Six Things to do in Michigan Before Fall Ends

Plan a fall camping trip

A little colder than normal? Yeah. Worth it to wake up under a canopy of brilliant yellow and reds? Also yes.

I love waking up on a crisp morning and digging out of the tent only to hear nothing but a crisp crunch under my step. There’s something so simple and refreshing about it. Unlike in the summer where you wake up sweating due to the heat that suffocates you by 9:00am, a fall camping trip is cozy.

 

Drink warm spiced wine

I was first introduced to warm spiced wine at Prost! in Frankenmuth, and ever since it’s been my favorite seasonal drink. I’d consider a special trip back to the area solely for the wine.

Variations of the delicious goodness can be found throughout the state. If you know a place that serves it, drop it in the comments so I can add it to my list!

Take a color tour

A Michigan color tour is basically like a pumpkin-spice latte. It only comes for a few weeks a year, it’s extremely popular, and if you don’t experience it at least once did fall even happen?

Luckily for us, there are numerous places to soak in the color. Here are some of my favorite fall road trip areas:

Caseville to Port Austin

Traverse City to Harbor Springs

Ludington to Leland

Tawas to Mackinaw City

The Porcupine Mountains to Copper Harbor

 

Hit up the beach

If you’re the type of person who thinks the beach is only for summer you are WRONG (and probably the same kind of person who thinks you can’t have ice cream in the winter). Sigh.

Fall provides some incredible Great Lakes spectacles. For example, moody fall clouds often create the best Michigan sunsets of the year. Heavy fall winds make this time of year prime for surfing, kiteboarding, and SUPing on the Great Lakes. To me, nothing quite beats sitting next to a fire on the beach in the crisp fall air.

Go to the UP

For those of you who have recently followed my adventure with Pure Michigan, you know I spent an incredible two weeks journeying through the Upper Peninsula for their #FallandSeek campaign.

I’ve always loved the Upper Peninsula, but on that trip I got to experience some absolutely incredible places. Read all about it here.

If you have yet to experience fall in the Western Upper Peninsula, you must do so. No plans this weekend? I’m expecting you to take off on a spontaneous road trip. From the Porcupine Mountains to the insanely gorgeous Keweenaw Peninsula, you’re sure to find some amazing places along the way.

Go to a brewery concert

And on those days when it’s cold, wet, and rainy, go catch some music and drink a beer. From Short’s to Saugatuck Brewing, Brewery Vivant, or Atwater, there are plenty of options for brews, music, and fun.

It is October, after all, which means Oktoberfest beers are hot on the menu!