THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Three field sessions and one studio day: paint northern Michigan from the Almira Historical Society pavilion and aboard a vintage VW bus. Small group, hands-on instruction, and spontaneous side trips make this an ideal summer creative escape.
Three field sessions and one studio day: paint northern Michigan from the Almira Historical Society pavilion and aboard a vintage VW bus. Small group, hands-on instruction, and spontaneous side trips make this an ideal summer creative escape.
Book with Wander with Direction
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wander with Direction · Lake Ann, Michigan
On three consecutive Wednesdays—July 29, August 5 & 12—the Flower Farm Series gathers at Lake Ann, Michigan, for a roving watercolor workshop that trades studio formality for sunlit fields, lake edges, and the easy rhythms of northern Michigan country. Each week begins at the Almira Historical Society's open-air pavilion at 19440 Maple St, where students assemble watercolor kits and practice foundational techniques. From there, the group climbs aboard Atlas, the instructor's vintage VW bus, and rolls to a new painting location: an orchard rim, a quiet inland lake, a farm field thick with blooms, or a grassy shoreline that frames long grasses and late-summer light. Field sessions run about five to six hours, with roughly three hours painting outdoors and time carved out for spontaneous side quests—a swim, a farm-stand stop, or a cool drink at a nearby winery—before the day wraps in mid-afternoon. What makes this series a standout is how it blends accessible instruction with place-based exploration. The first meeting in the pavilion is focused and practical: kit assembly, basic washes, and compositional exercises that prepare painters of all levels. Subsequent sessions are mobile studios: students spread papers on folding easels, test washes on sunlit boards, and learn to read shifting light across water and field. The small group size (six participants) keeps feedback immediate and the pace relaxed, so the emphasis stays on seeing and translating landscape rather than chasing perfect technique. For travelers, the trip functions like a cultural and outdoor primer to this corner of Benzie County: quiet back roads, fruit farms, wildflower meadows, inland lakes and accessible shorelines. The combination of instruction, exploration, and social spontaneity makes it ideal for solo travelers seeking creative company, friends looking for a thoughtful day outdoors, or couples who want a low-key experiential outing. Practical details matter here: arrive with sun protection, bring a foldable chair if you prefer not to stand for long stretches, and expect to be outdoors in variable weather. The series is an invitation to slow down, practice observation, and leave with original watercolors and a fresh sense of place. Whether you paint to improve technique or simply to remember a summer afternoon, the Flower Farm Series offers a portable studio, local color, and a friendly way to meet the landscape of northern Michigan. Logistics: sessions begin at 10 AM, run five to six hours, and are limited to six participants to keep instruction focused. Minimum age is 18. Check-in and the first studio meeting are at the Almira Historical Society pavilion. Bring layers for shifting breezes and a small pack for snacks; materials are arranged during the first session so newcomers can jump in without prior gear. Reserve early; space fills quickly—register now.
moderate.
5–6 hours.
Light to moderate fitness: expect standing and short walks over uneven ground while carrying a small pack
Meet at the Almira Historical Society's open-air pavilion located at 19440 Maple St, Lake Ann, MI for the first studio session and check-in.
Field sessions typically begin at 10 AM and run about five to six hours total, including travel and a painting block.
No. The first meeting covers foundational techniques and the instructor provides guided exercises during field sessions.
Series are limited to six participants to ensure focused instruction and individualized feedback.
Materials are organized during the initial pavilion session; check your booking details or contact the operator for specifics about shared versus personal supplies.
Participants must be at least 18 years old.
The series begins at the Almira Historical Society pavilion, a local community site that hosts public programs linking regional history and contemporary cultural activities.
Participants are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles, minimize disturbance to farms and shorelines, and support local producers on spontaneous farm-stand stops.
Wander with Direction is a Lake Ann, Michigan-based experiential company offering private guided outings and seasonal sound-bath events. The business operates a vintage 1975 VW Bus named Atlas and a restored VW Microbus used for private tours that travel Northern Michigan wine trails, peninsulas, county routes, and charming towns.\n\nTour listings include Private VW Bus Tour - Traverse City; Private VW Bus Tour - Old Mission Peninsula; Private VW Bus Tour - Leelanau County; and Private VW Bus Tour - Benzie County. Each VW Bus tour description highlights scenic views, vineyard stops, nostalgic styling aboard a vintage Microbus, and personalized routing to suit small-group preferences. Trip summaries specify experiences such as sipping local wines, panoramic viewpoints, and curated drives through regional landscapes.\n\nWander with Direction also presents seasonal Wolf Moon Sound Bath events that use crystal bowls and handpans to create guided sound sessions. A rescheduled Wolf Moon Sound Bath option is listed when event dates change. Trip and event summaries are published to help prospective guests select the right experience—whether a private VW Bus cruise or a calming sound-bath gathering. Based in Lake Ann, Michigan, the business focuses on regional travel experiences in Northern Michigan and provides clear descriptions of vehicles, routes, and event formats to help visitors make informed booking decisions.
Book with Wander with Direction