Last year, when I was mapping out plans to explore the United States, Michigan was not even close to my list. I had east and west coast stops mapped out with cities earmarked as stopping points in between, solely for a safe spot to land after a long day of driving. Simultaneously, I was also keeping an eye out for towns/states that could be in the running for my next spot to land, after years spent living in NYC. Then I read an article about the most beautiful states in the U.S. and Michigan cleared the top ten. Color me stunned as, if I’m being honest, most of the Midwest had never caught my “must-go” radar. But ever since I’ve been dying to make a trip and see the hype for myself.

To preface, I grew up in North Carolina where you have your mountains to the left and beaches along the coast. AKA I grew up in a state where beach vacations were the summer spot. Never have I lived somewhere where lakes are the destination. At least, not like the Great Lakes. Now, having visited Michigan, surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, I do get it. I’d take any of those beaches over many of the coastal Carolina offerings, any day.

So, if you’re looking for a Midwest road trip destination offering cute towns along the most gorgeous bodies of water - I mean they are so BLUE and CLEAR - Michigan is calling your name. Whether you’re driving up through Ann Arbor, around the Upper Peninsula, or down the M22 - or if you’re like us and cover all three in the span of five days - here are a few towns to shop, beach, or get active outside in along the way.

Mackinac Island

Have you ever visited an island where there was no motorized transportation? Welcome to Mackinac Island. Where bikes, buggies, or your own two feet get you from point A to point B. Yes, this even includes trash pick-up (which we saw collected via a horse-drawn cart). 

This town is charm central though. Spend the night on the mainland (Mackinaw City or St. Ignace) or on the island in one of the many adorable bed & breakfasts or the famous Grand Hotel. Peruse the many shops, get a delicious (and greasy) breakfast from The Chuckwagon, grab some fudge from Murdick’s or ice cream from Good Day Café, and walk along Lake Shore Dr. for views of Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac. There are so many gorgeous homes (with immaculate landscaping) and picturesque spots to sit and enjoy, it’s just a beautiful time.

I wish we could have stayed longer but I’d love to go back and rent a bike and/or a kayak to explore farther around the island, not to mention hit some of the many hiking spots. Note that you most likely will be taking the ferry to the island (there is an airport but no idea what flights are like for tourism) so if you’re traveling during peak season there were warnings to add an hour buffer to your travel time as lines to get on a ferry can be long. We got in quickly (in mid/late August) so do with that information what you will. The island is also very accessible, which I love!

Northport

We ended up booking a last-minute night at the Northport Inn (a budget-friendly stay I’m happy to recommend) ahead of exploring Northern Michigan over the next couple of days. We got in late after exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula (yeah, we took the term “road trip” seriously in the few days we had) and getting into this little town late with every intention of quickly dipping out in the morning. 

Thankfully, we had a slower start to our day and took the time to explore! This town situated right along Northport Bay is small but very cute. We grabbed breakfast at The New Bohemian Cafe, where I would venture to say I had the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever eaten in my life before walking around. There are only, from what we saw, a few streets to the town but they are filled with a lot of cute shops to peruse like Studio 106 or my personal favorite, Porcupine. 

Leland

If you love a throwback town to times gone past, Leland has you covered. This adorbs little fishing village, with a section down from the dam along the Leland River appropriately dubbed Fishtown, has so many cute shops from books to clothing to art.  There was even an art in the park showcase happening while we were in town, with different artwork hanging from trees alongside artists painting from their easels on the lawn.

When you walk around Fishtown it’s like a direct look into the inner workings of an olden fishing village, with shops like the Village Cheese Shanty and The Dam Candy Store, running their fronts out of old fishing shanty’s. It’s a unique vibe that I highly recommend you check out.

Glen Arbor

This town gave me Sullivan Island, SC vibes. Outfitted with many outdoor shops, retail stores, and a variety of simple eats, it feels more local than the slightly more touristy vibes of Leland and Mackinac. I also massively appreciate the artisan showcase around town with a range of galleries run by friendly locals such as the Forest Gallery and even the Glen Arbor Arts Center.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a simple lunch or relaxing afternoon snack by the river, visit The Mill Glen Arbor quietly situated along a stream/river with great outdoor seating and plenty inside, for cooler temperatures or even a digital nomading afternoon. 

Saugatuck

The last stop on our Michigan tour de force was this cutie. A bustling small town featuring tree-lined streets housing boutiques (honestly I could have broken the bank in a few of these), homestores, and classic t-shirt shops, with rainbow crosswalks connecting you to the Kalamazoo Lake, bakeries, and more. 

Two of my favorite stops included the Erica June Baking Co. (that chocolate peanut butter, butterfringer cake oh-em-gee) and Brick + Ivy Market, with so many outfits and odds-and-ends I was dying to buy. 

There you have it, five of my favorite towns to shop, eat, and explore while road-tripping this pretty, many-Great-Lake-sided state. 

Road trips are the best trips so have fun exploring and tag @accentgolden in your posts on social if you hit up any of these spots!