Celebrate Autumn-with a Fall Color Get-Away

Sep. 25, 2019  PLYMOUTH VOICE.

Plymouth Michigan News

While the great weather lasts, get away to enjoy Pure Michigan with an escape for relaxation or a short vacation, take in the sights and enjoy the start of a beautiful fall season.

Meteorologists across the state are reporting an earlier color season as reports of slight to moderate color starting to show across wide areas. Cooler temperatures over the next week are expected to keep the fall color show developing.

For most of Michigan, peak color is still a few weeks away, but check out what each region has to offer in the coming weeks.

Upper Peninsula
While peak color is still several weeks away for most of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the beautiful drive along the Keweenaw Peninsula, Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, Brockway Mountain Drive, Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway and Porcupine Mountains State Park promises a stunning fall color display.

Marquettehas a few trees donning early colors, and while you wait for peak conditions, this is the perfect time of year to explore the area’s 150 miles of singletrack, 83 miles of shoreline, 77 waterfalls, unique food and great brews. St. Ignace area has early color along US-2 toward Brevort and Naubinway to the north along I-75.

The Western Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island are still very green with the just the slightest tinge of color here and there. Although a slow start, peak conditions are estimated to overtake the Upper Peninsula in one to two weeks.

Northwest Lower Peninsula
Peak color in the lower peninsula is still a couple weeks away, as color will progress down from the Upper Peninsula.
Travelers to Traverse City will find the M-22 shoreline along the Leelanau Peninsula one of the most popular color routes for the area viewing. Northwest Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula provides a stunning drive this time of year. Nearly 20 miles long, the picturesque drive showcases a beautiful patchwork of orchards, vineyards, forests and villages. Visitors can experience wineries and roadside fruit stands.

As the Petoskey-Harbor Springs areatransitions from summer to fall, travelers can discover golf, local trails and unique dining and shopping.

Spot color can be seen driving north on Old 27 to Harrison in Clare County, and Roscommon County is reporting a tinge of red among area maples, which should provide a nice background scenery for the Michigan Firemen’s Memorial weekend (September 19-21).
Manistee County, Ludington, Charlevoix, Benzie Countyand other Northwest Michigandestinations are all showing bits of color; however, peak conditions are three to four weeks away.

Northeast Lower Peninsula
Color seekers heading to the Alpena area will find early color scattered about local maples.  Picturesque lighthouses, dark sky parks, trails and wild-life viewing make this an ideal destination for a brisk fall afternoon.

As you drive along the shoreline of Tawas Bay, you’ll find a hint of color on the edges of some of the maple leaves. Area wildflowers are bright with autumn foliage and the golfers are enjoying the last few weeks on the fading greens. Scenic M-55 is starting to see slight shades of red and yellow on the oaks. Occasionally you can catch a glimpse of a sugar maple that is about the reach the peak of a blazing glory.

Fall excursion seekers taking a leisure drive through the Gaylord areacan welcome the season at the  Blocktoberfest on September 21. Gaylord is a diverse outdoor destination and fall is the perfect time for many outdoor recreation activities this time of year.

While there are wisps of early fall color running through area trees, Houghton Lake, Oscoda— and the rest of Northeast Michigan— anticipate peak conditions to arrive more than three to four weeks from now.

Central and Southern Lower Peninsula
Holland and nearby communitiesare still weeks away from peak color. Visitors to the area this coming weekend can enjoy stunning views of Lakes Michigan and Macatawa from the top of the Mt. Pisgah dune. Oceana County, Silver Lake Sand Dunes area and Mount Pleasant anticipate prime viewing conditions in three to four weeks.

Great Lakes Bay Region, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Saugatuck- Douglas, South Haven–as well as most of Michigan’s Central Lower Peninsula–are reporting mostly summer-like foliage. If you’re traveling in the area this weekend, you’ll find color among the fresh produce, jams, jellies and selection of supplies and Native art crafted by local artisans at the Native Farmers Market in Midland. As color progresses, a walk through Dow Gardens or Chippewa Nature Center will provide excellent viewing conditions. This region offers viewers  15 uncommon fall color tour ideas that you’ll want to explore.  There’s plenty of fun to be had at local breweries, wineries, farm markets and u-pick farms even before the magnificent burst of color overtakes the region.

Southern Michigan is reporting peak conditions to be more than four weeks away. However, now is the perfect time to unwind at a local winery, where you’ll find classic tastes, new innovations, bold fruit wines, and much more. Many of these wineries offer tours, events and tastings. Stay tuned! Fall color should peak from mid-October to November 1 along the Lake Michigan shore in Michigan’s Great Southwest.

 

 

Plymouth Voice.

© Michigan Economic Development Corporation

 

 

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