Welcome to Summer
Our Hello Summer Playcation is designed to showcase the best of the season—downtown shopping, golf outings, and outdoor adventures—all at a relaxed, choose-your-own-pace rhythm. Stroll through charming local shops, enjoy a round of golf, and take advantage of warm weather with biking, hiking, and patio dining throughout the day.
When conditions are right, head to the water for kayaking or paddling, or simply soak in the scenery from a riverside seat. No matter the weather, Bellaire still delivers with inviting boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and craft beverages—perfect for a cozy indoor afternoon or evening.
However you choose to spend your weekend, the Hello Summer Playcation is a welcoming way to experience Bellaire at the very beginning of our most popular season.
🌙 Your First Night in Bellaire
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
Dinner options in Bellaire
Start with dinner downtown, where local restaurants and pubs offer everything from casual comfort food to chef-inspired favorites.
From there, enjoy a stroll through the walkable downtown—pop into a shop that’s open late, grab dessert, or linger over a drink. Enjoy live music, an old fashioned, cold beer, expresso martini's, a glass of wine and dessert specials.
End the night with a moonlit walk or stargazing—Up North summer evenings set the mood
Whether you choose lively or laid-back, your first night in Bellaire is the perfect way to arrive, unwind, and get ready for a full day of shopping, golf, and summer 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.
Morning
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast or brunch at one of Bellaire's local favorites Dining options - YOU CHOOSE
Pick up or download your M88 Market Tour map!
Saturday afternoon is where your Playcation really opens up, with the M-88 Market Tour taking center stage.
Spend the morning & afternoon cruising the M-88 corridor, where a multi-town yard sale stretches from community to community. Discover vintage finds, antiques, handmade goods, and hidden treasures—all while exploring several Northern Michigan towns along the way.
This self-guided experience lets you go at your own pace: stop where you like, grab lunch on the road, and turn the hunt itself into part of the adventure. There are lunch options all along the route in each small town.
Or Add an Afternoon Activity
Mix in or break away for some classic summer fun:
Golf — Sneak in a round or a few holes at a local course
Biking — Ride scenic roads or nearby trail systems
Kayaking or boating — Rent a kayak or boat and get out on the water
Hiking — Explore nearby natural areas and trails for fresh air and views
These options are perfect if you want to split the afternoon, take a break from shopping, or balance your day with a little outdoor adventure.
Playcation Tip
Saturday afternoon is all about choice.
Go all-in on the Market Tour, or pair it with golf, water, or trails—it’s your Playcation, your pace.
Rainy day tips: book escape room, shopping, bar crawl, golf simulators, enjoy hot tub or sauna at your lodging.
Evening
Click here for a directory of Dining, Nightlife and dessert 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.
SUNDAY MORNING — Sleep in & Brunch
A Gentle Wind-Down Before the Drive Home
Take a slow lap through downtown for those “wish I’d grabbed that” moments.
Revisit favorite shops or pop into the ones you missed
Pick up local treats, gifts, or souvenirs
Grab a coffee, lemonade, or sweet treat to enjoy while you browse
Perfect for stretching your legs after the weekend.
A short walk or nature break at Grass River Natural Area
A scenic hike or bike ride at Glacial Hills Trails
River walks, fresh air, and quiet moments before the drive
Sunday afternoons are made for lingering.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch or early dinner
Sit on an outdoor patio
Before you leave:
Pick up locally made food, candy, or beverages
Grab home décor, artwork, or seasonal finds that will remind you of your time in Bellaire
Stock up on gifts so you don’t have to explain later why you didn’t bring anything back 😉
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!
