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Best Memorial Day Getaways Near Detroit

Looking to get away this Memorial Day but want to avoid the airport? Check this list for the best places to go within a two-hour drive of the city.
Fall at Greenfield Village

Civil War Remembrance at Greenfield Village: Dearborn, MI
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org

If you're looking for a day trip or want a weekend "staycation," look no further than Dearborn, where Greenfield Village is hosting its annual Civil War Remembrance weekend (May 24-26, open Saturday until 9 p.m.). The weekend includes reenacting events (with all people in Civil War era dress), military demonstrations, live music, insight from historians, hands-on activities for children and more. There will also be a concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday by Tim Eriksen and the Trio de Pumpkintown on the Village Green.

Hotel recommendation: For a bit of glitz, try The Henry nearby in Greenfield Village.

Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen

Frankenmuth, MI
www.frankenmuth.org

Frankenmuth is located about an hour and a half from Detroit proper, and although it's known for its fried chicken dinners, there's a lot more going on in the city. Over Memorial Day weekend, there are three festivals going on, including the Dog Bowl, Balloons over Bavaria and Tour de Frankenmuth. The Dog Bowl is the U.S.'s largest "Olympic-style" event for dogs and is held at Frankenmuth River Place. Balloons over Bavaria entails flight competitions, and a nightly balloon glow; it's also a free event. Tour de Frankenmuth is a bike race that has men's, women's and juniors categories, as well as a free kids' event and bike swap/expo. Don't forget to check out one of the many fudge shops when you're in town, as well. 

Hotel recommendation: Zehnder's Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark.

Cedar Point: Sandusky, OH
1 Cedar Point Dr.
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 627-2350
www.cedarpoint.com

Cedar Point officially opened on May 10th, and is a favorite getaway for many Detroit-area residents, as it's only a two-hour drive from the city and features some of the best coasters in the world. The park also has a few new rides, including last year's Gatekeeper: a winged roller coaster that will take you through the park gates. There are rides for younger children, as well, including an entire section of the park (Camp Snoopy) dedicated to the younger set. The park is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the entire Memorial Day weekend, so there is plenty of time to get in all of the rides that you want to go on.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Breakers, located inside the park - gets you into the park one hour before the gates open to the public.

Related:  Memorial Day Celebrations in Detroit

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort: Mount Pleasant, MI
6800 E. Soaring Eagle Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 775-0061
www.soaringeaglecasino.com

Soaring Eagle is slightly over two hours away from the city (about two hours and 20 minutes), but the drive is worth it if you like to gamble or take in a show. Memorial Day weekend would actually make for a great girls weekend, as the hotel features an "After Dark Pool Party" and the men of the Chippendales, both events taking place on May 23 and 24. Alternatively, if you want to go to gamble but are also bringing kids, Mount Pleasant features Kids Quest, for ages 12 and under, and Cyber Quest (a games room) for all ages. If under age 12, though, your child must be accompanied by an adult.

Hotel recommendation: The casino itself, which is also a resort.

Birch Run Premium Outlets: Birch Run, MI
12240 South Beyer Rd.
Birch Run, MI 48415
(989) 624-6226
www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=82

If you're looking to do some serious shopping this Memorial Day weekend, look no further than Birch Run, which features the Birch Run Premium Outlets. The Outlets have 145 stores, ranging from The Gap, to Calvin Klein, to housewares and specialty item stores, and there's also some restaurants such as Uno's Pizzeria nearby.

Hotel recommendation: Hampton Inn Birch Run/Frankenmuth - Hampton Inn is a consistently good hotel chain that also features a free hot breakfast.

Related: Best Holiday Travel Tips for People from Detroit

Liz Parker is a freelance writer and a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Her work can be found at Examiner.com and yesnofilms.com.
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