Michigan is autumns main character

As a lover of the Summer months, I hate seeing them come and go with Winter inching closer and closer bringing with it the cold, harsh weather Michigan gets 7+ months out of the year. But for a brief moment nestled between Summer and Winter, Michigan hits primetime. Photos of Autumn in Michigan seem like a technicolor dream, but they are very much a beautiful reality. If you ever find yourself in Michigan for the fall months, there is no better place to see this beauty than in the Traverse City region, or "up north" as us Michiganders tend to call the region.

Old Mission Peninsula

This large peninsula jutting into gorgeous Lake Michigan seems out of place in the midwest. With sprawling vineyards and rolling green hills, it seems more like you are in Napa Valley, rather than Michigan. The roadways within this peninsula are my goto road trip drive, especially beautiful in the fall. While exploring the peninsula, be sure to stop and have lunch at the Jolly Pumpkin, the perfect spot for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

This roughly 7.5 mile road loops through densely packed forest and huge sand dunes within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The highlight of this drive is the Lake Michigan Overlook, which sits 450 feet above Lake Michigan. It is an incredible view to take in at sunset!

Glen Haven

Just north of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the tiny village of Glen Haven. This is the perfect spot to walk along the pebble filled shores of Lake Michigan to try and find a Petoskey stone. More likely than not the only sound you will hear will be the waves lapping against the shore. This secluded beach is one of my favorites to visit in the fall, far away from the crowds.