“Day-Tripping” listings
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CASEVILLE, MI
This lovely waterfront town features quaint shops, lakeview eateries, sandy beaches and incredible sunsets on Saginaw Bay. Have some fun (and a burger) at the annual Cheeseburger Festival, Aug. 13-22. (07/2010)
99 miles northeast of Flint
casevillechamber.net -
PORT HURON, MI
The Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes is home to the Great Lakes Maritime Center, sandy beaches and plenty of boats. Stroll the historic downtown, then head to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. (05/2010)
72 miles east of Flint
porthuron.org -
DOW GARDENS
Stroll along the 110 acres of trails here to witness spring’s miraculous rebirth—and pick up fabulous landscaping ideas. The kids will delight in the butterfly conservatory, which is only open from March 6 through April 18. (03/2010)
1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI
800-362-4874
dowgardens.org -
MT HOLLY RESORT
Beginner and advanced skiers will find a favorite run at this resort. And with seven chairlifts and five rope tows, it will take record time to go up and down the mountain. (01/2010)
13536 S Dixie Hwy, Holly
248-634-8269
skimtholly.com -
MICHIGAN STATE CAPITOL
This beautifully restored structure, first built in 1879, is best known for its Victorian artwork. Tours are offered every half hour on weekdays; pay special attention to the designs on walls and ceilings. (12/2009)
100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing
517-373-2353 -
LANSING, MI
Michigan's capital is always bustling. Explore the restored 1879 capitol building, find quirky local goods at the Michigania Store, and be sure to visit the hands-on Impression 5 Science Museum and Kresge Art Museum. (02/2009)
58 miles west of Flint
888-252-6746
www.lansing.org -
BOYNE CITY, MI
Head up north with your skis to Boyne City, which boasts mega-resorts such as Boyne Mountain, Shanty Creek and the Aspen Grove XC Center, all within a short drive of the city center. (01/2009)
192 miles north of Flint
www.boynechamber.com -
BIRMINGHAM, MI
This charming suburb is a shopping haven, where streets are lined with specialty stores such as Harp's Lingerie, Adventures in Toys and La Belle Provence. (12/2008)
50 miles southeast of Flint
www.enjoybirmingham.com -
CHELSEA, MI
This cute town is home to art galleries, unique boutiques and actorJeff Daniels' acclaimed Purple Rose Theatre. Hungry? Stop by the uncommonly good Common Grille Restaurant. (11/2008)
66 miles south of Flint
734-475-1145
www.chelsea-mi.com -
TECUMSEH, MI
One of the oldest towns in Michigan, Tecumseh is a foodie's delight. Indulge in fresh pastries from Evans Street Station, sip a "Walk-in-the-Water" red from Pentamere Winery, and learn food pairings and discover local, artisan cheeses at The Boulevard Market. (10/2008)
80 miles south of Flint
517-423-2107
www.tecumseh.mi.us -
THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM AND VILLAGE
Families can test-drive a Model T, see oodles of American memorabilia or visit quaint Greenfield Village at this expansive historic destination. Drool over "Chocolate: The Exhibition" before it closes Sept. 7. (08/2008)
65 miles southeast of Flint • 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
313-982-6001
www.thehenryford.org -
LAKE MICHIGAN SHORE WINE TRAIL
Oenophiles will love the area once known as Michigan's Fruit Belt, now home to 11 wineries. If you can't visit them all, sample the flavors at the beachfront Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival, held in Bridgman, MI, on June 21. (06/2008)
146 miles west of Flint
www.miwinetrail.com
