Paige & Chris
Make it a long weekend...
Chicago
Just a short 4.5 hour drive from Detroit, enjoy another great big city in the midwest. It has lots to offer between the restaurants, architecture cruises, museums and the Michigan lake front. Hop around our favorite neighborhood, Old Town, and walk in the Lincoln Park Zoo, eat at Toro Sushi, and peruse some fragrant spices at The Old Town Spice Shop.
Mackinac Island
Take a step back in time and visit Mackinac Island. Situated between the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan, this quintessential island has no cars, only horses and bikes, and lots of fudge. Visit the world record holder for longest porch, The Grand Hotel, and enjoy their 4 course dinner (complete with bed time mints). Take a bike ride around the island and soak in the fresh air of up north. Typically, it's a 5 hour drive from Detroit and then an additional ferry ride over. We have gone several times and enjoy all the old charm it has to offer, and prefer Ryba's fudge over Joann's.
Leelanau Peninsula
The beautiful Leelanau Peninsula has Sleeping Bear Dunes, plenty of wineries, and gorgeous views of all that Michigan and the Great Lakes have to offer. Explore Traverse City, Glen Arbor and Suttons Bay. This is truly the magic spot of Michigan and would perfect addition for a long weekend!
Detroit
You can always just stay a little while in the Motor City. Explore the world renowned Detroit Institute of Art and see Rodin's statue 'The Thinker' and of course the Diego Rivera mural. Go to Belle Isle which is the site of a Formula 1 Grand Prix event, has a new aquarium, conservatory, and a magnificently designed garden by a Danish landscape architect, Piet Oudolf. For sports fans, there is Hockeytown right in the heart of downtown. Enjoy a weekend game and go see the Tigers play and perhaps even the Red Wings. Gamble a little at MGM or some of the other casinos. For history buffs and car fanatics, there is The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Visit the car that JFK was fatally assassinated in, the Rosa Parks bus, and other historical exhibits.
Birmingham
Home sweet home! Visit Somerset Mall, home to Hermes, Golden Goose, Saks, Niemans and more. If you feel like shopping, this is the place to be! Walk around the beautiful downtown Birmingham area and shop, enjoy the community parks, and unique boutiques including Bateel which is a high end date shop (date, like the fruit)! Birmingham is home to many amazing restaurants so you will certainly never go hungry either. Scroll down for some of those recommendations.
Commonwealth Cafe
An absolute Birmingham gem. Serving locally sourced food for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the heart of downtown. This is one of our absolute favorites and go-to places.
Try It Raw
If you like vegan, raw, and allergen friendly places, this is the place for you! Serving all organic foods, there really is an item for everyone. If you need a green juice the morning after a fun party *wink, wink* this would be a great spot.
Hunter House Hamburgers
Think White Castle, but elevated and 1950's. This Birmingham establishment has been serving up some of the best sliders, fries, and milkshakes in town for ages. Seriously, you can smell the caramelized onions a mile away.
Phoenicia Restaurant
This is the restaurant we frequent for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Rated one of America's top 100 restaurants, this is certainly the place to get the best Mediterranean and Lebanese food Birmingham has to offer.
SheWolf Pastificio & Bar
This Detroit staple hits the mark for modern Roman style food. With a noteworthy head chef, and a penchant for giving back to the Detroit community, it's a win-win.
Lafayette Coney Island
If you haven't been to a Coney Island, now is your time. Its a great Michigan staple with a famous rivalry in Detroit between American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island. Grab yourself a coney dog and chime into the great debate.
Slows Bar BQ
If you like BBQ, and have a hankering for it while you are in town, this is the spot.
Prime + Proper
Known for it's impeccable meat selection, this hip restaurant will certainly check all the boxes!