Some people look forward to Thanksgiving dinners, others look forward to Christmas cheer, and just about all of us repeat the same cycle, hyping ourselves up to hit the gym at the turn of the calendar year.
While many of us will burn through paychecks on unused gym memberships, there’s still one thing to look forward to in 2025—all the exciting travel destinations being revealed right now!
We’ve covered the 2025 recommendations from HomeToGo, The Points Guy, and Expedia, so it’s only fair to give Fodor’s a turn at the podium.
Recently releasing their annual Go List, the 2025 version beholds some global icons and domestic surprises, such as the top U.S. beach destination to visit next year.
Here’s a hint: it’s not on the West Coast, East Coast, or Gulf, nor is it any of Hawaii’s paradisal islands…
Scratching your head yet?
Vivid Blue-Water Coasts Where You Least Expect It
When you picture a dreamy blue-water vacation, it’s likely that many Florida beaches, San Diego, Hawaii, or even the passport-free loophole of Puerto Rico come to mind.
But the last place you may think of is the Midwest. I mean, have you been to St. Louis?
It’s a pretty city and all, but the Mississippi’s tide crashing the famous Arch’s river banks are far removed from bluish hues on the color spectrum.
Well, lo and behold, Fodor’s is highlighting an entire Midwest state as the only beach destination mentioned under the ‘U.S’ category for 2025.
That would be the great state of Michigan, home to rightfully named Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron, all gleaming blue waters end to end.
Lakes get a bad wrap a lot as they’re often murky with rocky shores, but this trio is the rare exception with clear blue freshwater and scenic islands, a refreshing alternative to the salty sea.
And if you thought the East Coast was lighthouse central, think again. Michigan takes the crown for most lighthouses in any state, making for awesome pit stops for photo as you drive around the lake with the exception of beautiful Mackinac Island, a designated no-vehicle zone.
The bottom line is don’t sleep on Michigan as your next beach getaway. It ticks off all the boxes you’d expect for any other ocean beach, minus a multitude of all-inclusive stays and the salty breeze.
Although, there is one unconventional all-inclusive stay. Take a look at White Birch Lodge, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort nestled on Grand Traverse Bay for those who don’t care to see a bill after check-in with the caveat this package is only offered in summer.
Relaxing Lakeside Towns
For what it’s worth, Grand Traverse Bay was also highlighted by Fodor’s as an idyllic getaway freckled with delightful towns, including Traverse City, where eating at Grand Traverse Pie Company is a must!
I don’t know about you, but I was sold at ‘Pie Company’, especially knowing Traverse City is the world’s biggest tart cherry producer.
What should sell you more is that there are seemingly never-ending picturesque towns to make your base around, including the lakes and the connecting body of water, Grand Traverse Bay, just to help paint a picture.
Some of the more popular towns seeing a rise as of late are the aforementioned Traverse City, home to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) with numerous connections to major hubs, along with Glen Arbor, Torch Lake, and Leland (a.k.a. “Fishtown” for its history as a fishing village).
Although, if you’re looking for a timeless small-town Bed & Breakfast, rather than overpriced glitz and glamour, check out Candlelite Inn Bed & Breakfast in Ludington, MI with $99 – $119 rates this winter.
Wineries Galore
Lake Michigan isn’t just beautiful water, tranquil islands, and charming towns; there’s another great aspect to entice you to visit – wine country!
Wineries galore here. The perfect starting point would be either of these 3 wine trails, all featuring divine wines of locally grown grapes:
- Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail
- Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
- Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
If there’s one winery that perhaps you’ve heard of in the area, it’s gotta be St. Julian Winery, the oldest and largest in Michigan (and most awarded!).
They have 6 locations spread around the state. Better yet, if you can’t make it then only pay $5 for shipping ordering a case of 12 bottles online!
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