Heading east toward Kelleys Island, I reminisced about past excursions to Sandusky. Cedar Point and Great Wolf Lodge are well known as family travel destinations, but I never knew that Sandusky is part of the north central region of Ohio known as “Vacationland.” While familiar with inland attractions, the Lake Erie islands of Vacationland were completely unknown to me. Considering most of my island experience was growing up in Manhattan, I was curious to experience island living as a low key, accessible getaway miles from familiar seashores.
Filtering by Author: Petula Brown
Weekend Getaway: Around the Corner – Hillsdale County Excursion
The aura of calm began with our arrival at Munro House, the bed and breakfast serving as our home base. Considering the stately tone of the exterior columns, we were surprised by a casual greeting from Layne, the tween son of owner Chris Riley
Weekend Getaways: Holland Highlights
The vibrant red and warm golden foliage of autumn heading west on I-96 was a calming backdrop for a three-hour drive to Holland. Known for its annual tulip festival, the city provides visitors a chance to experience a slower pace year-round. While the greater Holland area offers a variety of activities, central Holland has its share of historical, recreational, and cosmopolitan offerings. Within walking distance of these experiences is Bonnie’s Parsonage 1908 Bed and Breakfast, an accommodation alternative with ties to the area’s Dutch heritage.
Weekend Getaways: GilChrist Retreat Center--Nature and Spirituality Intersecting
Over the years, I-94 has been my go-to route to destinations throughout southern Michigan, but this trip I got off the fast-track west of Jackson to see what I’ve been missing. On M-60 I passed through the campus of Spring Arbor University, and glimpsed local museums and farms. Bedroom communities like Concord, Tekonsha, and Union City offered local eateries and attractions missing from interstate rest stops. Accustomed to the relaxed vibe of those villages, the industrial scene of Three Rivers was an unexpected shift—a change experienced by travelers willing to take the less conventional path to Three Rivers’ GilChrist Retreat Center.
Weekend Getaways--Ronora Lodge
For some Michiganders, I-94’s western track is a familiar path. Excursions to breakfast behemoth Kellogg, muffin maestro Jiffy, or a sandy shore on Lake Michigan share the interstate with commuters and commercial traffic. I-94 is also the gateway to Watervliet, a rural section of the Niles-Benton Harbor metro area—a region often associated with beachfront getaways. A drive through downtown Watervliet provides a juxtaposition of convenience and tradition. The area’s relaxed vibe is the ideal backdrop for the natural respite offered by the Ronora Lodge and Retreat Center.
Greenleaf—A Southern Sanctuary
Greenleaf’s homage to the past is understandable given its origin as a farmhouse built in 1873 by its namesake, Charles Greenleaf. Its evolution as a bed and breakfast has been a labor of love orchestrated by innkeepers Steve and Diane Newell. They’ve owned the property for over 15 years and spent a decade completing renovations.
Weekend Getaways: Up North Excursion - Petoskey Region Roundup
Confession time! As a native New Yorker who moved to Michigan to attend U-M, I never understood the appeal of going “up north” for a restful getaway. I could appreciate its appeal for campers, skiers, and hunters, but not having such interests made Northern Michigan something of an enigma to me. So, an extended visit to the Petoskey area was an ideal opportunity to see the variety of settings, cultures, and cuisines reflected in the region.
Weekend Getaways: Heading North — Song of the Morning
I am usually excited to venture to new places. But on a recent Friday afternoon, after a week of air and road travel, I was maxed out, and I was hoping for some respite at a weekend retreat center up north that I was scheduled to visit. I just needed to rally enough energy and awareness for the four-hour drive. This was new territory for this East Coaster whose Michigan experiences have mainly focused on the southeastern region. I opted for the US-127 approach through Mount Pleasant. It lacked the speed of an interstate highway, but the closer proximity to towns, lakes, and parklands afforded a degree of intimacy missing from my typical highway commutes. I turned off the car audio to use the drive as an exercise in mindfulness. The subtle foliage changes became more pronounced as I drove past Clare, Grayling, and Gaylord, and made my way to the town of Vanderbilt and Song of the Morning (SOTM), a long-established yoga retreat center set on 800 beautiful acres.
Renewal for the Body, Mind, and Spirit at Grass Lake Sanctuary
Clinical trial. Deductible. Dosing. Pre-op. Protocol. Blood work. If you are familiar with any of these terms, you’ve likely had some encounter with health care services in the United States. However, the traditional medical model – a condition-focused, interventional approach controlled by clinical providers – toward health and wellness has been challenged. In seeking recovery via alternative models, Americans are exploring options beyond the doctor’s office. The Ann Arbor area is a nexus for many of these resources, including Grass Lake Sanctuary, a nature-focused retreat space in Manchester that has served the region for over ten years.
Weekend Getaway: Lial Renewal Center
Heading down US-23 toward Ohio was a familiar experience, but my expectations differed from past trips. Over the years, visits to the Toledo Zoo and the Imagination Station made Ohio synonymous with family playdates and non-stop activity. Driving south of Toledo was new territory, so missing the exit on US-24 near Napoleon led to an unexpected excursion into downtown Whitehouse. Named for a local official in the 1800’s, the village’s rural, relaxed setting was a welcome contrast from earlier visits to Northwest Ohio and complements Lial Renewal Center’s low key, introspective environs.
Weekend Getaways: Canterbury Chateau
As a frequent traveler and transplant from the East Coast, I’m often drawn to major metropolitan areas. Although renowned for impressive attractions and activities for any interest, the bustling crowds and traffic snarls in urban centers means serenity can be in short supply. Fortunately for Michiganders, a tranquil getaway doesn’t require a boarding pass, or transcontinental travel, but just a few miles drive west on US-23 to Livingston County. Brighton’s Canterbury Chateau weaves together cozy interiors and relaxing amenities, with a touch of the tropics, into an accessible escape from the daily grind. By smartly balancing Victorian charm with modern touches, this bed and breakfast provides a welcome respite. Combined with many local recreational activities available in the Brighton area, visitors can enjoy a restful weekend while exploring nearby attractions.
