Fall is already in the air – and you know what that means: If you haven’t made plans for a fall getaway, the travel clock is ticking. Autumn is one of the best times of the year for vacations in Michigan. The days are still warm, and the nights are crisp and the lovely sunsets come a little earlier.
RELATED: Michigan’s fall color forecast is here
Pure Michigan has put together a string of good travel deals for September. There’s a mix of hotel savings, a few resort packages, an urban adventure or two – even a couple Mackinac Island deals. You can check them out on Pure Michigan’s website here, but we’ll give you a peek. Here are the Top 10 highlights:
The Emerald Isle, a car ferry run by the Beaver Island Boat Company, pulls up to the dock in Charlevoix on Friday, July 14, 2023. (Neil Blake | MLive.com)Neil Blake | MLive.com
#1 End of Summer Savings at The Earl of Charlevoix
Deal: Take 15% off two nights or more.
Expires: Sept. 28, 2023.
Details: “September is the perfect time to experience The Earl. The weather is amazing, and the crowds are a little lighter with the kids back in school. Save 15% off select dates this September when you book two nights or more. Need more reasons to stay? HI Bar, located on our rooftop, offers amazing beverages, small plates and views of downtown and Round Lake. We offer complimentary bicycles to roam around town and our friendly staff would love to see you!” For more details, check the hotel’s website here.
Dania Grevengoed works on their ArtPrize entry “Found Blooms Mural” located at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in Grand Rapids on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. (Annie Barker | MLive.com)Annie Barker | [email protected]
#2 Grand Rapids Hotel Packages
Deal: Choose your hotel perks for ArtPrize.
Expires: Oct. 1, 2023.
Details: “ArtPrize, the world’s most attended art event, returns to Grand Rapids September 14–October 1. The best way to experience it is to stay a few days and see as many of the 650 art pieces as you can. Make your stay even more enjoyable by booking a hotel package that offers great perks—such as golf games, restaurant gift cards, movie passes and romantic experiences at special prices. Check out all 26 hotel packages to find the perfect fit for you!” For more details, check the Experience Grand Rapids website here.
There are 13 fudge shops on Mackinac Island, so a sweet treat is never far away. Photo provided by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.
#3 Fall Special at Harbour View Inn on Mackinac Island
Deal: Save up to 20% off select dates this fall.
Expires: Oct. 1, 2023.
Details: “Book multiple nights this October with us and save! October on Mackinac is a perfect time to visit with the fall colors, smaller crowds and cooler temps. Stay Longer & Save special; stay two nights and save 15%, stay three nights and save 20%. Available: October 15-19, 22 and 23-26. Discover Mackinac package: book a two-night and get 10% off. Available: October 1-2, 4-5, 8-12.” For more details, check Harbour View Inn’s website here.
A view from above at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. Photo provided by The Highlands.
#4 Harvest Fest at The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Deal: Enjoy lots of fun activities for the whole family at this Up North festival.
Expires: Oct. 7, 2023.
Details: “Take in the beautiful fall colors and scenic views and make it a weekend getaway during The Highlands’ Harvest Fest! There will be activities for everyone, including face painting, keg bowling, burlap sack racing, pumpkin ring toss and more! Everyone loves cider and donuts this time of year! We will also tap the keg for our winter Heather Beer by Petoskey Brewery! Be sure to enter to win a piece of northern Michigan history—a 1963 Valley chair!” For more information, check The Highlands website here.
Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel.
#5 Fall Savings at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for 15% off
Deal: Fall is when to take in the stunning views with fall specials with savings of up to 15%.
Expires: Oct. 15, 2023.
Details: “Journey to simpler times and enjoy the changing colors, cooler weather and fewer crowds—Mackinac Island in the fall is a must-see experience. Our Fall on Mackinac E-Deal Includes: breakfast and dinner daily, Saturday stable tour, discount on bike rentals, Saturday history lecture with Bob Tagatz, complimentary lawn games and recreation courts, complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum and special discount on ferry tickets.” For more information, check Grand Hotel’s website here.
Scenic fall chairlift rides at Shanty Creek in Bellaire. Photo courtesy of Shanty Creek Resort.
#6 Autumn Awaits at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire
Deal: Fall getaways starting at $208 per night.
Expires: Oct. 28, 2023.
Details: “Fall traditions are among our most endearing, celebrating the highlights of the season, back to school, the return of football season and all things pumpkin spice. In your room, on the golf course, or on a chairlift high above Northern Michigan’s skyline, 360° views of autumn’s splendor will greet you at every turn of Shanty Creek Resort. With lodging as low as $208 per night, it’s easy to see why Bellaire is the premier destination for a fall getaway Up North.” For more information, check Shanty Creek’s website here.
#7 Falling Prices on Fall Lodging at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville
Deal: Save up to 25% on lodging on select dates through October.
Expires: Oct. 31, 2023.
Details: “Now through October 31, get up to 25% off lodging—a mountaintop townhome with spectacular views, a cozy cottage, or a hotel room in the heart of the resort village. Enjoy golfing on one of our championship 18 hole courses, explore the Michigan Legacy Art Park, take a scenic chairlift rides, tennis/pickleball courts, Crystal Spa, the indoor pool and more. Also, venture out for wine tastings and plan to visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.” For more details, check Crystal Mountain’s website here.
Michael Lofton, 46, of Ludington, hikes the Hemlock Beech Trail with his dogs Kal and Ivar on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Orchard Beach State Park, 2064 Lakeshore Road in Manistee Township.Justine Lofton | [email protected]
#8 Discover the magic of Ludington with a Second Night Stay Special
Deal: 50% Off Second Night Stay this Fall.
Expires: Oct. 31, 2023.
Details: “Experience Ludington’s enchanting fall season with 50% off a second night stay this fall! Revel in the vibrant foliage, tranquil lakeshores and charming downtown at an incredible discount. From scenic hikes to savoring local cuisine, create cherished memories against the backdrop of fall’s beauty. Book now to save big and embrace autumn in Pure Ludington!” For more details, check the Pure Ludington website.
#9 Color your Autumn with Savings in Traverse City
Deal: Experience Traverse City, where seasonal packages await.
Expires: Oct. 31, 2023.
Details: “Fall is coming and it’s time to compile your Traverse City must-see list for autumn 2023! Take a color tour and experience the area to the fullest, where you will take in the golden patchwork that blankets Northern Michigan. Book your getaway with a seasonal package and prepare to be amazed by nature’s spectacular show of breathtaking colors.” For more information, check the Traverse City Tourism website here.
Fall travel deals are out there. Are you ready?
#10 Stay & Play in Southwest Michigan at Marina Grand Resort in New Buffalo
Deal: Take 50% off your third night.
Expires: Nov. 30, 2023.
Details: “Summer brings crowds to Southwest Michigan’s beach towns, but it’s the sunny days and cool nights of early fall when New Buffalo truly shines. Visit a u-pick, take a wine tour, bike a country road and stroll a dune-backed beach at sunset—the cozy comforts of your in-room fireplace will welcome you home. Settle in for dockside good times with special savings on three-night getaways.” For more information, check the website here.
