Going beyond the usual tourist destinations, this book has twelve researched routes that include some of the state's lesser known attractions--crystalline waters, unspoiled nature, and natural wonders--and highlights colorful characters and interesting historical details.

Whether it’s the Chicago and Territorial Roads, home of a historic and scenic railroad, or the Lower Peninsula’s Chain of Lakes area, Backroads & Byways of Michigan is the shortest route a visitor can take to explore like a local. Whether it’s the Chicago and Territorial Roads, home of a historic and scenic railroad, or the Lower Peninsula’s Chain of Lakes area, Backroads & Byways of Michigan is the shortest route a visitor can take to explore like a local. Now with color maps and photographs, this second edition offers itineraries to scenic and intriguing places, like Michigan’s Wine Country—where you can sample local wines, chocolate truffles, and orchard fruits—and Western Michigan, once a mining area, now a winter-recreation wonderland and home of many spectacular waterfalls.

Whether it’s the Chicago and Territorial Roads, home of a historic and scenic railroad, or the Lower Peninsula’s Chain of Lakes area, Backroads & Byways of Michigan is the shortest route a visitor can take to explore like a local. Whether it’s the Chicago and Territorial Roads, home of a historic and scenic railroad, or the Lower Peninsula’s Chain of Lakes area, Backroads & Byways of Michigan is the shortest route a visitor can take to explore like a local. Now with color maps and photographs, this second edition offers itineraries to scenic and intriguing places, like Michigan’s Wine Country—where you can sample local wines, chocolate truffles, and orchard fruits—and Western Michigan, once a mining area, now a winter-recreation wonderland and home of many spectacular waterfalls.

With natives at your guides, the Backroads and Byways series steers you down the most scenic and historic byways, with plenty of intriguing points of interest and places to eat, stay, and shop along the way. Backroads & Byways of Michigan offers travelers a chance to get beyond the usual tourist destinations and to discover what the state has to offer along the way. Twelve carefully researched routes introduce readers to regions across the state, from southwest Michigan’s wine country to the U.P.’s Copper Country, from towns stocked with art galleries and boutique shops to fishing towns with tackle shops and canoe liveries. Sidebars highlight colorful characters and interesting historical details.

Ohio is full of fascinating history and beautiful landscapes. Come discover all that this state’s backroads offer travelers. Backroads & Byways of Ohio takes you to places you wouldn’t guess existed in the Buckeye State, like the Lake Erie Isles— a vacationer’s paradise virtually unheard of outside of a few local counties. Or head to the Hocking Hills (not far from the quintessential college town of Athens) to see waterfalls and gorges along the rivers. Want a longer trip? Travel cross-state on the Old National Road or discover local glassmakers still plying their trade in the Western Reserve, where glassmaking history goes way back. Explore Amish country, Native American mounds, and visit important sites on the Underground Railroad near Ohio’s first (then third!) capital, Chillicothe, still full of stately mansions.

With natives as your guides, this series leads you down the road less traveled. Travel from the Twin Cities into the northermost reaches of the state—the North Shore, Boundary Waters, and Canadian border; then explore the scenic byways that follow the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers, wander the southern prairies and through the lake districts. Included are details of lesser-traveled roads and regions, sites to see, tours, parks and trails, and historical information. About the series: Whether you need to get away for a weekend or longer, want to explore your home state or make plans for free time in an area you don’t know well, take to the road with a Backroads & Byways book. You’ll discover the most interesting places to visit on and off the beaten path. Destinations will appeal to foodies, history buffs, families with kids, couples, adventurers, hikers, bikers—in short, everyone. With itineraries appropriate for visits of differing durations and in different seasons, tips for comfortable accommodations, great food, and good shopping too, look to Backroads & Byways for the most interesting and diverse short trips available.

From historic sites and charming villages to world-class dining, Michael Ream provides a set of travel itineraries for exploring all aspects of the state. Bordered on the east by picturesque bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and to the west by the Loess Hills stretched out along the Missouri River, you’ll find tucked among the swaths of corn a slower pace of life. From historic sites and charming villages to world-class dining, Michael Ream provides a set of travel itineraries for exploring all aspects of the state. More than 100 full-color photos bring these varied venues to life.