<p>Hey! This could be a love-of-Michigan forum:) I’ve lived in Traverse city, visit family there often, and I went to MSU, other family at WM,CMU,UM.</p>
<p>Another vote for the Lake Michigan Coast! If you have the time, I would recommend a drive along the coast through Sleeping Bear Dunes and up around/through the Leelanau Peninsula - I think it’s along M-22. Sleeping Bear Dunes is gorgeous; the drive takes you through some cute little towns and near some wineries, and the scenery is wonderful. I’m partial to lighthouses, and there’s a good one in Northport at the tip of the peninsula. (I think it’s part of the state park - you can go in the lighthouse and walk along the lakeshore.) Mario Batali has a summer home in Northport, so you know there must be some good food close by!</p>
<p>[Midwest</a> Foodie Destinations: Leelanau Peninsula](<a href=“http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/June-2012/Midwest-Foodie-Destinations-Leelanau-Peninsula-in-Michigan/]Midwest”>Leelanau Peninsula – Chicago Magazine)</p>
<p>^^Yes, they can eat their way north! Start in K’zoo at Food Dance Cafe with their home-made granola and go from there. Drive, eat, walk a beach or climb a dune…drive some more, eat some more, walk some more – rinse and repeat!</p>