The Lake Erie port city of Toledo, Ohio, makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the Great Lakes region or an awesome summer destination all on its own. In fact, it was recently recognized for its family-friendly and affordable attractions, taking the top spot in Forbe’s 2023 list of the “Most Affordable Cities for Family Vacations.” Continue reading for our list of 25 things you must do in and around Toledo this summer!
You definitely don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to experience the beautiful sights at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Visiting these seven Upper Peninsula waterfalls will leave you breathless, but not out of breath.
Sometimes we all just need to get away—and getting away is even better when you can do it with a great friend in one of western Lake Erie’s adorable coastal towns! For this particular little “staycation” I invite Sandra, one of my closest friends, for a girlfriend getaway to Port Clinton, Ohio.
It’s no wonder Mackinac Island was awarded the top spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2022 list of “15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.” It is just one of those places everyone should visit once in their lives. If you are planning a trip, continue reading to learn our top seven must-do activities on Mackinac Island!
If you have ever been swimming in Lake Michigan, you know that the water can be quite cold, even during the hottest days of summer. We like the following three beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes because they all offer access to inland waterways, either along a river or a smaller lake, buffering swimmers from the cold Lake Michigan and ensuring the water is the perfect temperature and depth for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
The Holland Tulip Time Festival is a magical celebration of spring blooms and Dutch heritage, right here in the Great Lakes region. While this annual festival offers plenty of premium offerings for those interested, the full beauty of the tulips can be viewed through numerous free attractions. Continue reading for our list of seven FREE ways to enjoy Holland’s Tulip Time!
On one of our first trips up to the Petoskey/Harbor Springs area in 2019, we stumbled upon a magical little place called Pond Hill Farm. Now, when most people hear the word “farm,” they probably think of stinky barn animals and hay. While Pond Hill Farm does include these typical barnyard attractions, it is also so much more than that! We were delighted to spend a lovely afternoon here surrounded by beautiful gardens, delicious food and drinks, and hidden little activities that kept our entire family busy for hours. We are happy to add this lovely diversion to our itinerary whenever we are in the area, and we think you will be too!
We respectfully ask that anyone who reads our content also follow a few very simple practices for enjoying the Great Lakes responsibly. Continue reading for 10 easy ways you can protect the Great Lakes while traveling!
While enjoying the multitude of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options that have made Put-in-Bay the region’s favorite island getaway, visitors may not realize that South Bass Island also has a long and storied history as a maritime, cultural, and natural landmark.
Each May since 1929, the city of Holland, MI, has blossomed into a colorful tapestry of tulips. The city boasts tulips of every color and variety you can imagine. Literally millions of tulips line the streets, burst out of every park, and greet you on every single corner of this enchanting little town. The Holland Tulip Time Festival is quite simply a feast for the eyes, and as we found, an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and interests.
