Fall lingered a little longer this year, but when Old Man Winter arrived over Thanksgiving weekend, he made his presence known in a big way. He hasn’t quieted down since, leaving plenty of snow in his wake — much to the pleasure of skiers, resort owners and chionophiles (those who love snow and winter).
Read MoreWith over 415,000-square miles of area, Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, bordering four of the five Great Lakes and boasting 2,390 miles of coastline. From the country’s capital city of Ottawa to the amethyst mines of Thunder Bay—and all points in between—this neighbor to the north offers a wealth of historic, natural, and cultural sites worth exploring.
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Rural experiences—in the field, garden, orchard or vineyard—are no longer reserved exclusively for farmers thanks to a growing interest in hands-on agritourism activities throughout the region. Driven by the need to preserve family farms for future generations, destinations are creating unique opportunities for locals and visitors alike to experience agriculture in diverse ways.
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The first European settlers arrived in what is now called St. Ignace—named for St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religion order—in 1671 making this the second-oldest European settlement in the state. Situated in the heart of the Straits of Mackinac, St. Ignace blends history, culture and nature with unparalleled Great Lakes views.
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In the late 19th century, an adult education and social movement was moving across the United States called Chautauqua. The word was drawn from the Haudenosaunee — an Iroquois Confederacy of six nations. Centered around entertainment and culture for its members and the community, programs focused on religion, recreation, education, and the performing arts. Chautauquas often brought in speakers, musicians, preachers, teachers, authors, and other leaders of the time.
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It is fairly common knowledge that Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state (about 125). A lesser-known fact is that over the past two centuries, about 60 women have served as keepers of these historic beacons.
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Throughout the United States, there are between 8,000 and 15,000 historic house museums according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. Varying in style, these heritage sites provide a unique look at architectural design while also introducing visitors to the families who once lived behind their treasured walls.
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Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the Upper Peninsula’s wilderness expanses in search of peaceful landscapes, natural wonders, and historic charm. Many of the region’s warm-weather tourist hotspots also become cool attractions worth a winter visit.
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Recognizing an opportunity to enhance its mission in a creative and immersive way, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena launched a multi-day, regional event more than a decade ago that continues to spark thoughtful conversations about protecting and preserving the Great Lakes’ aquatic resources and maritime heritage.
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Considered the “Sanctuary of the Great Lakes,” the Alpena area boasts over 300 miles of Lake Huron coastline with seven historic lighthouses and a “shipwreck alley,” where countless vessels have been lost over time. Since 2022, Alpena has been a destination for 400-passenger Viking Cruises ships that bring visitors to explore its culture and heritage.
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Whether you’re meeting friends to catch up or sneaking away for some quiet time with a warm beverage and a good book, you’ll find a cozy coffee shop or café nearby to warm your heart and soul on a chilly (pre) winter day.
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With more miles of freshwater coastline than any other state, it’s no wonder that Michigan also boasts the highest number of lighthouses in America (at about 129). Predating Michigan’s statehood, the first light was constructed in 1825 at Fort Gratiot in Port Huron. It, along with nearly three dozen others, also have the distinction of being “haunted.”
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November can be a finicky month—the fall colors of autumn have faded and the rush of holiday spirit has yet to arrive. There are years when the temperatures are unseasonably warm and those when skiers are hitting the slopes soon after Thanksgiving. Fortunately, the Petoskey area offers a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed, without too much concern about the weather.
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