a golf course with trees and water

Day 1 ) involves golfing with a stunning view and enjoying a great beer at Petoskey Brewing Co.

Fall in Love with Michigan: A Quirky Traverse City Adventure featuring Chestnut Valley Golf

Okay, real talk: Michigan in the fall? Total show-off. 🍂 And Traverse City? She’s the main character. We weren’t even planning anything crazy—just a low-key getaway to sip some wine and maybe see a leaf or two. But what we got? Golden vineyards, a yacht garage (yep, you read that right), fall golf with secret tree statues, and some of the best beer cheese balls of our lives. Let’s dive in.

And speaking of adventures, don’t forget to check out Chestnut Valley Golf for an unforgettable golfing experience surrounded by stunning fall scenery.

And if you’re into golf, don’t miss out on Chestnut Valley Golf for a truly unforgettable experience!

🍷 First Stop: Traverse City = Wine Country Goals

We drove in and it was like Mother Nature had gone full drama queen. The trees were practically glowing—reds, oranges, yellows that slapped you in the face with beauty. 🍁 We pulled over so many times we were starting to think this might be the whole trip.

Then came the wineries. Let’s just say this town knows its grapes. 🍇 We popped into a couple of cozy spots, got seated next to a couple from Chicago, and suddenly we’re debating the best fall wine like we’re on a Food Network show. My Pinot Noir won, obviously.

Every place had something—crackling fire pits, live acoustic music, and that “I could move here and make jam” vibe. Basically, we were smitten.

🏡 Wait… Did We Just Sleep in a Yacht Garage?

So our Airbnb looked cute in the pictures, but we weren’t ready for actual lake access and a garage… for a yacht. 🚤

We woke up to the calmest water you’ve ever seen, made coffee, wrapped ourselves in blankets, and sat on the deck like we were starring in an indie film called Fall People.

Nights were even better. Grill fired up, fairy lights twinkling, wine still flowing from earlier (don’t judge), and some intense rounds of Uno. That mix of rustic and “am I a lake person now?” really hit home.

⛳ Chestnut Valley Golf: Fall Colors + Golf Shenanigans

Now, none of us are serious golfers. We’re talking, “I hit the ball! Yay!” levels. But Chestnut Valley? Total vibe.

We drove up and it was straight out of a postcard—log cabins, trees showing off their leaves like it was fashion week, and chill mountain air. We rented carts (mostly for fun, let’s be honest), and hit the fairways.

Most memorable holes?

  • Hole 5: A dogleg right that made us all nervous. Left was a bunker, right were trees, and straight ahead was… a miracle. 😅
  • Hole 6: One of us may have tried to go for the green in two. We support boldness.
  • Hole 12: Super short but with sneaky slopes and grass mounds. It was cute, but also evil.

And between holes 10 and 11? A carved chestnut tree statue honoring one of the last American Chestnuts. Like, who knew golf had heart?

🍺 Petoskey Brewing Co.: Yes, We Drank the Horny Monk

Next stop: beer. Because fall demands beer. 🍻

Petoskey Brewing Company was just a short drive away and oh man—it delivered. It’s inside this gorgeous 1898 building, full of exposed brick and good smells. You walk in and instantly feel 20% cooler.

brewing store
brewing store https://www.visitcharlevoix.com/PetoskeyBrewingCompany/edit/preview/

We did a flight and found our faves:

  • Horny Monk (lol): Dark, warm, just the right amount of caramel.
  • Juicy: Hazy and tropical. We kept saying, “This shouldn’t work in the cold… but it does.”
  • Sparkle: Clean, crisp, and basically fall in a cup.

And the cheese balls? Absolute legend. Crispy outside, melty magic inside. We may or may not have ordered a second round “just to share.” 🙈

Also, they have this Mug Club—ceramic mugs hanging on the wall with numbers for regulars. Like, excuse me while I move in and earn my own mug.

📸 Last-Minute Detours & Perfect Chaos (Continue to next posts)

Now look, we had a plan. Like, a solid itinerary. But did we follow it? Barely. And we have zero regrets.

We skipped a few spots, took random turns, and somehow ended up at a beach with no name and the best sunset of the trip. The light hit the water, we just stood there like, “Okay, this is our life now.”

Sometimes, the best part of travel isn’t what you map out. It’s what happens when you chase the sun and trust that the next snack stop will be worth it. 😎

Traverse City, you wild, cozy, color-splashed beauty—see you next fall. We’re bringing more friends next time. 💛🍂

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