I have to admit our last family trip was to the sunshine state without a trip to the mouse house. Sorry but I have been trying to get to the Cape for over 30 years, I will return.

Our main trip every year is to Northern Minnesota, Cass Lake. Fishing, drinking and more drinking and fishing. At 10.5 hours one way it is one loooooong drive with the kids. BUT when you the family owns the place the price sounds just right. But seriously if you are a fishing or outdoor nut there isn't much that you would miss out on between Duluth and Fargo. We have made numerous trips to Lake Itasca State Park (the origin of the Mississippi), a great fossil hunt at Hill Annex Mine State Park (former iron mine) and on Cass Lake itself, one of the top Walleye lakes in the country, fishing, bald eagles (largest population in the lower 48), indian casinos (if you dig that, I don't), National Forests. Lots of resorts to stay at, and not all are shacks.

Other driving trips we have taken or plan on include: Mackinac Island, Milwaukee (paradise landing waterpark) and hurricane target Ocean Shores, Alabama.

quote:

...We usually spend a week or two in Union Pier...

Clam - can you suggest a nice place to spend the night out there (anywhere along the Red Arrow Highway). We usually go out there "junking" just for the day but have never overnighted it. Also, is Union Pier where the guy was painting the ceiling of a former church/antique store to look like the Sistine Chapel's ceiling? He was doing a pretty amazing job, but last time we were there the place looked abandoned. Haven't been to SW Michigan as much lately as we used to because of the road construction, and I kind of miss it.

With or without kids....and what is your budget?

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
With or without kids....and what is your budget?

We're "blessed" with no children.
Since it's probably just for one night, we can blow the budget. (Although I'm still a cheapwad and would like to keep it under $200/night. I'd rather spend the money on a tchotchke or painting rather than a spa or golf or some other amenity we won't use.)

Sandpiper Inn is the nicest, IMO. Or I'd try The Inn at Union Pier.

Sandpiper is way....way...nicer. And both do not welcome children...IIRC.

Parker and I will join you if you find somebody to watch our anchors....er.....children.

Thanks for all the info. We'll give the Sandpiper a try in the spring. Looks very nice. You and Parker are welcome to come along. Just leave a couple of bowls of food and water out for the kids...they'll be just fine.

Sorry to be a pain, but I have one more question. The Sandpiper's website mentions the well-stocked library but neglects to mention whether there is a well-stocked bar within walking distance. Is there, or is one expected to bring one's own?

Flora, have you ever been a little farther north - St. Joe, MI? It's exit #23 (I believe Union Pier is around 6ish). I used to live in St. Joe. It's a beautiful little town, with the lake on one side and the St. Joe river on the other.
Check out this place:
Boulevard Inn

It's right by Silver Beach, which is probably the cleanest beach I've ever been to. Have you ever had dinner at the Grand Mere Inn on Red Arrow?

quote:

Originally posted by Flora Klok:
Sorry to be a pain, but I have one more question. The Sandpiper's website mentions the well-stocked library but neglects to mention whether there is a well-stocked bar within walking distance. Is there, or is one expected to bring one's own?

Michigan is kinda like Wisconsin. By law there must be a bar on two of the four corners of every semi-major intersection and at least one on every other lesser intersection. However, no law on selling cheese in MI.

Thanks for the Boulevard Inn suggestion, Jen. It's been a really long time since I've been to St. Joe, but I remember it was quite nice. Since we usually make the trip up there in a day, we usually don't get up that far. Will keep it (and the Grand Mere Inn) in mind for the future though.

quote:

Originally posted by jen2974:
Flora, have you ever been a little farther north - St. Joe, MI? It's exit #23 (I believe Union Pier is around 6ish). I used to live in St. Joe. It's a beautiful little town, with the lake on one side and the St. Joe river on the other.
Check out this place:
Boulevard Inn

It's right by Silver Beach, which is probably the cleanest beach I've ever been to. Have you ever had dinner at the Grand Mere Inn on Red Arrow?

One warning about St. Joe...it is a town....like Evanston is a town. The beaches are neither very private, nor beachy. For example....Silver Beach has playground equipment and a snack bar....and cars going past it. The beaches closer to Indiana...Union Pier, Lakeside, etc. are dune beaches. Make your way down to them and you see grasses and trees. Much more primative. And the food is way better closer to Indiana...as they appeal to more Chicagoans I think.

And Red Arrow Roadhouse is the best restaurant in the world.

St. Joe is nice. Have a friend with a house there. But too much commerce goes on to make it feel like you're on vacation. Oh...and Benton Harbor is right across the bridge. Enjoy all that town has to offer.

benton harbor...SO much to enjoy.

Point-O-Woods

I see how you are now Clam. You should be ashamed leading a fellow Glen Ellynite, a fellow BBer no less, astray like that. I have had the pleasure of passing thru Benton Harbor. Especially liked the guy on the side of the road with the gold all around his mouth from inhaling spray paint. Even Mr. Klok, who grew up on the south side of Chicago, was all for locking the car doors. And can I assume Point-o-Woods is a similarly charming community, Fan?

quote:

Originally posted by Flora Klok:
I see how you are now Clam. You should be ashamed leading a fellow Glen Ellynite, a fellow BBer no less, astray like that. I have had the pleasure of passing thru Benton Harbor. Especially liked the guy on the side of the road with the gold all around his mouth from inhaling spray paint. Even Mr. Klok, who grew up on the south side of Chicago, was all for locking the car doors. And can I assume Point-o-Woods is a similarly charming community, Fan?

Bring your sticks....you'll need them to beat the little white things there.

Point-O-Woods is one of the best golf courses in the United States....conveniently located in Benton Harbor. From the reviews that I have heard, I would suggest Traverse City if you are hell-bent on going to MI.

I believe you'll find Lost Dunes more to your liking than Point-O-Woods. And it's conveniently located in Bridgman.

If you can find a way to get on Wild Dunes....now that is an experience worth the trip. Let me know if you need a fourth.

I have played Lost Dunes....very nice. The membership is mostly comprised of Bob-O-Link members.

I've never played Wild Dunes though...GEBB field trip?

In