Many of you may have a bucket list, and maybe it focuses on your passion. Did you know that many of those passions can be fed right here in Northern Michigan? Whether you are interested in food and wine, sports, or the beauty and wonder of nature, many activities in Northern Michigan should be on your bucket list. Here are just a few to get you started.
Wine Tasting on the 45th Parallel
Wine aficionados know that many great wine regions cluster around the 45th parallel. But you do not have to travel to Italy’s Piedmont region or Bordeaux, France to experience grapes grown halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Taste some of the best wine in the world on a tasting tour of Old Mission peninsula or Grand Traverse county wineries.
Spend a day or a weekend traveling out Highway 37 tasting wine and enjoying the beautiful views of Grand Traverse Bay from the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. Start at Black Star Farms which offers 45 wines, ciders and spirits. Chateau Chantal is a sprawling operation where you can enjoy cooking classes and live music, or spend the evening in their bed and breakfast. Located at the end of the trail, 2Lads Winery specializes in sparkling wines.
There are also many wineries closer to Traverse City. Try The Rove Estate which sits on the highest point in Leelanau County and has been family-owned for 130 years.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
A peaceful, but thrilling ride in a hot air balloon is the perfect way to view the beautiful lakes, forests, and coastline of Northern Michigan. Come to see the bright fall color from the sky, or visit in the spring when the cherry trees are blooming. You will enjoy the view anytime from May to October. Balloon ride outfitters offer rides with a group in 10-person baskets and romantic, private experiences in a four-person basket.
Friday Night Lights
Maybe attending a Superbowl or the Rose Bowl is on your bucket list, but why not see a football game where the game has been played since American football was invented. Three high schools play under the Friday night lights at Thirlby Field in Traverse City, Michigan. The stadium was built in 1934, but the Traverse City Trojans have been playing football on the field since 1896. The West Titans and the St. Francis Gladiators also play at Thirlby. Most tickets are less than ten dollars.
Historic Dining
Northern Michigan is famous for delicious treats from Traverse City cherries to Mackinac Island fudge, but you can also find some iconic restaurants that would make any foodies bucket list. Try the Legs Inn in Cross Village where the Smolak family has been serving Polish cuisine for more than 100 years. Or drop by Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor and enjoy their famous burgers under a ceiling of hundreds of college and sports pennants. Though Art is not there anymore, the tavern has been open since 1934.
Natural Beauty
If experiencing the grandeur and spectacle of nature is high on your bucket list, there are a few spots in Northern Michigan you can not miss. Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which Good Morning America called “The Most Beautiful Place in America.” in 2011. Experience the dreamlike Tunnel of Trees by car or bicycle. A canopy of hardwoods surrounds the 20-mile stretch of M-119 which runs along a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Now that you are ready to make some memories in Michigan, pick up just the right outfit for your adventure at Livnfresh, the home of Michigan inspired clothing and accessories.
via Livnfresh Blog|The Coolest State Apparel Co. https://blog.livnfresh.com/bucket-list-for-northern-michigan/