Girls' Trip to Bellaire, Michigan

There is nothing more refreshing for the soul than a girl's weekend away with some of your best friends. When we started talking about this trip, we knew we wanted to explore Northern Michigan but since there is so much to see and do it can be hard to decide on where to stay. When you're traveling with a larger group (we had 7 girls) it can also be difficult to find lodging that meets all your needs and can comfortably fit everyone. Thankfully we discovered Crooked Tree Farm Farmhouse in Bellaire, Michigan! 

Disclaimer: We were hosted by Crooked Tree Farmhouse during our two-night stay. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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where to stay

If you're traveling with a larger group, I highly recommend putting in the time and research to find a property that has everything you're looking for. It truly can make or break your trip when you have multiple people to accommodate who all need to shower, eat meals at the same time, wake up a different times and the list goes on. Thankfully, Crooked Tree Farmhouse checked all those boxes and more for our group. This beautifully-renovated 120-year-old farmhouse ​can accommodate up to 10 guests with 4 bedrooms, 7 beds, and 2.5 baths. You can tell how much time and effort the owners have put into every inch of this house and the decor and updated features throughout are stunning. 

There was so much to love about this house but the three things that were most important to our group were: 

1. Kitchen - we planned to make most of our meals at the house so having a fully equipped kitchen was a must. We loaded up the fridge upon arrival and the hosts provided everything we needed from pots and pans to cooking utensils to plates and silverware to use as we needed. Another bonus was the large kitchen table that was perfect for family style dining and allowed us to eat meals together without having to be scattered all over the place. 
2. Cozy living area - for the first night of our trip we planned to stay in and have a relaxing spa night. The living room was meant for nights like this with its large wrap around sectional, cozy blankets, and in-floor radiant heating. It was the best space for everyone to gather, play games, and watch movies. We also spent a lot of time in this space in the mornings after breakfast just relaxing and chatting. 
3. Bedrooms - let's be honest girls always tend to overpack so having four bedrooms was a lifesaver. It allowed everyone to have their own bed and the room we needed to spread out so we weren't crammed on top of one another when trying to get ready. It was also amazing how quiet it was when you were upstairs which was ideal for those early risers who wanted to enjoy their morning coffee in the kitchen without disturbing the other girls who wanted to sleep in a bit longer. 

View the full airbnb listing

View On AirbnbNewly Renovated Bellaire Farmhouse

This property is located on 6 acres so you get to enjoy the peaceful side of nature and still be only a mile from downtown Bellaire and a short drive from Traverse City and Boyne City. In addition to the upper patio deck, there is also a fire pit which is perfect for those chilly fall evenings, and some trails you can wander around through the woods and meadows. You also can't miss the unique tree in the front of the house which is how the property got it's name! 

Best areas to explore

While you may never want to leave once you step foot inside this amazing Airbnb, no matter the season, there is so much to see and explore. Here are a few of my top picks for downtown Bellaire/Torch Lake to add to your itinerary: 
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• Short's Brewery - fun atmosphere, amazing food and local beer on tap
• M88 Morning Drive - coffee, pastries, and donuts
• Hello Vino - wine and cocktail bar with over 100 unique wines from around the world
• Torch Lake Cellars - charming tasting room with great views of Lake Bellaire and Torch Lake
• Bee Well Meadery - mead and cider tasting room
• Mammoth Distilling - craft spirits with a tasting room overlooking Torch Lake
• Pelican's Nest - play a round of golf at The Chief and then dine on some of the best burgers around
• Dockside - Enjoy the beauty of Torch Lake from their outdoor patio. Delicious seafood baskets and signature cocktails.

If you're looking for a great day trip destination, check out my recommendations for visiting Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Petoskey, or Charlevoix. 

Fall colors and ski season are right around the corner in Michigan so don't wait to gather your friends and book your stay!