Summer Trip to Michigan

Question

We like to go somewhere cooler than Texas for our anniversary in August. We have never been to the state of Michigan. We are ages 71 and 69. We would likely fly into Grand Rapids and maybe back home from Traverse City (tentative). We like a pace that is not too hectic. We enjoy pretty, clean, and comfortable accommodations and delicious food. We enjoy museums, but also, small town charm. Any suggestions?

Answer

Michigan is a wonderful choice for a relaxing and scenic anniversary trip! The state offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, charming small towns, and plenty of opportunities to unwind. Since you mentioned flying into Grand Rapids and possibly departing from Traverse City, here’s a suggested itinerary that strikes a balance between leisurely exploration, great food, and a mix of cultural experiences:

Grand Rapids: Start your trip in Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city, which has a wonderful blend of museums, parks, and a relaxed vibe. Some highlights include:
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: A stunning 158-acre garden with beautiful flowers, walking trails, and impressive sculptures. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy nature and art.
- Grand Rapids Art Museum: Known for its modern design and a great place to spend a few hours. They often have rotating exhibitions.
- Downtown Grand Rapids: Explore the downtown area with its quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants. You can also visit the historic district and enjoy a walk along the Grand River.
Lake Michigan Shoreline: After spending some time in Grand Rapids, head west towards the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. There are a number of charming small towns where you can relax, eat great food, and enjoy the scenery:
- Saugatuck/Douglas: A charming art-focused town with lots of boutique shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Saugatuck is known for its beautiful lakeside setting and peaceful atmosphere. The beaches here are quiet and perfect for a relaxing day.
- South Haven: Another scenic town by Lake Michigan, South Haven has great beaches, a lovely lighthouse, and a quaint downtown area for shopping and dining.
Traverse City: As you move toward Traverse City, you’ll get to experience the wine country of Michigan, as the region is famous for its vineyards and wineries:
- Old Mission Peninsula: Take a scenic drive along the peninsula, visiting some of the area’s top wineries. Enjoy the views of Lake Michigan and the vineyards.
- Downtown Traverse City: Explore the charming downtown area, which offers a great selection of restaurants, boutique shops, and cafes. It’s known for its culinary scene, so be sure to enjoy some locally sourced dishes.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: For something a little more active, you could visit this stunning national park. It features beautiful dunes, scenic overlooks, and lovely trails. It’s perfect for a slow-paced day in nature.

Overall, Michigan offers plenty of options for a relaxing and scenic anniversary trip with small town charm and plenty of history and nature to explore. Grand Rapids will give you a good mix of culture and food, while the Lake Michigan towns and Traverse City will provide the peace, beauty, and great dining you're looking for.

Since you mentioned that you enjoy museums but prefer a slower pace, this itinerary allows for plenty of time to take in each location at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.

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