There's nothing better than a Pure Michigan getaway with friends. This sampling of options lets you combine some of the state's best natural highlights with shopping, adventure, new wine regions and hands-on fun.
The Inn at Bay Harbor has one of the state's best water views, suite options that offer both privacy and late-night chatting time, afternoon high tea, on-site dining and a spa. Venture out for shopping at Petoskey’s Historic Gaslight District's galleries and boutiques. Or make the up-and-coming Petoskey Wine Region your outing theme. Be part of the high-end experimentation with some of the world's newest wine grapes while sipping the crazy (good) cider and microbrew combos offered too.
Michigan author Mardi Link made this a girlfriend getaway must with her “The Drummond Girls” story of her annual outing. Take a guided ATV trip on the otherwise inaccessible backwoods trails, explore rare fossil ledges, or head out with the Drummond Island Tall Ship Co LLC for a two-hour sail, star-gazing cruise or private charter. Woods & Water Ecotours also offers kayaking rentals and guided adventure tours.
A small village with such a happening vibe—or as many opportunities to communally imbibe. Microbrew mecca Short's Brewing Company started it all, and now Mammoth Distilling - Bellaire, Bee Well Mead and Cider and the Hello Vino! Book a room at Shanty Creek Resorts for access to great golf and equally striking scenery—especially on fall weekends when chair lifts rise toward mountain top vistas. They also offer a convenient shuttle service to town, where you can round out the weekend with hands-on art classes at The Flying Pig or cookie decorating at Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery.
Rotunda at the Michigan State Capitol | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan cheryl66stl
In the twin cities of Lansing and East Lansing, you'll get the perfect combo of a college town vibe and Capitol City gravitas. There's fun in the surrounding countryside too including at Hilltops Farms, where goat yoga comes with happy hour and live music. The Potter Park Zoo offers book-ahead zookeeper encounters with a particularly friendly rhino, playful otters, not so cuddly lions and more. For more interactive fun, book a cocktail making class at American Fifth Spirits, a walking distance from the Radisson in downtown.
Mackinac Island Harbor | Photo Courtesy of Vogue Magazine
Redbook magazine named the Grand Hotel one of the country's top spots for a girlfriend getaway, it's hard to argue this when the historic hotel offers famed multi-course dinners, private receptions, wellness classes and a full-service spa. Or base your getaway at Mackinac House, the island's newest inn, and bike the island perimeter on the nation's only highway that doesn't allow cars. Drive your own horse and buggy or take a late night ghost tour.
Castle Farms | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan lonestar.looking.glass
This Lake Michigan vacation mecca has drawn vacationers since the Victorian days, and history can be part of the fun. Take a global electric motorcar on an hour-long tour of the eclectic “fairy houses” made of boulder and thatched roofs of architect Earl Young, or tour century-old Castle Farms—once a model dairy farm (though you'll find other things to sip today with an on-site winery). For active fun, rent kayaks or paddleboards and venture onto Lake Charlevoix, Round Lake or Lake Michigan. Come harvest time, local farm markets overflow with picnic fare, and downtown shops, restaurants, festivals and galleries are exploration options year-round.
Huron-Manistee National Forests – Cadillac | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan forestservice
Camp Newaygo offers girlfriend getaway weekends that may remind you of summer camp—only with massages and gourmet foods. Camp Newaygo's girlfriend getaways held fall and spring weekends let you gather old friends (or make new ones). The outings based in hotel-like dorm rooms include hands-on art and outdoor fun, all on 100 acres near the Huron-Manistee National Forests – Cadillac.
Bavarian Belle Riverboat | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan wihenao
The authentic Bavarian vibe makes a trip here feel at a bit like you've gathered your group and gone abroad. After you've browsed downtown boutiques, take a wine and chocolate cruise on the Cass River, learn the art of pretzel rolling in a class at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge restaurant, and even get your Christmas shopping done at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store.
Cheers to Detroit | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan karsynoconnell
With its 185 stores, everyone in the group will find a dream shop (with deals) at the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. The fun SEA Life Michigan Aquarium is right on-site with its 250 species and 12 interactive exhibits. After a day of shopping, venture into the state's hotspot, Detroit, for a concert, play, themed tour or dinner. There's always a trendy new restaurant opening in up-and-coming neighborhoods like Midtown and Corktown.
Windmill Island Gardens | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan _sovereign_photography_
Dare to take a journey with Saugatuck Dune Rides Inc. - a combination history lesson, nature tour and roller coaster ride. Rent a beach house, take a hike to dune overlooks and maybe venture into town for shopping and cocktails. Nearby Holland, home to Holland State Park, is a worthy destination too; the city offers frequent girlfriend getaway weekends that feature deep discounts at downtown shops.
