2024 Update
THE WEEKENDER
Created to inspire others to travel more, adventure further, and have fun along the way- on and off the golf course. Finding hidden gems, showcasing fun adventures, good eats and playing great golf.
Frankfort, Michigan
Sitting about 40 minutes south of Glen Arbor, Frankfort is one of the best hidden areas in the state of Michigan. There's a ton of things to do; from hitting the town & jumping in the lake to great golf & endless adventures nearby.
Where to Play
Built on an old Christmas tree farm, Pinecroft is about as low-key and unassuming as it gets. The easy going vibes make Pinecroft a must-play on any Summers day. The clubhouse is nothing to write home about, but that view from the back porch never gets old, especially with the sun-setting over Crystal Lake. Great views, strategic holes and firm fairways. This place is pure hidden gem gold and just keeps getting better with age.
Where to Play
The ying to Pinecroft's yang (and its sister course), Champion Hill has views on views, but don’t let your eyes wander for too long. This course requires your full attention. To play Champion Hill well, you have to have some creativity in your arsenal. Use those kicker-slopes and elevation changes to your advantage and roll with it (literally). Don't forget to take in the gorgeous views. Get ready to enjoy one of the best-kept secrets in Northern Michigan.
Where to Play
We’ve played courses from Coast to Coast and we still find The Bluffs at the top of the list. Maybe it’s because we’re from Michigan, or maybe it’s because even though it’s ‘ranked’ in the top 100, it’s still way underrated. Don’t believe us? You’ll have to find out for yourself. We’ll say this much: when the sun is setting, the bag pipers are playing and you’re standing on 18 green sinking your last putt, you’ll understand the unexplainable hype of The Bluffs. Hit the South course as well for the full experience.
FUN 18
Located in Bear Lake, Michigan. Wolf River Golf Park is different in all the right ways, and easy on the wallet.
The loop is straightforward enough for beginners yet challenging enough for seasoned players. Not many places can say that. The land has incredible natural movement creating opportunities for your ball to ricochet around the fairway. The greens have sneaky good breaks. The fescue can be thick, but it’s findable & playable. There’s less that 20 bunkers on the course, but every single one is incredibly well-placed.
If You Can Get In
One of the purest golf courses in the world. Period. Perched right between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, Crystal downs is the Mecca of Michigan golf. The downside? You'll have to know a member to get on, but if you can make it work, it's an absolute MUST (PS: if you can't swing it don't worry, we're still waiting for the call to play it ourselves).
- The 19th Hole
- Good Eats
- Breakfast Club
- What Else To Do?
- Stay
The 19th Hole
Serving up great drinks for you to enjoy while you take in the great view of Betsie Lake. Don't forget to grab a wood-fired pizza from the food truck.
Great beer. Great food truck options. Fun atmosphere. An absolute must.
Located right in the heart of downtown Frankfort. Great selection of drinks, amazing food and good vibes. This one is towards the top of our list and rightfully so. Try the Stormsticks, you won't be disappointed.
Great spot to have a few drinks and hang out. Big outdoor areas to eat, hang & play games of all kinds. Live music most nights.
Good Eats
Solid ‘za to grab after a day of 36 or late-evening round.
Like nothing you’ve seen. Northern Michigan is known for its delicious cherries and the Cherry Hut infuses locally grown cherries into a ton of great meals. Grab some cherry items from the shop on the way out.
The go-to spot for a hot dog in Northern Michigan. Grab a bite to eat and a few drinks here. Personal favorite: the Chicago Dog and cheese fries.
If you're in the mood for Mexican food, this is your spot. Traditional Mexican food with a twist of modern flaire. This place is one of the best around.
Looking for dinner with a view? You've found the right place. Rock's Landing is located right on Crystal Lake, one of the clearest lakes in the world, and offers an array of solid choices from seafood to steak. Call ahead to get a spot, they fill up quick for a reason.
If we're talking dinner with a view then this is one we can't leave out. We recommend grabbing an afternoon tee time and staying for dinner after. With the sun-setting over Lake Michigan, the bag-pipers playing and fantastic food options, this is an experience hard to beat anywhere in the country.
Tucked just North of Frankfort. Upscale spot with good eats & hangs. Serving up seafood, chops & more.
Fast-casual joint serving up great burgers & fries.
Breakfast Club
Great diner serving up classic, hearty breakfast food. A must-visit.
The perfect spot to grab brunch. The menu is slightly upscale and features everything from chicken & waffle to a vegan omelette. Come back for dinner.
Formally known as the Blue Carribou. Great breakfast and lunch spot with a variety of options. If you're looking for a hearty breakfast, this is the place.
Serving up great breakfast sandwiches, donuts, & fresh baked goods.
What Else To Do?
Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes
One of the most scenic places in the country. With miles and miles of dune-swept lakeside landscapes, adventure can be found everywhere. Our top 4 must-visit places at the Dunes include: Empire Bluffs Trail, Pierce Stocking Drive, Pyramid Point and The Dune Climb (climb at your own risk). If you can catch a sunset at Empire Bluffs Trail, it surely won't be one you'll forget anytime soon-- trust us.
Kayak the Crystal River
Flowing through the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Crystal River offers exceptional views of the surrounding landscape. Kayaking the Crystal River is both relaxing and a workout all-in-one. The river is shallow, features a sand bottom and is unbelievably crystal clear (hence the name). Expect to see everything from small fish and turtles to bald eagles if you're lucky.
Fish Lake Michigan
Spend the morning on a fishing charter reeling in Salmon, Lake Trout & Steelhead. Perfect for all ages and fishing experience.
Hike Betsie Valley Trail
Spend some time outdoors hiking through woods, dunes, and along Crystal Lake.
Frankfort Lighthouse
Walk the boardwalk out to the lighthouse and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. Grab some ice cream from The Scoop and enjoy.
Catch Sunset
No trip to Frankfort is complete without watching the sun drop over Lake Michigan. Elberta Beach or Frankfort Beach are you best bets for a good spot.
Jump in the lake!
A trip to Frankfort isn't complete without jumping in both Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.
Nestled just off of m-22 near Frankfort, Michigan, the Frankfort Farmhouse is the perfect mix of location, size & charm. Plenty of rooms & beds makes this perfect for a golf trip, couples trip, family trip or anything inbetween.
There's plenty to do at the Farmhouse including indoor pickleball, darts, foosball and a bar, all situated in 'the barn'. There's also a hitting net & putting green, firepit and massive wraparound deck perfect for late night hangs.
Minutes to downtown Frankfort, the beach & more.
Sleeps 12 guests.
The Perfect Weekender
Thursday
Take the afternoon off or head up after work.
Stop at St. Ambrose Cellars
Have a few cold ones and grab a late lunch before the round to loosen up and enjoy the sun.
Evening round at Pinecroft GC
Right up the road from town (Beulah). Grab a late afternoon tee time so you finish with the sun coming down over Crystal Lake. Some absolutely stunning views and an incredible start to the weekend.
Friday
Let's Have A Day
Breakfast
Grab breakfast near town at Lighthouse Cafe, an iconic little diner with awesome breakfast. Or you can head a bit South towards Bear Lake (where you'll be golfing) and hit up Lakeside Cafe. Great breakfast with hearty portions.
Golf at Wolf River
Head South ~20-25 minutes to Bear Lake. This is a fantastic loop with a great layout, fun green complexes & solid bunkering in all the right places. Playable for all.
Afternoon at Arcadia Bluffs
Head right to Arcadia after Wolf River (5-10 minute drive) to enjoy the experience as much as possible. Get the first twilight time and let the bagpipes play as your navigating your way through the back nine. Have dinner & drinks on the patio after. Watch the sun go down as you listen to the bagpipers and take in the view.
Saturday
A North Coast Day
Get an early tee time at Champions Hill. Best in the morning (or late afternoon) before it gets too hot as there isn’t much shade out there. You’ll enjoy this one.
Lunch
Grab lunch afterwards at St Ambrose Cellars. This place is a vibe. Big outdoor areas to eat, hang & play games of all kinds.
Afternoon @ the Lake
Go jump in the lake. We recommend Crystal Lake or Lake Michigan. Known for it's crystal clear waters, Crystal Lake is one of our favorite inland lakes in the state. Lake Michigan may be a bit wavier, but it's every bit worth the big waves.
Dinner & Drinks
This one's a toss-up. Either head to Stormcloud Brewing for a more 'craft beer & good burgers' vibe. If you're feeling wood-fired pizza and a good cocktail with a view, head to Furnace Street Distillery.
Catch Sunset
Your trip to Frankfort isn't complete until you watch the sun drop over Lake Michigan. Best spots: Elberta Beach or Frankfort Beach.
Sunday
Grab a bite to eat at Crystal Café (if it’s open) and head to the water in downtown Frankfort. Cool spot for a morning walk, good eats and good vibes.
If you’re golfing, play a mid-morning round at Arcadia Bluffs South Course. With fast & firm fairways, tough greens and strategic bunkering, this is a fun loop that requires great golf.
If you’re hanging, take your pick between hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes Or hitting the Betsie Valley Trail.
Leave a comment