Playcation - Destination Bellaire

Escape to Bellaire this March for a Playcation that’s equal parts thrill and treat! From cheering on brave (and hilarious) Slush Cup splashes at Shanty Creek to sampling irresistible creations during our Downtown Sweet Treats Bakeoff.  This Up North getaway is packed with flavor, fun, and festive energy. Stay, shop, dine, and play your way through a spirited spring-winter crossover weekend in the heart of Bellaire.

BIG SPLASHES / BAKED DELIGHTS / AND SMALL-TOWN CHARM

Afternoon / Early Evening

• Arrive in Bellaire and check into your lodging - Check out our cozy lodging options!

1 Full-Service Resort / 2 Lodges / 2 Bed & Breakfasts / 3 Inns / 6 Home-Condo companies / 1 Campground to choose from - Click here to STAY

• Enjoy a relaxed stroll through town and browse local shops.  Start early before they close.  

• Check the itinerary for the Slush Cup and get your tickets for Sweet Treats Bakeoff.

Evening

• Enjoy dinner at one of Bellaire’s cozy local favorites  Dinner options - YOU CHOOSE!

• Book an escape room adventure for Saturday Escape Bellaire 

• Start Your Sweet Splash Weekend with Bellaire Nightlife

Stroll downtown for: Live music, an old fashioned, cold beer, expresso martini's, hot cocoa and dessert specials. The perfect way to ease into your Playcation!  You never know what type of entertainment to expect - downtown Bellaire is very local friendly and there's always something happening and friendly people to chat with.

Fireside Lounge is having a March Birthdays Party for Christy & Friends.  Open to the public.  21+.  Live music by Nick Vasquez - a local favorite.  You will truly fit right in and party like a local at this event.   6-10pm.

• Wind down with a sunset view or fireside moment 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 (usually every hour until midnight).  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 cozy local favorites  Dining options - YOU CHOOSE

You picked a great Playcation weekend for fun choices!  You may even choose to do both!

• For high energy entertainment:  Slush Cup festivities begin – cheer on costumed participants as they attempt the legendary pond skim.  The Slush Cup races are at Shanty Creek with all kinds of food, drinks and entertainment on the hill.  There are also family friendly activities.  

• For a more strolling level of energy:  The Downtown Sweet Treats Bakeoff.  Strolling and shopping. Tickets available for contest tasting and judging.  

• Visit participating downtown businesses to sample baked goods

• Vote for your favorite sweet treat

• Enjoy family-friendly fun and playful competition throughout downtown

• Enjoy lunch at many of these Dining options - YOU CHOOSE

• Dinner Options - YOU CHOOSE

• Cap the night with dessert, a nightcap, or entertainment around town and celebrate the bakeoff winners.  Several Favorite Local Nightlife Spots to choose from. Choose your vibe: Live music, pub & craft beer, cozy lounge, dessert crawl. A perfect chance to recap the wipeouts at the Slush Cup!
• Wrap up the evening with a charming walk back to your lodging, then unwind fireside or slip into the hot tub for an evening beneath the Northern Michigan sky.

Click here for a directory of Dining, Nightlife and dessert spots

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

• 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

• Shopping - Final Shopping for gifts, treats & souvenirs at the shops that are open on Sundays.

• with a peaceful walk or bike ride on the bike path in town, a short hike or snowshoe at Glacial Hills or Grass River, or take a swing at the Golf simulators at the Chief Pro Shop  Trackman Simulator - The Chief Golf Course to enjoy the last moments of your sweet splash weekend

• or attend a Church Service - local Churches welcome visitors for Sunday services.  

• Choose your own adventure maybe one last time before winter ends (depending on weather): 

Then head home with sweet memories, Slush Cup stories, and plans to return.

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!