August 19 – 22, 2023

The charming city of Charlevoix is self-proclaimed “The City of Beautiful.” It is reached by taking the channel marked by the Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse from Lake Michigan into Round Lake.

The population of 2500 increases substantially in the summer as this is a popular tourist destination and summer resort area. We notice several of the boats in the marina are from Charlevoix and other Upper Peninsula towns we now recognize.

Securing a slip reservation poses a problem. The Captain takes heed to the boating advice of “don’t leave a marina unless you definitely have another marina reserved or a safe anchorage you can tuck into.”

Using the Michigan DNR (Department of Natural Resources) online registration system, the available slips show “restrictions.” I call the marina, and discover those slips are only for boats 39 feet or larger. Sunshine is 34. The marina attendant tells me to just put in that our boat is 39 feet. Of course, we will have to pay for 39 feet – not 34. We are talking about $10 more a night – $2 a foot. This doesn’t sit well with the Captain – “It’s the principle.” Oh, the trials of boating.

We end up reserving for three nights. It is worth it. There’s an economical grocery where we stock up on provisions. The Charlevoix City Marina is adjacent to the city park with a modern clubhouse, a play fountain and band shell. The marina lounge and facilities are top-notch, some of the best we’ve seen. And we meet some new looper friends.

We walk the main street (Bridge Street) where there are sidewalk sales. Merchants are taking advantage of the tourists and the end of the season. The Admiral finds a cute white jacket (it’s getting cooler!) for $20. And she treats herself to a manicure/pedicure – first one since we left Boca.

Another highlight is meeting two Looper couples – George and Tracy, and Chris and Sandra. Together we enjoy dinner at Terry’s, the recommended restaurant in town – known for delicious perch, walleye, and whitefish, local fish caught and served fresh daily. After dinner we walk one of the streets that feature older homes and private clubhouses.

I didn’t get a photo of our new friends but here are their boats:

Lake Charlevoix is reached by heading east from Charlevoix through the small channel connecting Round Lake to Lake Charlevoix. As you enter the lake, you find a wide-open vista and a cruising ground somewhat more protected than Lake Michigan. Lake Charlevoix is 13 miles long with 56 miles of shoreline and is the third largest in Michigan.

Patrick and I enjoy our walks around the town and to the Charlevoix lighthouse.

We were told by several people not to miss Charlevoix. We are glad we took their advice. Here are more photos from our visit.