The lines were long, the day was mostly overcast and windy, but Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends proved to be a ghoulishly good time. As you might expect, the expansive park was decked out with the usual spooky props: skeletons, cornstalks, pumpkins, and tombstones. One interesting graveyard in the Midway contains the tombstones of “deceased” rides and … Continue Reading →

With a perfect fall weekend on tap, now’s the time to take a hike or two and explore some of Metro Detroit’s most beautiful state recreation areas and metro parks. One of my favorite hikes is the Crooked Lake Trail at Pinckney State Recreation Area. The 5-mile trail cuts along the edge of Silver Lake … Continue Reading →

If you were asked to name the top spots to see fall colors from a Michigan lake or river, you could probably come up with dozens of top-notch suggestions. Well, Discovery Boating lists a single Michigan location – Saugatuck – as among the eight top spots in the country to view fall foliage from the … Continue Reading →

One of my favorite times to visit Chicago is in the fall. Fewer tourists pack Michigan Avenue. The cooler weather invites exploring. And shorter lines make popular restaurants and attractions more accessible. If those reasons are not enough to lure you to the Windy City, how about the Chicago CityPASS, a booklet of discount tickets … Continue Reading →

Despite the abundance of cider mills in southeastern Michigan, I can count on one hand the number I’ve visited over the years. Every fall, I tend to gravitate to two: Franklin Cider Mill and Erwin Orchard in South Lyon. I like Franklin’s historic ambiance (though the crowds can be overwhelming on weekends) and it’s the … Continue Reading →

Think national parks and what springs to mind? Spectacular scenery. Abundant wildlife. Rustic accommodations. But good food? Well, yes, at least according to TheDailyMeal.com, a website devoted to all things food. The DailyMeal.com has compiled list of the best eats at national parks across the country. Topping the list are the menus at Yellowstone, Yosemite, … Continue Reading →

Summer always seems as short as winter is long, and scheduling a weekend for sun and fun at a Lake Michigan beach can sometimes be problematic. The calendar in June, July and August often is packed with fairs, festivals, baseball games, picnics and family cookouts. And with the weather nearly picture-perfect during those months, the … Continue Reading →

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Even if it’s Florida in the summertime. Family and friends scoffed at the mention of a weekend retreat to Florida in late July, but I am here to tell you it was a wise choice. Fort Lauderdale proved to be the perfect antidote to seasonal restlessness. All … Continue Reading →

One of the best ways to get to know a strange city is to run its streets. That used to mean mapping your own route or asking the hotel desk clerk for a recommendation. And that often meant stopping to figure out where you were at some point along the way or making a wrong … Continue Reading →

Ever fantasize about standing at the bow of a ship and yelling: “I’m the king of the world!” How about with the ghost of the Titanic at your back? You can do that in Belfast. Sort of. The dry dock where the majestic liner was built still stands. Walk the length of the dock and … Continue Reading →