Roll down the windows, turn up the music...
Take a long drive down M-22
If you’re familiar with Michigan at all, you’ve heard about M22 Scenic Drive in Michigan – better known as M22. It’s the most famous road in Michigan because of its popularity as the best scenic drive in the entire Midwest. On M22, you’ll see Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan,and other natural wonders that are the essence of “Pure Michigan.”
Although M22 is technically a highway there is minimal traffic and plenty of scenery, so it feels more like a hidden treasure than a true highway.
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Local Wine Tasting
Thanks to the wonders of the 45th Parallel (the shared latitude for Italy’s Piedmont region and Bourdeaux in France), the Traverse Wine Coast boasts over 40 different wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms. Ranging from crisp whites to complex reds, our winemakers have put us on a lot of lists, including Travel Channel’s Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs.
From traditional European ambiance to minimalist modern, the tasting rooms themselves are a sight to behold. They also happen to have some of the best views of the shore-lined landscapes. Make it a self-guided
tour, a snowshoe excursion or a shuttled event, the wineries always pour up hospitality.
Cotton Creek Farms
11885 Jewell Road, Thompsonville
Cotton Creek Farms is an alpaca farm with over 50 loving alpacas. The farm offers interactive alpaca tours and onsite shopping for alpaca loves of all ages. You can book a one-hour tour or just stop by and feed the alpacas at the store. The alpacas will be eager to meet you, eat treats from your hand, and take selfies with you. The store is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tours are at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Visit the website's event calendar for a full list of activities and tour times. Tour tickets can be purchased in advance to guarantee your spot. Feed is also available in the store for $1/bag.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
Frankfort, Michigan
The Point Betsie Lighthouse was fully automated in 1983 and the light is still fully operating. The lighthouse served as housing for Coast Guard personnel and their families in more recent history. The Point Betsie Lighthouse is easily found off of M-22 at the end of Point Betsie Road. The lighthouse opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6. For more specific information on open hours, please visit our website.