One of my favorite parts about living in Michigan is getting to experience all four seasons. Each brings their own unique beauty and variety of activities to the area. This winter I've made it a goal of mine to opt outside as much as possible so I was very excited for the opportunity to be a tourist in my town and create my own winter bucket list in Southwest Michigan.

Whether its snowboarding down a sand dune, sipping wine in an igloo, or attending a local festival, there is so much fun to be had in Southwest Michigan during the snowy season. Read on to discover the best ways to enjoy a winter weekend of your own.

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

Did you know Southwest Michigan is one of five American Viticulture Areas in Michigan? The sloping terrain along the lakeshore, mild temperatures and variety of soils make it the perfect location for growing grapes and other fruits that serve as the inspiration for a vast array of award winning wines. In fact, our growing season has been compared to noteworthy destinations such as Bordeaux, France and Piedmont, Italy. 

​With more than 22 wineries dotting the landscape along the Maker's Trail, you can easily enjoy an afternoon or an entire weekend with a glass in hand. In fact, the winter months offer an entirely new experience featuring more secluded tasting rooms, mulled wine options, and a variety of experiences that are unique to the snowy season. Read on to discover three of my favorite winter winery experiences. 

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

"People don't notice if it's winter or summer when they're happy." -Anton Chekhov

I've recently decided to make this my new life motto. Living in Michigan all my life, I've experienced my fair share of winters and trust me, they can be brutal. I used to spend my days counting down until the summer sun was back again but there really is so much beauty (and fun) to be had in the snowy season!

I had the opportunity to pack my bags and hit the road to head north to one of my favorite Michigan towns, Petoskey, for an ultimate winter weekend getaway. We spent three days packed full of good food, wine, adventure, and even some fresh snow.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Petoskey Area Visitor's Bureau. The itinerary was created by me based on personal research and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

"The fondest memories are made gathered around the table."

Food has such a special way of bringing people together and helping us to appreciate the land around us. Granor Farm, located in Three Oaks, Michigan, was founded in 2006 with a commitment to creating an environment respectful of the land they cultivate, the products they grow, and the local community they serve. In addition to growing and selling certified organic produce, farm operations also include organic berries, cut flowers, pasture-raised eggs, and grains.

Throughout the year, Granor Farm also hosts Taste of Granor farmhouse dinners designed to connect people to the farm and the food they grow. The dinners are a multi-course, family-style meal featuring produce and grains grown by Granor Farm as well as meats, cheeses, and fruits from other farms in the area. I recently had the opportunity to attend one of the winter farmhouse dinners and it was truly an experience I won't forget.

Disclosure: Granor Farm hosted myself and a guest for the Taste of Granor dinner. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am a warm weather girl through and through but there is just something about the holiday season that I can't get enough of. The lights, the decorations, the carols, the traditions, and of course the cute cold weather accessories!

Each year, as the holiday season rolls around I become giddy as I wait for all the magic to unfold. One of my favorite traditions is traveling up to Grand Rapids to visit my sister as we pack in as many festive adventures as we can in one day. Below are some of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season in the city. 

In the words of Taylor Swift, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake (and stir..). Okay, I may have revised that a bit after attending Round Barn's new Shake and Stir Workshop, but c'mon can you blame me? Round Barn has long been one of my favorite stops along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail offering lively entertainment and delicious wine, beer and spirits on the Estate grounds which is also home to the iconic 1912 Amish Round Barn. In addition to traditional wine tasting, Round Barn has recently added a new hands on experience for visitors. During their Shake and Stir Workshop you'll have the opportunity to shake and stir three different craft cocktails made with Round Barn Spirits and take home some delicious recipes so you can make your own cocktails at home.

​Try something new for date night or belly up to the bar with a group of up to 16 people for this 60-minute masterclass. The class is held on Saturdays and Sundays and can be booked online. 

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Round Barn. As always, 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.

Mackinac Island is often called Michigan's crown jewel and for good reason. The island has been named the friendliest island, hottest U.S. travel destination, and the most romantic getaway. When you step foot on the island's shores, you'll get the sense that you're stepping back in time. You'll quickly notice some of the unique differences from other island getaways including the fact that cars are replaced by bikes and horse and carriages. Charming and historic hotels and bed and breakfasts take the place of towering resorts and life seems to move just a bit slower. 

While Mackinac Island is a quick ferry ride from the mainland and a great day trip destination, the best way to truly see all that the island has to offer is by planning an overnight getaway. There is plenty of relaxation and adventure to be had and a long weekend is the perfect amount of time to experience it all. Find out how we spent four beautiful days on Mackinac Island as I break down our full itinerary below. 

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

Being less than four square miles, you might be wondering if Mackinac Island has enough food options to satisfy your taste palate during a long weekend. Fear not, you'll be surprised to learn that the island is actually a foodie’s paradise offering something for all tastes and budgets. And since the island's prime season is April to October, most restaurants take advantage of outdoor seating offering stunning views while you dine.

We had the pleasure of staying at Mission Point Resort and Hotel - a lakeside retreat on 18 acres of the island's sunrise coast. The resort itself is home to four unique restaurants so you don't have to walk far to indulge in a delicious and memorable meal. Read on to discover seven of my top recommendations for dining while visiting Mackinac Island.

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