Madison Road Trip

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Michigan

Windmill Island Gardens

The Windmill Island Gardens do not disappoint. It’s an island, there are extensive gardens, and a massive functioning windmill. Like much of Holland, MI, the high-point of the year is during May for their tulip festival. Like other parts of… Continue Reading →

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

The western shores of Michigan are famously beautiful year-round. During summer, their sandy beaches are packed with vacationers. But they’re just as nice, albeit a bit chillier, in Spring or Fall. Saugatuck Dunes State Park has a stretch of open… Continue Reading →

Tulip Fest in Holland, Michigan

There are two main areas at the Tulip Fest. The major draw is, obviously, tulips. With a number of tulip growers in the area, the town hosts a festival with tulips everywhere. There are mass plantings in parks, down the… Continue Reading →

Nelis’ Dutch Village

Imagine if Disney’s Imagineers came up with a cheesy, but pretty, Dutch village to add to Epcot…then accidentally left it in a parking lot in Michigan. Nelis’ Dutch Village is a tiny fantasy of a lost (and probably partially imaginary)… Continue Reading →

Book Nook Java Shop

A good bookstore is worth a bit of a drive. The Book Nook Java Shop (and wines, and food, and gifts…) is an hour north of Holland, MI in Montague. This little gem provides all the entertainment and goodies you… Continue Reading →

Little Girls Point County Park and Beach

Despite miles of open shoreline, finding a decent beach near the Porkies (Porcupine Mountains) can be a trick. Some beaches are hard to reach, many are private and still others are extremely rocky. Little Girls Point Beach does have rocky… Continue Reading →

Lake Express High-Speed Ferry

Wishing for a vacation on a sandy beach but don’t have the cash for the Carribean? The Lake Express High Speed Ferry whips you across Lake Michigan in two and a half hours to hundreds of miles of clear, gorgeous… Continue Reading →

Gabbro Falls

We got the tip-off on these hidden falls from the owner of the Northwoods General Store & Coffee House in Wakefield MI (stop by for ice cream, lattes, toys, maps and tons of other fun tchotchkes!) Head north on Baker… Continue Reading →

Mushroom Houses Of Charlevoix

Just an hour south of Mackinaw City (gateway to fudge and Amish vacationland Mackinac Island) is the town of Charlevoix. Dotting this charming town are 8 stone “mushroom” houses, built built by Earl Young. These little houses look like Hobbit… Continue Reading →

Porcupine Mountains (The Porkies)

Few places in the Midwest are as gorgeous the Porcupine Mountains. Located on the edge of The Upper Peninsula (Da Yoop) on Lake Superior, this area is “Peter Jackson Eat Your Heart Out” gorgeous. Dotted with fantastic waterfalls, pristine (and… Continue Reading →