I discovered this unique barn driving on the backroads in Arcadia, MI.
It would be easy to pass by the Onekama / Arcadia, MI area – but that would be missing out big time. Online searches reveal very little about the place, perhaps that’s because being there feels like you are going back to a time when electronic devices took a back seat to nature and being a human at peace with the world. I took these photos driving around the back roads near Lake Michigan.

The landscape is dotted with historic barns, vineyards, and rolling hills. You’ll also discover golf courses and a beautiful. Here places to stay: Here are some place to check out when you visit.

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course: This course is open to the public and resembles a seaside links course with rolling terrain and a windswept landscape with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Lodging and cottages are also available.

Artesian Wells: Some of the purest water in the country is located at these public wells, where folks have been known to travel for miles to bottle it up and take some home. Here are links Old Facefull (GPS 44.427615, -86.247132) Portage Point Well (GPS: 44.376511, -86.227881).

Portage Point Inn: I’ve never had a chance to stay here but have always wanted to. This historic inn was established in 1903, yet features a boutique gift shop, pub, fitness center, lake access, movie nights on the lawn, kayak and paddle board rentals, boating, fishing and much more.

Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook: This is one of the best overlooks I’ve been to in my entire life. It’s just off the Scenic Highway and you can see for miles and miles. Trust me, and be sure to lug your camera along with you for this one, all 120 steps to the top of the overlook!

Arcadia Marsh: This 273-acre marsh nature preserve has a short trail and is especially popular for birding.

Area Preserves and Trails: While I was researching this project, I found a link to this map with a bunch of preserves and trails that I didn’t even know existed in this region.

This is a great time to start planning your Michigan summer vacation. These are just a few of the great places to discover in the area.

 

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Fall colors in Michigan
Walking in color.

 

 

 

 

 

I love fall photography because of all the brilliant color, being out in nature and smelling the crisp air, and walking through the woods kicking the leaves. This tree stood out in my quest for “the perfect fall photo.” It’s in Ada, MI along the new bike path on Bailey.

On another note, I want to thank everyone who stops by and visits my blog. And especially thank those of you who take the time to make comments. It makes the time I spend on this very rewarding for me. I check my blog stats every day and have noticed that I’m getting more and more new visitors all the time. Michigan Sweet Spot is near having 300,ooo page views.

When I first started this, sometimes there would only be one or two visitors in a day (in other words, my mom and dad!). Anyway, thanks again and keep on coming and telling your friends about MichiganSweetSpot, you’re appreciated!

Post and HDR photo by Ann Teliczan

 

 

Fall colors have peaked with autumn leaves at their brilliant best.
Fall colors have peaked, this was taken on the new bike path in Ada on Bailey Drive.

Autumn leaves have turned to the most brilliant colors I have seen in at least 10 years. I’ve heard from reliable sources that the fall foilage is just as spectacular up north and throughout the state. One of my favorite  things about this time of year is the incredible fall colors in Michigan due  to all of the trees we have here. Although I took this HDR photo in Ada on the new bike trail on Bailey, you can travel just about anywhere right now in Michigan and hit the fall color at its peak.

Post and photo by Ann Teliczan.

The channel leading from Lake Michigan into Charlevoix
The channel leading from Lake Michigan into Charlevoix

It’s now official, Charlevoix is one of my favorite Michigan Sweet Spots. I was up north for a long weekend this summer and kept returning to Charlevoix. The best way I can describe the city is magical, happy, relaxed and fun. I took this photo at the channel leading into the Charlevoix from Lake Michigan, to my right there’s a drawbridge that goes up for the sailboats. I’ll show you that photo soon. Here’s a google map link to the location where I took this photo.

Also, if you’re looking for a color tour, this is a great time to head north, I hear in a lot of areas the color is peaking.