Tis the season to start planning your fall color tour! With more freshwater shoreline than any other state, Michigan is an amazing place to explore from coast to coast. Since a warm fall is predicted in Michigan, colors will peak in the Upper Peninsula in Late September and early October, followed by the northern Lower Peninsula in early-mid October, and the southern Lower Peninsula in Late October. During this time, these vibrant colors are a perfect excuse for a road trip!
As the 8th largest state by area, Michigan offers bountiful food options and beautiful scenery for all to enjoy. Lucky for travelers with RVs, they can think outside the campground with Harvest Hosts. This membership program connects RV travelers with unique overnight stays at farms, breweries, wineries, and more. Harvest Hosts has 100+ partners across Michigan and over 4,000 host locations throughout the country. This is great news for Michiganders as we are one of the top 5 states to have RVs delivered, with over 16,000 purchased in 2020.
“Harvest Hosts is a great company and easy to work with,” Caitlin McSweeney-Steffes of Danu Hof Farm, says. Her farm has hosted 52 campers over the last two summers. “It is another way to share our farm with people and help rebuild the connection to the farm and where our food comes from.”
This program is a win for visitors who get to stay at beautiful farms and among vineyards, as well as for the hosts who get to expand their audience and welcome newcomers directly to their business!
“We have really enjoyed all of the people we have had a chance to meet and talk with,” McSweeney-Steffes says. “Most people are very curious. We have noticed we either get people who have no experience in farming or those who used to have a farm or grew up on a farm and love the nostalgia of being back on a farm. “
If you’re like us, and plan your vacations around food, look no further than these Harvest Hosts locations!
Danu Hof, Mancelona
This family farm is dedicated to growing food and raising their animals in an ethical and sustainable way. Their farm store is stocked with their own heritage proteins and fresh produce, as well as coffee, maple syrup, and pantry goods from other local makers.
What’s it like to stay there? Here’s what one review had to say on Harvest Hosts: “Great stay. Hosts are lovely people who took time out of their busy day to show us around their farm & share their love of growing & serving good food. We spent the night in a grassy area next to the chicken barn. Visited their farm store for fresh eggs, brats, & polish sausage. Yum!”
Brengman Brothers at Crain Hill Vineyard, Traverse City
Located in the rolling hills of Leelanau Peninsula, Brengman Brothers offers a line of estate grown wines and spirits, as well as locally sourced small plates. Lauren Fournier, Event & Membership Director at Brengman Brothers loves “meeting all of the folks that are traveling and hearing their stories!” This winery welcomes four or more campers each week, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with other RV travelers!
Iron Fish Distillery, Thompsonville
A true grain to glass distillery, Iron Fish Distillery offers an amazing experience to visitors. They produce an extensive line of whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka, all made to imbue a sense of Michigan’s terroir. Guests can enjoy tasting flights, signature cocktails, as well as a full food menu.
Northern Sun Winery, Bark River
Have you ever tried Upper Peninsula wine? Stop into this winery for 100% estate grown red, white, and rosé wines in Bark River! This is a lovely, unique stop for travelers circumnavigating Lake Michigan or explorers of the UP!
Austin Brothers Brewery, Alpena
Visit this renowned brewery and restaurant in Alpena as you explore the sunrise side of the state! Austin Brothers offers a delicious late-night menu that’s perfect for travelers coming up from other parts of the state to stay.
As you plan your travels throughout Michigan during fall’s color season, be sure to explore all these local businesses have to offer!
Check out these other TLD Partners who participate as Harvest Hosts:
- Local Pour, Sawyer
- Montrose Orchards, Montrose
- Shady Side Farm, Holland
- Bee Wise Farms, Newberry
- Bonz Beach Farms, Onaway
This article was sponsored by Harvest Hosts, a membership program that connects RV owners to unique overnight stays throughout the United States. https://harvesthosts.com
If you are interested in becoming a Host, visit harvesthosts.com/hosts to learn more.
Emma Beauchamp is the Editor in Chief for Taste the Local Difference.
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