Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

This is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand dunes anywhere in the world. And the Lake Michigan waters this far north are surprisingly clear and blue. But it’s the dunes that are the draw.

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore, encompassing 35 miles of shoreline. The towering sand dunes provide not only a treat for your eyes but also a playground for those physically fit enough to enjoy the 450 foot drop in terrain. I watched in awe as families ran down the dunes, then basically crawled back up, mostly on all fours. Signs were posted saying that it is possible you may have to be airlifted from the bottom due to the incline and strength needed to climb in the deep sands!

Search for Petoskey Stones

Combing the beaches for rocks on vacation usually isn't on anyone's Top 10, but in Petoskey, it is a very cool thing to do. The stones are unique to the Great Lakes. You can find them in Northern Michigan along the shores of the Lower Peninsula. Petoskey stones are both rock and fossil and quite beautiful when polished. The rock is shaped like a pebble and has intricate ringed designs.

With Michigan’s crystal clear water, it's easy to find them in the shallow blue waters along sandy beaches. Petoskey State Park is a popular hunting ground. The rocks make nice souvenirs, too. If you can’t find them on your own, never fear; Petoskey stones are sold around town.

Explore Mackinac Island

Just getting to Mackinac Island is fun. The ferry passes under the Mackinac Bridge. As most of us know, Mackinac is a no-cars-allowed island. Once the ferry drops us off, we'll explore the island in one of three ways: by bicycle, on foot, or by horse-drawn carriage. 

While you’ll spend most of your time on the island biking or walking, don’t miss the chance to take a “scenic drive” by horse and buggy. It’s the way things have been done there for years and years. The scenic trip is perfect for snapping pictures and seeing the pristine cottages and buildings. The horses were well-tended to and had plenty of rest time and water breaks. For those curious, there are 550 horses on the island.

Eat Fudge from the Fudge Capital of the World

I don’t really think we need a reason to eat fudge, but since Mackinac Island is the fudge capital of the world, you should definitely indulge.

Families gather in droves in the downtown fudge shops to watch master candy makers pour and flip the rich goodness to perfection in these heavenly smelling stores. Ryba’s Fudge Shops satisfied my sweet tooth with its Chocolate Mint fudge and English Toffee flavors of fudge.

But with so many shops to choose from, picking your favorite Mackinac Island Fudge is sure to be a sweet challenge to tacke.

Experience the Majesty of the
Headlands International Dark Sky Park

The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a 550-acre county park in the U.S. state of Michigan. The park preserves over two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline south and west of McGulpin Point Light in the Straits of Mackinac. It is located in, and is operated by, Emmet County in Northern Michigan.

The Tunnel of Trees

The historic M-119 scenic route, or the Tunnel of Trees, skirts Lake Michigan, between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. During this 20-mile drive, you'll experience tree canopies, ridiculously charming small towns, and delicious local cuisine.

These are just a sampling of the wonderful places to visit, things to see and foods to enjoy that await us at next year's family reunion. We hope you will join us to experience all this...