historical tours through Bay View Association, a registered National Historic Landmark near Petoskey, Michigan, with commentary by Bay Breeze Historical Tours
Exercise your imagination!
Treat yourself to an
entertaining historical walking
or trolley tour of
Bay View, Michigan,
A National Historic Landmark

As featured in the April, 2000 issue of
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine
Bay View, Michigan

Beginning our eleventh year!

Please join us as we embark upon another year of sharing the fascinating stories of the Little Traverse Bay Region. We are proud of the careful research that stands behind each of our entertaining tours, and thankful to our local historical organizations in
Bay View and Petoskey for preserving the records of our past. It has been our pleasure to support their important work.

Bay Breeze Tours, John Higgins      Take a walk through time in the picturesque Bay View Association. This National Historic Landmark celebrated its 125th anniversary in the year 2000. Bay View, nestled next to Petoskey, Michigan, on Little Traverse Bay, has long fascinated visitors with its collection of more than 400 Victorian era "gingerbread" houses. Bay Breeze Tours will show you a community that is much more than gaily painted cottages, however.

    John Higgins, a fourth generation Bay View cottager, founded Bay Breeze Tours in 1996 to share the heritage of this unique community from an insider's viewpoint. As you stroll through association grounds, John weaves an entertaining and historically accurate record of the past. Settled originally as a retreat for Methodist ministers, Bay View is rich in fascinating legends and lore. Higgins is a gifted storyteller who brings its history to life with his delightful sense of humor and theatrical flair. His drama and teaching background enable him to cater each tour to the interests and ages of the group.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

"Great job -- loved it!" -- The Bennetts, Grand Blanc, MI

"A most wonderful historic tour of an area rich in history. Coming from a non-native, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would return for other tours." -- Bernadette Hancek, Hammond, IN

"An enjoyable, informative, and fun tour! Thanks!" -- Celista and Duane Warner, Dayton, OH

"You seldom find anyone who can bring alive the past so beautifully (as John) and be so genuinely sincere and entertaining." -- Marjorie Stone, Lapeer, MI

"This is truly a must-do tour if you want a short visit back in time. John brings a powerful view of a time gone past that is still alive today in Bay View. thanks!" -- Dr. Brent Calhoun, West Bloomfield, MI

"John Higgins is the best historical tour guide we have ever experienced in our travels, and that includes Williamsburg. He is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and it is very obvious that he loves Bay View and its history. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his tours." -- Karen & Neil Baird, Decatur, IL

AVAILABLE FROM BAY BREEZE TOURS:

Tales of Little Traverse

Bay View
cottage Hear fascinating stories about Bay View's intriguing places and personalities as you walk under ancient hardwoods in this historic
park-like setting.You will:

  • See Hemingway's favorite Bay View party spot
  • Hear about the ax-wielding fireball whose beliefs influence Bay View to this day
  • Listen to the mythic story of L'Arbre Croche (Crooked Tree)

DATES: Every Wednesday, July 11-Wed Aug. 8
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Departing from the lobby of the Terrace Inn in the heart of Bay View, Michigan
DURATION: Approximately a 75-minute walk
COST: Adults $12, Children 12 and under $6 - Click for a valuable coupon!
FAMILY PLAN: $55 (includes up to 8 people)
FOR DIRECTIONS, further information, and reservations (not required):

call Bay Breeze Tours at (231) 526-8888
You may also call the Terrace Inn at (231) 347-2410.



The Bay View "Soul Stroll"

Bay View
cottage Embark on a journey through Michigan's Brigadoon from the sunroom of the
Bay View Inn. Listen as your storyteller brings to life over a century of Bay View stories. View many of Bay View's 400 Victorian cottages as you walk through the heart of this historic place on the National Register.

  • Discover Hemingway's "True Love"
  • View the "jewel" of Bay View, where no man was ever to reside
  • See one of the world's largest sources of fossilized coral

    DATES: Thursday July 12 -Thursday Aug. 9
    TIME: 1:00 p.m.
    PLACE: Departs from sunroom of Stafford's Bay View Inn on U.S. 31 just north of Petoskey, Michigan
    DURATION: Approximately an 85-minute walk
    COST: Adults $12, Children 12 and under $6 - Click for a valuable coupon!
    FAMILY PLAN: $55 (includes up to 8 people)
    FOR DIRECTIONS, further information, and reservations (not required) call

Bay Breeze Tours at (231) 526-8888
You may also call the Stafford's Bay View Inn at (231) 347-2771.


Time Traveling Trolley

Bay View
architecture Encounter the fables, famous, and far-out individuals who weaved their way through Petoskey's past. Relax on board for a unique view of Petoskey. Then travel to Bay View for a brief stop in this Victorian National Historic Landmark.

  • Learn the amazing true story of the "Monarch of Michigan," the nation's only king
  • Hear what celebrities of the past, from Twain to Hemingway, thought of Petoskey
  • Laugh at Petoskey's bungled bank robbery

PRIVATE TROLLEY TOURS ARE AVAILABLE.
There is a minimum fee of $750. For further information call Bay Breeze Tours at (231) 526-8888


Customize a tour for your group!
Treat your party, company, or organization to an entertaining visit back in time. Bay Breeze Tours offers complete custom tours and tour planning services for corporate groups (our clients include Toyota, AAA Michigan, Cigma Financial, and MSU). We can fill one hour to several days with insider glimpses or in-depth background studies of beautiful northern Michigan historical sites. Private tours available by appointment year 'round. Tour prices for small groups start at $120.


TOURS AVAILABLE:

  • Hemingway's Up North Hangouts
  • Cottager's Walk & Victorian Stroll
  • Bay View Beginnings, the first 25 years
  • Torchlit treks
  • Specialty tours of Petoskey and Harbor Springs
  • Time Traveling Trolley (* additional charge)
  • Private snowshoe or cross country tours
SPECIAL SERVICES AVAILABLE:
  • Customized presentations & tours for:
    • Corporations
    • Wedding parties
    • Family reunions
    • Conference groups, etc.
  • Torchlit tours at sunset
  • Tales of Little Traverse presentation

DATE & TIME:
As scheduled. Call John Higgins at (231) 526-8888. Leave a message with your party's two best times and dates. Remember to leave your phone number

DURATION:
Ranging from one hour to all-day tours, tailored to your interests and needs

COST:
Tour prices start at a minimum of $100

Corporate and large group rates available

For directions, further information, and to schedule your private tour call
John Higgins at
(231) 526-8888


E-MAIL BAY BREEZE TOURS 


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