Vacation in Michigan - help please? - YouLookFab Forum

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Vacation in Michigan - help please?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I have a week of much needed vacation in mid September and still did not decide where to go. I want it somewhat close to home so the drive is not too long.
I am considering Michigan as the closest US state for us (we live about 1h from the border). We had a one Michigan vacation which we loved visiting Upper Peninsula and Mackinac island.
I know that some of our members live in Michigan or have been vacationing there so I would be grateful if you can give me some suggestions. I would prefer places where we can alternate between beautiful nature walks (shoreline or parks) and small interesting towns. not too many tourists would be a bonus as well but I hope the crowds should thin out now when summer is over and kids are back to school.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Betti

Betti

Petoskey/Harbor Springs/Charlevoix area is wonderful for what you're looking for. It's not far from the Mackinac bridge & Island. A bit further south is the Traverse City area, the peninsula there has vineyards and is lovely. Still further south along Lake Michigan is Saugatuck & South Haven...

My vote would be the first one though. Lots of info here: http://www.michigan.org/

Betti

Also, if you want remote, try the Keweenaw Peninsula. It's my favorite (for me, lol). http://www.keweenaw.info/
My son goes to Michigan Tech in Houghton so we get up there a couple times a year. It's gorgeous, and quiet.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thank you Betti, I will check your recommendations out - they sound very promising!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ditto to Betti! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Michigan on my Teardrop Trailer Tour across the US (http://www.flickr.com/photos/j.....829089102/).

I especially enjoyed Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (take the sunset boat tour for marvelous views of the cliffs in the setting sun, and hike the Mosquito Point trail for cool rock formations along the coast), and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Have fun!

Mochi

Veteran

Have never been. I've heard those parts you mentioned are beautiful. YLF member Isabel vacations there a few weeks each year, so you may try PM-ing her.

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

I also haven't been, but heard great things about Sleeping Bear Dunes. IIRC, Beth Ann vacations in Michigan and may know more too.

ETA: How great that you can finally enjoy a much-earned break!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Janet, thank you. The pictures are really special - you are a very talented photographer!
Mochi, thanks - I will check with Isabel for sure.
DJ, I can hardly wait for another week and a half! I hoped Beth Ann will chime in, I think I will PM her.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

The UP should be gorgeous in September and there are a lot of outdoorsy things to do on the Keewenaw. When we were in the Grand Rapids area this spring we didn't make it up to Traverse City but everyone says it's really awesome. GR and then west of there to the lake is also really nice, Holland is an adorable little town as is Grand Haven.

Isabel

Veteran

We just got back from 18 days in Interlochen and Traverse City ! My in laws live in Interlochen and my SIL in TC. We go every year and I LOVE it. So Traverse City. There is so much nature yet the downtown is very cosmopolitan. There are vineyards close by, the amazing Sleeping Bear dunes, beaches, trails, kayaking , biking, rivers and lakes...you name it ! The restaurants are great too. And at the Interlochen Academy of Arts there are wonderful open air concerts facing a beautiful lake and walking paths. Check their schedule if you are interested in some music while you are there.

I am so excited for you !!!!!

Beth Ann

Veteran

I second Betti, Sveta. We vacation most Summers in the Petoskey area, which is about 30 miles south of Mackinac Island (we sometimes do a day trip to the Island) This year, we did a day trip in Traverse City, which is has a lot of beautiful scenery (Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Peninsula) and liked it, too. The scenery is far more beautiful once you get into the northern third of the state, IMO. That said, since we're in Chicago, we sometimes take a short trip to the southern portion of Michigan along the lake --- New Buffalo, Sawyer, etc. There are wonderful art galleries and good dunes (with beaches) in this area.

If you end up near Harbor Springs/Petoskey, or in southwestern Michigan, let me know, and I'll share my favorite spots with you.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Oh, and I feel a travel capsule comin' on!

JulieinMI

I can't add much to what the others have said. My husband and I spent our anniversary at The Homestead, a resort in Glen Arbor just outside of Traverse City. They have both condos and hotel rooms to rent, and it is outstanding. Also, we do have ArtPrize going on in Grand Rapids from September 18 to October 6. Artists have their works all over downtown and themsurrounding area in a competition for the biggest cash prize available for art in the world. It is very, very popular with people coming from all over to see it.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Oh, thank you so much, tons of useful info!
I have definitely decided on Traverse City / Petoskey area with Sleeping Bear Dunes thrown in as well. I just need to come up with logistics - where to stay and for how long, etc.
Beth Ann, I would appreciate anything you can share!
Julie, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids sounds incredible: I know my hubby would love it! Maybe we can swing it on our way back...

Betti

Yay! Sounds like a great plan! This is the best time of year to visit Michigan - the crowds are down, it's warm but not hot, and it's usually pretty dry.