Napa Valley is renowned for its exquisite wine, its breathtaking landscapes and its outdoor activities.
However, when I look for a wine getaway, I jump the expensive and overcrowded tasting rooms in northern California and I rather head to City, Michigan.
The charming jewel of the small town has a striking water view and an emerging wine scene that constantly wins international competition prices.
Often called “Napa of the Midwest”, this region of the wine shop, offers much more than wine.
Here is why this is constantly at the top of my list of vacation wishes.
Its views of the lake and its picturesque wine -making establishments offer all the beauty of Napa to a fraction of the cost.
Amanda Adler
Like Napa Valley, the City Traverse area, Michigan, is full of rolling hills dotted with vineyards.
Instead of the views of the distant mountains, Michigan offers a different beauty: the blue waters of Lake Michigan.
The city is nestled between two peninsulas at winemaking – Old Mission and Leelanau – which advance in this large lake, offering a picturesque safeguard for a wine tasting adventure.
What makes me prefer these radical views to those found in California is the cost.
Even during the first summer season, it is not uncommon to find hotel rooms here for less than $ 200 per night. Napa prices are easily double (or triple) that cost.
The quality of the wines here is stellar, with grape varieties unique in cold weather waiting to be outlet.
Amanda Adler
Crossing City is on the 45th parallel, just like some of the most famous wine regions in the world.
The unique microclimate of the area creates perfect conditions for the production of cool fire wine, with shop vineyards manufacturing rieslings, pinot blacks and other grape varieties which are surprisingly large.
Its comfortable tasting rooms found here tend to feel less suffocating than those I visited in California. As enthusiast of relaxed wine, I appreciate how this informal style offers more welcoming vibrations.
Beyond wine, northern Michigan is a paradise for breweries and family and friendly
Amanda Adler
The craft scene of Michigan is also booming, which makes it an ideal destination to savor a taste of hops.
In addition, Michigan is the third largest producer of apples in the United States and the world capital of cherries, making its fruit ciders a must.
This variety of alcohol consumption experiences means that there is always something delicious to pressure.
One of my favorite places is Sutton Bay Ciders, which presents opportunities for idyllic buttocks in autumn, seasonal events adapted to children and siege adapted to dogs that make it a place where my family can enjoy together.
The charming small town atmosphere offers a relaxed place where to stay with fewer crowds.
Amanda Adler
The city center of Napa is pretty, but it can also be an animated scene. Crossing City offers a slice of American -based Americana that I find much more endearing.
Original stores and comfortable cafes give me the impression of having entered a characteristic film, and the pace here seems definitely more relaxed.
The parameter linked to the city’s water makes it a fun beach getaway during the summer, and it is a few minutes by car from other interesting communities like Leland, where visitors can learn more about the Amerindian history of the region.
Michigan’s natural wonders offer underestimated outdoor exploration opportunities
Amanda Adler
California national parks are well known for their beauty, but Pure Michigan offers many outdoor opportunities that often feel overlooked.
In addition to the ample pleasure of pleasure, swimming and other lake life options found at Cross -City, the dunes of Dunes Sleeping Dunes nearby include miles of imposing sand dunes which feel far from the flat plains most associated with the Midwest.
Whether I ride in the dunes, whether I taste local flavors, whether I enjoy a day on the water or go in search of striking headlights (Michigan has more than 100), I always appreciate a stress -free and favorable stay on a City Budget.