Glen Arbor, Michigan
Location: Lake Michigan
Ease of Getting There: 10/10
Ease of Staying There: 10/10
Ease of Eating There: 10/10
Looking for a fabulous fall getaway? Time’s Money Magazine selected Glen Arbor as a must-go place in 2018. Glen Arbor, in the heart of Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan, is the ultimate place to stay, play and relax. Already a summer hot spot, the locals like to keep its fall charms under the radar. There are so many opportunities in this area for self-guided color tours that could lead you to a pumpkin patch or several local wineries.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes provide activities for all ages. Fall visitors can enjoy lofty lake views at the Sleeping Bear, Empire, or Pyramid Point bluffs. If you’re not a fan of heights, enjoy a picnic on their sugar sand beaches.
Other local highlights include the famous M-22, which follows the coastline all around the outskirts of Leelanau Peninsula. M-22 was recently named the “Best fall color scenic drive in the US.” You can’t beat that! Glen Arbor hosts a unique blend of shops, boutiques, artisan with up-north goods and gifts, art galleries and restaurants with locally sourced seasonal cuisine. Don’t forget to check out Cherry Republic to try one of over 200 cherry products. Cherry Republic’s Harvest Boomchunkas cookies, made with all your favorite fall flavors, like dried apple chunks and cinnamon, and dried cherries, make for a delectable dessert.
Glen Arbor is also known for its breweries, distilleries and wineries year-round. Great options for food and lodging including B&B, hotels, resorts, cottages, camping and vacation rentals.
The best part? Getting there is pretty convenient. Traverse City Airport is close for those who prefer to fly, while road warriors will find it to be a quick (and scenic!) four-and-a-half-hour drive from Detroit and just over five-hour drive from Chicago.
You won’t want to miss the fall colors that Glen Arbor has to offer! Depending on the weather, leaves tend to peak in northern Michigan around the second week in October. So what are you waiting for?