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UPPER PENINSULA
Love a wintry moment at the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse! Elliot and I took a little weekend getaway to the Keweenaw last weekend, not knowing we were heading into an epic snowstorm, oof, but… we made it there and back alive! We had a great weekend overall, stayed in Eagle River, got to see the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, have some delicious cocktails and food, and spend a little time in Houghton grabbing breakfast and coffee, checking out a shop, and snapping a photo in front of the lift bridge before heading home to Marquette! ❄️
I always love an ice-skating moment at the Ore Dock when Lake Superior freezes over! Conditions have been pretty ideal this year for it to happen. Subzero temperatures and not a lot of snow the last couple of days, which is exactly what we need! As soon as I saw people out there, I was like, it’s on! Thankfully Elliot had an extra pair of hockey skates I fit into… literally saved the day, so we got out there and skated around for a bit, ran into photog friends, and it was so funnnnn. ⛸️🧊
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the most beautiful cabin and resort in the Upper Peninsula… and can I just say, omg, this place is DREAMY. Located in Republic, Michigan… about 45 minutes west of Marquette, is Pinecrest Northwoods Lodging & Events. It’s a wilderness retreat with unique cabins of all sizes, glampsites and rustic campsites. They have over 100 acres of trails, an authentic Finnish sauna, and access to the Michigamme River and Juncob Lake. 🍁
Here’s a quick 24-hour trip to Ontonagon County in autumn… including a couple of must-see places like Lake of the Clouds and Bond Falls. While there’s so much more to do in this area, these are the quick hitters, especially in autumn. I always love to go to Lake of the Clouds in October… it’s just pure magic. 🍂 Dining options this time included Paul’s Restaurant and Syl’s Cafe, and if you have more time, be sure to check out Summit Peak, Bonanza Falls & the Paulding Light!
How in the helly do I not already have a blog post titled McCarty’s Cove? The cove that… I’ve spent the last five years crying and healing at, lol. This was the first stop I made after settling into my Airbnb the first night of moving to Marquette. Speaking of which, my five-year Yoopiversary is coming up… and I’m already sentimental over it. I’m already sentimental anyway, let alone adding on an anniversary of something that’s been one of the most life-changing moves I could have made. I found home. That’s for sure.
Calumet, Michigan, nestled in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula, offers a unique blend of outdoor beauty and rich history. Known for its roots in copper mining, this charming town showcases stunning architecture and a welcoming community. I was excited to explore the town a bit more in depth, eat a few meals at local restaurants, walk around downtown, check out Lake Superior, and stay at the historic Laurium Manor Inn. Read on for how I spent a weekend there!
I recently took a spontaneous trip to Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains to catch the peak fall colors, and it was absolutely magical! The easy hike to the top was rewarded with vibrant autumn views and a beautiful sunset glow. I kept things cozy with monochromatic greens and my trusty Blundstone boots, perfect for a casual, comfortable evening in one of my favorite spots in the Upper Peninsula.
Ahhhh, the Big Bay Point Lighthouse. What a dream! I absolutely love visiting this lighthouse, but it’s extra magical when I can stay overnight. It’s one of the few operational lighthouses that offer a bed and breakfast, and such a perk it’s so close to Marquette, only 24 miles northwest in the town of Big Bay, Michigan. It’s perched on top of a tall bluff over a rocky point, with picturesque views.
St. Helena Island Lighthouse… my 100th Michigan lighthouse! I knew I wanted 100 to be a special one, and St. Helena was more of an experience… you have to take a boat to get there, you can tour the grounds, and climb the tower. Plus, she’s just a beaut! This lighthouse symbolized not just an accomplishment but the many adventures and lighthouses still to come!
Arriving at the Porcupine Mountains in early spring is like stumbling upon a hidden gem. I love to visit every autumn, but winter was definitely a unique experience. Read on for some tips & what to visit if you’re planning a trip to the Porkies this time of year! Certain roads and restaurants are closed, but if you’re looking to experience the beauty of this place without the crowds, this post is for you!
Driving around in the UP in fall is magical, but stopping to get out of your car, and taking a short walk through the woods to a destination, is really where it’s at! I headed out to Laughing Whitefish Falls and Tahquamenon Falls (and was tricked into seeing a lighthouse too, of course!) Read on for my quick autumn waterfall trip!
If you’re looking for a fun, jam-packed few days in the Keweenaw… I’ve got you! Read on for places to eat and drink, some activities to do, hikes to take, and a fun mine tour that dives into the history of the copper boom. Thank you to Visit Keweenaw for collaborating with me on this trip!
Looking for a fun overnight in the Keweenaw Peninsula? Head up to Copper Harbor… stopping to Lac La Belle/Bete Grise along the way! You’ll find a very-accessible waterfall, lighthouses, beaches, scenic views, and an old historic fort to walk through. Read on to plan your trip!
If you’re looking for a way to escape the ordinary and explore a scenic winter wonderland… consider a weekend getaway to the Keweenaw. From Fitzgerald’s cozy lodging and some of the best food in the U.P. to waterfalls and lighthouses, there was no shortage of activities to keep us adventuring around.
Drive out to The Porkies for gorgeous autumn color! Head downtown to check out some history at the Ontonagon Historical Society and grab tickets to see the Ontonagon Lighthouse, grab a drink at Stubb’s Museum Bar (the locals are a hoot!), drive out to Summit Peak and be sure to catch a golden hour at Lake of the Clouds!
WEST CENTRAL MICHIGAN
A long summer weekend in Grand Haven, staying at the cutest family cottage, spending plenty of time at the beach, trying my hand at surfing, and checking out the Great Lakes Surf Festival in Muskegon! We cooked in, grabbed drinks and food downtown, wandered around some old favorite spots, and soaked up cottage life. It was my first real weekend back in Grand Haven in 14 years, and such a fun, full-circle little getaway. ❤️
Another year in the books at the tulip fields! 🌷 I ventured over to Veldheer Tulip Gardens this year, and timed it out just right. Yes, it makes for a pretty outfit backdrop, but it’s just become so much more meaningful than that. I love tradition, love seasonal activities, and this just checks the box in terms of… filling up my heart and soul cup! But yeah, beautiful as always, magical AF, what a dreamy location.
Spring is blooming in West Michigan! 🌸 I headed over to the Monet Garden, an adorable little pocket park in downtown Muskegon, inspired by France’s famous Giverny gardens. It was transformed from a vacant lot, and has a little replica of the famous Japanese bridge from Giverny, painted in its signature color. An adorable spot to check out the fish pond, sit on a bench or take some photos!
Grand Haven will always hold a special place in my heart! I visited in spring, and walked around downtown for a bit, hit up Pronto Pup for a quick dinner of corndogs, and walked to the Grand Haven South Pier & Lighthouse. Definitely a must visit if you’re looking for a quaint beach town in Michigan… sunsets here are always glorious!
Tulips in spring? Yes, please! Windmill Island has over 100,000 tulips bloom in the spring! There is also a 250-year-old windmill which is called DeZwann, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States, a carousel, plus a few cute Dutch-themed shops to stroll. It’s just such a treat to walk around!
Read on for an afternoon in downtown Muskegon… an adorable coffee shop, a stroll checking out some historic buildings and a replica Monet Garden, tour the Hackley & Hume Historic Homes, grab a beer or wine at Unruly Brewing, and drive out to Pere Marquette for sunset at Lake Michigan!
It’s that time of year again… visiting the tulip fields! This day was so magical, and so needed. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to go with everything going on, but when garden centers re-opened a couple of weeks ago in Michigan, I was so excited to make the trip out to Holland! There was no Tulip Time this year, which was sad. But just being outside, in the sunshine, with this gorgeous scene around me… just made my soul so happy. It’s strange to explain but just filling my life with these scenes gives me so much joy. Especially in such a dark time. These are the moments that make up my life, you know? I don’t know, being cheesy over here. But I loved this afternoon, I’m so glad I went, it healed my heart a little bit, and I’m so grateful for this day.
Outfit details:
Madewell Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Hayes Wash (similar)
Volcom Sweater
Madewell Transport Tote (similar)
Madewell Fest Sunnies (similar)
Gold Arch Earrings (similar)
Madewell Margot Slingback Flats
Phew! Here we are, in the midst of the Coronavirus. I had no idea life could change so fast in such a short amount of time, that’s for sure. I guess I’m lucky to say that, my life has been pretty blessed. But this past weekend, I pretty much broke down. Friday night was my lowest point. So Saturday, I was like… what do I love doing most? What can I do in this current situation that will make me happy? Duh, lighthouses. ❤️ I got into my car and just headed straight to Grand Haven, and I decided I was going to see as MANY lighthouses as possible until the sun went down. And that’s exactly what I did. And as cheesy as this sounds, lighthouses have always given me some light in my life, hope, something to look forward to. And the scenes and memories of this day gave me so much peace. As I was climbing dunes and just sitting in the sand taking in the views of the lake and the lighthouses, I just felt like “me”.
Outfit details:
Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Mackey Wash
North Face Metropolis III Down Parka
Madewell Cuffed Beanie
Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses
Madewell Sidewalk Low Top Sneakers
One of my favorite places to visit in our neighborhood is… Outside Coffee Co! If you’re ever passing through Grand Rapids (or you live here!) and have never been, you definitely have to add it to your “must do” list. It’s open all-year long, no matter the weather. In the winter, they have these adorable igloos set up with warmers inside or you can sit outside by the fire! Plus, their menu is delightful. They have seasonal drinks and various toasts, along with lots of vegan-friendly options. Plus, they have soft serve ice cream, which is always vegan. I love stopping in for a coffee (their chaider or pumpkin spice has been a go-to this season) or their seasonal flavor of soft serve. Love this place!
Outfit details:
Madewell Fishtail Anorak
Levi’s Premium Wedgie Straight
H&M Cardigan (similar)
Madewell Cuffed Beanie
Madewell Small Transport Crossbody
Target Wenda Cut Out Bootie
So Eric and I checked out Ando Sushi + Bar this past weekend… and it was such a great experience! We’ve been wanting to check out this place for a while, so when they invited us in for a visit, we jumped at the chance! It’s located on the west side of Grand Rapids, in a super fun and upcoming neighborhood. The vibe was awesome, their joyful hour had some serious deals, and the food was delicious. I’m wondering where we’ve been this whole time, haha! But I’m so glad we checked it out, and already can’t wait to go back to try other things!
Outfit details:
H&M Wide Leg Jeans
Thrifted Sweater (similar)
Madewell Small Transport Tote
Target Wenda Booties
Helloooo from the winter wonderland of Michigan. We escaped to the “desert” for a day to beat some of these winter blues, which was just ugh, so refreshing. I could sit here all day long. If you’re in Grand Rapids or ever visit Grand Rapids, be sure to head over to Frederik Meijer Gardens! We ended up getting a membership last year (mostly to get first dibs on their concert series, haha) but it’s nice to be able to pop over anytime and walk around for a bit. Especially in their Tropical Conservatory. Ah, heaven! Trying to love every day of winter, but I don’t know, I just get to be a bit over it this time of year. It just drags on and on and onnnnnn. And we’ve had the craziest weather and my car has gotten stuck in the snow more times than I can remember this year. So maybe I’m not even desperate for spring yet… maybe just some normal 32º winter days. 😆
Phew, long time, no see! I didn’t mean to take a couple of weeks off there, but we’ve just been so busy lately with traveling and wrapping up summer. Plus, it’s good to take a break every now and then! I’ve been blogging for 9 years now (my blogiversary was Labor Day) and it’s so hard to constantly be “on” all the time with the blog and IG. So those two weeks were needed, and now I’m feeling inspired to get back into it! I have one final summer post (with a lighthouse, of course) before I move into the desert from our trip to Phoenix! And after that… autumn content begins! I’m super excited. I love fall and can’t wait for all things apple, pumpkin + fall foliage related. But for my final post of summer… here we go!
Outfit details:
Levi's Wedgie Fit Jeans via Zappo's
Madewell Wrap Top in Eyelet White
Madewell Indio Sunglasses
Round Woven Bag via Etsy (similar)
Madewell Boardwalk Sandals (similar)
NORTHWEST MICHIGAN
A quick weekend downstate in Onekama for Elliot's family church camp at Portage Lake turned into the perfect excuse to sneak in lighthouse #112! Come explore the Portage Lake North Pierhead, learn a bit of its history, how easy it is to see, and hear why this simple little lighthouse ended up being much more meaningful than I expected. ❤️
I absolutely adore visiting the Traverse area; there’s just so much to do and see (and eat and drink!) Read on… for a beautiful scenic drive, some very famous dunes, all the places I ate & drank, two lighthouses I’ve seen before, along with a dope coffee shop I was able to work at all day while visiting.
A couple of weekends ago, I had the amazing opportunity to go on a northern Michigan road trip with Pure Michigan up to Bellaire and Alpena!
Phew! Here we are, in the midst of the Coronavirus. I had no idea life could change so fast in such a short amount of time, that’s for sure. I guess I’m lucky to say that, my life has been pretty blessed. But this past weekend, I pretty much broke down. Friday night was my lowest point. So Saturday, I was like… what do I love doing most? What can I do in this current situation that will make me happy? Duh, lighthouses. ❤️ I got into my car and just headed straight to Grand Haven, and I decided I was going to see as MANY lighthouses as possible until the sun went down. And that’s exactly what I did. And as cheesy as this sounds, lighthouses have always given me some light in my life, hope, something to look forward to. And the scenes and memories of this day gave me so much peace. As I was climbing dunes and just sitting in the sand taking in the views of the lake and the lighthouses, I just felt like “me”.
Outfit details:
Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Mackey Wash
North Face Metropolis III Down Parka
Madewell Cuffed Beanie
Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses
Madewell Sidewalk Low Top Sneakers
One of my favorite places to head in Michigan is up to Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula. Last summer, I took a trip with my girlfriends and we booked a wine tour that took us all around – stopping to Leelanau Cellars, which was my first time ever visiting! Instantly… it was my favorite winery. I’m a sweet wine drinker – all the way – bring on the sweet red and Moscato! And while I love wine tasting in Traverse City, there aren’t a ton of wineries that offer a breadth of sweet options. It was fate we stopped to Leelanau Cellars! I’m forever their biggest fan now, and I had the wonderful chance to stay there a few weekends ago with a group of our closest friends. It was one of the best weekends!
So, even though we’ve already had our first snowfall here in Michigan… I’m sitting on a boatload of content, so it’s going to be autumn here through November (which is how it should be anyway!) I’m trying to catch up, but other things have just taken priority lately. Work has been super busy, I’m trying to get back into my FLEX routine, we’ve been working to make our apartment as cozy as possible after the fire, and I’m starting to cook again, fill our fridge, and get back on track with everything in life! But let’s back up to our trip to Tunnel of Trees, which was my favorite autumn weekend. We took a long drive along M119, which is so beautiful and scenic.
Outfit details:
Free People Teddy Peacoat (similar)
Madewell Wide-Leg Crop Jeans in Finney Wash
DKNY Bodysuit
Target Wenda Cut Out Booties
During our trip up north to the Tunnel of Trees, we went into Harbor Springs to grab brunch and do a little bit of exploring! This town is so cute. It’s just the quintessential autumn small town — just like what you see in the movies. We grabbed brunch at Sam's Graces Cafe & Bakery, picked up some infamous Tom’s Mom’s Cookies (the peanut butter ones are the best!), explored a few of the cute shops, and walked around enjoying the scenery and brisk autumn air. I just loved it up there! I could honestly visit this town every autumn… there are just too many good places to visit in Michigan during this season!
Outfit details:
Plaid Cocoon Wool Coat c/o Free People (similar)
Forever21 Skirt (similar)
H&M Cableknit Sweater (similar)
The Small Transport Crossbody c/o Madewell
Target Sweater Tights (similar)
ModCloth Boots (similar)
A couple of weekends ago, Eric and I headed up to the great northwest of Michigan to explore the very autumnal Tunnel of Trees! We’ve been up there before (the weekend we got engaged four years ago!) so it was really fun to go back since it’s been a little while. We’ve been to Pond Hill Farm before, but I was excited to visit again, do a little wine and beer tasting, and explore their adorable pumpkin patch! This was definitely one of my favorite places to visit during our trip… so if you’re ever exploring this area, be sure to stop and visit anytime of year!
Outfit details:
Madewell Wide-Leg Crop Jeans in Finney Wash
DKNY Long Sleeve Bodysuit via Zappo’s
Express Cardigan (similar)
Hat via H&M (similar)
Target Wenda Cut Out Booties
Last weekend, Eric and I had the amazing opportunity to be lighthouse keepers for a weekend at Big Sable Point Lighthouse! Well... not exactly lighthouse keepers, but we were able to stay for the weekend in the lighthouse! This opportunity isn't available to the public, so I jumped at this chance! Long story short, I hosted a social media workshop for their board last winter... and in exchange they offered to give us a free stay at Big Sable. This lighthouse has so much meaning to us, so of course, I was thrilled. It was the first lighthouse Eric ever took me to (as a surprise), and we also have our names engraved on a boardwalk here. Plus, it's one of my favorite lighthouses in Michigan. I absolutely love that you have to walk two miles to get there. It's just such an adventure, and this weekend was exactly that.
Outfit details:
Madewell Wrap Top in Eyelet White
H&M Denim Culottes High Waist
Madewell Indio Sunglasses
A Warning Sun Hat c/o ModCloth (similar)
Madewell Boardwalk Sandals (similar)
After we did a little shopping in Traverse City, we decided to check out Old Mission peninsula for our afternoon! I knew I wanted to hit up the lighthouse first, and then make our way back and visit as many wineries as we could. We’ve been to this lighthouse before in the summer, but to be honest, I much preferred it in autumn. It was so pretty, and the water was so blue! Plus, we actually got the chance to walk up to the tower this time (so thankful they were still open this late in the season!) and we were the only ones in the lighthouse. I loved it!
Outfit details:
Madewell Cali Demi-Boot Jeans: Raw-Hem Edition
Madewell Flannel Westward Shirt in Stripe
H&M Brimmed Hat (similar)
Forever21 Faux Leather Chelsea Boots (similar)
During our trip to Traverse City, we tried to squeeze as much in as we could! We wanted to make sure we hit up a bunch of unique stores for a fun guest post on the Traverse City blog on holiday shopping, so be sure to head there and check that out! I chatted a little bit about each of my favorite places, so if you're looking to do a little shopping in that area, I've got you covered. We explored a bunch of places I've never visited before, and tried some new restaurants to us too. It was a perfect day spent up north. I just love Traverse City!
Outfit details:
Blush Black Corduroy Skirt (similar)
H&M Sweater (similar)
Faux Leather Chelsea Boots c/o Forever21 (similar)
A couple of weekends ago, Eric and I headed up to Traverse City for a wonderful weekend full of all my favorite things... scenic sights, lighthouses, wine tasting, delicious food, and a comfy hotel room watching movies in bed. It was perfect. On Friday, I got out of work, and we headed straight up north. I recently heard about this place called the High Rollaway, and knew we had to check it out, so that was first on our list. It was so pretty. I would definitely recommend if you're in the area!
Outfit details:
Target A New Day Anorak Jacket
jb and me Denim (similar)
Urban Outfitters Brimmed Hat (similar)
Free People Electric City Pullover Sweater
Converse Chuck Taylor Slip-Ons
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
I could seriously relive this weekend over and over. I headed down to southwest Michigan to do a little wine tasting. Went to Lemon Creek Winery & Round Barn. Round Barn was my favorite… they had boozy slushies, and they were SO good. I had their frosé and mango one. After that, headed back up to Saugatuck, had dinner at The Southerner, watched the sunset at Oval Beach and got soft-serve ice-cream on the way home. Like 🙌🏻. Perfect day.
It’s always been a goal to spend a full fall day in Fennville, so I’m excited we finally made it happen this year! Normally every fall, we head up north, and I wanted to make it a point to spend a full day closeby. Fennville is about 45 minutes from Grand Rapids… so it’s a super easy day trip, and there’s so much to do! We hit up Virtue Cider, Fenn Valley Vineyards, Crane’s Pie Pantry, Pier Cove Park, and ended with dinner at Salt of the Earth. I loved this day… it was so fun to hop around, try a bunch of different (very fall) places, to see the waves roll in at Lake Michigan, and to enjoy an amazing dinner in their little downtown area. Keep reading to hear more about our fall day in Fennville!
Outfit details:
Free People Plaid Cocoon Coat (similar)
H&M Knit Tank (similar)
Madewell Wide-Leg Crop Jeans in Hayes Wash
Madewell The Small Transport Crossbody
Madewell Angular Hoop Earrings (similar)
Madewell The Carina Boot
A few weekends ago, Eric had a gig in downtown Saugatuck… so I knew I wanted to go and see the Kalamazoo Replica Lighthouse! I’m surprised I’ve never seen this one before, because it’s so close to home, but I actually didn’t really know about it until just a couple years ago! So there’s a little bit of history here with this lighthouse… the first one was built in 1839, but was quickly moved/replaced due to erosion. So a new one was erected in 1859 on a sand dune, but unfortunately was destroyed in a tornado in 1956. So this is actually a replica of the 1859 lighthouse. While the original lighthouse was a buff color with white trimmings, this lighthouse is red and white! I always love a red and white lighthouse; they make for the prettiest photos! It was fun to be able to see this one. I always love the feeling of walking up to a new lighthouse for the first time. ❤️
Outfit details:
H&M Bib Denim Overall Dress
Madewell Indio Sunglasses
Woven Tote via Etsy (similar)
Madden Girl Cybell Espadrille Sandal
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
So just in time for Halloween this weekend… I’m here to talk about how I became mayor of Hell for a day!
Hellooooo. Sorry for the long pause! I feel like we’re stuck in a never-ending winter and I just can’t seem to pull it together this season! Hoping spring will rejuvenate me somehow… if it EVER comes! But since March is here, at least we start to see more daylight, so hopefully that makes the blogging game a little easier. But! In the meantime, we took a quick trip over to Lansing area last weekend because Eric had a show with his band, Chain of Lakes (that sold out!) I thought it’d be fun to make a little adventure out of it, book a hotel, stay overnight and explore the area. It wasn’t my favorite trip — not a ton to do, but we did have a great time at his show at the Robin Theater, ate dinner at Lansing Brewing Company, brunch at Golden Harvest, a little window shopping in East Lansing, and then explored this little antiques district in Mason just south of Lansing. So all in all — a good little getaway!
Outfit details:
kensie Double-Breasted Faux-Fur Teddy Coat
Levi's Premium Premium Wedgie Straight
Madewell Indio Sunglasses
Madewell The Transport Tote
Sperry Maya Belle Boots
Let's jump back a couple of weeks, shall we? It's been a whirlwind start to summer ever since Memorial Day weekend, that's for sure! If you didn't catch it on Instagram, Eric and I headed out to Ann Arbor over the long weekend to stay at Graduate Ann Arbor. The amazing folks there invited us to experience the hotel, grab a bite to eat at the Allen Rumsey Supper Club, and enjoy checking out the quaint downtown of Ann Arbor. We've been to Ann Arbor a couple of times before, but I've never stayed a full weekend, so it was great to have a bit more time to explore, walk around, check out some of the bars and restaurants, and do a little bit of shopping!
Outfit details:
H&M Off The Shoulder Top (similar)
Levi's Dark Wash Jeans
Madewell The Transport Tote
Urban Outfitters Sunglasses (similar)
Forever21 Brimmed Hat (similar)
Target Strappy Flat Huarache Sandals
EAST CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Third and final stop on my trip in Michigan’s “Thumbcoast” is Marine City! It was wonderful to end my trip with a charming small town. The vibe here is more “Main Street Americana” feel. It’s a quaint, walkable, historic river town… and definitely more artsy, with antique shops, theaters, and great restaurants. I did some shopping on Water Street, enjoyed a wine flight, stayed at a historic B&B, and ate a delicious fish dinner, along with seeing my 111th lighthouse, the Peche Island Rear Range Lighthouse. Read on for details of my day in Marine City!
A little “lux” tucked between Port Huron and Marine City, St. Clair is all about slowing down. I stayed at the St. Clair Inn, a historic riverfront hotel that’s truly a destination in itself, with a pool, restaurant, and cocktail bar. The town is on the quieter side, but the river views and freighter watching are unmatched. Most of my time was spent between the pool and hot tub, the on-site restaurant, and enjoying the cozy room. While you’re in town, don’t miss a frozen chai from T.A.P. Café, a stroll along the world’s largest freshwater boardwalk, and a flight from War Water Brewery.
Here’s 48 hours exploring Port Huron in the Blue Water Area of Michigan’s “Thumbcoast”! Be sure to check out the Fort Gratiot lighthouse, eat at a few delicious spots (the fish and chips from Freighters are 10/10), tour the Lightship Huron (a lightship turned into a museum), check out the boardwalk, freighter watch along the St. Clair River, and spend some time learning about the area at the Port Huron Museum. 💙
Read on for my annual trip to Frankenmuth to get my ornament from Bronner’s, to see all of the Christmas lights, eat a fried chicken dinner from Bavarian Inn, and do a cheese haul from the Cheese Haus. Some of my favorite things I love doing every single year!
A couple of weekends ago, Eric and I headed off to Frankenmuth, Michigan. It is seriously in the top three of my favorite days of the entire year. We literally do the same exact thing every year, so maybe it's the routine and tradition I love? Maybe it's just how festive the town is? Maybe it's because of the delicious food and drinks we stuff ourselves with? I'm not totally sure, I just love every second of this entire day. It's always so much fun! If you've never gotten the chance to visit Frankenmuth (especially you Michiganders), you really need to plan a visit... and soon!
Outfit details:
Joe's Denim (similar)
Madewell Buffalo Plaid (similar)
H&M Pile Jacket (similar)
Madewell The Transport Tote
Old Navy Beanie (similar)
Sperry Top-Sider Saltwater Boots
NORTHEAST MICHIGAN
The Cheboygan Lighthouses! #101, #102, and #103. These are very accessible lighthouses in Cheboygan… all located within five minutes of each other. The Front Range Light is set back a bit on Water Street, sort of in an industrial area, and is normally open for tours/a little gift shop. The Crib Light & Pier Light are located in Turner Park. I loved the Crib Light most… it’s just a cute little lighthouse before you take a walk on the pier!
Onto part 2 of my northern Michigan road trip with Pure Michigan! The second leg of the trip was spent in Alpena. So I road-tripped from the west side of the state… over to the east side of the state! Read on for my time trekking over from Bellaire to Alpena!
A little lighthouse hunting on Drummond Island! ⚓️ We chartered a boat with Captain Ivan Gable and spent the morning cruising the St. Marys River in search of two hard-to-reach lighthouses — Pipe Island and Round Island — with a surprise trip out to the incredible DeTour Reef Lighthouse along the way. Two more Michigan lighthouses officially checked off the list, bringing me to #114, and one very special adventure I won’t soon forget. ❤️