Grand Rapids Nesties
Last updated 4/06/11
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Mackinac Island or Chicago?
I'm planning to use my tax return money for a weekend away this summer. I'm also going to ask the ILs to not buy us birthday gifts (H's is April 14, mine it April 15) and instead maybe put the money towards our trip (I know that sounds rude, but they really won't mind at all).
I was going to go to Chicago. I've been several times, but I adore the Windy City! However, now I'm thinking about going to Mackinac Island. I've NEVER been there!
Which do you think would be better? Pros or cons for either place? TIA!
Last updated 4/06/11
Snortlemonster: Amaretto's siggy says: I'M A BLOGGER, BUT I'M NOT GOING TO FORCE-FEED IT TO YOU. And I have a secret life. And a sense of humor. And I am in charge. Sort of.
Re: Mackinac Island or Chicago?
I've been to both, several times.
Chicago is way better, hands down. Almost everything is better in Chi-town.
However, if you have never been to Mackinac Island, I would say go there. I think it's nice to visit at least once.
But I guess it would depend on what you are looking for in a vacation destination. Those two places are complete opposites.
I really do love Chicago sooo much! And I've been there enough, I feel like I would know exactly what sites to hit, what to do, where to eat, how to maximize my money to the fullest, etc.
But, I also hear Mackinac Island is pretty cute and fun in the summer....it'd be more laid back and I feel like I should see it once, before we have kids.
Either place would be fun....I'm just torn! And, I could do Chicago anytime on a day trip...this will be our only vacation this year, and I really want it to be awesome.
Last updated 4/06/11
I disagree with Mackinac Island being a place you need to go to before you have kids. It's a perfect place to take kids.
I disagree with Mackinac Island being a place you need to go to before you have kids. It's a perfect place to take kids.
Last updated 4/06/11
Are you looking for a crazy, clubbing, shopping, partying trip? Or a relaxing, quiet, easy-going trip? I don't think you can compare Mac Island to Chicago. Apples and oranges.
We went to Mac Island for the first time this year. I really liked it. We had Mere with us, plus my mom/sisters/aunts/cousins. Depending on your kids, it could be really fun or a big pain in the rear. My cousins don't appreciate things, therefore, they were a pain in the rear. My sisters and I loved those historical trips when we were younger.
If it were me and it was my only vaca for the year, I'd choose somewhere new
)
I'm not really looking for a certain experience...both of them sound wonderful! I'm not sure if I would like Mac Island, but I've also been to Chicago several times....so I'm not sure which one to visit.
Last updated 4/06/11
I think it would be a good place for kids if you have one and he/she content in stroller and then I think there is a gap in years that it wouldn't be a good trip until they are older and can ride bikes. That at least is how my patience level would be.
There is no way we would go right now with our two girls, unless it was for one night and we were with other people. We found last summer when we went to Nasvhille, IN that Brian sitting outside with the girls in the stroller and me running into shops didn't work. They weren't going to put up with it.
I enjoy both places....so much to do! Though, in Mackinaw (or Mackinac, whatever it goes by) I believe its all in where you stay. We got a superb deal to stay in the off season at the Island when we went (like $175) and it was well worth the money. It's a stay of a life time, so relaxing. If you bike, bring your own with a trailer for the kids.
As for Chicago, we attempt to visit there every four months because we have so close friends that live there. We love it.
I also vote Chicago
But it really depends what type of vacation you're looking for. IMO after a day and night at Mackinac you start to run out of things to do. In Chicago you can always find something you haven't done or someplace you haven't been before. I also love eating out and the restraurants in Chicago are far better so that also sways my opinion.
I have a totally different suggestion for you....what about Milwaukee? We went a few years back for a ball game. They have a nice downtown area - of course, not as nice and big as Chicago, but we had fun. They have a nice Riverwalk area. The ball stadium is nice - even if you are not a true baseballl fan. We really like their zoo, we have been twice now. I'm sure you could find some kind of festival weekend going on - either music or there is a beer fest.
http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/
You could always stop in Chicago on your way back for a day trip or even one night.
Sure, complicate this more
I hadn't thought of that....it's absolutely worth looking in to! Thanks!
Last updated 4/06/11
Toronto and Indy is also within driving distance. hee hee..
I love Chicago, but I also love new going to new places. I think if you are using tax refund money and birthday money, you should go somewhere special and do something different.
You could always do a combined trip of Mackinaw and Petoskey. I LOVE Petoskey!
That's what this ultimately comes to. Do I got somewhere I know I'll have a blast? Or do I pick something new that will probably be fun?
I was *just* in Chicago right before Thanksgiving during my train layover....I got to do a couple of fun things then.
Maybe I'll get a TON of money back (HA!) and I'll just do both
Last updated 4/06/11
If you go to the island, most things won't be open in April. You're looking more at early June, probably.
I have your problem solved, though.
Drive North. Spend a day or two in Mackinac (that's about the time I feel you really need there). Drive north and then east. Do the south coast of the UP, and then around the west side of Lake Michigan. One day in Milwaukee. One day in Chicago. Home.
I did this a long time ago. It was pretty awesome, and totally doable in a week. If you're campers, you can keep the budget lower in the UP (but - again - you'll want to not do that in April: brrrr).
Have fun playing with possibilities.
The island is enjoyable with kids, but if you like to bike ride and go to the little shops, kids will only slow you down.
I totally agree with this, except I would spend a couple of days in the Traverse City area to hit up the wineries before going on to Mackinac.
I also agree with the "do something new" advice.