Making a date with the state

Take to shorelines and country roads across the Great Lakes State this fall to celebrate the season in hands-on ways, from harvest festivals and outdoor concerts to savory samplings and friendly farms.
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Sailing the Great Lakes
Catch a Regatta in Northeast Michigan

Sept. 10-12, Tawas Bay along the shores of Lake Huron is the spectacular setting for the J/22 North American Championship. Competing in this esteemed sailing regatta, the J/22 is considered by many to be amongst the best, and this national event will draw some 40 teams to compete for top honors. Established in 1865, the Tawas Bay Yacht Club has a long history of sailing competitions and is home to Fleet 44, an active fleet of highly-skilled sailors of all ages. J22na.com. 

Underhill Felt Bowls Learn tricks of the trade in Northwest Michigan

Shop for hand-crafted wares and uncover how they were created during the 12th Annual Fiber Festival, Oct. 5-6, at the Old Art Building in the village of Leland. Artists from throughout the region and the state gather to showcase their art in mediums of paper, tapestry and woven handbags, weavings, quilts, sculpture and more. Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and not far from the famed Historic Fishtown District, the Old Art Building is an extension of the Leelanau Community Cultural Center. (231) 256-2131; oldartbuildling.com. 

Honolulu HouseTour a National Historic
Landmark in Southwest Michigan

For nearly 50 years, the community of Marshall has been opening its doors during its annual Historic Homes Tour. This year’s event on Sept. 8-9 offers access to seven private homes as well as many of the town’s most noted museums including  the Honolulu House, Capitol Hill School, Governor’s Mansion Museum and select buildings at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds, among others. Throughout the weekend, stroll the River Walk, relax at the Brooks Memorial Fountain or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through one of the nation’s premier National Historic Landmark Districts. marshallhistoricalsociety.org.

iStock Geocaching PhotoHunt for Treasure
in the Upper Peninsula

Spend the day treasure hunting on Sept. 22 at Fort Wilkins State Park in Copper Harbor during “Geocaching on the Keweenaw.” Geocaching — a high-tech scavenger hunt using a hand-held GPS system — combines technology with the great outdoors. Explore the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula during the vibrant fall color season, while searching for autumn flora and fauna and learning about local history. Fun include a kid’s hunt, cookout and bonfire. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required. (906) 289-4215; michigan.gov/dnr.

flint farmers marketGet cookin’ from the ground up

Celebrate the bounty of Michigan’s fall harvest at the Flint Farmers Market on Sept. 15, when local chefs make “Back to the Roots” a special focus and will be on hand to share preparation and menu ideas for those cold autumn days ahead. Activities are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (810) 232-1399; flintfarmersmarket.com.

For more state-wide events and natural attractions, visit regional Web sites for chambers of commerce, tourism associations and other offices listed on page 57 of the magazine.


Excursions legendCommonly requested tourist information listed below:

Travel Michigan
www.Michigan.org

Upper Peninsula Tourism & Recreation Association
www.UPTravel.com

West Michigan Tourist Association
www.WMTA.org

Southwest Michigan Tourist Council
www.SWMichigan.org

Michigan’s West Coast
www.MichigansWestCoast.com

Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Bureau
www.SleepingBearDunes.com 

Traverse City CVB
www.VisitTraverseCity.com 

Northern Michigan Tourist Association
www.TravelNorth.org 

Boyne Country CVB
www.BoyneCountry.com

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
www.MackinawCity.com

Michigan’s Sunrise Side
www.MiSunriseSide.com

Blue Water Area
www.BlueWater.org

Detroit Metro CVB
www.VisitDetroit.com 

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