Our Michigan adventure began on August 31, when we set off on a journey that would take us through miles of scenic roads, visits with friends and family, and some stunning lakeside views. After hours of driving, we arrived in Novi, MI, just in time to enjoy the holiday weekend. On the evening of September 1, we found ourselves by a lake, watching a breathtaking display of fireworks reflected in the water, a perfect way to kick off our trip.

We spent the next few days in Novi, catching up with friends and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. But on September 4, we packed up and headed north to visit Nicole’s brother, anticipating the scenic drives ahead.

The real adventure began the morning of September 5. We set out on a route that took us west of Grand Rapids, passing through charming towns and vast stretches of nature. The roads were peaceful, lined with lush trees that seemed to stretch forever. From there, we drove east toward our destination in Traverse City, where we had a waterfront room waiting for us at Hotel Indigo. The view from our room was nothing short of spectacular—watching the sun set over the water made for a perfect ending to each day we spent there.

After a few days of exploring Traverse City and soaking in the local sights, we headed back south on Saturday. Our next stop was Rochester Hills, where we picked up Nicole’s mom for the final leg of our journey. She was coming back with us to Salisbury to spend a week together, making this trip even more special.

Before making our way home, we made a stop in Pittsburgh on Saturday night for some rest. The next day, we completed the last stretch of our 2,000-mile journey, driving through a lot of different landscapes, making memories, and enjoying each other’s company. This trip was a mix of family, fun, and the freedom of the open road—one we won’t soon forget.