OT: Suggestions for vacation ideas in Northern Michigan
Everyone:
The family and I are thinking about spending a week at a resort in Northern Michigan (we are a family of four, with children aged 8 and 7). We are looking at late July.
Can anyone offer ideas for nice resorts (we are willing to spend for a real nice place) or things to do?
My apologies, but I live in Florida and my experience in Michigan was limited to Detroit and my years in AA.
Thank you in advance.
enough said. Sandy Bottom lake and within two miles of the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Rent a nice cottage on that lake and you and kids will think you have found heaven. The greatest tasting icecream in the world is at the Pine Cone in Glen Arbor and you a stone's throw from Lake Michigan and 30 minutes from T.C.
My suggestions: Book a room for 2-3 nights in Harbor Springs around the Ugotta Regatta that occurs following the Mac sailboat races. Ifs a sailing regatta but they have outdoor food venues, free outdoor music with lots of people but not too many people. Harbor spring is pricy but there are a couple of motel/hotels that are resonable 200 per night with 2-3 bedroom units that would accomadate a family of 4-5 easily. you can visit Traverse City for golf and casinos nearby and also Leelenau pennisula for wine tasting and incredible food (check out Cherry Republic). Mackinaw is fun but very touristy and really crowded in late July and its mosly tours-carriage rides and shops unless you have been there before. My suggestion is to take your bikes or you can rent them by day for about 20 bucks a day and just ferry over for the day (ferry tickets 18 bucks round trip adults with discount coupons like AAA or others). Get a map and bike around and throught the island to see things its a lot cheaper. Staying on the island is $200 and up for a single bedroom accomadation. There are some B & Bs cheaper but you have to share a bathroom type of thing. Then I would go and rent a cabin (some right on the water with fire pits that are very reasonable for a family) in Paradise, Michigan (yes there is such a place) and see Whitelfish point and Tahquamenon falls-beats all the falls mentioned previously. There is an upper and lower falls the Upper is the largest in Michigan per volume of water and vertical drop. you can walk into a small lake called Clark Lake and there some great fishing and chances to see wildlife there-very remote but easy to walk (caution there are black bears abundant there-usually not dangerous but you never know). From Paradise you can also go to the Soo where there is a Casino with shows and of course you can see the Soo locks. Also Pictured rocks national lakeshore is about 30 miles from Paradise as well-worth seeing-you can walk it or pay for a sunset boat ride that is spectacular on a clear day. Lots of beaches in the UP but usually the water in upper P Michigan is below 70 degrees but you can find petosky stones and agate right on the shore easily. Lots more to tell you but I gotta go to a luncheon lol.
If you end up in or are passing through the vicinity of Grayling, Hartwick Pines is a good place to take the children for a few hours. It has a small stand of old growth pine trees, walking trails, and a logging museum.