There is nothing more refreshing for the soul than a girl's weekend away with some of your best friends. When we started talking about this trip, we knew we wanted to explore Northern Michigan but since there is so much to see and do it can be hard to decide on where to stay. When you're traveling with a larger group (we had 7 girls) it can also be difficult to find lodging that meets all your needs and can comfortably fit everyone. Thankfully we discovered Crooked Tree Farm Farmhouse in Bellaire, Michigan! 

Disclaimer: We were hosted by Crooked Tree Farmhouse during our two-night stay. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

There is no other feeling quite like crossing the Mighty Mac on your way to explore Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It truly seems like another world and is a destination that keeps me coming back again and again. To celebrate our anniversary, we planned an epic summer road trip through the central and eastern regions of the UP. Keep reading to discover all the stops we made along the way, our picks for must do activities, and a few unique lodging options you'll want to book ASAP. 

Disclaimer: This trip was sponsored by UP Travel. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Having lived in Michigan my entire life, I can't believe it took me this long to explore Silver Lake Sand Dunes located near Hart, Michigan. This tiny town built around Silver Lake, and nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, is the ultimate summer playground for all ages. The towering sand dunes are the real star of the show and there are so many ways to get out and explore them. 

Disclaimer: Our trip was sponsored by Think Dunes. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

There is nothing quite like summertime in Northern Michigan. And there's no better place to explore all that this region has to offer than the centrally-located Hotel Walloon which sits nestled along the shores Walloon Lake. This privately owned boutique hotel features spacious guest rooms, elegant design, rich history, and world-class service. In addition to the charming Walloon Village, you're also just a short drive away from Petoskey, Boyne City, Harbor Springs, Mackinaw Island, and Traverse City. 

Disclaimer: Our host was sponsored by Hotel Walloon. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spring is always a long awaited celebration in Michigan as the days are longer, the sun starts to shine more, flowers begin to bloom, and people are emerging from a long, winter hibernation. Spring is also a wonderful time to visit Southwest Michigan to enjoy some of the most popular restaurants, hikes, and wineries or breweries before the summer crowds arrive. Keep reading to discover my top picks for exploring the Stevensville/Bridgman area during an overnight escape. 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Southwest Michigan Tourist Council. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I recently turned 30 and when we were in search of someplace warm and sunny to celebrate - Key West was calling our names! Key West is part of the Florida Keys archipelago and is also Florida's southernmost point located roughly 90 miles north of Cuba which means lots of sunshine (it was in the 80s when we went in March). We flew direct from Chicago to Key West but many people also access the island from the mainland via the Overseas Highway. We didn't rent a car during our stay and found everything to be very walkable (aside from our Uber to and from the airport). Scooters, golf carts, and bike rentals can also be found on nearly every street corner. Keep reading to find out how we spent five days in the Conch Republic! 

Disclaimer: We were hosted for our stay at Best Western and on several of our activity tours. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

There is truly nothing like the magic of Northern Michigan. While many people flock up north in the summer, there is so much to see and explore in the snowy season (and without the crowds!) Whether you're looking to hit the slopes, have a drink in a tent or igloo, or simply snuggle up in a cozy Airbnb for the weekend, you'll find it in Beulah, Michigan. 

If you've ever been to Hawaii you know how amazing the food scene is. If you haven't, you may have a hard time resisting the urge to Google flights by the end of this post. This was our third time visiting Maui and each time we visit we always like to try a variety of new places and also seek out the food and drinks we've been dreaming about ever since we left. Click here to read my other Maui posts.

The best part about being on an island is a majority of the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. I have to admit I am not cut out to be a food blogger -- mainly because by the time the food comes I'm so excited to eat it that I forget to document it. But I did my best to capture some of our favorites from our trip. Let's dig in! 

When doing any research while planning a trip to Maui, it's guaranteed that the Road to Hana will be top on the list of must-sees. The 64.4 mile stretch of highway consists of 620 curves and 59 bridges and leads you through lush rainforest terrain, waterfalls, and deep valleys. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience and, as cliche as it sounds, is more about the journey than the destination. In my opinion, the drive itself isn't worth it (and honestly quite stressful) unless you plan to make frequent stops and get out of the car to enjoy the beauty along the way. 

No matter how you decide to conquer the Road to Hana, or what route you take, you'll need to dedicate a full day to this activity and plan on an early wake up call. The itinerary I outline below took around 11 hours and we left Lahaina around 6:15 a.m. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Looking for more? Click here to access all of my Hawaii blog posts.

There is truly so much to love about fall in Michigan: Bright leaves, cooler weather, harvest time in the vineyards, cider and donuts, and fall cocktails along the Makers Trail. While the wineries, breweries, and distilleries in Southwest Michigan are worth a visit all year long, I love when the new fall cocktail menus roll out. But with so many stops to choose from where should you start? Don't worry - I've rounded up my top four favorite fall cocktails for you to try out (all in the name of research of course!) Don't forget to pick up a Maker's Trail passport on your adventures to get stamps and earn great prizes for each stop you make. 

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Southwest Michigan Tourist Council. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.