas-in-July shopping specials, giving visitors the best of both worlds.
Spend your days enjoying beachy vibes, biking, boating, or patio hopping, then stroll downtown to discover holiday-style deals, giftable finds, and limited-time promotions from local retailers. It’s the cheer of the holidays—without the cold—wrapped in a relaxed summer getaway.
Whether you’re shopping, exploring, or simply soaking up the season, Beachy Days & Holiday Ways is your invitation to celebrate summer with a little extra merriment.
FRIDAY ARRIVAL
Kick off your Playcation by settling into your lodging and getting oriented.
Check-In at Your Lodging Partner
Check in, unpack, and freshen up
Take a short walk or drive to get a feel for town
Sneak peak at some shopping deals downtown with stores that are open later
July evenings are made for golden-hour moments.
Catch the sunset by the river, lake, or a scenic overlook
Enjoy a lakeside walk or relax with a drink outdoors
Perfect time for photos, people-watching, and slowing down after the drive
Ease into the weekend with a relaxed dinner.
Choose from casual dining, patio seating, or pub-style favorites
Enjoy summer menus, local flavors, and craft beverages
Many spots offer outdoor seating—weather permitting
Short's Brewing - Downtown, casual, brew pub, craft beer, gourmet deli, pizza. No reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Known for their pizza, white pepper sandwich and beer! Take out available. Outdoor Patio Seating.
Fireside Lounge - Downtown, 21+ only, upscale casual, lounge, full cocktail bar, great wine selection, beer, food. no reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Known for their great cocktails and rice bowls. Sushi available on Thursdays only. Take out available. Can order online. Outdoor Patio Seating.
Toonies Steakhouse- Downtown, casual, no reservations. Take out available.
Chloe's Chophouse - Downtown - fine dining. Reservations call or online Chloe's Chop House ADA accessible. Outdoor Patio Seating.
Dockside -
The Pelican's Nest - on the Chief Golf Course by Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great burgers. No reservations. Take out available. Outdoor Patio Seating.
The Lakeview Restaurant - at Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great views. Reservations on Open Table. Shanty Creek Resort
The Pelican Inn -
Torch Lake Cafe -
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM — Nightlife & Evening Fun
Keep the night going—or keep it mellow. Your choice.
Live music or entertainment
Cocktails, craft beer, or a nightcap downtown
Evening strolls through a lively but laid-back town
Head back to your lodging for porch sitting, stargazing, or planning Saturday’s adventure
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 BREAKFAST
8:00–10:00 AM — Breakfast at one of these locations:
Toonies - full breakfast menu, casual dining. Open Saturdays 7am-2pm for breakfast & lunch. No reservations. Inside Seating. ADA accessible. Bathrooms not ADA compliant.
Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery - coffee shop and pastries, quiche, biscuits & gravy. Open Saturdays 7am-7pm. No reservations. Inside & outdoor Seating. ADA accessible via side door.
OPTION 1: Shop the Cheer
9:00–11:00 AM — Coffee & Early Browsing
Start the day downtown.
Grab coffee, pastries, or breakfast
Stroll shops as they open
Enjoy a quieter shopping window before peak foot traffic
11:00 AM–2:00 PM — Christmas in July Shopping
This is the heart of the experience.
Discover Christmas-in-July specials at participating retailers
Shop giftable items, summer finds, and end-of-season deals
Look for playful holiday touches and limited-time promotions
Take breaks between shops for cold drinks or sweet treats
Holiday cheer, summer style — no snow boots required.
2:00–4:00 PM — Sip, Snack & Shop
Slow the pace without stopping the fun.
Enjoy lunch or a late-afternoon bite
Revisit favorite shops or pop into the ones you missed
Relax on patios or take a shaded stroll
4:00–5:30 PM — Drop Off & Reset
Head back to your lodging to drop bags
Freshen up for the evening
Plan dinner or nightlife based on your energy level
Breakfast downtown or at your lodging
Quick stroll or coffee stop before heading out
Kayak or paddle the river or nearby lakes
Boat rentals for cruising or relaxing on the water
Swim, float, or simply soak up the sunshine
Pack snacks or grab lunch on the go
This is classic July in Bellaire — relaxed, refreshing, and memorable.
Return to town for ice cream, drinks, or light shopping
Cool off on a patio or in the park
Pick up a few Christmas-in-July deals you spotted earlier
After a full day of shopping or sunshine, Saturday night in Bellaire is all about good food, relaxed energy, and summer-after-dark vibes.
Ease into the evening with a memorable meal.
Choose from casual dining, pub favorites, or chef-inspired menus
Enjoy outdoor patio seating when weather allows
Summer specials, local flavors, and craft beverages set the tone
No rush—this is the kind of dinner where conversations linger
7:30–9:00 PM — Evening Stroll & Sweet Stops
Let dinner settle and enjoy downtown at night.
Take a leisurely walk through the heart of town
Grab dessert, ice cream, or a coffee
Pop into shops open later or enjoy people-watching
Catch the glow of summer lights and warm evening air
9:00 PM & After — Nightlife Your Way
Whether you’re in the mood for lively or laid-back, Bellaire delivers.
Live music or entertainment on select nights
Cocktails, local craft beer, or a relaxed nightcap
Outdoor seating, conversation, and summer ambiance
Or head back to your lodging for porch sitting, stargazing, or winding down early
Fireside Lounge - Downtown, 21+ only, upscale casual, lounge, full cocktail bar, great wine selection, beer, food. no reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Great cocktails! Cocktail Lounge | Fireside Lounge Outdoor Patio Seating. Carry out available.
Shorts Brewing - Downtown, casual, brew pub, craft beer, gourmet deli, pizza. No reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Great pizza! Bellaire Pub - Short's Brewing Company Outdoor Patio Seating. Carry out available.
Chloe's Chophouse - Downtown - fine dining. Reservations call or online Chloes Chop House ADA accessible. Best steak! Outdoor patio seating.
Dockside -
The Pelican's Nest - on the Chief Golf Course near Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great burgers. The Pelican's Nest | Outdoor Bar & Patio Seating. Carry out available.
The Lakeview Restaurant - at Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great views. Reservations on Open Table. Michigan Lodging - Top Northern Michigan Golf and Ski Resort : Shanty Creek Resort
The Pelican Inn -
Torch Lake Cafe -
Great dessert spots:
Chloe's Chophouse, Toonies, The Pelican's Nest, Sweet Ree's Candy Shop
Great nightlife spots:
Fireside Lounge / Short's Brewing / Toonies (OPEN LATE ON SATURDAY NIGHT) / Torch Lake Cafe
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. There is one late night bar open downtown Bellaire - Toonies on Saturday nights only. They keep their bar and kitchen open late - sometimes until 1am. Frequently there is karaoke and/or other entertainment.
8:30–10:00 AM — Easy Morning Start
Wake up without alarms.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast or brunch
Grab coffee to-go and take a final walk through town
Soak in the quiet, slower pace that Sunday mornings do best
Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery - coffee shop and pastries, quiche, biscuits & gravy. Open Saturdays 7am-7pm. No reservations. Inside Seating. ADA accessible via side door.
Short's Brewing serves Brunch on Sundays. Open at 11am.
10:00–12:00 PM — One Last Wander
Fit in a few final Bellaire moments before heading home.
Revisit favorite shops for last-minute gifts or treats
Take a short walk along the river or nearby trails
Enjoy a shaded patio, park bench, or scenic overlook
Snap a few “wish we were staying longer” photos
Church Service Options (Optional) local Churches welcome visitors for Sunday services.
12:00–1:30 PM — Light Lunch or Early Bite
Casual lunch downtown or a picnic-style meal
Perfect time to use up any leftovers or grab something easy for the road
Keep it simple and unhurried
Early Afternoon — Head Home Happy
Check out, load the car, and hit the road feeling recharged.
No rushing, no crowds
Just a smooth transition from Playcation back to real life
Already planning your next Bellaire visit
Sunday Playcation Tip
Leave a little space in your schedule.
Sunday is about savoring the last moments—not squeezing in one more thing.
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
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