Dining and Things to Do


Dining


Breakfast will be served in the Inn on Sat. and Sun. mornings. The rehearsal dinner is open to everyone and will be at 6:00 on Friday. The wedding dinner will take place at 6:00 on Saturday.


The cottages will have a kitchen for any other meals or snacks that you want. There are two grocery stores located within 10-15 minutes of Watervale.




Olivia’s family tends to go to the. Family Fare in Benzonia. This is about a 10 minute drive and has a hardware and just about anything else you might need.  


Just as many of Watervale’s guests prefer the Family Fare in Frankfort. This is about a 13 minute drive.




Although this is still the off season, there are many restaurants in the area. There are too many to list, but here are a few.


Storm Cloud Brewing is located in Frankfort.  


The Cherry Hut in Beulah 


Dinghy's in Frankfort


Arcadia Bluffs if you are up for a splurge in a beautiful setting


L'Chayim Deli


Rocks Landing


Crescent Bakery


Things to do


At Watervale


When Olivia’s family comes here for a week in August they almost never leave once they arrive. They are happy relaxing and taking in what Watervale has to offer. They are there in season, however which may change things as the lakes will be too cold for swimming in May.


Lower Herring Lake is directly in front of you. There are kayaks and canoes available if you sign a waiver at the Inn. There is a quiet cove to your left. BooHoo is a sand dune where you can land and climb to the top for a great view. If you keep going you will come to an outlet that connects to Lake Michigan. This is all Watervale land that you are free to explore. It is also nice to just sit and enjoy the view.


If you walk toward the left after leaving the Inn you will get to Lake Michigan in about 5 minutes. There is an unbelievably beautiful stretch of untouched private beach. You will not see anything but beach between you and the lighthouses at Frankfort and Arcadia miles away in either direction. This is an amazing beach to walk. If you turn right you can head toward Frankfort. Within a fairly short distance you will come upon the “Outlet” which intermittently forms a creak which flows from Lower Herring Lake when it is not closed up by the waves.


If you turn to the left you will head toward “Old Baldy” which is a distinctive sand dune. This is also a beautiful walk.


Watervale Road itself is a beautiful walk. It is a fairly quiet street where cars drive slowly and you are surrounded by woods. Olivia’s parents walk this every morning while on vacation. It is fairly flat and paved.


If you are up for a beautiful but more adventurous hike you can access Old Baldy from the woods. The trail head is located across the road from the back of the Inn. These are beautiful woods that lead to the back of Old Baldy. A word of warning, there are several steep climbs including the back of the dune. The views from the top are stunning, however. Once you reach the top you have a hike to get to the lake. This is also an incredible view. It is a steep climb down to the lake. (Olivia has been jumping her way down since she was small). Once you get to the lake, turn right and you will find your way back to the entrance to Watervale road.


There are tennis and pickleball courts located behind the Inn. There is also a playground near the courts.


The cottages are perfect places to bring cards and other games and play them. This might be a good idea especially if it looks like rain.


Near Watervale


If you would prefer a similar view without the steep climbs, you can access Old Baldy from the Grand Traverse conservancy Arcadia Preserve The trailhead for this is about 5 minutes from Watervale.




Another great place to walk is the Arcadia Marsh Preserve This is about 10 minutes from Watervale. It is fully accessible. This is a series of board walks through a marsh. It is well known for bird watching as well as a beautiful place to walk.


Also about 5 minutes from Watervale is the Green Point Dunes Preserve. This is another beautiful hike with spectacular views of the lake. 


In about 20 minutes, you can be at the Sleeping Bear Dunes national park. This is another beautiful place to hike. There is also a nice driving trail. This could be a full day adventure.


For walking on a beautiful paved trail the Betsie Valley Trail is close by and one of the nicest Olivia’s family has found anywhere. This is a 22 mile bike trail if you are interested in biking. Crystal Lake Adventure Sports offers bike rentals.




Watervale Recommendations


Please note that tourist season opens Memorial Day weekend so most things should be open but it might be smart to call or check the website to be certain.


There are several golf courses close by as well.


Frankfort is about a 10 minute drive from Watervale. It is a classic Michigan lake town with gift shops and small stores for shopping.


The town of Glen Arbor is also fairly close and has cute shops and restaurants.


Traverse City is a bigger version with more shops and stores. If you go this far be sure to check out Cherry Republic