I looking to go to Michigan Sunday over Monday this weekend w the wife and our 11 year old son. We live in Chicago so would like to stay within a 2 - 21/2 hour drive. What I'm looking for are someplace that they would both enjoy and maybe a brewery or two for me to enjoy. I know it's last minute but any help is appreciated. If you need any more info ask away. Thanks
It's a little further than you want (about 3 hours) but Grand Rapids is the best bet. It's Beer City.
New Buffalo area. Nearby you have Greenbush in Sawyer and Tapistry and Transient in Bridgeman. Greenbush however, will be nuts to butts all weekend. Kalamazoo would be another option.
This. I'd do New Buffalo beach first thing and then Transient after lunch. If you need to throw the wife a bone she can stop by the Lighthouse Mall in Mich City on the way home while you pass the time at Shoreline Brewery right across the street.
I'd say either GR or Holland. Founders and Vivant are good for both food and beer. The Public Museum and Meijer Gardens are family-friendly places to kill a few hours, and there's an outlet mall not too far down the road. In Holland, you have the beach and shopping/strolling in downtown Holland. For beer, there's the New Holland brewpub, Our Brewing Co, and Hops at 84 East (better-than-average restaurant with a killer tap list). It's definitely a more low-key experience than GR.
not to be a downer, but just to give you a heads up, your 2 hour drive there on Sunday will probably be a 4-5 hour drive home on Monday on 94.
I'd say stay on the lakeshore. You'll save a little time on the drive. Hit up Oddside in Grand Haven, or New Holland in Holland. Both have great little downtowns to walk around in, and good options for food.
It won't be that bad, but it will be frustrating. I've driven back from my friend's cottage in Stevensville a handful of times on weekends such as Memorial Day, and it ends up adding 30-60 minutes to our trip. If you want to avoid that traffic, either leave early or leave late.
