Happy Monday Beauties! If you've read my blog long enough, you may know that Mr. Nine and I are smitten with the mitten....I'm talking about Michigan, especially the West Coast along the Lake Michigan Shoreline. Of course, we are sun shiny beach people but we absolutely love all the seasons. In our opinion, there is no better place to experience the richness of those seasons than in Michigan. Our favorite town is 4 1/2 hours North and the minute we get in the vicinity, all the stress we have going on melts away. The Fall is stunning there and so the third weekend of October we know we have to get our Michigan fix. The leaves were about a week behind schedule but we were blessed with some gorgeous weather and always have the BEST time. Our trip almost didn't happen this year and was shortened by a day since as you know, our Daisy girl has been sick. Sweet Grammie agreed to take care of her for a bit so we could still go. She tag teamed it with a dear friend of hers and Miss Daisy got spoiled as can be. I've told you about our summer vacays up there HERE and HERE and now here's the short list of some of our favorite things to do in Michigan in the Fall.
1. BUZZ BALLS and RELAX
OK Kids in all honesty, I just like saying "Buzz Ballz!" While I like to concoct up new cocktails and go giddy over key lime Martinis, moscato and my new fav.....Not Your Father's Vanilla Cream Ale, I really do not drink that often. However, when we head North, Mr. Nine and I like to stop off for a few bevy's to take along to the condo. I always like to try something new. We had stopped off at a mom and pop gas station and I saw these in the refrigerated case....the coolest name on an oddly shaped ball of goodness and it had me intrude until examining it in the car, I see the alcohol content....20%.....whaaaat? Let's just say, did not make it through the whole thing.
One of these was more my speed and takes JUST LIKE Vanilla Cream Soda...delicious!!!
With my Ballz...
The whole goal is to RELAX, just look at the mist on the Lake in the morn
and sunset at night....
2. FOOD, OF COURSE
A few local food spots are always the highlight of our trip. In the Fall, the town bakery, which I have deemed the best bakery in all the land, has pumpkin doughnuts to die for and they make us the best egg and bacon paninis. But guess what else they do for us? They pack us a picnic lunch to take on our hike for the day and it hits the spot every time!
A local brewery has some great ales and just look that those sweet potato fries..delicious!
My favorite Outfit of the trip..wore to the "Roadhouse" for Mexican one night. Hoped to see the ghost of Patrick Swayze, but no such luck, just amazing chips and salsa and a house margarita!!
3. IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN
In the Fall, this town always has a biggest pumpkin on display for all to see. I am fascinated every year with the prized orange giant. So, of course I have to go by it several times and get oodles of photos.
4. HIKING
The Mr. and I LOVE to Hike, we even went hiking on our Honeymoon years ago. This particular day was the perfect hiking weather, we tried a trail we had not before and we were overjoyed with how awesome it was...9 miles this day and no blisters, lol. Some of the countries best hiking trails are in Michigan, our goal is to try a different one every time.
Here we are on a little nylon blanket on a cliff eating our lunch packed from the Bakery
We found this golden leaf in a tree and to us it looks like the sweet Mitten state itself!!
The Fall colors were about a week behind this year but beautiful none the less.
5. MICHIGAN FARMER'S MARKETS
There is nothing like a Farmer's Market in the Summer snd Fall, especially in Michigan. This one is my favorites and you cannot beat the price in the Honeycrisp apples as they are normally sooo expensive in the store, Just love how all these little stands decorate for the season.
My Pumpkin Spice tank in all it's glory!!
HAPPY MONDAY!!
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So fun!! Your trip looks absolutely beautiful. And pumpkin donuts?? Umm, yes please! Love that y'all hike together :)
ReplyDeleteSarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
I think hiking in the fall is the absolute best, the weather, the crispness and the views make it amazing!! I'm pretty smitten with the mitten as well after this post!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteGreat pics!!! You know I love Michigan!!! :)
ReplyDeleteJaymie
I love Michigan in the fall! Your photos are beautiful! That buzz ballz cocktail is too funny but yikes, that would put me out for the day! I love your Happy Camper sweatshirt!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
Looks like a fun trip ! Love looking at all your photos :) Happy Monday friend !
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a fun trip!!! You look great in all of your outfits - especially the one with the plaid shirt :) I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSarah Bell
www.trendyandtidy.com
It looks like a great trip! I need to visit. The hike looked lovely too. And the weather has been so perfect to enjoy a little extra time outdoors this year.
ReplyDeleteI love learning about different areas; I'm going to have to put this one on my list.
ReplyDeleteOk you had me at Buzz Ballz and pumpkin doughnuts! What a FUN trip seriously! It looks like everything fall days should be made of!
ReplyDeletewww.rosyoutlookblog.com
Oh my gosh - I am in heaven with all of this fall goodness! How cute is that last pic?! Laughed out loud. People sure are creative! :) Have a wonderful week, gorgeous! XO
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
So much awesomeness in this post! What a fun trip. I love how stylish you look even hiking. I would look like a hot mess whereas you look like you just stepped off the runway.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like SO much fun!! I love vacations that are relaxing. I feel like some time at a lake in the fall is one of the best ways to do that. Looks like you all had a great time.
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks to you, Michigan is on my bucket list. How early is too early to indulge in a Buzz Ball? Just checking...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great weekend getaway. I would love to experience fall with changing leaves, sweatshirt weather, and sunny skies. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday, sweet Andrea and family! I always wanted to go to Michigan!! I heard so many awesome things and your post just encouraged me to tell my hubs to finally go! I mean it's so close to us too!! The Shoreline looks so calming and beautiful! Something I'm craving now that I'm preggers with baby #2! Hope to meet you in person one day! You are honestly such an inspiration and the most stylish mom ever! Your boys are SO lucky and blessed to have you! Love you!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday, love!
xoxo, Vanessa
www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Feeling relaxed just looking at these! Looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteMary
www.marymurnane.com
So many great snaps from your Michigan roadtrip, Andrea! I always loved visiting Michigan growing up because there was always so much to see. So many delicious fall food items and how funny is that election picture?! haha! Have a great start to the week!
ReplyDeletexo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
I have never been to Michigan before but it looks like you found all the right areas to go! All the pictures look so pretty and so very fall. And vanilla cream?!?! Sign me up for that!! Yum!
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks so beautiful! I can see why all of the stress melts away when you get there. It seems like the perfect fall spot. Haha, buzz balls is kind of fun to say ;) Hope you're having a fantastic Monday! Beautifully Candid
ReplyDeleteI've always heard how beautiful it is up there.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, that first outfit with the pink gingham sticking out - that is ADORABLE!!!!
So beautiful! Now I'm totally craving a donut, and I need that Happy Camper sweater! Cheers to a fabulous week <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
So beautiful! You always make me want to visit Michigan! Such a great weekend away with your mister.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun place! Everything is so picturesque!!
ReplyDeleteAnd girl, we LOVE the Not Your Father's drinks and I've never seen the vanilla cream ale!! We've only had the root beer, ginger ale, and cherry soda. They are all so delicious, I will definitely be looking for the vanilla cream ale!
What an incredibly fun weekend trip! You guys do the best things together. I think I need to go with you one of these times...can me and Mr. be stow aways?
ReplyDeleteI wanna go!
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous! I love the changing colors, the leaves, the pumpkins...the DONUTS! LOL! They look so yummy.
I've tried the Not Your Father's Root Beer...but I haven't seen the Vanilla Cream Ale...I bet that one is good! I'm not much of a drinker, but I'm all for drinks that don't taste much like alcohol...girly drinks, frozen drinks, you get it. Haha!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Okay, you convinced me to add Michigan to the top of my list of places to visit! It looks so gorgeous and I'm all about relaxation! Also I love that the local restaurant packs you a picnic, that's too cool! :)
ReplyDeleteEgg and bacon paninis? YUM!!! Visiting Mackinac Island or the upper peninsula is one of my dream trips!!
ReplyDeleteMichigan looks so beautiful! Great place for a hike to see the weather changing! Your outfits are so cute! I need to find these drinks you speak of, I wonder if they have them down here? Hope you are having a great Monday!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! I don't know that I've ever actually bought a buzz ball but it is fun to say & I think about it every time I see them in the liquor store.
ReplyDeleteHow much fun was that little trip? It looks like y'all had a blast!
ReplyDeleteI need to try that new Not Your Father's, I like their root beer and ginger ale. I've been drinking smaller amounts, though, and I feel much better. Gorgeous pictures. I would enjoy that hike.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I must book a trip to Michigan immediately! What fun! And I think I need to try the Ballz, very cool!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness can I just be transported to Michigan right now! It all looks so beautiful, and I love the fact that you fully take advantage of the season with hiking and farmers markets and all things pumpkin!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you and the hubs love visiting Michigan to experience the seasons...such beautiful Fall scenery and a nice escape from everyday life! How is Miss Daisy doing? So good she had some caring sitters while mom and dad were away. Adore all your fall festive outfits!
ReplyDeleteThat's it! Book us a room! I'm coming "up"! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHey gorgeous! Oh I have been looking for this post :) Michigan, wow! I tell my husband about your trips up and he is so interested. He has been to Michigan but only Detroit and he was not a fan. The rural areas look amazing. Now let's talk about those ballz LOL! 20%?!?!?! My gosh! We have the whole line of Not Your Father's here. I like the NYF Ginger Ale. So good! And sweet potato fries are my jam.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Andrea! You are the cutest thing! I always love your outfits, but these casual looks are my jam. I am going to be on the look out for those yummy beverages....#YouHadMeAt20%
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful pictures! You stayed in a beautiful area! The sunset is so nice and a picknick is great! We love getting away for a few days, must two nights is oké and it feels like a Mini Holiday! I hope Miss Daisy is better now!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fabulous trip! Your outfits are always so cute too. Honeycrisps are one of our favorite outfits and we only have one local orchard that grows them... and we can never find them in stores. So I always make sure to stock up in the fall.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this, I don't know if I'm hungry or want a drink, lol!!! LOVE your MI pics...so pretty and you're as cute as ever:)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos!!Love all of your outfits too. Doesn't that Not Your Father's stuff make root beer too? Because I have seen it and heard that it's really good. I've seen those buzz balls too. They would totally make me ill though because of that alcohol content. :-/ I hope that you have a lovely day today too!! :-)
ReplyDeleteNothing but love for the state of Michigan! Makes my heart happy! And so do your adorable fall outfits!
ReplyDeleteSO many beautiful pictures and amazing places to visit. We visited Traverse City when our friend was stationed there in the Coast Guard, and what a CUTE place! I love your little getaways and fun places you visit...and of course your amazing outfits too!
ReplyDeleteSo
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Fun
Things!!
Andrea, it's been so long since I've been to lovely Frankfort that it was before there even was a Crescent Bakery, I'm sure. There are so many beautiful places when you go "up north" in "the mitten"!
ReplyDeleteThat is a HUGE pumpkin!! And all that hiking looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, FYI, I live on the west side of Michigan in Grand Rapids. One of our kids live in Grand Haven, and we spent years sailing in Lake Michigan from Holland, MI. It's the best place!
ReplyDeleteGreat article and lovely photos. Thanks for sharing. Stopping by from Inspiration Monday.
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