Lucy and Lina – Beulah, MI., Traverse City and Beyond.

Of course we took advantage of an extra day of GOing for Memorial Day Weekend. We had initially planned to stay at a state park but at the last minute decided to change our plans. We wanted to go somewhere more fun and familiar, so we decided to stay in the extra lot at my dad’s cabin in Beulah, Michigan. My family was planning their weekend there, so we decided to join them. Located along Crystal Lake, Beulah has become one of Lina’s and my favorite spots to visit because of its familiarity and access to places like Traverse City and Lake Michigan. There is something remarkably special about “Up North” Michigan, and this time didn’t disappoint: We kept saying to ourselves, “This is our favorite place.”

Our two favorite places that we visited in Beulah are the Cherry Hut, known for all things cherry-filled, and the flyfishing store called Backcast Fly Shop. Lina can spend over an hour in the smallish fly shop because of its great deals on fly-tying materials and expert advice. We also tried a deli downtown called L’Chayim that may have had the best bagel I’ve ever had. I’m already planning our visit the next time we’re camping in the area. We also had dinner with my family at a newish brewery in Frankfort, Michigan called Stormcloud Brewing that has great beer and a casual, fun atmosphere. Frankfort is a fun town to visit because it’s right on Lake Michigan and has an incredible beach at the end of the main thoroughfare. The downtown is bustling and much more active than it was when I was younger.

The next day, we drove up to Traverse City in the rain and visited the 7 Monks Taproom, enjoying beers we haven’t seen before, and then exploring downtown and the city’s many bookstores. On our way back from Traverse City, Lina scoped out places to fish in the future along the Boardman River.

Once it stopped raining, Lina fished nearby at the Platte River. She was happy that she had good luck even though it was her first time fishing the river. She caught rainbow and brown trout. Even though they were small, they were biting.

This was our first time camping with the GO while it rained. We’re happy to report that no rain got into the tent and it dried quickly the day we were leaving so that we could pack up and head home without feeling nervous that the tent was damp or wet while stored.

We’re visiting this area again this summer, later for an entire week. We’re looking for the opportunity to be less tourists and more comfortable seasonal residents of the Beulah area. If you’ve been to the area, what are your favorite things to do?

Set up for a couple days of camping along Crystal Lake, in Beulah, MI.

Heading out with the GO in Travel Mode, from Beulah to Traverse City and beyond.