We began visiting our friends in Michigan for July 4th weekend in 2019 and have been there every July since (with the exception of 2020) and the weather has mostly been perfect (cool in the morning and evenings but hot during the day). Six of us stay in a rented cabin right on Long Lake where we wake up to the beautiful sight of Fox and South Island. It’s about 30 minutes from the Cherry Capital Airport but usually takes us longer since we stock up on groceries before heading for the cabin.

It’s the kind of cabin where you actually want to put away your electronics (unless it’s to snap photos of the scenery) to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee, sit around the bonfire with friends or grill dinner and eat outside. Our local friends would take us on the boat everyday whether it’s to go hang out near one of the islands, stop somewhere for a dip or just cruise before sunset while we marvel at the gorgeous homes that circle the lake.

On days we feel like exploring, we have mainly ventured around Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland, Glen Arbor and visiting some of the Old Mission Peninsula wineries (all about an hour from Traverse City).

Traverse City is one of our favorite spots to hang out as it offers so many great restaurants, bars and shops. Every year, I come home with new clothes from M22 and a ton of chocolate covered cherries from Cherry Republic for gifts (and for me). My most memorable dinners have been at Red Ginger (I would go to Michigan just to eat here again), The Pub (there’s a rooftop bar above it called North Bar which is also worth having a cocktail at) and Sleder’s Family Tavern. My favorite places for cocktails would have to be Apache Trout Grill (located on the waterfront) and H&L Social (rooftop bar).

It’s a short walk from the parking area to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook. We’re met with a warning sign, “Avoid getting stuck at the bottom! Lake levels are high- the only way out is up. Rescues cost $3000” and once I look down at the gradual yet steep drop to Lake Michigan, it’s understandable that they’d want visitors to be cautious. At our most recent visit, my husband decided to climb down about half way while I was perfectly fine taking in the views of the shoreline from the wooden Overlook. Even though I’ve recovered from my leg injury, I prefer not to put myself or others at risk by attempting the climb. There were several signs posted with the interesting history of the area and transformation of the dunes.

After Sleeping Bear Dunes we would make our way up to Glen Arbor and Leland to eat lunch and shop. It has almost become customary for us to visit Boonedocks in Glen Arbor for lunch and The Cove in Leland for a “Chubby Mary”. Both areas provide beautiful views of the bay along with various shops, perfect for when we’re waiting for a table or just walking off lunch.

We dedicate at least one day of our trip to visit the Peninsula Township wineries. It’s always a gorgeous drive as we drive along the bay passing cherry trees and vineyards. Each winery offers their own special charm in their tasting room design and blends. There’s not much more I can ask for than enjoying the company of our friends while sipping wine in such a lovely location. My top recommendations would be Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn, Mari Vineyards and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery.

Last but definitely not least, we cannot leave Michigan until we visit Moomers Homemade Ice Cream. We can usually expect to wait in line for scoops of creamy goodness but it’s worth it! Located right on the dairy farm, they offer at least 20 different flavors daily and it’s painful to watch me try and decide which to get. If I didn’t have so many friends there to judge me, I would stop by there everyday.

While we spend several days going into town, some of our best memories are at the cabin or playing in the lake. Watching the sunset as we sit around and drink while grilling dinner allows us to relax and catch up on the events of our year. I can’t say that we would have ever thought to visit this area in Michigan on our own so we’re grateful for the wonderful friends we get to visit that introduced us to this naturally beautiful place.