November seems made for travel focused on quiet contemplation, or a road trip through rural countryside to a place of gathering. Mostly, though, it calls for cozy. These Northern Michigan travel ideas are all about rest and relaxation.

Wine Country Retreat, Petoskey

In the Petoskey Wine Region, crest hills to find sunset views of patterned vineyards, flocks of turkeys and tasting rooms with varietals that are making waves in regional and national tasting competitions. Waterfront beauty Hotel Walloon was just named best wine country hotel—in the country—in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel competition, which promises that a sojourn in the up-and-coming wine region that surrounds, is both convenient and luxe. Find vintage elegance in breezy porches and classic wainscoting. Amenities include a hearth room with make-your-own macchiatos and outdoor hot tub along the waterfront. Ask at the desk, and staff will have the outdoor heaters ready so you’ll stay toasty even when getting out.

These Michigan winter travel ideas will absolutely dazzle you.

Spa Getaway, Thompsonville

Book a treatment, and you can spend all day at Crystal Mountain’s spa if you choose—and you likely will. Start in the relaxation room at the Thompsonville resort. There, the wall-length fireplace glows as you browse through magazines themed around relaxation and sip Sun in the Winter tea. The outdoor hot tub is a short step out the glass sliders—especially perfect when the first snowflakes start to fall. The cushy robe, steam room and infrared sauna all come as part of your booked massage or decadent body wrap. During November Crystal Spa Days (through Nov. 27) featured treatments run $69. Staying over? Meander whenever you like to your living room at The Cottages at Water’s Edge. Kids love the box-car style bunks, adults the easy-to-start fireplaces and woodstoves, sun deck and surrey rides with blanket—an extra touch offered Thanksgiving weekend.

Cottage Comfort Log Cabin, Ludington

It’s the smallest lodge on the property, but the Log Cabin at Barothy Lodge in Walhalla (between Ludington and Baldwin) is situated on the beautiful Pere Marquette River. It sleeps four for a small group gathering and comes with kitchen, fireplace and pond view.

Crooked River Lodge and Suites, Alanson

If what you think of when you hear “lodge” is the multi-story stone fireplace, antlered chandelier and huge space for gathering, then your imagination has summoned up Crooked River Lodge. We love the light-filled indoor pool room with a waterfall wall and an outdoor fire pit on the river.

Grand Victorian, Bellaire

It’s hard to beat Victorian cozy, when drawing rooms beg you to settle in with tea or a hot gourmet breakfast. It’s even better when Short’s Brewery, as well as a meadery, a tasting room for spirits and farm-to-table restaurant fare are all a short stroll away from your bed and breakfast.

Kim Schneider is a long-time travel writer specializing in Michigan adventures, food and wine. The Midwest Travel Journalist Association has named her Mark Twain Travel Writer of the Year, and she’s the author of the recently published book, 100 Things to Do in Traverse City Before You Die. kimschneider.net

Photo(s) by Hotel Walloon