Enjoy a road trip through the quaint, whimsical towns of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. You'll experience the Cherry Capital, as well as award winning wines. You'll see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan. Then you will wander through the magical streets of Charlevoix, where you'll find the famous mushroom houses, a castle, bay views, and quaint charm. You'll explore the historic streets of Petosky and look for the unique, only in Michigan, Petosky stones! Enjoy scenic hikes and delight in local cuisine. You'll soon discover why "Up North" in Michigan is such a treasured secret!
Arrive in Northern Michigan, get settled in to your accommodation, get a taste of local culture at a brewery, and take a stroll through town.
Welcome to Traverse City Airport, also known as Cherry Capital Airport. This is a great way to get up to Northern Michigan without the long drive. Pick up your rental car at the car rental company according to the instructions you will receive before your trip.
You've arrived in Traverse City. Let's go the beach! Lounge in a chair and soak up the sun or walk along the sand.
Now take a walk to the Workshop, where you can get a flight of amazing beers, great food, and live music. Get a feel for local life in Traverse City!
Today is your Cherry Themed Day! Dive deep into the local fruit.
Today is your chance to experience the Cherry Capital. You can choose to either visit one of the many cherry farms in the area (you can pick cherries in early summer season), or you can visit the cherry themed shops downtown. Both are quite the experience!
These are some great farms to check out:
If you prefer to stay in downtown or can't get enough of the cherries, be sure to stop at the Cherry Republic main store. You will be amazed at all the ways cherries can be used! Try the chocolate covered cherries, cherry salsa, cherry wine, and cherry bbq sauce!
Walk over for a bite to eat at the farm-to-table cider house! There are some incredible local ciders to choose from!
Now, for a delicious dessert, head over the Grand Traverse Pie Company for their famous mouth watering pies! Try a cherry pie for an authentic local experience!
Today we will see the biggest attraction in the area, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You will see massive sand mountains, turquoise waters, and incredible flora and fauna. You may want to bring a picnic lunch so that you can spend as much time as possible in this beautiful area. I will be recommending several stops with varying difficulty levels. Hiking on sand is challenging, so please be mindful of which options are best for you!
To begin, we will enter the park. You will need to pay the entrance fee. It's $25. To pay ahead go here.
Then you will head to a scenic drive, where you will get a 10 minute overview of the incredible vistas at Sleeping Bear Dunes. You'll get to make lots of stops to take pictures and take it all in.
Next you'll drive to an even more breathtaking scenic spot. This spot is where you can really appreciate the size of the dunes, without needing to climb up and down them. You can also appreciate the beautiful color of the turqoise water!
Now, let's take a break at the beach. This is a great spot to enjoy a beautiful beach and some local history. You can walk around the outdoor museum with historical buildings and lots of great stories about the area! Dip your toes in the water and enjoy the soft sand.
This is the star of the show, up close and personal! The foot of the first summit of the massive sand mountain chain known as Sleeping Bear Dunes. They look much easier to climb than they really are. The tallest dune is 450 ft tall! Though the beach at the end of the last hill is beautiful, it is very difficult to get to and even more treacherous to climb back up. I do not recommend going all the way down to the other side, as a rescue team costs $3000 to retrieve someone from the bottom of the massive Dunes. Instead I recommend, if you are able, that you climb to the top of the first one, and enjoy the view!
If you can't get enough of the views and want to hike some more, check out this trail before your head back to Traverse City!
After a long day, it's time for a well earned respite! Get an iced cold beer and a flatbread while you reflect on a scenic day!
Today, you will experience the amazing Old Mission Peninsula and its wine culture. With landscapes similar to parts of wine countries in Europe or Napa California, you will fall in love with the rolling hills, the vineyards, the beaches, and the wine itself! Even if you are not a wine person, many of the vineyards also offer food. Plus, there are several lovely beaches and a beautiful lighthouse at the end!
If you want a guided wine tour, brewery tour or bike tour visit this website for more information.
If you only have time for one winery, this one has it all. It has a beautiful view of the vines with the water in the distance. Also, there is a Secret Garden with a lavender field you can walk through. Go here for more information and to make a reservation (highly recommend).
The Wine Trail on Old Mission Peninsular has 12 different wineries. Depending on how much time and interest you have, you can stop all of them or just a few. Each one is unique and has its own charm. Here are some examples:
Chateau Chantal has a romantic European feel to it.
Peninsula Cellars is run out of an old schoolhouse!
For more details about the others go here .
For some time in the sun, head to Haserot Beach. Some people like to snorkel here!
As your last stop on the Old Mission drive, visit the Mission Point Lighthouse. Depending on the time of year, and day, the museum may or may not be open. Either way, the beach and the grounds are beauitful to walk around and soak up some history of the area!
For more information go here.
To end your last day in Traverse City, enjoy your dinner with a martini and live jazz at Poppycock's.
Today, you will drive to the quaint and magical town of Charlevoix. This will be your base for the next 4 nights. Once you check in to your accomodation, park your car and walk around. Welcome to Charlevoix, Mighigan's whimsical fairytale town! It may be small, but it's charm is great! Get to know the area and end with an iconic Michigan sunset!
Walk around the beautiful downtown. With views of the marina, you'll be sure to always have something interesting to watch! Come by East Park during the summer for the weekly farmer's market!
Take a relaxing walk to this iconic Charlevoix Restaurant, right on the water. This is one of the only commericial buildings designed by famous architect Earl Young. You'll be learning more about him throughout your stay. The beautiful wavy roof and unique fireplace are sure to catch your eye! Try their whitefish, fresh caught from the lake, with views of ships passing through the canal.
Take a walk to the beach to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
This accomodation is perfect for walking to all the shops and restaurants!
Today you will to dive into the fairytale-like whimsy and history of Charlevoix. You'll learn about Earl Young and his mushroom houses, while spending the morning in a real castle!
Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds at Castle Farms. Stop in the pub for a drink, wander through the Enchanted Forest, and get lost in the history of the place!
You can take a guided tour, or self guided. The tram ride really helps you see the beautiful gardens!
For ticket information, visit here.
This is a good place to stop and get a bite to eat for lunch. Enjoy some BBQ!
After lunch, walk over to the Mushroom HouseTours.
To get your tickets, visit here.
Hop in a golf cart and tour through the historic streets of houses and other buildings designed by the architect Earl Young. Listen to the incredible stories of how these houses came to be.
Just a quick walk away, head to the quaint ode to Charlevoix history. You'll learn more about the history of this intriguing town at the historical society. See if you can find the connections to Earnest Hemingway!
Make sure to check their open hours here.
Spend the day rock hunting at the beach, then check out the local art center and end the day with a nice dinner date.
Stop by Cafe Meria for a quick but unique breakfast and coffee. Their croffles are a favorite! Also, it may be a good idea to grab something to go for a picnic lunch later.
For a beautiful, pristine beach, head out the Fisherman's Island State park for a hike, or a picnic on the sand!
Take a little stroll around town and soak up local culture by checking out the artwork in the Circle of Arts!
Now it is time for a nice dinner. Terry's is a great date night spot with incredible, fresh, local food!
It's your last night here. What will you do to celebrate?
Take a drive to the lovely town of Petoskey. It's quite a bit bigger than Charlevoix. There's so much to do! You'll enjoy its natural beauty, with many parks, trails, as well as its quaint hills, shops, and streets.
If you want you can park at your accomodation and walk around this city.
Park in Bay Park. If you wish to learn more about the history, you can go inside the Little Traverse Historical Society. You'll find more Hemingway connections there. For information about the museum, go here . Take a stroll through the tunnel, up to the streets of downtown Pestoskey.
Check out the City Park Grill for a meal, formerly known as the Annex, a frequent Hemingway haunt!
The home of a Michigan classic, Kilwin's is a must for chocolate lovers. Here you will find decadate chocolate ice cream, fudge and a plethora of other delectable treats!
There are many beautiful parks in Petosky, but this is THE place to enjoy an amazing sunset!
Today you will start with a delicious and hearty breakfast before exploring a beautiful state park! End the day with a relaxing dinner with a view.
Before setting off on your adventure stop at Julienne Tomatoes for a wholesome and fresh breakfast. You might even want to take a sandwich to go for a picnic lunch!
Now head to the famous Petoskey State Park and enjoy the beach. You might be lucky and find some Petoskey stones! Then, take a hike through the woods.
After a day of hard work hiking, it's time to sit back, relax, enjoy your last night in Petosky with a glass of wine and a meal at the beautiful Palette Bistro. Be sure to make a reservation here .
Today is your day to slowly make your way back to Traverse City for your flight tomorrow. This is your chance to cover any ground that you missed.
Whether you want to spend a bit more time in Petosky, Charlevoix, or Traverse City you have the flexiblity to choose! Below are some ideas to choose from!
If you want to see more of Petoskey, you can explore the rapids and hiking trails at Bear River Valley Recreation.
If you happen to be here during the autumn season, the Tunnel of Trees is a gorgeous tree lined winding road that goes through small towns. You'll have to turn around and come back the same way once you are ready.
Just off the East Park in Charlevoix, you can take the 2 hr ferry ride to Beaver Island, America's emerald isle. For information on departure times and rates, go here.
While you did get to explore Old Mission Peninsula, you didn't get to explore much of Leelenau Peninsula. Full of 20 more wineries, lots of beaches and the beautiful Grand Traverse Lighthouse, it's definitely worth a stop! For more details about the vineyards go here.
Today you will head to the airport. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time!
Drop off your rental car at the airport and then fly to your next destintation! I hope you enjoyed your magical stay in northern Lower Peninsular Michigan. Come back again soon!
Enjoy the memories from your fairytale getaway in northern Michigan!
Enjoy a road trip through the quaint, whimsical towns of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. You'll experience the Cherry Capital, as well as award winning wines. You'll see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan. Then you will wander through the magical streets of Charlevoix, where you'll find the famous mushroom houses, a castle, bay views, and quaint charm. You'll explore the historic streets of Petosky and look for the unique, only in Michigan, Petosky stones! Enjoy scenic hikes and delight in local cuisine. You'll soon discover why "Up North" in Michigan is such a treasured secret!
Arrive in Northern Michigan, get settled in to your accommodation, get a taste of local culture at a brewery, and take a stroll through town.
Welcome to Traverse City Airport, also known as Cherry Capital Airport. This is a great way to get up to Northern Michigan without the long drive. Pick up your rental car at the car rental company according to the instructions you will receive before your trip.
You've arrived in Traverse City. Let's go the beach! Lounge in a chair and soak up the sun or walk along the sand.
Now take a walk to the Workshop, where you can get a flight of amazing beers, great food, and live music. Get a feel for local life in Traverse City!
Today is your Cherry Themed Day! Dive deep into the local fruit.
Today is your chance to experience the Cherry Capital. You can choose to either visit one of the many cherry farms in the area (you can pick cherries in early summer season), or you can visit the cherry themed shops downtown. Both are quite the experience!
These are some great farms to check out:
If you prefer to stay in downtown or can't get enough of the cherries, be sure to stop at the Cherry Republic main store. You will be amazed at all the ways cherries can be used! Try the chocolate covered cherries, cherry salsa, cherry wine, and cherry bbq sauce!
Walk over for a bite to eat at the farm-to-table cider house! There are some incredible local ciders to choose from!
Now, for a delicious dessert, head over the Grand Traverse Pie Company for their famous mouth watering pies! Try a cherry pie for an authentic local experience!
Today we will see the biggest attraction in the area, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You will see massive sand mountains, turquoise waters, and incredible flora and fauna. You may want to bring a picnic lunch so that you can spend as much time as possible in this beautiful area. I will be recommending several stops with varying difficulty levels. Hiking on sand is challenging, so please be mindful of which options are best for you!
To begin, we will enter the park. You will need to pay the entrance fee. It's $25. To pay ahead go here.
Then you will head to a scenic drive, where you will get a 10 minute overview of the incredible vistas at Sleeping Bear Dunes. You'll get to make lots of stops to take pictures and take it all in.
Next you'll drive to an even more breathtaking scenic spot. This spot is where you can really appreciate the size of the dunes, without needing to climb up and down them. You can also appreciate the beautiful color of the turqoise water!
Now, let's take a break at the beach. This is a great spot to enjoy a beautiful beach and some local history. You can walk around the outdoor museum with historical buildings and lots of great stories about the area! Dip your toes in the water and enjoy the soft sand.
This is the star of the show, up close and personal! The foot of the first summit of the massive sand mountain chain known as Sleeping Bear Dunes. They look much easier to climb than they really are. The tallest dune is 450 ft tall! Though the beach at the end of the last hill is beautiful, it is very difficult to get to and even more treacherous to climb back up. I do not recommend going all the way down to the other side, as a rescue team costs $3000 to retrieve someone from the bottom of the massive Dunes. Instead I recommend, if you are able, that you climb to the top of the first one, and enjoy the view!
If you can't get enough of the views and want to hike some more, check out this trail before your head back to Traverse City!
After a long day, it's time for a well earned respite! Get an iced cold beer and a flatbread while you reflect on a scenic day!
Today, you will experience the amazing Old Mission Peninsula and its wine culture. With landscapes similar to parts of wine countries in Europe or Napa California, you will fall in love with the rolling hills, the vineyards, the beaches, and the wine itself! Even if you are not a wine person, many of the vineyards also offer food. Plus, there are several lovely beaches and a beautiful lighthouse at the end!
If you want a guided wine tour, brewery tour or bike tour visit this website for more information.
If you only have time for one winery, this one has it all. It has a beautiful view of the vines with the water in the distance. Also, there is a Secret Garden with a lavender field you can walk through. Go here for more information and to make a reservation (highly recommend).
The Wine Trail on Old Mission Peninsular has 12 different wineries. Depending on how much time and interest you have, you can stop all of them or just a few. Each one is unique and has its own charm. Here are some examples:
Chateau Chantal has a romantic European feel to it.
Peninsula Cellars is run out of an old schoolhouse!
For more details about the others go here .
For some time in the sun, head to Haserot Beach. Some people like to snorkel here!
As your last stop on the Old Mission drive, visit the Mission Point Lighthouse. Depending on the time of year, and day, the museum may or may not be open. Either way, the beach and the grounds are beauitful to walk around and soak up some history of the area!
For more information go here.
To end your last day in Traverse City, enjoy your dinner with a martini and live jazz at Poppycock's.
Today, you will drive to the quaint and magical town of Charlevoix. This will be your base for the next 4 nights. Once you check in to your accomodation, park your car and walk around. Welcome to Charlevoix, Mighigan's whimsical fairytale town! It may be small, but it's charm is great! Get to know the area and end with an iconic Michigan sunset!
Walk around the beautiful downtown. With views of the marina, you'll be sure to always have something interesting to watch! Come by East Park during the summer for the weekly farmer's market!
Take a relaxing walk to this iconic Charlevoix Restaurant, right on the water. This is one of the only commericial buildings designed by famous architect Earl Young. You'll be learning more about him throughout your stay. The beautiful wavy roof and unique fireplace are sure to catch your eye! Try their whitefish, fresh caught from the lake, with views of ships passing through the canal.
Take a walk to the beach to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
This accomodation is perfect for walking to all the shops and restaurants!
Today you will to dive into the fairytale-like whimsy and history of Charlevoix. You'll learn about Earl Young and his mushroom houses, while spending the morning in a real castle!
Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds at Castle Farms. Stop in the pub for a drink, wander through the Enchanted Forest, and get lost in the history of the place!
You can take a guided tour, or self guided. The tram ride really helps you see the beautiful gardens!
For ticket information, visit here.
This is a good place to stop and get a bite to eat for lunch. Enjoy some BBQ!
After lunch, walk over to the Mushroom HouseTours.
To get your tickets, visit here.
Hop in a golf cart and tour through the historic streets of houses and other buildings designed by the architect Earl Young. Listen to the incredible stories of how these houses came to be.
Just a quick walk away, head to the quaint ode to Charlevoix history. You'll learn more about the history of this intriguing town at the historical society. See if you can find the connections to Earnest Hemingway!
Make sure to check their open hours here.
Spend the day rock hunting at the beach, then check out the local art center and end the day with a nice dinner date.
Stop by Cafe Meria for a quick but unique breakfast and coffee. Their croffles are a favorite! Also, it may be a good idea to grab something to go for a picnic lunch later.
For a beautiful, pristine beach, head out the Fisherman's Island State park for a hike, or a picnic on the sand!
Take a little stroll around town and soak up local culture by checking out the artwork in the Circle of Arts!
Now it is time for a nice dinner. Terry's is a great date night spot with incredible, fresh, local food!
It's your last night here. What will you do to celebrate?
Take a drive to the lovely town of Petoskey. It's quite a bit bigger than Charlevoix. There's so much to do! You'll enjoy its natural beauty, with many parks, trails, as well as its quaint hills, shops, and streets.
If you want you can park at your accomodation and walk around this city.
Park in Bay Park. If you wish to learn more about the history, you can go inside the Little Traverse Historical Society. You'll find more Hemingway connections there. For information about the museum, go here . Take a stroll through the tunnel, up to the streets of downtown Pestoskey.
Check out the City Park Grill for a meal, formerly known as the Annex, a frequent Hemingway haunt!
The home of a Michigan classic, Kilwin's is a must for chocolate lovers. Here you will find decadate chocolate ice cream, fudge and a plethora of other delectable treats!
There are many beautiful parks in Petosky, but this is THE place to enjoy an amazing sunset!
Today you will start with a delicious and hearty breakfast before exploring a beautiful state park! End the day with a relaxing dinner with a view.
Before setting off on your adventure stop at Julienne Tomatoes for a wholesome and fresh breakfast. You might even want to take a sandwich to go for a picnic lunch!
Now head to the famous Petoskey State Park and enjoy the beach. You might be lucky and find some Petoskey stones! Then, take a hike through the woods.
After a day of hard work hiking, it's time to sit back, relax, enjoy your last night in Petosky with a glass of wine and a meal at the beautiful Palette Bistro. Be sure to make a reservation here .
Today is your day to slowly make your way back to Traverse City for your flight tomorrow. This is your chance to cover any ground that you missed.
Whether you want to spend a bit more time in Petosky, Charlevoix, or Traverse City you have the flexiblity to choose! Below are some ideas to choose from!
If you want to see more of Petoskey, you can explore the rapids and hiking trails at Bear River Valley Recreation.
If you happen to be here during the autumn season, the Tunnel of Trees is a gorgeous tree lined winding road that goes through small towns. You'll have to turn around and come back the same way once you are ready.
Just off the East Park in Charlevoix, you can take the 2 hr ferry ride to Beaver Island, America's emerald isle. For information on departure times and rates, go here.
While you did get to explore Old Mission Peninsula, you didn't get to explore much of Leelenau Peninsula. Full of 20 more wineries, lots of beaches and the beautiful Grand Traverse Lighthouse, it's definitely worth a stop! For more details about the vineyards go here.
Today you will head to the airport. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time!
Drop off your rental car at the airport and then fly to your next destintation! I hope you enjoyed your magical stay in northern Lower Peninsular Michigan. Come back again soon!
Enjoy the memories from your fairytale getaway in northern Michigan!
itinerary by Hannah Diaz
Enjoy a road trip through the quaint, whimsical towns of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. You'll experience the Cherry Capital, as well as award winning wines. You'll see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan. Then you will wander through the magical streets of Charlevoix, where you'll find the famous mushroom houses, a castle, bay views, and quaint charm. You'll explore the historic streets of Petosky and look for the unique, only in Michigan, Petosky stones! Enjoy scenic hikes and delight in local cuisine. You'll soon discover why "Up North" in Michigan is such a treasured secret!
Arrive in Northern Michigan, get settled in to your accommodation, get a taste of local culture at a brewery, and take a stroll through town.
Welcome to Traverse City Airport, also known as Cherry Capital Airport. This is a great way to get up to Northern Michigan without the long drive. Pick up your rental car at the car rental company according to the instructions you will receive before your trip.
You've arrived in Traverse City. Let's go the beach! Lounge in a chair and soak up the sun or walk along the sand.
Now take a walk to the Workshop, where you can get a flight of amazing beers, great food, and live music. Get a feel for local life in Traverse City!
Today is your Cherry Themed Day! Dive deep into the local fruit.
Today is your chance to experience the Cherry Capital. You can choose to either visit one of the many cherry farms in the area (you can pick cherries in early summer season), or you can visit the cherry themed shops downtown. Both are quite the experience!
These are some great farms to check out:
If you prefer to stay in downtown or can't get enough of the cherries, be sure to stop at the Cherry Republic main store. You will be amazed at all the ways cherries can be used! Try the chocolate covered cherries, cherry salsa, cherry wine, and cherry bbq sauce!
Walk over for a bite to eat at the farm-to-table cider house! There are some incredible local ciders to choose from!
Now, for a delicious dessert, head over the Grand Traverse Pie Company for their famous mouth watering pies! Try a cherry pie for an authentic local experience!
Today we will see the biggest attraction in the area, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You will see massive sand mountains, turquoise waters, and incredible flora and fauna. You may want to bring a picnic lunch so that you can spend as much time as possible in this beautiful area. I will be recommending several stops with varying difficulty levels. Hiking on sand is challenging, so please be mindful of which options are best for you!
To begin, we will enter the park. You will need to pay the entrance fee. It's $25. To pay ahead go here.
Then you will head to a scenic drive, where you will get a 10 minute overview of the incredible vistas at Sleeping Bear Dunes. You'll get to make lots of stops to take pictures and take it all in.
Next you'll drive to an even more breathtaking scenic spot. This spot is where you can really appreciate the size of the dunes, without needing to climb up and down them. You can also appreciate the beautiful color of the turqoise water!
Now, let's take a break at the beach. This is a great spot to enjoy a beautiful beach and some local history. You can walk around the outdoor museum with historical buildings and lots of great stories about the area! Dip your toes in the water and enjoy the soft sand.
This is the star of the show, up close and personal! The foot of the first summit of the massive sand mountain chain known as Sleeping Bear Dunes. They look much easier to climb than they really are. The tallest dune is 450 ft tall! Though the beach at the end of the last hill is beautiful, it is very difficult to get to and even more treacherous to climb back up. I do not recommend going all the way down to the other side, as a rescue team costs $3000 to retrieve someone from the bottom of the massive Dunes. Instead I recommend, if you are able, that you climb to the top of the first one, and enjoy the view!
If you can't get enough of the views and want to hike some more, check out this trail before your head back to Traverse City!
After a long day, it's time for a well earned respite! Get an iced cold beer and a flatbread while you reflect on a scenic day!
Today, you will experience the amazing Old Mission Peninsula and its wine culture. With landscapes similar to parts of wine countries in Europe or Napa California, you will fall in love with the rolling hills, the vineyards, the beaches, and the wine itself! Even if you are not a wine person, many of the vineyards also offer food. Plus, there are several lovely beaches and a beautiful lighthouse at the end!
If you want a guided wine tour, brewery tour or bike tour visit this website for more information.
If you only have time for one winery, this one has it all. It has a beautiful view of the vines with the water in the distance. Also, there is a Secret Garden with a lavender field you can walk through. Go here for more information and to make a reservation (highly recommend).
The Wine Trail on Old Mission Peninsular has 12 different wineries. Depending on how much time and interest you have, you can stop all of them or just a few. Each one is unique and has its own charm. Here are some examples:
Chateau Chantal has a romantic European feel to it.
Peninsula Cellars is run out of an old schoolhouse!
For more details about the others go here .
For some time in the sun, head to Haserot Beach. Some people like to snorkel here!
As your last stop on the Old Mission drive, visit the Mission Point Lighthouse. Depending on the time of year, and day, the museum may or may not be open. Either way, the beach and the grounds are beauitful to walk around and soak up some history of the area!
For more information go here.
To end your last day in Traverse City, enjoy your dinner with a martini and live jazz at Poppycock's.
Today, you will drive to the quaint and magical town of Charlevoix. This will be your base for the next 4 nights. Once you check in to your accomodation, park your car and walk around. Welcome to Charlevoix, Mighigan's whimsical fairytale town! It may be small, but it's charm is great! Get to know the area and end with an iconic Michigan sunset!
Walk around the beautiful downtown. With views of the marina, you'll be sure to always have something interesting to watch! Come by East Park during the summer for the weekly farmer's market!
Take a relaxing walk to this iconic Charlevoix Restaurant, right on the water. This is one of the only commericial buildings designed by famous architect Earl Young. You'll be learning more about him throughout your stay. The beautiful wavy roof and unique fireplace are sure to catch your eye! Try their whitefish, fresh caught from the lake, with views of ships passing through the canal.
Take a walk to the beach to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
This accomodation is perfect for walking to all the shops and restaurants!
Today you will to dive into the fairytale-like whimsy and history of Charlevoix. You'll learn about Earl Young and his mushroom houses, while spending the morning in a real castle!
Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds at Castle Farms. Stop in the pub for a drink, wander through the Enchanted Forest, and get lost in the history of the place!
You can take a guided tour, or self guided. The tram ride really helps you see the beautiful gardens!
For ticket information, visit here.
This is a good place to stop and get a bite to eat for lunch. Enjoy some BBQ!
After lunch, walk over to the Mushroom HouseTours.
To get your tickets, visit here.
Hop in a golf cart and tour through the historic streets of houses and other buildings designed by the architect Earl Young. Listen to the incredible stories of how these houses came to be.
Just a quick walk away, head to the quaint ode to Charlevoix history. You'll learn more about the history of this intriguing town at the historical society. See if you can find the connections to Earnest Hemingway!
Make sure to check their open hours here.
Spend the day rock hunting at the beach, then check out the local art center and end the day with a nice dinner date.
Stop by Cafe Meria for a quick but unique breakfast and coffee. Their croffles are a favorite! Also, it may be a good idea to grab something to go for a picnic lunch later.
For a beautiful, pristine beach, head out the Fisherman's Island State park for a hike, or a picnic on the sand!
Take a little stroll around town and soak up local culture by checking out the artwork in the Circle of Arts!
Now it is time for a nice dinner. Terry's is a great date night spot with incredible, fresh, local food!
It's your last night here. What will you do to celebrate?
Take a drive to the lovely town of Petoskey. It's quite a bit bigger than Charlevoix. There's so much to do! You'll enjoy its natural beauty, with many parks, trails, as well as its quaint hills, shops, and streets.
If you want you can park at your accomodation and walk around this city.
Park in Bay Park. If you wish to learn more about the history, you can go inside the Little Traverse Historical Society. You'll find more Hemingway connections there. For information about the museum, go here . Take a stroll through the tunnel, up to the streets of downtown Pestoskey.
Check out the City Park Grill for a meal, formerly known as the Annex, a frequent Hemingway haunt!
The home of a Michigan classic, Kilwin's is a must for chocolate lovers. Here you will find decadate chocolate ice cream, fudge and a plethora of other delectable treats!
There are many beautiful parks in Petosky, but this is THE place to enjoy an amazing sunset!
Today you will start with a delicious and hearty breakfast before exploring a beautiful state park! End the day with a relaxing dinner with a view.
Before setting off on your adventure stop at Julienne Tomatoes for a wholesome and fresh breakfast. You might even want to take a sandwich to go for a picnic lunch!
Now head to the famous Petoskey State Park and enjoy the beach. You might be lucky and find some Petoskey stones! Then, take a hike through the woods.
After a day of hard work hiking, it's time to sit back, relax, enjoy your last night in Petosky with a glass of wine and a meal at the beautiful Palette Bistro. Be sure to make a reservation here .
Today is your day to slowly make your way back to Traverse City for your flight tomorrow. This is your chance to cover any ground that you missed.
Whether you want to spend a bit more time in Petosky, Charlevoix, or Traverse City you have the flexiblity to choose! Below are some ideas to choose from!
If you want to see more of Petoskey, you can explore the rapids and hiking trails at Bear River Valley Recreation.
If you happen to be here during the autumn season, the Tunnel of Trees is a gorgeous tree lined winding road that goes through small towns. You'll have to turn around and come back the same way once you are ready.
Just off the East Park in Charlevoix, you can take the 2 hr ferry ride to Beaver Island, America's emerald isle. For information on departure times and rates, go here.
While you did get to explore Old Mission Peninsula, you didn't get to explore much of Leelenau Peninsula. Full of 20 more wineries, lots of beaches and the beautiful Grand Traverse Lighthouse, it's definitely worth a stop! For more details about the vineyards go here.
Today you will head to the airport. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time!
Drop off your rental car at the airport and then fly to your next destintation! I hope you enjoyed your magical stay in northern Lower Peninsular Michigan. Come back again soon!
Enjoy the memories from your fairytale getaway in northern Michigan!
Enjoy a road trip through the quaint, whimsical towns of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. You'll experience the Cherry Capital, as well as award winning wines. You'll see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan. Then you will wander through the magical streets of Charlevoix, where you'll find the famous mushroom houses, a castle, bay views, and quaint charm. You'll explore the historic streets of Petosky and look for the unique, only in Michigan, Petosky stones! Enjoy scenic hikes and delight in local cuisine. You'll soon discover why "Up North" in Michigan is such a treasured secret!
Arrive in Northern Michigan, get settled in to your accommodation, get a taste of local culture at a brewery, and take a stroll through town.
Welcome to Traverse City Airport, also known as Cherry Capital Airport. This is a great way to get up to Northern Michigan without the long drive. Pick up your rental car at the car rental company according to the instructions you will receive before your trip.
You've arrived in Traverse City. Let's go the beach! Lounge in a chair and soak up the sun or walk along the sand.
Now take a walk to the Workshop, where you can get a flight of amazing beers, great food, and live music. Get a feel for local life in Traverse City!
Today is your Cherry Themed Day! Dive deep into the local fruit.
Today is your chance to experience the Cherry Capital. You can choose to either visit one of the many cherry farms in the area (you can pick cherries in early summer season), or you can visit the cherry themed shops downtown. Both are quite the experience!
These are some great farms to check out:
If you prefer to stay in downtown or can't get enough of the cherries, be sure to stop at the Cherry Republic main store. You will be amazed at all the ways cherries can be used! Try the chocolate covered cherries, cherry salsa, cherry wine, and cherry bbq sauce!
Walk over for a bite to eat at the farm-to-table cider house! There are some incredible local ciders to choose from!
Now, for a delicious dessert, head over the Grand Traverse Pie Company for their famous mouth watering pies! Try a cherry pie for an authentic local experience!
Today we will see the biggest attraction in the area, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You will see massive sand mountains, turquoise waters, and incredible flora and fauna. You may want to bring a picnic lunch so that you can spend as much time as possible in this beautiful area. I will be recommending several stops with varying difficulty levels. Hiking on sand is challenging, so please be mindful of which options are best for you!
To begin, we will enter the park. You will need to pay the entrance fee. It's $25. To pay ahead go here.
Then you will head to a scenic drive, where you will get a 10 minute overview of the incredible vistas at Sleeping Bear Dunes. You'll get to make lots of stops to take pictures and take it all in.
Next you'll drive to an even more breathtaking scenic spot. This spot is where you can really appreciate the size of the dunes, without needing to climb up and down them. You can also appreciate the beautiful color of the turqoise water!
Now, let's take a break at the beach. This is a great spot to enjoy a beautiful beach and some local history. You can walk around the outdoor museum with historical buildings and lots of great stories about the area! Dip your toes in the water and enjoy the soft sand.
This is the star of the show, up close and personal! The foot of the first summit of the massive sand mountain chain known as Sleeping Bear Dunes. They look much easier to climb than they really are. The tallest dune is 450 ft tall! Though the beach at the end of the last hill is beautiful, it is very difficult to get to and even more treacherous to climb back up. I do not recommend going all the way down to the other side, as a rescue team costs $3000 to retrieve someone from the bottom of the massive Dunes. Instead I recommend, if you are able, that you climb to the top of the first one, and enjoy the view!
If you can't get enough of the views and want to hike some more, check out this trail before your head back to Traverse City!
After a long day, it's time for a well earned respite! Get an iced cold beer and a flatbread while you reflect on a scenic day!
Today, you will experience the amazing Old Mission Peninsula and its wine culture. With landscapes similar to parts of wine countries in Europe or Napa California, you will fall in love with the rolling hills, the vineyards, the beaches, and the wine itself! Even if you are not a wine person, many of the vineyards also offer food. Plus, there are several lovely beaches and a beautiful lighthouse at the end!
If you want a guided wine tour, brewery tour or bike tour visit this website for more information.
If you only have time for one winery, this one has it all. It has a beautiful view of the vines with the water in the distance. Also, there is a Secret Garden with a lavender field you can walk through. Go here for more information and to make a reservation (highly recommend).
The Wine Trail on Old Mission Peninsular has 12 different wineries. Depending on how much time and interest you have, you can stop all of them or just a few. Each one is unique and has its own charm. Here are some examples:
Chateau Chantal has a romantic European feel to it.
Peninsula Cellars is run out of an old schoolhouse!
For more details about the others go here .
For some time in the sun, head to Haserot Beach. Some people like to snorkel here!
As your last stop on the Old Mission drive, visit the Mission Point Lighthouse. Depending on the time of year, and day, the museum may or may not be open. Either way, the beach and the grounds are beauitful to walk around and soak up some history of the area!
For more information go here.
To end your last day in Traverse City, enjoy your dinner with a martini and live jazz at Poppycock's.
Today, you will drive to the quaint and magical town of Charlevoix. This will be your base for the next 4 nights. Once you check in to your accomodation, park your car and walk around. Welcome to Charlevoix, Mighigan's whimsical fairytale town! It may be small, but it's charm is great! Get to know the area and end with an iconic Michigan sunset!
Walk around the beautiful downtown. With views of the marina, you'll be sure to always have something interesting to watch! Come by East Park during the summer for the weekly farmer's market!
Take a relaxing walk to this iconic Charlevoix Restaurant, right on the water. This is one of the only commericial buildings designed by famous architect Earl Young. You'll be learning more about him throughout your stay. The beautiful wavy roof and unique fireplace are sure to catch your eye! Try their whitefish, fresh caught from the lake, with views of ships passing through the canal.
Take a walk to the beach to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan.
This accomodation is perfect for walking to all the shops and restaurants!
Today you will to dive into the fairytale-like whimsy and history of Charlevoix. You'll learn about Earl Young and his mushroom houses, while spending the morning in a real castle!
Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds at Castle Farms. Stop in the pub for a drink, wander through the Enchanted Forest, and get lost in the history of the place!
You can take a guided tour, or self guided. The tram ride really helps you see the beautiful gardens!
For ticket information, visit here.
This is a good place to stop and get a bite to eat for lunch. Enjoy some BBQ!
After lunch, walk over to the Mushroom HouseTours.
To get your tickets, visit here.
Hop in a golf cart and tour through the historic streets of houses and other buildings designed by the architect Earl Young. Listen to the incredible stories of how these houses came to be.
Just a quick walk away, head to the quaint ode to Charlevoix history. You'll learn more about the history of this intriguing town at the historical society. See if you can find the connections to Earnest Hemingway!
Make sure to check their open hours here.
Spend the day rock hunting at the beach, then check out the local art center and end the day with a nice dinner date.
Stop by Cafe Meria for a quick but unique breakfast and coffee. Their croffles are a favorite! Also, it may be a good idea to grab something to go for a picnic lunch later.
For a beautiful, pristine beach, head out the Fisherman's Island State park for a hike, or a picnic on the sand!
Take a little stroll around town and soak up local culture by checking out the artwork in the Circle of Arts!
Now it is time for a nice dinner. Terry's is a great date night spot with incredible, fresh, local food!
It's your last night here. What will you do to celebrate?
Take a drive to the lovely town of Petoskey. It's quite a bit bigger than Charlevoix. There's so much to do! You'll enjoy its natural beauty, with many parks, trails, as well as its quaint hills, shops, and streets.
If you want you can park at your accomodation and walk around this city.
Park in Bay Park. If you wish to learn more about the history, you can go inside the Little Traverse Historical Society. You'll find more Hemingway connections there. For information about the museum, go here . Take a stroll through the tunnel, up to the streets of downtown Pestoskey.
Check out the City Park Grill for a meal, formerly known as the Annex, a frequent Hemingway haunt!
The home of a Michigan classic, Kilwin's is a must for chocolate lovers. Here you will find decadate chocolate ice cream, fudge and a plethora of other delectable treats!
There are many beautiful parks in Petosky, but this is THE place to enjoy an amazing sunset!
Today you will start with a delicious and hearty breakfast before exploring a beautiful state park! End the day with a relaxing dinner with a view.
Before setting off on your adventure stop at Julienne Tomatoes for a wholesome and fresh breakfast. You might even want to take a sandwich to go for a picnic lunch!
Now head to the famous Petoskey State Park and enjoy the beach. You might be lucky and find some Petoskey stones! Then, take a hike through the woods.
After a day of hard work hiking, it's time to sit back, relax, enjoy your last night in Petosky with a glass of wine and a meal at the beautiful Palette Bistro. Be sure to make a reservation here .
Today is your day to slowly make your way back to Traverse City for your flight tomorrow. This is your chance to cover any ground that you missed.
Whether you want to spend a bit more time in Petosky, Charlevoix, or Traverse City you have the flexiblity to choose! Below are some ideas to choose from!
If you want to see more of Petoskey, you can explore the rapids and hiking trails at Bear River Valley Recreation.
If you happen to be here during the autumn season, the Tunnel of Trees is a gorgeous tree lined winding road that goes through small towns. You'll have to turn around and come back the same way once you are ready.
Just off the East Park in Charlevoix, you can take the 2 hr ferry ride to Beaver Island, America's emerald isle. For information on departure times and rates, go here.
While you did get to explore Old Mission Peninsula, you didn't get to explore much of Leelenau Peninsula. Full of 20 more wineries, lots of beaches and the beautiful Grand Traverse Lighthouse, it's definitely worth a stop! For more details about the vineyards go here.
Today you will head to the airport. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time!
Drop off your rental car at the airport and then fly to your next destintation! I hope you enjoyed your magical stay in northern Lower Peninsular Michigan. Come back again soon!
Enjoy the memories from your fairytale getaway in northern Michigan!
