Leave Mount Pleasant around 8:00 a.m. and take US-10 east toward US-23, then head north to Oscoda. Plan on roughly 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic and stops—so this outing is a little beyond your two-hour radius. Once in town, park near downtown Oscoda for lunch, then move the car for the scenic stops rather than leaving it parked all day. Start with an early meal at Wiltse’s Brew Pub & Family Restaurant; it’s a casual, relaxed place to fuel up before the afternoon, with a typical meal running about $15–30 per person. Check its current Saturday hours before you set out.
From town, follow River Road west to Lumberman’s Monument for about 45–60 minutes among the forest and overlooks above the Au Sable River. It’s a lovely place for unhurried couple photos—bring a light jacket, since the river can make the air feel cooler. Continue along River Road to Iargo Springs for another 45–60 minutes; the overlooks are especially memorable, but the stairs are steep, so wear shoes with good grip and take your time. Give yourselves room to simply enjoy the views rather than trying to turn every stop into a photoshoot.
Head back into town for Oscoda Beach Park and a hand-in-hand shoreline walk. Late September can be breezy and chilly by the water, so pack warm layers; check beach and parking conditions, and arrive with enough time for a relaxed 1–1½-hour visit. Sunset is around 7:20 p.m. in late September, making the hour before it a beautiful window for soft, golden-hour photos—perhaps a quiet, thoughtful note or a conversation about the future will hint at what’s ahead without taking over the anniversary. After your beach visit, drive west via US-23 and US-10 back to Mount Pleasant; allow 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, plus time for a restroom or refreshment stop. Leaving after sunset makes for a late arrival, so plan accordingly.
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