By Chris Goff
Let’s face it, mini vacations are not as glamorous as jetting off to the south of France, trekking into the Antarctic or storming Greenland by sea, but they can be just what the doctor ordered. With less planning, less packing, less money and less time, a mini vacation offers rejuvenation, adventure, fun—and sometimes new experiences.
I’ve been down for the count all summer with a rotator cuff injury, the ensuing surgery and months of physical therapy. Eventually self-pity took root. Then I remembered the trip our children had gifted us for Mother’s/Father’s Day. A weekend at Mackinac Island, including two nights at the Grand Hotel with breakfast and admission to the Fort.
It took a phone call, a short two-and-half-hour drive, a ferry boat and horse-drawn carriage ride, and my husband and I found ourselves ensconced in the Royal Suite. Picture this: a large room with a bubble gum pink bedspread and portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip adorning the walls. We had views of the lake, the Esther Williams pool and the Mackinac bridge. Because of my arm, we couldn’t bicycle around the island, so instead we toured Fort Mackinac (reliving childhood memories of past visits), rocked on the veranda, bought fudge, ate several wonderful meals, and swam. There was no synchronized swimming (the pool has been redone and is only 4.5 feet deep), but memories of Esther William’s golden past abound.
Rejuvenated, I have a plethora of ideas for more mini vacations—a weekend at a vineyard up north (2.5 hours), overnight shopping in Chicago (3 hours), an NBA game in Detroit (3 hours), a taste of Germany and Christmas in Frankenmuth (3 hours)…and the list keeps growing.
How about you? Do you have a favorite spot for a mini vacation when you need to rejuvenate?
Yay Michigan! You can’t be too far from me in Grand Rapids. Best vacay state ever.
Agree! So many unique and beautiful places to see!
I loved staying at that Grand Hotel some years ago (I had a speech to an industry group, and they paid my expenses – yay!). And I too marveled at the pool built for an Esther William movie (she was my very favorite movie star!). And they have the longest front porch ever, I believe. Thanks for a great post reliving memories!
The porch with all its rocking chairs is fabulous!. Great views. Great cocktails!
I remember staying at the Grand Hotel several years ago when I gave a speech to an industry group (they paid my expenses – yay!) I too loved that pool built for an Esther William movie (she was my all-time favorite movie star). Thanks for a great post evoking so many nice memories.
As for other mini-vacation ideas, how about a weekend stay at the Capri Inn in Naples, Florida – where you can walk to the beach and shop on lovely Fifth Avenue there.
Naples, Florida is on my list!
I have wanted to go to that hotel ever since seeing Somewhere In Time with Jane Seymour when I was young! It would be the perfect mini vacation.
Definitely choose the off season! Summer gets crazy busy. This year, the fall was a perfect time. The weather was fabulous. The leaves were starting to turn. And they have some great package deals. A definite “Pure Michigan” experience.