Michigan spot named No. 2 fall destination, behind Gatlinburg

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Michigan destination has been named one of the best places in the U.S. to visit in the fall.

Mackinac Island claimed the No. 2 spot in USA Today’s list of the 10 best spots in the U.S. to visit this fall . Readers voted on the list after nominees were selected by a panel of experts.

“The vibes are just right on Mackinac Island each fall,” the USA Today article says. “Crisp, sunny days with vibrant foliage give way to a slower pace of life in this resort town. A carriage ride is one of the best ways to peep those leaves, and Halloween weekend is always a fun event. Kids can go trick-or-treat at the downtown shops while adults enjoy grown-up costume parties at local establishments later in the evening.”

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, claimed the No. 1 spot, with USA Today noting the area’s mountain hikes and the Smoke Mountain Fall Festival.

The 10Best series also named the Upper Peninsula as the top spot for catching fall colors in the United States.

“With around 7 million acres of forest abutting the shores of three different Great Lakes, changing leaves are the main event each fall in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” the article says. “With 10 fall color routes that cover a total of nearly 1,500 miles, there are endless opportunities for a peaceful autumn drive to soak in the scenery.”

Knaebe’s Apple Farm in Rogers City, located in the northern part of the Mitten, was listed as No. 5 in the list of the country’s top 10 orchards .

There’s plenty of fall festivities right in West Michigan. For a list of local apple-picking spots, click here.

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