Feeling like Fall

The warm days are dwindling here in Chicago. This weekend was unseasonably chilly, (quite the contrast from seven days ago...bye bye bikini!) and with a packed schedule ahead we decided to spend a day driving around Southwest Michigan for a toned down version of our annual winery tour. 

I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer just yet, but it was nice to break away from the city, check out a few new places, and revisit some old favorites while trying to mentally gear up for autumn. We were surprised by how much the area and market has grown since we first started these trips years ago. Breweries and wineries were packed with people, which is wonderful for business, but we did miss a little of the hidden gem charm. That said, we love this tradition and are lucky to have great escapes in close proximity for those times when you need a change of scenery and a little fresh air. Welcome sweaters and pumpkins and hot apple cider!

3rd Annual Michigan Winery Tour

I can't think of a better way to kick off fall than with a winery tour. Luckily, our friends feel the same and over the weekend we embarked upon our 3rd Annual Winery Tour! (Check out the 1st and 2nd annual as well!) The weather was crisp and perfect for sipping some vino and spending time with buds. (I wore a jacket and scarf for the first time this season, cozy!) We also stumbled upon a harvest farm full of the sights of fall - pumpkins, Halloween decor, a corn maze... it was another amazing adventure. I cherish moments like these so much. 

If you're looking for a Chicago day trip getaway here are some of our favorite stops:

Round Barn Winery   

Lemon Creek Winery 

Journeyman Distillery (it was recently a photo shoot location for CB2!) (They'll be at the next Dose Market!)

And there are plenty more to pick from here! (We also like to camp in the area as well.)

So let's hear it folks... red or white? Or equal opportunity imbiber??

2nd Annual Michigan Winery Tour

Last year was such a blast we did it again. (Rent a 15 passenger van and tour some Southwest Michigan wineries that is.) We're a pretty energetic crew but a few tastings in, who needs a Red Bull when there's a wooden one with a saddle and cute hat? Cooler than Ice Wine, that's what I'd say about this tradition. 

1st Annual Michigan Winery Tour

On Sunday we rented a van and took some friends on a tour of a few south west Michigan wineries. A gorgeous fall day, vino and good company. Stellar. Or should I say Cellar? ;)