It never too late to start planning your 2009 Michigan vacations, even as the new year rigs in and the massive snowfall of December is now behind us, it time to plan for your Michigan summer vacations.
Saugatuck/Douglas
Saugatuck and Douglas are harbor villages that celebrate diversity-small-town America at its best! Here visitors turn back the pages of time to enjoy a simpler life where no one hurries and no one hurries you, a place where everyone is special and everyone is welcome. Just recently the writers and editors of Midwest Living Magazine ranked Saugatuck/Douglas fifth among the top 100 vacation destinations in the Midwest. And, the editors of Life Magazine cited Saugatuck as "Best Dune Town" among their choice of the eight most perfect summer getaways.
While visiting either downtown area, you can walk - in a safe and friendly environment - to almost everything. In Saugatuck, you can stroll along the boardwalk admiring the boats or explore the dockside shops. Enjoy a picnic by the gazebo in Wicks Park overlooking the harbor. Ride a Victorian hand-cranked ferry. Rent a canoe, charter a sailboat or tour our waterways onboard an old-fashioned sternwheeler, dinner cruiser or W.W.II amphibious "duck" vehicle. End your excursion at the corner drug store soda fountain where hand-creamed sodas and malted shakes have been a specialty for 83 years!
Holland
ItBs both easy to see and hard to imagine that Holland, Michigan has its roots in the most solemn aspects of Dutch culture. Much of the religious conviction remains, as does the traditional Dutch architecture, and ambiance. But like its pioneers, Holland has reinvented itself without letting go of its heritage.
TodayBs Holland is alive with diverse cultures, whose influence has created an exciting, thriving community that has never lost its charm or affability. Long time residents canBt imagine living anywhere else; newcomers wonder why they didnBt move here sooner. And our visitors delight in the vast array of recreational activities, visual and performing arts, Dutch attractions, magnificant beaches and an award-winning downtown with exceptional shops, galleries, and eateries. ThereBs even a snowmelt system that keeps the downtown streets and sidewalks dry in winter. For Holland accomodations or vacation rentals, visit Your Travel Buddy.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven, one of Michigan's featured Beach towns and a renaissance city that has become a beacon for those looking for simplicity in a scene of natural beauty. From its roots as a highly commercial port-of-call for ferries and passenger liners, Grand Haven has evolved to become a place of serene, family enjoyment, hosting lively outdoor recreation, a thriving downtown, history, culture and festivals on the shores of Lake Michigan and the Grand River. Visit the World's largest Musical Fountain, boardwalk, beautiful beaches, lighthouses, historic downtown, and more.
A vacation of rest and relaxation with a book on the Area Beaches, strolling the boardwalk and Shopping in the historic downtown is just what the family needs. Do you want to have a nice Dining experience in the upscale Kirby Grill Room? Maybe a meal at The Bilmar watching the sun set over Lake Michigan listening to the waves breaking against the shore. Or a glass of fine wine with live jazz music at The Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar, a short walk to the worlds largest musical fountain and then back to your room for a good nights rest. Wake up, have breakfast at Dee-Lite or Morning Star and do it all over again.
Muskegon
Whether youBre looking for a seasonal escape or a weekend retreat, Muskegon has a vacation for every season and a trip for every taste! SummerBs warm weather creates the perfect backdrop of blue skies and bright sunshine, ideal for a beach vacation! WinterBs crisp, clean air and deep snows offer powder-perfect snowboarding, sledding, skating and skiing. The vivid spring greenery and spectacular autumn colors, complimented by mild temperatures, enhance the ideal arena for biking, fishing, golfing, weddings and tours. And if our lush outdoor treasures arenBt enough, no doubt our festivals, live theatre and musical entertainment, vibrant history and rich culinary experiences will give you a whole new reason to Experience the Lake Effect!
Located at the heart of the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, Muskegon is just a short drive, flight, bus or ferry ride from places like Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago. With over 2,000 rooms at area hotels, complete with conference rooms and catering options, Muskegon has accommodations that will fit groups of any size. Or, if you prefer lodging that offers a more unique experience, Muskegon has plenty of quaint inns, vacation rentals, luxury Bed and Breakfasts, family friendly resorts, and camping options as rustic, or with as many amenities, as you like.
Newaygo
Newaygo is located between Muskegon and Grand Rapids and is a smaller rurual community that features 230 natural lakes and 350 miles of rivers and streams, 2 huge dams remain, Croton and Hardy. Hardy is the largest earthen dam East of the Mississippi. The Muskegon River continues to be the main attraction for summer cottage residents and fisherman, who find it nearly the best source for steel head in the spring and salmon in the fall, anywhere in Michigan. Camping at one of many rustic or modern Newaygo campgrounds is also a great adventure. Tubing and canoeing on the river are summertime favorites. Hunting, snowmobile and cross-country skiing are wintertime favorites, with over half the county (100,000 acres) contained in the Manistee National Forest.
There are many attractions you may find of interest within Newaygo from itBs nearly 10,000 campsites, shopping unique stores for antiques or other hidden treasure, to locally grown produce at the farmerBs market, visiting several area hiking trails, fishing the areas many lakes and streams to an adventure kayaking trip down the Muskegon River. Newaygo lodging includes hotels, vacation rentals, B&BBs and family resorts and dining options from SmugglerBs Cove on Hess Lake, SportsmanBs Restaurant in downtown Newaygo to Dining near Croton Pond at The Red Anchor.
Baldwin
Baldwin, the county seat for Lake County, one of MichiganBs top water recreation areas, is located at the junction of M-37 and US-10. It is situated on the Baldwin River; about three miles north of where it runs into the Pere Marquette River, MichiganBs premiere canoeing experience. There are over a dozen lakes within only five miles of the city limits, including Big Star Lake in Lake Township, and Leverentz and Government Lakes in Webber Township.
Baldwin is known for its specialty fishing lure and equipment shops, not to mention gifts and antiques as well. This town is the center of activity for the many resorts and cottages in the area. It celebrates its Troutarama each summer and the Blessing of the Bikes each May - not to mention outdoor jazz!
Ludington
Here along the shoreline of Lake Michigan lies our beautiful city of LudingtonGhome to historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, and the ever popular Ludington State Park. WeBre glad youBve chosen our area for your vacation, whether it be for business or pleasure. Here youBll discover small town hospitality the way it was meant to be, which brings people back time and time again.
Whether youBre looking for a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or a weekend retreatGLudington is the place to be, named as one of MichiganBs top vacation destinations. WeBre up north, but close by. Our abundant natural resources make us a favorite vacation spot year Around, and a wonderful place to live. Enjoy!
Manistee
Manistee offer the same beauty and peaceful atmosphere as other, better-known, Northern Michigan areas but are considerably closer to Michigan's urban centers. Manistee retains it unspoiled "up north" charm and is known as The Victorian Port City.
While the living is relaxed and easy in the summer, there is a full year of reasons to make Manistee one of your Michigan travel destinations. The countryside's brilliant fall colors, nearby cross-country and downhill skiing, snow shoeing; snowmobile along with the color blooms in the spring will draw you back time and time again.
The relaxed atmosphere of the area will steal your heart away with simple pleasures such as shopping, dining and walks along the famous Manistee River walk.
Traverse City
Beach bumming, treasure hunting & castle building. This is the stuff memories are made of. Perhaps the most stunning features of the Traverse City area are its sandy shoreline and crystal clear lakes.
The Traverse City region has a total of 180.8 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 149 deep, aqua-colored lakes that are 10 acres or larger in size. In this section, you will learn where some of the areaBs best beaches and parks are located and the amenities that they offer.
If you'd like a break from relaxing on our beaches, there are plenty of other activities available in Traverse City. Visit some of our many art galleries. Take in a museum. Play mini-golf or drive a go-kart on a racetrack. Ride a restored antique carousel inside a shopping mall. Stroll though our vibrant downtown-shopping district. There's no end to the action in Traverse City! Be sure to explore the many options in Traverse City such as - golf, wineries, beaches, outdoor activities, arts, quaint inns and vacation rentals, B&B and more!
No matter where you plan to vacation in Michigan, you can be sure to find the best Michigan travel deals for hotels, vacation rentals, vacation packages and more from Your Travel Buddy and Michigan Travel and Vacations.
