Leave Ashland around 5:00 PM for the roughly 5½–6½-hour drive to Bellaire, depending on traffic and stops. Take I-90/I-80 toward Toledo, then I-75 north through Michigan before continuing on US-31 and M-88 toward Bellaire. This is a fairly long evening drive, so plan one substantial fuel and dinner stop around Toledo or near Bay City rather than waiting until the final rural stretch, where options become limited. Have your lodging’s late-arrival instructions ready, and confirm that overnight parking is included; downtown Bellaire is easy to navigate, but most businesses close early on weeknights.
After checking in, head to Short’s Brewing Company Bellaire Pub in downtown Bellaire—typically just a few minutes by car from local hotels, or walkable from nearby downtown lodging. If you arrive before the kitchen closes, this is the ideal first taste of the area: order a casual sandwich, burger, pizza, or shareable along with one of Short’s Michigan-brewed beers. Allow about an hour and budget approximately $15–$30 per person, not including drinks and tip. Because your arrival is late, check the pub’s posted kitchen and closing hours that day; the bar may remain open later than food service.
Finish with an easy 30-minute stroll along the Bellaire Riverwalk, following the river through the compact downtown area. It is a pleasant way to stretch after the drive, with bridges, water views, and a quieter small-town atmosphere at night. Keep the walk close to the lit downtown sections, especially if arriving after dark, and save a longer exploration for daylight. Afterward, return to your lodging and get an early rest—the next morning’s drive to Torch Lake is short, but kayak rentals and popular launch areas are best handled early.
Leave Bellaire around 7:30–8:00 AM and drive roughly 20 minutes via US-31 to Torch Lake Pontoon & Kayak Rentals in Torch Lake Village. Reserve your kayaks ahead—August mornings are popular—and arrive early enough to handle waivers, parking, life jackets, and the launch. Plan on about three hours on the water; a kayak rental will often run approximately $25–45 per person, depending on duration and equipment. The lake can become busier and choppier later in the day, so the early start is ideal. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and dry layers, and keep valuables in a dry bag.
After returning the kayaks, drive about 10 minutes along the east shore to Alden for an easy late-morning wander. Stroll the small waterfront streets, browse the galleries and shops, and stop at Alden Mill House for coffee or a light bite—roughly $8–15 per person. Allow about an hour; this is a good place to slow down after paddling rather than trying to fit in another major attraction. Then drive approximately 20 minutes to downtown Bellaire for lunch at Short’s Brewing Company Bellaire, where sandwiches, salads, and house beer make an easy mid-day stop; expect about $15–30 per person. Check the day’s hours and allow a little extra time for a weekend wait.
After lunch, drive 10–15 minutes up to Shanty Creek Resort and spend the afternoon using its seasonal activities, such as hiking, golf, scenic recreation, or other summer offerings available at Summit Village. Confirm the activity schedule and reservations before leaving, since golf and some recreation options may have specific booking windows. A flexible three-hour block works well here: choose one paid activity and leave time to enjoy the resort grounds rather than overpacking the afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and expect summer activity pricing to vary from roughly $15 to $75 or more per person depending on the option.
Return to downtown Bellaire for dinner at The Blue Pelican Inn, a historic and more polished setting for the evening. Budget approximately $30–50 per person before drinks, and call ahead for a reservation or confirm current dinner hours—summer weekends can fill quickly. Afterward, take a relaxed walk through central Bellaire or along the nearby Cedar River before heading back to the resort. Because rideshare service is limited in this area, keep the car with you and avoid relying on a late-night pickup.
Start with a relaxed breakfast at The Chief Golf Course at Shanty Creek Resort in Summit Village. Plan on roughly 3–4 hours for a round, including check-in and the occasional northern Michigan pace of play; if golf is not your thing, ask the resort about swapping the round for a hike around the property. Summer tee times are best reserved ahead, and morning is the most comfortable window before heat and afternoon storms. Allow approximately $50–100 per person depending on the tee time, rental clubs, and resort rates.
After golf, drive about 10–15 minutes into downtown Bellaire for the Bellaire Historical Museum, a compact stop that works well before lunch. Its seasonal hours can be limited, so verify the August 22 schedule before leaving the resort; an hour is plenty, and admission is generally modest or donation-based. Walk or drive a few blocks afterward to Moxie’s for burgers, sandwiches, or salads in an easygoing local setting. Budget about $15–30 per person, and expect lunch to take roughly an hour.
From downtown, drive 15–20 minutes to Grass River Natural Area for a quieter change of pace. The boardwalks and forest trails pass through wetlands and lakeside habitat, so allow about two hours and wear shoes that can handle damp spots; bring bug spray, water, and binoculars if you enjoy birding. Parking and trail access are typically handled at the preserve, with a small admission or suggested donation possible. Continue roughly 25–30 minutes to Elk Rapids for an early dinner at Short’s Pull Barn, a casual stop with craft beer and hearty food. Set aside about 1½ hours and budget $20–35 per person; check the kitchen and taproom hours before heading over, then return to Bellaire in about 25–30 minutes.
Start with breakfast at M88 Morning Cafe in downtown Bellaire, arriving around 8:00–8:30 AM so you have time for coffee and a relaxed meal before driving home. Allow about an hour and budget roughly $10–20 per person. After breakfast, walk through the compact downtown area rather than moving the car; street parking is generally the easiest option, though confirm the café’s Saturday hours before leaving your lodging.
For a final dose of local history, spend about 45 minutes at the Bellaire Historical Museum. Its exhibits focus on the village, surrounding Antrim County, and the area’s logging, railroad, and resort history. Then take an easy one-hour walk on the Intermediate Riverwalk Nature Trail, a pleasant way to stretch your legs beside the river before the long drive. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; morning is usually the most comfortable time for the trail.
Plan to leave Bellaire around noon. Take M-88 toward US-31, then I-75 south through Michigan and toward Toledo before continuing east on the Ohio Turnpike or I-80/US-23 route as traffic and your navigation app recommend. The drive is roughly 5½–6½ hours without extended stops, so expect to reach Ashland in the afternoon or early evening. Build in a rest and meal stop around Toledo, and top off fuel before getting onto the interstate; summer weekend traffic can slow the I-75 corridor, especially near Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Toledo.