Top Things to do in Benzie County
Top 5 Hidden Gems Things to do in Benzie County, Benzie County
Discover the best top things to do in Benzie County, United States including Ellie Harold Art Studio & Gallery, Lake Ann Brewing Company, Michigan Legacy Art Park, St. Ambrose Cellars, Iron Fish Distillery.
Restaurants in Benzie County
1. Ellie Harold Art Studio & Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Ellie Harold Studio & Gallery is located in an historic Victorian home on the corner of 4th Street and Forest Avenue, just a short block from Main Street. The 1895 structure showcases the award-winning artist's contemporary oil paintings. When Ellie discovered the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in 2007, she declared "I could paint here for the rest of my life." The following year, she and her husband Roo purchased the Forest Ave. home and embarked on a 3 year renovation project. Since 2012, they have welcomed many hundreds of visitors who enjoy meeting the artist and viewing her artwork displayed in a home setting. In addition to paintings and decor ideas, you'll also find gift items: boxed card sets, desk calendars and the artist's book, 7 Habits of Deeply Fulfilled Artists: Your Aesthetic Needs & How to Meet Them. In warmer weather you'll find Ellie painting in her Summer Studio -- you're welcome stop by and watch!
Reviewed By 277danr
In Frankfort, MI this past weekend admiring the beautifully restored and charming homes of this quaint "seacoast" town and found ourselves in Ellie's summer studio. We were instantly drawn to the welcoming and warm glow surrounding this place. Ellie visited with us throughout out personal home tour, and shared the inner feelings that inspired each piece, providing meaning and depth I've rarely seen firsthand. She also told her story which gave context and further texture to how she approaches her work. The work speaks to you with each brush stroke in a beautiful and loving way. We felt her kindness and vibrant spirit stay with us throughout the weekend. Thank you Ellie.
2. Lake Ann Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
Lake Ann Brewing Company specializes in craft beers as well as ciders, mead, and wine. A casual, rustic "up north" tavern. Large outdoor patio, open weather permitting. Live music on Tuesdays year-round. Music on the patio during the summer months Tuesday - Saturday (weather permitting). Check website for music dates/times/performers as well as current operations related to COVID-19 State mandates/procedures. Full food menu from The Stone Oven restaurant right next door. "Great beer without the pomp and circumstance". Group events are welcome. We ask you to call a week in advance to ensure we can accommodate the group.
Reviewed By hopc - Detroit, United States
Lake Ann Brewery is tucked away in a quiet community, bringing homemade brews, local wines, ciders & meads to northern Michigan in a fun, casual setting. Great outdoor stage with musical entertainment and no cover. Ingenious partnership with the Stove Oven Pizza next door to enjoy at the brewery. A win for both establishments. Highly recommend both.
3. Michigan Legacy Art Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By SKW481 - Pinckney, United States
I was here with my daughter and it was great walk in the woods. The art was interesting. The hike was a little more strenous than we thought it would be, but nothing crazy as we have both been walking and hiking before this time. Lots of hills! They have four different trails that total about 2 miles, but you wouldn't have to walk the entire trail. One short trail was handicap accesible, it was about a quarter mile long. My favorite was the Stockade Labyrinth. Well worth the trip. It's really pretty with the fall colors. Definitely worth the trip. They don't charge to walk thru it, but do ask for a $5 donation.
4. St. Ambrose Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
100% local honey, mead and Michigan grown wine. We have a wide selection of red and white wines along with our own estate meads. Come and sample Pure Michigan.
Reviewed By ChicagoChuck123 - Chicago, United States
Visited last weekend during Covid...everyone was distanced and had masks - that's good. We sat at a table and sadly got ignored for like 10 minutes. But - things are hard and I understand - so I kept it cool - finally someone noticed we had no service and a guy from another area addressed us. I told him we sat for a while in a nice way and SERVICE RECOVERY mode went in to full effect. The guy was AWESOME about getting the kids drinks fast as it was a HOT day. I knew what I wanted and wanted to move fast and get out. He understood and got us moving quick. I had a flight and asked for a suggestion - his suggestions were on-point. I bought a growler and apologized for whining about the wait. Guy brought me out a bottle for free. Great experience. The mead - WOW - just WOW. Great variety, even some beers - something for everyone and the grounds are beautiful. Would love to return on a cooler evening and see some live music. The John Lemon is SO good. Everything was so well balanced and fresh - the experience was one of the highlights of our trip. Looking forward to getting back when I can. Food truck looked really good and fairly priced.
5. Iron Fish Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Born on the waters of the Betsie River,raised on its watershed farmland and inspired by upstream Journeys of the Steelhead. We are Michigan's first farm based distillery, come book to a tour of our distillery, or just stop by and visit our tasting room.
Reviewed By sweetthang33
Love coming to iron fish to enjoy the amazing pizzas, homemade honey to purchase and take back home and variety of delicious cocktails! We purchased a wonderful rye vodka and the bourbon whiskey Carribean casks !! Great service and appreciated the knowledge of the variety of drinks —such a beautiful relaxing setting in a beautiful farmland!! We also got to enjoy live music on a Saturday evening!!
