Last minute getaway to Michigan
 

We are interested in taking a few days off (week of Sept. 19) and driving over to lower Michigan (from Chicago). It appears that there are quite a few towns on the lake, but we are not sure which one to choose. We were initially thinking about taking the dog and renting a house, but decided it's too much work. We're looking for a nice resort on/near the water which is also close to town with nicer restaurants, interesting shops and maybe some sites. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have really enjoyed trips to Grand Haven in the past. Beautiful beach and great little towns on the way there (Sagatuk and Holland for example.) Have a lovely time! :)

Although there have been tons of threads on this here, I do believe and IMHO- you will do better at the last minute by googling Michigan Bed and Breakfasts and resorts on the big LAKE too.

www.laketolake.com/

www.getaway2smi.com/

We were just at Union Pier and in Chesterton by the beach very briefly. I like North of there or inland by the spring fed lakes even better.

I've been to The Sanctuary, Mendon's Country Inn myself and would rec those two for sure.

Also be aware that you will need an IPass or your tolls will be much much more- and you will be in lines too nasty to relate on top of it.

And I love this part of the country so much- but you do need to know ahead of time that the construction on I-80 in IL is absolutely horrendous. Take the skyway to bypass some of it.

A two hour trip is at least a three hour trip right now if you stay on the highway to 94. We exit I-80 at Kedzie or west of the first toll booth now. The waits and back ups from the first mergings before the toll and the construction (down to 2 or 3 very narrow lanes) is stop and go for miles if you don't. Mostly stop.

Don't want to be negative, but you have to plot another way around this some of the time, so have your maps with you. Right on the IL/IN border is the very worst right now. And it is worse going west than going east. Ridge Rd. and Rte 30 may be other alternatives if you don't want to be in the canyons of the 53 to 63 footers.

Thanks for the traffic heads-up. I am actually thinking of leaving Sunday or Monday midday to avoid the "mess". I found info on a Southwest Michigan Wine Trail. Maybe we should gradually move North.. first night St. Joseph, second South Haven, third Saugatuck, forth Grand Haven. I'm interested in some unique places to stay and restaurants. Thanks

This is the time to go. Actually I think St. Julians is having their big taste festival this coming weekend. But there will be many others to sample as well.

I particularly like Warner's in Paw Paw for dining and for tasting.

I would second Grand Haven or any of the lake towns within 30 miles north or south of there. There aren't many "resorts" on the lake so you might be better with a small hotel or B&B.

Hey JJ5 - do you really think it is necessary to tell someone living in Chicago about I-Pass and the bad traffic around the IN border?

St. Joe and South Haven are pretty close together. I'd stay in South Haven both nights-My favority B & B is Yelton Manor (never stayed there admittedly but it's the prettiest from the outside!) We have a home in Paw Paw, where 3 wineries are located. Another possible route may be to stay in Harbor Country one night (New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside) Check out the Lakeside Inn. Do the wineries in that area, head to Paw Paw the next day visiting the wineries in Coloma and Paw Paw, but stay in South Haven (30 mins from Paw Paw) and explore South Haven from there. It's about an hour drive to Harbor Country, another hour to Paw Paw, 30 mins to South Haven and then head to Grand Haven from there if you want. Check out swmichigan.org too for ideas.

swalter518 had some very good ideas for this time of year.

Yes, travels77, I do think it is necessary. You would not believe the 50 year Chicagoans who are 294ers to WI people and who don't have a clue. One of my best friends tried to come to me in June and gave up. REALLY!!

And we call it the everlasting construction project.

Just a suggestion - but I just drove from Milwaukee thru Chicago to Michigan Wednesday night and the drive was pretty bad.

My suggestion: Drive to the lake, stay in some of the towns - your choice - with your last stop (and my favorite) Grand Haven (we LOVE the Harbor House) then drive another 30 miles north to Muskegon and take the new ferry across to MKE - it might not save you a lot of time but it sure is a much more relaxing way to end your vacation!

If you plan to do this, be sure you make a reservation on www.lakeexpress TODAY - the ferry only holds 45 cars and it sells out very quickly!

My dream is a three way ferry but my kids laugh at me. If you can get to the moon.........

How much is the ferry for the car? Ludington is the MI end, I think- which is quite far North. We took it once years ago when going to a friend in WI.

Do I wish there was a ferry from IL!Or better yet one of those terrific suspension bridges. Yes, I'm nuts I know.

JJ. You are not so nuts- My DH and I fantasize about a giant bridge from I-57 to the Michigan border!

The ferry is an awesome idea. My husband will love it! Thanks to all of you for your great ideas.

Rocky, if you do end up going from Paw Paw to South Haven, take M-43 just north of Paw Paw east. It's a much better drive than the expressway and just as fast if not faster than taking 94 to 196.

Well I just looked into the ferry and it seems a little too expensive. $50 per person and $59 for the car. $159 to get across the lake???? I think we'll be driving back. Nice thought though.

It's too far North for us regardless but the cost eliminates it for most, IMHO. But Rocky, it sure would not be an option for me at that price.

I'm all for the suspension bridge. HEY I finally got 355 coming down here (well at least the signs are up and the plows have pushed a bunch of dirt around at 16000 West)so maybe you can get a snow cone in hell after all. Next wish would be in the rhelm of fantasy but how about a bridge just as swalter518 envisions that is FORBIDDEN to trucks.

Heck we are on a roll so we should go for the whole hog.

Speaking of which- hog heaven! Do you know Cass County Michigan raises the most hogs in the USA. I saw hundreds going "on vacation" into the trucks just last week. We have a special stop we do near Cassopolis. Those pigs are something.

There is a high-speed ferry out of Milwaukee to Muskegon, leaves about noon and into Michigan at 4 p.m. Go north to Traverse City or south to Grand Haven/Holland, etc. Just outisde of Traverse City are two B&B as wineries...Chateau Chantal and Chateau Grand Traverse. The Boathose isa great dinner spot.

Don't miss going to Saugatuck. It's been called the Martha's Vineyard of the midwest and it is. Best place to eat is Marro's

Thanks again for all your suggestions. Any more b&b or restaurants? Also, any wineries/lighthouses/beaches/sites not to be missed.

We live in West Michigan and get to the lakefront towns fairly regularly. My favorite is South Haven, though admittedly it is a bit shy on Restaurants. Try Clementines--Outstanding Sandwiches. The onion rings are awesome.

My wifes favorite is Saugatuck, which is much Arts-ier. Lots more Restaurants though. Maros as listed above is great pizza, though our favorite is Chequers, which approximates an English Pub--with better food. Stay away from Biilys Boathouse--Weve had a couple bad experiences there. Uncommon Grounds is a decent coffee shop.