What To Do While Your Golfer’s At Bahle Farms: A Guide
You are in Leelanau County for a trip up-north. You just dropped off the golfer(s) of your group at Bahle Farms for their round of golf. Don’t worry about them, they’re about to have the time of their lives!
But what about YOU, non-golfer? What do you do now?
The pace for 18 holes at Bahle Farms is about 4 and a half hours. You probably dropped them off early (right?) so they have plenty of time to check-in, warm-up, grab a drink, etc. Factoring in the obligatory post-round beverage on the patio…well you’ve got yourself several hours to enjoy!
If you’ve never been to the area, it can be overwhelming to know where to go or what to do. Even if you’re a repeat visitor, there’s just so much!
So we created a guide for you, non-golfer, for what to do while you wait for your golfer.
These recommendations are all tried & true from us, to guarantee you (both) have the best golf day ever! 😉
For The Wine Drinker
If you’re looking to enjoy all that the “Napa of the Midwest” has to offer, look no further than the dozens of wineries located on the peninsula.
If you dropped off your golfer, that means you’re starting in Suttons Bay. We recommend starting off your wine tour at Mawby, just a 3 minute drive away! Start your day off with some bubbly, and enjoy the vineyard views out back.
From there, head right around the corner to Ciccone. Founded by Madonna’s parents, this Old-World style estate is home to some fabulous wine and views over the bay.
Lastly, finish your wine tour right across the street at Willow Vineyard. Located on the hill overlooking Lake Michigan, you can’t beat the views and the service!
For The Not Wine Drinker
If wine isn’t your thing, but enjoying a beverage in a beautiful setting is, we got you!
Starting at Bahle Farms, head up the road just 5 minutes to Suttons Bay Ciders. This is HANDS DOWN the best view in the area. Enjoy one of their refreshing ciders high up overlooking the lake. Better yet, taste test each cider by getting a cider flight! You probably won’t wanna leave.
Next, just minutes away, head down the hill and onto M-22 for Two K Farms, a wonderful farm overlooking the apple orchard on the bay with delicious hard ciders.
Finally, head north into town on M-22 to Hop Lot Brewing. Recently voted USA Today’s #2 Beer Garden in US for a reason, this place is spectacular. Immerse yourself in the up-north vibes by grabbing a brew and finding a spot within their beer garden – or should we say beer forest? Bon fires, live music and great food make for a 10/10 experience.
For The Shopper
If you like to wander around, window-shop, and enjoy all that a town has to offer, head to Downtown Suttons Bay.
Like a scene out of a Hallmark Movie, colorful buildings full of local shops and businesses line the main street.
Stroll into historic Bahle’s store, in its location since 1876. (The same family also founded Bahle Farms Golf Course). Other stores we love include Poppy Things, The Front Porch, and don’t forget to stop in MI Market for all your locally made food products.
For The Nature Lover
If you want to soak in the refreshing nature that Leelanau has to offer, head over to Pyramid Point Trail for a jaw-dropping hike. (a park permit is required). You won’t believe you’re in Michigan.
If you like to bike, check out Suttons Bay Bikes for bicycle rentals and bike the tart trail! Ride Leelanau offers e-bike rentals. Pedal through the orchards and enjoy the views. If you’re up for the challenge, bike the Leelanau Trail to Farm Club for lunch (about 11 miles or 1 hour one-way). The food is absolutely worth it!
For The Family
For those with kids, pack the swimsuits and picnic blanket, and head up to Suttons Bay public beach.
Located just behind the main street downtown, SB beach is a perfect place to set up camp for the afternoon. Large, sandy shore means plenty of space to sprawl out, and the water couldn’t be more crystal clear.
There’s even a playground in the sand for kiddos. If they’re being good, take a quick hike up to the main street for an ice cream treat.
