Reasonable lodging at Boyne Mountain

I am planning to take my family to Boyne Mountain during the Christmas break. Can anyone recommend a nice, clean place to stay that is near Boyne Mountain that does not cost $350/night?

Thanks.

Sandy

Reasonable lodging at Boyne Mountain

You may want to try vrbo.com or greatrentals.com to see what homes/condos in the area are available for rent. You should be able to get better pricing.

Reasonable lodging at Boyne Mountain

Are you looking for lodging right at the resort, or within a few minute%26#39;s drive? Your Boyne Mountain lift tickets are good at Boyne Highlands as well (about 40 minutes north) so if it were me, I%26#39;d stay somewhere in between and ski at both.

I would highly recommend Mountain Run at Boyne Mountain. They are part of the Bluegreen Vacation Club. You could see their rental rates and rooms at Bluegreenrentals.com. I just checked at they are going for $219 for 2 bedroom (sleeps 6) condo with complete kitchen. The kitchen does come in handy (you don%26#39;t have to eat out every meal if you don%26#39;t want to) Check it out. The ski trails are right outside your patio door!

I may be able to do a rental for you. We own Bluegreen timeshares which Mountain Run is part of. I can check and see availability for you. How many people do you have? You can e-mail me back at roblisadouglass@yahoo.com.

We just booked a weekend at Mountain Run through Bluegreen rentals and it was $289/nt for 3 bed/3bath/whirlpoo/2balconies and numerous other amenities. I won%26#39;t be going until the peak of ski season but it looks great.

Hi CDJD,

What days are your ski dates? I know Christmas week is all sold out for 1 and 2 BR%26#39;s right now. That may change as we get closer though.

You were fortunate to find a 3BR at Mountain Run. They are sometimes hard to find due to the fact that they are actually a 2BR and a 1BR that they are connected by a common foyer with the laundry area. Usually these are split up by people using the condo units separately. So you will actually have 2 refrigerators, 2 stoves, etc.

I%26#39;m going to be up there this weekend to use the waterpark with family and friends. If anyone ever needs time up there and I have Bluegreen points available, I%26#39;d be glad to look renting you some. I also have friends that may have points available. I can e-mail you a points chart if you want also. Weekdays are much fewer points than weekends. I can guarantee you weekdays are much lower cost than $300 per night. A 3BR would run about $750 for a Sunday checkin and Friday checkout in Red season (January 5 through ski season). A 2 BR would be about $450.

I also have references if you%26#39;d like to check with them. Send me an e-mail if anyone is interested. roblisadouglass@yahoo.com

We are going the first weekend in February. Unfortunately going during the week is not an option for us. Yes we are aware about the 3 bedroom setup but that actually works best for our group. Thanks for the tips.

I agree with you on the 3 BR setups. Works great for us also, especially when the inlaws are along!

My favorite place to stay at Boyne and I go each weekend throughout ski season is the Brown Trout. It is ideally situated right across the street from Betty%26#39;s a great place for breakfast or lunch and the quik mart and gas station. There are 2 other restaurants right around the corner as well. It is only about a mile out of the Boyne driveway and very clean and comfortable. THe knotty pine feels so up north like. Gary and Laura are the owners and so helpful and friendly you%26#39;ll feel right at home. Last weekend for crazy days they stayed up driving their guests and shuttling them for free lest anyone get caught drunk driving. They are expert mushroomers, and fishermen and know the local area very well. Save your money, stay there or their sister motel The Falls. Save your money, stay there, park on the circle drive at Boyne for only $10 and come and go,Boyne attendants will save your spot. Best of both worlds. Also there%26#39;s a breezeway with doors for each room, I back in and am unloaded in minutes. Try that with a big resort. Check-in and out and move in and out a breeze. Tell them Sally sent you..they%26#39;ll know who you mean!!

Hmmmmmmm, some really great, free advertising here-LOL

Birch Run/Frankenmuth shopping question

Hi Everyone

I see the post asking about other shopping in the Great Lakes Crossing area but I was wondering something similar but specific to Birch Run.

We will be spending a few days in Frankenmuth and for sure hitting Birch Run for some shopping. I know there are the outlets there but it has been YEARS since I have been and I was wondering if there is a Target nearby as well.

Thanks so much in advance.

Birch Run/Frankenmuth shopping question

According to the Target website, there are no locations in Birch Run. I believe the closest locations are those on Miller Rd in Flint and on Lapeer Rd (off of I-69) in Flint. Both of these locations are ~20 miles south of Birch Run but you be able to stop if you are coming across I-69 from the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia.

Birch Run/Frankenmuth shopping question

There is also a Target in Port Huron about 5 miles north of the Blue Water Bridge. It%26#39;s located in the Birchwood Mall.

Was just there a few weeks ago---no Target, but there is a Meijer store. IMO, not as nice as Target, but has lots of grocery%26#39;s. It is kinda of like a Super Walmart, but a lot better.

motels with outdoor pools

We%26#39;ll be visiting Jackson this July for a wedding. What%26#39;s the best motel with an outdoor pool?

Thanks!

motels with outdoor pools

there is the travelodge which is off of highway 94, exit 137, most of the hotels have indoor pools due to the cold weather in the winter. I know thi cause i work at one of the hotels...

motels with outdoor pools

I%26#39;d go with Fairfield. I think they have an indoor and outdoor pool. Most hotels around here have indoor pools because of our long winters. Travel Lodge does have a pool but the place is not quite as well kept as Fairfield.

Thanks for the info. It looks as if this is the only motel with an outside pool. But there sure are some negative reviews!

I wonder how much it%26#39;s improved? Or if it has? There aren%26#39;t very many recent reviews. Any one stayed there recently? Thanks.

It doesn%26#39;t look as if Fairfield has an outdoor pool, according to their website. I think I%26#39;ll call them to make sure.

I also came up with a B%26amp;B in Concord which I%26#39;m now considering as it has a pool and is close to the wedding site. Kind of expensive, though.

Maybe I%26#39;m too attached to the idea of having to have a pool? Just remember how hot it can be in southern Mich. in July!

But maybe there%26#39;ll be great thunder storms and it won%26#39;t even matter whether there%26#39;s a pool or not!

Thanks for every one%26#39;s help.

If anyone has experience w/ the B%26amp;B in Concord, I%26#39;d love to know.

oregongirl,

I haven%26#39;t stayed here lately but I do drive by it quite frequently. It is a popular spot for truckers and they also rent rooms out by the month so you get a different type of visitor there. The Colonial Inn has an outdoor pool too but is even worse than the Travel Lodge.

Concord is a quaint little town. I never even knew there was a B%26amp;B there. It is a nice quiet little village. You will feel like you stepped back into time there.

I was just thinking that if you end up going to Concord be sure to check out Cascarelli%26#39;s in Homer or Albion for a meal one time. I believe the owners of both places are related and both are great little places to eat.

Thanks for dining suggestions.

I made a reservation today for the b%26amp;b in Concord. They have a pool, hot tub, a pond for swimming and kayaking. The people seem real nice and accomodating; they offered us the use of 4 bikes while we%26#39;re there. It feels like a real vavation!

I%26#39;ll post our experience this summer after the trip. Thanks for all your responses.

Yes please do. That sounds like a great time and I%26#39;d love to hear about it as it might be an ideal weekend get away for my family. Have fun in Michigan.

pentoolonphotoshopcs2

Webcams on Mackinac Island

I can%26#39;t seem to get enough of Mackinac Island, so when I can%26#39;t be there in person, I often have one of three webcams open on my desktop.

The newest addition to the webcam family is one atop the Chippewa Hotel that allows you to control the camera. It is on the Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce website, courtesy of boatnerds.com. The link to the webcam is: http://www.mackinacisland.org/webcam.html

There%26#39;s also the webcam from Horn%26#39;s Bar:

http://www.hornsbar.com/webcamlarge.htm

Lastly, I visit the webcam at The Island House Hotel:

http://www.theislandhouse.com/island-cam-22/

You can also visit the webcams of the Mackinac Bridge at: http://www.mackinacbridge.org/bridge-cam-20/

If you know of other webcams on the island or bridge, please post them here.

Many thanks and best wishes for a wonderful 2009!

Webcams on Mackinac Island

This is good to know, thanks for the info!

Webcams on Mackinac Island

Thanks AP! I have the Horns Bar and Island House open usually a couple times a day. Good to know about the other! Can%26#39;t wait to check it out.

My husband often catches me daydreaming staring at the screen. Then reminds me our next trip isn%26#39;t for another 8 months. Party pooper!

Thanks Kdets89!

I am having trouble this weekend getting the controllable webcam to function. It worked yesterday morning but now has an error when the Java script loads. Anyone else having this problem?

Now that 2009 has arrived, it%26#39;s time to think about the next trip to the island. We%26#39;ve never been there in June, so....

We were having fun with it yesterday too, but couldn%26#39;t get it this morning either.

Most of the times we have been to the Island have been in June. Wonderful time as long as you can avoid the rain, which is what always seems to happen to us in early June. Later in the month is great! We%26#39;ll be making our trip in August this year.

wow thanks! thats so neat how you can move the camera yourself!!

how fun thanks for posting this!

So the controllable webcam on the Chippewa Hotel is now my favorite on the island.

If you know of any other island cams, please add them to the list. Thanks!

I have found another webcam in the Mackinac Island area. This one features a view of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits, from what looks to be Mackinaw City:

9and10news.com/weather/skycams/skycam.asp…

There are also other northern Michigan webcams on the same TV station web site.

My husband says the same thing to me when he asks what Im doing at the computer monitor. Just checking to see what its like. I vacation in Mackinaw City and the Island every year. Although I dont call mine party pooper I call him old geezer. It doesnt cost anything to look.

I like looking at the cams also. It%26#39;s nice to see the ice and snow all melting and the water moving. Can%26#39;t wait to see the boats in the harbor, we are going in June during the lilac festival for our first visit! Does anyone know when they will be bringing the horses over to the island? I would love to watch them arriving from the ferries. Thanks!

is it good to visit Mackinac Island at this part of the year

Hi all.

I live in Detroit, and I have one week vacation starting tomorrow.

I wanted to go out somewhere close. I like the natural landscapes of Mackinac island. but I was wondering if it is good to visit Mackinac Island at this part of the year.

please advise me.

thanks

is it good to visit Mackinac Island at this part of the year

I, personally would not visit the island this part of the year. Most everything is closed. Nothing opens til the beginning of May meaning the shops and most hotels and inns. Also, I think all three ferry lines dont really start their 2009 schedules until just before most of the places on the Island open for the season. I think a good time to visit is the last part of May or first part of June. This is the time period I went last year and also is the time frame I am visiting again this year. The temperature is right around 70. Just right.

is it good to visit Mackinac Island at this part of the year

The Island is still beautiful this time of year, but I think a couple of days would be pleanty. Here are photos from a year ago and info on how to get to Mackinac Island in winter: www.mightymac.org/mackinacislandwinter.htm

I am not sure the Ferries run regular at this time of year. Mackinac is one of the most beautiful areas in our state- go in Summer or Fall and truly enjoy it then..

As already mentioned, the island is very quiet right now. Ferries are not running so a short airplane ride is the only way on %26amp; off the island.

If near total isolation is what you seek, it might be good, but in my humble opinion, wait until the shops, inns and restaurants are open and then enjoy exploring the island when it%26#39;s truly beautiful.

In the future, going over the New Years holiday or during the island winter festival when you can probably ride over on the ice bridge would yield more enjoyment for you.

I take it you have already left. I%26#39;d go furthur north and and see Tahquamenon Falls also. And then head on down to Traverse City and Petoskey. You will get a good variety of activities and nature that way.

St Joseph beaches in June?

I%26#39;ve never been to any of the beach towns in Michigan, but would like to take my family there this summer. We%26#39;re already going to Colorado in early August, so would need to go to Michigan in late June to early July. Is the water temperature of southern Lake Michigan warm enough for the kids to comfortably swim in early summer -- or is this trip an idea that should wait until we can go in late summer?

St Joseph beaches in June?

It just depends on mother nature. Early July sounds more appealing. June not so much.

St Joseph beaches in June?

The water is usually still pretty cold in June. Last summer by the middle of July the water was perfect for swimming and it was great clear thru Labor Day weekend. Lake Michigan can be tempermental -- sometimes it is wonderful one day and then seems to turn over and is freezing cold the next. Always hard to know for sure, but your best bet for swimming would be to visit in July or Aug.

';Turn over'; that is exactly what it does. We have prevailing westerly winds here. When we get that occasional easterly wind it actually blows the warmer surface water away from the shore, and it returns when the winds turn around. There%26#39;s always a silver lining. When this happens the sailors have wind but the lake stays calm and smooth.

colorstay

camping on the island? or $100 or under lodging during peak

...season....are either of these an option. So far I know of no lodging under $100 during peak season but also if there%26#39;s not is there camping on the island then? I%26#39;m imagining there likely is but I have not heard there is yet. Any info. would be appreciated, thanks for the help~

camping on the island? or $100 or under lodging during peak

I%26#39;m pretty sure camping is not allowed on the island.

If you can find lodging under $100 per night during the peak season I am sure many of us on the forum would welcome hearing about it.

There are campgrounds in Mackinaw City and lodging under $100 per night there and in St. Ignace but that probably doesn%26#39;t help anyone who wants to stay on the island rather than day trip over.

camping on the island? or $100 or under lodging during peak

24fan is correct about no camping on the island.

You may be able to find a B%26amp;B on the island at $100 during peak.

As an alternative to staying on the island, you can stay in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and take the ferry over each day, though you need to weigh those costs as well.

Peak season of course means peak rates. Shoulder or off season could be more affordable for staying on the island.

Be sure to look at the reviews on Trip Advisor to compare lodging options, pricing and quality.

Camp in Mackinac City and ride the ferry to the island each day. It%26#39;s fun and easy. For the best experience, bring your own bikes.

Everyone is correct that there is no camping on the Island. Depending on the size of the party, you might also consider a condo rental (Sunset Condos is who we usually go with). Rates are reasonable, and if you get one with a kitchen, you can save money by cooking some meals for yourself. You can pack boxes and coolers of food and they will be shipped to the condo with your luggage.

Ditto the suggestion to bring bikes!

thanks for the helpful input!

Try the B%26amp;B%26#39;s - this year, with the economy the way it is - you might get a room for $100 or less.

Mackinac Island is semi-recession proof. Those of us addicted will still be there, despite the fact that our 401K%26#39;s look like 101B%26#39;s.

Suggestion (as above): bring a cooler as luggage filled with food which will save on meals. We will bring oatmeal and a hotpot, for example for breakfast and peanut butter and jelly for lunch, as well as instant soups.

We like going out for dinner - but if you are budget minded, the Murray Hotel has a fairly priced all you can eat pizza and salad buffet (our kids love it).

Renting bikes is very expensive and it is great having them at all times!!

Be careful!! I have substituted as Island doctor a few times - and there are accidents (usually people suddenly stopping for one more picture without looking behind them - if you are careful - you will be fine).

Living like a Ann Arbor-ite?

During our weekend in Ann Arbor, do you have a suggestions on places to go or things that do that are very %26#39;Ann Arborish%26#39;? In other words, we are really trying to get a feel for the place and what it might be like to spend an extended time there. Parks everyone visits, restros everyone loves, food that is a specialty there, shopping, anything you can think of that will give a real taste of the area. Thanks E~ ps Please feel free to correct my Ann Arborite label - it was a wild guess:)

Living like a Ann Arbor-ite?

For food, Zingerman%26#39;s! The bakery is fabulous (in Kerrytown) and the smokehouse is an excellent restaurant choice (off of Stadium on the West side of town or is that that south side of town?) You will be amazed by the service at the Smokehouse. If you want to try a certain barbequed meat with a certain sauce, they bring you a sample. You want to try a certain beer, the bring you a sample. Absolutely wonderful.

Main Street in Ann Arbor is also wonderful. The restaurants are excellent and the area is vibrant.

I have never lived in Ann Arbor but my husband grew up there and my mother-in-law still lives there. We love these areas so much.

Moms

Living like a Ann Arbor-ite?

I almost forgot to mention Cottage Inn Pizza, the original location downtown. Great atmosphere and good pizza. I also like their Greek Salad. Moms

How many of you are there, and what ages? (Little kids, potential college students, newlyweds, retirees, etc.)

Lots of Ann Arborites head downtown for dinners out, though there are lots of neighborhood restaurants too. And yep, Ann Arborite is what I%26#39;ve always heard, though I%26#39;m an import to the city. :)

If you%26#39;ve got good weather parks to hit include Gallup, Nichols Arboretum, various woods areas (Bird Park, Dolph Park, Eberwhite Woods).

If you want evening entertainment, see what%26#39;s playing at Hill Auditorium, Lydia Mendelssohn Theater, Michigan Theater, State Theater, Performance Network, The Ark, The Firefly Club, and Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea (about 20 minutes from Ann Arbor, owned by actor Jeff Daniels).

If you want to get a feel for student life as well, head to the area around State and Liberty and also to South University just east of the main campus area for fun shops and restaurants.

Another fun way to get a feel for living here (if it%26#39;s up your alley) is to check out the programs being offered by the public library. There%26#39;s something pretty much every evening, and plenty of really entertaining options, all free. www.aadl.org for more info. Even if the programming doesn%26#39;t suit your needs, three of the branches (Pittsfield, Mallet%26#39;s Creek, and Traverwood) are architecturally interesting if you happen to be in the neighborhoods. And on weekends (but not year round) there%26#39;s a used book store in the basement of the downtown library. www.faadl.org for more info.

If you%26#39;re heading to a movie at Quality 16 on Jackson Road, Carlyle Grill right out in front is our go-to restaurant (movie night or not). Lots of good food at reasonable prices.

For shopping, there%26#39;s certainly the mall, but I avoid it like the plague. We%26#39;ve got plenty of big-box stores on the edges of town and two Whole Foods stores, both of which are very nice. Trader Joe%26#39;s on Stadium is also a good choice for food. But if I%26#39;m just shopping shopping (less for clothes, more for other stuff), downtown it is!

Do you knit? There are a few nice yarn shops in town.

Quilt? Viking Sewing center on Jackson Ave has tons of fabric.

Another recommendation for nice weather, if you%26#39;re really thinking of moving here, is to pick a neighborhood each day and drive there. Park your car, and just get out and walk through the streets. Great way to find a place with the right vibe for you.

If you%26#39;ve got more specific questions, just ask!

Fantastic suggestions. I can%26#39;t believe I forgot the Library!! It is a major hangout where ever we live and my MIL is a librarian. Duh!

We are a couple of old folks and a propective UM student. Also, my husband may been ask to take a job nearby in the next year or so. That makes this a fact finding mission for living as well as for college. We have a campus tour set up but are spending 3 days in the area to see if we would ever consider that job.

Thanks for all your help. Looks like it will be a busier visit than I thought. E~

That would be %26#39;has been%26#39; rather than %26#39;may been%26#39;. Been a long week!:)

If the weather is decent, you have to take a walk in the Nichols Arboretum. Another local%26#39;s favorite is the Washtenaw Dairy (at least when it%26#39;s warm). On campus, check out the Law Library and maybe the Rackham Graduate school, both for the architecture. In the evening, I can highly recommend any concert in Hill Auditorium on campus- best is when the music is without amplifiers (e.g. classical music or jazz). Their cheapest seats are only $10 all the way on the back- you won%26#39;t see much, but the acoustics is out of this world! Check out the website of the University Musical Society for the program and ticket availability.

Zingermann%26#39;s is an Ann Arbor institution- not cheap and often crowded at lunch (at least the Kerrytown location), but the food is definitely good. ';Zingermann%26#39;s sSmokehouse'; on the west side of town is one of my favorite restaurants in AA- skip the drinks, eat some of the free bread and it won%26#39;t break your bank account by any means. For really cheap eats, try Krazy Mike%26#39;s Blimpy burgers (unless you are afraid of clogged arteries) or the not-so-clean-but-funky Fleetwood Diner on Ashley and Liberty (their ';hippy breakfast'; is good).

There are many upscale restaurants to chose from around mainstreet. I find them too expensive and head instead to Grizzly Peaks brew pub, where both food and beer are tasty and reasonably priced. For drinks after dinner, try Ashley%26#39;s- they have an impressive selection of beers and whiskeys. Connor o%26#39;Neill%26#39;s Irish pub on Mainstreet gets rather lively later in the evening on weekends.

I grew up in AA... we call ourselves ';townies';. Townies also live ';in the circle'; which means inside the highways that ring AA.

I%26#39;m glad folks have mentioned the libraries as they are a big part of AA. Other nice places are the UM Botanical Gardens and the UM Natural History Museum.

Great casual townie restaurants are Casey%26#39;s Tavern (by the train station), Red Hawk (on State ST) also Pizza House (on Church St). Great fancy restaurants are Gandy Dancer, Earle and West End Grill.

Did anyone mention the great Farmer%26#39;s Market?

I actually can%26#39;t believe I didn%26#39;t mention the Farmers%26#39; Market, though it%26#39;s primarily a destination from mid-May through frost. I%26#39;ve walked through there in mid-summer practically in tears because it%26#39;s so gorgeous!

Even if you visit town before the growing season is in full swing, you%26#39;ll likely find maple syrup, honey, baked goods, early crops (chives and whatnot) and plenty else to make it worth a visit (not to mention it%26#39;s a stone%26#39;s throw from Zingerman%26#39;s Deli and the People%26#39;s Food Co-op).

Thanks so much for all of the information. Mid-March may not be the best time to visit but it%26#39;s the time we have so we will take advantage of the things that are available. Looks like we will be spoiled for choice on places to eat. Between food and a good book sale, we should be a happy bunch. If everyone is so friendly and helpful as you lot, this should be a great trip! E~

I also grew up in A2. One of my best friends who still lives there hosts an annual %26#39;townie party%26#39; every year in Dec. Anybody here go to Goody%26#39;s event?

My recollections of my younger days included hanging out on the Diag and South U. Favorite Pizza was the Cottage Inn on Washington. The Arb is a great place to go wandering. Kerrytwon and the weekend Farmers Market are the best in the fall. Mostly I miss the Pretzel Bell and the Village Bell. The university dominates the culture there and the campus is mingled within the entire city, but mostly on the east side of town. Visiting the campus will also give you an introduction to most of A2.

white hair

concert at Van Andel arena

hello

I am not very familiar with the area and have some questions.

I am going to take my kids to see Taylor Swift in Oct

at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Is it downtown and in a safe place?

Where should we stay overnight when there after the concert? any suggestions would be great.

Also can we just walk from hotel or should we take a taxi????

any input?

thanks kim

concert at Van Andel arena

I am sure others will chime in here. I have been to Van Andel for concerts and the area is safe.

The specifics have been been discussed on the forum previously so you may want to do a quck search.

Here is a link to one of the most recent posts;

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g42256-i881-k25268…

concert at Van Andel arena

Yes it is right in the middle of town. I would agree that the immediate area around the arena is safe. I wouldn’t want to venture too far to the south from there, maybe a few blocks. To the north you%26#39;ll be fine. The Courtyard Marriott is nearly across the street and the new JW Marriott and Amway Grand are connected to the arena by an enclosed bridge so I wouldn’t think you’d need a taxi. Those are just the three hotels I’m familiar with. There are also many places to eat from casual on up. It really is a good set up for shows.

thanks for your input

i will try those hotels

kim

DTW airport Parking Online Reservation

Hi,

I planned my trip on coming days and I would like to park my car in private parking lots near DTW airport. Is any online parking reservation available? Is it so necessary to reserve parking or can i drive and park without reservation?

Request you to help me if any of you did online reservation of parking.

Can we use cupoun if we do online reservation?

Many thanks in advance.

DTW airport Parking Online Reservation

You do not need a reservation, particularly these days when air travel is down.

There are a number of lots around Metro. Personally, though I have tried others, I prefer US Park on Middlebelt Road about 1/3 mile south of I-94. The worst place to park is in the airport garages, unless you enjoy scavenger hunts for a parking place and like to schlep your bags long distances to the terminal.. . .and to pay more for the ';privilege';.

Discount coupons are available for US Park (and other lots). Also, your employer may have a deal with them (it pays to check). Mine and many others do. All that I do is give them a business card with my ticket and the rate drops to $7.50 daily; have used them since the 1980s and twice just within the last 10 days.

DTW airport Parking Online Reservation

No need to prepay or reserve - you pay when you exit the lot after your trip. US Park is on Middlebelt while Airlines Parking and Qwik Park are on Merriman (north of the airport). Look for coupons in the coupon mailers, Free Press/News, or on their websites. US Park had the best deal recently with a free day coupon and $9/day for additional days. Make sure you leave plenty of time if you are traveling during spring break peaks - lots can fill up and they either move you to remote lots which can add a little time.

Thoughts on the hotel I booked: Holiday Inn Express

Hello,

I have been reading all about Mackinaw hotels, I tried to stay away from the ';traveladvisor'; and ';mackinaw-city.com'; and ';Chamber of tourism'; crap.

I have a 4th floor King mini suite ath the Holiday Inn Express booked for the last weekend of the Lilac Festival. From the forums, it seems to be a decent hotel, but from the reviews, I%26#39;m getting worried. Only 2 people are going, which is why I sprung for the Mini Suite.

Is this a decent hotel, or am I in for a terrible surprise? Is road noise an issue, so reviews said it is, some said it wasn%26#39;t.

Any info is very much appreciated!

Thanks!

Thoughts on the hotel I booked: Holiday Inn Express

I%26#39;ve never stayed there, but it is close to the freeway. Personally I prefer to be on the water. We always stay at the Clearwater Lakeshore.

Thoughts on the hotel I booked: Holiday Inn Express

I have stayed at the HI Express. It is a very nice hotel. It is not located near the water but nothing is far away. You are perhaps a 10 minute walk to the main street in Mackinaw City and a 15 minute walk to Shepler%26#39;s Ferry. While the highway entrance to the Mackinaw Bridge is outside the hotel, I would not say there is a lot of traffic noise. The Mackinaw Bridge is not a bridge that is used in the way major commuter bridges are used in major cities. Yes, there is some traffic but it is not obtrusive.

I liked the hotel. I hope you will too. Moms

I%26#39;ve heard nothing but good things about the Holiday Inn Express. The only reason I haven%26#39;t stayed there, is that I have been able to stay more interesting places for less money.

I have stayed in a forth floor suite...

it was the first one across from the elevator. It was very nice, with a jacuzzi in one bathroom, living room, wet bar with sink fridge microwave, bedroom with two beds and another bathroom. Living room had a balcony and bedroom had a balcony. Living room also had a fireplace. There was no view really, but I liked to sit out there. The staff seemed nice, and I didn%26#39;t mind not being near the ';action';. I would go again if I%26#39;m headed out that way.

Hello. We have not stayed at this hotel, but did have a great experience at the Holiday Inn Express in St. Ignace. If you don%26#39;t mind a ride across the bridge (fabulous views) check this out. We had a room with a balcony literally on the water, with a view of Mackinac Island in the backgound. It was less $$ then also than staying in Mackinaw City. Boats to and from St. Ignace and the Island were also less crowded. Park in Mackinaw city and walk around the touristy areas, then move on to a quieter area.

Also just want to mention there is a park with a lighthouse at the foot of the bridge in Mackinaw City. GREAT place for a picnic. Cannot beat the view. Enjoy.

Fish & chips

Best Place for Fish %26amp; Chips?

Fish %26amp; chips

doesn%26#39;t anyone eat Fish %26amp; chips around gr?

Fish %26amp; chips

Graydon%26#39;s Crossing. There%26#39;s one on Plainfield near leonard and one in Gaslight Village in East Grand Rapids.

Delicious pub grub!

Kris

colorstay

Directions to Children's Hospital of Michigan

How do I get to Children%26#39;s Hosp of Michigan without taking I-75 freeway since it%26#39;s closed until end of 2009? My son has a dr appt on 6/25/09.

Thank you

Directions to Children's Hospital of Michigan

Where are you coming from? It says Dearborn Heights so that is what I%26#39;m going to assume. I75 is still open by the hospital, if you%26#39;re taking I94 East, take that to 75 South and take 75 to the Mac exit. The hospital will be to your right as your exit 75 onto Mac.

Others may have better directions for you so look for updated on here.

Directions to Children's Hospital of Michigan

I go to Children’s Hospital 4 times a year from Livonia and I go a little different then most because I-94 is a nightmare in the morning. I take 96 East to 75 North (it is open here) – stay in the left 2 lanes of I 75 and get off at Gratiot (exit 51) and make a hard right on Gratiot (South). Take that to Russell Street (maybe 2 blocks up at most) and turn right through Eastern Market. Go to Mack Ave (Milano%26#39;s bakery will be on your right) and turn left – you will come right up to the street going to the hospital on the right after you cross back over the freeway. Parking in the structure is $2.50.

networking

Directions to Children's Hospital of Michigan

How do I get to Children%26#39;s Hosp of Michigan without taking I-75 freeway since it%26#39;s closed until end of 2009? My son has a dr appt on 6/25/09.

Thank you

Directions to Children's Hospital of Michigan

This is posted twice so I thought I would answer twice in hope that it helps. :o)

I go to Children’s Hospital 4 times a year from Livonia and I go a little different then most because I-94 is a nightmare in the morning. I take 96 East to 75 North (it is open here) – stay in the left 2 lanes of I 75 and get off at Gratiot (exit 51) and make a hard right on Gratiot (South). Take that to Russell Street (maybe 2 blocks up at most) and turn right through Eastern Market. Go to Mack Ave (Milano%26#39;s bakery will be on your right) and turn left – you will come right up to the street going to the hospital on the right after you cross back over the freeway. Parking in the structure is $2.50.

Island Ferries receive mainenance in winter

I found this article in the St. Ignace News to be interesting: stignacenews.com/news/…052.html

Also a recent article said that the airport on the Island will have its runway redone. Probably in September and October of 2010. During that period, the Mackinac Island Airport will be unavailable.

The article said that during the construction, planes would have to land in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City. You would think the staff of the paper would know that there hasn%26#39;t been an airport in Mackinaw City since it was turined into a golf course many years ago.

Island Ferries receive mainenance in winter

Thanks for posting this info, Light. It was very interesting for me to read. I enjoy those kind of articles. Always want to know what goes on way up north during the winter! Thanks again for telling us about it.

Island Ferries receive mainenance in winter

Thanks LHL2! Good insight into what happens in the winter months. I had wondered if they had moved the boats or kept them there. I%26#39;m kind of surprised that the ice doesn%26#39;t pose a problem for the Star Line boats. Thanks.

I had read an article in the %26#39;Island News%26#39; about the airport and the desire to removed the %26#39;hump%26#39; from the runway that reduces pilot visibility. There was also other work to be done and there was concern of it costing considerably more than what they had originally budgeted.

Just noticed that Arnold Line resumes service to Mackinac Island on Tuesday, March 31. Spring has arrived!

Ford Field

Can anyone tell me how many seats across are in section 331 %26amp; 333. I have Final Four tickets for section 331 row 1 seats 19/20 and section 333 row 7 seats 25/26.

Thanks!

Ford Field

I%26#39;m going to guess 25-30. The only reason I know is that at the last Lions game of the season I was sitting in a suite and the on-field performance was so bad I started counting how many people were actually in the stadium. (Yes, the Lions are that bad). I think I counted 25 seats X 8 rows in section 232 or 233 across from where I was sitting. FWIW, my count was 25 people in 200 seats.

You might want to take a look at stubhub or some of the other online ticket scalpers, um I mean brokers. Look at the other sections of the same size and see what the highest seat numbers available are.

Ford Field

Check out seatdata:

seatdata.com/html/…section_nfl_lions_331.htm

seatdata.com/html/…section_nfl_lions_333.htm

331 seems to have more seat across than the other sections. Plus, it shows your view from the section you will be sitting in.

WOW, that is a great view, thanks!

Go MSU! Izzo can still lead the Spartans to the promised land!

We are Mizzou fans and hope you win tonight against our arch rival, KS. If you don%26#39;t end up making it though and we are fortunate enough to make it to the Final Four, let me know if you want to sell your tickets. Thank you!!

Woodland Creek Guest Suites

We came out last summer and rented an executive guest suite for a week at the Woodland Creek Guest Suites. It was really an apartment complex that offered a few deluxe fully furnished units that they rent by the week. We absolutely loved the place. It was extremely clean, had a lovely tree view (our location was in a corner unit on the 2nd floor with a balcony) with 2 bedrooms, a living area, a full kitchen and an assigned parking space and all the amenites of a hotel except room service and a restaurant. The rate was approx. $520 for the full week. Most of the hotel suites we had priced out were twice the price, so since you asked about inexpensive units - this would be a good choice. I found them by going online and doing a search for weekly rentals. I would recommend a car for this property as most likely you would not be able to get around without one, althought the location is close to the airport. We are going back to GR again for a Heritage camp, but I just need a room, not an apartment, so I also need a room recommendation. Enjoy your trip to the US!

Woodland Creek Guest Suites

The above response was a reply to someone who was traveling to the US to visit GR, but I guess I sent as a new topic rather than a reply? Just thought I should clarify! If anyone has any questions about our experience, I%26#39;d be happy to comment!

student coming to Holland

Hi,

I am a student from England coming to Holland in May for a month to visit Hope University. I was wondering what the weather would be like at that time of year and any other information that I might need to know?

Thank You.

student coming to Holland

';I was wondering what the weather would be like at that time of year%26#39;

Well, here in Michigan it can range from cold to hot in matter of hours.

Heck we have snow forecasted for tomorrow !

You%26#39;ll just have to pack a variety of clothes or buy them here as needed.

Hopefully May should be warming up into the 60%26#39;s or so.

student coming to Holland

I would agree with Greg and maybe even 70%26#39;s. I attended Hope in the late 70%26#39;s and one May term it was in the 90%26#39;s. Michigan can vary greatly.

';Heck we have snow forecasted for tomorrow !';

And we got it !

A winter wonderland in the spring. : (

Hello Jennijayne,

Welcome to the Michigan Forum.

Last year in Holland, Michigan the average temperature for May was 55° F (12.8° C).

The average High temperature was 65° F (18.3° C).

The average Low temperature was 45° F (7.2° C).

I got this information from Weather Underground web site -

wunderground.com/history/…MonthlyHistory.html

Hope College is about 7 miles (11 km) East of Lake Michigan and that effects the weather to.

What people usually do is layer what they wear so they can adjust to the different weather during the day.

Wear a t-shirt, over that have on a shirt, then a light jacket or sweat shirt and then have a heavier jacket near by.

Michigan is a bit weird weather wise. You can be one place and the temperature is 77° F (25° C) and you travel for about 10 minutes and it might be 50° F (10° C). If you are traveling in a car and the weather is warm where you are, you should still take a jacket with you. Better to have something warmer to wear then not have it.

Lake Macatawa is near Hope College and this lake goes all the way from the college to Lake Michigan.

You are near some other nice bigger cities. A few are Saugatuck, 12 miles (19 km) away. Grand Rapids, 30 miles (48 km) away.

Just remember that you don%26#39;t have to pack all kinds of clothes, you can always buy a few things while you are here.

colorstay

extension to sqltableprovider

Best Beach Hotel for family w/young children

Looking to book something on the beach in July, but alot that I am seeing is $250 and up a night. I am trying to go on a long weekend trip (3 nights). Any opinions on the Beach Haus or the Sands? They didn%26#39;t seem as expensive as some of the other larger ones. Any other suggestions?

Best Beach Hotel for family w/young children

July rates will be at the summer high mark. Both the Beach Haus and Sands have been here forever and seem to hold their own in the face of new motel/property development. I%26#39;d go with the Beach Haus over the Sands. You may find some more reasonable rates ';off the beach';.

Best Beach Hotel for family w/young children

I would definitely try other hotels in the area, and then go to the State Park beach ($8 a day access fee or an annual $25? These might be changing before summer starts though..). Or, there are several great beaches (Clinch Park) in the city of TC itself you could park at and use. I%26#39;d also go with the Beach Haus over the Sands. If you want some other off beach hotel suggestions, let us know.

Horses arriving and leaving Mackinac Island

I can%26#39;t remember who had asked about the horses in a previous post but I found the website where they can watch a short video of the horses leaving. It is mackinacisland.org There are some topics at the bottom of the page. Just click on videos and you will find the one about the horses. There are others that you may be interested in watching.

Horses arriving and leaving Mackinac Island

I went to the web site and have been on it for over 30 minutes-LOL. Enjoyed many of the videos. Thanks for that link and letting us know about the videos.

North Terminal meeting spots?

Are there any shops/restaurants BEFORE the security check-points in the North Terminal? I%26#39;m hoping to meet up with some old friends at DTW when I pass through, but I haven%26#39;t flown out of this terminal before. I have no idea where we could meet on site for lunch or a drink.

I%26#39;ve met up with people at the Westin, but I don%26#39;t know how to easy it is to get from one terminal to the other.

(On a side note, I did see the McNamara Terminal on a layover a couple of years ago and wow what an upgrade from the old airport!)

If anyone has information or suggestions I would greatly appreciate them!

North Terminal meeting spots?

Haven%26#39;t yet flown out of the North Terminal, TrnrGrl18, but the link below shows a Legends Bar %26amp; a Coffee Beanery located on the lower level of the Terminal at baggage claim.

All other possible meeting places are beyond the security checks so rule themselves out.

metroairport.com/services/NorthTerminal.asp

Need a rental car?

Coming in for the final four, staying in Troy. Advice on rental car or not.

Thanks!!

Need a rental car?

Yes, as a practical matter you will need a car, either a rental or a friend with one.

I wouldn%26#39;t recommend a bus during your visit here but it technically is possible to take a bus from the principal shopping center in Troy (Somerset Collection) to Ford Field in downtown Detroit and return. Travel time each way is about 75 minutes, if the bus is running on time.

If you are flying to Detroit, you will need a rental car or other transportation from the airport to Troy anyway. Please remember that Troy is a long distance from the airport and that there is no convenient public transportation to Troy. Taxis and town cars are available at the airport (with tip, figure nearly $100 each way for a taxi). Honestly, a rental car probably would be a lot less expensive (unless they really jack up the prices for the Final Four week-end) and a lot more convenient.

Technically, it is possible to take multiple buses (transfer) and to get to Troy from the airport. I doubt that many posters on this forum ever have done it. It also is possible to take a bus from the airport to downtown Detroit and then transfer to a northbound bus to Troy. Either way, it would be about a 2.5 to 3 hour trip, not counting wait time for the bus from the airport.

Not sure where you will be staying in Troy, but if you want to bus it to the games, you will have to walk, taxi or get a ride to the Troy bus stop as well. The easiest is at the Somerset Collection (the large shopping mall in Troy).

If the above hasn%26#39;t discouraged you and you really want to take the bus, check out www.smartbus.org. Good luck!

Need a rental car?

Yes I agree that you should get a car. Taxis from the airport to Troy and then Troy to downtown Detroit would cost you more than renting a car for an entire weekend would.

I hate to say this, but the best deal I could recommend would be to take one of those package flight/car rental deals through whatever discount site you booked your flight through. I know Orbitz, Priceline, etc... let you add on to your deal and they do offer some drastically reduced rental car rates. Just be prepared at the car rental desk to be influenced to purchase expensive insurance packages.

Re that insurance, your credit cards might cover the high deductibles that the rental car companies want to charge you for. You should double-check with the credit card issuers to see if your card qualifies. Not all do.

Whoa...thanks for all the info. Definitely don%26#39;t want to spend $100 on a taxi first thing. We added a car to our reservation. Can%26#39;t wait to see all the action.

Go Heels! (and Mich. St.)

Hey Carolinagirl73,

you might want to try enterprise. There was something on the NCAA%26#39;s site with a special code. We booked our car on Saturday and were able to get a rental for like $32 a day. That is really good considering everywhere else I looked was around $75/80.

If you don%26#39;t want to deal with finding a place to park (and pay) right near the stadium, you might check with Nemo%26#39;s. It%26#39;s a bar/restaurant with secure parking. They run their own shuttle buses constantly back %26amp; forth to the stadiums. They%26#39;ve been doing this forever, and do it well.

I don%26#39;t know what they%26#39;re planning re the non-game events associates with Final Four.

You%26#39;ll pay ~$7 for a burger %26amp; fries of fish %26amp; chips or whatever, and another $3 (plus tip) for the shuttle service. Plus drinks of course ...

http://www.yelp.com/biz/nemos-bar-detroit

Have a great time!

Tapawingo closing :(

I just popped onto the Tapawingo website to drool at the menu and saw the announcement that it is closing due to the economy. Very sad. They will be missed.

Tapawingo closing :(

OMG! I am so sorry to hear that. Even though my family affectionately renamed it ';Tap-a-Wallet';, I always loved that there was a restaurant of that quality in little Ellsworth...actually two. Is the Rowe Inn OK? I certainly hope so as I have enjoyed both over the years.

Thanks for the information. Moms

Tapawingo closing :(

A double whamy. High gas prices last year kept the tourist season in check, and now with the current environment he problably just didn%26#39;t see things getting better. We%26#39;ve eaten there a few times but I doubt we%26#39;d spring to go again. Unfortunately we%26#39;ve lost a couple of favorite restaurants in our area as well. Sign of the times I guess.

Wow, I was shocked when I read your post, and Mom has said it well, as well as Rono. Not surprised though, not really. A few of our favorites in our area have closed also. Eventually, better times will return. Let us hope so, anyway!

Here is the qoute from the Tapawingo website for anyone interested...

After an emotional decision process, I am announcing the closing of Tapawingo. The downward trend in our economy over the past few years has made it increasingly difficult to maintain the style and standards for which I have wanted Tapawingo to be known and remembered.

I am very grateful for all the loyal regulars who have supported Tapawingo for the past 25 years, and I am especially thankful for all my friends and associates, many of them, a core local staff that have taken so much pride in the restaurant. They have been the continuity that made it possible to maintain a restaurant of quality and creativity. I am greatly beholden to them all.

I have never tired of driving down that gravel driveway into Tapawingo, whether observing the gardens and the lake, or that winter mound of snow in the parking lot I called Mt. Ellsworth. I have been very fortunate to have called that my home and workplace for all these years.

I would love to see the restaurant continue, and I do think that it is possible. I would be happy to help “transition” some tenacious/creative person into a renewed Tapawingo with, perhaps, a more casual menu and limited season.

If anyone has an interest in acquiring the restaurant as a business, or for a private residence, feel free to send a message to me at: tapdining@aol.com

Again, I am sincerely grateful to those who appreciated and supported the twenty-five years of Tapawingo.

Chef/Owner, Chef ';Pete'; Peterson

Food excellent. Service fantastic. Noise from a table of twelve sitting next to you, horrible. $100.00 per person charge, way too high.

ie tab

Restaurant w/ private dining room for 15-20

I am in search of a restaurant to host my mother%26#39;s 50th birthday dinner in March and I am looking for some help. Below are the criteria that I am searching for...

Area: Wayne, Westland, Dearborn, Canton, Livonia, Plymouth, Northville, Novi

Space: restaurent w/ private dining room for 15-20 people

Atmosphere: nothing too pretentious or stuffy. nice warm casual relaxed environment

Food type: american or italian food

Price: $20 pp (drinks not included)

Entertainment: Would be wonderful if there was a bar with music/live band that we could migrate to after dinner but not necessary

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Restaurant w/ private dining room for 15-20

Let me think about this a little more.

This place may be a little more than you%26#39;re wanting to spend, but check it out.

BRAVO! in Livonia on Haggerty Rd just north of 6 Mile.

My other suggestion would be Giulios on Plymouth Rd in Livonia, but I don%26#39;t think they have a private room. We had a private work party there a few years ago for about 25 people and they handled everything very well. We didn%26#39;t have anything closed off though. I think one time when I was there, there was a private party going on and they had it blocked off with individual room dividers.

Oo! Oo! One more...Ernestos in Plymouth. I haven%26#39;t been there in awhile, but we had a work function there many moons ago in a private room with fireplace in the lower level.

Restaurant w/ private dining room for 15-20

Have you ever been to Bucca Di Beppo? We recently had dinner with 15 people at the pope table. It%26#39;s separate but not totally private. You%26#39;ll have to check, but I think they can seat up to 20-22 at the table. We ordered 3 main courses, two salads, garlic bread, wine, and soft drinks. The bill came to about $200. It%26#39;s a round table with a lazy susan and a bust of the pope in the middle. The sound in the room was amazing, we could hear everyone without screaming across the table. It was also nice to sit at a round table rather than at long tables where you don%26#39;t get to talk to half of the people.

Thanks for the great suggestions. Buca sounds great. I%26#39;ll definitely check into it

I am steering clear of Bravo because the two times we ate there the food was bland %26amp; way over cooked and the service was poor. Hopefully it was a fluke both times but it really left a bad impression especially for the price.

Station 885 in Plymouth has a nice room. I don%26#39;t know how many people you need to reserve it.

Just wanted to post an update...

We ended up hosting our party at Champps in Livonia and they did a spectacular job. The room was semi-private, the food portions were huge and most importantly the service was phenomenal. Also we thought the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this place for birthday parties, retirement parties, wedding rehearsals, etc. Thanks to those who gave suggestions.

Glad to see you had a nice time. I would have not even thought about them.

colorstay

Easter Monday

What is open for shopping on this day in Traverse City. Booked a couple of nights and then realized things might be closed. Thanks for your help

Easter Monday

I would assume most stores would be open on the Monday after Easter, after all, it is no longer the typical Spring Break time for schools. I would say back to business as usual, except for a few restaurants that are always closed on Mondays.

Easter Monday

No unusual closures for Easter Monday... business as usual. Spring break, for TC, will be over.. and, hopefully, spring will be here.

Easter Monday isn%26#39;t a holiday in the States.

Can you speak to restaurants that would be open on Easter Sunday?%26gt;

I couldn%26#39;t be completely certain on all restaurants in TC.. but here is a link to their phone numbers www.downtowntc.com/merchants/restaurants/ . I just left one of our newer (and I think better) ones, Phil%26#39;s On Front Street, and they%26#39;ll be open for sure. Some usual recommendations are: Apache Trout Grill, Stella, Amical, Red Ginger. Enjoy your planning.

spbill - thank you so much. What is Phil%26#39;s like? I am from Sault Ste. Marie and I go to Traverse City at least 2x%26#39;s a year and have done so for about 20years. Usually it is just for shopping with my mom or to Great Wolf with the kids. This trip is with my husband and we are staying at the Park Place and then casino each for one night (we have never stayed at either property) - we know there are better places but we are VERY careful when it comes to our consumption of alcoholic beverages and driving. Given that we are planning on some cocktails and enjoyable dining and then some ching ching we decided to stay within walking distance only of our past times :)) I am doing a couple hours of shopping but other then that we will be downtown so I hope a few places are open for us to check out. Any comments on new places would be much appreciated. Thanks

MJ

colorstay

eating after a show

We are going to see the Lion King in the afternoon. Are there any good kid friendly places to grab dinner after the show?

Something local perhaps instead of chain. But we aren%26#39;t opposed to the ';rainforest'; type dinning joint.

eating after a show

Well, for something very local and beloved by most MSU alums, try El Azteco on Ann Street. Tasty Mexican food with a lovely roof top dining room if the weather permits. I must admit that I miss the old dingy basement location on MAC but the new location is still pretty good.

My kids love Japanese Hibachi Steak Houses and there is one on Grand River Avenue in Okemos called Ukai. It is so fun to watch the chef cook your food in front of us. www.iloveukai.com

My kids also love Noodles and Company on Grand River in East Lansing. There Mac and Cheese is delicious! This is a more casual restaurant, you order then sit down and they bring you your food. http://www.noodles.com/

Another favorite is the Pizza House on South Hagadorn. The atmosphere is nice and the pasta and pizza delicious. www.pizzahouse.com

Hope these recommendations help! I love the Lion King. It is a truly wonderful show. You are so good to expose your kids to this experience! Moms

eating after a show

Thanks for the quick response. We have a noodles and co near us and we go EVERY saturday after tennis lessons! We love mexican so we will most likely end up there!

Thanks!

I have two kids at MSU so we%26#39;ve gone to a number of shows at Wharton. We always go to Pizza House before or after the show.

Petoskey in September

I am one of five women who take a weekend trip in the fall. This year we would like to try staying at a cottage or little house on the lake near Petoskey. Normally we do the motel/hotel thing. We would like to be right on the lake, so we can enjoy beach walking, the views etc. Does anyone know where we can find such a weekend rental that doesn%26#39;t cost an arm and a leg? Thanks.

LauraBelle7

Petoskey in September

I would suggest contacting local realtors. In Harbor Springs, Graham Real Estate dominates most of the market.

Petoskey in September

You could look at Bay Harbor as a possibility. Not sure what you would consider an ';arm %26amp; a leg.';

The other possibility is to check the rentals available at Vaction Rentals By Owner. CLick on Michigan then Northwest.

www.vrbo.com

Glad to hear you%26#39;re coming to Petoskey for your girls%26#39; weekend! I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll find the area a perfect fit for your group.

Are you looking for a rental on Lake Michigan, or one of the Inland Lakes in the area?

Any public POOLS in any area between Ludington & Muskegon??

Hi! Kids %26amp; I will be in the Shelby/Hart, MI area for a couple days in April. Does anyone know if there are any public INDOOR POOLS around? I called the Muskegon YMCA %26amp; they said they don%26#39;t sell guest passes.....so is there maybe a community pool anywhere else? THANKS

Any public POOLS in any area between Ludington %26amp; Muskegon??

Wow, can%26#39;t think of any in that area.

Grand Haven does have a high school pool that the public can use at a cost.

Any public POOLS in any area between Ludington %26amp; Muskegon??

I found this in Scottsville which is near Ludington

https:/…about

Lebanese restaurant on Schaefer Road

I%26#39;ve heard there%26#39;s a very good restaurant on Schaefer named Cedarland or something along that line.

Can someone help with the correct name? Thanks so much!

Lebanese restaurant on Schaefer Road

There is a Cederland at 13007 W Warren Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126 (313) 582-4849, which is just east of Schaefer Rd.

Lebanese restaurant on Schaefer Road

Personally I think that Al-ameer on warren ave. is alot better.

upper peninsula private campgrounds

looking for any suggestions on camping in private campgrounds in the upper peninsula area.

upper peninsula private campgrounds

Hello sharonq56,

Welcome to the Michigan Forum.

There are hundreds of campgrounds in the UP. The Upper Peninsula takes up 1/3 of the state of Michigan. What type of campground are you looking for? What are your interest.

Is there a reason you are looking for a private campground?

In the UP there are Private, Public and State campgrounds that maybe what you want to.

upper peninsula private campgrounds

I forgot to ask what time of the year were you looking at to go camping?

Another question - Do you plan to camp in Tents or an RV.

The rate I am going I will have more posts them you.

we will be camping middle of august -- we are camping in a travel trailer w/no bathroom - we prefer private over state parks because of the bathroom set up - unless you can recommend state parks which have full bathrooms available - also looking for lakefront sites

Here are a few web sites that have camping information.

http://www.uptravelplanner.com/UPtravel/2008/

superiortrails.com/up-camping-munising.html

http://hunts-upguide.com/campgrounds.html

www.exploringthenorth.com/camp/grounds.html

michigan.org/Places-to-Stay/…Default.aspx

campgroundinfo.com/…20Campgrounds.htm

Here is a place in Curtis, Michigan

Log Cabin Resort and campground

http://www.uplogcabin.com/

In Copper Harbor check out the Lake Fanny Hooe Resort (private) and Fort Wilkins State Park.

thanks for advice - looking to check out big cedar campground in germfask - any feedback?

girl in class

millies restaurant

why did they close up on west rd and change name to

rams horn?

Lunch @ the Whitney

Looking to possibly do lunch at the Whitney next weekend while in Detroit.

What is the dress code for lunch?

I would prefer to be in jeans, would that be acceptable?

If not, we can lunch somewhere else.

Lunch @ the Whitney

Hello 24fan,

I just called The Whitney after checking out their web site. The person on the phone was very friendly.

http://www.thewhitney.com/index.htm

(313) 832-5700

They said the dress code is Business Casual. I asked about blue jeans and they said that would be find, just as long as they are not cut-offs.

They said making a reservation is preferred but not necessary.

The place looks really cool on the web. I see on Sunday they are having a Motown Brunch from 11 - 2:30 pm. The cost is $34 for adults. It is a buffet that you can go back to as many times as you want and non-alcoholic drinks are also included in the price.

Lunch @ the Whitney

Thx

Detroit Greyhound Station

I am thinking about taking a trip and I would have to switch buses at the Detroit Station around midnight.

I would be going alone and worried about safety.

Has anyone been there before at night? Is it secure?

Do you wait inside or outside?

Thanks for any help

Detroit Greyhound Station

According to their website, its open 24/7/365. Its not in the greatest part of town but its not that bad either. In my experience riding greyhound its not always the highest class customers that uses their services but as long as its inside and you%26#39;re not there for too long, I would say you are safe.

DETROIT GREYHOUND STA

1001 HOWARD ST

Detroit, MI 48226

Telephone Numbers

Main: 313-961-8011

Baggage: 313-961-6870

Greyhound Package Express: 313-961-9817

Customer Service: 313-961-8005

Greyhound Charter: 800-454-2487

Hours of operation subject to change. Please call to verify hours before making travel arrangements.

Monday-Sunday: 24 hours

Holiday: 24 hours

Detroit Greyhound Station

You should be ok - just be ';heads up'; and aware of what%26#39;s going on around you.

YOu wait inside, BTW.

My little brother is in town for the Championship game and we are trying to find a hotel near the greyhound station for him to stay in because no bus leaves until morning. We don%26#39;t want him spending the night in the station...any last minute help??

Ali815-

Has he already gone this morning; or are you looking for a hotel tonight? If it is tonight or on a later date, what is your price range?

The price range is fairly flexible...we possibly found a room and he did in fact leave for Detroit today. We are still searching though, and he wouldn%26#39;t need to check it until later tonight, or even after the game (around midnight).

Doubletree Ft. Shelby is relatively close and so is the Holiday Inn Express. Farther away (but a short taxi ride or a long walk) are the Hilton Garden Inn, the Courtyard and the new Greektown Casino Hotel ($99 specials advertised). There are other hotels, of course. Some are rather pricey and some others cater to the ';by the hour'; trade; I excluded both categories. Hope this helps.

thank you so much! looking into them right now!

Forgot to mention, but Hotwire is a very good booking source and it offers sharp discounts. Priceline is good as well.

The only problem with Hotwire is that, while their site tells you the area and the star rating for the hotel, it doesn%26#39;t give you the name of the specific property until you book with them. The booking is not refundable.

Most people get around this by writing down the specific amenities of a few hotels (e.g., indoor pool, on-site restaurant, etc.), trying for a luxury place and then using this indirect way to compare hotels and ID the one offered by Hotwire. It is a pain, but I have managed to find deep discounts this way a couple of times.

TC Weather this weekend?

Planning to spend the Easter weekend in TC, and wanted to do a quick check with people in town on what the weather might be looking like.

Seems like it is going to be in the 40s with some sun. Will there still be snow on the ground? Will the trails be walkable?

Thanks

TC Weather this weekend?

It should be considerably better than today, as we%26#39;re getting snow showers right now. This light snow should be gone by the weekend, leaving only a few remaining piles from the winter. Trails will certainly be walkable. I%26#39;m scheduled to walk the ';Brown Bridge Quiet Area'; trails today and this weekend would be much better. Enjoy your walks.

colorstay

kid explain to

Fishing on the inland lakes of Isle Royale

My husband will be traveling to Isle Royale this summer, most likely July. He is interested in fishing info regarding the inland lakes. Any fishermen out there? Specifically Lakes Siskiwit, Woodlake,Intermediate,Richie,Whittlesey,and Chippewa Harbor. Fishing will be from a kayay or canoe with camping along the way. Thanks !

Fishing on the inland lakes of Isle Royale

I wish I could answer this one, that sounds like a fun trip. Something that specific, your going to be better off going to outdoor websites IMO.

Visiting Charlevoix End of April

My husband and I are attending a family wedding at Castle Farms the first weekend in May. We will be arriving 4/30/09. I was wondering if there were any shops/galleries that we shouldn%26#39;t miss, as well as any places to visit. We would love to just drive around and check out the scenery as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Visiting Charlevoix End of April

Scenery will probably be a better bet. You%26#39;re coming %26#39;between seasons%26#39; so many shops and galleries could be closed or light on inventory. Good news though is that crowds won%26#39;t be an issue. Have a good time.

Visiting Charlevoix End of April

I guess I didn%26#39;t anticipate shops being closed. I understand it being between seasons, but I will be disappointed if that is the case.

I%26#39;m not saying they will, but don%26#39;t be surprised if you find some are. Store owners need vacations too.

Take a drive along the shore up to Petoskey. You%26#39;ll find more activity there.

Thanks - we%26#39;ll do that.

Petoskey is a short, nice drive north of Charlevoix. We were there last weekend and a few of the shops were closed but it looked like they would be opening in a few weeks. That said there was still plenty to do in the downtown (gas light district)and lots of places open.

I would spend the morning in Charelvoix visiting what%26#39;s open there and then drive up to Petoskey for lunch and wander there for the afternoon.

Lunch suggestion: City Park Grill in Petoskey

The responses you have received are spot on. You may find some of the shops newly opened but many of them closed after Christmas and will open in time for Memorial Day. Having said that, it well worth your while to spend some time on US-31 (Bridge Street). Wander down the street to see what is open, end up at the Weathervane for a nice lunch overlooking the Pine River. Watch the drawbridge go up and down and, hopefully, watch some majestic boats pass by. I don%26#39;t know if these galleries/stores are open or not, but I love North Seas Gallery, Elements and many others. If American Spoon is open, stop in to taste the delicious sour cherry preserves, a Northern Michigan treat. I also love Otis Pottery on M-66 just south of town, on the way to East Jordan. The owners are wonderful and the work beautiful. On your way to Petoskey, stop by the Crooked Tree Art Center. It is wonderful and frequently has interesting temporary exhibits or shows. I also agree that you may find more shopping open in Petoskey%26#39;s Gaslight district. It, too, is a wonderful little town.

Take care and enjoy your trip! Moms

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I%26#39;m sure we will find plenty to do. We are looking forward to visiting the area.

Great little art gallery south of Charlevoix http://www.biergallery.com/index.htm

That is a great gallery! I always try to stop at any place that has beer. Oh, that%26#39;s Bier. Oops.

Seriously, they do have a great collection of talent there. Well worth a stop.

And if you get up to Petoskey and feel like going farther you can extend the day with a drive around the bay to Harbor Springs. It%26#39;s equally as charming as Charlevoix IMO. However, like Charlevoix, you%26#39;ll find some shops between season with hours and inventory.

Breakfast before the spring game and dinner Friday night

Husband and I will be in Town Saturday morning for the Spring Game. Looking for a place we can get a good breakfast sandwich, probably take out. Not just a bagel with egg, something a little more orignal than that.

Also staying at Webbers Inn and looking for somewhere for dinner on Friday night probably $10.00 to $18.00 per meal.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Breakfast before the spring game and dinner Friday night

I absolutely love the Broken Egg, they have an eclectic menu that won%26#39;t break the bank. The address is 221 N Main St.

Breakfast before the spring game and dinner Friday night

Almost forgot dinner, what are you looking for??

My favorite restaurant in AA is Amadeus. It specializes in Eastern Euro cuisine. The stuffed cabbage is as good as I had in Poland and I really like the pierogi and goulash.

http://www.amadeusrestaurant.com/

I love Conner O%26#39;neils for a beer and reuben, that is more a pub then restaurant. I have never been disappointed there.

http://www.conoroneills.com/annarbor/

What kind of food are you interested in? You can find a wide variety of restaurants on South Main (between Huron and William), the few blocks of Washington just off S. Main, and more over on State near campus. Many of the ones on Main have menus in the window or readily available to help you decide.

If for whatever reason you don%26#39;t want to head downtown Friday night for dinner, Quarter Bistro and Carlyle Grill are very close to your hotel and are both good options.

Broken Egg isn%26#39;t a to-go kind of place. Options near your hotel:

Trailer outside Zingerman%26#39;s Roadhouse. I haven%26#39;t tried it, but their breakfast burrito sounds really good.

zingermansroadhouse.com/content/…roadshow.php

Great Lakes Coffee and Chocolate is directly across from your hotel. It has coffee, tea, pastries.

Barry%26#39;s Bagels is in the Westgate shopping center just down the street from your hotel and offers bagel sandwiches.

Portofino is another coffee shop with coffee, tea pastries, located on Maple just south of Jackson.

Suggested hiking direction / moose / Houghton

I%26#39;m hoping to backpack the length of the island in late July. I%26#39;d appreciate any input on 1) any advantages or preferences on the direction I hike, and 2) any area(s)of the island where I%26#39;m more likely to see moose?

This will be my first visit to upper MI. I%26#39;ll most likely fly to/from MI and overnight in Houghton. Any hotel, food or other town or airport suggestions would also be helpful.

Suggested hiking direction / moose / Houghton

I hiked the the Feldtman Lake-Island Mine loop about 7 years ago and saw several moose over three days, including a few right on the Greenstone Ridge trail. The problem is that at the time, there were over 1000 moose on the island. Today there is slightly over 300. The good thing is that if they are in the vicinity, they are pretty used to seeing people and won%26#39;t run away. The wolves are almost impossible to see.

You didn%26#39;t say whether you were going out and back or just one way and you may have already addressed this but if you plan to go just one way and take a boat back to the other end, you need to do some planning because by the time you get back, it may be too late in the day to catch the last boat of the day back to Houghton or Grand Marais.

The other factors for me to go to the west end was that the boat trip from Grand Marais to Windigo is only about 1.5 hours. From Houghton the boat trip is about 4 hours. Also, the western end is a lot less crowded.

Suggested hiking direction / moose / Houghton

Edit: Just checked the website and good news it appears the moose have rebounded from their lows in the 300%26#39;s in 2006-2007 to almost 650 according to the latest study published 5/08.

The airport that serves Houghton/Hancock is in Hancock, the code is CMX. The Franklin Square Inn is just one block from the dock if you are taking the boat out of Houghton. You can also find lodging at http://www.coppercountry.com

I hiked there in 2006, doing a loop of the Rock Harbor end. I was surprised that I didn%26#39;t see any moose until I was fairly close to Rock Harbor. Even when we were out on the Minong - no moose.

My personal recommendation is to take the Copper Harbor ferry since it is shorter than the Houghton. It%26#39;s a smaller boat, but shorter time is better in my book.

Thanks very much for your reply. I%26#39;m happy to say I%26#39;m hooked on IRNP and ended up doing two trips on the Isle last year, 115 miles total. Now I%26#39;m hoping to go back the end of this summer to hike the remaining trails. You mentioned the Minong. That%26#39;s part of where I%26#39;ll be hiking on my next trip - at least the section between Todd Harbor and Windigo. Any thoughts on which direction to hike it? I%26#39;ll be doing parts of other trails at both ends so I can plan it either way. I%26#39;ll be getting a back country permit to campout one night between N. Desor and Washington Creek campgrounds. If you did the same, any suggested spot(s) to pitch my tent?

Thanks, and happy trails!

I%26#39;ve been thinking about going back, which is why I am browsing the forum. I am not nearly so hard core as yourself - I can%26#39;t do more than 8 miles with a big pack on. I%26#39;d like to hit two campgrounds we missed last time - Chippewa Harbor and Lane Cove.

When we hiked the Minong, it was really the easiest section - McCargoe Cove to Todd Harbor. I have always heard that the Minong is easier from West to East. From the section we did I can agree that would be true. That trail is particularly rocky. Todd Harbor is a beautiful campground. It%26#39;s tied with Moskey Basin as my fave.

Happy travels!

I%26#39;m not as hard core as you think, I always get where I%26#39;m going, but slow. I%26#39;ve learned to take an hour, boots off break for lunch on the long days. It really helps. And I prefer the 6-8 mile days when possible.

I went to Lane Cove from Rock Harbor the first day/night of my second trip. Was nice, just know the trek off the ridge to/from the cove is a bit steep in places, with big steps if you%26#39;re short like me, especially at the beginning of a trip with a full pack. Chippewa Harbor was gorgeous. It has a few shelters on the high side of a boulder surface leading down to the shore/dock. I accepted a canoe ride into the harbor early one morning and we saw wolf on the opposite shore, feeding on a bull moose. It was toward the end of my fall trip - another unexpected, magical moment on the Isle. Good luck.

ittwit

how long to stay? is it a nice park? insects? etc.

HI- I am planning a family trip - driving to Northern Michigan during early July (mom,dad,sons 20%26amp;23) from Chicago area. We hope to visit Isle Royale NP for a few days. We%26#39;ve been to many NPs.

I wonder if Isle Royale will be worthwhile to see and for how long. I don%26#39;t see much talk about it. We will probably just do day hikes and canoe / kayak trips - no scuba diving. How long should we stay? Is the lodge an okay place to stay? are the insects horrible in July?

Also- I%26#39;d welcome ideas about other places to see and stay in the No. Michigan area. Thanks- mollieko

how long to stay? is it a nice park? insects? etc.

Hello mollieko,

Welcome to the Michigan Forum.

I haven%26#39;t stayed at Isle Royale but I know it is pretty wilderness. The best information I could give you is do a search for Isle Royale on the internet. I have read some interesting things this way. I know getting there is a trip in itself. You may concerned leaving from Minnesota.

A place you might enjoy for day hikes and the scenery is the Porcupine Mountains.

http://www.porcupinemountains.com/

I spent a day there and just loved it. I rented a cabin on Lake Gogebic and traveled there from the cabin. Lake Gogebic is the largest inland lake in Michigan. The central and eastern time zones go right though it.

http://www.lakegogebic.com/

If your not to familiar with the internet and would like me to post some web sites about Isle Royale National Park that you could check out, just post back and I would be more then happy to do this.

how long to stay? is it a nice park? insects? etc.

Definitely try out the Porcupine Mountains which are IMHO the best park in Michigan outside of Isle Royale. This site has lots of info:

parkcamper.com/Porcupine-Mountains-Wildernes鈥?/a>

Porcupine Moutnains Wilderness State Park has several things going for it:

1. 50,000 acres. It%26#39;s not wimpy. There is room to roam. Most midwestern parks are tiny.

2. Very nice rivers.

3. 20 miles of gorgeous lake superior shoreline

4. 30,000 acres of old growth forest make it stand out considerably from the rest of the nothwoods.

Isle Royale is definately worth seeing. Take the Isle Royale Queen out of Copper Harbor for a faster trip or the park service%26#39;s boat - the Ranger which is larger. It%26#39;s based in Houghton. The lodge is basic but comfortable. If you%26#39;ve not looked at the park%26#39;s website you should as weekends and high season rooms fill fast. IMHO 2-4 days is enough for me on the island. There will be mosquitos in July.

I think IR is a great place to visit. You might consider the housekeeping cabins? Ask for one with a view, if possible. There are dayhikes, canoe rentals and interesting Ranger presentations. I think the park is fascinating for those who love wildlife and wilderness.

Going there is not a cheap trip, though. I also second the Porkies as a great place to visit, too. Beautiful dayhikes there. If you are a hiker, try to reserve the ';Buckshot'; rustic cabin in the park, as it is super-great.

Amy

Thanks for all the good information! I think we%26#39;ll go to Isle Royale for a couple of days, and we%26#39;ll try to see the ';the porkies'; as well. I%26#39;ll let you know how it goes. If anyone has other info about the Michigan upper peninsula, let me know.

Mollieko

Easter weekend

My husband and I are spending two days, Easter and next day in the St. Clair area. Thinking of staying at St. Clair Inn and maybe going to Canada for half a day.

Any suggestions?

Easter weekend

Keep in mind that Easter Monday is a holiday in Ontario and some things may be closed. You may want to call ahead to check.

Easter weekend

If staying at the St. Clair Inn, spend the extra bucks and get a room in the older section of the Inn. They have much more character then the newer rooms which are nice but rather pedestrian.

In the town of St, Clair, the River Crab is arguably the best restaurant in the area, but somewhat pricey. Murphy%26#39;s Irish Inn isn%26#39;t so bad, particularly if you are not adverse to bar-food.

Avoid Pepper Joe%26#39;s----Yuck!

Skip Canada. Crossing the Blue Water Bridge is fun but there is plenty to see and do near St. Clair. St. Clair has a few cool shops and good resturants. Drive north on the road that the St. Clair Inn is on (I think it is called the River Road or M-25 - it has many names). You will go thru a few small river towns and it will lead you to Port Huron. There is lots of cool shops, resturants and bars in P.H. When in St. Clair, take a walk south of the St. Clair Inn on the board walk, cross the street by the Voyager Resturant and continue south over the bridge and you will see a small building with stuffed animals that the owner of the Salt Company has on display. I think there is also some boats in there. It is like a small museum. Good luck and have fun!

If you go to Canada, Sarnia has excellent parks along the Lake. As well, if you travel about 20-30 miles north along the Lake, look for Pinery Park (lots of Sand Dunes and a great Provincial Park Open Year round ( I think) and try a bit of Put Put golf in Grand Bend (on the Lake) or eat a coney dog and try out the arcade. Call ahead and make sure G B%26#39;s Open as it%26#39;s moreso a summer stop. Have Fun!

Summer Vacation Rental input needed 281 Brockway Avenue

We%26#39;ll be spending our first time in South Haven the 4th of July weekend. Wondering if there is any feedback on our rental at 281 Brockway Avenue? Which beach is closest? Can we really walk to Downtown? Any input is appreciated as this is our first time to South Haven. Thanks.

Summer Vacation Rental input needed 281 Brockway Avenue

i can%26#39;t place that rental (whats the name??) the area of town is the north side...oak st beach is probably the closest and north beach is a short hike up the beach or walk on the sidewalks whichever you prefer

town would be a bit a hike but still very walkable...ilove the north end of town although as things change there are fewer services over there....the north shore deli is just a short walk though, as is capt lous!!

Summer Vacation Rental input needed 281 Brockway Avenue

Thanks for checking, the name of the cottage is Summerwood Cottage. Again, any input about the home or area is greatly appreciated.

I know the house. It%26#39;s a small ranch, and was occupied by a local year around family since it was built, maybe ten years ago. Its really on a dead end street but because it%26#39;s near the entrance to two small subdivisions there will be some traffic. I didn%26#39;t know it was a rental. It is indeed about a mile to the center of town and I agree that the Oak st. beach would be closest, then Packard Park.

white hair

Grand Haven vs. South Haven

Looking at these two locations for a family vacation - never been to either - just going on recommendations by others. Please give me advise on which one to choose - if either.

Sandpiper Inn for sale?

We just saw a property that looked like the Sandpiper Inn for sale in the Wall Street Journal. Does anyone have any information about this? Thanks!

makeup powder

things to do with kids

Hi,

I%26#39;m considering attending a short course at the University of Michigan in June. I know its a ways away, but I%26#39;m thinking if it is worth bringing the family (kids 9,7,3yrs) along. I%26#39;ve never been there before, and dont know if there is much to do with kids there. If there is, we can make this a sort of family vacation, otherwise, i go alone. The earlier we book tickets, the better deal we get.

would appreciate whatever info i can get. (a list of things to do with kids would be great- will be staying in a hotel close to university).

thanks

things to do with kids

There%26#39;s a very cool hands on museum in the old fire house across from the police station on Huron St. And I always loved the Museum of Natural Hisory on campus.

things to do with kids

If you%26#39;re considering bringing your family for vacation, I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;ll be disappointed.

Both things above are great suggestions. Plus, in June you can enjoy outdoor activities. Ann Arbor has many parks. Hike in the Nichols Arboretum or rent canoes (if you%26#39;re coming with another adult).

Downtown Ann Arbor has many fairy doors that kids like to find: http://www.urban-fairies.com

Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village is about 45 minutes away if you want to take a day trip. Detroit Zoo isn%26#39;t much farther.

Your youngest in particular and maybe even the 7-year-old might like playing on the playground that is adjacent to the Ann Arbor Airport. You can watch planes take off and land from a closer vantage point than you%26#39;d normally get.

If your trip is after June 12, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival%26#39;s ';Top of the Park'; is great, free fun for families. Enjoy music and movies outside! The schedule will be available in about a month at http://www.annarborsummerfestival.org/

Ann Arbor District Library has great family programs, but you%26#39;ll have to wait until closer to the trip to see if anything fun is happening during your visit.

Also, if you want to head out of the area for a few days, Michigan offers great beach opportunities on both Lakes Michigan and Huron.

If you will be in town on a Saturday you could take the kids for a tour of the Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory (http://www.chelseateddybear.com/factory_tours).

I always liked the Museum of Natural History. Both RedRox and I have been there a few times when we use to do School Field Trips.

I also liked The Kelsey Museum. It has Mummies on display.

Oh yeah! I forgot about the mummies at Kelsey! That was always cool!

Thanks very much everyone! The info was great!

:o)

But i was also wondering...is the Ann Arbor area(univeristy or suggested areas in previous replies) considered a safe area?

I think Ann Arbor is a safe area. I suppose there may be some crime around but it is, overall, very safe. I don%26#39;t know of crime statistics but I do know that my husband and I frequently comment that the worst crime in university towns (he grew up in AA and I grew up in East Lansing) is stolen bikes. I am still amazed that kids in my neighborhood here in New Jersey can leave their bikes in the yard for days at a time and noone touches them. Not so in AA or EL, at least when we lived there.

Ann Arbor is a college town so it tends to have a pretty good night life and, if you stick to the commercial areas, you should be absolutely fine.

It%26#39;s funny, but it would never occur to me to question safety in Ann Arbor. Detroit, maybe, New York City, maybe, but not Ann Arbor. It%26#39;s a very cute, interesting town. Moms

Yes, the university area is considered safe. Especially in the summertime, when it is less crowded, your family (I assume they%26#39;ll be with another adult while you%26#39;re in class) could readily walk around downtown, even in the evenings. Ann Arbor makes many ';Best Place for X'; lists, including (I think) best place to raise kids. There are a gazillion parks (with various amenities), numerous day trip options (lots already listed), and plenty of things to do just in town. How long will you be here?

Natural History museum is nice..dinosaurs, other fossils, animal %26amp;mineral displays

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