Crystal Mountain (Michigan)- where to go from there?
Jun 1st, 2010, 07:10 AM
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Crystal Mountain (Michigan)- where to go from there?
I have to be at Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville, MI for a conference. DH is coming along so we can do some vacation/touring from there. Suggestions for the best way to spend 2 or 3 days after leaving from there? Don't want to have to drive more than 3-4 hrs from there to our next destination. Final return is to the Detroit area.
Also- conference is only in the mornings- nice ideas in the area?
I thought of going to Pictured Rocks, but so far haven't found a convenient B&B near there. Another possibility- Lelanau area. Any other ideas?
Also- conference is only in the mornings- nice ideas in the area?
I thought of going to Pictured Rocks, but so far haven't found a convenient B&B near there. Another possibility- Lelanau area. Any other ideas?
Jun 1st, 2010, 03:27 PM
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Hello, Ilana. You'll find a ton of great places to visit near Crystal while you're in the area. If you like getting outside, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (about 30 minutes) is a must-visit. 35 miles of pristine beaches, miles of hiking trails and a scenic drive with one of the best views on the Great Lakes. The town of Frankfort is a quaint waterfront village with good restaurants and a long pier that allows you to walk out to the lighthouse at the end. Kayaking on the Betsie and Platte rivers is also a lot of fun. The nearby Leelanau Peninsula has 20 wineries that are producing some great wines. Tasting rooms are usually open noon to 6 (or thereabouts).
As for your road trip, Traverse City is close (28 miles) and has a beautiful downtown with great food and plenty of entertainment options. Old Mission Peninsula is another great place for wine tasting. Further north the waterfront towns of Charlevoix and Petoskey are classic Victorian resort communities with a slow pace, beautiful views and plenty of options for good food and unique lodging.
The "Jewel of the Great Lakes," Mackinac Island is located in the Straits of Mackinac at the tip of the lower peninsula (about 2 hours north of Traverse City, 45 minutes from Petoskey). You may be familiar with the Grand Hotel (it's been in several feature films), but if you go, my recommendation is the waterfront Chippewa Hotel - home of the Pink Pony, well-known by sailors from throughout the Great Lakes region for its laid-back atmosphere and tasty rum runners.
From the Island it's a straight shot down I-75 to Detroit (about 4-5 hours). Hope you enjoy your visit!
As for your road trip, Traverse City is close (28 miles) and has a beautiful downtown with great food and plenty of entertainment options. Old Mission Peninsula is another great place for wine tasting. Further north the waterfront towns of Charlevoix and Petoskey are classic Victorian resort communities with a slow pace, beautiful views and plenty of options for good food and unique lodging.
The "Jewel of the Great Lakes," Mackinac Island is located in the Straits of Mackinac at the tip of the lower peninsula (about 2 hours north of Traverse City, 45 minutes from Petoskey). You may be familiar with the Grand Hotel (it's been in several feature films), but if you go, my recommendation is the waterfront Chippewa Hotel - home of the Pink Pony, well-known by sailors from throughout the Great Lakes region for its laid-back atmosphere and tasty rum runners.
From the Island it's a straight shot down I-75 to Detroit (about 4-5 hours). Hope you enjoy your visit!
Jul 22nd, 2010, 08:41 AM
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Thanks TC. We had a great visit. Went to Frankfort and Elberta, Went to Interlochen at night for some great (and free) concerts, biking on the Betsie River Trail and up to Glen Arbor. It's a beautiful area. We'll have to go back to see more.
