Scenic Drives @ Michigan

So this week we've got it kind of busy. Michigan is our destination and there's a lot to see. The first thing that we need to decide is where we are headed: Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula. But because I like both of them and the places there are to see in both, we are planning this road trip as if we had a full 3 weeks of vacation with no e-mails or calls from the boss. That said let's start out road trip!

First we are heading to the Lower Peninsula of the State. Two places here caught my full attention. 

1. Charlevoix to Harbor Springs: Petoskey and Bay View (Petoskey, MI): Make sure to fill up your gas tank, because this is a 25-mile ride that takes us through the streets of Charlevoix all the way to Harbor Springs. On our way to Harbor Springs we will pass through the famous town of Petoskey. Petoskey, is known as the place where "light shines through the clouds". After the daylight sun rays have shown the water glisten, at night the Northern Lights are said to become visible, the ones that gave the town its name, was the Otawa tribe. Back in their day, they were one of the biggest Indian tribes of Michigan. Continuing our trip we will pass known spots like Beaver Island and Bay View. Bay View is a religious resort community, where a peaceful scenery is to be found and lodging at Victorian style cottages. And finally we reach Harbor Springs, which is known for being one of the best resort towns in the US. You get to participate in all sorts of water sports activities at the Harbor Springs Municipal Marina or at Walstrom Marine.
2. Frankfort to Suttons Bay: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore & Leelanau Peninsula (Frankfort, MI): Again stop at a gas station and refill your tank, because this one is a whopping 66-mile drive. I like this one even better than the first because of the activities we would get to do. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offers sand dune climbing to a collection of sand dunes that are hundreds of feet high. Not only do you climb, but for the fisher lovers there are a variety of lakes and rivers were you can fish Whitefish, Lake Trout and Menominee among others, there's also a casino for those who like playing on the risky side and fun-time for the family at the various locations it offers for camping. 

That is what I have in mind considering the Lower Peninsula, now let's head up north to the Upper Peninsula:

1. Black River Scenic Byway (Bessemer,MI): One of the only two harbors within Michigan's National Forest System, the Black River provides miles and miles of unforgettable scenery. As we drive by, we are to have the windows down in order to breathe that fresh aroma of Pine, Hardwood and Hemlock trees that just densely cover the area around you. Activities range from hiking, fishing, camping, skiing and history of the past mining done in such region. The area is recommended for visits all-year-round, but if you are one of those like me who are not very patient when it comes to traffic, then plan the road trip any time except August.
2. Newberry to Tahquamenon Falls (Newberry, MI): My favorite of the four and definitely the place where I would spend most of my vacation time. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, is the place where my cameras battery is going to be charged to its fullest and the memory stick ready to take on as many pictures as possible. This parks offers you so many activities that the "Mom, Dad I'm bored" is not even going to cross your mind. Here we find over 40 miles for hiking, 13 inland lakes, and 24 miles of river crossings for fishing. My favorite natural aspect of the park are the Tahquamenon Falls which are the second biggest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Imagine their beauty that people come here to get married and have the waterfalls as their "must" background in all the romantic pics. I for one don't plan on getting married any time soon, but hey that doesn't mean that I cant have them as a background in my pictures right?! Animal lover like me? Well if so then you can actually get a chance to see the Black Bears, Whitetail Deers and a variety of moose's. Also in both the Spring and Fall you can come and enjoy the birdwatching of over 300 species that are on their way or back from Canada. More sportive activities include hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. 

Now that we have our possible 3 week vacation fully occupied with all these road trips and scenic drives here at Michigan, all we have to do now is actually find the time in our busy agendas. Also be sure to invite tons of friends and family over to this trip. The more people that go the funner the trips are. When your old your going to have more stories to tell of the people that got stung by bees, or those who fell while crossing the slippery stones while hiking, or better yet those you had their breakfast eaten by the Black bears!