This weekend, we spent time pulling in the dock and the boats up at our cottage. But, in between the pouring rain (which sounded lovely, on the roof of the cottage, while we were warmed by the fire) and the fall chores, we took a short drive up to Sleeping Bear Dunes, named the most beautiful place in America.

Fall colors at our cottage

Indeed it was - and even with dark, stormy clouds and intermittent rain, we  were able to get out, climb the dunes, and see incredible fall colors - glowing reds, bright oranges, and deep yellows, interspersed with evergreens.

Sleeping Bear Dunes - just the beginning of a 4 mile hike to the water's edge

Sleeping Bear Dunes - at the peak, looking toward Lake Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes lakeside, from Empire

We stopped to get bagels and pumpernickel at L'Chayim Bakery in Beulah, chocolate treats at Grocer's Daughter (you MUST GO) in Empire, and a mochaccino at Leelanau Coffee Roasters in Glen Arbor. 

There are two villages within the National Lakeshore Park - Empire and Glen Arbor. This is the highway known as M-22 (best scenic highway, EVER!). We caught a gorgeous double rainbow at Glen Haven (a restored lumber village/museum), and saw cormorants perched on the stumps of an old dock in the bay.

Glen Haven, MI

Glen Haven - looking west

If you're lucky like we were, see another double rainbow at Point Betsie lighthouse.

Point Betsie

Point Betsie

Point Betsie lighthouse

Dark skies, rain and hail, dripping leaves, a tempestuous Lake Michigan, and plenty of warm beverages and good food - and an enormous pumpkin, in Frankfort - want to come along next time? It's nature, at its finest.

Resources, for when you go:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
http://www.sleepingbeardunes.com

Traverse City area Fall Color driving tours
http://www.traversecity.com/fall-color-tour-15/
 

All photos courtesy and copyright Jessie Voigts