Category: Michigan

The Wayfaring Gals Explore Mackinaw Island & Northern Michigan

Post author By Maria
Post date December 23, 2020
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At the Mission Resort on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we took a ferry in the morning to visit Mackinaw Island, which is a place I’ve always wanted to visit since I’m a Somewhere in Time fan. The ferry is less than a half hour to the island if I remember correctly. Once we arrived in Mackinaw, we booked a horse and carriage tour. Cars are not allowed on the island so horses are a mode of transport. The carriage tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the island (which is pretty small), and you get to visit Mackinaw State Park. It also snowed and rained that day, so we were fortunate to be in the carriage when it was snowing. It also made for a pretty picture. The park has an old cemetery which looked beautiful with the changing foliage and snow. The tour stopped at Arch Rock, which is one of the most famous rock formations on the island, so we were able to get a closer look. Also, we were able to pet the horses from our tour, but the mare kept lunging at me when I tried to pet her partner so I backed off (I don’t think she liked the red hair).

The horse carriage tour on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M

At Arch Rock on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had the tour drop us off at the Grand Hotel, and paid the ten dollars to go inside (which I recommend you do if you are not staying the hotel). The hotel is lovely, and you feel as if you were transported back in time. I enjoyed walking around and exploring. There is normally a Lost in Time festival this time of year, but it was cancelled. Some people still came out and dressed in their 1912 period clothing. Jane Seymour has been known to drop by for the festival in the past. There is bar at the top called the Cuppola where you can have a drink and take in a nice view.

The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island -Photo by Maria A.M.

We walked back to town and bought some fudge at Ryba’s Fudge Shop, along with other sweet treats like chocolate covered pretzels and coconut clusters. We headed to the Mission Resort where Somewhere in Time was also filmed. We had lunch inside the Mission at the Round Island Bar & Grill where the staff was nice, and the food was good. There’s a great view of the Adirondack chairs that face the lake that people like to pose in and post on social media. There’s a gazebo outside the resort that a scene in Somewhere in Time was filmed if you want to check that out as well.

The view from the Mission Resort on Mackinaw Island -Photo by Maria A.M.

After that excursion, we walked back to town, had a beer at the Great Turtle Brewery, and did some more walking around to take in the beautiful scenery on the island. A trip to Mackinaw does feel like you have gone back in time and is a great getaway. I wish we had stayed overnight, but we went back to the mainland to spend the night in Harbor Springs (which is also beautiful). If you do visit to Mackinaw Island, spend the night at one of the beautiful hotels there, which will make you feel like you have gone back in time.

At the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M

Shopping for fudge at Ryba’s Fudge Shop on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The Highland Hideaway bed and breakfast we stayed the night at also had a complimentary wine tasting. We were able to sample the wine we liked multiple times, and our questions were answered. I enjoyed the wine from the bed and breakfast, so I took a bottle of rose home with me. Outside you can enjoy the hot tub, which felt great in the crisp, fall air. I actually sat partially outside to cool off. The sauna is shaped like a wine barrel and you can detox in there. This place was like a dream come true after a hectic, but enjoyable day of sight seeing. It felt refreshing to relax at a beautiful place with such friendly staff. Our room had a fireplace which was like a dream come true for me.

At the Highland Hideaway in Harbor Springs, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Wine tasting at the Highland Hideway in Harbor Springs, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we drove to the Traverse City area and went to pick up wine at Black Star Farms, which I highly recommend. There is a restaurant there and you can stay at the BnB (which we did not do). You can take a private tour of the estate, do a wine tasting, or eat fresh sourced food from the farm. The Leelanau Peninsula area is beautiful, and I recommend driving in that area and trying some of the wine. The area is beautiful and a great getaway, along with having some of the most amazing wine.

At Black Star Farms Suttons Bay, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We also made a stop in Leland to visit Fish Town where we had a delicious lunch at a to go sandwich stand. Leland is about twenty miles from Traverse City. In the area along the Leland River, you can walk along the historic fishing docks (hence the name (Fishtown); and you can visualize what life was like in the early 1900s. This area is one of the only working commercial fishing village in Michigan. The weathered fishing shanties are now gift shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Make some time for a stop in Leland, and you’ll also feel transported back in time.

At Fishtown in Leland, MI -Photo by Maria A.M

This was such a great trip that I had to break it down in three posts so it would not be an unbearably long post, and you can also break it down to one or two trips depending on much time you have. This was my first time visiting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Mackinaw Island, along with some enjoyable stops in northern Michigan like Harbor Springs and Leland. I visited Traverse City area before and recommend a stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park as well if you have time. There’s so many great towns in Michigan so you can keep exploring and making more memories.

At New Holland Brewery in Holland, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like our Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

The loot from Michigan and Wisconsin -Photo by Maria A.M.

At the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island -Photo by Maria A.M.

Michigan Travel Upper Peninsula Michigan

The Gals Visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Post author By Maria
Post date December 7, 2020
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At the Porcupine Mountains in Ontonagon, Michigan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we were off for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which I have always wanted to visit. Before we left Door County, we had breakfast sandwiches and coffee at the Bearded Heart Cafe, which had amazing food and drinks. I still dream about that bagel sandwich. My sister went to the Upper Peninsula last year without me, much to my disappointment. I was happy that she agreed to go again. I am still in awe of how beautiful and remote the Upper Peninsula is; it feels like an escape from life.

At the “Library” in Houghton, Michigan -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Keweenaw Brewing Company in Houghton, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had a long drive, about five hours to get to our destination. Our destination was Houghton, and when we arrived, we went to a brewery and restaurant called the Library which is in (you guessed it) an old library. It still has that feel with old books and memorabilia all over the place. I enjoyed the cherry beer I had with pizza, which was good. We stoped at Keweenaw Brewing Company for another fruit flavored beer; I had a peach fruit ale. My sister and I walked around downtown Houghton (there are some small businesses with fun shops and things) before heading back to our hotel where we could go for a swim and then relax with a drink before crashing.

Driving through the Keeweenaw Peninsula in Upper Peninsula Michigan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we took a trip up the Keeweenaw Peninsula, which is the northernmost part of Michigan’s Upper peninsula, along side Lake Superior. It was probably one of the most scenic and beautiful drives I have taken of fall foliage. We stopped for a walk in Copper Harbor, which is a resort town that is a popular tourist destination. The area is known for its beautiful views of the lake.

At Lake in the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park -Photo by Maria A.M.

One of my favorite places from the whole trip was the Porcupine Mountains in Ontonagon. The name of the mountains comes from the Ojibwa people since the silhouette had the shape of of a porcupine. We stopped at the Lake of the Clouds (which is the name of the lake between the two ridges) in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park, which gives you the best view of the mountains. I think the park looks best in the autumn with the different colors of the foliage. Be prepared to be in awe and enjoy the different overlooks as you head to the top. You can hike or take the ramps that go up. Pictures nor words do the Lake in the Clouds justice. It is such a beautiful place with amazing views. You will want to spend some time taking it in. Before you leave the park don’t forget to take your pic with the statue of the bear. Not sure why they didn’t make it a porcupine?

At the ore dock in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

After the park we went to town to get a hearty meat and potato filled pasty since that is the popular food to eat in the Upper Peninsula. I like pasties since they remind of empanadas, but they are more filling. One was enough to tide me over for dinner. Another relaxing evening swimming in the pool, then a drink before heading to bed.

The moose jacks at Donckers in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we left for Marquette and stopped at Donckers for breakfast. I wanted to have the moose jacks even though they are for kids (they are so cute and good too). The food was delicious there. After breakfast, we walked along the harbor to see the famous ore dock, which was used to load ore onto ships (and are mainly found on the upper Great Lakes). It’s a pretty impressive structure. We walked around the downtown area to check out some of the local businesses and had to try the coffee. Cafe Allenatore had the best coffee we had on the whole trip. The owner serves Italian style coffee, and makes his own whip cream, chocolate, and uses local honey.

The trail up Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Since we were in Marquette we decided to go for a hike at Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s a good trail since there are ramps and stairs. I did not mention that it rains a lot in the Upper Peninsula and it is cold in October so bring winter clothes (I.e. a coat, hat, gloves, etc.) and an umbrella. We saw tourists that looked at us enviously in their jackets. It was raining when we went hiking so we were dressed for it and brought umbrellas. It was pretty windy at the top too, but definitely worth the effort since the view was amazing. The foliage’s changing colors was pretty spectacular, even with it raining and all.

The view from Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, MI Photo by Maria A.M.

Presque Isle Park in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Another place I recommend you visit in Marquette is Presque Isle Park. The park is on a peninsula that extends into the lake, offering beautiful views of Lake Superior. You can bike or walk trails in order to check out the overlooks. I recommend driving around the park too since it looked like a fall wonderland (or walk if you have the time). I was surprised at how lovely this park was. It is definitely a hidden gem.

On the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise in Munising, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had to drive a couple hours to get to Munising in order to go on the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise (which is the best way to see the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore). The shoreline contains sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and forest. Thankfully we went on the right day since tours were cancelled the next day due to high waves and choppy water. The cruise is two hours, one hour out and then another hour to head back. Even though it was raining and cold, I had a great time. My sister advised we sit on the right (she took the cruise before) since that side has the best views. You can sit on the top of the boat or stand outside if you prefer, we did go outside but had to come in to warm up since it was wet and cold. The rocks have beautiful colors and you can see various shapes in the formations. Sunset is a great time to see the rocks since that is the cruise my sister took. When we went it was grey and raining so it didn’t matter. The Pictured Rocks are a must see when in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

After the tour we were so happy to warm up in our hotel’s jacuzzi since we spent most of the day outside in the rain. It felt great to relax with a glass of wine after a great day of exploring.

At Falling Rock Cafe in Munising, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next morning, the Wayfaring Gals went to check out a local breakfast spot: Falling Rock, which is also a book store. We are fans of having a huge breakfast to tide us over for a while, and recommend having a breakfast sandwich since they are pretty large. After breakfast, it was another drive to go to Kitch-iti-kipi which means “ Big Spring.” It is Michigan’s largest fresh water spring and part of a state park. The park is west of Manistique and the pass you purchase works for other parks for the day. There is a raft on a cable that you can pull across the pool to get some amazing views of the spring. The water is crystal clear and blue, which is calming and even mesmerizing. It is a recommended destination to visit when in the Upper Peninsula, as is our next stop.

At Kitch-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula -Photo by Maria A.M.

Tahquamenon Falls are two different waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River. They are both located in the eastern Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior. The water is brown or amber colored due to the tannins leached from cedar swamps, which the river drains. You can hike to both sets and get some different views of the falls. There are also hiking trains through the forrest there. The falls are stunning and we posted a video on our Facebook page that you can check it. They look unreal.

At Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

As a reward for your hiking, you can visit the brewery there, and enjoy food and a tasty beverage. I enjoyed the peach beer while sitting by the fire place (I’m sure you guessed that it rained that day too). After the falls, we crossed the Mackinaw Bridge and entered the Michigan mainland again. We spent the night in Mackinaw City with the intent of visiting Mackinaw Island the next day since it was already late in the day when we arrived. We were sad to leave the Upper Peninsula of Michigan since it was beautiful, peaceful, and remote. There were not that many people there, which was a nice change of pace. Pictures and words do not do the place justice; you have to experience it. I myself want to go back to revisit places and explore new ones.

At Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub in Paradise, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Chicago Illinois Michigan Travel Wisconsin

Enjoying the Midwest: Part Two

Post author By Maria
Post date August 26, 2019
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This post is the third (even though it says part two) in my series on exploring the Midwest. It’s for people like me that live in a big city like Chicago, don’t have much vacation time this summer, but want to get out in order to explore. Here are some ideas for weekend getaways you can take here in the Midwest that are three to five hours drive from Chicago.

At the River Place Shops in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Frankenmuth is probably one of the quaintest towns I have visited here in the Midwest. The city is known for its Bavarian style architecture, and looks like a town from a German story book. The town is along the Cass River in Eastern Michigan, and a five hour drive from Chicago.

At Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I started my visit with a trip to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which I learned is the world’s biggest Christmas store. It is huge, and I probably spent on hour there looking at all the ornaments and Christmas villages. I had to find the Halloween stuff, which they thankfully had (you can never have too many Halloween decorations). You can also order personalized Christmas ornaments. The owners are religious so you will most likely get a tract with your purchase, and the store advertises as a Christian centered store. The outside of the store is fun as well. There is a replica of the chapel where Silent Night was performed in 1818 in Austria, and other fun photo opportunities. If you love Christmas then this is the store for you.

Inside Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

In town, I started off my visit at the River Place Shops, which is an outdoor mall created in a Bavarian style. As you leave the shopping area, you walk across the bridge, and there is a great view of the old covered bridge. Even though the bridge was built in 1979, it was constructed using traditional timber framing techniques. On the river you can see the steamboats you can take a tour on, as one of the recommended things to do in Frankenmuth is take a wine and chocolate tasting on a river boat.

At Frankenmuth Brewery in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I did get a chance to visit Frankenmuth Brewery where I got to do a tasting and try the food. My friends and I decided to share nachos and mac and cheese, which went perfectly with the beer. I was able to try Rummelstiltskin, the Dunkel, and the Hef Blonde Ale. My favorite was the Belgium Boom Sour Ale. I recommend you do a sampler so you can try a variety of beer. The brewery also rotates through seasonal varieties as well.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Frankenmuth also has shops and a local museum you can visit. I spent a day there, but wished I stayed overnight (I especially wanted to see Bronner’s Christmas Store lit up at night). There are restaurants that specialize in German food as well. Imlay City is not too far so you can visit a lavender farm if you have not done so (it’s beautiful). If you are missing the big city, Detroit is about an hour away. However, if you want to visit a town out of fairy tale then Frankenmuth is the perfect place for you.

At New Glarus Brewery in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

New Glarus, WI is a two and a half hour drive from Chicago, and is also a great place if you want to get out of the city for a day or two. It is small and quaint like Frankenmuth. New Glarus is known as Little Switzerland, since as you might have guessed, the town was founded by Swiss immigrants from Glarus, Switzerland in 1845. The town is proud of its heritage and celebrates many Swiss holidays and festivals throughout the year. I wrote about the brewery in my previous post, and recommend you stop there if you are a beer fan. The outdoor area is beautiful, and the beer is tasty.

At New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Downtown New Glarus is meant to look like a small Swiss village with its Alpine architecture. I ate the best Reuben sandwich I ever had at Glarner Stube, which is known for its Swiss cuisine. The brewery gave me a token for a sample size beer from New Glarus Brewery to use in a restaurant in town, so it was accepted at Glarner Stube. A friend also recommended Toffler’s Pub (I’ll have to check it out it on my next visit). I walked around town checking out the stores like Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus (where you can sample the fudge), Hawk’s Mill Winehaus, and other shops around the downtown area. Fat Cat Coffee Works is great for an iced coffee or tea stop. I couldn’t resist picking up a scone to take home, and recommend that you pick up one of the delicious baked goods.

At the Maple Leaf in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Some of the delicious treats at Fat Cat Coffee in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

The last visit of the day was to the Swiss Historical Village to get an idea how the town used to look since it replicates an 1850 Swiss settlement. The village consists of reproductions of some the buildings like the church, or buildings that were set to be turn down but were preserved from the nineteenth century. There are still bees in the old Bee House. The village consists of fourteen buildings that are filled with historical artifacts in order to give you an idea of immigrants lived and worked. If you’re a history nerd like I am, you’ll enjoy a visit there.

At the Historical Swiss Village in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

There is also a New Glarus Woods State Park if you want to go for a walk or hike, as well as other attractions in town based on your interests. New Glarus is a nice getaway that includes a scenic drive through the Wisconsin country side whether you are coming and going.

At Grant’s Home in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

Galena is a great place to take a weekend getaway here in Illinois. The town has many well preserved buildings from the 19^th century so it is like taking a trip back in time. Civil War general and the eighteenth president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant’s home is there, so I suggest a stop there (and taking a tour). The home was donated to Grant as a reward for his service in the Civil War, and constructed from 1859-60. You’ll get interesting facts about Grant and his family from the tour guide. It was made a memorial to Grant in 1904. If you want to visit more historic sites, there are other recommended places like the Elihu Washburne House, Dowling House, and the Old Market where you can get a better idea of life in the nineteenth century in Galena.

On a tour of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

If you want to do some wine tasting then I recommend a trip to Galena Cellars Winery and Vineyard, which has been in the Lawler family for three generations. You can taste wine in the tasting room, and/or take a tour of the vineyard. There are also wine pairings with chocolate, or cheese as well. It is such a beautiful place, so if you are looking for wedding venue this would be a great spot (and I’m not into weddings). There is also Galena Brewing Company and a distillery if you prefer other alcoholic beverages, or want to continue trying different libations when in the area.

At the American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

There are many fun places to eat in town, and I recommend you go have ice cream at American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, which makes you feel like you are at an old time ice cream shop. The ice cream is good, and the ambiance is great. There’s also a popcorn and fudge shop nearby as well if you need more snacks. Galena is also known for its antique shops as well so you can take a look while walking around the downtown area.

At a ghost tour in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

If you like ghost tours you can take one in Galena. Your guide will be dressed in nineteenth century garb, and take you on a tour of the area explaining the history, and many of the places that are allegedly haunted. There are different companies that you can choose (the one I went with is not in business any longer). Ghost tours are also a fun way of learning about local history and tales. It’s also an evening activity you can do before going out for drinks.

Galena is a great getaway, and a trip there will take you back in time. It’s also a beautiful area since it is hilly and green, which was was a great change of pace from being from the flat land of Chicago. I can see why it’s become recommended place you should visit in Illinois.

The view from Galena Cellars and Vineyard in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

These are some of the places I have enjoyed visiting to get away from the big city life. Let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Some of the great photo ops you can take at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Michigan Midwest Wisconsin

Enjoying the Midwest for the Beer Lover

Post author By Maria
Post date August 7, 2019
No Comments on Enjoying the Midwest for the Beer Lover

If you are a beer fan that also wants to get out of the city, there are many amazing breweries around the Midwest that you can take a mini road trip to. I’ve been spending some time in Michigan since my parents retired there so I can use their place as a home base. I’ve become fond of Grand Rapids myself, and discovered it has become a popular destination for beer fans. If you haven’t visited the city, I recommend a road trip to explore and sample some great beer. There’s also other things to do there, but I’m focusing on beer for this post.

At Founder’s Brewery in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

The beer that got me into stouts and craft beer is Founder’s Breakfast Stout, so imagine how happy I was to visit the brewery in Grand Rapids…it was like coming full circle. Founder’s Brewery was opened in 1997, and was modeled after a German beer hall with a patio and beer garden, so you can enjoy your beer in different spaces. There’s also a stage so you can listen to live music there while you enjoy your beverage.

Feautured artwork by Kevin Hamman at Founder’s Brewery in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I tried the Mas Agave, Passion Fruit Gose, and Rubaeus since I was in the mood for a refreshing drink, plus it is summertime. My sister had the Green Zebra, a watermelon Gose, which I got to taste. My brothers both had stout, which I enjoyed as well. I tend to drink darker, heavier beers when the weather is colder. There is food there, but I snacked on the pretzel since I had eaten before. The brewery also has artwork hanging promoting different artists. This was my favorite stop on my Grand Rapids brewery tour since the beer was so full of flavor.

At Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

The next stop was Brewery Vivant, which is in a refurbished funeral home in Grand Rapids as well. It has the feel of a Belgian style monastery (it is actually inspired by small Belgian breweries), and focuses on Michigan farmhouse ales. I like that Vivant also uses locally sourced ingredients. Vivant is translated as “to be lively” or “to be alive,” since a visit there definitely made me feel better. The atmosphere is great, the setting is beautiful, and the staff was friendly. Hard core fans of the beer can even join the Monk Club, and get their own personalized chalice to drink from when visiting (if only I was closer). I’m a fan of the taster sizes so I tried Love Shadow, the Imperial Stout and the Tropical Saison, with pineapple and mango. My beer taste is all over the place since I like sours, stouts, porters, and other varieties of ale. Love Shadow has a coconut version coming soon so I hope there will be some the next time I visit Grand Rapids…it’s the little things in life…

Couldn’t resist a pic with the dragon at New Holland Brewing in Grand Rapids, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Jolly Pumpkin and New Holland Brewing also have locations in Grand Rapids if you like those breweries. My siblings all wanted a picture with the dragon at New Holland. And who doesn’t want to try all the different varieties of Dragon’s Milk? Jolly Pumpkin is across the street so you can sample some tasters or do a flight…that brewery also has the best name too. Some other highly recommended breweries in the city are HopCat and Grand Rapids Brewing Co. I will definitely have to try those on my next trip since I plan on going back.

At Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo, MI -Photo by Maria M.

If you’re in Kalamazoo you can stop by Arcadia Brewery along the Kalamazoo River. The outdoor space along the riverfront is beautiful. Arcadia is inspired by British style beer that is brewed here in the US. The brewery is next to bike trails and pedestrian walkways that you can take a stroll along, or even go kayaking along the river. Sit outside and enjoy the scenery, and the kids can play bags while you savor your beer. This brewery had one my favorite outdoor spaces (New Glarus wins). I tried the Shipwreck Porter, and can’t wait to go back to try some of the seasonal beers on tap. All the breweries also serve food, and Arcadia is known for its barbecue so make sure you sample some of the food when visiting as well. Bell’s Brewery is also in the same town so you can head over afterwards, making Kalamazoo a good stop for beer lovers.

Enjoying the outdoor view at Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo, MI -Photo by Maria M.

You can probably tell I’m a fan of Michigan so I wanted to visit another neighboring Midwest state to not only sample some beer, but find a place to get away from the city. A friend recommended New Glarus, known as “Little Switzerland,” since as you might have guessed, the town was founded by Swiss immigrants from Glarus, Switzerland in 1845.

The view from the beer garden at New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

When in New Glarus, I recommend you visit the brewery there. In 1993, Deborah and Dan founded New Glarus Brewing Company, which sells its products only in Wisconsin. It was the first brewery in the country to be founded by a woman. It also has one of the most beautiful outdoor beer patios that stretches along the property. It looks like you are sitting among ruins with a view of the sweeping hills along the country side. I tried different taster sized beers which included Kid Kolsch, Spotted Cow, the Raspberry Tart, and Two Women. The raspberry was great since it was a warm day when I visited, with the Kolsch coming in second. You can also walk along trails through the forest there.

The beer garden at New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

These are some of the places I have enjoyed visiting to try some great beer while getting away from the big city life. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Also, if you like my Facebook page, there are videos from different trips you can check out. I update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts too. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how I learn and grow.

Trying the Raspberry Tart at New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Michigan Midwest Travel

Enjoying the Midwest: Part One

Post author By Maria
Post date June 19, 2019
No Comments on Enjoying the Midwest: Part One

Mermaids at Mermaid Megafest in South Haven, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Sometimes you need a break from city life, and to get out to have a closer experience with nature and a slower pace of life. Lately, I’ve had this feeling of wanderlust, and going on mini road trips around the Midwest has helped. I don’t have a major vacation planned until September so I need smaller trips to tide me over. This spring I’ve visited some places not too far from my home base of Chicago that are only a few hours away. Luckily, there are many fun places and festivals around so the sky is the limit, but here a few places I’ve visited that I wanted to share with you.

At the Carousel Room in the House on the Rock -Photo by Maria M.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite books so I have always wanted to visit the House on the Rock in Spring Green, WI. In the book, Mr. Wednesday and Shadow Moon stop there on their road trip, and the recent season of the TV series had an episode that was filmed there. The book did such a great job describing the place, but it still did not prepare for how odd and interesting the House is. If you are a fan of unusual places and spaces then this is worth a trip.

At the Streets of Yesterday in the House on the Rock -Photo by Maria M.

Alex Jordan designed the place and opened it to the public in 1959. Additions continued to be made over the years, and there are three parts you can visit (I recommend seeing them all). It takes a few hours to get through and see it all. The main house seems to be a parody (or twisted homage) of Frank Lloyd Wright’s style. Interestingly, one of the homes, Taliesin, Wright designed, is nearby. As you enter the grounds, there is a Japanese Garden outside. In the main house, you have to check out the Infinity Room, which juts out 218 ft. without any support. As you continue, you will experience the Streets of Yesterday, which recreates an early 20^th century town. It also reminds me of the exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. The Heritage of the Sea has a nice surprise in there; a friend that went didn’t want to spoil it for me so I’ll do the same for you. You can purchase tokens to put into musical animatronics around the house as well.

At the Organ Room in the House on the Rock -Photo by Maria M.

The most famous part is the Carousel Room, which features the world’s largest indoor carousel. They don’t let you ride it unless you’re Neil Gaiman or one of the gods that gets a special token (see American Gods TV series). The carousel is full of mythological creatures and surprisingly, no horses. If you look up in the room, you’ll see angel mannequins above you. As you leave, you head into the mouth of a dragon. I also really enjoyed the Organ Room with its massive chandeliers and ramps going around the space. The red lighting adds to the sense of eeriness. There are more carousels, and you’ll run into one that is full of dolls. There are collections of doll houses, memorabilia from the British Crown, Tiffany lamps, vintage cars, and so much more as you continue your journey through the House on the Rock. This is a place worth visiting and spending hours in, taking in all the amazing surroundings.

At the Tulip Fest in Holland, MI -Photo by Maria M.

If you want to pretend you’re in the Netherlands, I recommend a visit to Holland, MI. Holland definitely makes the most of its Dutch heritage with different events like the Tulip Festival, which was when I visited. It is the largest tulip festival in the United States, and claims to have five million tulips. Fair warning, it was really crowded; I think over 100,000 visitors come to the fest. There is Dutch market, a parade, Dutch dancing, and many more activities during the week of the festival. The tulips are spread over different locations in the town so downloading or printing the map is helpful.

At Windmill Island in New Holland, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I started out on Windmill Island, a park that has rows and rows of bulbs planted there, and has the De Zwaan Dutch windmill located there. The area also has replicas of Dutch buildings, and the market was there. It also rained on the day I attended, which helped clear out people, so I ended up enjoying myself more. Thankfully, I brought my umbrella. I think the Main Street and downtown area are charming with small businesses and restaurants. Take a stroll to Centennial Park for more tulips, dancing, and music. There were large decorated clogs all over the fest.

At New Holland Brewing -Photo by Maria M.

One of my favorite breweries is in Holland: New Holland Brewing, which makes Dragon’s Milk. You can eat at the restaurant or tour the brewery as well. Michigan has many fantastic breweries so you can even focus on touring some of those if you are a beer lover. You can also see the lighthouse, known as Big Red, or hike up Mt. Pisgah dune for a great view. It is worth staying overnight in Holland since you can’t do everything in one day. I recommend staying at the City Flats. There are plenty of things to do so you don’t need the fest as an excuse to go; it’s actually probably more fun without the bus loads of tourists that come for Tulip Fest.

With Hannah Mermaid at Mermaid Megafest in South Holland, MI -Photo by Maria M.

South Haven, MI has a Mermaid Megafest that all the mermaid lovers have to check out. The festival’s mission is to “Protect our Water Wonderland!” and bringing attention to the challenges that the Great Lakes face. Hannah Mermaid was there offering a workshop for aspiring underwater models, and Harlow Photography was doing mermaid photo shoots (her work rocks). I made it a family event and took my nieces, who are four and five, since they love mermaids. The mermaids gathered at South Beach near the lighthouse (which was built in 1872 and is still operational). Hannah was really nice and took pics with the girls (had to jump in for one with all the mermaids too). It’s a pretty small fest, and doesn’t take much time to go through. The girls were happy since they won prizes at the carnival games. The main attraction is the Island Moon party at Lake Arvesta (on a man-made island) where the mermaids swim in the tank, music, bonfires, and the beer has glitter in it.

Hannah Mermaid at Mermaid Megafest in South Haven, MI -Photo by Maria M.

South Haven is small town with a nice downtown area as well. It is a port city located on the mouth of the Black River on Lake Michigan. It has a charming old fashioned feel with many small shops and businesses. The houses on the waterfront are beautiful. I recommend a trip to Three Blondes Brewing where you can taste some of the local craft beer, and eat some good food. The brewery was started by three blonde sisters from South Haven, and just celebrated their year anniversary. As far as I know, it’s the only brewery in town, but you can correct me if I’m wrong. Like New Holland, you don’t a fest as an excuse to spend some time there.