Solo travel coach picks 5 Michigan spots for reflection, connection and inspiration

Daylight hours are closing in so it’s time to make the most of them before the winter hibernation. Close the laptop, put down the cell phone and clear your head with a solo trip.

A global 2024 Booking.com survey found 59% of travelers were looking to venture alone. That doesn’t mean it has to be far, or even overnight.

RELATED: Michigan travel coach offers 6 tips for first-time solo travelers

Travel coach Dawn Pick Benson mentors first-time solo travels to choose a location with intention.

With each traveler she asks what they want to feel on their adventure, not what they want to see or how far they want to go.

Benson has traveled to nearly 50 countries and every trip, near or far, has changed her – whether its finding clarity floating in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor or inspiration ducking into art galleries in Saugatuck, Michigan.

MLive asked Benson for her top Michigan recommendations for solo travelers looking to shake off the monotony of everyday life. Here’s what she suggested for day-trippers and weekenders alike.

Creative – Saugatuck

My favorite time to visit is during the late fall and into winter, when tourist season winds down. It’s a great place to find a cozy restaurant and sip a cocktail or a coffee with a friend. The Southerner has a nice, cozy fireplace in the bar area and good whiskey cocktails. Phil’s is always open, small, but cozy. And I’ve had some of the best conversations with strangers there.

I often start my visit with a coffee from Uncommon Roasters and a walk around the downtown area, meandering in and out of shops. I then head to Farmhouse Deli to pick out something fun and colorful for lunch.

And even if it’s chilly, it’s a perfect time to stroll along Oval Beach and enjoy the cooler weather, sans the tourists.

I just let my mind wander and notice the beauty around me. It’s amazing the creative ideas that can come to you when you let your brain have a little room to breathe. After the beach, I might head to J Petter Galleries to check out some art while enjoying a glass of wine from their always amazing wine selection. At happy hour at Everyday People you can always strike up a fun and interesting conversation at the bar with some of their regulars (go early to get a seat, though!). I’d end the day with watching the sunset over the lake.

Adventurous – Head down the Red Arrow Highway

Red Arrow Highway is a scenic drive that runs from New Buffalo to Kalamazoo. I like to explore the 29-mile stretch from New Buffalo to St. Joseph, which is full of antique shops, wineries, breweries and lesser known lakeside views.

In St. Joseph, I often stop at The Market, which is a great place to grab a bite solo. It has a coffee shop, sandwich shop, a brewery/wine bar, as well as other small shops and a really nice wine shop. Right next door is Benton Harbor, and I’ve discovered a few interesting restaurants to check out, including a couple of places on my own list to try: Mason Jar Cafe and Bread+Bar.

To enjoy nature and walk off your meal, try visiting Warren Dunes State Park, or there are also many nature preserves in the area, including Chikaming Open Lands near Sawyer, which has trails great for hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. For dinner, I love Cafe Gulistan, a unique Kurdish restaurant just south of Sawyer, open Thursday- Sunday. Or down the road a bit, you might also try Flagship Specialty Foods & Fish Market, a fun place where you can grab some incredibly fresh fish to-go.

If you make it to New Buffalo, try Skip’s European Farmers Market, open on the weekends and Beer Church Brewing.

Connection – Muskegon Farmer’s market & Cherry Point Lavender Labyrinth

A great way to feel more connected is to spend some time on the land and around those who live and work the land. Visiting farmer’s markets or spending an afternoon on a local farm is the perfect way to do this, and Michigan has no shortage of locations to choose from.

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My personal favorite farmer’s market is in Muskegon. It’s full of amazing vendors, and I enjoy its close proximity to downtown Muskegon, Muskegon Lake and the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Saturday market stays open through Dec. 7 and include a winter market with unique gifts and goods for the holidays.

Inspired – Pictured Rocks 

Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula and hike along the cliffs on the Chapel Loop for an awe-inspiring experience. On the hike you’ll see a jaw-dropping series of colorful cliffs on the southern edge of Lake Superior. 

RELATED: You get 2 waterfalls and 2 beaches in this 1 spectacular UP day hike

These sandstone rocks have been carved by wind and water into intricate formations and arches and get their colors from a variety of minerals in the soil. This hike is the only way you can see these rock formations from land. You can park and then make your way to Chapel Falls, then hike to Chapel Rock where you see a massive tree growing out of a rock and then hike along the cliffs until you arrive at the beach.

The loop is 10.5 miles and can take 4 to 5 hours, so make sure to bring a backpack with snacks and lots of water and dress for all kinds of fall weather. The trail is marked well, so it’s a great hike when you’re solo.

Peaceful – Charlevoix 

Charlevoix is a great spot to pick if you’d like a peaceful weekend getaway.

The drive there from the west side is gorgeous, and you can stop at Elk Rapids along the way to eat at Pearl’s and then have a cocktail at one of my favorite distilleries: Ethanology Distillation. Also in Elk Rapids is Bos Wine, located in a 1920s farmhouse, to enjoy a glass of wine in their garden, or order the full curation experience, which comes with all the pairings like meats, cheeses and accoutrements to go with each wine.

While in Charlevoix, you can take a drive around Lake Charlevoix and ride across on the Ironton Ferry through mid-November. Torch Lake is also nearby and a gorgeous drive, especially in the fall.

RELATED: Want to be an expert Lake Michigan rock collector? 4 tips to get started

To continue the adventure consider rustic solo camping at Fisherman’s Island State Park, which has campsites nestled in the dune area along Lake Michigan. A great place for rock picking.

Find out more about Benson’s coaching and travel programs at dawnpickbenson.com.