A Perfect Fall Getaway

For those who don’t know, Boyne Mountain Resort is a gem in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula. It’s been a year-round destination since 1948, when founder Everett Kircher bought the land for just $1 (what a bargain, right?) with the goal of creating one of the Midwest's premier ski resorts. What started as a humble ski hill has blossomed into a four-season resort that offers everything from skiing and snowboarding to golf, mountain biking, and hiking. However, for this visit, it was all about soaking in the beauty of autumn.

We booked a cozy one-bedroom suite that overlooked the charming resort village. It was the perfect setup for a relaxing retreat, with just enough space to spread out while still feeling snug and romantic. After checking in and getting settled, we took a walk around the village, marveling at how serene it was without the usual hustle and bustle. Boyne Mountain Resort feels like a small, self-contained world, where you can easily forget about everything beyond the mountains.

Dinner at The Forty Acres Tavern

Our first night was all about relaxation. We made reservations at The Forty Acres Tavern, a rustic but welcoming spot in the village that’s known for its pub-style comfort food. I’ve got to say, the atmosphere was spot on for a romantic evening—dim lighting, soft chatter in the background, and a menu that made choosing what to eat a challenge (everything sounded so good!). We both settled on bruschetta for our appetizer, and Tavern Burgers for dinner. The flavors were hearty, and we couldn’t stop chatting about how perfect the evening felt.

After dinner, we spent some time just strolling hand in hand, enjoying the crisp night air. We’ve always loved how a simple walk can turn into some of the best moments of our trips—talking about life, future plans, or just soaking in each other's company.

An Adventure Awaits: Ski Lift and Mountaintop Views

The next day was all about adventure. If you visit Boyne Mountain Resort in the fall, you can’t miss the chance to take the ski lift to the top of the mountain. So that’s exactly what we did. It was mid-morning when we made our way to the lift, and let me tell you—gliding through the fiery colors of fall, feeling the cool breeze on your face, and watching the landscape spread out below you? It’s magical. There was something particularly romantic about that moment; we were suspended in the air, enveloped by nature’s most stunning artwork.

When we reached the top, the views were absolutely breathtaking. You could see for miles, the rolling hills and dense forests dressed in their fall best. We're suckers for a good view, and we spent what felt like ages just taking it all in, snapping pictures, and sharing quiet moments as we marveled at the beauty surrounding us.

We popped into the Eagles Nest, a little cafe perched right at the top, for a quick bite and some much-needed refreshments. There's something special about sitting down for a snack while literally perched on a mountaintop. It’s like the world feels a bit more grand and peaceful all at once.

The Skybridge Michigan Experience

Now, one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip was the Skybridge Michigan. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s the longest timber-towered suspension bridge in the world, and walking across it is an experience like no other. The bridge stretches 1,200 feet across and is suspended between two peaks of the Boyne Mountain range. We were in awe of the sheer size and length as we approached it.

As we stepped onto the bridge, we could feel a slight sway with each step, which made the crossing even more exciting. There’s a glass panel section in the middle, and walking over it is both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. The view from the bridge was something out of a painting—trees ablaze with color as far as the eye could see, with the resort tucked into the valley below.

Once we crossed the bridge, we found ourselves at Disciples Overlook. And let me tell you, this place was a total surprise! It wasn’t just a great viewpoint; it was a whole little world of its own. There was plenty of seating, which we took full advantage of, lounging with drinks in hand from the Skybridge Michigan food truck. The atmosphere was lively, with music playing, people laughing, and kids running around enjoying lawn games. There was even a large firepit to keep warm and trails for those who wanted to explore a bit more. For families, there was face painting and other fun activities, but for us, it was a time to just relax, enjoy the views, and be together.

After soaking in everything, we took the ski lift back down the mountain. The ride back was just as spectacular as the ride up—this time, with the sun lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Looking down at the resort from the lift, with the fall foliage framing everything like a natural painting, felt almost surreal.

A Nighttime Adventure

But our day wasn’t over yet! After relaxing in our room for a bit, we decided to take one more trip up the mountain, this time to see everything at night. The village below twinkled with lights, looking like something out of a fairy tale. It was peaceful but enchanting at the same time. And the Skybridge? Even more magical after dark. The lights along the bridge made it appear to stretch out even further, and the contrast between the glowing bridge and the inky blackness of the night added a whole new layer of awe to the experience.

There’s something about seeing a place like this in two different lights—day and night—that makes you appreciate it all the more. During the day, the fall colors and vast landscapes captivated us, while at night, the glowing lights and peaceful ambiance wrapped us in a cozy, romantic cocoon.

What A Trip!

As our time at Boyne Mountain Resort came to an end, we couldn't help but reflect on the beautiful moments we had experienced. From the tranquil fall scenery to the breathtaking views at the top of the mountain, every part of our stay was a blend of romance and adventure. Boyne Mountain exceeded our expectations, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and fun. Whether we were enjoying a quiet dinner at The Forty Acres Tavern, walking across the Skybridge, or marveling at the village lights from the ski lift at night, it felt like we had stepped into our own little fall fairy tale.

The morning we checked out, we weren’t quite ready to head straight back, so we decided to take a detour to the quaint town of Charlevoix. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s the kind of place that immediately feels welcoming.

We strolled through the charming streets, stopping at a local café called My Grandmothers Table for breakfast. It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip—savoring the peacefulness of small-town Michigan before heading home, already planning when we might make our return.