Location: Coloma
Day 1 - 4 Oct 2019
The Chocolate Garden
Content: We loaded our bags and started our journey towards Lake Michigan from Chicago, after 2 hours of drive we took a stop at a place named The Chocolate Garden. It is lovely garden front chocolate shop where we took a tasting tour, the truffle were super delicious, smooth and flavorful.
Location: South Haven
Day 1 - 4 Oct 2019
South Haven Light
Content: Heading further with a 30 min drive we reached South Haven Light, which is a light house and entrance to Black river. Beautiful place to take a walk from the shopping district all the way to the lake shore towards South Haven Marina and Light house. A good way to exercise while enjoying the view. Place was clean and well maintained, this iconic piece represents Michigan's history. Place was crowded though.
Location: Holland
Day 1 - 4 Oct 2019
Windmill Restaurant
Content: With an hour drive from South haven we took a stop at a traditional American restaurant in Holland for lunch. Had hash brown omelette and cinnamon rolls, taste was excellent and portion were generous, service was quick.
Holland Harbor Lighthouse
Content: Further we took a stop at our last destination for the day before reaching Grand Haven. Holland Harbour Lighthouse is also known as Big red, it was small and beautiful. However when you google, it does take you to the beach instead of the actual walkway to the lighthouse. Visiting during sunset time is recommended.
Location: Grand Haven
Day 1 - 4 Oct 2019
Shoreline Inn & Conference C, Ascend Hotel Collection
Content: We reached Grand Haven where we checked in to a waterfront hotel, the infrastructure seems to be luxurious, rooms where cozy and offered excellent lake view and staff was cooperative too.
Location: Ludington
Day 2 - 5 Oct 2019
Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Content: Grabbing some snacks we started our drive towards Big Sable Point which is a lighthouse located an hour away from Grand Haven. Had a short hike through the beach and reached the lighthouse. There are ship wreck sign which is now abandoned and not in use. Light house was well maintained and beautiful and offered some stunning scenic views.
Location: Manistee
Day 2 - 5 Oct 2019
Manistee North Pier Head
Content: Driving further for about 1 hour we again visited another light house. Later we walked to the lighthouse which was a beautiful walk to the end of the pier. Beach was huge and offered some amazing scenic photos. There was plenty of parking available.
Location: Arcadia
Day 2 - 5 Oct 2019
Inspiration Point
Content: Further with a short drive we reached Inspiration Point which is the highest point on the shore of west Michigan and offers some beautiful view of lake and surrounding topography. We hiked to the top and then climbed the stairs which offered some great breathtaking views of the lake. There are limited parking available.
Location: Maple city
Day 2 - 5 Oct 2019
Pyramid Point Trail head
Content: With an hour drive we reached our last destination for the day which was Pyramid point, hiking through the sands we reached the cliff which offered some spectacular views of the lake and islands. Need appropriate shoes to hike.
Location: Traverse
Day 2 - 5 Oct 2019
Hotel Indigo Traverse City
Content: Reached our final destination and checked-in to a hotel. Location was great and rooms were huge and clean, staff was very friendly. We just felt an issue that rooms were not sound proof so till late night we heard sounds of furniture moving out from the room above us.
Location: Traverse
Day 3 - 6 Oct 2019
Leland
Content: After breakfast with a 30 min drive we reached Leland which is a historic fishing village, we walked around the streets passing through the shops and marina. Place was overcrowded and there was nothing much to explore.
Tandem Ciders winery
Content: Later we planned to dedicate our day for vine tasting so with a short 10 min drive we visited Tandem Ciders winery. At wine tasting tour, each ciders were strong and unique in taste. We personally loved Cherry Tart Wine which was great and a good blend. Staff was very attentive and knowledgeable, seating arrangement was not appropriate.
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn
Content: Heading further with 1 hour drive we reached Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn. The service and hospitality was wonderful, a good place for sweet vine lovers, we personally loved the bubbly cherry wine.
2 Lads Winery
Content: Next to Chateu winery was a 2 Lads winery where we had our lunch sipping some of the best wines offered. It was a nice winery with beautiful views of lake. We bought a Pinot Grigio from here which we tried and loved while having our lunch.
Cherry Republic
Content: Returned back and visited Cherry Republic which is known as Americas cherry cupboard which offers around 150 cherry products and wines. We were amazed by having a look at a variety of cherry products, well arranged and displayed.
Location: Charlevoix
Day 4 - 7 Oct 2019
Charlevoix South Pier Light Station
Content: With a delicious breakfast started our morning driving towards Charlevoix which was 1 hour away from hotel. Here we visited Charlevoix South Pier Light Station, it is a small red colored light house which offered great Michigan lake view.
Location: Petoskey
Day 4 - 7 Oct 2019
Bayfront Park
Content: Driving further for about 30mins we reached Bayfront park which was a Former industrial site along little traverse bay which is now converted to sports fields. It is a great small park consisting of flowering bushes which enhance the beauty, loved the waterfalls. Park is well maintained, and drinking water facility is available here.
Legs Inn
Content: Later after 30 min drive in the Petoskey city itself we took a stop for our lunch. Restaurant was well located, ambiance was great and scenery outside was beyond beautiful. Food was fantastic and hospitality was great too.
Location: Mackinaw
Day 4 - 7 Oct 2019
Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City
Content: Taking a 30 min drive we checked-in to a hotel in Mackinaw city. Conveniently located close to attractions, rooms were clean and decent in size, mountain view from room was a plus, service was bit on a slower side.
Location: Paradise
Day 4 - 7 Oct 2019
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Content: Dropping off-our luggage we reached Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Here we visited lower and upper falls both were beautiful and clean, we trailed and stopped at many points for different views. There are many way towards the falls which is perfect for everyone visiting it. Later we returned back to our hotel.
Location: Mackinaw
Day 5 - 8 Oct 2019
Mackinac Island
Content: After breakfast boarded a ferry and by passing under the Mackinac Bridge, we reached Mackinac island which represents wide variety of architectural styles. A spectacular place to feel the nature as there is a ban on motor vehicles, so we rented a cycle and strolled around the island.
Arch Rock
Content: While walking through the streets of the island we reached Arch rock which is a famous rock formation on the island. While looking to the crystal clear water through the arch is an amazing experience, and a carriage ride here is a must try activity.
Fort Holmes
Content: At last we visited Fort Holmes which is a fortified earthen redoubt located on the highest point of Mackinac Island. A hike to the highest point was definitely worth it and was fun. It is reconstructed and well managed.
Darrow's Family Restaurant
Content: Returned back and visited a local family restaurant for our dinner, tried white fish and onion rings both were amazing in taste, staff was knowledgeable and helpful. Price were affordable.
Location: Munising
Day 6 - 9 Oct 2019
Jack's
Content: Early in the morning we jumped back into our car and taking one hour drive and visited a cafe where we took a take away of burgers and coffee which we enjoyed while our journey back to Chicago.
Location: Gulliver
Day 6 - 9 Oct 2019
Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse
Content: Started our morning with a 2 hour drive to Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse which is a operational Light on the Northern shores of Lake Michigan. It is well maintained and attractive lighthouse, climbed up the spiral stairs to the lighthouse for a magnificent view.
Location: Munising
Day 6 - 9 Oct 2019
Wagner Falls
Content: Heading further with an hour's drive and a short walk we reached Wagner falls. The location is close to the road and walk is short and easy. It’s a beautiful hidden scenic site for clicking some decent pictures.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Content: With a short drive reached Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and took a short boat ride and saw some colourful sandstone cliffs lining the southern shore. A good place to relax and enjoy the beauty sailing on the water.
Holiday Inn Express Munising-Lakeview
Content: Checked-in to lakeside hotel. The rooms were clean and fantastic which offered amazing lake view, staff was super friendly and helpful. Place is overpriced but it is worth the stay.
Pictured Rocks Pizza
Content: Visited a local pizza chain for dinner, the pizza were perfectly topped and baked same as the way we like. Staff was very attentive and customer service was great. Price was affordable.