We got a head start on our Summer vacationing
With COVID protocols still in high-gear, we decided to do another road trip; this time throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Neither of us had ever gone, and that was as good of an excuse as we needed to create a list of things to do, pack some essentials, and get on the open road...
Starting from Chicago, wanting to cover as much ground as possible, we decided to drive up on the Wisconsin-side. (coming home on the Michigan-side)
I had never driven so far north in the State of Wisconsin before; after you get past Milwaukee and the dreary land of Green Bay (Bears fan here) The Great lake waters truly begin to shine. Our first attraction of day 1 was an area called "Pictured Rocks". Located in Munising, MI, Pictured Rocks National National Lakeshore offers beautiful landscapes including sandstone cliffs, woodlands and beaches. With nearly 100 miles of trails to hike, we were able to pick a few that offered plush greenery and colorful wildflowers throughout.
Day two brought us further east on the Michigan side, where we swapped our car for a boat ride, taking us to Mackinac Island. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, the island was historically home to indigenous Odawa, before European colonization began in the 17th century. Before it became a Summer tourist destination of today, "Fort Mackinac" was largely used by the British in the Revolutionary War and was also the site of two battles during the War of 1812, where the British took control of the island before giving it back via the Treaty of Ghent in 1815.
NOWADAYS Mackinac Island is known more for it's extensive tourism; functioning as an "all natural" theme park Park, where visitors can see Victorian-era architecture, mesmerizing terrain & wildlife, and a great small-town shopping district with some of the best fudge I've ever tasted. Bring your walking shoes though; although the island is only 8 miles around there are no automobiles allowed on the island. Everywhere you travel is by foot, bike rental, or horse and buggy.
The one unfortunate event of our day-trip, on our way off the island, a historic building caught fire. Most of the buildings on Mackinac Island are built of wood, a few are of stone, and when this building caught fire it went up QUICK. The fire and rescue team appeared to get there rapidly but we were well on our way off the island before I got word of what became of the structure.
Headed back towards Chicago down the Michigan-side, we received a tip from our hotel concierge of an attraction to drive through called, Tunnel of Trees. This might have been my favorite part of entire trip. The Tunnel of Trees, off M-119 near Petoskey (north end), is aptly named as your slow-cruise will passage through Hardwoods and Evergreens that look as if they're woven around the road. Driving through this enchanted forest you will also see some of the most beautiful, architecturally unique Lake Houses & A-Frame Cabins in the world. You can make the trip in about an hour and I would strongly recommend adding it to your list!
Finally, we stopped over in Traverse City to finish out the trip. Not knowing much about the city, I was completely blown away by the natural attractions, which included freshwater beaches, vineyards and forests, not to mention the vibrant community-oriented life emanating from the people. This was a town that you could tell the residents were passionate about preserving, growing, and promoting. There are apparently several celebrities with vacation homes in the area as well (if you're into that) as there are also renowned restaurants and skiing in the area.
If I could have changed anything it would have been to spend at least 48 hours checking out the entire city, but like usual, we ran out of time and had to get back to our regular work-lives. We'll prepare properly next time, but until then...I'm comin' home, baby!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Never leave home without the proper music to accompany. -like pairing wine w/ dinner- The playlist below was built specifically for this itinerary.
Turtles All the Way Down -S. Simpson
I Just Want To Celebrate - Rare Earth
I Want A New Drug - Huey Lewis & News
Keep the Car Running - Arcade Fire
Rapunzel - Dave Matthews Band
Sound and Vision - David Bowie
No Room in Frame - Death Cab For Cutie
Someone to Lose - Wilco
Signs, High Times - Tedeschi Trucks Band
Another World - Joe Jackson
My Maria - Brooks & Dunn
Backaway - Brian Protheroe
Never Going Back - Caveman
Cuttooth - Radiohead
Burning - The War Or Drugs
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