UP NORTH, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – You’ve managed to get Friday off and want to take a long weekend “up north”. You score lodgings near Lake Charlevoix, pack up the family, and head out. You know the lake is going to be beautiful, but you want to get around and have some fun as well. In fact, one of your group has never even seen the Mackinac Bridge. So, you decide to take a “day trip” to Tahquamenon Falls. With a little planning you can have a weekend getaway without having to rush around, here we go.
After arriving at the lake and checking in, a little relaxation is in order. A great way to kick back at the end of a day is to settle in and watch a gorgeous sunset. It is only a short drive to Walloon Lake. The dock bar is an excellent perch for an unobstructed view as the sun settles across the lake and drops out of sight.
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On Saturday morning it’s off to the fabulous Boyne City Farmers Market. This year-round market features an amazing variety of goods from local small-scale farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. We can load up on fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, baked goods, fresh flowers, pasture raised meat, maple syrup, and honey. In case you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs there is handmade artwork as well.
The drive north on US-31 is scenic and at a slower pace than the interstate highway. The drive winds along the shorelines of sparkling lakes and through beautiful, historic small towns on the way to the Mackinac Bridge. After crossing the bridge, we chose to take the back roads to Paradise via Route 123 through Trout Lake. Arriving in Paradise it’s time for lunch. The sandwiches at the Fresh Coast Café are huge and delicious. The service is always fast. In case they are booked up, the Gastro Pub and Smokehouse is awesome as well.
From Paradise it is only a few miles to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. An easy hike takes us to both the upper and lower falls. The forest is quiet and peaceful, and the falls are spectacular in any season. The sun reflecting off the plunging falls is breathtaking. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most photographed waterfalls in America.
When it’s time to head back south we choose the Whitefish Bay Scenic Highway. It only adds a few miles to the trip. It’s beautiful the whole way and can include a stop at the Iroquois Point Lighthouse for more selfies. After the lighthouse the road takes us to I-75 south. Before crossing the Mackinac Bridge we head over to Clyde’s, an old school drive-in restaurant. They are almost always busy, but it is worth it. Clyde’s serves up what is arguably the best burger in Michigan. It comes in several sizes for any appetite including the Big “C” at over a third of a pound.
The next day it is time for some tubing and boating on Lake Charlevoix. On the way home we drive along the south shore of Lake Charlevoix so we can take the Ironton Ferry across the river. The ferry only holds about 4 vehicles at a time but the ride only takes about 5 minutes or so. It adds to the fun of the weekend and drops us at the door of The Landing for a late lunch. Some diners say it is one of the best waterfront restaurants in Michigan.
All this adds up to a terrific weekend—maybe a perfect Michigan weekend!
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