Weekend vacations are good for the soul and an excellent way to recuperate after a hard week at work. Whether you're looking for the serenity of quiet waters or the sights and sounds of bustling streets, Michigan offers several ways to spend a relaxing weekend, alone or with the entire family.
History buffs will find many things to keep them busy in the Marshall/Battle Creek area. Over 800 19th-century buildings line the streets of Marshall, offering visitors an opportunity to shop for antiques, discover museums and learn about a bygone era. Thirty varieties of trees grow in the town, which offers tourists information on each in a self-guided tour. The nearby city of Battle Creek is known for the cereal-production facility and features dramatic architecture and several landmarks. This family-friendly area offers an abundant choice of lodging, shopping, restaurants, sightseeing and recreational activities.
Mackinac Island is a beautiful, quiet island in the waterway of the Great Lakes. The island's Victorian roots are highly visible in the way of life of the 500 year-round residents. Accessible only by boat or plane, Mackinac streets prohibit the use of motor vehicles, except for government vehicles present on the island. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are good methods of getting around here, and many visitors discover the walking paths tucked around the three-mile island. An abundance of trees and gardens add to the beauty, and recreational activities include swimming, tennis, horseback riding and carriage tours. The local shops offer choices from boutique items to fudge and handmade candies.
Pick your pleasure for a weekend vacation in Allegan. From horseback riding and grilling to river kayaking, this area is a full of activity. Spend the day checking out the local wildlife, including fox, heron and deer, or paddling through the peaceful waters of the Kalamazoo River, where a kingfisher may be spotted fishing for dinner. Before retiring for the evening, enjoy a juicy steak or seafood dinner from one of the local restaurants.
Jonesville offers several types of weekend vacations. Canoe races, tours, antique shopping and festivals are only a sampling of the activities available in this area of southern Michigan. Accommodations offered in local bed-and-breakfast establishments include theme weekends, such as murder mystery dinners, for even more fun. Sample the local flavor of the Amish Community and enjoy the natural beauty of the area for a relaxing weekend.
