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Michigan
Pure Michigan
Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circum spice - “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,”
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
Surrounded by lakes, Pure Michigan has a lot to offer both on and off the water.
When
How
Summer and Fall are great times to visit Michigan. With the largest fresh water coastline in the US coming in at over 3,000 miles, Summer is a great time to visit Michigan to enjoy beaches and boating. Fall is also an incredible time to visit to see the beautiful leaves change colors, pick fruit and pumpkins, and enjoy the crisp air.
Michigan actually has 15 commercial airports throughout the state with the largest by far being in Detroit (DTW) followed by a distant second in Grand Rapids (GRR). The southern half of Michigan is also covered by Amtrak train from Chicago. Driving is the best option if exploring multiple spots throughout the state.
Where
to stay...
1) The Siren Hotel - The Siren Hotel is the type of hotel that makes me want to visit a place just to stay there. According to one of the hotel group's founders, it's called induced demand and I'm definitely guilty of it. The hotel opened in 2018 by ASH NYC in a historic 1926 renaissance revival style building. Original features were restored, including travertine floors, terracotta signs, and plaster detail. The rooms are simple, but classy. The real showstoppers are the common spaces, which are impeccably decorated with 1920s glam. They include one very Instagramable pink Candy Bar, a rooftop, and piano karaoke bar, and 3 restaurants. With all the F&B options to explore, you may not want to leave. Pictures and more details with the ability to book is accessible here.
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2) Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids - Typically I avoid branded hotels, but the Canopy by Hilton in Grand Rapids earned an exception. The Canopy brand has more of a boutique hotel feel to it with cool art and design features. This particular hotel highlights that in new construction that has a loft feel with tall ceilings and concrete interiors. Rooms are spacious and very designed. It has a cafe on the ground floor and restaurant & bar on the top floor providing options for both day and night. The hotel opened in late 2020 and still feels brand spanking new with a fresh contemporary feel. Pictures and more details with the ability to book is accessible here.
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3) The Grand Hotel - Despite its distance on the far north end of Michigan, a short list of top Michigan hotels wouldn't be complete without The Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel is a national historic landmark dating back to 1887 that has colonial, Americana summer charm. The length of the building beautifully decorated with columns and the world's largest porch equipped with rocking chairs contribute to its grandeur. The hotel is located on Mackinac Island, which can only be reach by boat and doesn't allow cars.
The historic building combined with the horse drawn carriages, afternoon tea, croquet on the lawn, formal meals, and live orchestra music will certainly make you feel like you've stepped back in time. The decor embraces that classic summer charm through the rooms and common spaces. The hotel has an outdoor pool, several restaurants, salon & spa, golf course, activity center and horse stables. Isn't it grand! Pictures and more details with the ability to book is accessible here.
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*Looking for an apartment stay? Click here to see what chic apartments Sonder has available in Detroit.
What
Do
to...
1) Explore the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - Walking through the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is quite a sight to see (pictured above). The park features over 200 works of art on over 150 acres in Grand Rapids. In addition to the Sculpture Park, there's also a conservatory, nature trail and Japanese and children's gardens. A walk through the park and gardens will provide a dose of the arts and relaxation in its tranquil atmosphere.
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2) Embrace the Outdoors - Whether it be spending time at the beaches and boating in the Summer or relishing at the tulips in the Spring. Picking fruit and pumpkins in the Fall or skiing and snow shoeing in the Winter. Michigan is best enjoyed outdoors.
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3) Enjoy the Fruit - Michigan is the 4th largest producer of fruit and one of the most diverse crop producers in the US. Apples, blueberries, and tart cherries are main fruits grown with some peaches too. So whether you want to pick fruit Summer through Fall, eat fruit, or drink it in cider, juice and wine, go ahead enjoy the fruit that Michigan has to offer.
Eat
Michigan is known for its Coney Dogs and Detroit-style pizza. I personally like their fruit the best: cherries, blueberries and apples.
Drink
This is typical Midwest, but beer is the likely winner again. Grand Rapids is actually known as Beer City, USA, because of its extensive amount of breweries and beer bars. My favorite spots for drinks in Michigan do not specialize in beer though. They are Max's South Seas Hideaway in Grand Rapids (an incredible retro tiki bar & restaurant) and Virtue Cider in Fennville (a beautiful outdoor farm making natural hard cider).
*If of legal drinking age.
Wear
Cozy Casual
Watch
Hitsville: The Making of Motown by
Benjamin & Gabe Turner​
Listen
"Michigan and Again" by
The Accidentals
Gift
Click here for Gift ideas