Paradine Creek Farm B&B

This is a getaway old house. It sits on a quiet road. There are probably less than a car an hour down the road (I timed it) during summer months. If you’re looking for an area country home with a short drive to Torch lake or Traverse area that feels like you’re safe at grandmas house but close to it all then this is it. There are books to read in hallways and many rooms. It is close to nearby chain of lake beaches, marinas, and is a great stop. We booked almost last minute and the accommodations were exactly as described. It’s not a high end hotel and we didn’t want one. We wanted a quiet getaway. The place was clean, there were nice towels and dishes. Provided detergent for both dishwasher and laundry. We were able to make a family of 6 feel very relaxed and comfortable.

We stayed at Paradine Creek Farm B&B for 2 nights and it was absolutely perfect. The three of us were having a girlfriends' getaway reunion, and oddly enough, Michigan was a center point! We ended up selecting Paradine because we knew we wanted to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, and also check out the lakes and Traverse City. It turned out Paradine was the perfect home base. First, it was way more affordable than anywhere in Traverse City or closer to Sleeping Bear. (We had looked at more rustic options but decided as three overworked moms of little kids, we wanted at least a little luxury - air conditioning, our own beds, and cooked breakfasts!

The place was so easy to find, very tidy and charming. Our room was small - but we each had our own comfy bed (there were three beds) and it was perfect for us. PLUS the AC unit was great, so we all slept more soundly than we had literally in years.

Marie and Tom were great hosts -- very friendly and accommodating -- they greeted us with brownies! They also gave us our space so we had privacy. And WOW did Tom outdo himself with breakfasts. We all eat anything, so we were served (at precisely our requested times of 7AM and 9AM) with the most beautiful spread both days! German crepes with local cherries (OMG we each had THREE), a fluffy vegetarian quiche, fresh blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, and of course, cherries. We could have also had toast or bagels if we'd wanted but there was no need.

It turned out Paradine Creek was a wonderful home base. After we checked in, we went to dinner in the adorable Elk Rapids, less than a 10 minute drive. We went to Siren Hall which was great! And then we walked around the lovely town, played in the sunset, and of course got ice cream.

The next day, we got up super early, Tom had breakfast ready for us at 7. We headed out and drove through Traverse City to get to Sleeping Bear Dunes -- only about an hour drive. (FYI we discovered a GREAT coffee place called Aroma that was right on the way). We made it to Sleeping Bear, checked out the visitor center, climbed the dunes (DO IT! It's gorgeous), rented bikes and road the beautiful bike path up to Glen Arbor. We had lunch there at Art's, and played by the rocky beach for a bit before we made our way back. Then, we made sure to hit up the scenic drive before we headed out. On our way back, we stopped at Aroma again for coffee before we got sleepy at the winery. We went to the Old Mission Peninsula and did a quick tasting at the Bonobo Winery. Then, before dinner, we made a quick stop in a field of wildflowers. We finally made it to Traverse City for dinner at the delicious Trattoria Stella. After, of course, we went downtown and got ice cream! The B&B is only about 20 minutes and super easy drive from Traverse.

Our final morning, we got up and went on a 4 mile run around the beautiful nearby fields, showered, and got to enjoy a last amazing breakfast while sitting on the Adirondack chairs admiring the view. We said goodbye to our hosts, and on the way, stopped in Elk Rapids for a great latte, and then discovered a sculpture garden by the water! (Elk Rapids Sculpture Garden). And, last but not least, we stopped at a cherry stand where we got some fresh cherries and delicious cherry pie that we enjoyed at the airport as one last hurrah.

All in all, our trip was full of ease, fun, and beauty, and Paradine Creek Farm B&B was the perfect relaxing spot to stay.