Michigan, USA

Pure Michigan

A few years back the State started an advertising and marketing campaign to promote tourism in Michigan. It has been very successful! Michigan is blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the nation's longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like oceans, golden beaches, an abundance of fresh produce straight from the farm, glorious sunrises and sunsets and endless opportunities for recreation. There you will find more than 100 public beaches, some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, stunning multi-colored sandstone cliffs, and two National Lakeshores. Along the shoreline discover 129 lighthouses, numerous maritime museums, ten shipwreck-diving preserves and historic military fortifications.

Saugatuck (pronounced Saw-ga tuck) and Holland

Originally a lumber town and port, Saugatuck, along with the adjacent city of Douglas, became a noted art colony and tourist destination in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century. Today, tourists are drawn to the art galleries, harbor, marinas, scenery, unusual stores, and the view from atop Mount Baldhead.  Eat at the Barge on the water, the white fish dip is a specialty and amazing. The Belvedere Inn and Restaurant is a wonderful bed and breakfast, and owner and chef Shaun makes you feel right at home in this historic property. The grounds are equally as impressive.  Holland, just 15 minutes away, was founded by Dutch Americans and has a large percentage of citizens of Dutch American heritage. The city attracts thousands of visitors each year for its annual Tulip Time Festival, which celebrates the area's Dutch heritage and tulip fields. It has the only imported Dutch windmill in the US and in a village with old world architecture. 

Traverse City

Wine Country! Traverse City is at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, a 32-mile-long bay of Lake Michigan. Grand Traverse Bay is divided into arms by the 18-mile-long Old Mission Peninsula, which is attached at its base to Traverse City. It is nicknamed "the Cherry Capital of the World", as the area surrounding Grand Traverse Bay is a hotspot for cherry production. The city hosts the National Cherry Festival, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Some great wineries we toured included, Black Star Farms, Mari, Bonobo and Chatal.  The Boathouse Restaurant is probably the best food in the area with a lakeside vibe and upscale prices. Everything we had was perfect, especially the fried octopus. I can also highly recommend staying at the Delamar Hotel. On the lake with stunning views and within walking distance of downtown and in-between both peninsulas. 

Mackinac (Mack-a -naw) Island

Mackinac Island has been a destination point for many years. It's a place where the horse is king, where the streets have been car-free for over 100 years. It is a place where life moves at the clip-clop pace of a carriage, and where the noise of day-to-day life is silenced by the delightful ding of a leisurely bicycle bell. You arrive by ferry, and I would suggest Shepler's as they are very accurate and get your bags to your hotel on time. Lots of hotels to choose from, for us it was the historic Island House Hotel. Completely charming with rocking chairs underneath a massive porch. 

The hotel did not disappoint although the interior was very informal for a 4-star hotel.  Be prepared for expensive everything; I was taken aback with costs. A function of two things I imagine, a captive audience and everything has to brought in by boat.  We ate at the popular and historic Pink Pony Restaurant twice and thoroughly enjoyed the fish and chips. The most recognized hotel on the island is the Grand Hotel. Location to a number of movies to include Somewhere in Time, it is perched atop the highest point on the island with the longest / grandest porch in the world. A true 5-star wonder. 

Bay City and Frankenmuth

Bay City is about halfway from Mackinac Island and Detroit, the departure airport on our trip. An historic city undergoing revitalization on the shores of Saginaw River. We stayed at the Webster House, one of the most acclaimed B&B's in the state. The five room suite, the Keep, was perfect for our anniversary. Service and breakfast were impeccable. We had two meals at the waterfront restaurant Boatwerks. Yummy. Just 15 minutes away is the Bavarian themed town of Frankenmuth. It far exceeded our expectations. I've seen a number of Bavarian themed cites and this is by far the most authentic and extremely well done. It even has an upscale resort adjacent to the old town with something for everyone, particularly the kids, a large waterpark. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you occupied for hours. 

We only explored the lower peninsula, and it kept us busy for eight days. We flew in and out of Detroit, which is supposed to be having its own renaissance, Crossing the state was a treat of its own, the countryside was virtually void of billboards and very picturesque. The upper peninsula is much more rural and filled with state parks and waterfalls. Next time.