Getaway to Lakeside Chautauqua Cover Image 2

Getaway to Lakeside Chautauqua: A Place to Renew Your Mind, Body and Spirit

Looking for a quintessential summer vacation spot for you and your family within the Midwest? For almost 150 years, Lakeside Chautauqua has been entertaining family vacationers from across the country to experience what President Theodore Roosevelt described is “the most American thing in America.” This caught my eye when planning my family’s summer travel plans so I booked a gateway to Lakeside Chautauqua in Lakeside, Ohio for us to experience it for ourselves.

Best Getaway on Lake Huron: Enjoy Unique Stays Lake Huron Cottage Cover Image

Best Getaway on Lake Huron: Lake Huron Shores Cottage

What is the best getaway on Lake Huron? Hmmm, that’s the thought I asked myself as I sat down at the end of last year to plan out my family’s travel adventures for this year. As I pulled up Google Maps musing over where we should go next, my eyes darted to the northeastern lower peninsula along Lake Huron. This is an area we don’t visit near enough. It’s a bit of a hidden gem for even us!

We ended up booking a charming two bedroom cottage right on Lake Huron with its own private beach through Enjoy Unique Stays. And planning our getaway was a breeze as there are so many scenic and beautiful attractions a short drive away.

If you’re looking for the best getaway along Lake Huron in northern Michigan, you won’t want to miss this!

Spring Getaway to Mackinac Island

I’ve always been a little hesitant about traveling to Mackinac Island. As someone who writes about hidden gems within Michigan, what is “hidden” about Michigan’s number one tourist destination? Everyone in Michigan knows about it. Most people in the Midwest know about it. And it gets a lot of national recognition as well. So why bother? 

Well, when I finally let my guard down about it, I discovered there’s a lot of history on Mackinac Island. And there’s a lot of unique places to visit that aren’t as well known!

So much so, that unless you live on Mackinac Island or visit every year, it’s hard to fully experience everything on Mackinac Island within one visit. Plus, there are certain times of the year where the island is less busy – like at the end of the season in fall or early in the season – such as our spring getaway to Mackinac Island!

Day Trip to South Haven: Pinterest Image with grapevines, purple flowers and view of the Black River

Day Trip to South Haven

When I originally wrote this article back in mid 2020, it was after my family’s first Day Trip to South Haven. Since then, my family and I have returned to South Haven several other times and each time, we participated in different activities in the area! My husband and I even were blessed to go on a romantic getaway to South Haven as well.

So now, this “Day Trip to South Haven” article has taken on a new life and offers *four* South Haven day trip ideas! One that is perfect if it is your first time visiting South Haven (great for all ages – even babies), another to experience South Haven’s hidden gems, a romantic day date for couples, and finally, a day trip idea if you visit South Haven during winter.

Day Trip to Holland: Tulip Time Edition Cover Image

Day Trip to Holland: Tulip Time Edition

If you can’t travel to the Netherlands to see the colorful rows of tulips in spring, you CAN take a day trip to Holland, Michigan to see them. It’s pretty much the same, right?

I don’t know if that is enough to convince someone to travel to Holland, Michigan over the Netherlands if given the opportunity, but it did convince my sister and her fiancé to enjoy a day trip to Holland with us. It’s my sisters dream to travel to the Netherlands to see the tulips. Unfortunately due to Covid, her dream trip is still at least another year away. To make up for this, I filled this day trip with as many Dutch themed attractions as I could! So if you’re also craving tiptoeing through the Dutch tulips, read on to find out how you can “getaway” to Holland… Michigan. 🙂

Best Place to Go Glamping in Michigan Cover Photo

Best Place to Go Glamping in Michigan: Lost Woods Farm

If you’re looking for the best place to go glamping in Michigan – I’ve found the destination for you. Lost Woods Farm and Forest in Boyne Falls!

Glamping is a more upscale – or “easier” way of camping. You don’t need to pitch a tent or pull a camper. When you arrive, everything is already set up for you. And there are many comfortable perks like an actual bed, cute decor, and thoughtful extras like a robe and coffee in the morning.

Here’s what you can expect when going on a glamping getaway to Lost Woods Farms in Boyne Falls.

Spring Break Staycation in Lansing

Spring Break Staycation in Lansing, Michigan

Anyone else staying behind in Michigan during Spring Break? While my family is early in our Spring Break years since Winston is only a preschooler, growing up my family and I never traveled south during Spring Break. With crowds, increased hotel rates, and iffy driving conditions, we always choose other times to explore to get a better deal. I’m still of the same opinion! Plus! There are so many great spots throughout Michigan you can explore with a full week off! We just took a Spring Break Staycation to Lansing and had a wonderful time.

Unique Things to Do in Ypsilanti Cover Image

Unique Things to Do in Ypsilanti

A town my family and I wanted to explore for ages is Ypsilanti! It’s always come across as an underrated gem compared to nearby Ann Arbor. But if you look more into Ypsilanti, there’s a lot of rich history behind how it was formed, who’s settled here over the years, and what it’s blossomed into today. Now it might seem crazy – even impossible, to visit Ypsilanti for a day trip. There is so much to do here! But we did! During this day trip, we focused on covering the most unique things to do in Ypsilanti. 

And within that focus, we managed to find something for a variety of travel personalities – history buffs, shopping aficionados, foodies, and auto lovers.

So come learn what you can fit in during a day in Ypsilanti!

Day Trip to Milan, Michigan Cover Photo

Day Trip to Milan, Michigan

Join us on a delightful day trip to Milan, located just a short drive south of Ann Arbor in beautiful Washtenaw County. While Milan is known for its rural surroundings, it also boasts a captivating and thriving historic downtown district.

During our visit, we dined at a couple of Milan’s locally owned restaurants, shopped at the unique shops and boutiques along Main Street, and explored a local park. Especially fun for our son was a visit to a family-friendly indoor playground, where he could run, play, and let his imagination roam free.

A Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City Cover Image

A Hidden Gem Tour of Traverse City

We’re taking you through a hidden gem tour of Traverse City!

Traverse City and its surrounding communities are some of the most popular destinations for people (including myself) to visit in Michigan, particularly in summer.

But for a long while now, the vision of going on an unconventional weekend getaway started brewing. I craved diving a little deeper into this picturesque region’s history. At the same time, we didn’t want to sacrifice fun, family friendly activities.

Check out our travel plan for some unique sights and attractions to include in your next visit!

Christmas Themed Day Trip to Bay City, Michigan Cover Image

Christmas Themed Day Trip to Bay City

The final stop that we made during our holiday winter getaway to the Great Lakes Bay was to Bay City. On this Christmas themed day trip to Bay City, we enjoyed several community driven activities including a horse drawn carriage ride, Sunday in the City shopping event, visiting the Santa House, and even a spontaneous, holiday surprise!

The Ultimate Christmas Getaway to Frankenmuth Cover Image

Ultimate Christmas Themed Getaway to Frankenmuth

As someone who writes mostly about about underrated places to visit within Michigan, it might come as a surprise that I’d travel to one of Michigan’s most touristy towns during one of its most popular times. But no! I totally appreciate visiting Michigan’s hot spots as well! There is definitely a reason it’s so popular. And for many, it’s a bucket list thing. That’s the main reason I planned this ultimate Christmas themed getaway to Frankenmuth – to help those yet to book this getaway do so easily and stress free!
So calling all parents of little ones – make their holiday season magical and whisk them away on a Christmas getaway to Frankenmuth!

Christmasy Day Trip to Downtown Detroit Cover Image

Christmasy Day Trip to Downtown Detroit

During the holidays, we always try to explore some of Michigan’s largest cities and towns. There’s always something magical about Christmastime in a city! And no matter how many times you visit a city during Christmas, there’s always something new to see as well as traditional favorites to experience over and over again. Detroit is one of the cities we continually are drawn to visiting during the holidays. That’s why I put together this Christmasy day trip to Downtown Detroit to help inspire your own visit!

Coolest Christmas Things to Do in Michigan – Updated for 2023!

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is visit some of what I consider the coolest Christmas things to do in Michigan! And while holiday parades and other big one day events can be fun, my family and I prefer visiting the attractions that run all season long! It makes planning easier knowing there are multiple days we can visit an attraction. Plus, these attractions are a lot less busy than one day festivals and parades.

Best Things to do at Crystal Mountain, Michigan in Fall - family at the top of a scenic overlook with fall colors below, inside of a room at the Inn on the Mountain at Crystal Mountain, and festive fall decor with pumpkins and gourds at Crystal Mountain

The Best Fall Getaway to Crystal Mountain

Fall in Michigan is an incredible time to get outside and explore. And I’ve also found it to be one of the most underrated times to plan a getaway to Michigan. While other regions within the United States capture a lot of attention when it comes to fall travel, Michigan needs to be on the top of everyone’s bucket list! On the top of MY fall bucket list is planning a fall getaway to Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain is located in Thompsonville, Michigan, which is located in the northwest lower peninsula. It is about a 45 minute drive from the popular town of Traverse City. When I discovered Crystal Mountain hosts all kinds of fun activities like a free scenic chairlift ride for their overnight guests, an alpine slide, and more as part of their Fall Fun Saturday’s, I knew we needed to visit!

Read on to discover all you need to know to plan a fall getaway to Crystal Mountain. This also includes what it’s like to stay at the Inn at the Mountain, fall activities at the resort, and nearby attractions to Crystal Mountain. Let’s go!

Cover Photo for How to Spend a Summer Weekend in the Great Lakes Bay featuring a variety of summertime activities in Midland, Bay City, and Saginaw, Michigan

How to Spend a Weekend in the Great Lakes Bay

Ready to go on an exciting family friendly adventure this summer? Looking for a summer vacation destination that won’t break the bank? How about visit some hidden gems in an underrated area within Michigan? Let’s ditch the crowds and wait times found ‘up north’ and head somewhere just as pretty but less busy. Here’s how to spend a weekend in the Great Lakes Bay.

Discover the Best Family Friendly Activities in Lansing Michigan

Discover the Best Family-Friendly Summer Activities in Lansing, Michigan

Discover the beauty and fun a family can enjoy during the summer in Lansing – Michigan’s Capital City! Centrally located within Michigan’s lower peninsula, Lansing is a convenient city that isn’t too far a drive for most lower peninsula residents!

Get to know the city beyond it being Michigan’s State Capital! Come with us as we discover the best family-friendly summer activities in Lansing, Michigan! Map and itinerary included.

Unforgettable Winter Family Getaway: Explore Ironwood, Michigan

Unforgettable Winter Family Getaway: Explore Ironwood, Michigan

round November of this past year, I told my family, “This is the year! The year we embrace winter!” I’ve always noticed there are two types of Michiganders – those that groan at the mention of winter and retreat inside to hibernate for months, and those that embrace winter. The later don’t mind bundling up and often find some of winter activity to make the season enjoyable. I’ve always wanted to do that! So this winter, we planned an unforgettable winter family getaway to one of Michigan’s snowiest towns – Ironwood!

Michigan Hidden Gems to Explore in 2023

Michigan Hidden Gems to Explore in 2023

Each year, I want to shine a spotlight on some of my favorite hidden gems in Michigan we explored the previous year. While many are new sights to us, some are such great treasures that we returned back to them this year. I guarantee you won’t find any other Michigan bucket list like mine! Here are my recommended Michigan hidden gems to explore in 2023.

Family Holiday Getaway to Kalamazoo, Michigan Cover Image to blog article

Family Holiday Getaway to Kalamazoo

Two years ago, my family and I traveled to Kalamazoo after we learned there is a reindeer herd there. Yes – reindeer! Then last winter, we returned and spent a day in nearby Hickory Corners taking advantage of all the great holiday features there. Now, after returning to the area for a third holiday season, it’s safe to say our family HIGHLY recommends a family holiday getaway to Kalamazoo! Perhaps, this is our new tradition?

With reindeers, giant candy canes, a free holiday trolly, Santa’s workshop, and walk through light experiences, there are so many unique holiday attractions to take advantage of in Kalamazoo!

The Best Things to Do All Year in Charlevoix Cover Image

The Best Things to Do All Year in Charlevoix

Charlevoix in northwest Michigan’s lower peninsula, is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. In the summer, it is a popular destination to enjoy its state parks, inland lakes, Lake Michigan beaches, boutiques, and charming attractions. However, Charlevoix and many of its top attractions are open year round. In fact, the best time to visit may just be after the peak summer crowds disperse. My family and I spent a weekend getaway where we explored the best things to do in any season in Charlevoix.

There’s a little something for everyone in Charlevoix. If you love architecture and history, stay in or tour the Earl Young mushroom houses and explore Castle Farms. For nature and scenery lovers, visit Mt McSauba and Fisherman’s Island State Park. Finally, for the art and foodie appreciators, almost all of Charlevoix’s restaurants remain open throughout the year! Now let’s dive into the best things to do in any season in Charlevoix. I’ve also provided a wonderful weekend getaway itinerary to make your trip easy.

Family Friendly Guide to Michigan's Great Lakes Bay

Family Friendly Guide to Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay

The Great Lakes Bay region of Michigan is located on Michigan’s east coast right around where the ‘thumb’ starts to jut out. Within this area, there are six unique towns to explore – Bay City, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Midland, and Saginaw. During a weekend fall getaway, my family explored three of these towns – Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw, which are all close to each other. We were blown away by the stunning architecture, natural beauty, and number of hidden gems. Learn more in this family friendly guide to Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay.

Kid Friendly Getaway to Southwest Michigan

The Ultimate Family Friendly Guide to Southwest Michigan

An amazing summer vacation destination on Michigan’s West coast is St. Joseph. Many out of state residents from Indiana and Illinois take advantage of this attraction packed beach town during summer. Michiganders who only travel north in the summer are missing out! This town is packed with beautiful beaches, art, culture, delicious restaurants, historic sites, wineries and more. Discover why you should plan a trip here in the ultimate family friendly guide to southwest Michigan!

Michigan's Best Family Friendly Hotel: The Bavarian Inn Lodge

Getaway to the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth

For my birthday, my family and I enjoyed a getaway to the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth. The last time I visited Frankenmuth was in high school when my family and I hosted a German exchange student.

Frankenmuth’s name is a nod to the province of Franconia in southern Germany where many of the people who settled here were from. Its original settlers immigrated from Franconia in the Kingdom of Bavaria in the 1840’s.

The Best Toddler Friendly Activities in the Keweenaw article

Top 8 Toddler Friendly Things to Do in the Keweenaw Peninsula

Visiting the Keweenaw Peninsula with a toddler or young kids is not as scary as it may seem. Sure, you may be far from many simple luxuries one rarely thinks about like cell phone service (in some places) and rest stops with actual toilets, but the Keweenaw is not as rustic as I initially imagined it. And while there are lots of great attractions for older kids in the Keweenaw, there are still plenty of toddler friendly activities. After our time there, I’ve put together the top 8 toddler friendly things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Family Friendly Weekend Trip to Alpena Cover Image

Family Friendly Weekend Trip to Alpena

To kick off another marvelous Michigan summer, my family and I headed northeast for a family friendly weekend trip to Alpena. When deciding where to visit for our first summer trip, Alpena was an easy choice. Their tourism board has a fantastic list of over 49 different family friendly activities in the area, which we used to help plan our trip. 

With only three days to take advantage of all Alpena has to offer and a long bucket list, to avoid overwhelm, my husband and I each picked one attraction from the list we wanted to visit. I picked visiting Ocqueouc Falls – the only universally accessible waterfall in the United States, and my husband choose going on a Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour. For our toddler son, we decided a visit to Dinosaur Gardens would be fun.

After we chose our priorities, we added other sights and activities nearby our top three to our itinerary. If you and your family love history, nature, and a bit of quirkiness, this is the perfect family friendly trip to Alpena guide for you!

Things to do in Michigan in April cover image to article

Things to Do in Michigan during April

Hopefully this is the month where things will finally start to warm up in Michigan! April is the month of Easter, more maple syrup festivals, Earth Day events and more. There are plenty of things to do in Michigan during April! And you’ve come to the right place to discover the best annual events in Michigan that take place this month.

20 Free Things to Do in Grand Rapids

We’re all going through a lot right now – inflation is higher than it’s been in decades and gas prices are steadily rising. Where can we catch a break? Instead of cutting back on recreation, there are still plenty of free things we can take advantage of throughout Michigan. And if you’re within the Grand Rapids area or are planning a trip to there, you need to check out these 20 free things to do in Grand Rapids.

Things to Do in Michigan in March

March is here! I always let out a sign of relief for March. Spring and its welcoming flowers are just around the corner! Even though half the month is still winter, it’s the spirit and expectation of spring that makes me excited. And without further ado, here are the things to do in Michigan in March!

From Saint Patrick’s day celebrations to maple syrup festivals (yum!), and from late winter fests to welcome spring events, there is plenty to look forward to in March in Michigan.

Things to do in Battle Creek Cover Image

Things to do in Battle Creek

Battle Creek is one of Michigan’s most underrated places to visit. Over the past couple decades, its reputation was mired by economic stagnation. However, I embrace visiting places that might not be the newest, trendiest towns. Often, it’s the towns that don’t have the biggest hype behind them that are full of hidden gems, rich history, and great culture. And that’s especially true for Battle Creek. Over our past couple visits, we discovered many wonderful things to do in Battle Creek!

Most people know that the major multinational cereal company Kellogg’s was founded and still is headquartered in Battle Creek. But did you know that Battle Creek was once a stop along the Underground Railroad. And many people don’t know that abolitionist leader and women’s rights hero Sojourner Truth called Battle Creek her home. But besides those interesting historic facts, there are also some pretty cool sights and things to do like visit a fantasy forest or one of the best zoo’s in Michigan (in my personal opinion)!

Travel the Underground Railroad in Michigan

Before I started this Michigan travel blog, an idea to travel the Underground Railroad in Michigan always intrigued me. I love history. I love exploring. And I love road trips. So this seemed like a great adventure! However I kept putting it off as other idea’s kept popping up. Plus I never seemed to have the time, until now, to find out what places still exist from this era. That being said, I put together the destinations that remain along the Underground Railroad in Michigan into this ‘resource bank’ of a blog post. Read on to learn more!

Things to Do in Michigan in January Cover Image

Things to Do in Michigan in January

From winter festivals to sleigh rides, and from dog sledding to winter craft beer festivals, there’s an endless list of things to do in Michigan in January!

This article detail’s events around Michigan taking place in January. Find something to do by theme or by region – all events are included on a map embedded within the article.

Things to Do in Hickory Corners During Christmas Title Image

Things to Do in Hickory Corners During Christmas

Discover the things to do in Hickory Corners during Christmas. This small town along Gull Lake in southwestern Michigan is a place I wanted to travel to for the past couple years. It is home to the WK Kellogg Manor House, the former summer residence of the cereal magnate WK Kellogg. And a short drive away from the Gilmore Car Museum, home to North America’s largest auto museum. While researching Christmas attractions in Michigan, I discovered both the manor and museum hold Christmas events. What better way to spend a day then by visiting both attractions during a Christmas themed day trip in Michigan.

Interesting Historic Places in Downtown Muskegon Cover Image for article

Interesting Historic Places in Downtown Muskegon

Muskegon received nationwide attention on the History Channel’s TV Show The Curse of Civil War Gold. My husband enjoyed watching the show, and after a few episodes, it made me want to check out all the interesting historic places in downtown Muskegon too!

Before going, I did a lot of research into the buildings and sculptures in downtown Muskegon. I looked at records in the National Registrar of Historic Places as well as newspaper records. In total, downtown Muskegon’s historic district is not large – about 6 blocks. It took us a couple hours to complete our tour. So it’s a great place to explore on a day trip!

Getaway to Manitou Beach Featured Image for Blog

Getaway to Manitou Beach

Right before the Halloween weekend, we went on a getaway to Manitou Beach on Devils Lake! Why Devil’s Lake? Well… doesn’t it sound spooky? So it certainly is a great place to travel before Halloween. Also, this area is a great place to visit no matter the season! The village of Manitou Beach is transforming itself into a four seasons destination with shops, restaurants, and events open all year round.
A getaway to Manitou Beach and stay at this Airbnb is perfect if you’re looking for a year round vacation spot in Michigan. While we traveled as a family, during our stay I kept thinking this would be an amazing place to stay when on a girls trip or romantic getaway. Given it’s on Devils Lake with quite an interesting history, it’d also be fun to stay on a ‘spooky’ themed trip.

Getaway to Harrison, Michigan Title Image

Getaway to Harrison

Looking to get away this fall? Consider planning a fall or winter getaway to Harrison, Michigan. This cute, small town is an outdoor enthusiasts wonderland! Known as the town with “twenty lakes within twenty minutes,” it is a great destination for fishing, hiking, and exploring a ton of unique attractions in the mid-Michigan area. And I know the cutest cottage to stay at. Read on to discover more things to do during a getaway to Harrison.

Toddler Approved Things to Do on Mackinac Island

Here are the top toddler approved things to do on Mackinac Island. I compiled this list after noting which sights and activities our 22 month old son was interested in. If you have a little one, we recommend adding a few of these sights and activities to your trip itinerary. Make sure to bookmark this post (or Pin it to Pinterest) if you’re planning to visit Mackinac Island with your toddler or small children.

Perks of Visiting Mackinac Island During Fall

Mackinac Island is Michigan’s top travel destination and for extremely great reasons. The island is car free ever since the late 1800s – so to get around the island, people bike, walk, or rent a taxi driven by horses! Its history and interesting geological features such as Arch Rock are also big draws. And to even get to the island, one must board a ferry from either Mackinaw City or St Ignace to cross the straits of Mackinac. The most popular time to visit the island is between Memorial and Labor Days during the summer. However, there are several perks of visiting Mackinac Island during the fall.

Family Friendly Fall Getaway to Mackinac Island

Fall is one of the best times of the year in Michigan. It is a time for trips to one or more of our state’s amazing apple orchards, pumpkin patches, or participating in a town’s fall or harvest festival. The weather is usually mild. And it’s a great time to go on fall color tours! One place in Michigan I’ve been yearning to visit during fall is Mackinac Island.

There are many great reason’s to visit Mackinac Island during fall – less crowds, great weather for biking, and seeing the fall colors around the island all immediately come to mind.

In this article, I provide a little history about Mackinac Island and the hotel we stayed at, details into our stay at Harbour View Inn, our trip itinerary, and other suggestions of what to explore while on the island.

Things to Do in Kalkaska

When many Michiganders think of places to vacation in Northern Michigan, Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Petoskey are often top of mind. But Kalkaska is an up and coming underrated gem of a destination with a blossoming number of things to do. And it is extremely convenient, affordable, and beautiful to stay overnight here.

During our recent 2 night trip, we stayed at Quinn Cabin – a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin ON A LAKE. Vacation doesn’t get any better than watching a sunset over a lake then retreating into a quiet, cozy cabin. How peaceful! Take me back!

Discover all the things to do in and near Kalkaska and check out our two day itinerary to help inspire your own trip up north.

Western Michigan U-Pick Pumpkin Patches

Come September and October, I start thinking about all the fun fall activities I can do with my family and friends. Visits to apple orchards, cider mills, corn maize’s, and of course, pumpkin patches always top my mind. If you’re from west Michigan or plan to visit in the fall, here is the ultimate guide to Western Michigan U-Pick Pumpkin Patches.

In this guide I’ve compiled a list of all the u-pick pumpkin patches in southwest, west, and northwest Michigan. Then I put them together on a handy chart with the most common attractions such as if there’s also an apple orchard, donuts & cider, hay rides, and a corn maze. Lastly, I placed all of the Western Michigan u-pick pumpkin patches into a map! Below each chart, I detail any other attractions offered by these pumpkin patches. Check back throughout September and October as more u-pick pumpkin patches may be added.

Day Trip to Montague & Whitehall Pinterest Photo 2

Day Trip to Montague & Whitehall

The first outing my family and I went on after our son was born was a day trip to Montague and Whitehall. These two charming small towns are close to larger west Michigan cities but far enough away to feel like we escaped to somewhere new. Plus, both towns never feel busy compared to traditional West Michigan tourist towns like Grand Haven, Holland, or Ludington.

In this article, I detail all you can do during a day trip to Montague and Whitehall.

Day Trip to Harsens Island

After over a year of (mostly) only exploring within Michigan, my family and I yearned to visit someplace special… But we also wanted to remain in Michigan, but feel like we ‘got away.’ The problem was – where to go? Mackinac Island seemed like an obvious choice given its on an island and cars aren’t allowed, but nah… there are too many tourists! We wanted to visit a place not many people know about. So we decided to look into Michigan’s other islands to escape to. The island we decided to visit for our latest day trip was Harsens Island!

Don’t know about Harsens Island? That’s ok, we didn’t either until recently. Located in Lake St Clair near the Canadian border, Harsens Island is reachable by ferry if traveling by car or bike. Alternatively, there are a few marina’s to dock at if traveling in by boat. Read on to discover how to experience an epic day trip to Harsens Island.

Getaway to Sawyer

Many Michiganders don’t know about the cute but quiet small town of Sawyer in southwest Michigan. If they have, it’s probably because they momentarily stopped off at the TA Truck Stop off I-94 for gas or a quick bite to eat. Beyond this exit is a world of beauty and adventure just waiting to be enjoyed! So slow down and explore a little further off exit 12. Better yet – take a relaxing getaway to Sawyer. Within this small town alone, there are several scrumptious independently owned restaurants, a brewery that cooks up phenomenal BBQ, and towering sand dunes along Lake Michigan.

Interested in learning more about what to do in Sawyer, Michigan? I’ve got you covered!

Weekend Getaway to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Getaway to Ann Arbor

From stopping to smell the peonies to exploring works of public art, we saw a lot during our recent getaway to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ann Arbor is more than just a college town – home to the University of Michigan. It is one of Michigan’s cultural and artistic hubs. It’s also a beautiful green city with lots of tall, old trees. Buildings and towering historic stone churches blend right into the leafy skyline. If you love parks and trails, you’ll be spoiled for choice on which to start with.

My family and I don’t often travel over to southeast Michigan so we made the most of our time here. If you enjoy art and nature, this is the perfect destination for you. And if that isn’t enough, everyone we interacted with was extremely friendly! Read on to discover some of the best attractions to explore in Ann Arbor.

Weekend Getaway to Alma & St Louis, Michigan

It’s been awhile since we last explored Michigan’s interior. And recently, I’ve been craving a change of scenery so I started looking for a unique place to visit. Then, an opportunity popped up to go on a weekend getaway to Alma & St Louis, Michigan. How could I say no?

If you’re also looking for somewhere new to explore within Michigan’s interior, consider traveling to Alma & St Louis. Below I provide details into these two “twin towns”, our travel itinerary, and information on the sights you can check out here.

Day Trip to Ludington: Big Sable Lighthouse in the background and me in front

Day Trip to Ludington

Ludington is another gorgeous town on Michigan’s west coast boarding Lake Michigan. While a day trip to Ludington is perfect if you live not too far, I highly recommend an overnight stay or two as there’s a lot to explore here. Ludington is a town I frequently visited in the summer with friends growing up so it’s always fun returning to see familiar favorites (hello House of Flavors), and new things!

Also, this day trip is perfect in any season, but we visited during the spring.

Guide to Holland Cover Photo

Guide to Holland

Welkom! Are you interested in visiting Holland, Michigan? Holland is a mid sized town along the shores of Lake Michigan. Its Dutch roots are on display around town at sites such as Dutch Village and Windmill Island. Every spring, the town welcomes thousands of visitors near and far to celebrate Tulip Time. Beyond that, Holland has other wonderful attractions and experiences worth a visit. Take a look at this guide to Holland, Michigan to discover all you can see and do on your visit to Holland!

Fun Things to Do in Greater Grand Rapids

When my family isn’t out on a day trip somewhere, we usually find one or two fun things to do in the greater Grand Rapids area. Since I live nearby, Grand Rapids is an area I’m extremely knowledgeable about.

Whether you’re a GR local, Michigander seeking something fun to do in Grand Rapids during a day trip, or visitor from out of state, I hope this list inspires you to check out something new outside of downtown Grand Rapids.

Ten Free Things to do in Holland, Michigan cover photo

Ten Free Things to Do in Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan is like a little slice of the Netherlands broke off and landed along the western Michigan coastline. Its historic and cultural connections with the Netherlands isn’t the only thing going for it. There are also a lot of places to go to be one with nature, whether it’s at a beach, park, or nature trail. If you’re looking for inspiration to plan your trip to West Michigan, here is a list of ten free things to do in Holland, Michigan!

Saugatuck Scavenger Hunt Cover Image with 4 pictures of public art and interesting things noticed in Saugatuck

Saugatuck Scavenger Hunt

Recently, my family and I traveled to Saugatuck, a beach town along Lake Michigan we visit a few times each year. As we walked around the adorable downtown, I kept noticing things I never spotted before. Where they new? Some yes, but many I just never slowed down enough to take the time to notice. I’m passionate about finding the hidden gems in each town. But what to do when a town is full of hidden gems?! A burst of inspiration came upon me – put together a Saugatuck Scavenger Hunt!

Epic Day Trip to Grand Ledge Cover Photo

Day Trip to Grand Ledge

My family’s latest day trip took us to Grand Ledge, where we had an EPIC time! This town, just west of Lansing is appropriately named as there are ‘ledges’ of ancient sedimentary rocks visible along the Grand River. Up until around a year ago, I didn’t know these ledges existed. Further, I didn’t know there are (at least) two different parks to view these rocks from. And that people can actually rock climb in one of these parks! If you’re looking for a unique and inspiring day trip to take in the lower peninsula, read on!

Charming Summer Day Trip to Manistee Blog Cover Image

Day Trip to Manistee, Michigan

My husband Tony and I took a day trip to Manistee after it was recommended by a colleague of his. Nicknamed the Victorian Port City, downtown Manistee is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its preserved Victorian architecture. If you are planning a vacation in Ludington, Pentwater, or near the Sleeping Bear Dunes, consider a day trip to Manistee. And if you’re looking for summer plans, this day trip offers plenty to explore! Read on for more information.

Day Trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes

I’m excited for National Parks week in the middle of April! Mark your calendar’s folks! This year (2021), the National Parks Service is giving us free admission to ALL national parks in the country on April 17. Wondering how to take advantage of this special day in Michigan? I recommend you take a day trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. A couple years ago, my husband and I visited the Sleeping Bear Dunes for the first time. It’s amazing how big the park is. It includes all the dunes as well as the historic town of Glen Haven, the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, three former Coast Guard stations, as well as both the North and South Manitou islands.

Infant Friendly Day Trip Travel Tips Blog Cover Image

Infant Friendly Day Trip Travel Tips

Now that my son is over a year old and we’ve enjoyed several day trips together throughout his first year, here is what I learned so far. Check out these infant friendly day trip travel tips! These are perfect if you and your family are interested in exploring nearby where you live.

Day Trip to East Hills & Eastown Cover Image

Day Trip to East Hills & Eastown, Grand Rapids

East Hills and Eastown are two popular neighborhoods located next to each other within Grand Rapids. Both neighborhoods are on Wealthy Street, which is a bustling street filled with small, independent shops, restaurants, and businesses. Because there is so much to do here, I recently took a day trip to East Hills and Eastown to check it out. This day trip is perfect for a girls day out, day date, or even a parent-child bonding outing.

Where should you spring break in Michigan title image

Where Should You Go for Spring Break in Michigan?

This week I wanted to try something fun and different so I put together a spring break in Michigan quiz. I’m so over winter, especially with the blisteringly cold days and endless snow. So I decided to think spring and started planning some spring outings for my family. Then I got on a roll and thought up this Michigan themed spring break quiz!

Winter Day Trip to Ludington: Blog Cover

Winter Day Trip to Ludington

Here’s one of the very first day trip’s my husband and I ever took – a winter day trip to Ludington. This trip is memorable due to it being somewhat spontaneous (ya know, back before kids). At the time, we needed to get out of the house. My husband suggested we go someplace I was familiar with but new to him. Growing up, I used to camp every summer in Ludington so even without a map, I’m somewhat familiar with the area. So we threw all the winter attire in the car and headed out!

Romantic Day Trip to St. Joe Header Image

Romantic Day Trip to St. Joseph

Valentine’s day is just around the corner. Do you have any plans yet? We know the best way to celebrate – with a romantic day trip to St. Joseph, Michigan!

Did you know St. Joe is considered the most romantic city in Michigan? With numerous Lake Michigan scenic overlooks, art galleries, an upscale spa, and charming downtown, it’s a beautiful town to enjoy with your number one.

Long Weekend Getaway to Traverse City

Concluding my series on adventures we took ‘Up North’ are details from our full getaway to Traverse City. Traverse City is a popular destination for Michigan residents to visit throughout the year. It’s busiest during the warmer months, but not much closes down during the winter, which makes winter an excellent time to visit to avoid crowds. Even with Covid, there are still plenty of extremely safe things to do in Traverse City.

Exploring the Old Mission Peninsula - Blog Cover

Day Trip Guide: Wine Tasting & Exploring the Old Mission Peninsula

This post is part two of a series detailing day trips and adventures you may be interested in taking around the Traverse City Area. On day two of our getaway to northern Michigan, we planned a day trip for wine tasting and exploring the Old Mission Peninsula. Today, the Old Mission Peninsula is known for wine – there are 11 wineries to visit. But there are also some neat historic sites and beautiful natural and scenic areas to see, which we incorporated into our trip.

Explore Marshall, Michigan During a Day Trip

For the longest time I wanted to explore Marshall, Michigan during a day trip. Marshall is a town in southern Michigan with a ton of interesting history significant to both the state and United States. For one, Marshall once was in the running to become the Capitol city of Michigan. And two, the ruling in the Crosswhite Case helped contribute to the inevitable US Civil War.

Besides those facts, the Marshall Historic District is considered one of the US’ most architecturally significant National Historic Landmark Districts. With over 850 buildings, there are many original, well kept examples of 19th century architecture here. If you’re interested in architecture, you must add Marshall to your bucket list!

Day Trip to Kalamazoo - Cover Image

Mini, Family Friendly Day Trip to Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo is one area my family hasn’t explored much of recently. After doing some research, I discovered Vicksburg, a town south of Kalamazoo, has a free historic village. Now that Winston is walking, we’re trying to find interesting places outdoors to allow him to safely explore. At the same time, I wanted to pop into downtown Kalamazoo and walk around a little bit since the weather on this particular day was gorgeous. So here’s a mini day trip to the Kalamazoo area you may be interested in!

The One Fall Color Tour You Need to Take in Northern Michigan Cover Photo

The One Fall Color Tour You Must take in Northern Michigan

We spontaneously took this day trip a few October’s ago shortly after we moved to Michigan from Kenya. It was the first time I saw the leaves changing colors in 5 years and my husband’s first time ever!

This year, I’m planning to take my son on his own mini fall color tour – from the comfort of his stroller. For that, I’m going to head back to one (or all) of the parks I’ve written about here. He’s been really into trees ever since he first started to notice things around him. I imagine he’ll get a kick out of vibrant red, orange, and yellow hued leaves!

The Ultimate Day Trip to Douglas, Michigan

Douglas, Michigan is overlooked by local Michigan travelers for the bigger, well-known town of Saugatuck, just across the lake. While Saugatuck is rightfully amazing, there is a lot Douglas offers. That is why my family and I planned the ultimate day trip to Douglas, Michigan! Prior to visiting, I did my research to ensure we hit up all we could within one day.

While Saugatuck and Douglas share the moniker Art Coast of Michigan, Douglas is known as the Village of Friendliness. Now after hearing that, how can you not visit?

Title Image for The Best Stroller Friendly Trails in West Michigan

The Best Stroller Friendly Parks & Trails in West Michigan

I love going on walks! Walking is an easy way to explore an area – be it a town, park or nature trail. Once my son was born, I knew I wanted to continue my routine of exploring parks and trails in the Greater Grand Rapids/western Michigan lakeshore area. However, it is not always obvious if a trail is accessible by stroller. This post contains a list of the best stroller friendly parks and trails in West Michigan.

These trails are not in any particular order, however I do call out a park or paved trail with a little something extra that makes it stand out! I hope this post helps out all you West Michigan mamas to get out and explore with your little one! Or if you’re visiting the area for a day, weekend or week, you find an interesting trail to check out!

Title Photo for Blog Post about a day trip to Mecosta County.

Enjoy a Picturesque Day Trip to Mecosta County, Michigan

Where in Michigan can you travel to see both a glimpse of Paris and a medieval looking castle? Mecosta County! Now, to be honest, I initially was annoyed with family for booking a weekend of golf at the Canadian Lakes over my birthday weekend. However, I took this as an opportunity to do a little research and plan a fun day trip to explore the best of Mecosta County.

During this day trip, we visited several historic sites that blew my mind! This year, I’ve challenged myself to plan day trips to places where we can learn more about Black history in Michigan. Well, shocked we were when we found out that Mecosta County was an extremely diverse community when settled in the 1860’s! Interracial marriages and integrated schools were accepted over 100 years before they were in the rest of the US!

Things to Do in the Brighton Howell Area

A First Timer’s Guide to Things to do in the Brighton Howell Area

As a born and raised Michigander, I’ve traveled across the mitten state countless times, but somehow, the charming towns of Brighton, Howell and Pinckney eluded me.  

Intrigued by the earlier two’s reputation for walkable downtowns, unique shops, and vibrant local culture, I decided it’s time to explore this uncharted territory (for us!).  

Join us as  I share my first-timer’s impressions of these three gems, nestled in a region steeped in history and natural beauty.  From exploring the bustling streets of Howell’s National Historic District to discovering the hidden treasures of Brighton’s Mill Pond, I’ll uncover the distinct character of each town and offer tips for fellow Michiganders seeking a fresh adventure.

First Luxury Hotel on Lake Huron in the Tawas Bay - Lake Life Cottages

Lake Huron’s First Luxury Boutique Hotel

Have you ever heard how the Tawas Bay area is considered the Midwest’s “Cape Cod?” Well, I looked into this a couple years ago and even put together an Instagram reel about it. The comparison stems from the Tawas Point peninsula extending into the lake, much like how Cape Cod is a peninsula extending into the sea. In addition to that, there are similarities with having a picturesque Victorian lighthouse, a couple charming waterfront towns, shopping, dining, and waterfront lodging options. Well, when digging into lodging options, what’s always lacked within the Tawas Bay. There wasn’t any higher-end luxury accommodations. 

Until now!  

In winter 2024, Lake Huron’s first luxury boutique hotel opened. And during its first summer in operation, we vacationed there for a weekend to check it out!

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