We know that sometimes the list of things to do can be overwhelming so we make an example itinerary that could make the most use of your time in the Northern Michigan area!

Packing is key. Today you'll need a hiking outfit and an outfit for the beach. Bring water, snacks, towels, beach chairs and sunscreen! Start off your day by grabbing something to eat. Check out our list of breakfast options in the Dining tab.

1st stop is Empire Bluffs Hiking Trail.

Up for a challenge? Continue the Empire Bluff hike across the side of the dune to reach The Tree Farm Trail.

2nd stop is Empire Beach.

Park right next to the beach and enjoy breathtaking views of the sand cliffs. This is Lauren's favorite place to paddle board and kayak due to the landscape. You can call Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak to rent paddle boards too! If you come here later in the evening, prepare yourself for one of the best sunsets in Northern Michigan. Getting hungry? Head to Shipwreck cafe for a nice lunch.

Crack a Cold One

Head over to Hop Lot Brew Garden to crack open a cold drink and enjoy one of the USA's top beer gardens!

Today you'll be biking and kayaking in Glen Arbor.

Breakfast at The Mill

Enjoy breakfast and a warm coffee at historic The Mill.

Bike to Sleeping Bear Dunes

1st stop is The Cyclery Bike Shop in Glen Arbor to rent bikes. You'll be doing a 4 mile bike ride (fairly flat trail) from downtown Glen Arbor on the Heritage Trail which will eventually lead you into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. On your way, you'll bike past a maritime museum and a lovely beach. Make sure you do at least part of the dune climb.

And yes, this is the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and yes that means wildlife and potentially bears, deer, and other critters. We've only ever encountered deers but please bring bear spray.

Kayak Crystal River

Return your bike to the Cyclery. Walk across the street to Crystal River outfitters. Time to rent some kayaks and paddle the peaceful and literally crystal clear waters. You can even see salmon swimming!

Dinner

Take a look at the Options in the Dining tab. We may recommend Faro in Northport or Farm Club in Traverse City (a farm to table experience).

Pick for our list of favorites for breakfast. Today is consider a lighter day in terms of activities.

Hike Clay Cliffs

Start your day with a fairly easy hike to the Clay Cliffs. It's easy to miss this hidden trail and it's parking. Typically only locals are here.

Explore Leland, aka Fishtown

Head to Van's Beach

This is one of our favorite beach spots and it's walking distance from downtown Leeland. Some days you will find professional wind surfers here and it's quite the experience.

Head back to Traverse City for shopping.

Shopping

Dinner & Sunset in Traverse City

Get dinner at one of the many Traverse City restaurants we have recommended. Finish by watching the sunset of Clinch Park Beach.

You will have time between the ceremony and reception to explore the vineyards of Old Mission however there's always room for more vino....Time to head to Old Mission peninsula for a day full of wine, breathtaking views, and quaint beaches. Some people even bike the peninsula but please note it's a very long ride with some hills.

Breakfast

It's a must to eat at their Old Mission Proper or Bubby's Bagels - whichever menu brings you the most joy. These are very close the vineyards.

Old Mission Vineyards

We've listed the vineyards from start of the peninsula to end and we have [*] the vineyards that are our favorites.

MARI VINEYARDS*

BONOBO VINEYARDS*

PENINSULA CELLARS (school house)

CHATEAU GRAND TRAVERSE

BRYS ESTATE*

(make sure you go check out their garden too!)

BOWERS HARBOR VINEYARDS

TABONE VINEYARDS

CHATEAU CHANTAL

2 LADS WINERY

Then stop at

Harbor View Nursery & Lavender Farm

Lighthouse + Beach

At the end of the peninsula, you will see Old Mission Lighthouse and it's quaint beach. You could also save this spot for after dinner!

Dinner & Sunset

Consider getting dinner at Jolly Pumpkin (casual) or The Boathouse (fancier dining) at the end of the peninsula. Finally head to Old Mission Light House - one of our favorite sunset spots. You can also watch the sunset over Bonobo Vineyard on a roadside pull off that sits atop the hill.

Breakfast

Lake days call for a yummy breakfast. Check out Mundos in Traverse City (they have about 3+ locations across Traverse but our favorite one is at 305 State Street) or Alden Muffin Tin located by Torch Lake.

Off to the Lake

They call it the Caribbean of the Midwest for a reason. Rent a boat or kayak and enjoy the warm water and sand bars of Torch Lake. We recommend renting from Luhrs Landing Boat Rentals then paddling into the south bay of Torch Lake. Bringing a cooler of food and drinks. Although the north bay of Torch Lake is where most of the mansions are, the South Bay is where the larger SandBar is and is the ore social part of the lake.

Dinner

After a long day at Torch Lake, enjoy a drink and food at Little Fleet Food Truck Park in downtown Traverse City. If they are too busy, head to Rare Bird Brewery for some delicious tacos or Charles & Reid for Detroit- Style Pizza.

Wake up early for this one. You'll need to head to the Mackinac Island Ferry Company in Mackinaw City. This is a 2 hour drive from Downtown Traverse. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. We encourage bringing your bikes (or renting one upon arrival to the island).

Bike the Island

No cars are allowed on the island... so your means of transportation is a bike or a horse. The island is only 8.2 miles and is fairly flat. Biking will take you about an hour, but we suggest you stop and take in the sites of the Mackinac Bridge and enjoy the Native American Cultural History Trail information panels.

Explore The Grand Hotel & The Gardens

Shop around the main downtown area.

Dinner

Suttons Bay & North Port are year ‘round coastal villages with specialty shops, galleries, unique dining experiences, vineyards, historic inns, and family beaches.

Dinner at Gilchrist Farm: Winery & Restaurant

One of our "must eats" in Suttons Bay!