Carefree Travel Guide 2026

Talk about adventure! Talk about charm! Talk about breathtaking! Whether it’s on the slopes of Boyne Mountain , The Highlands , or Crystal Mountain , sinking that elusive putt at the legendary Bear at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa , or practicing yoga on the Sky Bridge at Boyne Mountain Resort , they’ve all got it going on. Frankfort’s Oliver Art Center exudes charm, and you’ll fall in love with your overnight stay at the Point Betsie Lighthouse . F eel free to rock the waves with some breathtaking action at Legacy Water Sports & Marina , or perhaps experience the wind beneath your feet while hiking Cadillac’s White Pine Trail , or biking the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail . Trust us, The Grass River Natural Area is one of the most breathtaking places ever, and just remember, when you’re done, a delicious reward is waiting! This is wine country after all.

local guide

shop... A charming historic

general store celebrating the flavors of the North, featuring homemade baked goods, fresh jams, famous pot pies, local apparel, and thoughtfully curated gifts. GoodHartStore.com

Good Hart General Store Good Hart

ride... Choose your adventure— rent a bike, paddleboard, or kayak for a solo escape, or book a custom winery and distillery tour, including new guided bus experiences near beautiful Torch Lake. BellairePaddlesandPedals.com

Paddles & Pedals Bellaire

sip... Michigan’s first farm

distillery blends field-to-glass craftsmanship with a passion for the land — growing its own MAEAP certified grain and producing exceptional barrel-aged bourbons along

the scenic Betsie River. IronFishDistillery.com

Iron Fish Distillery Thompsonville

You’re officially in wine country in the North, but it’s also cherry country, ski country, golf country, water and boat country, and THE place for amazing fall color tours. Each charming town is more intriguing than the next and offers an incredible array of one-of-a kind places to stay, hyper-local eateries, delightful boutiques, plus nature on overdrive. When you get to the top of the mitten, you’re at the Mackinaw Bridge and from there - a whole new adventure begins.

Photo courtesy of Karen S Farrell

#WestMichigan | 2026 Carefree Travel Guide

67