Will Winter Ever End? Four Indoor Activities to Enjoy.

Ok, I know what you are thinking. Or, at least, I know what I am thinking. . . Here we are in the middle of February, and it is hard to believe as we look around at all of the snow that envelops us, that this is the same place that brings us wonderfully warm summers. That in 4 months, people will flock here in droves to enjoy the sun and beaches and boating. . . That we will have green grass and flowers once again. Sure, some may argue that the “pure white snow is beautiful” or other such nonsense, but for me, a life-long Michigander, and perhaps a slight curmudgeon who dislikes snow more and more the older I get, when this time of the year rolls around, I am ready for spring and sunshine and flowers and warmth. As I am writing this, Petoskey is under another winter weather advisory with the promise of more snow on its way. As of right this moment, according to the National Weather Service, Petoskey has 114.6 inches of snow this season. And hasn’t this winter seemed extra-long and extra treacherous? I am so over the dangerous travel conditions that have forced me to drive ever so slowly or not at all. And, I am over the shoveling. So. Much. Shoveling.

For those of us who do love the wintertime and spending time in the snow and cold, we are fortunate to have a number of ski resorts that are a short drive away, and three that are practically in our backyard with Nubs Nob, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, and Boyne Mountain. This winter has been perfect for skiing. But for the rest of us, who hibernate as much as we can during the cold season, and who have barely survived all 114.6 inches of snow, I present to you four indoor alternatives available to you in Petoskey if you feel the need to leave your house.

1. Know Way Out– This is Petoskey’s one and only escape room, and it is bigger and better than it ever has been. There are 4 separate themed rooms, and you and your team must answer a series of clues to escape these rooms in time.  
2. Northern Lights Recreation– Located between Petoskey and Harbor Springs, they have a full bowling alley as well as laser tag and an arcade. They also bring in live entertainment and have trivia night once a week. 
3. Crooked Tree Arts Center– We have an amazing community-based art museum in downtown Petoskey. There is an art gallery with rotating exhibits to visit as well as a gift shop. Also, throughout the year, including winter, there are concerts and performances that take place there as well.
4. Petoskey District Library– We have one of the greatest libraries in the state of Michigan right here in Petoskey. It is open 7 days a week and has three floors full of not only books, but movies, periodicals, video games, music, and lots of other fun things that you can borrow such as adventure kits, ukeleles, microscopes, cameras, and so much more.   

If you would like more ideas on what to do both inside and outside this winter season, there are two websites that have events posted. The Petoskey Area Visitor’s Bureau has an extensive calendar of events that is updated frequently. They are my go-to when I am looking for an activity in the area. You can visit their calendar by clicking here. The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce also has a calendar where local businesses can post and promote their events. You can see that calendar by clicking here.