Michigan might not be on the top of everybody's travel bucket list, and I am here to tell you you are SORELY missing out! But I'm here to tell you about the beauty that is known as the UP (Upper Peninsula - yes, that is part of Michigan, not Canada and not Wisconsin!). To get to the UP, you must take the beautiful Mighty Mac (known to non-Michiganders as The Mackinac Bridge).
But wait! Don't you dare pass Johan's Pastry Shop as you drive through Petoskey. I'm a sucker for a good donut...and these were GOOODDD!
Behold, the Mighty Mac appears before you in just under 50 minutes. While it might not be as mighty as The Golden Gate Bridge, the 26,372-foot-long bridge is the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. That counts for something, right?
You have successfully traveled from "downstate" to the UP within minutes. If you want to spend more time in our beautiful state, check out Mackinac Island. You can only arrive by boat (or plane), and the only method of transportation around the island is by horse-drawn carriage, bike, or foot. Unfortunately, on this trip, we did not make our way to Mackinac Island, but one day, I will get there as an adult! You heard it here first!
The Upper Peninsula is an outdoor lovers' paradise. Again, Michigan, you think?? YES, Michigan! Everything from hiking to biking to skiing to hunting can be found up here in this part of the state.
The UP is an outdoor lovers' paradise. Again, Michigan, you think?? YES, Michigan! Everything from hiking to biking to skiing to hunting can be found up here in this part of the state.
Now which time of the year to go, you ask? Arguably, summer and fall might be the two best times to visit. As a summer lover, I never want summers to end, but if you've seen some of the fall colors, that puts a little smile on my face. But summer is what we Michiganders LIVE for.
You simply cannot leave the UP without a visit to one of the many pasty shops. What is a pasty, you ask? It's a hearty meal (hence keeping the local miners well-fed!) of pastry dough stuffed with meat and veggies. Pasties arrived in the UP in the 1840s to keep the local miners well-fed during the hard-working days. Although, they've evolved over the years and have gotten much more innovative with their fillings. One of the most well-known local gems is Lehto's. It makes for a great fall and winter meal - pair it with brown gravy or ketchup. I switch it on and off, but I equally like each of the sauces on my pasties!
Tell me, have you been to the Upper Peninsula? If not, what are you waiting for?
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