We always try to take a getaway sometime in the Fall, whether it’s for our anniversary in September or my birthday in October, the list of fall romantic getaways in Michigan is not short.
Now I may be biased about Fall being romantic because I got married in the Fall, but there is just something about cozy sweaters and pretty leaves that make Fall a romantic season.
In this post, I’ve rounded up our favorite Fall romantic getaways in Michigan below.
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Glen Arbor, Michigan (Sleeping bear dunes)
Glen Arbor is a quaint little town right outside the popular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. While it’s busy in the summer, by the end of September the area is quiet making it a perfect Fall romantic getaway in Michigan.
To get the most out of your getaway, I would recommend staying at the Homestead Resort in their Little Belle Suites. These suites are equipped like a honeymoon suite, are private, and have a jacuzzi and a fireplace, The resort has a bunch of amenities, including onsite restaurants, a spa, a private beach club, and more. The resort usually offers discounts in the Fall and isn’t crowded!
HOW TO SPEND YOUR ROMANTIC WEEKEND:
- Hit the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail for leaf peaking and drive the Scenic Pierce Stocking Drive.
- Head to Sleeping Bear Dunes to experience the beach at sunset!
- Enjoy a relaxing day at the Homestead Spa
GLEN ARBOR RESTAURANTS TO TRY:
- Cafe Manitou at the Homestead – Perfect for a romantic dinner. Watch the sunset over Lake Michigan as you enjoy gourmet dining. The white fish was delicious here! (Open until September 27th)
- La Becasse Restaurant – Lovely little authentic French Restaurant with an extensive wine list. Service was great here and the food is delicious.
- Art’s Tavern – Not technically romantic, but this is a long-time local establishment that is a must-visit. It’s been there since 1934 and still only accepts cash or checks. If you are there on a Wednesday, get the Chicken Jalapeno soup, it’s amazing.
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Traverse City, Michigan
Just a short drive east from Glen Arbor is the lovely city of Traverse City.
Traverse City is a great getaway location any time of the year but it is very enjoyable in the Fall. Stay at the Chateau Chantel and enjoy the bed and breakfast in the quiet rolling hills of the vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula.
If you’d rather have views of the Traverse Bay, Cherry Tree Inn and Suites or Sugar Beach Resort are both great options for a romantic getaway. If you want to be nearer to downtown, The Delmar would be a top choice.
HOW TO SPEND YOUR ROMANTIC WEEKEND:
- Tour the Chateau Chantel Winery or go on your own winery tour on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
- Take one of the many trails to see Fall color:
- Drive Up M-22 for a scenic color tour.
TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANTS TO TRY:
- Apache Trout Grill – One of my favorite restaurants in TC. Beautiful views of the bay, very good seafood, and the best key lime pie!
- Poppycocks – Eclectic menu, great for martinis and live jazz.
- Trattoria Stella – Farm-to-Table Italian fare in an old-world setting.
Castle in the Country – Allegan
For a closer getaway to those that live in the Grand Rapids area. Castle in the Country is the perfect romantic getaway to actually get away from it all. Castle in the Country in Allegan is located on a 65-acre beautiful property with plenty of amenities and a lavish breakfast. You venture to this property to stay on the property, and enjoy being away from everything!
They have romantic packages you can book and add-ons to make your stay as luxurious as you want.
HOW TO SPEND YOUR ROMANTIC WEEKEND:
- Kayak through the beautiful waters of the Inn’s private lake
- Relax on the screened porch and watch the wildlife
- Ride one of the complimentary fat tire bikes on the surrounding trails
- Schedule a side-by-side couple’s massage in the on-site spa.
RESTAURANTS TO TRY: Romantic dining options are limited in the area, but the Inn suggests a few on their website here.
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Detroit, Michigan
For those of you that love the city, Detroit can definitely be romantic! Stay at one of the historic luxury hotels like The Shinola Hotel or Aloft at the David Whitney for great amenities and downtown views. If you are looking for a more boutique experience, The Siren Hotel is for you.
HOW TO SPEND YOUR ROMANTIC WEEKEND:
- See a Broadway show at one of the many theaters
- Peruse the Detroit Institute of Arts museum
- Walk along the riverwalk before having a candy-themed cocktail at the Candy Bar.
- Visit Belle Isle for Fall color, the conservatory, and more.
RESTAURANTS TO TRY:
- The Whitney – by far the most romantic restaurant in Detroit in my opinion since it is located in an 1890s-era mansion. Expect to pay a pretty penny and make a reservation well in advance!
- Seldon Standard – rustic-chic farm-to-table restaurant, specializing in seasonal small plates and craft cocktails.
- Vertical Detroit – elegant and cozy near the Detroit Opera House. Wine-focused restaurant with a selective menu.
- Lafayette Coney Island – Nothing says romance more than a coney dog from this 1914 famous establishment.
Mackinac island, Michigan
Out of all the Fall romantic getaways in Michigan, Mackinac Island probably takes the cake.
This fairytale island’s peak season will be over and you’ll feel like you have the quiet streets mostly all to yourselves. Stay at the Grand Hotel for a luxurious ”Somewhere in Time” experience (the movie was filmed here), or choose any of the bed and breakfasts on the island. Literally, all the hotels on Mackinac are romantic in my opinion.
HOW TO SPEND YOUR ROMANTIC WEEKEND:
- Take a carriage around the island (there are no cars on Mackinac Island!)
- Explore the state park trails for Fall color
- Eat copious amounts of Mackinac Island fudge
- Have afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel Tea Parlor
RESTAURANTS TO TRY:
- Woods Restaurant – European & American foods in a Bavarian-style 1905 home
- Seabiscuit Cafe – Homey, horse-themed spot for light foods & spirits in a circa-1800s former bank.
- Carriage House – Waterfront terrace with gorgeous lake views. Serving lake-fresh fish.
I hope this list gives you an idea of where to take your sweetheart for a Fall romantic getaway in Michigan! Need more ideas for Michigan travel? Check out my other posts here.