Places on Lake Huron or Lake Michigan

Traverse City is technically in a Bay but they do have public beaches that are nice. There is a bunch of shopping but more importantly North Peak Brewery is there. Great food but even better beer.

Grand Haven is actually on the lake and much farther south so it'll be warmer. Pretty little town and near to Grand Rapids, which is like Toledo except with a revitalized downtown.

There are some nice beach communities along Lake Michigan near the Indiana border as well.

Lots of cottages available for rent, etc. because those communities draw some weekend travelers from Chicago.

We used to rent a cottage in a specific community there, and I'm drawing a blank on the name. Will have to ask and update later.

We love Petoskey, Michigan, close to a lot things, including Mackinaw Island and an Indian Casino. I find the water pretty cold even in the summer however.

http://www.innatbayharbor.com/

It aint Miley's Resort but it will do.

Ludington, over on the west coast of the state. Not too far either with a great beach and fun downtown during the summer.

I second Ludington, though if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, I recommend the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The have a pretty long spot of beach and some nice off-roading too.

I recommend going across to Canada to either MaGregor Point or The Pinery. Much more relaxed, less traffic (cross at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron instead of the Ambassador Clusterfuck Bridge in Detroit). MacGregor Point is more rustic, while the beaches at The Pinery are better (plus they have this almost infinite stretch of sandbars that go out a half mile into Lake Huron).

One bonus: Canadian holidays and US holidays do not sync up, so a US holiday in a Candian provincial park is usually much less crowded than counterparts in Michigan.

New Buffalo MI was a cool place about 20 years ago, haven't been in a while.

That's it...that's the name of the place where we used to rent the cottage. Couldn't remember it earlier.

Last year we were in St. Joseph, MI. It has a re-vitalized downtown, good restaurants, a gourmet coffee shop with an outdoor bistro, and of course, a beach on Lake Michigan.

I have to put in my two cents for Traverse City.We have traveled throughout Michigan and it is the best area we have found.I like the location because it is situated where you can take short trips to many cool places in the surrounding area.If you are into wine ,it is the best place to be for trying the many local wineries.I would have to guess there are at least fifteen wineries in the area.There are also festivals during the summer and many musical venues.

i used to travel the state for 8 yrs with my job, so i know all these areas.

traverse city (TC), petoskey/ harbor springs, charlevioux are great places up north. there are many small towns around TC that are fantastic and near sleeping bear dunes.

the west coast also has a number of cool areas. i personally like the areas close to grand rapids. grand haven, holland saugatuck are all good places. if you go to this part of the state, hit grand rapids. it's a great city with a lot to do (one of the best sculpture parks in the world).

anyhow, depending on how much time you have, i suggest going to more than one area. the drive time is very manageable and these areas all have their own flavor.

If you decide to go to St. Joe, one place that's worth visiting is the Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant; 185 Mount Tabor Road; Buchanan, Michigan USA 49107; (800) 283 - 3363. They have an outstanding vineyard and winery, and the restaurant is a real five star attraction. St. Joe has a great downtown, but be warned: do not break any speed laws. The police are intolerant of minor law infractions. Another thing you should know is that staying out of Benton Harbor at night is generally a good idea. In the daytime it's okay, but at night... not so much.

I have been to Charlevoix, which most people can neither pronounce nor spell (I'm impressed, Postal.), and enjoyed myself thoroughly. You used to be able to find Petoskey stones on the beach. I still have a few that I found, but they were getting scarce when I was there. The water is a bit brisk even in the dog days of August. I swam in it, but I generally don't recommend swimming unless you're part Inuit or polar bear. Still, SensorG survived, so I'm certain that says something. Sault Ste. Marie isn't far away, which would be fun to see.

madjack, i cheated and looked it up...lol.

Speaking of Charlevoix...

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