Best Weekend Getaways In The Detroit Area
Finding somewhere to go for a quick weekend getaway is easy if you live in the Detroit area with a variety of locations just calling to be explored. Of all those in the state, these five should always be at the top of the list.
Frankenmuth
Bavarian Inn Lodge
1 Covered Bridge Lane
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(989) 652-7200
www.frankenmuth.org
Everyone in the state should head to Frankenmuth at least one time and once they do, it will become a destination for the rest of their lives. This Bavarian-themed village less than 100 miles from Detroit offers some of best dining around and a quaint downtown that is begging to be explored. From a walk across a covered bridge to spending time on Main Street visiting the large variety of specialty shops, you will find plenty to do. When it comes to food, the Bavarian Inn or Zenders Restaurant offer unsurpassed meals, from the famous family-style chicken dinners to specialty offerings. Finding a place to rest your head is as easy as logging on to the Frankenmuth website and viewing the large number of hotels and motels in the town.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E. Beltline N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 957-1580
www.meijergardens.org
There are few places in the state where you can find displays of some of the most unique flowers and plants and at the same time walk among sculptures that are truly world class, but at Meijer Gardens, you will find just this. During the summer months, Meijer comes alive with live music presentations in the gardens, special exhibits and, as always, the world class green houses to walk through. Accommodations in the area are easy to find with many offering special packages that include entry to the gardens. For a unique look at the natural and artistic world, Meijer Gardens is a must-see Michigan location.
Boyne Mountain Resort
1 Boyne Mountain Road
Boyne Falls, MI 49713
(231) 549-6000
www.boyne.com
If you are looking for a weekend where you can play some of the best golf courses in the nation, ride a mountain bike, zip-line or just simply relax, then Boyne Mountain Resort should be on your list of places to go. Boyne Mountain Resort is considered by most to be the premier place to go in northern Michigan with 11 golf courses, tennis courts, 33 restaurants, swimming, shopping and Solace Spa, rated as one of the best in the nation. Whatever you want from a weekend getaway, you will find it at Boyne Mountain.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
(877) 232-4532
www.soaringeaglecasino.com
You don't have to gamble on having a good time when you head to Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Being the largest casino in the state, you will find games of chance galore, Vegas-style shows by some of the biggest names in the business and fine dining ranging from Isabella's which offers a taste of Italy or the Siniikaung Steak & Chop House. There is also the Endless Options Deli for a quick meal. When it comes to accommodations, you will find single rooms beginning at $164 and on up to premium suites with a jacuzzi, sitting room and fireplace starting at $344 a night.
The St. Clair Inn
500 N. Riverside Ave.
St. Clair, MI 48079
(810) 329-2222
www.stclairinn.com
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway not far from Detroit, consider heading up to the St. Clair Inn in the town of its namesake. Located on the St. Clair River, the Inn offers fine dining and accommodations that are both classic and reasonably priced. With three restaurants, two of which are on enclosed porches overlooking the river, it is the perfect place to get out of town for a few days and relax. St. Clair is only a few miles downriver from Port Huron, where you will find a river boardwalk, downtown shops and a retired light ship as part of the Port Huron Museum.
Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
