Beyond the Destination

Written for Northern Express Spring Break Issue, March 23, 2024

Original Version:

Northern Michigan: where spring unfolds delight. 

There is little else that makes a Michigander happier than the promise of spring. We emerge from a sleepy winter of healing and planning for the year ahead; roused by a warming breeze that begins to flow from the bays as the lingering evening sun provides the opportunity for after-work revelry. The scent of petrichor in the late-night sky signals that life is finally awakening from its frosty suspension. This year it seems spring has sprung early, and with its arrival, so too arrive the throngs of eager vacationers to our idyllic lakeside communities in search of refuge from the doldrums and stressors of everyday life. Once you cross a certain county line—the exact spot differs for everyone—you can feel the air change, as you arrive “Up North.” 

The modern reality of vacation planning can seem daunting to families. Logistical challenges have always been a factor, but costs for goods and services have skyrocketed making travel more difficult and less enjoyable.

One way to counter undue financial strain is to consider a return to the good old-fashioned family road trip. Not by way of the misadventures of Clark Griswold and his reluctant brood in the National Lampoon films, however. Lucky for you, we’ve curated a list of budget-conscious events for all ages and interests that cover a sizable portion of Northern Michigan.  

A getaway is not just about the rigidly tangible destination and itinerary. The core purpose of any journey is to share experiences and precious moments with loved ones. It's about slowing down, embracing the beauty of nature, and feeling joyful together. 

This article may seem different from traditional spring break event lists. It was created with the hope of expanding the minds and hearts of everyone who participates, perhaps serving as a springboard—pun intended—for a new outlook on life’s priorities. It seeks to highlight movement, art, culture, togetherness, and existing on the lighter side of life. For many, these events fall during spring break when the kids are out of school and on the loose. This intermediary time leaves parents searching for ways to channel their children’s restless energy while gaining imperative R&R themselves. All of the subsequent events are held in cities and hamlets serving as standalone destinations where you can spend an entire day with plenty to do. As Ina Garten famously said on her cooking show “The Barefoot Contessa,” “How fabulous is that?” 

“Easter Egg-stravaganza at Lake Ann Farm” (Interlochen, Mich.)

Easter is coming. It’s time to hatch an idea.

When you think of Easter you’ll no doubt conjure memories of dying eggs and receiving overflowing wicker baskets of treats, all in pastel hues. Perhaps you attend religious services, gather with friends and family for brunch, or just bask in a day of personal wellness. No matter your milieu, Easter signifies fellowship and alignment within yourself and throughout your community. 

Whether you take a staycation or vacation this Easter, integrating festive options for your littles that you also enjoy is the best-laid plan. Consider adding the “Easter Egg-stravaganza” to your guidebook. Hosted on the grounds of Lake Ann Farm in Interlochen, the event promises a well-appointed lineup, and conscious pricing with a $5 per person entry fee, and free entry for children two and under. 

Among the happenings are an Easter egg hunt, petting zoo, and pony rides, which are offered for an additional $5 per child. Be sure to arrive by 12pm to take part in the Easter egg hunt. 

Hop to it, parents! This is certain to impress even the most discerning kiddos. 

Tickets and additional event information can be found by visiting this link. 

“Spring Day Camp at Grass River Natural Area” (Bellaire, Mich.)

Some of the best childhood memories are made at summer camp. Well, maybe not the best, but certainly formative. 

Do you require a place to drop your offspring off for a day or three so you can enjoy some peace and quiet? It’s okay if you do, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Rest assured, they will be safe and have access to enrichment through the natural world while cultivating stewardship for the environment. 

Experiences in this vein tend to hone compassionate character, a rare and admirable trait. 

“Spring Day Camp” is an ideal option for kids aged seven through twelve who are feeling antsy during their break and need to burn off steam with their fellow youths. While at camp, they’ll take part in activities including maple tree tapping, animal tracking, bird watching, campfire and shelter building, all while learning about natural science. 

Program dates run March 26 through 28 from 9am to 3pm, housed within the Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire. Take note of the registration waitlist for sign-ups under three days. Space is limited, so you’ll want to save your spot sooner rather than later.

Pricing is set at $150 per camper for a three-day duration, with $75 due at the time of registration. Scholarships are available for families in need. 

Click here to find comprehensive registration information and a full description of the camp schedule. 

“The Future of Comedy Show” (Gaylord, Mich.)

It’s refreshing to laugh at someone else after years of your kids laughing at you. 

If you’re a stand-up comedy fan with a window of opportunity for a date night with your special someone, don’t miss The Future of Comedy Show at BJ’s Catering and Event Center in Gaylord. The show will feature notable comedians seen on programs like The Tonight Show W/ Jimmy Fallon, Last Comic Standing, Bob and Tom Show, and Conan O’Brien. This leg of the tour stars Michigan natives Nick Kelley (Detroit), and Niecole Middelton aka Big Juicy (Flint), with Kate Brindle, and headliner Mike Ball. 

The sets are playing on April 5 with a showtime of 8pm (Doors open at 7pm). You’ll want to arrive before showtime for sips and snacks, included with your $30 admission ticket. 

Age restrictions are not listed. However, logic would indicate that this is geared towards adults 18 and older.

Other Michigan show dates and locations are available if you can’t make it to the listed showing.

Tickets and tour schedules are available here. 

(A word of advice from personal experience: if you don’t wish to be unwillingly integrated into show material, avoid the front row. However, If that’s your jam, plant yourself front and center.)  

“First Friday’s” (Charlevoix, Mich.)

There’s something perpetually nostalgic about Friday’s—let’s not question why. Just enjoy.  

On Lake Michigan’s epically cerulean shoreline, Charlevoix rivals its global counterparts with casually elegant ease. It's no surprise that Ernest Hemingway found literary inspiration from his childhood summers here. Aside from its picturesque setting, a strong sense of community persists among the locals as well as the summer colony flocks.  

“First Fridays” is a publicly attended, business-sponsored fête that is trending in smaller towns across northern Michigan geared toward increasing visibility and sales for local businesses, artists, and vendors. The event is put on from January through April on the first Friday of each month, promoting an array of local businesses. Community is everything, and success takes a village. 

The next First Friday's bash will be held on April 5 from 4pm until 8pm, sponsored by The Happy Troll, and is themed for National Caramel Day. Along with caramel-infused cocktails along “The Cocktail Trail,” make a stop at the prize station, set up within The Cantina, then jaunt down to Elements Gallery for the “Magical Tiny Door Scavenger Hunt.” 

More information about this First Friday and future events is available here.

”Babies on the Farm Festival” (Boyne City, Mich.)

Where your babies can meet and greet the fur babies—or feathered, fuzzy, yada, yada, yada. 

Is this not the cutest concept you’ve ever heard? Ideal for all animal lovers, kids and adults alike. “Babies on the Farm” is coming to Kiwidinok Farm in Boyne City, and is slated for several March and April dates to accommodate all schedules and availability. 

The main act is certainly the newborn Tibetan Yak calves, which the farm is famed for. Other farm family members are baby chicks, donkeys, goats, lambs, and alpacas—just to name a few! Your little ones can take part in feeding the animals, learning about each one from farm staff, and partake in pets and cuddles with all of their new fur friends.  

Dates in our range are March 25, 28, 29, 30, 31 and April 1, 4, and 5. Tour times are 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm. Ticketing fees are $10 per person, though group rates for parties of three are $9. 

Note that advance registration is required. Additional dates and registration specifics are available here. 

“Family Hikes” (Northern Mich.)

Everything in Michigan’s captivating landscapes is divine by nature. Except for wasps. Wasps are egregious. 

This is not an event per se. It’s a non-event, which is often the most fun, pleasant occurrence in life, should you be fortunate enough to live mindfully. In northern Michigan, we are blessed with some of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and they should never be taken for granted. Even the most outdoors-adverse human is no match for Michigan’s captivating landscape, and they’re sure to fall in love. 

That we place a high priority on protecting our land is nothing short of meritorious. 

A complete list of hiking spots in our region would be lengthy, but the following places are so special that they deserve priority. Here are the top three that could be enjoyed for an entire day or longer if you wish: 

Sleeping Bear Dunes (Empire, Mich.)

From certain vantage points, you may feel as though you’re trekking through the Sahara or overlooking the Pacific in southern California. 

The park has a choose-your-own-adventure layout, customizable for all ages and abilities. 

Sweeping dunes and panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake will take your breath away—if that hasn’t already happened after the strenuous yet exciting dune climb, the most popular route in the park and easily accessible from the main parking lot. Once you’ve submitted the dune, an open-world playground is yours to revel in. Take care to bring plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and dress in layers as the environment shifts quickly. 

Park passes range from $15 to $25, and are valid for seven days. Annual passes are available for $45. 

Plan your visit and take advantage of the myriad trail options.  

Lighthouse Park (Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, Mich.)

By and of itself, the drive from downtown Traverse City is enough to draw senses of adventure and peace in equal measure. M37 winds through vineyards and farmland giving way to grand fields of vision of the East and West Bays. 

Though the lighthouse itself is closed for yours until May 1, the park is always open until 10pm Monday through Sunday with hundreds of acres of lakeshore and wooded trails to explore. The terrain is low-impact and suitable for all ages. Though the lighthouse may be closed, it casts itself as the perfect backdrop for photos, along with the adjacent Hessler Log Cabin, built from 1854 to 1856 by a pioneer couple Mary and Joseph Hessler. 

There is no fee required for hiking, only for lighthouse tours. Reap the benefits of free access to unparalleled views and natural beauty and old trails containing “Indian Trees,” which are trees bent by Native Americans to serve as trail markers. 

Look over the location’s web page and select your path. 

Huron-Manistee National Forest (Multiple Locations, Mich.)

The sheer scale of the land—978,906 acres to be precise—perpetuates in crystalline detail our dedication to environmental preservation. The combined land has major historical significance, and in its present form, that history began during The Great Depression when the Forest Service purchased the land to increase economic growth for agricultural purposes. 

With access points spanning Muskegon to East Tawas, you’ll have seemingly limitless courses of action. 

Zooming in on our northern areas and depending on where you’d like to begin your journey, Cadillac and Grayling present well-appointed recreational points. 

With considerable locales on the map, you’ll want to gather some options based on your preferences and needs. The fees associated with park entry are offered as day passes starting at $5, week-long passes for $15, annual passes starting at $30, and lifetime passes for seniors, active military and veterans, and those with disabilities.

Find specific pass and fee information based on your needs here.

“John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band” (Cheboygan, Mich.)

Swing to the tune of string. Instruments, that is. 

A late-night date accompanied by an upbeat live performance with John Jorgenson, a Grammy-winning mainstay in the world of Bluegrass, may be just what you and your significant other need after a busy day with your family.

Set within The Cheboygan Opera House, you’ll be met with sophisticated musical stylings and harmonious energy while sipping your beverage of choice. Jorgenson will be accompanied by fellow musicians Herb Pedersen, Mark Fain, and Patrick Sauber. The band’s shows have received rave reviews attributed to their technical and soulful mastery of their craft. 

Visit The Cheboygan Opera House webpage to purchase tickets and learn more about the band and historic venue. 

Standard ticket prices range from $25 to $40 depending on seating. Student tickets are $10. Veterans receive a $5 discount. The venue will offer a selection of beer and wine for purchase. 

“Kids Matinee/Spring Break Specials at State Theatre” (Traverse City, Mich.)

What kid doesn’t love going to the movies? Seriously, is there one who doesn’t? 

Need a rainy day outing? Or would that be an “inning?” The State Theatre in downtown Traverse City, a destination in its own right, is a heritage landmark in close proximity to premiere boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops. You could have lunch and a show with your family, then stroll along Front Street and make a day of it, weather dependent of course. 

Spring break movie promotions at the theatre are offered daily until March 30 with a 10am showtime, and are free to all ages. 

Concurrently, $1 matinee tickets for kids' movies are screening each Saturday at 10am, with a selection of reasonably-priced refreshments for all attendees. Showtimes and features are available for review here. The full lineup is not yet posted but keep checking the link for updates so you can plan your visit. 

“Easter Brunch Buffet” (Thompsonville, Mich.)

The Easter Bunny only provides chocolate and candy. For sustenance, outsourcing is a must. 

Preparing a holiday meal for the family is often the last thing you’d care to do on vacation, or on any occasion if we’re being honest. If you’d rather cut to the chase and enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor, pop over to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville and partake in a sumptuous all-day brunch with festive accouterments.  

Buffet service commences at 9am, concluding at 5pm within the Wild Tomato restaurant on the resort’s grounds. Pricing is set at $46.95 for adults and $12.95 for children and includes complimentary coffee and tea. 

Reservations are required to ensure seating. Further information for the Easter buffet including the full menu and reservation link is available here.

“Bowling Down Main Street” (Harbor Springs, Mich.)

“The Dude” from The Big Lebowski was a talented bowler, and could perhaps provide us with tips and tricks. Unfortunately, he was unavailable for comment.

No matter your preferences, background, or proclivities, bowling is the great equalizer of pastimes. Slated for March 30 from 12pm to 2pm at the intersection of State and Main in downtown Harbor Springs, there will be cracking good fun in spades. The event is free to the public and sponsored by The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce and Northern Lights Recreation, and they’ve pulled out all the stops for their libation and prize contributions. 

Kids can get a sugar buzz out of free hot chocolate and donuts from Johan’s and ice cream from Harbor Ice Cream Soup and Sandwiches. Fret not parents, they’ll have plenty of time to tucker themselves out before the drive home. All attendees will receive a free bowling card for use at Northern Lights Recreation, and Rocking Horse Toy Co. will present a toy giveaway for the young ‘uns. Either before or after the event, there’s lots to see and do in Harbor Springs so plan to spend a full day there. 

Check out the full event page here.

“Grupo Folklorico Xochiquetzal" (Traverse City, Mich.)

So you think you can dance? If you can’t, thankfully, there are some people who can and this group in particular is phenomenally talented. 

Two years ago, Grupo Folklorico Xochiquetzal banded together with the purpose of greater visibility for the Latino community at large, emphasizing that which is present in northern Michigan. They don customary dress and embody transcendental movement deeply rooted in the cultures of Mexico and Panama. The group is performing live at the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City on April 4 at 4pm, spotlighted as a performance exhibition within the museum. A general admission ticket to the center is required for entry, and advance registration for the performance is requested.

Also, take note of the “Spring Break at the Museum” promotion from March 23-30, with free admission to all children attending. 

Read more about the background of Grupo Folklorico Xochiquetzal and other ongoing exhibits at the museum here.

Hopefully, you have found this suggested itinerary to be helpful, leading to fulfilled enjoyment for all who call Northern Michigan home as well as those who make a pilgrimage here. We are so fortunate to live in and visit a place so remarkably beautiful and teeming with meaningful activity. 

Wherever you find yourself there is no wrong destination, only wonderfully diverse experiences that will create life-long memories.