travelgal22

Hi! Looking for a fun/romantic/ relaxing route to take in pretty fall scenery, wineries, breweries, etc on our route to picture rocks for our honeymoon. Traveling from Chicago and open to Wisconsin route or Michigan route. Traveling early October. Where are some suggested stops on the way? Likely not doing whole trip in one day, willing to stop somewhere along the way. Also flexible on route back home. Thinking about a week to travel. Any advice appreciated! Thanks!

tomfuller

https://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
I had to check on where this was. On the way back, you might want to check out Door County Wisconsin.

Keith

If you are open to it, I would drive up through Michigan and back through Wisconsin (or vice versa).

Visit Sleep Bear Sand Dunes and some Traverse City area wineries on the way up and stay the night in the TC area. Pick up bottles of wine for your 1st & 5th anniversaries.

Go on to Mackinac Island the following day. If it isn't a Friday or Saturday night, there should be some hotel bargains, maybe a nice B&B.

Then on to Munising the following day. If you aren't planning to day trip to Tahquamenon Falls during your stay, be sure to stop on the way up. They are spectacular with Fall colors. http://www.mightymac.org/tahquamenonfalls.htm

The colors don't change at the same time each year, but this route will have peak colors at different times at different locations and you should hit impressive colors somewhere along the route.

Bitter

Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin has some nice rocks including an arch of sorts.

travelgal22

Keith thank you so much! Is one night sufficient you think per each area? Would TC be worth two?

Thanks!

Keith

You could easily fill a second day in the Traverse City area, but if I was adding a 2nd night somewhere on the way up during my honeymoon, I would do that at Mackinac Island. It is a magical place, particularly in the evenings after most of the daytripers leave.

In addition to the things the Island is more known for, there is a vibrant night life, with live entertainment at several of the downtown bars. With two nights, you might do the downtown one evening and take dress clothes to spend the other evening at the Grand Hotel. This was an evening we spent there three years ago: http://www.mightymac.org/mackinac2014/14mackinac14.htm

During the drive up, I recomend turning off US31 on the far side of Petoskey and following M-119, which includes a "Tunnel of Trees" along a bluff overlooking (at times) Lake Michigan. In Cross Village, have a meal at Legs Inn, a cool quirky old old family bar with wonderful Polish food. If you aren't there at meal time, have a dessert.

travelgal22

Keith thank you so much! This is very helpful!