Where to Stay

My friends and I had a great time staying at the Spillway Lodges. Not only do you get to enjoy a bit more privacy away from other quests in your own space, but they also offer free WiFi, a full fitness center, yoga classes, and more!

We really enjoyed staying in the 2 bedroom/2 bathroom suite, as there was enough room for all of us to stay together! It had large, spacious guest rooms along with a great common area and dining area.

We also totally loved having access to a fully equipped kitchen in the lodge. While we found some great spots to go out to eat, it was nice to have the option to enjoy snacks and drinks and just hangout. Definitely recommend for groups!

What to Do

Staying at the Spillway Lodges was also great because they provide quite a bit to do. One of which is a putting green on site, which is fun for adults and kids alike! There are full golf courses nearby as well.

They also have a sauna, which is a great way to enjoy some relaxation and still chat with your friends!

Something they offer that’s a little less common are the cold plunges! Did you know that research has shown that cold plunges offer a bunch of potential health benefits? Not to mention, it was simply fun to try something new and watch each other plunge into freezing water.

There’s a hot tub not too far where you can then relax and warm back up after plunging in the cold.

Because our lodgings were within walking distance to downtown Bellaire, we did some shopping and visited the many shops, restaurants, and bars that downtown had to offer. You could also book a spot at Mammoth Distilling and try your hand at blending your own whiskey!

The Lodges also offer free bike rentals, so if you don’t want to walk into town, you could bike! There was a great bike path to explore also.

We had a blast playing yard games like cornhole, and sitting around an open fire pit and talking while enjoying a drink.

Finally, it’s very close to Torch Lake, the 2nd largest inland lake in Michigan. You can kayak, fish, go boating, or relax on the beach!

Where to Eat

Of course, food is a super important part of travel for me, and we checked out some great spots. Toonie’s Fish & Steakhouse was a really fun place with a great local vibe, and even better fish and chips!

Short’s Brewing had incredible beer and a food truck roundup, along with a full restaurant on site with great pub food!

My favorite part of Short’s was the live music they offer most evenings.

Corner Bistro was probably the highlight meal. The owner Maggie really made us feel at home, and the food was absolutely delicious! Don’t miss out on the dirty martini and truffle fries!

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to spend a girlfriends getaway, or even for a family vacation, you won’t regret taking a trip to Bellaire, Michigan and staying at the Spillway Lodges. Use code “LEMON15” for 15% off your stay! Book your stay directly here.

Disclosure: The Spillway Lodges hosted my accommodations during my stay, but all opinions are my own.