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  • 6/5/2025
Slow Travel Stays Inns, Eco-Lodges or Airbnb
Transcript
00:00Looking for a quiet place to slow down this summer?
00:03Let me take you to the Great Lakes, where time moves with the waves.
00:07Imagine gentle waters lapping at sun-warmed sand,
00:11the soft clink of wine glasses at golden hour,
00:13and the hush of sailboats drifting across endless blue.
00:18Welcome to the Great Lakes region, where slow travel isn't just a choice,
00:23it's a way of life.
00:24I'm your name, and I help travelers explore the U.S.
00:28through slow, meaningful journeys.
00:30Today, we're heading to a corner of the country that's often overlooked,
00:34but rich with hidden shores, boutique wineries, and peaceful towns,
00:39perfect for anyone craving a break from the ordinary.
00:42Let's discover three unforgettable spots where you can trade the rush
00:46for the rhythms of water and wind.
00:48First, let's wander up to Lelanau Peninsula in Michigan,
00:52a dream for wine lovers and sunset chasers alike.
00:55This slender finger of land juts out into Lake Michigan,
00:59dotted with family-run vineyards and rolling orchards.
01:03Spend a lazy afternoon on a self-guided wine trail,
01:06tasting cool climate varietals in rustic tasting rooms.
01:09When you need a breath of fresh air, head west to Sleeping Bear Dunes, National Lakeshore.
01:16Here, sugar sand beaches and towering dunes overlook crystal-clear waters.
01:22Take a slow hike along winding trails, or simply find a quiet overlook
01:26and watch the sun melt into the lake.
01:29It's a place where every moment feels unhurried, and every view is worth savoring.
01:33Next, we drift over to Door County, Wisconsin,
01:36a peninsula known for its charming harbor towns and endless lake views.
01:41Here, the pace slows even further.
01:44Explore the quaint streets of Fish Creek, or Ephraim,
01:47where local art galleries and cherry bakeries beckon.
01:50Door County is famous for its orchards,
01:53especially in the spring and early summer when cherry blossoms fill the air.
01:57But the true magic is found on its quiet beaches.
02:01Visit Schoolhouse Beach, where smooth limestone rocks replace sand,
02:06making it perfect for a slow picnic or a refreshing dip.
02:10Watch sailboats glide by, or rent a kayak to explore hidden coves.
02:15Every corner offers a new way to take it easy and soak up the lakeside charm.
02:20Our final stop brings us to Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio,
02:23a place where vintage boardwalk vibes meet lakeside tranquility.
02:29Stroll along a century-old promenade lined with arcades, ice cream stands, and cozy cafes.
02:35But venture just a bit inland, and you'll find yourself in Ohio wine country,
02:40where rolling vineyards and boutique wineries invite you to linger.
02:45Rent a bike and pedal along the shoreline,
02:47or choose a lakeside bed and breakfast nestled among the vines.
02:50In the evenings, listen for local bands playing by the water,
02:55or simply unwind with a glass of pinot by the fire.
02:58Planning your own slow escape to the Great Lakes?
03:01Here are some tips to make the most of your journey.
03:04Pack for comfort and calm.
03:05Bring linen layers, sandals, a journal,
03:08and a good book for those quiet moments by the shore.
03:12Skip the big resorts and opt for lakeside cabins,
03:15boutique inns, or even glamping in one of the many scenic state parks.
03:19Keep your days loose and unhurried,
03:22leaving room for spontaneous beach walks,
03:24browsing local farmer's markets,
03:26or catching live music by the docks.
03:29And don't forget to eat local.
03:30Many small towns boast farm-to-table restaurants
03:33and lakeside seafood you won't find in any guidebook.
03:36The Great Lakes aren't just for summer.
03:38They're for slowing down,
03:40for floating, sipping,
03:42walking barefoot along a quiet shore,
03:44for trading chaos for calm,
03:46and discovering the beauty of travel at its gentlest pace.
03:49Have you been to the Great Lakes?
03:51What's your favorite lakeside town?
03:53Let me know in the comments below.
03:55If you're craving calm,
03:56give this video a like,
03:58and subscribe for more slow travel ideas from across the U.S.

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