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.  

Between the Blue Ridge Parkway, bustling craft beer scene, and beautiful fall colors, a trip to Asheville, North Carolina during October has been on my bucket list for quite some time. With some extra flight credits to use (thanks COVID-19) we decided to book a long weekend getaway to explore this amazing city. And I have to say this is one destination that, leading up to our trip, everyone I talked to had nothing but amazing things to say. 

We flew in on Friday evening (arrived around 5:30 p.m.) and flew out on Monday morning so it was a quick trip to try and pack in as much adventure, food and beer as possible. Below I'm sharing my full itinerary breakdown. You may also like these other Asheville posts: 

• Where to eat and drink in Asheville
• Best Blue Ridge Parkway stops

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! ​

The mountains are calling and I must go! There is just something so refreshing about that cool mountain area. Asheville, North Carolina has been on my travel bucket list for quite some time and my husband and I finally had a chance to visit this fall. One of the main reasons I wanted to go was to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. This massive road weaves 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina with countless hikes, overlooks and amazing views the whole way. The parkway is also unique in that big trucks aren't allowed to drive it and the speed limit is 45 mph which allows you to really slow down and take in all the beauty around you. 

Northern Michigan keeps me coming back again and again no matter the season. But there is just something so magical about visiting during the fall as Mother Nature begins to paint the rolling landscape with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. "Up north" as we like to call it, is one of the first areas in Michigan to peak with color. While the exact time varies every year depending on a number of factors, the second or third weekend in October is typically the perfect time to plan a trip. This year I hit the road for the ultimate fall getaway with my mom in Charlevoix, Michigan. I had only ever passed through this quaint town or visited for the day so I was excited to have three full days to explore. 

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

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald

​One of my favorite parts of living in Southwest Michigan is getting to experience all four seasons and the changes that come along with each. While summers along the lakeshore are hard to beat, there is really something so special about harvest time in the fall. As the air begins to get cooler, the days grow shorter and the leaves change to a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, and oranges, it's time to plan your fall weekend getaway to Michigan's Great Southwest. Sip on a glass of cider and pick apples at a local orchard, hit the Makers trail as the smell of grapes begins to waft through the air, or hike over towering sand dunes surrounded by colorful trees on either side. Discover my favorite fall activities and start creating your own bucket list!

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Southwest Michigan Tourist Council. The itinerary was created by me based on personal research and all thoughts and opinions are my own.