Searching for a Northern Michigan Fall adventure? Head to Harbor Springs and grab this ready-made meal and find the best place to take it, which just so happens to be one of our favorite Northern Michigan hikes! Take the bonus trip to extend your Fall color tour down M-119.
Grab Turkey’s & Tom’s in Harbor Springs
Turkey’s, founded in 1975, and Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, opened in 1985, are classic downtown institutions, both charmingly painted pink and popular for generations. At Turkey’s (250 E. Main St.), the breads and turkeys are baked daily, so you can’t go wrong with the Turkey Club sandwich—grilled whole wheat with turkey breast, local Plath’s bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Served with chips and a pickle for $14. Around the corner at Tom’s Mom’s (267 S. Spring St.), you’re going to have trouble choosing just one cookie—chocolate caramel pecan, oatmeal butterscotch, old-fashioned molasses … better bring a friend so you can share.
Photo by Mary LaVictor
Related Read: Searching for more Fall fun and activities? Visit our Northern Michigan Fall page.
Hike Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs
Goodies in hand, hop in your car and drive about four miles along M-119 to Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, just eight minutes northwest of town. This 30-acre property has 950 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline (300 feet are a public beach) and 1.5 miles of trail that wind through what feels like a tunnel of trees, cattails and ferns. Markers along the way identify plants, like the rare Showy Lady’s Slipper (the tallest native northern orchid, it can live up to 50 years). You’ll have lots of picnic spot options: a bench by the pond or at the dune observation platform, a blanket spread out on the sandy beach or the pavilion next to the Nature Center. The preserve is open daily from 10 a.m. to sunset, typically from April 15 to November 15. The parking fee is waived this year.
Photo by Rachel Haggerty
Related Read: 10 Best Michigan Color Tour Views to Take Your Breath Away.
Bonus Stop on Your Grab & Go Adventure
Extend your adventure with a drive through the actual Tunnel of Trees on M-119. The 20-mile route (one way) follows a spectacular bluff along Lake Michigan, passing through Good Hart and Cross Village. Weekends are busy on the narrow, curvy road, but the views during peak fall color are a treat.
Photo by Gretchen Dorian
Related Read: Guide to Michigan’s Iconic Tunnel of Trees on M-119.
