Back in October, Matt and I took a trip into northern Michigan! Our weekend started in Petoskey (after a beautiful wedding of course). Throughout our entire week up in the peninsula, we explored the beautiful trails full of fall colors and gorgeous lake blues.

I had been wanting to take a trip to Mackinaw Island for the LONGEST time, and since we were already up that way, we decided why not explore it all?! Enjoy reading my travel blog from 2021, it was simply amazing and full of so many memories.

PETOSKEY

Our biggest goal for Petoskey was to see the tunnel of trees…but that didn’t really work out. The season seemed like it hadn’t started on time this year so the trees were still pretty green. Despite that little bump, we didn’t let that stop us.

We explored the northern side of the city first. My favorite spot was this quaint little beach called Stugeon Bay, it was so peaceful. I could hear the small waves crashing while looking out at the reflective water. This was our first stop before a big wedding day and we wanted to take advantage of the city while we were there.

We had heard of Petoskey stones so a quick google search that led us to a popular beach that would roll the stones onto shore. We actually found a handful!! Successful mission.

The day after the wedding, we really got to explore the town of Petoskey! We explored the historic district with a cup of coffee from Roast and Toast warming our hands (and bellies!) Stopping in about every single shop, even one specifically for dogs, it was so much fun. Ended our downtown hang out by grabbing some famous Petoskey Pretzels (SO GOOD BTW). Before leaving, we visited Bayfront Park which was super windy but so beautiful. Matt even made friends with a few ducks (they thought he had food)! After that, it was time to make our drive towards St Ignace to check into our hotel.

PICTURED ROCKS PT 1

We wanted to view Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in every way possible…so we started with a cruise!! It took us a few hours to drive up there and when we got there…it started off rough. We were one of the last ones to board the boat (15 mins early is late by the way…heh). And so with a late boarding means not the best seats…I was in a nasty mood to say the least. Especially when I heard the captain say that you cannot stand when the boat is in motion…or so I thought.

But Matt and I conquered this challenge by going down to the viewing deck. Turns out you could stand there just not anywhere else. So we stood the entire cruise and it was honestly the best view on that boat. From the colorful rocks to the many blue hues of the water, it was a top favorite memory of mine from this trip.

After our cruise, we had some more time so we took a quick hike towards a beach on the lakeshore, such a cute little memory.

MACKINAW ISLAND PT 1

The day I had been dreaming of had finally arrived, visiting the iconic Mackinaw Island. The forecast called for rain the night before but by morning it was gone! So we just went with it. We took the ferry around lunch time so we got to the island hungry! When I finally got to enter into the island, it was like Disney’s Main Street. The colorful buildings, busy roads filled with people and the clacking of hooves from the horses. It was magical to say the least.

We rented bikes (it had been our first time riding since we were both kids). It was so fun and now I need a bike in my life again!! We started on the left side of the island going counter-clockwise. My favorite part were the white rocks against the bright blue water, crashing onto the surface. We stopped at Arch Rock, a few beaches and then once we reached the forest area…it started to rain. We decided to leave the island without shopping, knowing we would come back later in the week.

TAHQUAMENON FALLS

I had heard in the past about these falls, I didn’t set my expectations high (because we had seen quite the waterfalls in Hawaii and I just know nothing could compare) and I’m somewhat relieved I didn’t expect much of the falls honestly. It was pretty cool but I feel like it’s one of those stops that you go to just to say you’ve been there.

It was beautiful, the fall colors were prime in spots, which was such a relief! We did a few small hikes to get different views of the falls and the less busier one was the best one shockingly enough.

On our way back, we were determined to find a tunnel of fall colors…it was tough and it shouldn’t have been because we went during PRIME TIME! I found a cute little house painted dark blue with the words ‘Holiday House’ on it…reminded me of Taylor Swift so we HAD to stop and take a photo. And then on our adventure to finding colors…it finally happened. But it was off the road and pretty sure it was a snowmobile path…it was sketchy but SO worth it!

PICTURED ROCKS PT 2

Before heading out into the big world of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, we stopped at this cute little breakfast spot called Java Joe’s! It was full of locals, unique teapots, and the hustle of two owners who love and care for every single customer.

We had stopped at one lookout and a couple passed us and said, “KEEP GOING, YOU WONT REGRET IT!” We were unsure because it started to get late and the sun was getting low…but we kept going. We had reached the coolest view ever…even saw the cruise we were on pass by. I couldn’t recommend this hike enough, it was so awesome!

But when we decided to start heading back…my head became fuzzy. I couldn’t tell where the path was…soon enough we ended up too close to a cliff, I about passed out looking over it. But I was trying so hard to find our original trail…between the leaves, my anxiety setting in, poor Matt is all I’m gonna say. The hike back wasn’t the greatest but the hike in general, it was worth it. We got back to the car right in time and made it home safely.

MACKINAW ISLAND PT 2

Our last day on vacation was well spent. The weather turned out to be absolutely beautiful just like the entire day. We hopped on an early ferry so we could get the most outta the island once and for all. We arrived, picked up coffee at the Lucky Bean, grabbed our bikes, and started riding clockwise…we stopped for some more drinks, posed for some cute photos, and dropped off our bikes so we could explore the little town.

We spent most of our shopping looking for hoodies (and going to Joann’s fudge, best shop on the island.) But after that, we grabbed dinner at Seabiscuit Cafe. We took a ferry home in the rain, it was freezing because I wanted to be spontaneous and sit on the open deck…no regrets over here.

This trip was one for the books and I couldn’t recommend northern Michigan enough. Thank you so much for reading this lengthy travel blog, I hope I gave ya some ideas for your next trip up north!