Climb the Dunes and Enjoy the Views

Start your morning by watching the sunset at Point Betsie Lighthouse Beach, viewing one of the most beautiful remote lighthouses in Michigan, which sits sublimely next to crashing waves and expansive beachfront views.

Grab breakfast at Birch & Maple, a popular breakfast and brunch spot overlooking Betsie Bay. The restaurant is known for its craft cocktails, including their Chicken and Egg Bloody Mary, and Chicken & Waffles topped with bourbon maple toffee. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so if you are there on those days we recommend grabbing breakfast sandwiches from L'Chayim Delicatessen.
Open Hours Monday 10am – 2pm, 5 – 9pm Thursday 10am – 2pm, 5 – 9pm Friday 10am – 2pm, 5 – 9pm Saturday 9am – 2pm, 5 – 9pm Sunday 9 am – 2pm, 5 – 9pm

Grab sandwiches from L'Chayim Delicatessen after breakfast to bring with you later for a picnic lunch. The restaurant has been serving northern Michigan residents for over 26 years. Try the corned beef sandwich, a deliciously stacked deli favorite.
Note the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Take the scenic M-22 until you reach Empire, Michigan. Stop off to take a short 1.5-mile hike to the scenic lookout for sweeping views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan. The hike to the lookout is moderate and will take you through a beech-maple forest until you reach the observation deck.

When you finish at the scenic lookout, hop back in the car to take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive through the dunes, which loops through the forest and sand dunes, and provides spectacular views of the Glen Lakes, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Lake Michigan. Stop off at a picnic area for lunch.
Please check the National Park Service official website for closures and the most up-to-date hours. If the drive is closed off, you can choose to do an extended hike at the Dune Climb to the lake or follow other hiking trails that remain open.

After taking the scenic drive, stop off to climb the dunes yourself at the infamous Dune Climb, a popular hike through uphill sand. You can climb just to the top dune or continue on the hike all the way to Lake Michigan, which provides a more challenging adventure but a great reward. The climb also showcases the unique plant life that grows in the sand.

Cool down and relax for the day at the original Cherry Republic location in Glen Arbor, which serves cherry-flavored everything from salsas to wines to jams and sweets. On the grounds, there is a restaurant, gift shop, tasting room, and gardens. At the tasting room, test out all the cherry wines and ciders for only $1 a flight, or a flight of six for $5. Breeze through their gardens before stopping at their Cherry Public House for dinner. On the menu, you can order hand-crafted pizzas, burgers, salads, chilis, and more.
Store Hours Sunday 10am – 6pm Monday thru Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Restaurant Hours Everyday 11am – 8pm

Stay the night at the Sylvan Inn Bed & Breakfast, a historical B&B dating back to the 1880s which has been restored to preserve antique charm with modern amenities. The Inn was once a stop for mariners and lumbermen who needed a place to sleep and enjoy a warm meal, and today has been beautifully restored to keep its old charm. Breakfast is served each morning with locally sourced ingredients.