Sometimes you just need to get away. But, you don't necessarily want the commitment—or the cost—of a full-blown escape. Here, we've collected some close by destinations where you can spend a few hours or an afternoon. Note that some of these spots are seasonal, so plan accordingly!
GO WEST
Cherry Point Farm & Market in Shelby is known for its beautiful Lavender Labyrinth and herb garden, and they also make a ridiculously tasty cherry strudel. While there, you can wander the grounds, shop the farm market, and grab a bite to eat. It's close to the Lake Michigan shoreline, so you can make it one stop in a longer day trip.
About 10 minutes from the farm is Silver Lake Sand Dunes. In addition to scaling the dunes and basking on the beach, you can rent recreation gear, including ORVs, bikes, kayaks, dune buggies, and more. Or, take a 40-minute excursion with Mac Wood's Dune Rides. Nearby is Little Sable Point Lighthouse, which you can view from the ground, or take a tour and a trip to the top for panoramic views.
In New Era, which is also in the vicinity, is Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo. Fun for families and also kids at heart, it has animal encounters, a splash pad, a carousel, and a variety of games and playground activities. There are plenty of photo op stations and tasty treats, too.
ENJOY SOUTHERN CHARM
If you're looking for something more adult oriented, Fennville—and the region as a whole—is a hot spot for wine and craft beer enthusiasts. Fenn Valley and Modales wineries and Waypost Brewing Co. are favorites, and a stop at Crane's Restaurant, Pies & Winery is also a must. Cheese lovers will want to head to Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery, and if you love rockhounding, check out Pier Cove Park.
Kind of a hidden gem with a little extra magic on the side is Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek. This 85-acre park has gardens, trails, and walkways, plus public art and sculptures, a disc golf course, and a number of other points of interest. And, you won't want to miss one of its bigger draws: Fantasy Forest—a collection of dragons, wizards, castles, and mythical creatures carved from old ash tree trunks.
Those on the hunt for treasures and collectibles will want to add Allegan Antiques Market to their calendar. Held on the last Sunday of the month, May through September, it features hundreds of vendors, both indoors and outdoors, and it's been rated "One of the Ten Best Shows in America" by Antiques Magazine.
FEAST AND FEST IN THE EAST
There are several, date-specific annual events in and around mid-Michigan to keep an eye out for in the summer months. Among them is the Ann Arbor Art Fair, held in mid-July. For three days, hundreds and hundreds of artists take over nearly 30 blocks in downtown. It's the largest juried art fair in the nation and it brings in close to half a million visitors during its run. In mid-August, Lansing holds its Old Town ArtFeast, where tons of arts and crafts sellers fill the streets—plus, there are food trucks with delicious eats and neighborhood boutiques and restaurants to shop and dine.
If you're a Michigander, you have to (at least once) go to the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly. It's really a rite of passage. It runs weekends mid-August through the end of September, and each has its own theme. There are demonstrations, performances, activities, food and drink, and an artisan marketplace. Dressing for the occasion isn't necessary, but it does add to the experience!
CROSS STATE LINES
Michigan City, Indiana is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. It has great beaches, including Washington Park (where there's also a zoo) and Indiana Dunes National Park, which is home to Mt. Baldy. Other to-dos are Friendship Botanic Gardens, Barker Mansion, and Old Lighthouse Museum. If you want to do a little gaming, place your bets at Blue Chip Casino.
And, never overlooked is Chicago. Many go just for the shopping and dining, but in the summer, it has loads of annual festivals that are definitely worth the trip. Some popular ones are Chicago Pride Fest in June; Windy City Smokeout and Chinatown Summer Fair, both in July; and, in August, Chicago Air and Water Show and Chicago Jazz Festival. Those are a few, but you can find them all at choosechicago.com.
Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.
This article originally appeared in the Jun/Jul '25 issue of West Michigan Woman.
