America seems to be waking up to the beauty of northern Michigan’s fall colors. This short season sets the hillsides around Grand Traverse Bay ablaze with vibrant colors. Shades of red, orange, and yellow combine with mild temperatures to create a mad dash to capture one more hike in the forest, one more outdoor wine tasting, and one more walk along the beach before winter sets in.
That fall color scene is being picked up by a variety of national and regional media outlets. They are captivated by the scene we Michiganders sometimes take for granted.
Most recently, Live with Kelly and Mark on ABC interviewed the editor of Travel + Leisure Magazine about the fall color hot spots in the country. Traverse City was tops on her list.
The fall season is far more than leaves changing color. It encapsulates a time of harvest. When the fruits of months of hard work produce an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Michigan celebrates that abundance. Michigan produces more variety of fruits and vegetables than all other states in the country, with the exception of California. In Traverse City, we witness that abundance at farmers’ markets, roadside farm stands, and a wide selection of tasting rooms. Thrillist recognized that abundance with their story about the “Most Glorious Fall Foliage in the US.”
Fall road trips are always treasured. The most popular in our area is the drive up Old Mission Peninsula and M-22 in Benzie and Leelanau Counties. The Lonely Planet used those drives to explore Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Mission Point Lighthouse.
The Ethel from AARP included Traverse City as a Top 6 Midwestern Town to see this fall.
Fall Color Update
As the colors are starting to pop around our region, a fun and popular fall excursion is the Crystal Mountain chairlift ride. Those who take advantage of the chairlift are treated to a panoramic expanse of the rolling Benzie County hills. Even M-Live picked up on this unique fall activity.
Keep an eye on the changing colors on Crystal Mountain's social media accounts. Here is what they are seeing now!
If you are looking for suggestions for the season, check out our Fall Color Tour Guide. This guide will help you plan the ultimate trip to witness the beautiful colors. Happy planning!
