Country Travel Discoveries 2022
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DAY 4—SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE/MUSIC HOUSE After breakfast we take a scenic drive to the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Take in the huge dunes that tower over the lake. You won't believe the incredible vistas! Some of these dunes can reach 450 feet. Next we continue on for a tasty lunch and tour at the Music House Museum. This unique museum has a collection of restored antique musical instruments, early radios, and recordings. You will even get a chance to play some of the many instruments. Tonight we spend the night in the charming town of Charlevoix, MI. B, L DAY 5—MUSHROOM HOUSES/CASTLE FARMS/CHOCOLATES/ MACKINAW CITY After breakfast, step right into a fairy tale as we explore the magical town of Charlevoix. First, a knowledgeable guide steps on our motorcoach to take us through the town to see the Earl Young Mushrooms houses. These houses are made mostly of limestone, fieldstone, and boulders found throughout Northern Michigan. Each of these houses is different and is designed to blend in with its surrounding landscape. Next, enjoy a guided walking and tram tour of magnificent Castle Farms. This large castle is home to an outdoor model railroad, gardens, huge private collections of royal china, antique toys, WWll memorabilia and much more. After our tour, dine like a King and Queen inside the castle for lunch. This afternoon we're in for a real treat! We visit Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen where an expert guide will explain how all the sweet chocolates, caramel corn, fudge, brittles and ice creams are made. Of course there will be plenty of samples to try. Tonight unpack for two nights in Mackinaw City. Here you will be at the very Northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and will have amazing lake views out your hotel room window. B, L DAY 6—FERRY TO MACKINAC ISLAND/CARRIAGE TOUR/GRAND HOTEL This morning, board a ferry and cruise over to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City. Once on the island we start our exploration by taking a relaxing horse-drawn carriage tour around the island. Afterwards, delight in a delicious lunch and historic tour of the famous Grand Hotel. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to wander through the unique shops, buy some tasty fudge or watch the boats pass by. Later, return to the mainland for our second night in Mackinaw City. B, L DAY 7—BEAR RANCH/PALMS BOOK STATE PARK/ESCANABA This morning wave good bye to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan as we drive over the "Mighty Mac" an architectural wonder and one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at five-miles-long to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We stop at a nearby park for photos of this amazing bridge before we head to Bear Country. Yes, that's right we will meet over 40 bears as we safely walk around Oswald's Bear Ranch in Newberry, MI. Dean Oswald opened the ranch back in 1995, and now is the largest bear-only ranch in the United States. After lunch, continue on to Palms Book State Park. Inside the park we will get to see Kitch-iti-kipi. The locals call it "Big Spring" of the Upper Peninsula. This amazing spring is 200 feet in diameter and nearly 42 feet deep. Every minute it delivers 16,000 gallons of crystal clear water. This is definitely a natural wonder you won't want to miss. Tonight we will be staying in another port city, Escanaba, MI located on Little Bay de Noc. B, L Stroll the stunning gardens at Castle Farms Explore the magnificent Victorian style Hackley & Hume Homes Michigan Department of Natural Resources CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 4 855-744-TRIP (8747) | 57 US — MIDWEST | AROUND LAKE MICHIGAN