This Small Northern MI Town Among Top Lake Towns In The Nation

MICHIGAN — A popular travel magazine just named a small Michigan town as one of the 15 best beach towns in the nation.

Travel and Leisure picked Charlevoix as one of the top places for beachgoers. Charlevoix, with a population of a little more than 2,300, sits along the shores of Lake Michigan, offers spectacular waterfront attractions and inland charms.

"For those who want to experience more than just sinking their toes into soft white sand, Charlevoix has other draws, such as Lavender Hill Farm, with its idyllic fields packed with more than 30 lavender varieties," Travel and Leisure said. "Castle Farms is a French-style stone property built in 1918 that has served as everything from a dairy farm to a wedding venue."

"This lake town is brimming with charming accommodations, too, from modern rooms at The Earl to waterfront digs at Edgewater Inn," Travel and Leisure added.

Aside from the beaches, Charlevoix is also known for its downtown area, which boasts several shops, including boutiques, microbreweries and creative restaurants.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an extensive system of trails, which are great for hiking, running, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. One of the more popular bike paths is the Little Traverse Wheelway, which offers amazing views of Lake Michigan.

The other 14 towns that made the list include:

• South Lake Tahoe, CA
• Rangeley, Maine
• Osage Beach, MS
• Aurora, NY
• Bigfork, MT
• Wolfeboro, NH
• Greensboro, GA
• Bayview, ID
• Clermont, FL
• Lakeway, TX
• White Lake, NC
• Chelan, WA
• Lake Geneva, WI
• Big Bear Lake, CA