Our fall adventure begins this morning. After lunch we turn north, traveling to the Dayton, Ohio, area for our first night's rest.

We visit the 90 acre campus of the Gilmore Car Museum. The America's Signature Collection includes an old-fashioned gas station, a 1930 Rolls-Royce, a '57 Chevy, over 300 vintage automobiles, plus motorcycles. Late this afternoon we arrive at the W.K. Kellogg Manor House. The house was built in 1925-26, and is a classic example of Tudor revival archi- tecture with leaded glass bay windows, quarter-sawn oak coffered ceiling, a hand carved stairway, and beautiful Rookwood tile fireplaces and bathroom. Dinner is included this evening. We overnight in Grand Rapids. (D)

This morning we visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens. The Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is a five-story, 15,000 square-foot facility featuring rock land-scapes, a waterfall, and a variety of exotic plant selections. The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park contain a host of colossal masterworks including “The American Horse” by Nina Akamu. The Taste of the Gardens Café includes a glass ceiling sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. We depart Grand Rapids traveling to upper Michigan and the picturesque city of Charlevoix. Our local guide will show us the architectural diversity of this lovely city. Highlighted are the more than 30 homes designed by local architect, Earl Young. Dating from 1921 to the 1950's, these unique, “mushroom houses” are built out of native stone and sport cedar shake roofs. At Castle Farms we tour this beautiful castle and gardens. Dinner is included this evening. We check into the Harbor Pointe Lakefront Hotel, situated on 800 feet of Straits of Mackinac Shoreline, for a three night stay. (D)

We depart today for Michigan's Upper Peninsula with our local guide. The Soo Locks have been referred to as one of the great wonders of the world. It is still the largest waterway traffic system on earth, enabling ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. Today's lunch is at the Antlers Restaurant. Following lunch we travel to Whitefish Point. This is the oldest light on Lake Superior and began operating in 1849. Our last stop today is at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. One of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, it has a drop of nearly 50 feet. We enjoy dinner together this evening. (L, D)

We travel to Sault Ste. Marie and board the 8:00 am train. Today on the Algoma Central Railway we wind our way through vast forests and mountains, around lakes, over gorges, and into river valleys. The magnificent scenery along this route has been said to rival that of the Canadian Rockies. The train will stop at the Agawa Canyon where we have time to experience the pristine beauty of Canyon Park up close. A box lunch is included on the train. We return to St. Ignace late this evening. (L)

We leave our motorcoach behind this morning as we board a ferry to Mackinac Island, the Bermuda of the North. No automobiles are allowed on the island. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of the island. You'll have time to explore the shops and have lunch. Early afternoon we catch the ferry to St. Ignace. Off the ferry we travel along scenic Highway 23 making a stop at 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. We arrive at Thunder Bay Resort for the evening. Later this evening step back in time as you board a horse drawn carriage that takes you through the woods at Thunder Bay Resort. A wooden bridge crosses the Thunder Bay River and you enter the Elk Preserve for a close up view of majestic bull elk. The horses make their way deep in the woods to the beautiful Elk Antler Log Cabin. Warm yourself by the fire and savor the delicious aromas put forth by the twin antique wood cook stoves as the staff prepares your gourmet meal. (D)

We travel to Frankenmuth, known for it's Bavarian style architecture, and stop at the world's largest Christmas store, Bronner's. The sights, sounds, and spirit of Christmas surround you in this amazing place. Later this afternoon we visit Meadow Brook Hall, a Tudor revival style mansion built between 1926 and 1929 by the heiress to the Dodge automaker fortune, Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband, lumber baron, Alfred Wilson. Journey through time to learn about the historic mansion and the people who lived and worked there in the 20th century. (If Meadow Brook Hall is unavailable, we will tour another auto baron mansion) We overnight in the Detroit area.

On our Ford Rouge Factory tour, we visit the real-life factory floor where the new military grade aluminum-alloy body Ford F-150 is made. The tour is a selfguided five-part experience that includes: Legacy Theater, Manufacturing Innovation Theater, Observation Deck, Dearborn Truck Plant, and the Legacy Gallery. We travel to Toledo and visit the Libbey Glass Factory Outlet. Their store has the largest selection of glassware, dinnerware and home decor products. Tonight our last dinner will be a favorite, Der Dutchman Restaurant, known for their homestyle cooking. (D)

The amazing scenery, the tasty food, and the interesting attractions will be in our memories forever. We return home late in the afternoon.