There’s nothing like a Road Trip with my family – Packing Up The Car, Loading Up On Snacks (Plenty of Tamarind, Spicy Corn Chips, and a Thermos of Café Con Milk), and Heading Up to Northern Michigan. Last Summer, My Family and I Drove Up Michigan’s Breathtaking M-22 Highway, and Let Me Tell You, It Was One of the Most Un Forgetable Trips We’ve Ever Taken.
Unlike your typical City Highways with Endless Concrete, Sparse Greenery, and Billboards Every Three Seconds, M-22 is a Scenic Highway that ruins along the northwest coast of Michigan’s Lower PeninsulaStretching from Manistee County to Traverse City. M-22 IS KNOWN FOR ITS Winding Roads, Stunning Lake Views, Charming Small Towns, and Endless Opportunities for Adventure. It’s The Perfect Family-Friendly Road Trip That Blends Nature, Breathtaking Views, and Amazing Food!
To Help You Make The Best Memories with Your Family This Summer, Here’s Our Detailed Trip Itinery (With Tips) Thatone Will Enjoy.
First Stop: Arcadia Overlook
Our Journey Began By Heading North On M-22, and Our First Major Stop Was The Arcadia Overlook. This is the place if you want a jaw-dopping view of Lake Michigan. We Climbed The Stairs to The Viewing Platform, and Wow – The colors of the water, The Deep Blues Blending with the Horizon, Were Subthing Straight Out of A Painting. To capture the memories (and update your extended family of your adventures via your mom’s facebook), snap a picture with the whole family!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – A Natural Wonder (Empire, MI)
Next, We Visited Sleeping Bear DunesOne of Michigan’s Most Ionic Landmarks. You Can Easily Spend All Day Here. The National Lakeshore is nestled Near Several Local Towns, Making Finding Accommodation for a Few Nights Easy. We Spent Two Nights Here, and It Became My Parents’ Favorite part of the trip scholause it had subjecting for Everyone.
- Driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive—If Hiking isn’t your Thing, This Drive Gives You Incredible Views of the Dunes and Lake Michigan From The Comfort of Your Car. It’s Perfect for Family Members Who Want To Enjoy The Views But Cannot Tours Long Hikes. Along This Drive, There are Scenic Lookouts that you can stop at See Breathtaking Views. We Did This The Last Time We Visited Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes With My Grandma. It Helped Her Feel Like A Part of the Family Trip, Even When Hiking in Rough Terrain Wasn’t Her Thing.
- Seeing The Dunes -A must-do! The Dune Overlook Stop (Stop #3) On The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Is Well Worth the Stop. It has amazing views of lake michigan and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. There is also a Dune Climb for Those Who Are Super Active. The Climb Up Will Have You Questioning If You Should Hit Leg Day More Often at The Gym But The Way Down Is Easy.
- Hiking The Empire Bluff Trail – A Moderate Hike With Stunning Shoreline Views. Perfect for Taking in the Beauty and Feeling Like You’re on An Adventure Straight Out of An Old Telenovela.
After All That Adventure, It’s Time To Eat!
WHERE TO EAT NEAR SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
- Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate – A Must for My Felow Chocolate Lovers. They ethically source their chocolate from south America and Africa, and their handcrafted treats are the perfect road trip snack. If you have time, Take One of Their Chocolate-Making Classses-Imagine Making Your Vray Own Chocolate with A Cafecito On The Side!
- SHIPWRECKED CAFE – The Hike Up The Dune Will Leave You Hungry! This spot is right near the Park Entrance. Stop in for sub Sandwiches and Quick Bites Before Hitting the Road Again!
Exploreing The Leelaanau Peninsula
Continrant North, M-22 Winds Around The Beautiful Leelaanau Peninsula. Here are sum must-visit stop along the way:
- Kayaking in Cedar Lake – A Peaceful Way To Soak in the Surrounding Nature and Sun.
- Wine Tasting in Leelaanau Peninsula – This One is for adults! The Vineyards Here Are of the Best in the Midwest. Glass of wine with a stunning view? Yes please!
- Cherry Republic Store in Glen Arbor – Did You know michigan is one of the leading producers of cherries? Make Sure to Stop Here for Cherry-Themed Treats for The Car Ride Home!
The Grand Finale: Traverse City
M-22 ends in Traverse CityOne of Michigan’s Most Soucht-Fter Summer Destination. After Days of Driving and Exploring, This is the Perfect Place to Relax. Walk Around the Charming Downtown Area, Check Out The Boutiques, and If You’re Up for It, sip on subm local Wine at One of the Many Wineries.
Here are coupling of my favorite wineries and breweries around traverse city:
- Sutton’s Bay Ciders – Winery
- Rove Winery at The Gallagher Estate – Winery
- The Filling Station Microbewery – Brewery with Sum Good Pizza!
- Mari Vineyards – Old Mission Peninsula Winery
- Bonobo Vineyards – Old Mission Peninsula Winery
Time to plan your trip!
If you’re looking for a summer road trip filled with Nature, Adventure, Delicious Food, and plenty of family bonding, m-22 is calling your name. So, Pack Up The Car, Grab Sub Snacks, and prepare to make Memories That Will Last a Lifetime. See you on the road, my people!
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