We decided to take a quick trip to Frankfort, MI. Honestly we didn’t really have any plans, other than to head towards Sleeping Bear Dunes and see what we could do and explore in 2.5 days. We ended up having one of the best times, with a hike which brought us through dense woods with fungus galore, and ended with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. Additionally we decided to see how many lighthouses we could see, and travel on M22 through wine country, which is a wonderful drive, and I highly suggest getting a B&B and stay for an endless supply of wine tasting options!

When we arrived on Saturday the wind was howling and Lake Michigan was very much alive and active.

While we waited for the weather to calm a bit, it was decided we would go into town, which happens to be a short walk from the beach. In town you’ll find lots of little shops, and places to stay.

With some snacks in hand, it was time to head into the woods.

At the end of the trail we were greeted by this view!

After the hike, we headed to Pointe Betsie Lighthouse

After returning to Frankfort it was time for dinner at the Stormcloud Brewery. Get their Flatbread, it’s great! And after dinner the weather was much more pleasing and we walked to the beach to enjoy the sunset.

After the sunset, it was time to get back to camp and settle in for the night….

Nothing beats camp coffee over an open fire!

After breakfast we made our way to Fish Town in Leland, MI

I was a little surprised to see so many fish jumping this early in the season, but it was a welcome sight.

Fish Town is one of those places I’ll never get enough of. It’s small, but what character!

From Leland we headed North on M22 to North Port, and to Grand Traverse Lighthouse.

After looking at the lighthouse we walked along the rocky beach…

From there we took the very windy M22 through wine country… You could spend all day tasting wines.

We ended up at Old Mission Point Lighthouse.

After this stop we headed into Traverse City for a snack, coffee, and went back to Frankfort for dinner, camp for the night, and back home.

It was a wonderful trip, and I look forward to more of these long weekend spontaneous trips with my family!