WHERE THE SUN MEETS THE WATER

FOR OUR 7TH ANNUAL ROAD RALLY, WE TRACED MICHIGAN'S SUNSET COAST, GETTING OUR FEET WET AND DISCOVERING THE TOWNS ALONG THE WAY.

-  JULIA SAYERS GOKHALE

Lounging on the springy nets of a catamaran, we watch the sun prepare to take a dip in Grand Traverse Bay. The August air is warm; a gentle breeze ripples through the sails above us. We snap a selfie, raise a toast and turn our attention to the golden glow. It's the last sunset of our annual Midwest Living Road Rally, this year in partnership with Pure Michigan. We've seen a lot of painted skies in the past week, as we explored the state's fittingly nicknamed Sunset Coast.

Our journey took us along Lake Michigan, from Saugatuck to Traverse City, stopping in towns with personalities as varied as the views. We sampled award-winning wines, caught (and ate) Great Lakes fish, got our hearts pumping on dune buggies and ziplines, and met fascinating makers continuing cultural traditions. Over the course of a packed itinerary, we managed to get in or on eight bodies of water-one Great Lake, one bay, two inland lakes and four rivers in vessels both motorized and not.

We also got a taste of Michigan's efforts to encourage more eco-friendly travel. The state has installed new electric vehicle charging stations along the Lake Michigan shore. These efforts help protect the beautiful yet fragile coastal ecosystem. When you break to charge, think of it as a chance to slow down, admire the scenery, "meet" a new place and maybe even catch a sunset.

DAY ONE

SAUGATUCK+FENNVILLE

WHO YOU'RE MEETING

SAUGATUCK 

Laid-back with great taste, Saugatuck is like that friend with the arty decor and Pride flag bumper sticker. Located on the Kalamazoo River, the downtown has rainbow-stamped streets and brims with shops and restaurants in cute cottages.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

PENNYROYAL CAFE AND PROVISIONS