Great for all adults and families alike for all four seasons from fall pumpkin and apple picking to skiing and ice skating at The Homestead Resort in the winter, to spring and summer with hiking, biking, boating, swimming, picnics, wine trails and numerous beaches. Some of our favorite spots and activities are listed below:

Recommended Restaurants/Café

• The Mill. Charming spot for coffee (try the matcha latte) and lunch on the river that also serves as a boutique hotel.
• Glen Arbor Wines. Friendly local spot to try local wines with great indoor and outdoor seating.
• Cherry Republic. Great variety of pizza, sandwiches and salads. Great for adults and kids. Don’t miss the gift shop with all things cherries. Try the cherry almond butter. Kids love the samples bar, including cherry sours and sour cherry patches.
• Art’s Tavern. Authentic local diner. Open year round.
• Farm Club. Outside of Glen Arbor, A farm to Table restaurant in Leelanau County. True farm to table as you await for your table outside on the farm.

Recommended Shops in Glen Arbor:

• Becky Thatcher Designs – Local quality handmade artisan jewelry made from locally acquired stones.
• Bay Lavender Trading Company – Cute aromatic shop with handmade natural soaps and lotions. Try the No-Mo-Squito Bug Spray. It works and smells great!
• The Cottage Book Shop – Small independent book shop great to pick up a beach read or a book about NW Michigan.
• M22 – Get all of your local M22 gear (sweatshirts, etc.) while tasting local wine.
• Cotton Seed Apparel – Local retailer of carefully curated women’s clothing and gifts. (open seasonally)

To Do in the Area

• Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Duh.
• Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Bike/Hike. 20 Scenic Miles between Empire and Bohemian Road.
• Explore the many scenic beaches. Explore many scenic hikes.
• Palmer Woods Outdoor Activities. Located just few minutes from the property, 15+ miles of well maintained and marked trails for mountain biking, hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, etc. 
• Boat. 
  • Guided Kayak Tours by Crystal River Outfitters. 231 334 4420.
  • Glen Craft Marina – ski ad pontoon Boats on Glen Lake. 231 334 4556. 
  • On the Narrows Maria – Sail, ski, Pontoon on Glen Lake. 231 334 4891

The Homestead.

• Dine. 
  • Nonna’s. Cozy Italian dining room if you don’t want to leave the resort for dinner.  
  • Cavanaugh’s is a good spot for pizza, wine and snacks to go or hot cocoa after skiing. 
  • Whisker’s is a nice spot for a drink outdoors. (skip the food)
• Spa Amira. Massage, Facial, Nails. Nice views by the pool if you go in the summer.
• Winter.
  • Ski. At the Homestead. Our place is on top of the ski hill.
  • Ice Skate. The Homestead also has Ice Skating when the weather permits.
• Spring/Summer
  • Golf.
  • Tennis.
  • Fishing.
  • The resort’s beach, pools and Café Manitou are for beach club members only. 

Day Trips.  

• Traverse City is less than a half hour away and so much to explore. 
• Fish Town. Small historic fishing village in Leland with shops and bites to eat.
• Sutton’s Bay. Mawby Vineyards. Bluestone Vinyards.
• Wineries. Leelanau County has many.