<p>If you’re thinking about the Traverse City area…try to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes. </p>
<p>Mackinaw Island is also a great spot others have mentioned. Even better is Pictured Rocks Lakeshore in the UP of Michigan if you want a more adventurous trip with boat or kayaking tours.</p>
<p>^Sleeping Bear Dunes is a really beautiful place.</p>
<p>Again, many thanks.</p>
<pre><code>I am zeroing in on the Traverse City area, due to the Old Mission area, the wineries, and the Dunes park. I will look at the Homestead website. But I’d really like a more romantic, less family-oriented (my neighbors have very small kids and we need a break) place, so I’m leaning toward bed and breakfast type lodging.
</code></pre>
<p>There are some very funky and interesting possibilities from what I can tell online.</p>
<p>I’m an OOS parent, too, and I love to explore this beautiful state every time I visit. I’ve been to most of the places others are suggesting and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. I haven’t been to the Traverse City area yet (on my list), but it sounds wonderful. Please post a review if you go!</p>
<p>Last fall, we ventured NW and stayed at the Bay Harbor Renaissance Lake Michigan near Petoskey and absolutely loved it. It was too cold by that time to enjoy their pretty beach, but it was such a gorgeous area to explore. </p>
<p>Make sure you try to visit Michigan at least once in mid-October when they have the fall reading days, the autumn leaves are beautiful. You will probably miss the fall leaves freshman year, since they schedule Parent Weekend after most have fallen…by the way, I do recommend Parent’s Weekend freshman year.</p>
<p>I live in Traverse area and can vouch for all it has to offer. If you stay at the Holiday Inn downtown, you can walk to town and be centrally located to visit both Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsula (both great wine tours!) Everything is an easy 1/2 hr to hr car drive for exploring either.</p>
<p>There is a great B&B and winery in Leelanau County called Black Star Farms.</p>
<p>This thread got me started planning our October visit during reading days! D wants us to pick her up on Friday and head NW. I can’t wait!!!</p>