The following information was provided by Peter Fitzsimons of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.
Foliage.org: What are the projected dates for Michigan’s Petoksky area foliage season?
Generally the first two weeks of October with inland foliage turning earlier and lakeshore trees a little later due to the warming influence of the water.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within Petoskey that are known for their uniquely beautiful
autumn foliage displays?
Any vista that overlooks Little Traverse Bay, Lake Charlevoix, or Walloon Lake will showcase amazingly blue waters with forested rolling hills on the far shore.
Foliage.org: What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
The M-119 “Tunnel of Trees” route is one of only fourteen roadways designated by the Michigan Department of Transportation as ‘Scenic Heritage Routes.’ The road meanders 20 miles along the Little Traverse Bay shoreline from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Foliage.org: What festivals or other public events are taking place during the 2009 Fall foliage season?
Harvest Festivals in Boyne City and Harbor Springs.
The Charlevoix Apple Festival.
The Bay Harbor Harvest Festival.
The Ernest Hemingway Society Weekend.
Foliage.org: Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
The Legs Inn is a Michigan Historical Site at the endo of the Tunnel of Trees drive where visitors admire a truely unique building and dining experience; Deadman’s Hill scenic overlook just south of Boyne Falls offers magnificent views of the Jordan River Valley along with an insight into the area’s lumbering history.
Foliage.org: What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to Petoskey. What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
Fall attracts many golfers looking for lower fees, smaller crowds and great scenery; being further north fishermen can enjoy the fall colors while fishing the many rivers and during the salmon run.
Foliage.org: Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
History buffs enjoy learning more about the time and times of the life of young Ernest Hemmingway’s first 22 years spent in the Petoskey area.
Foliage.org: What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
The fall festivals, hay rides, corn mazes keep families well entertained on the weekends.
Foliage.org: What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
The best source is the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau at www.petoskeyarea.com or 800.845.2828
Foliage.org: Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling Petoskey for the fall foliage season?
You’ll not find the air as crisp and fresh anywhere so bring your sweater, your shorts, and a camera – and let us, and Mother Nature, entertain you.