There is a reason it's been coined "Charlevoix the Beautiful." This charming northern Michigan town is sandwiched between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan and has so much to offer during all seasons. A few years ago, I visited during the fall for a leaf peeping adventure so I was excited to be back in the winter. Not only are the crowds much smaller than during the peak summer months, there are so many unique adventures to be had. Keep reading to discover four outdoor adventures you must add to your Michigan winter bucket list. 

Disclaimer: My trip was sponsored by Visit Charlevoix. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Some links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Over the last few years, we rather unexpectedly created a tradition of spending New Year's Eve in Northern Michigan and ringing in the New Year on the ski slopes. This year we kept with tradition and spent the weekend in Traverse City. This is one of my favorite destinations in all of Michigan (read more here). While I had visited several times, I had never been in the winter so I was excited to explore all the area had to offer in the snowy season. 

Disclaimer: Our trip was planned in partnership with Visit Traverse City. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

If you haven't experienced fall in Northern Michigan, what are you waiting for?! This truly is one of the most magical times of the year when the air is crisp, the colors begin to pop, and the summer crowds begin to fade away. We hopped in the car and drove four hours north to The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor at the end of October which was perfectly timed for peak leaf peeping. From multiple dining options, secluded beach access, and 500 acres to explore, The Homestead has something to offer in all four seasons in the heart of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. 

Disclaimer - Our two-night stay was sponsored by The Homestead. 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.

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. 

Wrigley and I took our first trip to Traverse City when he was just eight months old. Two years later we were excited to return and visit some of our favorite spots and check out a few new dog-friendly beaches, hikes, restaurants, and wineries. There truly is so much to explore here with your furry friend and below I'm sharing our full weekend itinerary. Interested in more Traverse City content? Click here. 

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Traverse City Tourism. The itinerary was created by me based on personal research and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Middletown is truly the definition of small town charm. They are located in southwestern Ohio between Dayton and Cincinnati. Their main street is bursting with hidden treasures and with 16 murals within a one mile loop, the arts and culture scene is also worth noting. My mom and I recently visited for a girl's weekend getaway and had such a fun time exploring, chatting with locals, and trying some activities for the first time. 

Disclaimer: Our visit was sponsored by Middletown Visitor's Bureau. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I'll admit I don't take many true "vacations." Typically I go on trips which are planned out and full of adventure. But after planning a long weekend getaway with my best friend from college I couldn't wait to just lay on the beach or by the pool with a drink in hand. We decided on Virginia Beach as it was an easy flight for us and a short drive from where our friends live in northern Virginia. It ended up being a great choice and we had a sunny, relaxing time together.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! 

Known for mild winters and receiving over 300 days of sunshine, Scottsdale makes the perfect destination to escape to no matter the time of year. We recently visited for three days in January and enjoyed 70 degree temps, fewer crowds, and a vibrant and colorful city waiting for us to explore. Scottsdale is also well known for it's pristine golf courses, so if you have a hubby who likes to golf like I do, it should be easy to sell them on this city. 

Located only a short drive from Phoenix, Scottsdale is easily accessible by air and many major airports offer affordable direct flights allowing you to make the most of that precious time off. If you're looking to extend you're trip a bit, a short two hour drive takes you to the red rock country of Sedona with breathtaking views and unforgettable hikes. We split our trip between the two cities and it worked out perfectly. Click here to read more about our time in Sedona. 

​Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! ​