A Bellaire Winter Retreat
Looking for a quiet winter getaway – the kind of place with small-town charm, good food and endless opportunities to enjoy the Great Outdoors? Try the picturesque village of Bellaire, in the heart of Antrim County’s lovely Chain of Lakes.
Nestled in rolling hills along a gentle clear river, Bellaire is a classic “Mayberry-style” small town with friendly residents, picturesque surroundings and plenty of winter fun – whether you’re a downhill skier, a cross-country skier, a snowmobiler, an ice fisherman or a snowshoe hiker. And although it’s just a half-hour from Traverse City, Bellaire boasts its own great restaurants and a wide variety of quality lodging options.
The Grass River Natural Area, just a few minutes south of town, offers winter nature lovers lots of trails and plenty of opportunities for animal and bird-watching. Shanty Creek Resorts offer great downhill skiing and an extensive network of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, and snowmobilers like the village’s proximity to the fabled Jordan Valley Trail system.
Bellaire’s cozy downtown features some entertaining shopping, from the cottage accessories at Uniquely North, and the dazzling array of quality educational toys at Little Treasures to the fascinating furnishings at Willson Hand-Crafted Furniture (made with wood rescued and recycled from century-old barns.) There’s even a great little Main Street movie theatre, still in operation. The village is also acquiring a growing reputation for fine dining, thanks to a couple of great little restaurants: Lulu's Bistro, Gio’s Trattoria Grille and Short’s Brewing Company.
When it comes to lodging, Bellaire has a diverse group of properties, from big resorts like Shanty Creek Resortsand Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort to cozy places like the Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast or All Seasons Motel, a classic 17-room motel that’s perfect for extended stays in Bellaire, and the charming Stone Waters Inn, a small 11-room inn set on the riverbank within walking distance of the downtown shops and restaurants.
