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I was lost when I took this picture so I can’t give you a google map link to it. But, this was taken in the Kalkaska area, it might have been on M-72. One thing that surprised me was how absolutely beautiful this area is. I don’t know why that surprised me except that I’ve never heard Kalkaska mentioned as pretty.

That’s something Michigan has going for it. Even though a lot of places here don’t get much attention, it doesn’t mean they are lacking in the “spectacular” department. I’ll be heading for the Detroit area soon and would appreciate feedback from those of you who can give me suggestions for interesting places to show the world on the East side of the state. Just post it as a comment or send and email to me at ann@anntopia.com. Thanks!

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On my color tour up north, I saw this barn, off in the distance when I was traveling on a side street off M-72 heading towards Empire. The light was hitting the metal roof and made it look purplish blue. One of the things I just love about the whole Leelanau Peninsula is the unusual old buildings that I find every time I’m there.

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Well folks, if you’re looking for fall color, this coming weekend is a great time to head to northern Michigan. This is another view of the picture I took inland last weekend in the Kalkaska area where color was starting to peak (see post from earlier this week). Closer to the Lake Michigan lake shore the color hadn’t come even close to peaking yet. I’ll bet anywhere from Frankfort north on M-22 or M31 between Traverse City and Charlevoix will be beautiful this weekend.

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When I was on my fall color tour this weekend I almost got in a wreck when I saw this cute little iris farm. By the way, I noticed a lot of people finding my blog because they are looking for barn photos, please be sure to click the “Barns” link in the menu bar to right so you can easily find all of my barn pictures. And, thanks for visiting!

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Want to guess where I went today? I took this inland right around the 45th parallel on private property. The next 2 weeks should be spectacular in Northern Michigan, the trees are just starting to turn along the coastline and are nearing peak colors inland. I took a ton of pictures so check back!

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On my birthday excursion up north, I got lost taking the back roads to Pentwater. But as luck would have it, this beautiful sunflower field was waiting for me. There were sunflowers as far as the eye could see. If you’d like to see this field, it is on Fruitvale Road near the William Road intersection in Montague, click for the Google map link.

 

portagepointinnmss.jpgThe Portage Point Inn goes back to 1913 and overlooks Portage Lake in Onekama.
I took this shot from near the porch, looking toward the bay. Although I haven’t been lucky enough to stay there myself, I hear from those who have, it’s a wonderful experience that memories are made of.