BEST OF THE BEST:
Year-Round Getaways
by Lisa Ermak
Whether you’re in East Lansing for the whole
year or just from August to May, a weekend getaway can satisfy that
spontaneous and crazy side -- or just provide happy memories.
Consider these fun weekend destinations that are no farther than four
to five hours away.
Mackinac Island, MI:
Approximate distance from East Lansing: 3.5 hours
Best time to visit: spring-summer
If you’re taking classes during the summer, try a trip to Mackinac Island.
Just a few days on the island is the perfect amount of time to experience almost
everything the place has to offer. Whether you want to make it a romantic getaway
or just a fun time with friends, it’s up to you. You and your sweetie can
stay in one of the many Victorian bed and breakfasts or inns that go for $60-300
per night and rent a tandem bike to take around the island for a scenic and beautiful
ride (and exercise too!). In the evening you can indulge and dine at the infamous
Grand Hotel for $75 a person and enjoy the beautiful sunset over Lake Huron.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on making it a memorable trip for
friends to enjoy, spend the day shopping, playing frisbee in the park or even
hitting a few balls around at the Wawashkamo Golf Club. A nine hole game costs
just $30, while and 18 hole game is $45. At night, the pubs and bars are a hot
spot, especially the Pub and Oyster Bar, or you can hit up the Pink Pony Bar
and Grill for some fun, live music and dancing. No matter what your reason for
visiting is, your trip isn’t complete until you get a taste of some homemade
fudge from Ryba’s--one of the best fudge shops along the strip. If you’re
not a fudge fan, buy some anyway; your friends will be thanking you.
Chicago, IL:
Approximate distance from East Lansing: 5-8 hours (depending
on mode of transportation)
Best time to visit: fall
Although MSU’s campus during autumn is beautiful, the city of Chicago is
just as pretty during the transition from summer to fall. Get a seat on the AmTrak
train for just $53 and bring along some friends who are willing to do a lot of
shopping, eating and most importantly, walking. Scattered with boutiques, department
stores and amazing eateries, it’s no wonder the Magnificent is deemed as
magnificent. Driving in the city is a hassle, so stay close to downtown and get
ready to walk everywhere. Some of the nicer hotels are in the heart of the city,
too. Depending on how much money you want to dish out, there are many options.
The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, located on North Michigan Avenue goes for $169 a
night, while Chicago Essex Inn, also on the Magnificent Mile goes for $78 a night.
As far as eating goes, since Chicago is known for the deep dish pizza, you have
to pay a visit to Uno Chicago Grill, the original restaurant, located on North
Wabash Avenue.
Crystal Mountain Resort/Thompsonville, MI:
Approximate distance from East Lansing: 3 hours
Best time to visit: winter
What better way to beat the winter blues and trudging through the slush on
the way to class than jumping into a foot of powdery snow at Crystal Mountain?
If you’ve never paid a visit to Crystal, you have been missing out. Voted
#1 Resort in the Midwest by Ski Magazine 2005 Resort Guide, Crystal has it all,
including 45 runs, a terrain park and half pipe as well as five chairlifts. The
Crystal Clipper high speed quad not only holds four people at a time but is the
fastest chairlift in all of northern Michigan. For all that, a lift ticket for
the weekend is just $50. Don’t worry if you kept your board or skis at
home though, for renting equipment (from 9am-9pm) is just $35 a day and if the
sun comes out during your visit and melts all the snow, no fear! There are 130
snowmaking guns that shoot out loads of fake, but ski-able snow. And if the Michigan
winter is too much for you, you can always go inside and curl up by many of the
fireplaces inside the chalets just a few feet from the bottom of the hill.
No matter what your taste is, there are many getaways just a couple hours outside
of East Lansing that can provide for a weekend full of fun.
