Pure Michigan. If I were to poll the world on where the best places to travel to in America are…I doubt many of you would pick anywhere in Michigan. And to be honest, 10 year old me would definitely agree. Each summer my family and I would hop in our 32 foot Sportsman Trailer and head out on the open road to explore the country. Much to my dismay, every couple years or so “explore the country” was “explore Michigan”. I never considered these summer trips as vacations. I don’t think my parents could count on their hands how many times I said, “Camping in Michigan doesn’t count as a vacation. This is our home.”
It wasn’t until 2020 when traveling by plane wasn’t ideal (for obvious reasons) that I started thinking about all those vacations as a kid and where I would like to go again. Much like when we grow up and realize we actually like vegetables- even though we spent the last 15 years looking at our parents in disgust…I realized how beautiful Michigan was. At 31 years old, I started to look at my state with pride and honestly realizing how kick ass it is.
Reminiscing about the best Michigan has to offer made me want to tell the world about our secret wonders. I came up with a list of my Top 5 Places to go in Michigan. Some might be a little off the wall, but trust me, you have to experience them at least once!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1) Detroit
Being a short 20 minute drive away, I am a sucker for Detroit. If you aren’t from the area and you are reading this, you are going to think I am nuts and throwing you into a murderous, crime driven area, but trust me. Detroit has had a bad rap in the news for years. At one point, this was well-deserved. But now? It has risen and grown and is really making a comeback.
After coming home from college, I spent most of my 20’s driving downtown and experiencing the restaurants, nightlife, and activities Detroit had to offer. It’s actually one of the things that I missed the most in 2020. Even after growing older and working full-time, my best friend and I would make time once a month to meet after work and try a new restaurant. New ones were popping up everywhere, we couldn’t keep up!
Where to Stay?
Detroit has 3 major casinos throughout the city: Greektown Casino, MGM Casino, and Motor City Casino. Each of these casinos have a great hotel. All of them have multiple restaurants inside, spas, and even nightlife. While they are all fun, if you are going to pick one to stay in, Greektown has to be your pick. And not so much for the actual casino and what is inside but for Monroe Street that is right outside it’s door.
Monroe Street is a huge part of what makes Greektown…Greektown. Edison lights are strewn across the street between the buildings, people are spewed across the streets, and there is just an upbeat vibe. This is a great area to stay, even if you don’t want to gamble. One of the most famous bars called “Dublin” is located in this area. It is 3 floors of Irish décor and music that gets packed with locals on Friday and Saturday nights (well, pre-Covid, but we can hope again sometime soon).
If you don’t want to stay in Greektown Casino, The Atheneum Suite Hotel is a great alternative that is right off Monroe Street. It is cheaper and still right in all of the action. They also have a free shuttle that will take you anywhere within a couple mile radius from the hotel…which is a great way to experience more of the city. I have stayed there several times and have always loved it.
Where to Eat?
At the end of 2020, Esquire magazine came out with a list of “100 Restaurants America Can’t Afford to Lose” and not surprisingly, 2 of those restaurants were located in Detroit:
American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island- while the rest of the country might think of New York when they think of coney dogs, Detroit coney dogs have become a famous regional treat. Detroit Style Coney Dogs are hot dogs with chili, yellow mustard, and raw onions. It’s a regional staple!
One of my personal favorite restaurants to visit but did not make the list is Townhouse. Most of the restaurant is set in a greenhouse type structure. The ceiling is all glass, so no matter if it’s light or dark out, you get a pretty view. When it’s nice in the summer, the “greenhouse” opens and you can enjoy the natural breeze of the summer (or humidity depending lol).
I could go on and on about Detroit, but since this is about best placeS in Michigan, I am going to move on to…
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
2) Mackinac Island
I do not think there could be a list about best places in Michigan without Mackinac Island being on it. If there is one that exists out there, it’s wrong. Mackinac Island is an island between the upper and lower peninsula. It has a rich history in the War of 1812 and the American Civil War. The coolest thing, I think, is that Mackinac Island is the one city in the country where cars are banned. In 1898, the town thought the sounds and smells were off-putting and they were never brought back. Those that live there walk, bike, or in the winter, snowmobile to work and to get groceries.
In the summer, this island is a huge tourist attraction. Ferry’s run back and forth from Mackinaw City (yes, spelt differently) and the island. Known for their historic buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and fudge, the ferry drops you off right in the heart of town. Being a rather small island, walking and exploring is easy to do. Horse-drawn taxi’s and bikes are available as well.
One thing that really draws the crowds is Arch Rock. Arch Rock is a geologic formation of natural limestone. It was formed centuries ago after the glacial period and is now a part of the Mackinac National Park. A paved hike, with manageable stairs at the end, shows a goregous view of Lake Huron through the suspended arch of the limestone. Visiting Arch Rock really feels like you left Michigan and are exploring another part of the globe.
If you are looking for a regal experience, the Grand Hotel is a great choice. First opening in 1887, it has a gorgeous old-timey feel. The front is decorated with huge white pillars and rocking chairs so guests can look out onto the lawns/lake. There are dress codes enforced for dining to keep the feel of the rich heritage that the structure embraces.
There are other accommodations on the island, but most visitors of the island stay on the mainland in either Mackinaw Island or St. Ignace.
Whichever you choose, spending the day walking around the island and seeing where it takes you, is one of the best Michigan secrets.
3) Lake Charlevoix
Here in Michigan, we spend a lot of weekends and short vacations going “up north”. Most of Michigan’s population is from the southeast portion of the state and the rest is filled with beautiful lakes and outdoor wonders that belong in magazines. A lot of Michiganders have cottages and homes “up north” to enjoy what the state has to offer.
Arguably one of the most popular destinations is Lake Charlevoix. This lake is the third largest inland lake in Michigan and is surrounded by Boyne City and Charlevoix. These are great little Michigan towns to explore.
Where to Stay?
I would recommend renting a home through AirBnB or Vrbo. Right near the water. With boat rentals available in the summer, the option to float right up to your house for lunch after a day in the sun, is indescribable.
Another great option is Young State Park. Whether tent camping or RVing, this campground is right on the water with beach access. This state park is right outside the cute little town of Boyne City. There are breweries, ice cream shops, and views of the lake.
On the veryyyy other end of the lake (no more than a 40 minute drive), is Charlevoix. Equally as cute and by Lake Michigan, Charlevoix is a slightly larger little town with a lot of character.
If you continue north of the shops and restaurants, Round Lake Channel leads to Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. Follow this walk way down and there is a lighthouse, beach access, and a small park to enjoy. Lake Michigan is significantly rougher water and watching the boats voyage out from the channel is definitely amazing. Sometimes I have to close my eyes they are swaying and bouncing so much!
You will probably notice that this pick is shorter than the first two and that’s because Lake Charlevoix is all about sun, water, relaxing with a cold drink, campfires, and spending time with those you love. There aren’t “must-see” landmarks to check off a list.
Between the allure of the water and the possibilities of two quaint little towns to visit, Lake Charlevoix is a Michigan treasure that brings people back over and over again.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
4) Traverse City
As a big wino…Traverse City has to be on my list. Traverse City is located on the south end of Grand Traverse Bay surrounded by two peninsulas: Old Mission and Leelanau. This is worth mentioning because a big allure to the area is for the wineries. This summer I went with best friend and our moms for a little get away. I recommend taking a day to check out Old Mission Wineries and a day to check out Leelanau’s. It is worth noting that Leelanau Peninsula has a significantly larger number of wineries than Old Mission and may take more than a day if you want to visit them all.
A fan favorite winery is Chateau Chantal on Old Mission. At a high point, you can see both sides of the peninsula and the water surrounding it from their outdoor patio.
A lot of people probably don’t think of Michigan when they think of good wine, but there are some gems out there. Traverse City is known for their cherries. Every summer the National Cherry Festival is held in the city. Because of this, a lot of the wineries have a cherry induced specialty wine that is always fun to try (if you like cherries that is).
My personal favorite winery in the area is Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. On a bachelorette party a few years ago, we went on a tour of how the wine was made and got to sample it at different stages. It was such a cool experience. Hopefully 2021 will allow this to open up again!
The best part of Brys Winery is the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards. Brys offers Froze (frozen rose) Slushies that are customizable with reds, whites, or champagnes. They are perfect on a warm summer day.
Where to stay? When we went this summer we stayed at an AirBnB condo right outside the downtown area of Traverse City. It was a short drive to the city and we never had trouble finding parking if we wanted to go into the downtown area.
If you would rather stay in a hotel, I recommend Hotel Indigo. While I have never stayed there personally, I have gone to the rooftop bar and the views are amazing. The rooftop bar is enough to get me to stay and maybe even spring for a water view room! As you can see from the pictures, it is breathtaking.
I think after writing about Traverse City, I think we can both conclude that the views are really what lures people in. From Hotel Indigo’s rooftop bar, to the wineries vast vineyards, there is an endless amount of nature and beauty to take in.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
5) East Lansing
Alright…this last pick might be a little bias. As a Michigan State University graduate, my love for East Lansing runs deep…BUT I do think there are treasures about this area that anyone can enjoy. Michigan State is one of the largest campuses in the country. Wandering around campus, seeing the iconic Beaumont Tower, and going for lunch at the Peanut Barrel seems like a dream. The Peanut Barrel is known for their burgers (olive burger is a fav) and long islands. These long islands are so strong that each customer is limited to 2 per visit…otherwise, well you definitely should NOT be driving!
If at all possible, I would recommend staying on a Saturday in the fall when there is a home football game. While I am sure everyone has experienced gameday on a campus somewhere, it personally intrigues me on the differences between each college and traditions that are unique to them.
Where to stay? I would recommend staying at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. This is located on the edge of campus by the football stadium, hockey arena, and the Breslin Center where the *usually* high-ranked Spartan basketball takes place. This location allows you to wander the campus and be close to sporting events. It also is on the west edge of the campus, which means it is a short drive from Michigan’s Capital, Lansing. Like any capital, there are historic buildings to see, but going with the sports theme…it’s always fun to catch a game of the Lansing Lugnuts. Yes, it’s minor league, but it provides all the fun of baseball (i.e. outdoor drinking, concessions stands, hanging with friends) without the $$ and pressure of a major league game. It’s definitely a way to hang where the locals hang.
Bonus: Honorable Mentions
Two of my ultimate favorite places in Michigan are not somewhere you would travel to from out of state, but if you are going to make the trip to Detroit, these are local activities a small drive away that I would recommend making time for.
Frankenmuth
A hour and a half drive from Detroit, Frankenmuth is a German inspired town. Hotels, restaurants, and buildings take on Bavarian-Style Architecture. There are two major hotels with famous restaurants and shops: Bavarian Inn and Zehnder’s. Each have a lot of activities for children, including arcades and pools. Restaurants feature chicken dinners, where they serve family style, all you can eat, chicken, sides, and desserts. It is truly an experience that us Michiganders drive miles for.
Frankenmuth is also the home to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. It is the world’s largest Christmas store that is open all year long. It’s tradition in my family to spend hours wandering the store looking at all the decorations and seeing what was added from the pervious year.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Muscamoot Bay
Boating on Lake St Clair in the summer is my all time favorite thing about living in Michigan. Each weekend, a lot of metro-Detroiter’s head out on Lake St. Clair to tie up in Muscamoot Bay. Most Sunday’s you can find hundreds and hundreds of boats tied together. Two different rows start to form and the aisle in between becomes a sea of people enjoying the sun and drinks. The water is shallow enough that you can stand and walk through to people watch. Partying and enjoying the sun on Lake St. Clair gets the most honorable mention I can give!
I only mentioned a few of my favorites on this list, but there are tons of places to visit. I am sure I will be posting another one of these soon after visiting a lot more local cities because of Covid!
0 Comments