Daylight hours are approaching, so it’s time to make the most of them before winter hibernation. Close the laptop, put down the cell phone, and clear your head with a solo trip.

A global Booking.com 2024 survey found that 59% of travelers were looking to venture out on their own. This doesn’t mean it has to be far away, or even overnight.

RELATED: Michigan Travel Coach Offers 6 Tips for New Solo Travelers

Travel coach Dawn Pick Benson coaches first-time solo trips to choose a location with intention.

She asks each traveler what they want to feel on their adventure, not what they want to see or how far they want to go.

Benson has traveled to nearly 50 countries and each trip, near or far, has changed her – whether finding clarity while floating in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro or finding inspiration in the galleries of art from Saugatuck, Michigan.

MLive asked Benson what his top Michigan recommendations were for solo travelers looking to shake off the monotony of daily life. Here’s what she suggested for day-trippers and weekenders.

Creative – Saugatuck

My favorite time to visit is late fall and winter, when the tourist season is winding down. It’s a great place to find a cozy restaurant and sip a cocktail or coffee with a friend. Le Sudiste has a nice cozy fireplace in the bar and good whiskey cocktails. Phil’s is always open, small but cozy. And I’ve had some of the best conversations with strangers there.

I often start my visit with a coffee from Uncommon Roasters and a stroll through the city center, wandering around the shops. I then head to Farmhouse Deli to pick out something fun and colorful for lunch.

And even though it’s cool, it’s the perfect time to stroll along Oval Beach and enjoy the cooler weather, without the tourists.

I just let my mind wander and notice the beauty around me. It’s amazing what creative ideas can come to you when you give your brain some space to breathe. After the beach, I might head to the J Petter Galleries to browse art while enjoying a glass of wine from their always amazing selection. During happy hour at Everyday People, you can always strike up a fun and interesting conversation at the bar with some of their regulars (go early to get a seat, though!). I would end the day watching the sunset over the lake.

Adventurer – Drive down the Red Arrow Highway

Red Arrow Highway is a scenic drive that connects New Buffalo to Kalamazoo. I love exploring the 29-mile stretch from New Buffalo to St. Joseph, which is full of antique shops, wineries, breweries, and lesser-known lakeside views.

In Saint-Joseph, I often stop at the Market, which is a great place to grab a solo bite to eat. It has a café, a sandwich shop, a brasserie/wine bar, as well as other small shops and a very nice wine shop. Right next door is Benton Harbor, and I discovered some interesting restaurants to check out, including a few places on my own list to try: Mason Jar Cafe and Bread+Bar.

To enjoy nature and finish your meal, try visiting Warren Dunes State Parkor there are also many nature reserves in the area, including Chikaming Open Lands near Sawyer, which has trails perfect for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For dinner, I love it Cafe Gulistana unique Kurdish restaurant just south of Sawyer, open Thursday through Sunday. Or a little later you could also tryFood specialties and flagship fish market,a fun place where you can enjoy incredibly fresh fish to go.

If you arrive in New Buffalo, try Skip’s European Farmers Marketopen on weekends and Brewing beer in church.

Connection – Muskegon Farmers Market and Cherry Point Lavender Maze

A great way to feel more connected is to spend time on the land and with those who live and work the land. Visiting farmers markets or spending an afternoon at a local farm is the perfect way to do just that, and Michigan has no shortage of places to choose from.

RELATED: Sears demolished into a bustling farmers market. How Muskegon brings 10,000 people downtown every weekend.

My favorite farmers market is at Muskegon. It’s full of amazing vendors and I love its proximity to downtown Muskegon, Muskegon Lake, and the shores of Lake Michigan. The Saturday market remains open until December 7 and includes a winter market offering unique gifts and products for the holidays.

Inspired – Illustrated Rocks

Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula and hike along the cliffs on the Chapel Loop for an awe-inspiring experience. During the hike, you’ll see a breathtaking series of colorful cliffs on the south shore of Lake Superior.

RELATED: You get 2 waterfalls and 2 beaches in this spectacular UP day hike

These sandstone rocks have been sculpted by wind and water into intricate formations and arches and get their colors from a variety of minerals found in the soil. This hike is the only way to see these rock formations from land. You can park then head to Chapel Falls, then hike to Chapel Rock where you will see a massive tree growing out of a rock, then walk along the cliffs until you get to the beach.

The loop is 10.5 miles and can take 4-5 hours, so be sure to bring a backpack with snacks and plenty of water and dress for all kinds of fall conditions. The trail is well marked, so it’s a great hike when you’re on your own.

Peaceful – Charlevoix

Charlevoix is ​​a great place to choose if you want to spend a peaceful weekend.

The drive from the west side is beautiful and you can stop in Elk Rapids along the way to eat at Pearl’s and then have a cocktail at one of my favorite distilleries: Ethanology Distillation. Also in Elk Rapids is Bos Wine, located on a 1920s farmhouse, to enjoy a glass of wine in its backyard or order the full curated experience, which includes all the pairings like meats, cheeses and accessories for accompany each wine.

During your stay in Charlevoix, you can tour Lake Charlevoix and cross it aboard the Ironton ferry until mid-November. Torch Lake is also nearby and makes for a wonderful walk, especially in the fall.

RELATED: Want to become an expert collector of Lake Michigan rocks? 4 tips to get started

To continue the adventure, consider solo rustic camping at Fisherman’s Island State Park, which offers campsites nestled in the dune area along Lake Michigan. A great place to collect stones.

Learn more about Benson’s coaching and travel programs at dawnpickbenson.com.