[Michigansnowflake]

yes, avoid 75 at all cost on the weekend of the 4th! I prefer the 2-lane highway to 75 any day of the week

[Nephler]

Va-Cat,
Be sure to go up to Legs Inn for dinner in Cross Village, great food, and the drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village is one of the best you will ever have.

Another great spot for dinner is Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse, just off of Pleasant View Rd. just outside of Harbor Springs. Best steaks around!

I lived in Little Traverse Bay area from more then 40 years, I know it like the back of my hand.

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by Nephler

Va-Cat,
Be sure to go up to Legs Inn for dinner in Cross Village, great food, and the drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village is one of the best you will ever have.

Another great spot for dinner is Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse, just off of Pleasant View Rd. just outside of Harbor Springs. Best steaks around!

I lived in Little Traverse Bay area from more then 40 years, I know it like the back of my hand.

Thanks Nephler. I haven't been to Cross Village in oh - maybe 25 years. That is a great idea. I know Teddy's place really well. Its right down the road from where my Dad lives. Teddy was a friend of the family for many many years. I always stop in there for dinner when we are in the area. Thanks for the tips!

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Va-Cat

Thanks Northman. Especially for the weather info. Its in the mid 90s here in Texas so I'll have to pack some different clothes for the trip. As for flying into Detroit... I'm trying to avoid I-75. I know it used to be chaos on 75 heading north before a holiday weekend and heading south after. Don't know if with this recession its still bad but also wanted my husband to see the west side of the state as well as some of my favorite northern areas. All he knows of Michigan so far is Detroit & its suburbs Can't wait to show him its natural beauty.

Northman raises a good point. But if you're trying to avoid I-75, I don't blame you. You could also take 275 from Detroit Metro and hook I-96 over to Lansing and up 27. Traffic wouldn't be too bad, until it merges with 75 in Clare.

131 going North out of Grand Rapids is kinda bad on Summer Fridays, and the economy has done nothing to diminish the weekend traffic. In fact, this year seems to be busier than last year (gas prices were at least $1.00 gallon higher last year). We pick up all the Chicago traffic heading North, and it's pretty slow (but still moving at about 50 mph) all the way to about Big Rapids, when it starts to break up a bit. Then 131 drops to two lanes just North of Manton and it tends to be a pain (but they have added passing lanes every few miles). I'd add at least 30 minutes to that 3.5 hours. On Fridays in the Summer, it takes us about 3 hours to get from Grand Rapids to Bellaire/Clam River area, which is still a good 45 minutes South of Harbor Springs, maybe more.

Not trying to dissuade you or make you anxious about it. If you're used to Houston traffic, 131 is nothing.

But it's a beautiful drive, especially if you take the "scenic route" and swing through Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Petoskey, etc.. Ahhh, can't wait to get back up there again.

I think I saw gas at $2.86 this morning here in GR.

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by magellan

Northman raises a good point. But if you're trying to avoid I-75, I don't blame you. You could also take 275 from Detroit Metro and hook I-96 over to Lansing and up 27. Traffic wouldn't be too bad, until it merges with 75 in Clare.

131 going North out of Grand Rapids is kinda bad on Summer Fridays, and the economy has done nothing to diminish the weekend traffic. In fact, this year seems to be busier than last year (gas prices were at least $1.00 gallon higher last year). We pick up all the Chicago traffic heading North, and it's pretty slow (but still moving at about 50 mph) all the way to about Big Rapids, when it starts to break up a bit. Then 131 drops to two lanes just North of Manton and it tends to be a pain (but they have added passing lanes every few miles). I'd add at least 30 minutes to that 3.5 hours. On Fridays in the Summer, it takes us about 3 hours to get from Grand Rapids to Bellaire/Clam River area, which is still a good 45 minutes South of Harbor Springs, maybe more.

Not trying to dissuade you or make you anxious about it. If you're used to Houston traffic, 131 is nothing.

But it's a beautiful drive, especially if you take the "scenic route" and swing through Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Petoskey, etc.. Ahhh, can't wait to get back up there again.

I think I saw gas at $2.86 this morning here in GR.

Thanks so much for the update. We are now locked in to our airline tickets so we will be coming out of GR & heading north from there. And yes.......we are both now fearless in all traffic conditions due to our driving experiences here in Houston

[jjwars1]

How about a nice drive while in the area....

Through the "Tunnel of Trees" (aka M-119) from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, and have dinner at "Legs Inn" in Cross Village. Try the "taste of Poland" meal, and if weather permits dine outside and watch the sun set over lake Michigan.

And if you're interested in real estate stop by the Coldwell Banker office and say "hi." Ask for Jared (that's me) Shameless plug I know. Seriously though- have a great trip. Let's hope for nice weather for the 4th!