FRESH ADVENTURES
ON LAND AND SEA
Fennville to Traverse City
Your Adventure Begins Here
You could spend an entire week lounging on Lake Michigan’s beaches (and that would be perfectly wonderful!) or take the pulse of its character-filled beach towns by exploring deeper. These 11 outdoorsy destinations highlight what makes this stretch of coastline purely magical.
1 Virtue Cider, Fennville Orchards abound in Michigan’s southwest corner. At Virtue, local apples become beautifully tart barrel-aged drinks. Take a glass with you to the shade garden and stroll the farm grounds where owner Gregory Hall’s team grows heirloom veggies and raises heritage-breed pigs and chickens.
3 Wickwood Inn, Saugatuck Nothing says welcome to this vibrant little town like a luxe, cozy stay. The team behind this 1937 Colonial Revival home delivers hospitality with a capital “H,” serving delicious farm-to-table breakfasts and keeping the 11 uniquely appointed guest rooms and suites glistening. Lounge in the meticulously manicured gardens as you plot your path to Saugatuck’s walkable district of shops, art galleries and other coastal treasures just waiting to be discovered.
4
Windmill Island Gardens, Holland
When Tulip Time marks Holland’s emergence from winter in early May, hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive for nine days of Dutch tradition. But when the wooden shoes go back on the shelf, the parking lots clear at favorite attractions, including this spot straight out of a fairy tale. The De Zwaan windmill, moved here from the Netherlands, anchors the lush gardens and still grinds winter wheat and corn.
5 Noto’s at the Bil-Mar, Grand Haven Grand Haven’s beach, lighthouse, musical fountain and lakefront cuisine make this town a must-stop along Lake Michigan. Sicilian-centric fare comes with a side of water views at Noto’s. Try their wood-fired truffle and mushroom pizza with three cheeses or opt for the oregano-seasoned salmon Vesuvio.
6 Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, Muskegon Consider this your spring training for winter luging: a 320-foot track (sans ice) and a specially designed wheeled luge. Once you’ve navigated the two banked turns of this only track of its kind in North America, you’ll be ready to come back in the cooler months to tackle the real deal: a 650-foot-long course where riders reach speeds of 30 mph.
8North Channel Brewing Company, Manistee Beautiful blues envelop this charming town, thanks to Lake Michigan, Manistee River and Manistee Lake. You can score delightful brews here too. Steps from the town’s iconic drawbridge, North Channel’s craft lineup includes Sawmill Stout, Salt City Blonde and Lighthouse Lager, all homages to the town’s heritage.
9Mundos Roasting & Company, Traverse City With so much to see in Traverse City and on its adjacent peninsulas (Leelanau and Old Mission), you’ll want to get caffeinated. Four area Mundos locations serve Joe with sustainably sourced beans. Not into coffee? Order the Mint Matcha Latte with stone- ground matcha and house-made mint syrup.
10Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, Traverse City No trip to the Traverse City region is complete without a few licks of freshly made ice cream as you thank the cows for providing this sweet treat while they roam the pasture. More than 150 rotating flavors include Mocha Mudslide, Lemon Poppyseed Muffin and Cherries Moobilee, which celebrates the abundant cherry harvests of northwest Michigan.
11
Nauti-Cat Cruises,
Traverse City
A peaceful catamaran cruise
on West Grand Traverse Bay
provides a fitting farewell
to your Sunset Coast
adventure. As the sun dips
below the horizon, enjoy
a complimentary glass of
champagne to toast your
western Michigan journey
and all of the unforgettable moments along the way.
Grand Rapids to Detroit
Pair a signature attraction with a fabulously fuss-free dining destination in Michigan’s four largest cities.
Come hungry.
Fennville to Traverse City
The fun always shines along Michigan’s Sunset Coast. Start with fresh cider in Fennville and follow a path where good eats and gorgeous scenery reign.
Seek adventure.
Traverse City to Mackinac Island
Discover a ribbon of harbor towns and villages that lure you to stay awhile. The only rule here: Slow down to soak it all in.
Prepare to unwind.
