After Chigago ? side trips- suggestions

Old Dec 20th, 2014, 04:39 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
After Chigago ? side trips- suggestions

Hi again,
We have booked our 4 nights in Chicago at the James and are looking at the next 4-5 nights . We are wondering whether to go to places like Saugatuck, Grand Haven, Muskegon or to Milwaukee and Green Bay ( Which we originally thought )
We will be visiting in July and it will be my husband and I who are in our 40's.
We like looking at the sights, doing short driving trips and stopping at points of interest, shopping, having a drink with a nice view and learning about the history of a place.
What are your suggestions? Any must sees?
Thanks again for your help
Donna
Australia
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 20th, 2014, 06:57 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Donna,

Check out my recent post on a weekend in Harbor Country, Michigan. It's about 1.5 hours from Chicago and summer would be a great time to visit!
goodheart is offline  
Old Dec 20th, 2014, 11:50 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi goodheart,
thanks so much for the post about Harbor Country. You have given many great suggestions and we will keep this area in mind.
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 21st, 2014, 06:39 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,714
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 4 Posts
If you decide to go to Wisconsin instead, take a Hiawatha train (several per day) to Milwaukee or to the Milwaukee airport to rent a car.
Another thing to see in Wisconsin is Wisconsin Dells.
Going to Michigan you can take a Wolverine or Blue Water train to Niles or Kalamazoo to rent your car.
tomfuller is offline  
Old Dec 21st, 2014, 01:52 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks tomfuller we did look into the train after it was mentioned on my last post and would do Hiawatha train to Milwaukee if we go there. Good to know it goes to the airport too to pick up a car. I will research Wisconsin Dells.
Thanks for your input
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 21st, 2014, 08:08 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 11,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here's a link to my trip report from 2013. We spent a few days in Chicago, then went to Milwaukee and a few other places in Wisconsin.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm

Lee Ann
ElendilPickle is offline  
Old Dec 22nd, 2014, 09:28 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 17,948
Received 22 Likes on 4 Posts
When we lived in Chicago, we often took short breaks in Harbor Country, a good mix with your city time.
HappyTrvlr is online now  
Old Dec 23rd, 2014, 07:04 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi again,
I have been away for a couple of days and am just catching up on my fodors news. Thanks ElendilPickle I will read your trip report in the near future. Thanks HappyTrvlr for your tick to Harbour Country.
It is Christmas Eve in Australia best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas and New year.
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2014, 09:53 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Magpies, you need to remember that in high season, resort communities closer to Chicago, especially near Lake Michigan, will have rates on par with Chicago lodging. Also, most better lodging options will require 2-night minimums on weekends, 3 on holiday weekends.

Although Harbor Country is ok, I usually recommend other destinations. Take a look at Galena, Illinois, which is in the far northwest corner of the state, almost - but not quite - to the Mississippi River. It takes about 4.5 hours drive time from Chicago.

Driving the Great River Road (each state has one, BTW) either north or south from that area, is one of the great drives in the U.S. You will usually run into much hotter/humid temps going south, towards St. Louis, at that time of the year.

I also wanted to mention the EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, WI - held the latter part of July, if that is your timing. You need to make plans far ahead, since it attracts about 1/2 million spectators over the course of its run.
exiledprincess is offline  
Old Dec 24th, 2014, 09:59 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry for the extra post, but if you do go to Harbor Country, I recommend that you do a little research into the dining options in that vicinity. Although the ones mentioned in the TA by the previous poster are OK, there are better options available to you.

BTW, I myself prefer Saugatuck and northwards in Michigan to Harbor Country. If you are going to make the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, you might wish to stay on, or near to visit, Mackinac Island.
exiledprincess is offline  
Old Dec 25th, 2014, 03:49 PM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks exiledprincess I will look into your suggestions and do some more research. We will be in Chicago from the 15-19th July and then 4 days after that so will check out the dates for the EAA Airventure.
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 27th, 2014, 01:46 PM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks exiledprincess for the heads up re EAA Airventure it will be held during our time away so we will have to change our itinerary a bit.
We are now thinking of an extra night in Chicago, then 2 days in the Green Bay area and we can explore the surrounds of Door Country and then 2 - 3 in Milwaukee. ( I can get hotels in all of these places at the moment )
Thanks
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 27th, 2014, 04:22 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Milwaukee is known for having a great variety of ethnic festival in a lakefront park. They will be hosting Festa Italiana July 17-19. The Milwaukee Art Museum is a magnificent building right on Lake Michigan and certainly worth a look even if you don’t have time to tour. Also, in the same general area is the Historic Third Ward. To quote from their website it boasts an “array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and unique boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting.” I find it an interesting place to stop.

I personally think you'll be disappointed by the City of Green Bay. It is not a very attractive city. The only reason I would go there is to attend a Packer's football game or to tour Lambeau Field.

Door County, on the other hand, has magnificent scenery, shopping, galleries, restaurants, parks, beaches, lighthouses and some fun theater productions. While Door County technically begins around Sturgeon Bay, most people much prefer going farther north to the smaller communities of Fish Creek, Sister Bay, etc, etc. It is a short commute between towns and we usually hit all of them while visiting for a few days. The Green Bay side of the peninsula is very busy, the Lake Michigan side is a bit more serene. If you have a few days you can see both.

Princess mentioned the EAA AirVenture. It is wildly popular and that means you'll need to get hotel reservations way in advance.

As for the prior recommendation to visit Wisconsin Dells, all I can tell you is that I have lived in the area for many years and would not bother going unless I was taking kids to the water parks. They love it.

I hope you have a wonderful trip, whatever you decide to do.
mdwest is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2014, 03:17 PM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Midwest, unfortunately much of the accommodation on Door Country is already booked out for this time period or has minimum night stays. We realize that Green Bay is an industrial place but may use the hotel as a base to drive and do day trips to other places. We will then head to Milwaukee.
What sort of wildlife may be seen in this area ( on day trips near lookouts, coastal drives etc ?)
Thanks
Donna
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2014, 06:22 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Donna, If you are interested, I know of some hotels with vacancies in Door County the week of July 19th. It depends on the type of accommodations you are looking for. You are correct that most do require two nights. If you don’t have that much time to spend then it probably isn’t worth all the extra driving time.

On the Lake Michigan side of Wisconsin you can expect lots of ducks, geese and gulls besides the abundance of song birds, bunnies, raccoons and squirrels. White tail deer populate most of the state. I always like to travel with my binoculars. I’ve also seen some very interesting butterflies in Door County that I haven’t noticed elsewhere but that’s probably not what you’re looking for.

If you decide on visiting Wisconsin, these are some of the places we enjoy along the eastern side of the state.

Cedarburg is north of Milwaukee. It is a quaint town built along Cedar Creek with a winery, pottery, shops, restaurants and antiques. It’s a nice place for a stroll.

Farther north is Kohler, home of the American Club Resort and their world-class golf courses (they’ve held PGA golf tournaments) as well as the Kohler Products Design Center. We browse the Shops of Woodlake and eat lunch there at Cucina’s. The John Michael Kohler Art Center has a gallery shop there. Sheboygan is nearby along Lake Michigan. It has some nice beaches and also a small river walk.

Heading north you’ll get to Manitowoc. The downtown is industrial but it is right along Lake Michigan. Not everyone would agree but we think it has a certain charm of its own. My husband enjoys touring the old WWII submarine at the Maritime Museum. Beernsten’s is an old fashioned candy/soda shop that has been in town since 1932 so you may enjoy checking it out. There is also a huge bookstore downtown that is a good browse for those of us who still read paper books and magazines. The Lake Michigan car ferry leaves daily from Manitowoc. We like to drive north along Highway 42 because we see a lot of Lake Michigan views that way. Just north of town there are some marvelous look-out points over Lake Michigan with lovely gardens.

Hope this helped. Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.
mdwest is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2014, 07:17 PM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks mdwest you have given us a lot of great ideas to explore, research and think about.
My husband would like to do the tour of the field at Green Bay and also see the museum there so will have some time there.
We like modern, clean accommodation and also like to stay in B&B's with a nice view, character and patio / balcony. I was interested in the Orchard Inn but that is booked out for our dates. We need to do Milwaukee last as many of the hotels are booked out there due to the festival.
If you have a chance you can let me know which places you would recommend that have vacancies.
Thanks again
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 29th, 2014, 08:18 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here are two places that have openings. We've stayed at both and like them.
Lodgings at Pioneer Lane http://lodgingatpioneerlane.com/

Scandinavian Lodge (I prefer their condos to the hotel rooms) http://scandlodge.com/

This is a link for what's what in Door County
http://www.doorcountynavigator.com/p...in-door-county.

As I mentioned before, most people go north of Sturgeon Bay for the true Door County experience. However, if you prefer to stay in Sturgeon Bay this might fill the bill. We stopped to tour the rooms but never stayed here. It is next to the water, however. http://www.westwoodshores.net/resort...bay-resort.htm

I think other people may chime in with recommendations. You shouldn't have a whole lot of problems finding a place to stay. We sometimes go without any reservations and always manage to find a place although it might not be our first choice.
mdwest is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2014, 03:20 AM
  #18  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks again I will check out the suggestions. I am happy there are some places left.
It helps to have recommendations from someone in the know as many of the places we have looked up are booked out or have a minimum booking. It is peak travel time so I suppose it is to be expected but we thought we were getting in early enough.
Magpies is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2014, 04:17 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 82,680
Received 46 Likes on 17 Posts
I have no idea if this would be of any interest to you, but I would add in visits to some of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes and/or buildings -
http://www.franklloydwright.org/about/public-sites.html
starrs is offline  
Old Dec 30th, 2014, 04:33 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Good luck with your search. We'll probably need to be better about making reservations in advance. The economy is picking up and gasoline prices are down so more people will be traveling this summer.

There is one other place I failed to mention called the Square Rigger Lodge but I'm not sure it meets your criteria. http://www.squareriggerlodge.com/
It is just a small but clean motel with very basic rooms. It is located on the "quiet side" of door county and has its own sandy beach right on Lake Michigan. Personally I love the Lake Michigan side because it is much less crowded. We go across the peninsula for the action. Unfortunately this place used to also have a restaurant that served breakfast and fish boils but it was closed last summer and I'm not sure of the restaurant status for 2015. I only mention this place because you say you like views and wildlife. I love to take a book out early, sit on the beach and listen to the waves an the gulls. There are other places right on the water but I can't find one that is affordable like this one.
mdwest is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -