Spend a sunny afternoon at Good Harbor Bay Beach, part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you will ever see. This quiet bay is a local favorite, and has preserved a little more of it’s slightly wild Northern Michigan charm than it’s Traverse City cousins.

From the Traverse City area, head north on County Road 651 through Cedar, before coming to Good Harbor Trail. Once at the beach, lounge in the warm sand where you can see both the crest of Whale Back Dune to the north, and the tip of Pyramid Point to the south. Younger visitors will enjoy a small creek and freshwater spring far down the south end of the beach—perfect for exploring.

After you’ve soaked in enough rays for the afternoon, pile into the car and take a short drive up Manitou Trail to Good Harbor Vineyards.  Run by the Simpson family—a three generation fruit growing Leelanau dynasty—Good Harbor Vineyards was opened in 1980 as the fourth established winery on the Leelanau Peninsula. Today they tend to over 65 acres planted with various Vitis Vinifera and French hybrids. In keeping with the “Good Harbor” theme of the day, try the Harbor Red or the Fishtown White.

For more information visit goodharbor.com or call 231.256.7165.