Hi, kumonee, I can't answer any questions about Michigan but usually flights on Thanksgiving Day are pretty light so you shouldn't be crammed onto the plane as one usually is.

I think that's where the Henry Ford Museum is, and they have a recreated village, etc. http://www.hfmgv.org/

That would be Greenfield Village in the city of Dearborn. Is that where you mean?

Yes Michigandra! any info on the area would be really appreciated, LoveItaly, my folks dont want to fly, dad insists on driving...e-gads the thought of that as they are in their 80's!!! Im tryng avidly to get the days off to accompany them, its making me crazy. He is a very capable driver, but with weather etc, his driving is not what concerns me

It's not far from the airport. Watch your speed limit as they give out a lot of tickets in the areas around the airport.

Not my area of Michigan, in fact, it's on the other side and also a completely different demographic than the Michigan I know well.

But do be aware that driving at that time of year absolutely could involve weather issues. Also if you take I-80/94 that is a difficult path for any driver, even those who have good highway driving skills. In fact, I know people who drive nearly anywhere, but will not drive there.

Would you take I-65 coming up through IN? Be careful, if you do- because it still has massive construction going at its upper Northern exchanges.

If you drive it, kumonee, avoid the Northern IL area and also make sure you have an I-Pass. Every single East/West Northern path truck in the USA goes around the Southern tip of Lake Michigan. The Bormann Expressway (80-94)there is literally 4 to 5 lanes across of massive trucks in each direction. So do not go North in IL. If possible take the I-80-90 across the top of IN if you need to do so.

Honestly, I would expect the wedding groom/nephew or nephew's family to give you a lot of heads up on the accomodations. And also more specific directions.

Also it is dark super early- before 5pm in Chicago and there it will be dark as midnight about 5:30pm, at the latest. So if there is any vision issues, consider that fact, as well.

Honestly it is much, much different weather than MO. And the driving is difficult. They also have another issue called "Michigan left turns"- as you go a block beyond your turn and reverse direction, some places there are no left turns as they exist elsewhere- you'll see what I mean.

Myself, I wouldn't do it, but I'm far more chicken than some. Especially with elderly group involved.

What about your own Thanksgiving? Remember I asked before?

If you are going to brave the I-80 through IL, I'm the Tinley Park exit?

If your destination is indeed Greenfield Village, it will be a lovely, lovely wedding. Be sure to allow, if time permits, and people are interested, the Ford Rouge plant tour. Who knew the makings of the Ford F150 would be so interesting? As far as sightseeing goes, you could easily spend 2 days in Greenfield Village/Henry Ford Museum/Ford Rouge.

If you are interested in the holiday lights, Hines Drive is 4.5 miles of fabulous lights.

If anyone is interested in arts and crafts architecture, a visit to Downtown Detroit is a must!! The Guardian Building alone is worth the trip. Chat up the doorman (the guy in the Chrysler 300/Eminem ad) and he may take you up to the chairmans office/banquet room on top for a panoramic view of the city and Windsor Ontario Canada.

Check for Thanksgiving dinner availability at Eagle Tavern right in Greenfield Village.

Have fun in my fair city!! I love Detroit. I moved back here last year after 25 years in Orange County, CA. and don't regret it at all. My OC housewife friends recently visited me and were pleasantly surprised at all the area has to offer.

Let me know if you need any other info.

Thanks JJ5, that exactly what I was looking for. I appreciate your invite, it looks like if I can get off work I will be with my parents, I cant stand the thought of them traveling alone given the weather and their age. I'd love a reign check! You dont know how much the invite means.... I really appreciate it. Thankfully my dad is getting a GPS, however, there is no accounting better than the human know how. Perhaps when Im there (if I can arrange the ti me off) I'd love to give you shout out

wow! the reception is at the Eagle Tavern- this is the best info you all have given me!!!!! This is great Ginger50, I coulndt have ask for more-- except a little of good weather that time of year!!

You might have good weather. But of course, you will need winter coats. Long, if at all, available.

Greenfield Village is a great site for a wedding. Should be fun. I'm guessing you will get some info from your nephew or his family, but there are LOTS of hotels nearby, lots of shopping, lots to do. If you have time apart from Thanksgiving and the wedding and you like Middle Eastern food, Dearborn is the place to find it (but, sorry, I have no recommendations myself).

The weather on Thanksgiving weekend usually isn't horrible, but, of course, there are no guarantees. Fingers crossed.

I'm so used to Michigan Lefts that I don't think about them.

There are many hotels in the area of Greenfield Village, now know as The Henry Ford. However, the only one I can think of is The Hyatt. It is in the parking lot of a huge shopping mall with many restaurant options.

Who knows what the weather will be on that weekend. Some years we have had snow and others have been 50 degrees. As the time gets closer you should watch the weather report. We have a saying in Michigan, "If you don't like the weather just wait a minute because it may change."

As for the Michigan left turns, I personally think that they are much safer, especially for an older person who's timing may not be so spot on. Usually the Michigan lefts are on the more major and wider streets and roads.

If you are in town on Thanksgiving morning, you could attend the Thanksgiving Day parade on Woodward Ave in downtown Detroit. A major parade. Bundle up if its cold and go!

If any one of your group is a runner, there is a 5k/10k TurkeyTrot. Woodward right along the parade route before the parade. I'm looking for a running buddy for the 10k

The Hyatt used to be pretty nice, but I've heard bad reports on it and the mall in recent years.Greenfield Village is wonderful!