Can you describe Michigan’s northeastern coastal cities? How do they compare to Michigan’s west coast? If I’m driving up Hwy 23 which city would you suggest I stay overnight and spend more time?

I know your post is old... depends on the time of year. In summer, we like Lexington, and the Tawas City area. We go to Tawas every year. I can't help you, much farther north than that along the coast. Cheboygan is really nice - our friends summer there, and post gorgeous photos. Near Oscoda there are a lot of canoe rental places near the Au Sable river. There's a big state park near Tawas where a lot of kite surfers do their thing. The west coast is far more popular though. It has so many people coming from Chicago who have more money. The east coast - "The Sunrise Side" is just charming, everyday folks who like the water. It's just as beautiful, IMO. The golf is way less expensive on the east side, I will say that.