Fra_Diavolo

We're now planning a last minute trip to Chicago to see our son get his degree in late August. We thought we'd take care of a few destinations on the way. Our first stop (two nights) will be in the vicinity of Elmira NY. We have our activities planned, but haven't found much on hotels in the area. Any advice?

The next stop will be Niagara on the Lake in Canada (one night). Just looking to break the drive to Upper Michigan. If someone knows a pleasant town a little further along the route, that would be great.

Our original purpose in Michigan was to visit some Hemingway sites near Petoskey and Walloon Lake. I think that will take about a day. Reading about the area, it seems like Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island would be nice to visit. Any hotel recs for the city (we'll day trip to the island). Two nights.

Then we head to Chicago for the graduation. I think we have that part down.

Finally, on our return, we thought we'd break our drive in Pittsburgh -- it looks about equidistant between NY and Chicago. We'd like to stay near the Carnegie-Mellon campus, I think. Any nice hotels and restaurants to recommend?

Budget is fairly open, though I don't think we'd like to spend more than $300 a night for lodging, and no more than half that for dinner.

Appreciate any advice, warnings or prophecies!

gardendiva

There are many pleasant towns between Elmira, NY and upper Michigan but I cannot think of any that would be better than Niagara On the Lake.

A nice place to stay in Niagara on the Lake is the Moffot Inn. We have stayed there many times.

Sounds like a nice trip. Traverse City may be another stop in upper Michigan.

gardendiva

I spelled that name wrong. It should be Moffat Inn.

Fra_Diavolo

Thanks, gardendiva. The Inn looks great!

Shamelessly topping, hoping for more.