Detroit isn’t necessarily looked upon as a vacation go-to spot. Even amongst local Michiganders we often struggle with things to do because we get so wrapped up in our day to day lives. However, despite the poor reputation the Metro Detroit Area gets, there are lots of things to do right in our backyard. We have the Great Lakes and have more public golf courses than any other state in the United States but we hear so much about the bad it’s easy to forget about all the good we have here. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway consider some of the following:
Traverse City is approximately a four hour drive from Detroit and is northwest of the Detroit area. Traverse City has miles of beach for you to you play in and lots of outdoor recreation such as hiking snow mobiles, and skiing for those Michiganders that like to get some fresh air. Ladies, if you’re looking to relax; no worries pop a bottle of wine at one of the local restaurants or indulge in a little shopping at the Grand Traverse Commons or other shopping venues.
Mackinac Island is great place to see something different. Stay on the Island or in Mackinaw City and take the ferry over to the Island. Whatever you decide you’ll have a good wholesome time. Wear good walking shoes because you won’t find any cars on the Island, but you can take a horse drawn taxi, or better yet, go ahead a rent a bike and see if you can make it around the entire Island. There is lots of shopping and restaurants as well as history. If you can manage to get a tour of the Grand Hotel, it’s beautiful and has lots of character. Mackinac Island is about a five hour drive from the Detroit area. Don’t forget the fudge!
Yes…Ann Arbor! Ann Arbor has actually been up and coming and is officially a hot spot in Michigan. Ann Arbor has arts, culture, dining, shopping and is home of the University of Michigan and the Michigan Wolverines football team. With a college that attracts top students from around the world, it’s a very diverse city. It’s a great change of scene from your every day scene but won’t break the bank on gas which gives you more spending money! Ann Arbor is just under a one hour drive from Detroit.
A trip “Up North” is always a good time especially with a group of friends. It’s pretty much a Michigan tradition. Obviously depending on how far North you go the drive is going to vary. You and some friends can pack up the cars and even a few board games and hit the road. Cabin and cottage rentals have kitchens so you can go grocery shopping when you get there or dine out the entire time. If you pick a good location you may have a pool table, volleyball court, bar and even a fire place. Some location ideas are Indian River or Oscoda.
Frankenmuth also known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria takes you back in time. Fudge, fried chicken, water parks, Michigan made ice cream, cheese and so much more. Let’s not forget that Frankenmuth has the world’s largest Christmas store and an outstanding display of Christmas decorations to boot! If you’re looking to do some shopping you can of course shop in Frankenmuth or take a 10 minute drive to Birch Run Outlets and stock up on some of your favorite brands. The drive to Frankenmuth is less than a two hour drive.
I hope this helped you if you were looking for a quick weekend getaway. Now…get to packing & planning!
I love this article! Thanks for the ideas!
You are most welcome! Have fun!