Trip with Infant from Chicago or SW Michigan? Ideas?

Ainslie325 · May 2012

MH and I would like to take a week's vacation at the end of August. Our son will be five months old, and we may also bring out labrador retriever (traveling by car). We can leave either from home in Chicago or directly from a friend's wedding in SW Michigan. Our greatest fear is choosing a location that's not stroller or baby--friendly, or one that doesn't offer enough to do or see (locally or via short day trips from our vacation home base).

We are outdoorsy people (hike, camp, run, etc.) and would love somewhere where the outdoors can really be enjoyed. We've thought about the Smokies (Asheville, particularly), but worry about length of car trip. We've also thought about Mackinaw Island, but worry that there might not be enough to do to keep us entertained. We like quaint small towns with downtown districts filled with mom and pop shops, boutiques, good eats, etc.

Thoughts on these two destinations? Other possibilities?

roar · May 2012

Why leave Northern Michigan to only Mackinac Island? You can also travel to Petoskey, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes - these are all trips that I took as a child growing up in Michigan and they're all a few hours away from each other (if that) and very family friendly. Traverse City (from what I've heard) has a burgeoning wine country scene and it's an easy drive from Mackinac.

moreace01 · May 2012

Door County, WI - if you haven't been. Probably maybe a 5-6 hour drive? Lots of small towns (Ephraim, Fish Creek, Sister Bay, Egg Harbor), mom and pop shops, antiques and good restaurants. Very family friendly. Peninsula state park is nice for hiking - and you can camp there too I think. There are boat trips. Could swim in the bay (might be warm in august? maybe???) otherwise most hotels have pools. Wilsons for ice cream. This website kinda sucks, but has some ideas of things to do: http://www.doorcounty.com/what-to-do/family-fun

Kasa · May 2012

I would also recommend Traverse City and Leelanau County (where Sleeping Bear Dunes are located).

NewlyWeds13 · May 2012

Door county is nice. I would second that suggestion.

Chymes · May 2012

roar:
Why leave Northern Michigan to only Mackinac Island? You can also travel to Petoskey, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes - these are all trips that I took as a child growing up in Michigan and they're all a few hours away from each other (if that) and very family friendly. Traverse City (from what I've heard) has a burgeoning wine country scene and it's an easy drive from Mackinac.

Yes to all of this! Spend a few days on the island, then head north to see the Soo Locks and Tahquamenon Falls, then head south through Charlevoix to Traverse City for a few days. From Traverse you can check out Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Arbor, plus spend a day or two doing the wine trails.

Trip with Infant from Chicago or SW Michigan? Ideas?

Re: Trip with Infant from Chicago or SW Michigan? Ideas?

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