Mitten Full of Love: Your Guide to Michigan Romance

Devin Joubert
Jul 20
4 min read

Updated: Jul 27

Where love stories roll in like waves—unexpected, refreshing, and impossible to ignore. 🌊🌲

From lakeside cabins to charming coastal towns, Michigan is a romcom waiting to happen. Think bonfire beach dates, cozy sweater weather strolls, and flirty glances over cherry pie in a sleepy diner.

In Michigan, the air smells like pine and possibility. So dip your toes in the Great Lakes, grab your favorite romance read, and let the shoreline set the scene.

Welcome to Michigan!

Every state has its love stories—but there’s something about Michigan that makes certain tropes feel extra cozy, windswept, and full of soul. Maybe it’s the magic of lighthouse kisses along the Great Lakes, the small-town charm tucked between forests and freshwater shores, or the way fall leaves crunch underfoot on a cider mill date. Whatever the reason, these tropes don’t just work in Michigan—they belong here.

Tropes:

Beach town romance
Artist + gallery owner
Mistaken identity (while on a writing retreat)
Opposites attract (entrepreneur + librarian)
The one that got away (and came back)

Let's Meet Our Authors From Michigan!

This page will be updated with videos when they publish on YouTube.

Ursi Engebretsen

We are spotlighting Ursi's book Summer at Fraser's Mill which is a 🫑 on our spice rating guide.

With our spice guide, this is a one pepper. For more on our spice guide, you can see our spice guide here.

Olivia Hope McCarthy-

We are spotlighting Olivia's romcom book, Superior Hearts. Which would be considered a 🌶️ in our spice guide. When I chatted with Olivia, she mentioned there wasn't any swearing, there's no explicit scenes, the only thing is that there is some alcohol use among 21+ year olds. There's also a make-out scene. "It’s a proper make out, but without description. And it fades to black in the bonus. They’re also married," Olivia shared.

Lindsay Marcum-

Lindsay is the author of Just Below the Surface. When asked about the spice rating, she mentioned it's definitely 🫑 on our spice rating guide.

Susan Tuttle-

Susan is the author of Never too Late. 🫑 on our spice rating guide.

Brianne Ritchie Córdova-

Brianne is the author of Cream & Punishment. When asked about the spice rating, she mentioned. "Cream and Punishment is (descriptive) kisses only, no swearing, and mild innuendos. The Kisses are definitely more on the sizzley side. Don't want people to be blindsided by the kisses and innuendo if they're expecting squeaky clean," Brianne mentioned. So she said she'd list it as a one red pepper romance on our spice rating guide. 🌶️

C.C. Urie-

C.C. Urie is the author of Defender. 🫑/🌶️ on our spice rating guide.

The Books

I had to share this picture, because I loved it! The spines look so cool next to each other!

Aren't they pretty?

💕 Fun Things to See in Michigan

(for lovers of romance, cozy reads, and Great Lakes magic)

Charming Small Towns

🏘 Petoskey, MI – Victorian charm meets literary legend (Ernest Hemingway spent summers here!). Think bookshops, boutiques, and shoreline strolls.

🌷 Holland, MI – Tulip Time Festival, windmills, and Dutch bakeries—like a romcom set in a European village without leaving the Midwest.

🏞 Saugatuck, MI – A creative beach town with art galleries, paddleboat rides, and cozy B&Bs. Sunsets on Lake Michigan? Yes, please.

🍒 Traverse City, MI – Cherry blossoms, wine tastings, and fall color tours. It’s a “big feelings” small town with Hallmark movie vibes.

📖 Frankenmuth, MI – Bavarian-style architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and the world’s largest Christmas store. Romance with a sprinkle of fairy tale.

Nature & Scenic Romance

🏖 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Sweeping lake views, sandy hikes, and that one dune that dares you to run down like you're in a coming-of-age love story.

🌲 Tahquamenon Falls – A stunning Upper Peninsula gem—ideal for stolen kisses and fall flings.

🛶 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Paddle past rainbow-colored cliffs with someone cute in a kayak. It’s a date and an adventure in one.

🚗 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Drive (M-119) – Narrow, winding roads through magical forest canopies. Bonus points for a convertible and a playlist of love songs.

🌅 Mackinac Island – No cars, just horses, bikes, and slow-paced magic. Stay at a romantic inn and enjoy sunrise views over Lake Huron.

Unique Attractions

🚲 The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village (Dearborn) – Vintage vibes, Model T rides, and old-fashioned ice cream. A history lover’s dreamy date spot.

🍦 Moomers Homemade Ice Cream (Traverse City) – Award-winning scoops, pasture views, and sweet memories in every bite.

📸 Lighthouses Galore (statewide) – Michigan has over 100! Pick one (or a dozen) for windswept hair, hand-holding, and storybook photo ops.

🛷 Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland (Frankenmuth) – The world's largest Christmas store open year-round. Perfect for the couple who believes in magic (and matching ornaments).

🎢 Michigan’s Adventure (Muskegon) – Rollercoasters, water rides, and just the right amount of adrenaline to lean a little closer.

✈ Air Zoo (Kalamazoo) - Where aviation history takes flight with hands-on exhibits, vintage aircraft, and sky-high inspiration for every curious heart.

💌 Don't Forget Your Romance Reading Passport!

You can get it here for free. Follow along on the journey as we travel through the midwest on the Romance Reading Roadtrip! You'll also find ways to win some pretty flirty and fun books and bookish items in the Passport, so make sure to download it! :)