Michael Keegan | April 6th, 2021

Although we seldom recognize it, the wonderful city of Detroit is only 30-45 minutes away from Ann Arbor. As a growing metropolis, Detroit offers an array of experiences for a social-distancing friendly day trip.

One way to experience the city is to do a carry-out food tour. The many diverse restaurants of Detroit offer a translation of the city’s unique concentration of cultures. Unfortunately, because of the Pandemic’s effect on in-person dining, many restaurants in Metro-Detroit are suffering financially. One way to support these businesses, of course, is to order carry-out. In Southwest Mexicantown you can find wonderful food from traditional Mexican bakeries and many diverse Latin American restaurants. Meanwhile, in Hamtramck, you can get Packis at a Polish Bakery, and then visit a Yemeni restaurant for lunch. Downtown, coney dogs and ham sandwiches reign supreme, while towards the border of Detroit and Redford, you can find Sweet Potato Pie and traditional West African food. In addition to all of this, if you are searching for a nice picnic-spot, the western tip of Belle Isle offers amazing views of the city skyline. There are many ways to have a nourishing day in Metro-Detroit.

Apart from food, there are many other things to do when roaming around Detroit. If you are looking for a promenade, the Detroit River Walk provides beautiful views of the Windsor and Detroit city skylines. Along with this, the Dequindre Cut, a nice paved walkway spanning from the river to Eastern Market, features murals from some of Detroit’s most famous artists. Meanwhile, if comfortable, the Detroit Institute of Arts is open with reservations for a limited amount of people. It is clear that there are many different ways to create a Staycation in the Motor City.

Irish Hills: A Meditative Drive

Some people might not necessarily be looking for an active day in their Staycation. But, sometimes, staying at home doesn’t feel rejuvenating enough. If willing and able to make a long drive, one option would be to explore the Irish Hills.

The Irish Hills are part of an agricultural area in southern Michigan. With smooth roads, waving hills of green vegetation, and beautiful old barns, the Irish Hills has calm landscapes extending towards the horizon. Without an abundance of people or buildings, a long drive through this area feels like a refreshing escape.

Many people would naturally choose to enjoy the calm ride and not make any stops along their journey. But, if you are eager to have a destination, there are a couple interesting sights to see. For example, Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve, offers a short amble into the emerald knolls. During the springtime, migratory birds take a layover at the park’s lake and attract bird watchers from around the state.

Along with this, if you want to venture further into the Irish Hills, you can take a stop at a place of geographical importance. Located on a small country road, the corner of Michigan, Indian, and Ohio, is a nice final destination on a drive through Southern Michigan. With only a small plaque and concrete stone denoting the border, there isn’t much fanfare surrounding this area. Yet, it’s still fun, albeit cheesy, to have been in three states at once.

Sometimes during a break, relaxation is what we seek. Thankfully, the nearby Irish Hills are able to provide some refreshment when staying at home.

Battle Creek: Historic Oasis

When on vacation, it is natural that people organize their to-do list differently. Consequently, it is no surprise that the same would be true for any staycation. For the history buffs out there, a day around Battle Creek promises to satisfy.

Most people know Battle Creek as the birthplace and current home of the Kellogg Company. It is apparent when driving through the small city that you can see signs of this company, but it is also true that there are many sights that Battle Creek offers. If you would like to pay your respects to some of the nation’s most influential people, the Oak Hill Cemetery entombs many that fit this title. One can find the burial site of W.K. Kellogg and the founders of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Along with this, Sojourner Truth, a notable abolitionist famous for her 1851 speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” also rests here.

After a respectful stop at the cemetery, head further west to Fort Custer State Recreation Area. Originally, the area around this park was a training site during WWII. Then, soon after, the state made it into a park. Today, the park hosts many different outdoor activities. Three picturesque inland lakes scatter the park for beautiful picnics and hikes. Along with this, many people know the park for its wonderful mountain bike trails. When it’s a beautiful day, Fort Custer Recreation Area offers many rejuvenating outdoors opportunities.

If time permits, consider heading southward to the Langley Covered Bridge. Driving through the rolling hills of Amish country, it wouldn't be surprising if you passed a horse and buggy along the way. Then, once you arrive, you will have the opportunity to drive through the longest covered bridge in Michigan, beautifully constructed out of pine. Though this side of the state may seem distant, it is evident that there are many opportunities to find variety for a successful Staycation.

Port Huron: A Day by the Sea

This route is perfect for a sunny day. Surrounded by the sapphire water of the Great Lakes, Michigan certainly provides many opportunities related to the freshwater. Within a relatively short drive from Ann Arbor, it is possible to make it to the freshwater behemoths of Lake Erie and Lake St Clair. But, with a little bit more to see, a short drive along Lake Huron always promises the classic blue water beauty of the Great Lakes.

It is important to acknowledge that just getting to Lake Huron is not a brief ordeal. In order to arrive at the lake, you must drive up the Port Huron. But, once you get there, there are many coastline opportunities ahead of you. In Port Huron itself, you can take a short walk along the St. Clair river underneath the Blue Water Bridge. This international passageway connects Sarnia, Ontario to Port Huron, Michigan. Then, if you head to the northern part of town, you can find the Fort Gratiot lighthouse. This picturesque brick lighthouse behind the sandy shore of lake Huron is actually the oldest lighthouse in Michigan. Informative plaques guide you through the fascinating history of this area. Then, after walking around the lighthouse grounds, you can walk along the beach and look at the place where Lake Huron officially ends.

After this stop, you can turn around and go home. But, if time permits, you can also continue north towards Port Sanilac. Along the way, Lakeshore Road curves along the bluffed coastline and skirts past the lakeside cottages which occupy the shores. Then, once in Port Sanilac, the water turns into a beautiful sapphire. With jetties extending into the water and public beaches running along the shore, this tiny seaside village simply provides a beautiful view of the water. After a picnic or a search for stones, it is probably time to head back southward. Though you probably won’t want to leave, a long day by the sea will surely add some cathartic recharge when staying at home.

References:

https://www.nps.gov/articles/sojourner-truth.htm

https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=448

https://www.michigan.org/property/langley-covered-bridge#:~:text=Stretching%20282%20feet%20across%20the,the%20longest%20in%20the%20nation.

https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=746&type=SPRK