Who says you have to hop on a flight to have an amazing vacation? If you’re lucky enough to live in Southeast Michigan, you’re already surrounded by charming towns, scenic beauty, amazing food, and enough hidden gems to fill a whole week of fun. So grab your shades, your favorite iced coffee (or in my case, my Plexus Pink Drink), and get ready to fall in love with your own backyard! This week we are going full on Southeast Michigan Staycation mode!
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Day 1: Finding that Small Town Charm in Southeast Michigan
Start your staycation with a leisurely breakfast at The Dexter Bakery. From what I have read online, this bakery offers it all. If you are gluten free, like me, then you will want to call ahead. If they do not have gluten free items, then make a pit stop at Rumi’s Passion Gluten Free Bakery. Have zero guilt with your bakery choice, because the next up on our Southeast Michigan staycation is a trip to the Border to Border Trail. Be sure to wear your walking shoes and pack some water! For lunch, you can pack a picnic lunch (awe…side note, my husband proposed to me over a picnic lunch) or you can hit up Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor. For you gluten free folks, Zingerman’s has everything that is gluten free marked on the menu! End your day over at the Chelsea Sounds and Sights festival! Enjoy free music, food, and shopping!
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Day 2: Nature Day at Kensington Metropark
I grew up going to Kensington Metropark! For this day, you want to pack the car with snacks, sunscreen, and your most adventurous spirit. There’s hiking, biking, paddle boating, or the beach to hang out at. One of my favorite things at Kensington is the farm center! If you have little ones in tow, or if you just really like goats (no judgment), this farm center is a great place to kill a little time. End your day with ice cream from the Dairy Twist in Milford and catch the sunset at Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Bonus…check to see if the northern lights will be visible and hang around for that!
Day 3: Culture and Coffee in Detroit
This is the day to head downtown! Detroit has so much to offer. If you’re up early enough, grab a croissant and a latte from The Red Hook in West Village. Otherwise, head down to Detroit, grab lunch at Breadless and then make your way to the Detroit Institute of Arts…its very affordable. Especially if you live in Wayne, Macomb, or Oakland county…it’s FREE! After you are done at the DIA, visit The Belt, a culturally redefined alley in the heart of downtown Detroit! I have yet to see The Belt, but it is on my list to visit one of these days! If you happen to be in the city when the Eastern Market is going on, you will definitely want to stop by there. Check their calendar for events.
Day 4: Wineries and Water Views in the Irish Hills
I bet you didn’t know that Southeast Michigan has a wine country! Take a mini road trip to the Irish Hills and stop at the Cherry Creek Cellars or Sandhill Crane Vineyards! Wander through Hidden Lake Gardens where you can take a walk on the Sky Canopy Bridge!
Day 5: Treat Yourself Day
No staycation is complete without a little pampering. Book a massage at the Woodhouse Day Spa in Rochester Hills. Once you are nice and relaxed, head on over to Birmingham and do a little boutique shopping, treating yourself to something you don’t need, but will help you to remember this awesome staycation! Finish your “treat yourself” tour with dinner at The Sardine Room in Plymouth, and toast to fun staycation week.
Final Thoughts
A Southeast Michigan staycation is the perfect reminder that sometimes the best vacations don’t require TSA lines or hotel minibars. Whether you’re lakeside or street art spotting downtown, there’s so much to explore right here at home. So fill up your gas tank, plan your playlist, and rediscover the beauty of your own backyard.
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