5 Attainable Long Weekend Getaways from Metro Detroit
Where to go on a long weekend getaway from Metro Detroit? As lovely as Pure Michigan is, the itch for a small change of scenery happens. The improving weather means music up, windows down, and go, go, go. It’s time to get moving – with long weekend road trips that are affordable and attainable. Here is a list of 5 adventures that aren’t too far away for Metro Detroiters to visit.
The rules for this small list were simple: The location must be (1.) outside of Michigan, (2.) approximately 350 miles away (3.) a fun place to visit. Note: distance was calculated from Campus Martius Park in Detroit.
They are realistic, achievable, and affordable road trips not too far away from home. Here they are: 5 attainable long weekend getaways from Metro Detroit.
PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio
109 miles – 2 hours 21 minutes
Water babies, rejoice! On Lake Eerie, Put-in-Bay is the source of a perfect “laid back” summer weekend full water activities. Rent jet skis, borrow a boat, give fishing a go, explore the shore by kayak or hang out in town. I’ve also heard rumors of a fun nightlife with plenty of unique establishments to bar hop.
Timing is everything: Check out their events calendar with activities ranging from Bachelor/Bachelorette weekends to Christmas in July celebrations.
CLEVELAND, Ohio
169 miles – 2 hours 33 minutes
Dismiss those ‘mistake on the lake’ stereotypes. Haven’t you heard that Travel & Leisure named #TheCLE one of the top places to visit in 2015? As did The New York Times? Haven’t you heard that Cleveland is home to a buzzing food and beer scene? So many craft microbreweries, so little time. When I hung out with Heather from Ohio Girl Travels, she proclaimed that Cleveland is seriously cool. Maybe it’s time to see what this Midwestern city has to offer.
CHICAGO, Illinois
282 miles – 4 hours 4 minutes
Gorge on some famous deep dish pizza, shop the Magnificent Mile, take cheesy tourist photos in front of the bean. There’s so much to do in Chicago for all types of travelers – Chicago is home to a thriving museum district, art scene, music festivals, and food culture with easy-to-navigate transportation.
Timing is everything: Turn your friends green with envy over St. Patrick’s Day weekend when Chicagoans turn Irish & dye the river green. Or wait until the weather warms & have more fun than everyone else at Lollapalooza music festival in the summer.
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana
282 miles – 4 hours 14 minutes
Bike the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, walk the canals, indulge at the many food trucks or restaurants, drink up at some breweries or take the beers on wheels with Indy’s Pedal Pub. Not only are their iconic sites to visit like the Indiana War Memorial, like any proper city, there are plenty of museums to get lost in. It’s surprising how much this Midwestern city has to offer and how infrequent we think of road tripping there.
Timing is everything: Fast cars and freedom? Check out the Indy 500, the most famous car race in the US – only a weekend road trip away.
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky
360 miles – 5 hours 19 minutes
A city on the Ohio River with plenty of southern charm, Louisville is a ‘classic’ Kentucky town where you’ll hear that charming southern drawl. Pay homage to Colonel Sanders, swing a Louisville Slugger (or visit the museum), taste bourbon by drinking through the Urban Bourbon Trail, zipline through the mega cavern, and saddle up for horseback riding – just make sure you learn how to properly pronounce Lou-i-vul before arriving.
Timing is everything: Don your big hat & sip on a mint julep during the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Are there any places you’d add to the list? Any other attainable long weekend road trips would you recommend? Let me know in the comments.
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This is the first of my series of long weekend getaways from Metro Detroit. Make sure you read International Escapes from Metro Detroit, loving on some long weekend getaways to Ontario, Canada!
