Want to do something special for a friend...looking for an overnight spa hotel, or shopping/theater trip within 3 or 4 hours of the Detroit area...we have done the Birch Run/Frankenmuth thing..any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

ttt

Not sure of the time of year you are going but certainly the west coast of Michigan on Lake Michigan is great. Look into Harbor Country, the Muskegeon/Whitehall/Montague region, and Saugatauk.

How about a stay at a winery with a fabulous view? (They offer cooking classes too.) I haven't been here yet, but plan to in the next year. Here is the website:
http://www.chateauchantal.com/index.htm

How about coming to Grand Rapids? We have lots of shopping, theatre, spas, etc. I'd recommend staying at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. http://amwaygrand.com/

We're also 30 minutes away from Lake Michigan, and only 2+ hours away from Detroit. We have a few world class museums here, plenty of great restaurants, and an indoor walkway to get around most of downtown.

When would you be traveling?

Feel free to e-mail me at heidi623 at gmail dot com if you want more info.

I suggest the Inn at Bay Harbor. It is beautiful and the spa is beautiful. It is right outside of Petoskey. We go a couple times a year

If you state time of year, I could give some good suggestions. I second Grand Rapids if you want activity in cold weather months.

I'm going to give a gift certificate, so time of year isn't too important..we would probably use it in the summer...thanks.

It has been too many years since I have been there for me to suggest a particular inn, but take a look at Stratford, Ontario.

Keith