Michigan is home to myriad scenic views, coastal beaches, and unique restaurants and breweries. Whether you're looking for a destination for an hour, a day or a week, here are a few must-stop locations in Michigan.
CRANE'S PIE PANTRY RESTAURANT & BAKERY | Fennville
"Crane's is a nifty spot along M-89 in Fennville. I've stopped during 'quieter' times of year, when the area's art venues are budding and the orchard season isn't in full bloom! Crane's has a great little lunch menu and a wonderful selection of homemade pies and other baked goods, there's a comfortable, been-around-forever flair that makes this a nice stop for a bite or to grab a pie for later. Cider is always available, and I get a kick out of the fact they don't serve soft drinks." —Amy L Charles
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Website: cranespiepantry.com
DRUMMOND ISLAND
"Drummond Island is beautiful in all seasons. It's a natural paradise during the summer with untouched, uninhabited scenery, woods and hiking trails. The island is surrounded by the Great Lakes, which means it also has beautiful beaches and shorelines, many of which are never crowded. Drummond is also home to many snowmobilers in the winter with some of the best Upper Peninsula trails, always well-groomed, and less busy than other 'touristy' snowmobiling spots in Michigan." —Ashley Micallef
Website: drummondislandchamber.com
HOTEL WALLOON | Walloon Lake
"Walloon Lake was a recent visit my boyfriend and I went on. If you've never visited, it's surely a hidden gem, and it's only 10 minutes to Boyne City, 15 minutes to Petoskey, 30 minutes to Charlevoix and 1 hour to Mackinaw City. What makes Walloon Lake unique is the history. Dating back to the 1870s, guests would take the trunk line of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. Walloon Lake was once called Vacationland, and a place guests traveled many miles to visit. Walloon Lake is definitely a four-seasons destination, but I love it in the late spring to early summer." —Marie Catallo
Website: hotelwalloon.com
TAHQUAMENON FALLS BREWERY & PUB | Tahquamenon Falls
"My family visits Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub every year. After trekking the 94 steps to the Fall's main viewing deck, we like to reward ourselves with ice cream and a beer while resting in the rocking chairs on the huge outdoor patio. When we have more time, and the kids are behaving, we dine in. My favorite meal is Brew Pub Cheese Soup with a whitefish sandwich and a pint of blueberry ale. We also never miss getting U.P. souvenirs from the adjacent Camp 33 Gift Shop." —Lisa Young
Hours: Sunday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Website: tahquamenonfallsbrewery.com
CHARLES MEARS STATE PARK | Pentwater
"A must stop in Pentwater is the beach, Charles Mears State Park. If you can get in the campground, you're lucky. The campsite and beach are both located right next to each other. You will park your RV or car and not have to move it for the entire stay in Pentwater because the village is so small, walkable and bike-friendly. In fact, Pentwater just started a bike share program, and there will be even more locations this year." —Angela Brown
Website: www.lovepentwater.com
Pictured: Tahquamenon Falls
