
4.6
1 of 43 Best Attractions in Petoskey

I enjoyed wandering through a variety of shops for a couple of days. The shops are both high and low-end. I purchased several items. I love my new Michigan cap, Petoskey stone wine stopper, and leather covered switch plate with leaf images (made by Mike Barnes). A store owned by Linda Michaels had quality items and nice Petoskey stones.

There are many great shops and eateries to explore here. Close to the waterfront and fun to walk around on a nice day.

Discovered the American Spoon's flagship store is in the Historical Gaslight District. Don't miss this store, their staff is passionate and cry knowledgable about their great products. Also visit Ace Home & Hardware- very cute store with everything you could image for your home.

Quaintness best describes walking down the streets of Petoskey. If it wasn't for the newer model cars, you'd think you were back in time. Expect streets to be packed in summer, especially on weekends.

We spent a lot of time in the Historic Gaslight District while in Petoskey, both shopping and dining. This is a very nice area with lots to see and do. Some very quaint places to eat - we ate at the City Park Grill and loved it

We drove through this area. Cute town. Several shops & restaurants. Looked very neat, we just didn't have the time to explore.

I thought the Gaslight District was a really nice part of town. Unfortunately when we got there everything was closed up except for a couple of pubs and bars. We did go into the pub, and got a bite to eat the food was very good.

The gaslight district has beautiful views of the bay and is extremely well kept. The shops are very eclectic with a lot of artists, some standard upper scale shops, and a lot of restaurant options. The shop owners that we met with were all extremely friendly and welcoming. This is a great place to walk around leisurely and enjoy the environment.

Petoskey is such a great place to live or visit ! The people are the best always willing to give you directions or suggestions of places to go. We have the best book store , Circus Shop for children , Bearcub Outfitters, and Linda Michaels for Jewelry . So many great places it's hard to narrow it down .

Beautiful town filled with stores, restaurants, and views of Lake Michigan. Lots of trees and flowers and a park in the center of town make this an oasis.

Very interesting area with lots of history interesting shops very interesting restaurants and bars. I really enjoyed walking the area

It is nice for a little window shopping. But it is by far one of the most expensive group of stores I have seen. It's not like a touristy grouping of shops by any means. It's very much a place where you will drop major chunks of change.

The district was very walkable, every shopkeeper was helpful and friendly and the area was clean. We visited Cutler’s Clothing Store where we were warmly greeted at almost closing time. The sales clerk invited me to look around and take time. The sales staff on both sides of the store were helpful and engaging. I wish I could go there more often, it was a fabulous experience.

Excellent variety of clothes and very helpful staff!!! I highly recommend shopping at Cutlers!!!! The home store is also great!

From cute boutiques, art galleries, a general store and tons of restaurants, this town has it all. We spent a whole day here and could have stayed another day. We loved walking thru the downtown area and enjoyed the parks and the waterfront. Cannot wait to return!

Even though it is mid November, there are still of plenty of stores open. There is a nice coffee shop, plenty of places to eat, and a lot of local small businesses.

Great area with restaurants, shopping and businesses. Immaculate park. Enjoyed walking through town. Stopped at the Ruff Life Pet Outfitters. Super friendly gentleman working the counter with great suggestions of things to do. Every person we have met in Michigan has been very friendly and nice. Loving this trip.

the lil shops , the decorations, the vibes of the place, the shopping , the eateries .. all are so colorful and u can just spend your whole day strolling around .

Shopping was easy and fun with all the different type of shops. There was different food places to so you were not limited to only a few places to eat.

Great area.. Near the water.. Cute shops, yummy food, nice bars.. What more could you ask for! Hoping to move back to the area soon!

Very attractive downtown area. Many interesting shops and restaurants all within a few square blocks. Easy to spend a few hours. Don't miss the wonderful kitchen/home shop -- Ciao Bella on East Lake Street. Just make sure to leave some space in your luggage to carry home your purchases.

Lots of great shops to visit.
Beautiful area surrounded by water
Great places to stop for food including
City park grill and chandlers restaurant.
We made several stops into this town while vacationing in the area.

Helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
I was shopping in the Gaslight District with a friend and were so glad we went to Cutler’s. We ended up buying AllClad cookware and got a great product at a great price.
My husband and I are building a new home in Venice, Florida and I’ll be sure to purchase kitchen and unique decor items from Cutler’s.

Very clean, well kept area and nice to walk around and shop. Good variety of shops too. My wife likes visiting too.

Fun shopping and cool restaurants and pubs. A nice eclectic mix of shops and a good variety- not super touristy like done other beach towns.

This area is definitely a must visit if you love shopping. There's a ton of different shops and places to eat or drink. I love the handmade items and all the shops we went into the owners or staff were all very nice.

We stopped on the way back to Detroit. The area has much to see. Parking is easy with street or parking lot. We chose the parking lot. You can use the park mobile app to get up to 3 hours times initially. The app is great as when you return to the car you stop the parking time and you are billed for what time you used. Ours was 2 hours for $1.1. We walked up and down the street enjoying stopping at Cutlery, Symons General Store, American Spoon and Grandpa's Shorter's gifts. We made purchases in all stores. The selection were good in each store. We found our tart cherry jam at American Spoon, cherry salsa at Symons, paring knives at Cutlery and a Petoskey shirt at Grandpa's. We walked by Roast and Toast which had plates and cups embedded into the outdoor facade. The food was especially tasty with excellent sourdough bread. The walking around the area is peaceful as the drivers are cognizant of the pedestrians. We waited while they cleaned the public restrooms and discovered an old time J C Penney building across the street. Very cute to see.

This little town left a big impression on my wife and I as we came up to see the tunnel of trees. We could have never left! People are so sweet and kind. Such an eclectic variety of things to do and eat so you have to go. But bring lots of money because you are going to want to buy something from every store. I would go any later than mid October though unless you want to be chilled.

Wonderful shopping area and restaurants. All the people we encountered at local businesses were very friendly!

We spent a lot of time just looking in all the galleries and jewelry and other local art stores. Everything is very close!!

This cute downtown is chocked full of inventive restaurants and diverse shops. From coffee shops to fine cuisine, Petoskey offers something for everyone in the family.

This shopping/dining area is definitely worth some time to explore. We were there around 9 a.m. in mid-October so many of the stores were still closed and some closed for the winter. It was a beautiful morning and wanted to stay longer. Will go back some day I hope!

The shops were fun, unique and clean and people friendly, food was excellent and walking along the water was relaxing. Best treat ever was Kilwin's Ice Cream Shop. My daughter who traveled with us recommended it but since she had been there found out she is allergic to dairy, she was very excited that they had sorbet which was a delicious treat for her. The homemade waffle cones are to dye for.

This was a return visit after many years of not being able to get back to the area. This was my husband's first visit.

There are many shops- clothing, art, specialty food- and restaurants. The downtown is very clean and full of character. Great for shopping, eating, or just exploring. Beautiful views of the bay as well.

Petoskey is great. It is quaint, it has a wide variety of stores for a small town, and it is (mostly) friendly. I have lived here and worked here and especially in summer, it is a great place to be. It is a very touristy area which people either love or hate. Almost all of the stores are open throughout the year which I think is great.
I presently live in the Detroit area, and it is always nice to come up north and hang out in such a warm and inviting town. It is near Lake Michigan and has a great waterfront area.

the gaslight district is within many blocks and for being named the gaslight district you would think that most places would be open, we were there on a Friday night at 6 pm and about the only places open were Restaurants.

The visuals were stunning, unfortunately, it was after 8pm and all of the stores were closed. Had a good time walking around the area and sight seeing.

The park had a group from Young Americans performing. It was a good afternoon show. The shops and stores were very good. Both the usual souvenir shops, but also unique shops too.

I thought there'd be more interesting shops downtown. Bars. Salons. Clothing stores. A cheese place. Maybe we didn't see all they had to offer. The only shop I went into, was a book store. You don't see a lot of those anymore. Anyway, I wouldn't go shopping here again. It was okay, but nothing to write home about.

One of the best settings, variety of stores and eateries along the west coast of Michigan. Spacious sidewalks provide for ample room to browse & shop. Beautiful grass park with seating in the middle with some of the cleanest public restrooms around. Hats off to the city of Petoskey to your attention to excellence.

What a lovely little town! Definitely worth a trip if you enjoy a bit of shopping and dining. I would recommend a stroll along the bay, also. There is a walking tunnel that goes underneath the road so that you can safely get to the bay side.

Petoskey has a great downtown area with many shops and restaurants. Parking lots and on the street are by meter, so bring some change with you. You can also easily see and access the lake with a couple minute walk from downtown.

Unique and trendy. Much more fun than big box stores. Nice variety of eateries as well. Compact for ease of walking. Con: parking meters

What a wonderful place to spend a day or two! Nice museum/art center had a great exhibit of Ansel Adams photography when we were there

A great vacation city in both summer and winter with many great restaurants, shops, and activities. It's proximity to resorts adds to it's appeal.

There were plenty of shops and restaurants in the district to choose from. We were there during the 4th of July week, so lots of people to navigate around.

Wonderful locally owned shops. Cute eateries, beautiful park to walk through and lots of Michigan fudge to enjoy!! Beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

We enjoyed shopping and dining in both Petoskey and Charlevoix. Both were very nice, but Petoskey has a better variety and larger quantity of shopping and dining available. We easily found parking spots in both towns, but Petoskey's gaslight district was more visually interesting and dynamic to stroll through while shopping. We stopped into too many places to list here, and always found the staff pleasant and helpful.

Went to farmers market in Petoskey. Shopped in many unique
stores. Had lunch and toured the art center..

OMG! So many shops and pubs to visit! Make sure you have your walking shoes on. LOL. I will for sure go back again. Such a beautiful place to visit and shop!!

Our 1st time in Petoskey. We stayed right downtown so we could walk everywhere. The city is spotless, well maintained. Lots of nice shops and restaurants. We love Petoskey and will return.

Enjoyed the specialty shops and the atmosphere of days long ago. We spent an afternoon shopping and that was plenty of time. The only disappointment was that the shops close early during the week so it wasn't something we could "fit in" when it was convenient for us but that is ok, we didn't want to do weekend crowds.

Hard to find a place to park and have to pay meters but it was worth it once we found a spot. My family and I enjoyed browsing in the shops!

The gaslight district in Petoskey offers unique shopping. Just about no chain stores here so you will see wonderful things you don't see everywhere. Nice restaurants and coffee shops are right there with others very close by. If you don't see exactly what you are looking for, ask and I bet it will be there.

There is a wide variety of specialty stores that offer an assortment of items that are typically not found at the big box stores. Also there are many fine restaurants in the downtown area. Well worth the time to visit.

The downtown historic district is a must see when traveling to this area. Interesting shops and restaurants with an influx of parks & beautiful boulevards mixed in. The Petoskey History Museum is blocks away and provides a thorough look at the town’s interesting past.

Loved visiting the various shops that make-up this part of Petoskey. Everyone was so friendly, and took the time to actually have a conversation, and more importantly, we're knowledgeable about their products.

Downtown Petoskey is such a fun place to walk around! We shop a little, eat a little and drink a little when we are here. There are so many cute, local shops and restaurants. We love it! Don't forget to check out the green space near the old train tracks. Great for kids to run around!

This area is beautiful and feels historic. The shops and atmosphere put you into a very relaxed feeling. Downtown Petoskey is one of my favorite places.

This downtown area was really nice for walking around and shopping. Parking was found on the street as well as city lots. The shop variety is nice. There are great little historical signs at different spots. There are some nice bar/restaurants as well. Some very nice green spaces as well. It is a nice break from the beach and stone hunting.

Lots of masks on locals but many large groups of younger people and families not complying. If you can’t comply, please go home.

We had a wonderful time in Petoskey. We originally went to Petoskey to ride the Little Traverse Wheelway, however our wives needed they're shopping time as well. The Gaslight District provided our wives with a variety of shops that kept them busy for hours, and there are plenty of pubs to keep the men happy as well. The Park in the downtown area is also a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. The entire area is clean and well kept. This was our second trip to this area and it will not be our last.

This area is very nice for walking around, boutique shopping, eating, drinks, and ice cream. There is a very nice park with a gazebo. The shops close early so make this a morning to early evening trip. The shops are very cute and filled with more unique quality items. The are is very pretty as well. It is a hillside and you can see the bay peaking out between buildings and trees. Parking downtown is pretty easy with a combo of lots and street spots. The parking meters are very low cost.

This is a fun historic section of town. It is a fine example of a quaint American town. The streets are chock full of boutiques, excellent restaurants, and inviting pubs. The area is well landscaped and fun to explore. We had a great time on a beautiful Fall day and managed to find many items to take with us. You may lose the attention of medium aged kids. So, plan the length of your visit accordingly. We enjoyed everything and the streets offer plenty of stunning Lake Michigan views.

dozens of cute shops and I'm sure folks who love to drop $$$ could enjoy lots of time there. For me....window shopping :) No pressure though and fun!

The district is very nice but, I went when the weather was a bit chilly. It is a nice walk through the area. The park area, the shops and the food places and taverns are worth the stop. I will go there again but, probably in the warmer parts of summer and fall.

Disappointed, empty stores and not much to see. More bars then anything else. The highlight was the hardware store! I would not waste my time to go here again!

Fun small town USA with gorgeous views of the lake on a sunny day. Plenty of shops to wander through looking at jewelry made with Petoskey stones. I found a lovely silver bracelet to purchase that was reasonably priced. The shops are lined with vibrant flowers and many benches for the spouses to use while waiting on their shoppers.

We headed to the area during Covid/Spring break. Several of the shops were closed. Overall, the type of shops were very eclectic. This is also the best selection of restaurants.

I love shopping in Petoskey Gaslight District. One of the best, if not THE best, shopping area,in Northern Michigan. It is quaint and picturesque with beautiful park areas. There is a good variety of shops, including women's clothing stores, jewelry, two great bookstores (though I'm partial to McLean and Eakin), Cutlers iconic kitchen store, as well as lots of other variety stores, very good restaurants, coffee shops, fudge shops and a great pet shop! The one drawback may be parking and those pesky meters. In the summer finding a place to park can be problematic, but worth the frustration.

We visited Petoskey soon after arriving in Michigan and loved every minute of time we spent here. The gaslight district has so many awesome shops at all price points and a nice variety. We did quite a bit of shopping for tee shirts and also Michigan products. The streets were very clean with beautiful flowers everywhere. Clearly there's a lot of pride in keeping up their town. People were very friendly. It's a very safe area with lots to do. You won't be disappointed. Super cute town - exactly what we love especially when we're on vacation.

My wife and I walked almost all of this district and went in many of the stores. Alot of interesting stores wit H some featuring artist from the northern michigan area.

This is a classic old, historic downtown shipping district that is very well taken care of and very nice for visitors to shop. There are a nice variety of shops and restaurants, including public restrooms.

This area has a number of very unique shops, with friendly employees and good service. There is a wonderful bookstore (which is hard to find these days). It's a great place to wander and shop.

We came to eat at the City Park Grill, which was fun. Afterwards, we walked around, while waiting for the 4th of July parade, and found this cute city park pretty much next door to the Grill. The park is nicely manicured, has a gazebo, has statues (including one of Ernest Hemingway), and has several memorials to the soldiers and others who have defended our country.

There are a lot of shops, restaurants and public restrooms. Nice walk around town. Close to the lake.

Love browsing and shopping downtown. Lots of variety. On this trip our daughter had us participate in the “Where’s Waldo” contest. We had s list of stores that we went into to find Waldo. Fun to visit the library, arts center, and other stores that we had never been in!

A wonderful downtown area to visit if folks enjoy browsing unusual retail shops and sampling the fare at a variety of eateries. Wear comfortable shoes because you'll likely be window-shopping for several hours!

There are several unique stores in the Gaslight District in Petoskey. There are resturants and women's clothing stores along with stores for outdoor supplies and clothing and kitchen/house 'stuff'. I know I left several out of my list and that is due to the variaty of options. There are several benches to sit and watch the shoppers as they go about their looking. It is very hilly so if you have difficulty walking take note. It is a pretty place with a park for kids (of all ages) to run, but some of the shopes (not too many) are not child friendly, so be aware. I know that looks like a double negative, but you get the idea, right.

This is a really cute and welcoming area loaded with shops and restaurants. There is plenty of on street parking but also some lots if you can’t find places on the street. Almost any type of store you can think of is within a few blocks, giving you a plethora of choices in specialty items, fashions, shoes, home goods - the list goes on and on. There is something for everyone here. This is a very walkable area with lots of benches, trees, flowers and old fashioned-looking light posts. I highly recommend spending an afternoon or evening walking the area even if you aren’t interested in shopping.

I love to wander through the downtown/gaslight area of Petosky. Home to many shops and restaurants. There is something for everyone here. Wear good shoes as it is hilly.

Shop by day or night. Gas lights at night. Lots of friendly shops. YOu will find most everything you would want. Ask about the family stones.

Friendly staff and unique shops.
Shopped at Cutler’s and was so impressed by the knowledgeable and professional staff. Very interested in making sure I had a positive experience,
I’m outfitting a new home and while I’m looking for value, I was so happy to have such quality items to choose from.

Plenty of nice shops and restaurants. Don't expect a lively club scene. If you want basic grown up restaurants and shopping in a quaint resort town on Lake Michigan, this is the place. Check out City Park Grill and Fustini's.

This is a must see if in Petoskey.
Full of small shops of every sort, boutiques, restaurants, lots to see.
I was surprised to see how early they seemed to close despite all the good restaurants, but it was a Sunday night when we were there...that could be the reason. Worth seeing though.

A beautiful district with lots of stores restaurants and cafe houses.A lovely walk if you have some time.Signs on the historic buildings.We lived in a district house in the last two summers and so we will do this summer .

The Petoskey Gaslight District is full of historic buildings converted into stores, restaurants and other businesses. The fringe also contains several older churches, including St. Francis. A great area to walk, shop and eat. Quaint, charming and closed to Bayfront Park, which is just a few minutes walk.

We went thorough the Gaslight District following the Hemingway trail. Many of the plaques are in the Downtown area.

My sisters and I get together every year for a week of shopping and beaches in lower Michigan this by far was the best shopping we have ran into in northern Michigan .

We loved all the local shops they were very fun. it was our first time in Petoskey and the owners of all the local shops were so friendly and interested in how far we had came just to visit petoskey. and appreciated that we chose to visit their community for our family travel's

We stopped by in a Saturday evening about 6 pm. Everything but just a few shops were closed. It seemed like a quaint and very nice place, but just be sure to check the hours. We had dinner and visited the chocolate shop, which was wonderful.

Located on Little Traverse Bay. Beautiful place to stroll the streets and shop. There are lots of stores to find unique gifts, high quality clothing, footwear, food, and much more,

We really enjoyed this area to browse and shop on a rainy day in July. Lots of different stores and a good sized city. We were impressed.

The gaslight district is very nice. However, I have purposely rated it lower because too many people are overlooking the true gems in Petoskey. These are the Bear River Recreation Area and the Crooked Tree Art Gallery. There are a hundred towns with stores as cute and restaurants as delicious as Petoskey - I live in one. Santa Fe has 100 art galleries, but none with Crooked Tree's special feature - reasonable prices!

Very similar to Downtown Traverse City, but on smaller scale, the Gaslight District offers the usual array of tourist fudge and trinket shops along with some nice bars and restaurants. The yacht harbor and Lake Michigan shoreline are a short walk away. There is a nice walking/biking trail along the lake and plenty of park areas with swings and slides for the kids.

We took a walk around town in the afternoon. There many different type of shops, from Wine Tasting, Beer, Bakeries, clothes shops, etc. We stop at the Toy Shop and it had some very fine quality toys. You may pay more but if you bought the game Clue, it wouldn't fall apart after playing a couple of times. Our 2 year grandson was in heaven looking at the trucks and cars.

We've been to Petoskey several times and the Gaslight District is one of the main reasons why. We love the bookstores and the coffee shop (Roast & Toast). We can see the bay from most of the places there, so it's a beautiful place to be! See you soon!

What a nice little town with so much history. So many cute little clique shoppes with resort wear and pottery and some really great outdoor rugs. Add a couple breweries and some really good places to eat and a beautiful park and you have a neat afternoon. Certainly worth the visit.

The downtown district has much to offer. Lots of shopping, many bars with specials for food and drinks. Plenty of restaurant choices and a nice little park area to sit and enjoy some icecream.

The gaslight district was decorated for Halloween. Many of the businesses had very festive and creative displays. Enjoyed looking for the next display!!

Spent around 1 1/2 hrs walking around , the shopping is varied with local small elite shops , restaurants and coffee shoppes.
The flowers are beautiful and since temps were in 60-70s everything looks fresh and colorful. The famous stones are a most prevalent offering , they are beautiful shined and polished and made into jewelry and other wares
Can also find other stones locally
Found and made into jewelry
Can find expensive treasures and the usual touristy offerings . Great
Little downtown with lots to see.

This place is close to the water and has everything the picky traveler would want. Plenty of small restaurants and shops of all types. There is a small microbrewery there as well call Beard Brewery. Antique shops, clothing, high end restaurants, simple cafes, ice cream and walking distance to the pier with a small lighthouse. Definitely worth a stop!

You can find a little of everything. Good restaurants, great shops. Walking distance from the Bay Front Park. Great place to visit all year!

For such a small town, this area had a lot to offer. Lots of shops available. Some are unusual -- check out the Rocking Horse Toy Company. I was surprised to see the upscale Gattles bedding company as I was familiar with the one in Naples Florida.
We enjoyed browsing the shops but I was a little disappointed in the fact that the Pappagallo store had no Pappagallo shoes!

Our family loved walking up and down the streets looking at all the different shops. There is such a variety! Although some shops are a bit pricey there are many good quality products and plenty to choose from. Our favorite was American Spoon, I highly recommend to check it out! The views of the water are a short walk also. We will definitely be visiting again!

Nice fun shopping district in a quaint northern michigan town. Lots of cute shops and fudge. Sits close to the waterfront where there are some nice parks and places to recreate. Would absolutely go there again.

Made a stop in Petoskey on our way to Traverse City, throughly enjoyed the Meyers Ace Hardware, a blast from the past but everything needed for the present! Beards Brewery was perfect for an afternoon brew and snack. They are doing a great job of social distancing and masking.

Nice area with a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Nice to see that buying and producing local is of great value and importance. We come here every year. People are nice.

Lovely variety of stores to visit in Petoskey on a rainy day. Staff was very helpful & friendly in all stores.
Especially enjoyed Fustini's Oils & Vinegars. Quaint little area with unusual stores. Something for everyone!

A great District to walk through, lots of great shops and nice staff! Everything is as expected, a little pricey, but the quality is good and you can find what you’re looking for.

The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed all the stores. We visited and made purchases at Chico's, Grandpa Shorter's and Cutler's.

Fun places in a very quaint yet modern area and atmosphere. Cute stores, colthing, gifts, necessities, and things you "just need". Dress well in winter, cold breeze of the lake makes visit pubs often!

Quaint shops, many very good restaurants, friendly natives, great walkability, and meticulous landscaping. Petoskey has it all.

Went to 3 above average restaurants. Very prosperous downtown, fun to walk, shops, parks. Also had a farmers' market.

Met up with college friends for a weekend in northern Michigan. We spent an afternoon walking around these shops. It was a gorgeous day and fun to wander in and out looking at different things.

Cutler’s has everything you need from a working kitchen to elegant dining pieces. Also carries Mackenzie Childs. We visit at least 3 times a year and have been assisted by the same knowledgeable and friendly sales staff. Be sure to stop next door to the clothing store Mrs Cutler has an incredible eye for great quality fashion!!!!

Take a nice walk downtown. Smaller area than I was expecting. Stores, ice cream and fudge shops, some restaurants. Everything closes early though and plenty of places are not open for dinner. I'd recommend it.

Totally enjoyed downtown Petoskey, we found a store that sold wines and cheeses and we located a coffee shop with café latte. We even enjoyed a piece of Traverse City cherry pie at a bistro. If we had had time, we would have tried the Polish restaurant. Loved the park that honors their fallen military persons and includes a grass covered area that used to be where the train tracks carried the train thru town. Just a very lovely village to investigate.

As a whole, it was very nice. The clientele was full of men in button downs and printed shorts, if you know what I mean. A very affluent area with stores to match. It was a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Area featuring eclectic shops and dining establishments. Parking usually not a problem, but area can get busy.

We love Petoskey and have visited several times. The shops are cute, nice park to enjoy lunch, or just a rest, public restrooms for convenience, a lovely little town. Clean, easy walking, and always the most adorable window boxes in front of the stores!

We did a pub crawl in August in this district with our Ducks Unlimited State Convention. We visited many of the bars and it was so nice to see all of the people out at all the different establishments here in Petoskey. Wish we had something like this more locally.

So cute, so many stores. So much fun, I did not want to come home!!!! We were there a whole day and did not see every store. Restaraunts and something for everyone. Cute little park. Free trolley on the weekends. A few stores are closed on Monday. Not going to lie, some are super pricey but many are reasonable. Purchased some really nice quality clothes. After going home, looked online and prices of these items were not marked higher just because was a vacation destination. Definitely worth a visit. Store owners were super friendly, letting us bring our coffe and drinks in stores. Saw several hand held dogs in stores as well. Metered parking, so bring lots of change. American Spoon was awesome as we sampled all sorts of jams, salsas and spreads. Girlfriend and I are already planning next years visit!!

We visited Petoskey and the shopping district last week, and saw that the very nice bookstore named Horizons has left the city. We were very disappointed. We always visited this branch of their stores when in town. They left the city at the end of April. I think this is a loss for their city.

Petoskey has wisely zoned big box stores miles away from the boutique style shopping of the Gaslight District. Here you will find a wonderful choice of clothing, books, lodging, kitchen ware, ice cream, art galleries, jewelry, outdoor gear, fine wine, local realtors, restaurants and more restaurants. Everything is walkable within three square blocks. One of the secrets to its inviting appearance is sign control and conformity. There is nothing garish in the Gaslight District.

Wonderful locally owned shops/boutiques. Variety of eateries, beautiful park to walk through and lots of Michigan fudge to enjoy!! Beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay.

This is a wonderful place to shop till you drop something for every one. Metered parking. We shopped resale, gift, art, pets furniture, art, high end to close out clothes, we even got lunch at the deli.

My group of 9 visited this town and we all really enjoyed it! My toddler loved the park, my niece and nephew loved the toy shop and gelato place and us adults enjoyed the shopping.

Full of quaint shops and friendly people. Many eateries to choose from as well as places to get a cup of coffee or have a drink. Stores are full of unique gift items, souvenirs and outdoor clothing. Especially pretty in the evening with all the street lights illuminating the charm of this downtown area.

The quaint town would be great with the replica gaslights but I feel that the view was spoiled with the traffic and parked cars all along the entire road. I just did not have a peaceful feeling with all the rush around me. I did not want to spend anytime there.

Love coming here. Was here for a soccer tournament and didn’t get to see a lot of the town at that time, but decided we needed to come back for a family vacation. It is the cutest, laid back town. Love all the little stores.

Walking around Petoskey Gaslight Districts is just charming. No lack of quaint stores from Cutlers, Monarch, JW Shorter, and the ‘bookstore’ Mc Lean & Eakin...you can spend hours browsing the stores. If you stop for lunch and you want soup/salad/sandwiches stop at Roast and Toast...our favorite. I just touched on a few of the stores to walk into.

Enjoyed our visit to Petoskey. Many unique shops, restaurants , very nice park as well to rest if needed and thank you for a nice Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the park. Many restaurants to choose from, ended our afternoon with a walk along waterfront. Great day.

Another great part of San Diego.
Make time to visit the District.
Lots of shops, restaurants and bars, you will find your niche.
Parking is easy depending but some areas are expensive in lots.
Lights up nice at night.
Take your time to visit and enjoy the area.

Great area to get a little of everything! We went back three times to visit the boutiques. Wonderful town!!!!

Northern Michigan vacation destination has it all to include a wonderful shopping experience. Upscale $ current shops. Upscale, fashionable clothing. Fabulous gifts!

Plenty of shops and places to eat! Lots of outdoor dining and clubs. We waited until dusk to see the lights come on. It was lovely and nostalgic. Beautiful views of the sunset.

it was ok, lots of touristy shops mixed in with high end shops. We really liked the hardware store - it had stuff you didn't realize you needed until you saw it there!

Very clean area, good food and quality shops. We had a great meal and walked around for about an hour. We would pass this way again.

Great shopping at many unique and creative retailers with a bounty of beautiful flowers and fabulous view!

Boutique and specialty shopping in a charming downtown. Clothing, housewares, sports shops, specialty food and art galleries on a highly walkable area. A wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Interesting Art center in town.

Great downtown area to take a stroll and shop or eat. The area is well maintained and the stores and restaurants are interspersed over several blocks.
Well done Petoskey.

We spent parts of 2 days driving through town - the first by car (it was a drizzling, cool day) and the second by foot (it was a beautiful day). We loved the downtown area - lots of great shops, etc.

We visited just before the official start of the tourist season. It was very nice and fun to see all the places. Plenty of park places to explore as well as shops and restaurants.

Lots of great little shops and restaurants to be found in the downtown area of Petoskey. The only downside is the metered parking, so make sure to bring some change or to find a non metered lot and then walk to the downtown area.

Loved wandering through downtown Petoskey! Such a cute place with lots to explore. Got ice cream at kilwins on mainstreet and ate it in the old time city park gazebo. Perfect day for a perfect date with my man in a charming little gem of a town.

Lovely area with all kinds of shops. Great time of year (Sept) to shop due to end of season sales. Plenty of benches to sit at. Along the harbor/marina area, enjoyable to look at all the boats. Lighthouse at the entrance to the Bay.

Many great shops and restaurants. It's comparable to Traverse City if you are familiar, all within walking distance.

Good window shopping. Cutlers is worth the stop. Papagalos is very nice woman's shop. J.W. Filmore's is very good for pies and a sandwich.

My family and I loved walking around the quaint town. There are lots of great restaurants and little shops to visit.

Old fashion charm. Polite and friendly every store , nothing was too crowded for July. Quite a variety.

My fiance and I visited for our anniversary in 2019. It was so beautiful there and we are booking a trip right now for second week in July. Our favorite was the walk around town, the delicious ice cream, and the walk from downtown to the pier!! Our hotel was beautiful too with a little view of the water!

Beautiful shopping district with great selection of boutiques and shops. Lots of restaurants to choose from for any type meal.

Day or night, downtown Petoskey is loaded with eateries and shopping opportunities that go way beyond tee shirts and shot glasses. Friendly atmosphere, the kind that make you want to make downtown Petoskey a must when you visit northern Michigan

Me and my husband came here for our anniversary . The shops were awesome. We enjoyed cutlets and grandpa shorts the best . We had great weather so really enjoyed walking around .

Always nice to get a bite to eat, so really enjoyed the casual dining at sandwich shops. Not really great for kids if the place is small.

It was a windy and rainy day, but my wife and I decided to stop in and see the gaslight district. It is full of specialty shops that carry unique and regionally made items. We ended up purchasing several food and handmade items. The area is neat and well kept

We love Petosky and returned for the annual Christmas Party held in the downtown area again this year. We have dubbed the evening Champagne Shopping due to the fact that some of the store owners do serve champagne. The weather was perfect this year. Just a chill in the air but not unbearable and bitter cold. The shop owners are great and served hundreds of folks who lined-up to be in and out of their establishments over the course of the evening. We did more snacking (cookies, hotdogs, beef sliders) and drinking (champagne, wine, beer, hot chocolate) than we did purchasing. We made notes of where we wished to make our many purchases and went back on Saturday for about four hours to buy. The high school band did a great job of adding a festive note to the evening. We will make the six hour drive again next year for "Champagne Shopping". (We felt that Petosky had far more to offer than Harbor Springs and the store owners and people are very friendly in Petosky.) Merry Christmas! PS. The boot shop and the upscale flower shop are amazing as are many of the other venues. The linen store, the leather store, the kitchen store etc. etc. are wonderful.

IN the gaslight district for a few hours, even bought a couple of items, plus had a late lunch in the district. Definitely worth visiting when in Petosky.

Really about as pleasant a summer stroll as one can imagine. Friendly people. Not overrun with crowds. Delightful shops with creative selections. Great area to take it easy.

Great shops, good restaurants, all around beautiful downtown area. Felt very safe to be out and about walking the whole area.

The ambience of this quaint, Northern Michigan town, located along Michigan's Gold coast, is that of a bygone era replete with reproductions of historic gaslights. Bustling with an eclectic collection of unique shops, the area has not changed much during the 60 years that I have regularly visited during summers spent at my lakeside summer cottage located 25 minutes away. While some shops have changed location (The Mole Hole), and some have come and gone (Saks Fifth Avenue and Ed Behans), the historic buildings, such as Simon's General Store, remain the same.
Petoskey will always have a place in my heart for as long as I am able to summer in this area of Pure Michigan!!

Love the small shops in this downtown area. Good places to get souvenirs and eat. Nice park across 31 to just hang out. Best time to visit is during the art fair in the summer.

Love little towns, cute shops to get a coffee, a little park in town, right by the water. Loved walking around downtown checking everything out on a pretty fall day. Gift shops, boutiques and other unique stores very charming area.

A pretty little lown and a nice way to spend time shopping. Don't forget to walk down by the water. Very peaceful and lovely!

The shops are interesting and the shops offer a good variety. It is a nice area to spend about an hour of shopping.

Friends showing us their new apartment in the area and we enjoyed walking, shopping, laughing and sipping through this quaint area. Nice to see families running through the shaded grass areas and found an actual lemonade stand manned by kids on one corner. Find a parking space to walk and enjoy some memories of times when things moved more slowly and strangers smile as you pass by.

This is a must stop if you are in northern Michigan this is much better than traverse city I M O you must visit and judge for your self

We loved this district. We travelled from Ohio and stopped at the end of the day of travel on a Sunday evening. Much of the district’s retail shops remained open. We loved the variety of shops, the views from the corners of the Bay and the very warm greetings from all shop owners. We are already planning to spend one of our future Michigan trips from Ohio to this community. A must stop location.

This area is just so fun and cool! Lots of places to eat and shop. Try Chandlers for a cool pub atmosphere and great food too! Really easy to get around - everything is within walking distance. Very cool little area!

Impressed by this shopping district. Tasteful shops, no awful tourist traps that you find in Mackinaw City. Many shops locally owned, which is another plus. Other reviewers have complained about parking, but we found several parking lots nearby, you just need to think ahead. The marina is nearby. Only complaint is that everything does shut down at 5:30pm. Understandable as we came at the end of the tourist season.

Lots if interesting shops with local arts and crafts as well as old fashioned hardware stores with plenty to look at.

Looking for a quiet weekend getaway we landed on Petoskey. Never really spending any time in this town we were pleased with the accommodations and dining options. While it's familiar if you've ever spent time in Holly, Traverse City, Harbor Springs, Royal Oak or Mackinac Island having the bay right there adds to its charm. We were lucky to experience an early fall snow which adds a touch of the holidays albeit a bit early. When looking for a great getaway Petoskey gets a vote.

It’s been close to 20 yrs since I’ve been back to Petoskey. Wow, I am awestruck by the beauty and charm. This little town is the reason I have such high expectations for places. The parks are gorgeous and meticulously kept. The hanging baskets are charming. The old buildings are kept. I can’t believe I didn’t appreciate this growing up. 💗

Honestly, I had never heard of Petoskey before, but we were in the area and checked it out. This is a hidden gem of quant shopping, restaurants, and one of the great views of Traverse Bay. We came on a sidewalk sale weekend, which was an unexpected bonus, and in the summer evenings they sometimes have live music in the park. Overall a great place to visit.

We shopped here on our vacation, cute area and shops. We also stopped for coffee and chai tea a couple of mornings, there are 2-3 local coffee shops.

Cool assortment of shops, something for most here. I enjoyed the walk for sure, and the day could not have been better!

We enjoyed walking the district, going in and out of shops, eating at some great restaurants. The entire area has wonderful shops and is beautified by blossoming flowers everywhere you look.

Many great bars and restaurants however way too many homeless people in this area, I work in downtown San Jose, CA where there are quite a few homeless people, but this area has at least twice as many, the city of San Diego should do something about this issue, in certain areas I didn't feel very safe at night, this can prevent tourism in the area.

Thus area is filled with fantastic restaurants and attractions. An area to explore as a couple or with the whole family!
Don't miss out!

Very lovely town with so much to see and buy! Parking is easier in the morning and builds as the day goes on. This is a small town with historical markers and narrow streets. There is a small beach area to sit and enjoy.

Tons of cool shops and businesses...very hometown type feel to the place. Good food and close to good views

We loved walking around looking at the unique shops and the little parks to stop and sit and people watch. Some stores were open even in the evenings and the owners/workers were so friendly and helpful.The farmers market down town on Fri morning was full of wonderful items for us to take home.We loved the little coffee shops and the outdoor seating so we could have our 4 legged friends sit and enjoy the morning with us.Its such a quaint beautiful area and we will definitely be back.

If you like to browse shops on vacation, this is the place to go. The streets are clean and the merchants are tourist-friendly. Not sure you'll see anything that you NEED, but lots of things you'll want.

Walking through the Gas Light district is a pleasure, th old downtown area is well preserved and there lots of interesting shops and places to eat. It is well worth a visit while in the area

Nice shops and a wonderful place just to relax and walk around. If you have time to go through shops it is a great place to stroll.

After being disappointed by both St Ignace and Mackinaw City, we were thrilled to have stumbled upon Petoskey. This is one beautiful place!

Every summer we visit Petoskey, while on vacation up north. Great boutique clothing shops, gift shops, sporting goods, galleries and restaurants. Plenty of parking and easy walking. Wednesdays in the summer, you can catch a concert in the park during lunchtime. We also enjoy the drive along Lake Michigan to either Harbor Springs, or Charlevoix. These towns are also on the art trail, where you can visit artist's studios. On occasion we'll park by the Lake and hunt for Petoskey stones, or just have a picnic lunch.
Great day trip. Plenty to do for all ages and interests, for both men and women.

When you wander these streets you feel as though time stopped, the general store looks exactly like it did in the 1880s, other shops had the same feel. The entire village is on the National Historic Register and rightly so. Just beautiful. Gorgeous flower arrangements everywere.

The Historic Gas Light District is the best of Petoskey. Although the old gas lights have been replaced with florescent bulbs, this is where to go for the classic small town downtown experience with unique and quaint local shops, fudge makers and creameries, old family general stores like Symon's and Grandpa Shorter's Unique Gifts that still has all the classic Michigan themed gifts, Minnetonka Deerskin Moccasins and namesake Petoskey Stones. Locally owned bookstores, great mom and pop coffeehouses and breweries and restaurants serving local whitefish and walleye and Michigan Cherry Pie. Stay away from the mall, do your shopping here.

We actually spent one and a half days looking around this great location.
Ghe shops in this area are manny but if you look at each carefully some are a lot cheaper than ofhers. There is a lot to see including the magestic steam clock.
Magnificant clock anc early morning it is easy to photograph, but later there are crowds after a photo and if is bedlim trying to get a photo.
Thed food outlets/restraunts are manny and we dined at the Old Spagetti Fatory, highly rscommended.
This location is a must see as ghe souveniers and clothing are cheapest ffhere tghan ogher shops.

Loved all the unique shops and friendly people. From coffee to consignment to souvenirs to holiday to book stores - Petoskey has it all

everything from footwear to fudge with a great place to people watch. Stop for pie at Jespersons then continue to walk it off with many. more high end gift shops that will take all day to explore.

We so enjoyed the Petoskey area and all the great unique shops, restaurants, etc. This town is built higher than the bay so you can get a bay view from many of the places throughout town. Also a great green strip that had entertainment in the evening too. Which was a nice bonus!

I love the small unique shops in the downtown area...while you are walking you can enjoy great views of the bay..a good variety of small restaurants and cafes, everything from coffee and desserts to full upscale meals...most businesses have competitive pricing but some are a bit much ..love Grandpa Shorters..

Nice town to walk around. We love the beautiful houses on the Main Street as you drive into town. It’s right next to the lake with nice paths to walk. The town has a good variety of stores.

It is a nice city center common in a small town near the lake. Lots of stores although the covid 19 had closed some of the stores and eating places. Thats the place to be in the early evening.

This is a beautiful shopping district. Cute shops and restaurants with a view of the lake. Made for a nice few hours on our recent trip.

The Gaslight district has a few shops that offer different and unique items. They also have the usual tourist stores where you can find your sweatshirt or little chachkis. Unfortunately, they have quite a few empty stores too.

Nice area to walk and shop. Easy to grab a snack or ice cream along the way or just relax in a cafe.

I thought it would be fun to see Petoskey’s Gas Light District decked out for Christmas. We were there at sunset but when the sun went down the lamp lights began their glow making the downtown sparkle. We wandered down the streets and through some of the stores (something for everyone). We arrived late on a Saturday afternoon so many of the stores were closed but I still enjoyed window shopping.

Quaint little downtown area with a variety of interesting shops. Easy to walk around. The vintage buildings and area are generally well kept. Within walking distance is a lakeside park. Good for a few hours of light exercise.

We enjoyed walking around the Gaslight District. Buildings have been restored with attention to their historic period. Easy to park and get around. We ate at a Thai restaurant and walked around after dinner.

The Gaslight district is a great place to visit. There are several great restaurants in the district. Sandwiches to fine dining. There are movies in the park ever weekend during the summer. I appreciate the Gaslight District more every time visit another place. My only complaint is that so many businesses are closed on Sundays. This is a great place to visit for everyone.

Gas light district has lots of unique shops, food eateries, parks, and fabulous views of the lake. There are nearby Inns for those visiting overnight. Most parking is on the curbside meter beware.

Parking was a little difficult to find, but a trip around the block proved fruitful. We got a spot very close to the store we wanted. Great discounts in September.

This was a great place to spend a day! Lots of interesting shops in historic buildings. The area is small enough to walk it, but big enough to have lots of interesting things to do. There is even an old Carnegie library building (even though the library has moved to another, larger building across the street. There are many cute restaurants, too.

There are so many wonderful little shop that are so very unique. Were they have art galleries, wine shops, unique gifts.

Facing an inviting lakeside park, this compact area with handsomely renovated vintage buildings (especially along Mitchell Street) housing numerous attractive restaurants, surprising places like Meyer Ace Hardware (yes, with hardware too... BUT, immediately drawing you inside are the gorgeous decorative pieces in the window, the huge section of gourmet kitchenware, and so much more), the Northern Michigan Artists Market (featuring works of over 90 local artists), Crooked Tree Art Center in a fabulous old church, clothing shops, etc.

We spent a few hours just walking through shops. It was very nice and each place was very unique. The bookstores were wonderful.

I love to browse the shops in this area. Grandpa Shorters is one of my favorites, especially when looking for different than the usual gifts for kids, friends & family.

This historic district has many boutique shops and cafes. Close by is Pennsylvania Park where outdoor concerts are held throughout the summer.

This is my favorite place in Michigan. If I am ever having a bad day my brain transports me to Downtown Petoskey. There are so many fun shops to explore and new restaurants to try. There is that nostalgic up-north vibe that is created by the family owned stores and the view of the water. The sensational peace of spending the day in this quaint town is irreplaceable. For a true taste of Michigan Downtown Pestoskey is the place to go.

Still a nice vibrant downtown area, parking can be hard to find at times. A nice selection of department, boutique and specialty stores with an assortment of good restaurants and bars mixed in. Pete's has been a long standing stop for premium cigars and now behind them in the laneway off Howard Street is Ernesto's Cigar Bar - a spot to enjoy cigars and a beverage, for those inclined .. a true oasis.

The shops had a nice range of mid to high end merchandise but appeared to be reasonably priced. There was a great bookstore, many restaurants and a few coffee houses.

We enjoyed strolling and shopping in a wide variety of eclectic shops while enjoying the abundance of beautiful flowers and sparkling views of the bay.

You cannot come to Petoskey and not do a little stroll in the gaslight district. The shops are numerous and interesting even if you don't buy anything. This is downtown Petoskey at it's finest. Always something going on here.

This section of Petoskey is home to some neat little shops and restaurants. Parking is mostly metered, but there are lots that you can use a credit card. Not terribly busy in May, but much more popular as the temperature rises.

Lots of shops. We were there on Saturday night at 6pm most where closed. This is not what we expected. We thought the fun would begin when it got dark. Nope! Go during the day. Not Sundays. Many are closed and this is just shops. Not a bar and party area.

Quaint shopping district, always a stop on our up north trips, love Culver's, and eclectic shops. A must do is Meyers HardWare!

loved it! Started at the Art Gallery. Lots of interesting shops in the downtown area. Something for everyone. Lots of activity and great park areas for resting. Was a bit worried when I saw two ladies sitting on the train tracks, but realized it was probably not a working one when they disappeared under the grass at another point in the park.

We love coming to the downtown in Petoskey! The streets are safe and easy to navigate, the area is family friendly, and there are many unique and charming shops to browse. There are also several tasty places to grab a snack or a bite to eat. Be aware that the parking is meter parking, so bring lots of change!

We stopped off here after a day on the lake shore. The area is very clean, quiet and well manicured. The shops are a pleasure to walk around and we found the staff very helpful. All-in-all, we ha a very nice time here, shopping and having a coffee.

Lots of stores to go into and wonder around. Many choices for gift items or souvenirs. Love the atmosphere of the Gaslight District. Friendly part of town and lots to see and do. Pretty scenery sitting right along side the lake. Definitely a must do/must see activity!

What can I say...we love Petoskey and our hope is to retire there someday in the future (we're in our 40s yet). The stores are great, lots to chose from, the pubs and restaurants are great as well. Walking along the streets of town, esp the Gaslight District is wonderful. Lot's of great architect and history there. Its beautiful all year long. Highly recommend going there ASAP!! :)

A wonderful and friendly relations lace to shop and eat. The views of the water from the shopping area are accented by the beautifully kept historic district. Plenty of shops with a wide variety of stores, art gallery and points of view about Ernest Hemingway's years of coming there. Some of his early work was written there.

Beautiful great place. Everything is clean and kept up. Nice views and hills. It’s very beautiful. I would recommend.

While in Petoskey overnight, we stopped in the downtown historic district to do some shopping. Easy on-street parking. In search of northern Michigan souvenirs, we came across NorthGoods and bought postcards as well as a beautiful tile. And several stores open at 10am Sunday! So we came back, on a recommendation, to visit American Spoon to pick up pear preserves and mustard honey sauce. If we had more time, we would have done more shopping!!

A breeze from Lake Michigan cools the downtown on most summer days when you might have to look harder for a parking spot, but the shops are unique and so much better than any mall experience could offer. Something for everyone (toys, shoes, books, outdoor outfitters, kitchen specialty, etc.) Other seasons are less crowded but just as enjoyable. There are places to park your bike if you ride on the wheel way from the nearby state park or town.

Always enjoyed our visits here. Great area to wander through and just be a tourist. As mentioned elsewhere, decent shops and fewer tourist traps. Good places for dining and drinks.

We passed by this beautiful little town on our way to Traverse City and we cannot help ourselves and decided to stop and check it out. We parked on a little side street closer to the Gaslights Shopping District and so glad that we did stop by! Very nice little town with beautiful neighborhood. We end up having lunch on a tavern nearby after our stroll and enjoy the nice weather and tasty food. We will certainly come back here and see if we can stay longer next time.

I have never been treated so rudely by a clerk. I was vacationing from Minnesota and saw a rug I was interested in but I did not have the measurements with me. I inquired about the name of the rug so I could order it when I returned home, all of which I explained to the clerk. She seemed reluctant to give me the information and then stated that they were in the business of making money and not giving things away. I was shocked. I became angry and told her I was planning on ordering it from them but needed the name of the rug. She finally gave me an item number specific to their web site. She could have given me that number initially, without insulting me, and still prevented me from ordering it from somewhere else. I took the number and threw it in the garbage when I left. Don't shop there.

This is the top attraction of Petoskey especially in the evening when all the lights are lit. We were in awe of how unique the gaslight district is. It's like stepping back in time to the days of Ernest Hemingway. Be certain to sit in the gazebo and on the porch of Stafford's Perry Hotel. If Hollywood is every looking for the perfect gaslight district for a movie, the Gaslight District in Petoskey would be the ultimate place to film. It's outstanding, absolutely mesmerizing.

This is a great place to walk around i.e.many great shops and restaurants. This area has everything that you would want. Nicely decorated for the season.

We love the shops in Petoskey. They have a great pet shop named Ruff Life, and an outstanding kitchen shop named Cutler's on the corner. We also always go into the book store McLean and Eakin and find everything from books, magazines, cards, gift items or stationery. They have a large children's section that is filled with great choices for children and gifts for children. We never have a difficult time finding a parking space. I love American Spoon also up on the next block. One shop sells Vineyard Vines for Petoskey shirts. This is a great district to walk and shop the local stores. Don't miss out on the shopping when you visit Petoskey. We come up North several times a year and enjoy these stores every visit.

The cutest little town ever! Grab a coffee or lunch then stroll the cute little shops here. The general store is a must for old fashioned candy in barrels. Shopping at the local stores is fun and can keep you busy for hours. Don't forget they have nice art galleries as well. Momentum for local northern Michigan Tshirts is a must for that 10.00 shirt you need to take home. Chandeliers for dinner and drinks and your golden.

I just spend 5 days in San Diego and I went almost everyday to the Gaslight District. The area is great in the evening. It is full of life and lights with a lot of restaurants and bars. During the day, while the area still has a lot of restaurants, I found the shopping minimal, mostly tourist stores and a few galleries and clothes shops. A lot of homeless people...

This shopping area has a lot of personality. Various kinds of shops, restaurants and galleries on a charming street flanked by old-style gaslights on either side of the street. It's great for an after-lunch walk and if you happen to find the fudge and ice cream shops, all the better. We found Kilwin's on Howard Street.

They have some nice little shops in downtown. people are friendly.
purchased some nice shirts & souvenirs

This is such a nice place to walk around, shop, get ice cream, etc. They have tons of difference shops and lots to offer.

Wonderful little town to explore and enjoy. Endless shops to pop into just to see new and exciting things. A very short walk to the lakefront and marina. Absolutely beautiful.

Petoskey seems very special in winter despite the snow and/or slush! The lampposts were still decorated with greenery, red bows, and twinkling lights. It makes winter so much more enjoyable. The shops always seem to have many worthwhile items to buy including necessary items as well as souvenirs and mementos.

Visited the area for years and now live here. Still in love with the Gaslight District. Easy walking and all centered around an old-fashioned wonderful park. Lots of happening in the park during the season, from performance groups, music and movies on the lawn. Many Boutique and specialty stores interspersed with art galleries restaurants and more. Beautiful in the winter snow all decorated for the Holidays.

When we travel, shopping is not a priority activity... except in Petoskey. We never miss Cutler's fabulous kitchen store, the charming Meyer Ace Hardware, or McLean and Eakin Bookstore (check out the the wide variety of children's books + select Melissa and Doug vacation-friendly toys, games and puzzles). A new discovery this trip was Ciao Bella! Garden and Home, found the perfect SPF 50 sunhat for a great price and enjoyed the friendly owner's pups that also work the store. Don't forget to stop at Roast and Toast for a scrumptious sandwich or mid afternoon java.

A lovely walk around the gaslight district of Petoskey. Don't miss it as it is a very short walk around.

The downtown is very quaint. Some of my favorite haunts are roast and toast coffee a must here. The Celtic shop is fun. The general store. They have very tasty sandwiches. American spoon cafe and store. One last one fustinis. There is so much and it really is a lot of fun!

Many shops to see what the area has to offer. Enjoyed the variety of Petoskey Stones that the shops had for sale and for display. Clothing shops had a large selection. Many places to grab a bite. Even a couple breweries to check out. Convenient tunnel to the waterfront so you can visit both without moving the car.

Visiting with family from the east coast, they were reminded of the towns of their home. Enjoyed the variety, the cute park, the good coffee & ambiance of the town. Even the post office was nice. Gorgeous flowers on every porch front.

Traveled to the Gaslight District three different times when we were in the area. Lots of high end shops and restaurants and lots of people shopping. Don't miss Cutler's on Michigan and don't miss the Grand Traverse Pie Company on Mitchell. Really wonderful shopping experience!

This area of Petoskey is charming and pleasant for a walk, either for shopping or dining. They have a street sale in early August, which draws great crowds. It makes the downtown a nicer place.

My husband and I only walked up & down the streets. We didn't eat anywhere, and only went into one shop (the "hippie" shop, cool stuff).
I agree with a lot of the reviews, Petoskey is CHARMING. There looks like there a lot of places to eat & cute shops. There were a couple of artsy places that we didn't check out. It reminded me of a cuter, storybook version of Carmel, IN.
I would definitely go back & hopefully spend more time there.

Just walking along the gaslight district is relaxing. Looking at the beautiful lights and seeing all of the neat areas surrounding Petoskey.

This is a beautiful town. We visited their last fall. I highly recommend anyone visiting this part of Michigan to visit this town. The town has plenty of parking areas. It offers great views of Lake Michigan.

The shops are charming. The streets are lovely. Make sure you remember to look up at the wonderful architecture and old store fronts/signs. You can window shop, really find great treasures, find things to tickle your tastebuds, or just stroll a lovely area to get in your daily steps. A must visit.

We stayed in Petoskey visited gaslight downtown shopping ,room at Terrance inn has an lot of history was a great weekend.

District was not what I thought it would be. Gas lights are not gas. I understand in this day we live in but.... Make sure you get there before 6p.m.because nothing is open except the bars. I don't understand why ?? We were here before labor day weekend.it is a nice area though.

Petoskey’s Gaslight District is about five square blocks. It’s pedestrian friendly, a great place to stroll and window shop, while catching glimpses of Little Traverse Bay. A park runs through the center of town, offering plenty of benches for relaxing and people-watching. A variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and purveyors of gourmet foods can satisfy cravings from breakfast through dinner to a late-evening drink. It’s a little piece of old-fashioned nostalgia, and enchanting year-round. The only downside is limited parking!

Downtown Petoskey offers some great local stores to shop in. This is what a true mid-west downtown should look like. Just be sure to feed your parking meter.

My family and I enjoyed walking the town stores of Petoskey. Some of the stores are high-end and a couple of the stores didn't make us feel real welcome but all-in-all it was a nice way to spend an afternoon. The town is well kept and the stores offer a nice variety. There are plenty of places to park for a small fee.

This district has quaint shops, resturants, coffee shops and a park. It is a nice place to walk around and unwind.

The Historic Gaslight District in Petoskey, Michigan is a shopping paradise. The town is filled with one of a kind shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings. The shops range from Grandpa Shorter's Gift Shop to upscale clothing shops for both men and women. There are three unique coffee shops in the district, ice cream and gelato shops, restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner and pubs for after hours drinks. The Gaslight District is bordered by public parks and turn of the century Victorian houses that are charming and beautiful. Northern Michigan's finest artisans are represented in three or four of the stores including the Northern Michigan Artists Market. The Perry Hotel, an historic and full service hotel sits at one side of the town. And the whole town is small enough to be walkable for all ages. The waterfront park on Lake Michigan can be accessed by walking down some steps and through a tunnel that goes under Highway 32. It is a wonderful place to visit!

Such a cute downtown area to spend a couple of hours shopping and/or eating. So many authentic shops!

I visited this area during Memorial Day weekend. Here, you will find a bunch of unique shops from coffee shops to souvenir shops and art galleries. Nice place to walk around at during anytime of the day. Nice place to spend part of the day.

Always enjoy walking the area, shopping or just seeing what a variety of items are available. All small businesses and locally owned. Owners and staff are always friendly and anxious to be helpful. We love to support the local businesses as much as we can....Take an afternoon or evening and see what they have to offer!

Parking can be a bit challenging, the stores are unique and fun. Sales people were friendly and helpful.

We happened to hit the sidewalk sales which were extra fun, but the Gaslight District is the heart of Petoskey and filled with little treasures.

We love the variety of shopping in Petoskey. Everything from high-end home goods to ladies & kids fashions, American Spoon Foods, gelato and a nice big open park to enjoy while you're in town.
Restaurants include everything from a small local diner for lunch & amazing home baked pies, to a wine bar, to a sports bar and a little bit higher end restaurant within the Stafford Hotel.

We enjoy spending time in the Historic Gaslight District of Petoskey. So many neat shops and great restaurants to explore in this beautifully renovated downtown area.

We all enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The small shops and dine in spots were pleasant. The beach and lake were awesome.

Some shops are expensive some not so, just a lot to look through and browse. A few good sales and a few different shops.

I've always enjoyed the streets and the shops. Something for everyone. Roast and toast is my favorite place and I love the gaslights.

Ate at Duffy's Garage and Grill on the outside patio which had a great view of the bay. Food was ok.

Nice downtown to explore with lots of shops and restaurants and a lovely park maintained by the local garden club.

Fantastic individually supplied shops with quality goods and friendly help. Pleasant to walk and wonderful fresh air from L. Mich. Also close to historic homes beautifully maintained/painted

Shopping plus much more. The restaurants are very good. The Art Museum is not to be missed. It currently features a large Ansel Adams exhibit plus a commissioned, judged exhibition of fine photos taken by superb photographers of our national parks. Streetscapes in the district are well done. Shops carry fine items. The Ace Hardware store has to be the most unusual in the US. Besides hardware items it carries quality souvenirs, a hilarious selection of greeting cards, outrageously funny cocktail napkins. The staff is so good humored that you forget this is after all a hardware store.
The gaslight district alone is worth a trip to lovely Petosky .

We enjoyed walking the downtown area with our kiddos. Very small and quaint town to get around by foot. We all enjoyed window shopping and stopping into a few stores to browse and buy. Great stores all around and each offer something different and not run of the mill merchandise.

Be ready to enjoy some great shopping and browsing. We also enjoyed the easy walking and beautiful area. Near the water so a brief walk will reward you with some views. We used on street metered parking. Lovely park nearby. Local chamber of commerce happy to supply maps of the area also within walking distance.

Great area to experience and walk. Many nice shops and once again, those Michigan people are very helpful and charming.

Great food, great beverages and a very attentive staff. Love the food and the people. A great time. A+

Located in the northwest corner of Michigan's lower peninsula, Petoskey is one of the country's truly great small towns. There is an abundance of hills and shoreline to explore in this region and with the Historic Gaslight District there is city life. Restaurants and an assortment shops in a beautiful village setting. It's picture perfect.

Lots of cool shops, restaurants, park. What a delightful surprise that the Petrosky HS steel band was performing in the park.

It is like stepping back in time here with all kinds of shops for locating the perfect gift. Especially love the uniqueness of each shop from toys and books to kitchen ware. There is even a spot for scrap booking supplies and for finding sheet music. Eateries are everywhere from American Spoon and the historic City Park Grill to a host of others in all price ranges. There is a Chico's as well as my favorite Fustini's where I have taken a cooking class on one of my trips. The courtyard and gazebo are also nice for summer concerts or just people watching.

We are often up north in Michigan but had never taken in downtown Petoskey. With nothing much to do after Thanksgiving dinner, we decided to check it out. It was absolutely beautiful. Even though stores weren't open, it was still fun to window shop and enjoy the lighted streets. The quaint JCPenney was actually open, so that was nice. Looking forward to exploring the area more on a future visit.

We were on the look for Petoskey stones and found stopped in Cutler's Store on the main street. We found really cook cork stoppers with petoskey AND charlevoix stone carved in the shape of Michigan.. perfect for gifts for us and a great memory of our trip to the West Coast! One of the cashiers shared her secret spot for finding Petoskey stones--- we went and definitely found more than a few!

The Petoskey Gaslight District is spread over about 4 square blocks. You'll find a wide selection of shops, including clothing, food stuff, coffee shops and mini breweries. Parking is on a pay as you go basis. Parking on streets and parking lots is by meter payment, Nice small park for relaxation on nice days and access to the waterfront by handicap accessible stairs and ramp. You can easily the better part of a day on a visit to this attraction.

We enjoyed an afternoon walk around the gaslight district which is filled with queens and classy shops that appeal to many different genres. I got some chicken pad Thai at Thai Orchid Cuisine on Mitchell Street and ate it in the park at the end of the street. Lovely day, lovely time, perfect ambiance.

This is the old historic section of town. Many old buildings repurposed into shops and restaurants. Interesting place to walk after dinner at an area restaurant.

This was a great place to stop on our drive down the Michigan coast. Lots of food options LOTS! Really great shop that were NOT selling souvenirs! No t-shirts and fudge here! :)

If you love the small town shops and artisans, you might rank this higher. I am not a "shop" person but I can say the area was nice.

The downtown in Petoskey is beautiful and unique. You will find treasures in each shop. Always fun to venture around and explore the many options. Come to downtown Petoskey for a great shopping and dining experience!

WE have been here over 5 times in the last year and a half. BEAUTIFUL part of a great little town. - - Visit all the shops, takes pictures of the bay, it's an awesome place to visit & shop. Will return again & again!

Great downtown with unique shops and restaurants. Well maintained with lots of places to sit to rest from all the shopping.

If you are in two minds about choosing a suitable place for summer time, I recommend that place, The scene of the downtown is always an awe-inspiring masterpiece of nature, especially on a beautiful day.

In a nutshell, it's a shopping district. But it's nicely laid out and offers a lot of side streets to explore, food to be had and even a some small green spaces.
The stores did a decent job with COVID precautions, but there are a lot of people, so masks were everywhere, but social distancing was suspect here and there.
There are numerous art galleries with a variety of local artists and mediums. But there are also clothing shops of various swankiness, some toy shops and a couple touristy stops.
Food-wise you've got nice restaurants a few bars and all kinds of sweets and such.
With pedestrians, traffic and roads that don't always go where you expect, I suggest getting off Bay View at W. Mitchell and parking and soon as you can. Then you can hop right back on Bay View from W. Mitchell.

Very accessible to get to while staying at the Stafford Perry hotel. Lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy while walking around the town!

Petokey has all the ear marks of potential success as a destination and a hip place to be. Unfortunately the place closes down by 6 pm even in the height of the summer season, the prices are high and there is little to recommend it to anyone who wants a funky youthful feeling with music, art and interesting people wandering the streets even i there is no formal festival to attend.. That being said, the site of the city is beautiful, the effort with which the city has put into beautifification and access between the water front and the downtown noteworthy. Still... there are too many empty storefronts downtown, a fenced in empty hole in a prime space overlooking the incredilbe bay, still waiting for some visionary to come up with an idea that is not too grandiose, but matches the beauty of the location and invites people to loiter. Two bookstores, a fine cheese shop and Roast and Toast coffee shop are a start in the right direction. What's holding Petoskey back? Other cities in the area are packed on balmy summer nights....

I have been visiting this area for many, many years. It reminds me of quaint summer villages from the past. The shops are different from the normal fare with many unique items. I always visit the old-fashioned hardware store, it's a wonderful place to browse and offers regular hardware fare plus beautiful and unusual gift items. Also, there are many restaurants in the area. Once you see the beautiful view of Lake Michigan, you will not regret the trip.

Very nice downtown. Everyone in the shops were friendly and helpful. It is very clean and safe. Have a great variety of shops and resturants to check out.
Vacation
A great shopping district with fun local shops, eateries, and souvenir stores. A little something for everyone.