Anniversary trip to MI from Chicago...but where to go??

[specialist8]

The Maritime museum could be cool. Something different to see opposed to all the car museums that litter the Midwest.

If I had I had my choice (& more time), I'd be hitting up Sleeping Bear Dunes ASAP. Was voted the most beautiful place in America recently. Just too far away for a two-up trip. Traverse City and Empire would be great places to set up camp too. It's easy to forget how close those places are when living in Illinois, but I really need to get up there.

I actually booked a hotel in Holland, MI, but we'll be visiting Saugatuck as it's close to there too. There were no hotels in Saug that weren't over $200/night and not a B&B so Holland had a lot more reasonable options.

[emptysea]

I've never explored Holland, MI so I looked on a map. It may be mostly a residential street, but I think I'd take a little time to ride down South Shore Drive to Macatawa and walk out to the lighthouse there. Google Streetview makes it look like a nice ride.

[specialist8]

Sounds like something we'd like! Will check that out when we're there for sure

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[specialist8]

Any of you guys have experience taking the country roads (non-interstate) up to Holland, MI? My dad suggested I do that but I feel that it will take a lot of time getting there opposed to taking the interstate. Thoughts?

[veech_imp]

Any of you guys have experience taking the country roads (non-interstate) up to Holland, MI? My dad suggested I do that but I feel that it will take a lot of time getting there opposed to taking the interstate. Thoughts?

Not specifically to Holland MI, but your dad's advice is generally very good. Much of the fun of a bike trip is enjoying the scenery and meeting the people along the way. The old adage of it's the journey not the destination really holds true, so take your time and enjoy the ride. Since it is only a day ride up to there anyway, the worst case is that it will maybe add a few extra hours to the trip. Lots of really great scenic roads, small towns and other interesting stops for you and your SO in WI and MI that will be missed if you are on the interstate. I would mainly use that only for making time when you need it and then on the way home at the end.

[sourdough44_imp]

Depending on what side of Chicago you are starting from, up here in WI is an option. Up near Kohler, WI is made for anniversaries.

Yes, no matter where you go it sounds like you should research easy driving routes.

[emptysea]

So...it looks like you're leaving on a Friday. That's good because Saturday traffic in SW Michigan towns can be brutal, especially on a holiday weekend. If you have all day Friday, I'd plan on leaving early and have a nice breakfast at the iconic Lou Mitchell's http://www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com/ Then I would hop on LSD south and stop at Calumet Fisheries http://www.calumetfisheries.com/ . They open at 9 on Fridays and have an amazing selection of smoked fish. Pack that away in your bag for lunch (you'll need some crackers and maybe some cream cheese). From Calumet Fisheries, I think I'd get on the interstate until I got around the bottom of Lake Michigan and get off on US20/US12/Dunes Hwy. Look on Google Maps or whatever and find Red Arrow Highway--you'll go through a lot of towns, but hopefully it will still be early enough to avoid heavy traffic. Stop at Warren Dunes or any number state/city parks to have your smoked fish and crackers and just enjoy your ride up the shore.

There aren't a ton of really interesting roads in the area, but most of the small towns are pretty charming and you might enjoy getting off the bike for a bit to explore some of them.

If you don't like smoked fish, then skip Calumet Fisheries and grab a bite at one of the many local drive-ins you will pass along the way.

So, there's my suggestion. Hopefully, someone from that part of Michigan can chime in with some other ideas.

[specialist8]

The Calumet Fisheries sounds ideal MTC! I was thinking the same route too for finally taking the 'backroads'. Thanks for the ideas. Can't wait for that smoked fish.

[emptysea]

So...you all set for your anniversary ride?

[specialist8]

I think so! Going to make a checklist based off of what Ferret gave me but to a lesser extent. I'm not going too far, so the need for a lot of emergency stuff won't be so needed. My biggest dilemma thus far is whether or not to take the Plexistar II with me. I've really enjoyed being able to get some wind on me for the warmer weather, but I fear that with a 180mi trip, I'll be fatigued quicker with all the wind. I'm leaning on the decision to probably attach it, and if I get too hot, ditch the jacket.

I plan on taking a detailed account of our trip. Calumet Fisheries being one of the first stops.