*Disclosure: The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum SUV was provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*
Last week a few of my media colleagues and I met up in Traverse City, MI for new experiences, fun times and a whole lot of adventure.
During our visit we did some road tripping, took scenic drives, explored dunes and drank delicious wines while chatting over dinner. Needless to say we had a blast and created some pretty epic memories.
Keep reading to check out a few of the wonderful adventures we took part in along the way…
Road Trip Through Traverse City In the Nissan Pathfinder Platinum
1. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
What better way to enjoy the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive than in the all-new, ruggedly redesigned 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD SUV. I had the pleasure of exploring the seven-mile route in style, luxury and comfort, while listening to my favorite road trip playlist on the Bose premium sound system.
I found the route to be stunning and tranquil. It was such a vibe that I actually took the scenic route twice.
What the route features:
- Gorgeous panoramas of the dunes.
- Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.
- Hiking along the Cottonwood Trail.
- Scenic overlooks for a picnic.
Note: Entrance to the drive is on M-109 between Glen Haven and Empire inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park.
Location Information:
- Address: 9922 W. Front, St. Empire, MI 49630
- Phone: (231) 326-5134
Click to checkout the Pathfinder Playground crew taking a road trip through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
When I think about Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, I think of mountains of glorious sand. I also think of wilderness islands, insane views, beautiful beaches and miles and miles of hiking trails surrounded by lush greenery.
After visiting this unique and stunning place I see why so many people flock there every year! I did a portion of the Sleeping Bear Dune climb when I visited about six years ago. However, this time I did more watching than anything. Just remember if you decide to take the plunge and go for it when you visit, and need assistance getting back up the dune, you will be charged a hefty $3000.00 fee.
Now let that sink in…
Legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes
Wondering how these dunes got their name? I definitely was curious, and here is what I found…
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore gets its name from one dune in particular—the Mother Bear. Perched along the edge of the large dune that towers about Lake Michigan, this dune, at one time, resembled a sleeping bear. The Ashininaabek, also known as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, used the Mother Bear as a landmark and tells a story about how she came to be there.
Location Information:
- Address: 9922 W. Front, St. Empire, MI 49630
- Phone: (231) 326-5134
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Pass:
- Park Entrance Pass – $25.00
- Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)
- Motorcycle – $20.00
- Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase)
- Per Person – $15.00
- Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
- Annual Park Entrance Pass – $45.00
- Valid for 12 months from month of issue.
In 2021 the National Park Service has/will offer several fee-free days:
- January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 17: First day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
- August 4: One year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- August 25: National Park Service Anniversary
- September 25: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb Hours:
- Open all year, 24 hours a day
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Hours:
- Open to car traffic May–Nov., 9:00am to 30 minutes after sunset.
3. Black Star Farms – Dining
Once the mid-day adventure came to an end it was time to head over to Black Star Farms, where we had the opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisine while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Founded in 1998, the 160-acre winery estate is located only 12 miles north of Traverse City on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula and is simply magnificent.
Here’s what Black Star Farms features:
- Vineyards
- A luxury Inn
- Award-winning winery and tasting room
- The seasonal Hearth & Vine Café
- Horses
- Farm animals
- Hiking trails
Location Information:
- Address: 360 McKinley Rd E, Traverse City, MI 49686
- Phone: (231) 944-1300
Hours of operation:
- 11am – 6pm (Sunday – Thursday)
- 10am – 6pm (Friday – Saturday)
4. Black Star Winery
Before dinner we stopped by the Black Star Farms tasting room for a bit of fun and wine tasting. Let me tell you there is nothing better than chill vibes, great conversation and delicious wine to top things off.
Needless to say, it was a great evening.
Note: The Wineries at Black Star Farms have achieved state, national, and international awards for their exceptional wines and spirits.
Location Information:
- Address: 360 McKinley Rd E, Traverse City, MI 49686
- Phone: (231) 944-1270
Hours of operation:
- 11am – 6pm (Sunday – Thursday)
- 10am – 6pm (Friday – Saturday)
5. The Cherry Capital of the World
Traverse City, MI is the cherry capital of the world and after tasting them I totally understand why. Although I am originally from MI I didn’t visit this part of MI until about 6 years ago. To be honest I had no idea it was so beautiful. If I would have known, trust me when I say I would have made it a regular vacation spot.
I discovered just how delicious their cherries are during my initial visit, and I have been low key obsessed ever since. When I returned home I went to the market thinking they were going to taste the same, but imagine my disappointment when they did not come close.
So y’all already know where I was headed as soon as I got a chance. Yep! A cherry stand and I was NOT disappointed. They were just as good as I remembered, and by the end of the trip I was definitely cherry drunk. LOL!
So if you guys are ever in that area don’t forget to grab some cherries. You won’t be disappointed.
Note: The National Cherry Festival is held once a year in July to celebrate this delicious fruit and also the community. To learn more about the festival visit their website.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD
The all-new rugged and adventurous 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD was the perfect SUV to road trip through Traverse City, MI. Its versatility gave me the confidence I needed to enjoy a chill ride through the city, then switching gears by searching for adventure in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park.
Although the weather was spectacular during my visit, I don’t have any doubts that this Pathfinder would perform exceptional if faced with challenging weather conditions. Just switch the dial mode to desired drive mode (Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Mud, Rut, and Tow) and let the vehicle take care of the rest.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum comes in 4 trim levels — S, SV, SL and Platinum.
Key features of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD:
- Starting MSRP: $33,410.00. Price tested: $48,090.00 (Platinum/AWD)
- 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve Direct Injection, 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm
- 20″ Machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels
- Nissan Pathfinder 3rd row seating
- Second row fold down captain’s chairs
- Seven drive and terrain modes
- Panoramic moonroof
- Hands free power liftgate
- Wireless charger
- Tow hitch receiver with 7-pin wiring harness
- Bose Premium Audio System with 13 speakers including dual woofers
- Maximum towing of up to 6,000 lbs.
The all-new redesigned 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD is rugged, spacious, filled with the latest technology and always ready for adventure. Tell us, what are you thoughts on the full size SUV? Inquiring minds would love to know.
To find your local Nissan dealership, visit their website.
Have A Happy Healthy, and Remember to Always…Stay Sassy!
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