Page 19 - MARVAC19

MARVAC
Northwest Region
Northern Michigan Driving Tour
Driving Time: 5 hours, 42 minutes • Mileage: 251 miles
Northwest Lower Michigan is STOP #3: GRAND TRAVERSE
LIGHTHOUSE, LEELANAU
grandtraverselighthouse.com
Another lighthouse? Yes! Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Leelanau County is a historic landmark as it’s one of the oldest in the state. From May to September, you can walk through the dwelling and climb the tower for a glorious view. There is also a museum, usually with a special exhibit. A recreation passport is required to enter Leelanau
State Park.
STOP #4: THE BREEZEWAY
www.ridethebreezeway.com
You don’t even need to get out of your RV for this next “stop,” unless you want to, of course. C-48 between Atwood and Boyne Falls is known as “The Breezeway.” The 20 mile-long trek gets you off the highway and into some of the smaller towns off the beaten path, including Ellsworth and East Jordan. There are plenty of scenic overlooks, orchards, artist galleries, and locally owned retail shops along the way. Driving this rural route for a color tour is particularly spectacular.
STOP #5: PETOSKEY FARMS
AND WINERY, PETOSKEY petoskeyfarms.com
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Italy when you reach Petoskey Farms and Winery estate, located just three miles from historic Petoskey. Enjoy a glass of vino out on the deck, where sweeping views of rolling hills, plush vineyards, and blue sky await to give you a magical experience. But it’s not magic; it’s just northern Michigan’s natural charisma.
STOP #6: BOYNE HIGHLANDS SCENIC CHAIRLIFT RIDE, HARBOR SPRINGS boynehighlands.com/activities/ chairlift-rides
The MacGully chairlift at Boyne Highlands is open for more than just skiing and snowboarding. The view from the chairlift is much different without snow and truly captures the essence of Michigan’s splendor. It’s a unique and fun way to see both the surrounding landscape and those in the distance (including, on clear days, the famous Mackinac Bridge, our next stop in this driving tour). Pricing: $5 per person, check website for dates and times.
well-known for its scenic beauty.
That’s why it’s been such a popular summer destination for families for generations. What better way to see all Mother Nature has to offer than by getting in your RV or toad and traveling to these chosen destinations? This driving tour begins in the southern part of the region and works its way up, mostly along the coast, which is a scenic drive in itself.
STOP #1: NORTH BREAKWATER LIGHT, LUDINGTON
Voted one of the top lighthouses to see in the United States by the Weather Channel, the North Breakwater Light at Stearns Park in picturesque Ludington is an ideal way to begin your scenic journey. You can walk the half-mile-long pier to watch the sunset or to wave to passengers on the S.S. Badger car ferry as they begin their voyage across Lake Michigan. It’s a serene spot that helps you tune into the lapping of the waves and the call of the seagulls overhead. There
are lighthouse tours from May through September for $5.
STOP #2: PYRAMID POINT, EMPIRE
To reach this destination, get on highway U.S. 31 or take the more leisurely M-22, known as one of the most beautiful drives in Michigan. After a couple hours in the RV, you’ll be able to stretch your legs by taking a quick walk up the trailhead to Pyramid Point, located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The direct route to the scenic overlook is only 0.6 miles long, but it is hilly. You can do the entire 2.7 mile loop if you want to get a little extra exercise. The view is nothing short of stunning. You’re high above even the birds, with the tantalizing blue of a Great Lake stretching out before you. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring overhead.
MichiganRVandCampgrounds.org 2019 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS 17
PHOTO COURTESY OF PETOSKEYFARMS.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS P. MANN PHOTO COURTESY OF © CANSTOCK PHOTO INC. / SMONTGOM65 PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE