Chicago trip
 

We are planning a week long trip to Chicago in early September and would like to combine it with a stay of a couple of days somewhere more resort-y. Someone suggested Mackinaw Island. Any thoughts about that? Any suggestions on a resort area to combine with Chicago?

DH and I are in our mid-60s and like museums, shopping, etc but I assume we will get that in Chicago. For some non-city time we usually enjoy small towns with quaint shopping, nature preserves, hanging out near a lake or the ocean to relax.

It is unlikely that we will get back to this area any time soon. I'd appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks!

Mackinaw Island is wonderful! I do love it but it is an 8 hour drive from Chicago so would take a big chunk of your time, but it would also be a great drive along the lakeshore if you could devote the time to it.
A two hour drive from Chicago is a artsy little town called Saugatuck. You could check it out, there are some places to stay on the lake and other b&b's close to town. I have never stayed here but it has great reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Michigan.html

bookmarking

Lake Geneva is about a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from Chicago. There are "resorts", etc. that have very nice golfing, grounds, etc. with some decent restaurants in the area. It is what I call 3 star accommodations.

If you want luxury, try the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin. About a 3 hour drive.

In addition to Saugatuck, there are several towns in SW Michigan that are a short distance from each other. Also look into Benton Harbor, South Haven, Holland, Grand Haven and Muskegon. Check www.swmichigan.org/

IMO - Mackinac Island is beautiful, but much too far from Chicago and you will pass through so many other lovely little towns along Lake Michigan that it really isn't worth the trip, unless you're willing to take the two days for travel. I would second Holland and Saugatuck, or there's the area around Indiana Dunes with nature, though I'm not sure about the resort aspect (It's not worth stopping anywhere else in that section of Indiana!). If you're willing to drive a bit further, Traverse City is lovely. Several friends have recently honeymooned there. It's roughly 5-6 hours from Chicago.

Thanks everyone. The Saugatuck option looks like it is just our speed .

Coming to Chicago from where and what interests you beyound, i.e., swimming, hiking, exploring scenic areas? Look around in Wisconsin or maybe drive up into Michigan. And Starved Rock state park nice in Illinois. Familiar territory to me though now in Boston.