Oh, how exciting it is when the snow begins to melt, the days have more than 6 hours of daylight, the temperatures are becoming pleasant and the crocuses’ are blooming – it is a sure sign that SPRING IS HERE! 

A beautiful time to be alive – especially in Antrim County. 

The awakening of nature is fascinating to watch and there are plenty of things for the active visitor to do; the smelt and early perch runs entice the fisherman and he can look forward to the opening of the trout season.  Mushrooming is fun – and so is bird (or deer) watching.  Visit a sugar bush or hunt for Petoskey stones.  The spring countryside is at its beautiful best.  Snap some pictures of the cherry orchards in bloom.  It’s a breathtaking sight.  The golf courses open early for the hardy souls, the air is delightful, and the spring fishing is altogether exciting.  A spring canoe/kayak trip down the winding Grass River is certain to exhilarate the nature lover! Newly born fawns still in their spots are especially easy to see when you are floating quietly down the scenic River.

  Let us sum it up – Spring is when the great north country comes alive with a Rush!

• Skip stones on one of the many beautiful lakes
• Smelt Dipping, Fishing (be sure to get your license), Hunting,
• Morel Mushroom hunting
• Biking
• Golfing
• Hiking through the trails enjoying the wildflowers that are blooming, bird watching, enjoying the wonderful smell of Spring!
• Spring flowers are bursting forth, Grass is turning Green, Trees Bloom – it is BLOSSOM TIME !
• Maple Syrup is starting to run
• Everything is coming alive!!!

• Head to downtown to do a puzzle room at Escape Bellaire

Fall is the most beautiful of all seasons.  Crisp fall evenings turn the entire countryside into a brilliant blaze of color. 

Take a color tour through the highland by car or boat through the Chain of Lakes.  See an indescribable panorama of beauty. Scenic country roads such as 593, 618, 620, and 626, Michigan Highways M-66 and M-88 wander through the most beautiful countryside imaginable. 

The view from Dead Man’s Hill is a must in the fall  It overlooks thousands of acres at the source of the Jordan River, a view worth driving miles to see. 

In the fall the perch and the bass are waiting for the fisherman.  Nearby Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan offer fall fishing for Steelheads, Lake Trout, Coho, and Chinook Salmon that you will find hard to equal, the golf courses are open until the snow flies.   

For the hunter, small game upland birds and the archery deer season start it off.   In November, the white-tail deer season opens, and the herd in Antrim is plentiful.  An autumn vacation is a delight to the eye in the North.  You will want to take a lot of pictures on your color tour.

• Meander the well-marked trail system of Glacial Hills (2795 Eckhardt Rd) for a workout that’s both worthwhile and beautifully inspired.
• For families with little tykes or non-hikers head over to Grass River Natural Area (6500 Alden Hwy) and traverse the lowlands of Antrim Count while tracing the shoreline trails of Grass River
• Hunting, Color Tours, Rock Hunting, Exploring, Picture taking,
• Catch a Movie at Bellaire Theatre
• Visit a Northern Michigan Brewery – Short’s Brew Pub, Bellaire – Short’s Brewing Company Elk Rapids
• Kayak or Canoe the Grass River
• Rent a Bike, Buy a Bike, Fix your Bike – Paddle & Pedals Bellaire
• Shopping a great way to start your holiday shopping at all of our unique shops in our area
• King Orchards has Fresh Apples, Cider, and Donuts – You can also pick your own Apples
• Catch a Sunset while enjoying a meal at the Dockside on Torch Lake
• Enjoy a Chair Lift Ride at Shanty Creek
• Sweet Tooth? Whether you crave cookies, ice cream, or pastries, Bellaire has something for everyone
• Visit the Farmers Market on Friday’s in Bellaire
• Pamper yourself at one of our area spas
• Spend time walking the beaches in search of Petoskey Stone
• Golf – over 10 courses to choose from