Caroline’s Northern Michigan Favorites
If you know me, you know I love Northern Michigan. If you're visiting, here's a list of my go-tos along M22 (a scenic route through the pinky of Northern Michigan):
FIRST, why is it so special?
Ever since I was born, I have been heading north to Glen Arbor, Michigan. In the summer, my family would travel there to swim in the lakes, boat on Little Glen, hike Empire Bluffs, and enjoy the long bike rides to the dunes. My first job was scooping icecream at Cherry Republic in high school. In the fall, we would head up for Thanksgiving in our small town to go Black Friday shopping at the same five stores on Lake Street. In the winter, we would go skiing at The Homestead, climb the massive snow mounds in front of our house, and go on wintry walks through the woods. Lastly, in the spring, we would head up for dewy mornings cozied up by the fire, a good cup of coffee from Leelanau Coffee Roasters and a cup of chowder from The Cove in Leland.
When driving over the narrows (the bridge between Big and Little Glen Lakes), there is a palpable joy. Everytime I go up north to experience that feeling, I like to check a few things off my bucket list. Today, I want to share these with you– the things you MUST do in Glen Arbor (voted the most beautiful place in America) the next time you visit.
Thanks to growing up in this lake town, I know Glen Arbor like the back of my hand. Other towns along M22 are worth mentioning too! I love Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Leland, and the wineries (and cherry farms, and lavender farms) on Old Mission Peninsula.
Glen arbor
Glen Arbor, is characterized by sitting between two lakes – Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. In town, you can find elevated cabin-like bed & breakfasts, small businesses selling anything from bike gear to sundresses to a good comfort colosr tee. Here are a few of my favorite spots you cannot pass up:
Let’s Start with Food
The Mill is a gorgeous renovated historical mill which sits a bit outside of town on the Crystal River. The mill is great at many things– hospitality experienced in rooms for rent upstairs, making a good cup of coffee, and crafting the best sandwiches and small plates. It is the quintessential Glen Arbor spot that you cannot miss!
I grew up stealing samples of the cherry sour patches and chocolate covered cherries out of the Great Hall at Cherry Republic. My first job was scooping ice cream here. They have a great menu offered at their restaurant - I am obsessed with the cherry jam grilled cheese and pulled pork sliders with cherry barbecue sauce. You have to give it a try. This place is like Disneyland for cherries. So fun!
If you are up North in the summer, you understand the wait for an outdoor table at Art’s. While the food isn’t anything crazy special– it’s a classic place. The inside is slightly reminiscent of a boy’s college dorm room, but that’s exactly what it should be. Make sure you get a Northwood’s cherry soda when you're there! And they only take cash - there’s an ATM down the street.
Now Let’s Shop!
Cottonseed has the coolest stuff– fun flowy sundresses, beach hats, and the cutest accessories. In the past few years, new owners have come in to change up the place to bring more current, cute, and fun stuff to Glen Arbor. I love it– I can’t wait for you to see it!
This place is a Glen Arbor classic, but I feel that it sometimes falls under the radar. This is my favorite spot in town because it has comfort colors shirts in literally every color and coastal classic design you could ever dream of. Get your merch here.
Coastal is a great spot to find gifts, high quality clothes, shoes, and accessories. I love the Glen Arbor twist they put on classic brands like YETI, vineyard vines, Patagonia, REEF, and others. I’d recommend you stop by and see what treasures you’ll find!
The Cottage BookShop is a wonderful place to find your next read. It is a quaint little cottage across the street from Cherry Republic and I think it’s one of my happy places. So instagramable.
I probably don’t need to tell you what the M22 store is, but I’d recommend you check out all the classic products in store! Grab a sticker, a classic tee, or a glass of wine at the M22 winery
Tuesday Farmer’s Market
There is an amazing Farmer’s market filled with produce and gifts every Tuesday in Glen Arbor. You can’t miss it!
Take a hikE … or a few!
M22 is the perfect hike location because it has so many different types of beautiful scenery– in its lakes, rivers, forests, and dunes. Here are some classic hikes you must try.
You can’t visit Glen Arbor without attempting the climb up the dunes. Not only is it the best view, the most spectacular hike, and a great way to meet others, it is also the world’s most intense leg day. Don’t let that scare you, though, you can do it! You can enjoy the hike after a long bike ride on the Sleeping Bear Trail or you can park at the national park. After your hike, I’d recommend you stop by Shipwrecked for a big sandwich or get a refreshing drink at Anderson’s Market to refuel for the rest of your day!
Empire Bluffs is the perfect hike for anyone– it’s not too long, too hilly, or too buggy, BUT it has the most rewarding and incredible view of Lake Michigan. If you are looking for a more private trail with a similar view, check out Treat Farm!
All Other Amazing Hikes can be Found Here!
get active!
So many outdoor activities to be had! Bikers, swimmers, kayakers, and runners will love it here! That doesn’t mean you have to get involved (people also love relaxing by the beach or cozying up in their cabins), but if you want to get active, you should! Here are my favorite ways to do so:
Kayak Crystal River
I grew up kayaking on the Crystal and “shooting the tube” just about every summer. The crystal is the perfect place to paddle– with its crystal clear water (home to the most adorable turtles), fun “shoot the tube” which is basically a waterslide in a kayak, and scenic views of glittering water and birch trees. You have to do it at least once!
Take a Bike Ride
I love a long bike ride up north. My favorite trail is the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. If you are looking to rent bikes, here are some great spots to rent from:
Glen Arbor: The Cyclery
M-109 near Dune Climb: Duneswood Resort
Empire: Empire Outdoors, Surf and Kayak Shop
E-Bikes: sbdTours
Stand Up Paddle
The most perfect spot to paddle board is 10000% M22. Because of the mostly flat and clear water, you will feel safe and confident out on the lakes and rivers. I love paddle boarding because I can stand up and have a little bit of a workout, sit down and enjoy the views, or lay down on the board to get a good tan! Here is where you can rent them in town.
Yoga on the Beach
This yoga on the beach is the perfect stress relief and stretch before a big day. This donation-based yoga benefits the Sleeping Bear Dunes and is such a beautiful way to ground yourself.
End your day the right way – with ice cream
It is an unspoken rule in the Glen Arbor area that you must end each fun day with a trip to the many ice cream shops.
If you are in the mood for soft serve: try the soft serve cherry and vanilla swirl at Cherry Republic or a swirl cone with sprinkles from Pine Cone.
If you prefer hand-scooped ice cream: try Laker Shakes in Burdickville (just around Glen Lake). If you want to try some authentic gelato, go to Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire.
BEACHES
Going to the beach in the summer is the best feeling in the world. In the M22 area, even though there is so much lake, sometimes finding a beach with good space is tricky. Here are my favorites:
Want to sit on Glen Lake? Try the dock at Old Settlers Park. It is a shallow swimming area that is sure to refresh you! It’s best to rent a boat to enjoy the crystal clear water of Glen Lake.
Don’t forget to catch the sunset on these lakes at night! The dock at the end of Lake Street facing Lake Michigan is where everyone gathers (with their ice cream) to watch the sun go down.
OTHER must-stop SPOTS ALONG M22
This is an amazing place. Great for dinner! So much great, fresh food grown right in front of you.
The best croissants (people line up for them), breads and wood fired pizzas. On a farm on the way to Suttons Bay! Sometimes they have live music. It’s magical!
Lavender Farms
Visit the Secret Garden at Brys Estate and Harbor View Farm on Old Mission! So magical - especially in June and July.
For more M22 Adventures explore here!
Northern Michigan is on the same parallel as Southern France so the grapes grow just as well!
Have fun! I can't wait to hear about what you love. If you love something about Glen Arbor or M22 I didn't mention, tell us in the comments below!
The more recs, the better. Enjoy!