[jhwest]

I grew up in Southfield, but never vacationed anywhere in Michigan (all our family was out west, so we always went to visit them on vacations). I haven't been back to Michigan in 13 years, but now we're coming back with our six young kids in tow. We'd like to find a cabin near water in a cute, fun place, but I have no idea what's nice and what isn't. The info makes every town in Michigan seem like the greatest place ever. I just don't want to go too far north since we don't have all the time in the world to drive.

[nickbii]

Originally Posted by jhwest

I grew up in Southfield, but never vacationed anywhere in Michigan (all our family was out west, so we always went to visit them on vacations). I haven't been back to Michigan in 13 years, but now we're coming back with our six young kids in tow. We'd like to find a cabin near water in a cute, fun place, but I have no idea what's nice and what isn't. The info makes every town in Michigan seem like the greatest place ever. I just don't want to go too far north since we don't have all the time in the world to drive.

AFAIK there's very little you can do in one rural area in Michigan that you can't do in all the others. We got lakes, rivers, and trees all over.

And keep in mind many small towns are far from freeways. A hundred miles on the freeway is quicker than 50 miles on county roads.

Nick

[RedWingsFan]

Try Traverse City... sounds like what you are looking for.

[cardwellave]

Mackinac Island/Mackinaw City/St. Ignace...be sure to take the Star Line Ferry to the island.

[Puddin2]

I was never a fan of driving for hours on I-75 north in bumper to bumper traffic on the holidays. My favorite vacation place is the Holland/Saugatuck area on the west side of the state. Many people in Chicago vacation there too. It's a great resort area and beautiful in the summer! It's only 3.5 hours or so from the Metro Detroit Area and it's right on Lake Michigan. I think it is the prettiest part of the state!

[Angel Bear]

I have a cabin in Boyne City, near Charlevoix. This area is one of the prettiest, IMHO

Traverse City is beautiful too...ahhhh...And, Mackinac Island is gorgeous and unspoiled

Also, try the Thumb area for cheaper properties and rentals...Lexington on Lk. Huron a.k.a. The First Resort North (lol) is quite charming and laidback. Pt. Austin at the tip of the thumb is beautiful, esp. for camping.

"Up North" is any place north of Claire Hee hee! I love the Upper Peninsula but it's a drive...the waterfalls up there are breath-taking...It's gorgeous and revives the soul.

But, you can go to Michigan's West coast for some pretty stuff too...Saugatauck (sorry if I spelled it right) is gorgeous. Also, Silver Lake on the west side more north is gorgeous too

Try to find someplace by the water...You'll enjoy the sunsets and sunrises Also, you can take your family for a walk on the beach and walk to the ice cream place at night Simple pleasures, you know?

You've got me thinking of the places I want to see and things I want to do before I move to CA

Hugz,
L

[and the]

My wife's family went to Pentwater/Ludington every year. I like it there but have only been there a few times. We stayed a crappy little motel that was way overpriced. Next time we go, I'm going to rent one of the small houses right down by the beach. You can get property pretty close to Lake Michigan now pretty cheap. Now's the time to buy.

[NittanyLion]

Try Traverse City, Ludington, Pentwater, Grand Haven, or St. Joesph. All of them are great little beach towns, although Traverse City is bigger.