Area Attractions
Play: "Explore, Engage, and Enjoy the local attractions around the area."
Stay: "Relax in our cozy accommodations"
Shop: "Discover the unique and charming local shops nearby"
Eat: "Enjoy delicious local meals at nearby restaurants"
- Famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Climb minutes away
- Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak downtown Empire: within walking distance or driveable half of mile
- Day trip to South Manitou Island leaving from Leland Michigan
- We can add local boat rentals at Glen Lake Marina
- Enjoy unique and relaxing shopping in Empire & Glen Arbor
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail biking, walking, wheel-chair friendly – spans 27 miles
- Wine tasting and tours throughout Leelanau County
- Empire Bluff Trail - 5 Minute drive from the Cottonwood Inn
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive & Overlook 9 - 3.5 miles away
- Pyramid Point Trail -15 miles away
- Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail - within driving distance to different wineries
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail - within biking or driving distance
- Empire Beach - within walking distance or a short drive less than a mile
- Sleeping Bear Dune Climb - 6 miles away
- Philip A. Hart Sleeping Bear Visitor Center - Within walking distance
- Imagine That - Eclectic Arts & Gifts 15 minutes away
- On the Narrows Marina: 10 minutes away
- Traverse City -23 miles away
- Frankfort - 23 miles away
- Leeland - 23 miles away
- The Secret Garden - within walking distance or a short drive
- The Miser's Hoard Antique Store - within walking distance or a short drive
Local Events
- Asparagus Festival June 7th Empire – walking distance
- M-22 Challenge Bike, Run, Paddle June 8th – 10 minutes away by car
- Lively Lands Summer Sunset Music festival series Empire – June 16th, July 14th & August 17th
- Beryl Days Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak Empire June 28th, 29th & 30th (within walking distance or short 3 minute drive)
- National Cherry Festival Traverse City June 28th –July 5th a ½ hour drive
- Glen Lake Women’s club Art Fair Glen Arbor July 17th – 10 minute drive
- Plein Air Paint Out Glen Arbor August 1st & 2nd – 10 minute drive
- Empire Hill Climb Sept 9th Empire – within walking distance or a short few minute drive
- Iron Man Michigan Sept 14th Frankfort – half hour drive
- Sleeping Bear marathon (1/2 marathon & 5 k) October 4th – 10 minute drive
Holly's Favorite Places to visit or check out....
In Empire
In Glen Arbor
- Imagine That Eclectic gift store
- Cherry Republic
- The Cottage Bookstore
- Good Harbor Grill
- Art’s Tavern
- The Cottage Bookstore
Other great things to do…
- Drive the M-22 Leelanau Peninsula loop
- Kayak/ SUP/ tube/ canoe down the crystal or The Platte River