Nestled in a cherry orchard, this countryside inn close to Traverse City beckons with views of East Grand Traverse Bay beyond the orchard. Sunsets are some of Michigan’s best, as are the gourmet breakfast served.
The Country Hermitage is a countryside inn nestled in a cherry orchard overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay. And guess what happens when a local Michigan cherry farmer/preservationist purchases “the Yellow House on the Hill” and has the vision to renovate and exquisitely furnish it with antiques and modern furnishings and hires a local couple, of whom one is a talented chef and the other comes with hospitality experience?…….. PURE MAGIC!
Come and experience the hospitality and comfort of this Queen-Anne Victorian-style B&B situated amongst the rolling hills of Northern Michigan’s largest organic tart cherry orchard. Here, you will find seven comfortably decorated guest rooms with private baths and upscale amenities. The inn is all about a peaceful and serene country location, complete with a private pond and porch where guests can relax to take in all the extraordinary views! The popular tourist destinations of Traverse City and Elk Rapids are just a short drive away and include unique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and local breweries and wineries.
Each morning, guests enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast that is locally sourced and artfully prepared. Wake up to the aromas of freshly roasted coffee from Higher Grounds, a local all-organic coffee roaster in Traverse City. Chef Eric enjoys preparing French-inspired dishes and loves adding unexpected little twists that are fancy and approachable. Some of his favorite breakfasts that have become guest favorites include a feta herbed pastry torte seasoned with parsley, mint, and tarragon and topped with an egg. The self-served first course begins with homemade muffins or a seasonal fruit dish, followed by a mouth-watering main entree such as Croissant French Toast, Almond Cherry Pancakes, or Unique Savory Dishes and Fritters made with locally grown fruits and vegetables. And, of course, the seasonal part is commonly cherry-centric!
The Williamsburg / Elk Rapids / Traverse City area is one of the top visitor destination areas in all of the midwest. The county sits on the south end of Grand Traverse Bay, in Northwest Michigan and is home to golf, skiing, hiking and the incredible sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. Williamburg is an unincorporated area about 20 minutes east of Traverse City and is the perfect place to escape the crowds and craziness and yet have full and easy access to the dining, night life and culture of Traverse City. Restaurants are known for their innovative cuisine, use of fresh local ingredients, and extensive Michigan wine lists.
All of the best bed and breakfasts are booked during the National Cherry Festival in the beginning of July as well as much of the summer and fall seasons. Of special note is the Traverse City Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the Midwest.
Enjoy free outdoor classic movies overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, panel discussions with film professionals, and “Just Great Movies,” which founder Michael Moore says the festival is committed to showing.
From every corner at the Hermitage, you will find romantic settings to rekindle those special connections with your loved one-from sitting on the patio with breathtaking sunsets, to walking through the cherry orchard, to sitting by the private lake and beautiful gardens, to relaxing in your private room- the romantic vibes are everywhere at the Country Hermitage Inn. And you will enjoy the peace and solitude that can be found in this unique country setting.
The Country Hermitage is a haven for foodies. Chef Eric will delight your palette with his breakfast talents. And when you venture out to Traverse City or Elk Rapids you’ll find many restaurants to choose from. Traverse City is northern Michigan’s economic and cultural hub and boasts many fine dining eateries, pop-up restaurants, food trucks, and casual fare to expand your culinary repertoire. Elk Rapids is a smaller lakeside community that includes many nice dining spots as well. When the innkeepers dine out they love to enjoy the Italian fare with a farm-to-table philosophy plus a curated wine list at Trattoria Stella in Traverse City, Pearl’s New Orleans Home Kitchen in Elk Rapids, and for that special occasion with advance reservations- the Cook’s House in Traverse City which is a petite, chef-owned destination for sustainable fare in an understated space, plus cooking classes.
Outdoor adventures surround the area. Here are a few for you to consider
Thanks to the wonders of the 45th Parallel (the shared latitude for Italy’s Piedmont region and Bourdeaux in France), the Traverse Wine Coast has over 40 different wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. Ranging from crisp whites to complex reds, our winemakers have put us on a lot of lists, including Travel Channel’s Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs.
Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association
6757 Cascade Road SE, Ste 241
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
