lower Michigan suggestions?

[Deleted]

We're trying to find some place to go for a long weekend, this weekend. There are no good airfare deals, unless we catch something last minute, which is possible but I'm not putting much stock in it right now.

I'm in southern Indiana, so lower Michigan isn't too long of a drive. I've been looking at Saugatuck. I'm open to any suggestions though. Are the beaches nice? How crowded is it this time of year?

[katieh]

I haven't actually been there in the summer, but I have been to that area in the fall and it was really nice. There is a Southwest Michigan wine trail in the area so I went for that. Another 2-3 hours north, Travese City is fantastic - gorgeous beaches and more wine. Galena in Illinois is also supposed to be really nice. Or you could head down to Louiseville/Lexington and do the Bourbon trail.

[keweenawlove]

I think most of the Lake Michigan shore is beautiful. I've been to Charlevoix (pretty far for you) and Ludington. The beaches were great in both places. My officemate just got back from South Haven which he really liked.

[winnied]

My family lives in Saugatuck and I highly suggest it! It's very busy this time of year but it's still fun. South Haven (south of Saugatuck) and Grand Haven (north quite a bit) are also good options. Fenn Valley winery is nearby and that could be fun in addition to beach time and shopping.

Are you set on Michigan or are you interested in Chicago for the weekend?

[natsnow]

new buffalo is pretty cute. saugatuck would be good too.

[writingwithheld]

Is SE MI too far? There are a ton of great historical/cultural things to do in and around Detroit. I go to the Detroit Zoo, Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford Museum (connected to the village), and the Detroit Institute of Arts most summers. Only the art museum is actually in Detroit, if you are hesitant to go into the city (though downtown is not any worse than any other city in reality). There are also smaller lakes in the area to go to the beach, lots of malls/shopping/outlets.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the suggestions! We live and work in the Louisville metro area, so the Bourbon Trail is out. I'm all bourboned out. We do love Chicago, but we just want to see something new. I'll check into the other suggestions. I had no idea there was so much wine in Michigan, and wine is always a good thing.

[scout8]

I have been to that area several times and I always enjoy it. Lots of cute little towns all along the shore. I think it would make a great long weekend.