Hunt the famous Morel Mushroom
The season will typically kick in about mid-April in Michigan. Mother Nature is waking up from a long winter's nap and shroomers come from all over. Mushroom hunting is one of the least expensive of all outdoor sports. There is no license or permit required and no special equipment is needed. Best of all they are plentiful and can be found all over in our area. Here are some tips on how to find and spot the mushrooms. Once you have found them, try some of these delicious Morel Recipes. Don't eat wild mushrooms unless they've been identified by an expert!

Smell the Wild Leeks
Wild leeks can almost always be found while mushroom hunting. Leeks are wild onions and can be a source of food and spiciness all year round. The leaves are very tender, never pull the bulb out of the ground, only the green stems should be eaten if the plant is to be sustained to grow another year. Experience this greening "season" of Michigan. Spring is in bloom with the season's first dramatic display of wildflowers. And don't forget the camera.

Spring Fishing in Benzie
The Platte River is one of Michigans finest. By late February and March, things really get going as the water temperatures in the rivers rise. Steelhead and salmon make their way in each year from Lake Michigan. Take a tour of the Platte River Fish Hatchery located just outside of Honor. Get into the action and call Mark Rinckey (231) 325-6901, our local expert Steelhead and Salmon fishing guide. He is for hire and guarantees a catch. Mark knows every nook and crany of our rivers and inland lakes, he'll pick you up and bring you back. After a great day of fishing, place your catch in our freezer and go relax at the local Lounge. Walking distance from our Motel, the LumberJacks Bar & Grill has great food and live music on the weekends. Area Recreational Fishing Report.

Golfing In Benzie
The topography, soils and weather conditions are perfect, and as a result, you will enjoy breathtaking views and captivating surroundings on the golf course. As soon as the snow melts, Benzie County's courses are geared for play and golf coupons for beautiful Crystal Lake Golf Club and Pinecroft/Champion Hill Golf Courses are available at our office. There are numerous top rated golf courses near by. Once you experience Benzie's scenic fairways, you'll see why Benzie County is Northern Michigan Preserved. Click Here For a list of golf courses in our area.

Bird Watching for all levels of Birders
The park Sleeping Bear Dunes has a wide variety of birdlife because of the many varying habitats. Bald eagles are seen along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Benzie County offers wonderful birding opportunities throughout the year, but especially in spring and fall. About 270 species have been recorded in the county and about 200 of these may be seen in a given year. Many can be seen along the Betsie Valley Trail. Hike, bike or spend some quiet time, get plenty of excercise along this 27-mile trail, which stretches from Frankfort to Crystal Mountain. Access to www.betsievalleytrail.org is just a few miles from the Honor Motel.

Explore the National Lakeshore
Pack a snack and your hiking boots, our many nearby hiking trails will keep you walking. Tackle a barely-marked trail or follow a mulched path. Benzie County draws millions of visitors each year to partake in activities such as fishing, sailing, hiking, biking, golfing and more. Trek our many Shore-to-Shore Trails or a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail.