LLL: Discovering Michigan

Last week my roommate and best friend, Neph, drove to Michigan together. I'd never been but she had so we set out for the most Michigan experience with the intent of a slower pace.

We booked our hotel on Expedia since it was the easiest way to compare prices and location. The only prerequisite for the destination was that it be near a lighthouse or sand dunes. Most hotels were bed and breakfasts (which weren't the right fit for us.) Inn on Water Street stuck out from the rest and it was obviously the right fit for a getaway. They have a hotel spa, a connected restaurant, with views and high ratings. When we arrived the hotel staff were so welcoming as was the room! Our floor had a lounge open for guests to view the freighters passing and WWII destroyer binoculars that peered onto the Canadian border.

Now, in hindsight I realize there are MANY more lighthouses on the western side of Michigan. We didn't book a stay there due to how much more it cost a night. But we could have easily hopped from one hotel to another if we weren't particular about the amenities the hotel offered. Our stay cost about the same as a chain hotel and I was more excited to stay in a family owned establishment. Located in a quiet neighborhood, we relied on our feet and local recommendations as we explored. A few historic buildings were in the town and the three blocks of activity presented some fun finds. A great fish fry place, a market place for artists, and ice cream the locals highly recommended. We devoured the fried cod from Marine City Fish Company as well as the baked crab dip - HIGHLY recommend.

We did visit their "Inn Kitchen" and devoured their Brussel sprout chips. Their wine selection was only so/so but they boasted their cocktails were creative and delicious. I personally didn't have one but my friend enjoyed their Moscow mule. I would recommend this place for a night cap. The restaurant was lively until close on the weekends so it is a steady scene. If you're used to Chicago-grade food some of their entrees may be a disappointment. One of the entrees I ordered I could only take a few bites out of. Their continental breakfast was stocked, delicious, and well organized! My inner child was delighted to discover a pancake machine and we were able to take in a hearty breakfast each morning before departing to our next adventure.

The following day we drove to Port Huron about an hour away to the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Another historical landmark, the small tour cost $10 and includes an optional lighthouse climb of 94 steps. The view was worth it and just next to the Canada border, you could bring a passport and discover what else is out there. We had heard traffic in/out of the country was a long wait so we opted to explore beneath the bridge which is now a park called, Under Bridge. How fitting. To see the border bridge, click here.

On our drive back to Chicago we stopped in Detroit. A fellow blogger/journalist shared some of her favorite haunts with me and recommended Eastern Market. She likened it to Fulton Market and if you had seen Fulton Market a few years ago, that's certainly what this felt like. Still up and coming, they have a farmers market and the streets are full of random coffee houses, a Motown Bistro, boutiques, and random street art throughout the neighborhood. We explored some of the street art but after further research it seems there was a lot more we didn't get to see. Keep in mind, the area is going through a heavy amount of construction. I'd recommend visiting the neighborhood on a Saturday when more shops are open. We had a lot on our list for Detroit but only made it to Detroit Institute of Art and Eastern Market.

Here is what I had on my list and what some of y'all recommended!

As someone who loves Motown, it was news to me that Detroit is where the label originated. The Motown Museum (a historical home of Berry Gordy) in the Boston-Edison Historic District and street art in Eastern Market surely brags of it's roots as does their Motown Bistro on Russel Street. If you're looking for a show, PJ's Lager House in Corktown may be the Live music and New Orleans flavor for you.

I hear fine dining and great views await in GM Renaissance Center in the heart of Detroit. Also boasting great architecture and city views were the Cadillac Tower and square, The Guardian Building, Penoboscot Building. If you're into exploring abandoned buildings, the Michigan Building looks amazing as does the Michigan Central Station which now hosts tours as a historical site.

If museums are your cup of tea the Charles H. Wright Museum look stunning and intriguing. The Contemporary Art museum seemed interesting as well. I'm the most bummed we didn't have time to stop by the Heidelberg Project which mission and vision is so close to mine. I hope to return soon or maybe even bring a group to support!

I captured many more stunning pictures in Michigan, click here to see a gallery and follow along for future posts! If you have more suggestions or want to add any recommendations, comment below! I'm always reachable by email if you chose to reach out.

CHEERS from C H I C A G O,