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+--- Thread: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? (/showthread.php?tid=13742)
Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - specialist8 - 07-21-2015
The gal and I are going to celebrate our one year anniversary this September (wait for applause). So we wanted to venture out and do something memorable instead of getting reservations for two and getting a $40 6oz steak that I'm supposed to say is delicious and totally worth the money. A three day tripper we're thinking.
Weather permitting (do I even have to say that?), we want to go to Michigan on the CB, but somewhere close as my girl is still getting acquainted with the roads and I think anything more than 150 miles would decrease the fun factor for her. In turn, that reduces the fun for me then too. Holland, MI is about the furthest we'd probably like to go as we're coming from Chicago. I'm unfamiliar with MI, so hence the request for sites to see, roads to take, places to eat/stay. We both like trying new restaurants and a brewery stop/winery tour is totally in the cards. I'm basically asking for some concierge service from this forum with motorcycle minded minds. I realize northern MI is a gold mine of sites to see, but a 150mi max is preferred.
Throw out any recommendations! Remember, my relationship is dependent on this going well
No pressure.
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - emptysea - 07-21-2015
Congrats. I have not ridden much in Michigan, but I do know of a lot of fun things to do there. I'll post some thoughts when I have a free moment, which is not right at this moment. I'm sure some MI riders will chime in. I do recall a really nice road that comes out of Big Rapids (not Grand Rapids), but again, I'll post something a little later.
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - gwallis_imp - 07-21-2015
Ride north to Milwaukee and go to a Brewers game, do the Miller Tour (my Daughter works there), go to the Harley Museum and then take the high speed Ferry to Michigan.
The Milwaukee Art Museum currently has a showing of art Master pieces on loan from another museum.
She will love you for all the great things to do in Milwaukee!
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - specialist8 - 07-21-2015
Wallis, with all good intentions, that is the exact opposite of a trip I'd like to take. We're both not baseball or macro beer fans. The Harley museum would be pretty cool I'm sure. Plus I'd like to stay in MI and use my bike only for transportation as this is only a three day trip. Can't really be traversing through three states with the limited time I have. Thanks for the input anyway. Your lady must be pretty happy with all there is to do around WI.
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - emptysea - 07-21-2015
Here's a nice little list of craft breweries in (mostly) SW Michigan
http://westmichiganbeertours.com/breweries/ If you can make it as far a Grand Rapids, there's a huge craft beer culture there. You could start by picking a few breweries that are in realative close proximity to each other and then see what nearby town seems to fill your needs as a base camp. When we travel by bike, we prefer to stay within walking distance of a place with decent food and drink. We find TripAdvisor to be our friend in searching for such spots. More later as I think of it. We went for dinner downtown to Russian Tea Time. Food was great, but vodka and Tuesday do not mix well. I'm sure I'll have some more suggestions when my head clears. BTW, what weekend in September are you making this trip ?
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - specialist8 - 07-21-2015
MTC, thanks for the info. There's SO many breweries...I think we're going to head to Saugatuck for the trip during Labor Day weekend (9/4-9/7). Will definitely hit up some of those places whilst there though.
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - emptysea - 07-22-2015
I was going to suggest Saugatuck as a great place to visit. If you're fortunate enough to find a place to stay that close to downtown, you'll have the perfect "base camp"-- great places to eat and drink and you can walk to them and back.
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - Razor - 07-22-2015
The Gilmore Museum is a great place. Lots of old school charm, not to mention the outstanding variety of vintage & antique vehicles.
http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - emptysea - 07-22-2015
Great tip, Razor. Speaking of museums, there's also this one in South Haven. http://www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org Might be an interesting stop
RE: Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go?? - sourdough44_imp - 07-22-2015
Yes, I'd go over on the West side of Lake MI. My usual recommendations start from Sleeping Bear Dunes, through Traverse City then off to Machinac Island, but you don't have to go that far.
I'd just look at a map and go, maybe avoid Benton Harbor, used to be riddled with crime.