Arcadia Lake View michigan cottages

Gypsy Hooker Fishing Charters
Box 131
Arcadia, MI 49613
Voice: (231) 882-9580

The Gypsy Hooker is an exceptionally clean, comfortable and well maintained, 30 ft SeaRay Sportfisherman with 12 ft beam, and totally equipped for deep trolling. Hundreds of guests in the past 20 years have experienced the excitement of landing a magnificent 10-30 pound trout or salmon. Enjoy one of the most beautiful harbors and scenic shorelines on the Great Lakes.

Admission price: Adults $7.50 and children under 12, when accompanied by an adult, are FREE. Call the 24 hr Program and Information Hotline (231) 325-3413 Box Office opens at 7:30, 1st feature begins at dusk. (Dusk changes time as the season moves along) Open from the 1st weekend in May through September as follows:
May through Mid June: Weekends (Fri & Sat nights)
Mid June through Labor Day: 7 nights a week
Labor Day through September: Weekends (Fri & Sat nights)

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club: One of the most beautiful courses in northern Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs opened last fall. Situated 150 feet above the Lake Michigan shoreline, it offers spectacular views from virtually every vantage point. The 18-hole, par-72 course has no water hazards, making it look like a seaside course. (231) 889-3001.(ManCounty)

Bear Lake Golf Association: One of the best public courses in northern Michigan, this little-known jewel doesn't publicize itself much. The well-maintained course plays to 6,500 yards from the men's tees. Even though the course isn't long, it demands precision shots. Water on eight holes. 231-864-3817..(ManCounty)

Chestnut Hills: This 9-hole course was designed by owner Doug Carter. It features fesque fairways. 231-864-2458..(ManCounty)

Champion Hill: Located on 350 acres of the highest land in Benzie County, this new course offers scenic, open, rolling and heather-lined fairways, and picturesque views of four lakes. The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 6,887 yards. Located 2 1/2 miles south of U.S. 31 on Marshall Road, just west of Honor. 231-882-9200. (BenCounty)

Crystal Downs: This private course is recognized as one of the finest in the United States. Located near Frankfort.(BenCounty)

Crystal Lake Golf Club: The 18-hole layout takes golfers through heather, orchards and hardwoods. It overlooks Crystal Lake and features a new practice facility. Located 1/2 mile north of Beulah on U.S. 31. 231-882-4061.(BenCounty)

Crystal Mountain: Offers 72 championship holes cut out of Benzie County woods. Crystal features the Mountain Ridge course and the Betsie Valley course. Driving range available. 231-378-2911.(BenCounty)

Frankfort Golf Course: The nine-hole course plays to 2,552 yards with a par of 34. Located 2 miles north of Frankfort on M-22. 231-352-4101.(BenCounty)

Manistee National: Formerly Cobi Golf Club, this resort features two 18-hole courses including the original Canthooke Valley and the new Cutters' Ridge. Designed by Jerry Matthews, Cutters' Ridge is more challenging, with unique short holes and wetlands to navigate. It plays to 6,700 yards. 231-723-8874..(ManCounty)

Pinecroft: This 18-hole championship course was awarded a 3 1/2 star rating by Golf Digest's 1998-99 Places To Play. Located 1/2 mile east of Beulah off U.S. 31 on Narrow Gauge Road. 231-882-9100.(BenCounty)

MANISTEE Area

What to Do:

Michigan Adventure Amusement & Water Park Michigan Adventure is Michigan's largest amusement and water park. Located just about an hour south off US 31, it makes a great day trip from Manistee. www.miadventure.com

Airplane Rides. See Manistee from the air. Plane rides are available at the Manistee airport, just three miles north of Harbor Village on US 31. Just $20 for adults, $15 for kids.

Tour the S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry docked nearby on Manistee Lake. The 348 foot vessel offers tours and events most of the year. $6 adults, $4 kids. See www.carferry.com for details.

WHERE TO EAT: For dining, the best view in town year-round is at Four Forty West, 440 River St., 231-723-7902, 11-10 daily; brunch buffet Sunday begins at 10:30 a.m. Espresso, smoothies, sandwiches and snacks are at Village Cafe & Bagels, 345 River St., 231-398-8455, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

For a great burger al fresco, sit on the deck at River Street Station, 350 River St., 1-616-723-8411, 11-10 daily. Catch a cappuccino, baked goods and roll-up sandwiches at the Salt City Cafe in the Briny Building, 50 Filer, 231-398-9343, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9-2 Sunday.

WHERE TO SHOP: Also in the Briny Building on Filer, find high-quality resort wear at Hull's of Manistee, 1-616-723-7333, 10-5 Monday-Saturday (until 6 Friday), 10-2 Sunday. Across the hall is the Black Swan Mercantile with exceptional gifts and items for the home, 231-723-7399, 10-6 Monday-Saturday, 10-2 Sunday.

Several antiques stores are on River Street; we like Antiques and Uniques, 351 River, 231-398-9339, 10-8 daily, where we spotted great deals on bird's-eye maple furniture and Arts and Crafts-era pottery.

Don't miss the Whale's Wharf, just off River and Oak, 231-723-8497, 10-8 daily (but hours vary; call ahead) for exquisite scale models of lake freighters and sailing ships, fine nautical prints, antique signs and gifts. And across U.S.-31, just east of the circa-1889 brick building that is one of Michigan's oldest continually operating firehouses is Candy Mountain, a delightfully nostalgic place to admire Frank and Sandra Eimer's great collection of antique toys. Imagine the candy stores of the 1950's? Step back in time and find candy you have not seen for decades and thought they stopped making long ago, along with freshly made delicious chocolates.It's at 279 First St., 231-723-2355, Monday-Saturday (closes at 6 Tuesday), 12-5 Sunday.

OTHER FUN STUFF: The 1900s-style trolley operates 1-6 p.m. daily and offers tours of the town at 180 Memorial Dr., overlooking the channel in the center of Manistee. Call 231-723-6525 anytime for information.

For a water view, book an hour long cruise on Water Bug Tours, 231-398-0919 anytime. Tours are 1-7 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and holidays. Booked in advance they cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids.