Best Martin Luther King Day Getaways Near Detroit
Boyne Mountain is where it's at for skiing in Michigan.
Start your adventure by choosing s ski resort to rest your head. You'll be close to the mountain when the mood strikes for a downhill adventure. Seasoned snow bunnies and novices alike will love spending the weekend at Boyne Mountain Resort or Boyne Highlands. Both resorts feature over 400 acres of terrain, covered in powder.
These locations are known as the perfect spots for a range of winter sports. Think snowboarding, dog sledding, snowmobiles, ice skating and, of course, skiing. There's a total of 115 runs, some are geared for advanced skiers, while others are perfect for beginners. Check out the unique flurry of activities offered at the resorts, including a memorable ride on a horse-drawn carriage.
Reserve some time to relax in the evening in the picture-perfect setting of the lodge sitting in front of the fire with a craft brew in hand, telling stories about the day while looking forward to whatever fun tomorrow will bring.
Grand Rapids is your ticket to culture in Michigan. It is a hotbed for creativity and promotes a bourgeoning artist community. There's a treasure trove of ways to immerse yourself into its art scene. Check out art installations and projects from a variety of artists in galleries, while places like the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts feature exhibitions on a grander scale.
Be sure to visit downtown because there are a million things to do. Start by grabbing a coffee at a cozy cafe, then shop your heart out at one of the many clothing boutiques, antique shops and shops slinging artisan wares lining the streets of the city. Stop by a bakery and nibble on a divine selection of pastries, cookies and chocolates.
There are many choices for dining, with restaurants ranging from locally-sourced, vegan and more traditional offerings. Try gastropub The Green Well for foodie delights, La Taqueria San Jose for Latin American cuisine and Bistro Bella Vita for Italian fare, while Founders Brewing and The Mitten Brewing Company are top picks for grabbing a brew.
Stay at the Amway Grand Plaza for a boutique hotel experience or make a reservation at the unique Peaches Bed & Breakfast for a truly personal experience.
Tucked in the Mitten's pinkie area is Traverse City, as much fun in the winter as it is during the summertime due to a slew of outdoor adventures.
Explore the Mission Point Lighthouse – there's a complimentary tour offered to visitors, plus it's a cool spot to see some wildlife while gazing into Grand Traverse Bay. Add some culture to your trip with a stop at the Dennos Museum Center, located at Northwestern Michigan College. The museum boasts an interactive science exhibit and now's your chance to view one of the largest collections of art ceased by Inuit artists. But you don't want to spend all your time indoors.
For outdoor enthusiasts, now's the perfect time to head over to Pere Marquette State Forest to try out those cross-country skis that have been in storage. Go for a three-mile jaunt or if you're feeling hardcore, slide your way through a 25-mile trip. Or try snow-shoeing for a change or rent a snowmobile. There's even snow tubing. Outdoor recreation reigns supreme in Traverse City and has the equipment rentals everywhere to prove it.
Now bring it back full circle and spend your nights at The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. This makes for a relaxing counterpoint to days spent out and about. Make sure you reserve some time to chill at the spa. The Spa Grand Traverse offers guests a "Winter Menu," teeming with seasonal treatments such as a 24 Karat Gold Facial or an infused manicure with scents of brown sugar, vanilla and chai spice.
Eat at 7 Monks Taproom for a cozy spot and a craft beer actually brewed by monks. If a French bistro is more your speed, snag a reservatopm at Bistro Foufou; the menu will awaken your inner gourmand.
Related: Five Reason To Visit Detroit In 2015