Unplug and Chill: Michigan's Best Picnic Spots

Michigan, the great Mitten State, is a veritable playground for those seeking respite from the chaos of everyday life. It boasts an abundance of natural beauty, from its majestic Great Lakes to its rolling hills and lush forests. In this land of Rustic charm and outdoor adventure, there are hidden corners that offer the perfect setting for a lazy afternoon picnic - a chance to unplug, decompress, and truly relax.

Our journey begins in Saugatuck (Saugatuck-Douglas), nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan. This charming town is known for its artistic spirit and vibrant community. Head over to Oval Beach (Oval Beach Road) where you can spread out your checkered blanket on soft golden sands while gazing at the azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see. As you indulge in locally sourced cheese and wine from nearby vineyards, it's easy to get lost in thought like Ernest Hemingway did when he wrote about his adventures across these same gentle waves.

For those with a penchant for offbeat locales, venture north towards Hell (Hell Creek Drive). Yes, you heard me right - Hell! But fear not; this little village holds no devilish secrets. Instead, it offers picturesque picnic spots along the banks of Patterson Lake or near one of its many quaint shops serving homemade ice cream sandwiches that would make F. Scott Fitzgerald himself swoon with delight.

Continuing our quest for tranquility amidst nature's embrace leads us next to Mackinac Island (Mackinac Island). Step back in time as you board a ferry bound for this car-free oasis in Lake Huron. Explore winding paths lined with fragrant lilacs before finding solace under towering oak trees on British Landing beachfront or at Anne’s Tablet Overlook offering breathtaking views of shimmering blue waters. As you savor a slice of famous Mackinac Island fudge, allow yourself to be transported into the pages of Michigan native Jeffrey Eugenides' "Middlesex," where tales of identity and self-discovery intertwine.

Heading westward, we arrive at Belle Isle Park (Belle Isle). This 982-acre island park in the heart of Detroit offers an escape from urban life without ever leaving city limits. Spread your picnic blanket on its vast green lawns or venture further to find hidden nooks and crannies near Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory or along the shores of Lake Okonoka. The juxtaposition of nature's beauty against Detroit's vibrant energy is reminiscent of poet Philip Levine's ability to capture the essence and resilience found within this eclectic metropolis.

Our final stop takes us deep into Upper Peninsula wilderness - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising). This dramatic stretch along Lake Superior boasts towering cliffs, colorful sandstone formations, and secluded beaches accessible only by hiking trails or boat tours departing from Munising. Find serenity amid nature's artistry as you sit atop Grand Portal Point overlooking turquoise waters crashing against massive rock formations. Let your mind wander like Jim Harrison did when he penned his poems about Michigan's untamed landscapes that ignite the soul with their raw beauty.

Michigan beckons with open arms, inviting us to disconnect from our digital existence and embrace a slower pace amidst its abundant natural wonders. So pack your basket with local delicacies like pasties and cherry pies, grab a good book by Michigan-born authors like Elmore Leonard or Patricia Polacco, and set off on an adventure that will leave you refreshed in both body and spirit.

Websites:

- Saugatuck: www.saugatuck.com (@VisitSaugatuck)

- Hell: www.gotohellmi.com

- Mackinac Island: www.mackinacisland.org (@mackinacisle)

- Belle Isle Park: www.belleisleconservancy.org (@BelleIsleConservancy)

- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: www.nps.gov/piro (@PicturedRocksNL)

Twitter Handles:

- Ernest Hemingway: @HemingwayApp

- F. Scott Fitzgerald Foundation: @FSFTrust

- Jeffrey Eugenides: @JeffEugenides

- Philip Levine Archive: @PLArchive

- Jim Harrison Legacy Project: @JimHarrisonLP