GABB 4th of July 2021. Innkeeper. Housekeeper. Watching the Parade (1)Here at the Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast and Cottages, we were excited to celebrate summer with the rest of the Glen Arbor community and our valued guests. As the number of visitors to our region continues to grow each summer, advanced reservations are becoming a necessity. Rooms, restaurant, and activity reservations are booking up at the beginning of the year. Fourth of July in Glen Arbor is a once-in-a-lifetime, quintessentially American experience that we want to share with you. Read on to discover the summer activities you should start thinking about now!

Attend the Annual Fourth of July Parade

The community of Glen Arbor gathers together each July 4th to celebrate Independence Day with a parade. The parade is organized solely by community members passionate about celebrating the charm and patriotism of small town America. This year, our Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast float team passed out 3,000 patriotic silicone bracelets – no simple candy for us! So many people and decorated vehicles join the parade that it took 45 minutes to pass us on the main corner in town. Join us next year to watch the parade from our front porch – the best seat in town!

Head Out on the Water

As you know, the Glen Arbor area boasts multiple crystal clear bodies of water, such as Glen Lake, the Crystal River, Lake Leelanau and, of course, Lake Michigan. Don’t forget to secure your boat, paddleboard, kayak or other water rental well ahead of time. We recommend Crystal River Outfitters for renting kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards (and bikes, too). Additionally, Glen Craft Marina, On the Narrows Marina and The Narrows Yacht Club rent pontoons, or line up a fishing’s charter with Sportsmans Shop’s Mariah Charters, Watta Bite Charter Fishing, or Reel Tales Charters.

Watch fireworks shine brightly over Sleeping Bear Bay right down the street at the beach with locals and visitors alike on the 4th of July.

GABB LaBecasse Chef Guillaume plating the entre

Reserve a Table

Reservations for the top restaurants in Glen Arbor started filling up in April in 2021! And we expect the same for 2022. Tourism in “The Most Beautiful Place in America” shows no signs of slowing down, so it’s important to be thoughtful about where you’d like to go and eat before your trip. We love La Bécasse, or Blu for special occasions. A little further away try Martha’s Leelanau Table in Suttons Bay or Nittolo’s in Lake Leelanau. Or there’s always iconic Art’s for the family bar scene.

Of course, you won’t have to worry about waiting in line for breakfast each morning if you are guests in the inn. Instead, you’ll be enjoying a gourmet breakfast each morning at Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast.

Try Even More Adventures

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Glen Arbor, Michigan! Tackle the popular Dune Climb, bike along the Heritage Trail, or play at the beach. Other great vacation activities include playing a round of golf at many local courses, enjoy live music concerts most nights, and the not-to-be-missed Pierce Stocking Drive in the National Lakeshore. Then what about trying something entirely different? Take a tour of a local alpaca farm in Thompsonville. Or, right here in Glen Arbor, go on a cherry-centric taste test at Cherry Republic just around the corner.

Rooms are already filling up for next year! Book a stay at Glen Arbor Bed and Breakfast for a truly memorable 2022 B&B experience. To make your reservations before we post online beginning November 15th, call us at 231.334.6789 or send a message to innkeeper@glenarborbnb.com. We’re only making 2022 reservations by phone call, email or in person before November 15th. If you are not ready yet, you can go online after November 15th, or we will remind you in January. But know that the prime dates and rooms will surely be gone the longer you wait.

Wake up to a delicious breakfast each morning if you are in the inn, and enjoy outstanding accommodations and unparalleled guest service regardless of where you are on the property. Plus, our innkeeper Laura has all the insider tips on maximizing your time in Glen Arbor. This year in 2021, every room and cottage for every night in July was booked – don’t miss out!