Summer Biking Holidays Around the Great Lakes

America's "North Coast," along the Great Lakes, is one of the most idyllic spots in the nation during the summer months. Blessed with warm, but not sweltering, temperatures and easy lake breezes, the region is a perfect place to escape the heat and humidity of the Southeast or the baking concrete jungle of New York City. One of the most delightful ways to explore this region is by bicycle. Below are five picks for enjoyable summer biking adventures along the Great Lakes:

Mackinac Island - Mackinac Island, just off the northern shore of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, has been attracting tourists since the late 19^th century. It's a favorite of hikers and bikers as motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island. Visitors take a ferry, private craft, or private plane to get there. Mackinac's gracious Grand Hotel, featured in the movie "Somewhere in Time," was built in 1887 and has a spacious pillared front porch - the longest in the world -- overlooking the lake as well as six luxury suites designed by former First Ladies, including Jackie Kennedy.

Ohio's South Bass Island - Located just offshore from Sandusky Ohio, South Bass Island is the region's favorite summer resort. Casual and relaxed, the island is easily reached from the mainland via a ferry from Port Clinton or Sandusky. As you approach the island, you'll spy the picturesque old South Bass Island lighthouse, once a beacon for Lake Erie ore boats and now an Ohio State University training facility.

The island is known for its lively harbor, popular beer halls (including the world's longest bar), and its casual restaurants featuring the local specialty - Lake Erie walleye. You can explore the island on bike, stopping to visit Heineman's winery, founded in 1888 and still family-owned, or to marvel at the Perry Monument, which commemorates Oliver Hazard Perry's victory over the British in the War of 1812's Battle of Lake Erie.

Saugatuck Michigan - Another favorite of 19^th century travelers, Saugatuck is best known as an early 20^th century Arts and Crafts artist colony. Today, visitors can explore dozens of art galleries, an eclectic collection of shops, a vibrant marina, and the white sand Oval Beach. Just outside of town, riders can travel the 14 miles of scenic coastal trails in the Saugatuck Dunes States Park.

The Chautauqua Wine Trail - The Lake Erie coastline between Erie Pennsylvania and Buffalo New York is lined with small, mostly family-owned, wineries. You can sample the excellent Rieslings and Icewines grown in the region as well as explore the area's several historic lighthouses. A state highway hugs the coastline and makes for scenic riding. Accommodations include a nice selection of bed and breakfast inns. Just inland is the world-famous Chautauqua Institution, a 750-acre non-profit cultural organization founded in 1874, which offers a variety of concerts, lectures, theater presentations, and workshops during the summer.

Lake County Minnesota - Located on the western shore of Lake Superior, Lake County Minnesota features over 150 miles of shoreline, dotted with historic lighthouses and cove beaches. This is Minnesota Mining (3M) country and visitors can tour the 104-year-old company's museum as well as its original site, now an historic landmark. Just inland is the 3.9 million acre Superior National Forest. Activities in the forest include canoeing, hiking, ample biking trails, rock climbing, or just enjoy the beauty of the region. Fishing in the forest includes some of the best in the Midwest and walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass are abundant. Campsites are plentiful in the area as are bed and breakfast inns, including one located in a former lighthouse.