5 ideas for a perfect Michigan fall getaway

Why does summer get all the glory?

Road trips and weekend getaways don’t have to be limited to the warm weather. While the 90-degree temperatures may be in the rearview mirror for 2021, the fun doesn’t have to end. Autumn is a great time to take in the stunning foliage, celebrate the fall harvest, tour Michigan’s unique wineries, craft breweries and cideries and attend seasonal festivals.

As a bonus, you’re also likely to find more comfortable temperatures, bigger travel bargains and smaller crowds.

So, what are you waiting for? Consider these ideas to jumpstart your planning:

Tour Michigan’s wine country

As one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the state, Old Mission Peninsula is home to numerous distinct and well-established wineries. Ever since its first winery was established in 1974, this region, located on the state’s “little pinky” in northwest Lower Michigan, has embraced its rich grape-growing roots.

Old Mission Peninsula received its American Viticultural Areas designation in 1987. Ten wineries produce Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Pinot noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Gewurztraminer in addition to sparkling wines and rare ice wines. They are 2 Lads Winery, Black Star Farms, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Mari Vineyards, Peninsula Cellars and Tabone Vineyards.

Today, the peninsula, which stretches north 19 miles into Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and is a mere three miles wide at its broadest point, draws people to its lush landscapes and award-winning wines.

“Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail is the perfect wine destination for creating a day full of memories with friends or your next weekend retreat. Situated between the East and West Bays, the peninsula offers breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, a lighthouse and farm stands bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables of the season,” said Sherri Campbell Fenton, managing owner of Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay.

Visitors can choose to spend a day touring the Old Mission Peninsula wineries, sampling wines and walking through vineyards or take some extra time to explore the Leelanau Peninsula, where 27 unique wine destinations are located along the Lake Michigan shoreline and West Grand Traverse Bay, also known as the renowned M-22 corridor for its stunning tree-lined route. Rural farms, farm markets, small lakes and amazing views dot this region of the state.

The Inn at Black Star Farms, said Campbell Fenton, features a rural winery and equestrian estate that USA Today’s Reader’s Choice awarded Best Wine Country Hotel 2020. Black Star Farms, she said, has locations on both Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas – the only winery with this distinction.

“The fall colors and views are incredible at both.  In the fall, it is especially fun to visit wineries because of harvest activity.  Black Star Farms produces our white wines on Old Mission, and our reds in Leelanau—so there is constant activity at both during the mid to latter part of September into early November,” said Campbell Fenton.

Enjoy Oktoberfest

Frankenmuth, known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year – and many do for chicken dinners, great shopping and scenic views of the Cass River. However, during autumn, this mid-Michigan haven transforms into something truly special.

“The fall is especially nice with all of the mums and the Oktoberfest vibe,” said Jamie Furbus, president/CEO, Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There is a scarecrow competition among businesses that compliments a weekend event making it very festive regardless of if you’re shopping or enjoying some outdoor dining at many of the great eateries that feature heated patios.”

She said September is one of the city’s busier festival months with the Frankenmuth Autofest and Oktoberfest. Many people also visit Bronner’s, the World’s Largest Christmas store, to kickstart preparations for the holiday season.

Visitors who want to view the colorful fall foliage without traveling for hours will get an up-north feel in Frankenmuth and be rewarded with breathtaking views thanks to a new River Walk that Furbus said is a beautiful place for a stroll adjacent to downtown shopping and dining.

“You can also swing through the trees as the colors begin to change at the Frankenmuth Aerial Park,” she said.

Explore Petoskey

If you’re looking for an easy getaway from Oakland and Macomb counties, the Petoskey area may be just the ticket. It’s about a four-hour drive, yet it will feel like a world away, said Diane Dakins, assistant director, Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.

“Early fall (Labor Day through September) means guests can really expand their summer with many of the same activities available, but with less people around,” she said. “Shopping, family-owned farm markets, intimate wineries and a world of outdoor activities make the Petoskey Area, including the communities of Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Alanson, Boyne City/Boyne Falls and Harbor Springs, the perfect Pure Michigan Escape.”

Spotty color usually starts to appear in late September and peaks the second to third week of October offering visitors the perfect colorful backdrop as they explore the region.

Hikers and bicyclists will love Petoskey’s multiple trails that have varying degrees of difficulty so everyone can enjoy them. The trails are optimal for viewing fall colors in nature.

“Some people may be up for late season kayaking or hitting the trails on an ATV. Eighteen holes of world-class golf are even more special when the rates have dropped and the colors have increased,” said Dakins, “and for those who may want a bird’s eye view of the reds, yellows and oranges, we recommend a zipline adventure or scenic chairlift ride.”

Discover Harbor Springs and the Tunnel of Trees

The iconic Tunnel of Trees is a pleasant scenic drive through M-119 in northern Michigan. It starts just outside of Petoskey in Harbor Springs and meanders for nearly 20 miles, ending at the historic Legs Inn, a restaurant serving up Polish specialties and Great Lakes whitefish in Cross Village.

“It is just a beautiful place to be,” said Bonnie P. Kulp, executive director of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. “There are warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights in the autumn.”

The Tunnel of Trees is more than just a drive. There are plenty of scenic overlooks, cute shops, tasty restaurants and historical pit stops along the way for families to stretch their legs and explore.

Kulp said the winding road is stunning with its canopy of colorful trees in the fall, but there are also places to hike along the way. Little Traverse Conservancy is a hidden gem, she said, which offers hiking trails on protected lands along the route. Sometimes, she said, a trail seems routine, but then all of a sudden, hikers will come to a vista with a stunning view of Lake Michigan.

Harbor Springs is a lot of fun, too. This October, the skeletons will return to town, dressed in themed costumes. Last year, 45 skeletons were placed around the community, but this year Kulp hopes to double that number.

“It’s a wonderful part of the world,” she said about Harbor Springs and the Tunnel of Trees. “Everyone should experience upper lower Michigan. All of our communities are uniquely different.”

Visit Beer City USA

While an ice cold blonde ale hits the spot on a hot summer day, nothing beats a sip of a stout during a crisp autumn afternoon in Grand Rapids, often referred to as Beer City USA.

“Beer City USA provides a wonderful trip experience any time of year, but fall is perfect. Many of the local breweries will brew special fall beers and food specials and many have great outdoor spaces ideal for enjoying a fall day or evening,” said Janet Korn, senior VP at Experience Grand Rapids.

To add to the fun, visitors can check out eight local breweries and become a Beer City Brewsader by downloading the app. In addition, many breweries are also participating with Craft Pass GR. Visitors checking in to six participating establishments are rewarded with a prize.

Overall, Grand Rapids is an ideal destination for a fall getaway because it offers the excitement of a city trip with nearby outdoor fall experiences, said Korn.

“The downtown offers a Riverwalk trail along the Grand River that runs through the downtown which offers fall colors along with the city’s skyline. And the city is near by the rich agricultural farms and orchards. The farms provide a wonderful fall harvest of apples, pumpkins, and vegetables,” she said.

Leaf peepers won’t want to miss some spectacular opportunities in the Grand Rapids area, either. Visit an area park for nature hiking and color touring. A few of Korn’s favorites are Fallasburg Park in Lowell, Millennium Park in Walker, Townsend Park in Cannonsburg and White Pine Park in Gowen.

Travel tips

• Remember, reservations – for everything from restaurants and lodging to some wineries – are key this time of the year, so make the appropriate plans.• Check the Pure Michigan website for peak color time if interested in leaf peeping, but understand that no one has any control on the weather or the color changes. While color in one spot may be great, it may not have even started in another 15 miles away, said Dakins.• Plan your dining experiences. Many dining establishments, including those in Frankenmuth, use OpenTable for reservations. With employee shortages across the entire state in the hospitality sector and higher demand, many may have longer than normal wait times this fall, said Furbus. “However, if you put your name on the list or get a reservation, you can enjoy downtown Frankenmuth while you’re waiting so it’s just good to plan accordingly,” she said.  Takeout is another option when the weather is nice as visitors can take in more natural beauty by eating in a local park, said Dakins.• Be prepared for crowds on the weekends, said Campbell Fenton. “If you can, travel up mid-week for more personal time visiting with locals or wine educators and mid-week lodging rates,” she said.• Dress for the weather. Bring layers of clothing if you’re planning on outdoor fun as early morning and evening temps can greatly fluctuate.

Activities to consider

With the leaves falling and the temperatures dropping, fall ushers in an air of adventure. Consider these activities when planning your fall getaway:

Walk in a vineyard. Although not allowed by all wineries, a stroll among the vines can be intoxicating in itself, said Sherri Campbell Fenton, managing owner of Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. At Black Star Farms, there are more than three miles of hiking trails on its 160 acre winery estate—the longest of which takes visitors through a forest, past the cherry orchard and to the top of the estate vineyard.

Set sail. Jamie Furbus, president/CEO, Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau, recommends a boat tour along the Cass River. The Bavarian Belle Riverboat features a narrated tour of the river on a two-level paddlewheel boat. The Frankenmuth Fun ships offer a wine and chocolate cruise option in smaller electric duffy boats. “Both tours frequently see many of our area’s most beautiful wildlife, including bald eagles. As the trees turn in the fall, these tours become even more beautiful,” she said. Visitors can also take a ride on the Pointer Boat out on Little Traverse Bay, said Diane Dakins, assistant director, Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.

• Go for a bike ride. Several wineries and paths offer trails and biking adventures.

• Schedule a unique experience. The Inn at Black Star Farms offers an Ultimate Experience Package that includes a morning activity, cooking class with the estate chef and a wine education and tasting, followed by hospitality hour and a private chef dinner.

• Get paddling. For an interactive experience, rent a kayak from Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures and paddle the Cass River on a nice fall day.

• Take a stroll. Petoskey and surrounding towns are known for their quaint boutiques and shops, so have fun popping in and out of stores.

• Shop the season. Stop by local farm markets that will be bursting at the seams with colorful gourds, crunchy apples and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, said Dakins.