This trip is comprised of places I've visited over and over again, that I feel are not on enough travel lists.
Copper Harbor, Michigan, United States
The entire Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is underappreciated and largely unnoticed. It's worth the time and effort to visit this beautiful area, where you can browse antique stores, eat homemade pie in nearly every restaurant, tour ancient copper mines, and go hiking, mountain biking, swimming, boating, fishing, and spelunking. Oh, and you can leave your keys in the car. Go ahead, take the two-track you noticed on the way in. It probably leads to someplace beautiful with a Superior view of the sunset. :-)
Houghton, Michigan, United States
Houghton is the gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula, and home to Michigan Technological University. It's small-city-hometown feel will welcome you as you walk the streets. Stay in one of the many hotels, have drinks at The Library, and buy yourself a book or two at The Bookworm (they serve coffee too). Walk the beautiful campus and the riverside boardwalk.
Marquette features a thriving downtown area as well as a busy business spur, and it's situated near Mount Marquette and Presque Isle, so there's plenty of nature within 3.5 minutes of town. Explore the many waterfalls, hike Mount Marquette, go skiing, swimming, fishing, boating, walking, biking, or shopping! Yes, there's definitely something for everyone here. Watch out -- you might want to move in.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin, United States
A cozy, friendly, beautiful small town with plenty to do, from shopping the boutiques on main street to kayaking, hiking, wine tasting, or painting pottery in nearby villages in Door County. Stay at a family-owned hotel and learn the local customs. If you visit, you'll want to re-visit.
Aaah, Madison. My kind of city. If I lived in a city, this would probably be it. It's an active city, lots of walking and biking (there's a bike lane on nearly every street), and it's a sociable city, with many bars and pubs featuring free snacks and live music. You can't talk about Madison without mentioning State Street, which allows no cars, and is lined with shops, restaurants and bars. Home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison features fabulous walking routes near and through the University and along the lakes. You get the best of both worlds here--a civilized city wrapped in a nature retreat. And great coffee!
Now you've seen the best of Michigan and a taste of Wisconsin. Go ahead, eat the cheese!
