A Perfect Fall Day in Leelanau County

Northern Michigan is widely celebrated for its stunning summers with long days, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of fresh fruit, but have you visited Leelanau County in the fall? If you haven't yet witnessed this autumn wonderland, let us guide you through the perfect day.

Kickstart your day at 9 Bean Row with their amazing croissants. Don’t worry if there’s a line—the pastries are definitely worth the wait! Recognized as a foodie hotspot in Northern Michigan, 9 Bean Row also offers fantastic bread and desserts.

Take a leisurely drive up M22 and soak in the breathtaking fall colors reflected on Suttons and West Bay.

If you're looking to add a touch of creativity to your day, stop by V-Gallery in Omena. This recently revamped art space, formerly the General Store, showcases a curated collection of paintings and works by local artists.

After exploring the East side of the peninsula, it’s time to venture West. Embrace the adventure by getting a bit lost on the scenic backroads on your way to Clay Cliffs Natural Area. We recommend tackling the full loop, just shy of 1.5 miles. It takes around 35 minutes to complete, assuming you can resist taking photos every few steps. Clay Cliffs offers an amazing mix of terrains for such a short distance with stunning views of the fall colors and Lake Michigan.

Feeling hungry? Head down to The Cove in Leland for delicious whitefish, perch, or walleye. Grab a riverside seat and you might catch a glimpse of salmon swimming upstream to Lake Leelanau.

Continue your drive south on M22 to reach Good Harbor Vineyards. Established in 1980, this winery boasts an impressive suite of wines ranging from sparkling to full-bodied reds and more. Relax on their newly constructed patio with a flight or a glass of their award-winning Unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Noir-Zweigelt—perfect companions for a fall day. Still craving cherries after the Traverse City Cherry Festival this summer? Snag a bottle of cherry wine to enjoy with dark chocolate later—it also makes a wonderful holiday gift.

As you travel further south on M22, you'll eventually arrive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—one of only three National Lakeshores in the entire U.S. If you're up for another hike, we recommend the Pyramid Point trail. Prefer to stay in the car? The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is an amazing way to savor the vibrant fall colors.

On your way back to Traverse City, be sure to pop into Farm Club. Their menu constantly evolves with the bounty of the season, but you can always expect fresh and tasty farm-to-table dishes. If you're lucky, you might find their famous onion rings on the menu. Check out their Bon Appetit magazine feature here.

Experience the charm of Northern Michigan on a dreamy fall day. Our perfect day concludes by curling up by a fire with a delightful drink in hand. Need a recommendation? We suggest the newly released Good Harbor Vineyards Merlot or the crowd favorite; Late Harvest Riesling.