A & V's Adventures in Michigan

A full growler, three bombers, 16 tall cans, six beer glasses, a variety six pack of Michigan brews. All sitting in the back of my car. These are the mementos from my trip to Michigan with my roommate, Amanda. Our journey to Holland and Grand Rapids provided us with access to some of the best craft and micro breweries in the country, and we happily indulged.

Not to give the wrong impression or anything, we did more than enjoy some wonderful beer. In fact, we got to see a lot in Western Michigan, and, despite the cold and piles of snow, I definitely intend to return.

We left Chicago early in the morning to avoid traffic, and made the three hour drive to Holland, Michigan, just on the other side of Lake Michigan. You immediately feel the quaintness of this small city, with its historic downtown and strong Dutch influence, a complete contrast from Chicago. We both needed some caffeine, so we found a parking spot (quite easily) on 8th street, the main stretch in downtown, and stopped in at Lemonjello's Coffee.

After relaxing in the coffee shop for a little while, we made our way over to the Holland Visitors Bureau to meet with some representatives there to get more information on the city and all the things visitors can do here. We munched on a delicious lunch at  84 East Foods & Spirits, while chatting about everything Holland has to offer. February isn't the best time to visit, only because many of the major attractions are closed until spring. However, there are many things to experience in the winter, as well as the warmer summer months. It took an hour lunch to go through it all with us, so I'll give you the cliff notes version.

In fall/winter:

• Shopping on 8th street. The sidewalks and streets are heated for snow-free walking, and there are a number of locally owned businesses where you can find one-of-a-kind Holland artifacts and food. Stop into the famous Peanut Store, opened in 1902, and savor candies, roasted nuts and Fabiano's famous nutty paddle pops.
• Visit the city's two distilleries: New Holland (also great beers!) and Coppercraft.
• A wide variety of winter festivals and events, including Holiday Open House, Santa's Shoppe, Parade of Lights and Shopping Jam. And don't miss Sinterklaas Eve, the Dutch folk celebration centered around Sinterklaas or St. Nicholas.
• Painting and candle making at places like Candle-ology and Carolyn Stich Studio.

In spring/summer:

• Tulip Time, the kickoff to the summer season and one of the most popular events in the city.
• Dutch Village, a theme park modeled after the towns of The Netherlands. Pick up a pair of personalized wooden shoes, traditional Dutch delftware and a bag of just-can't-stop-eating-them kruidnootjes (tiny gingerbread cookies covered in chocolate). Opens April 26, 2014.
• Windmill Island Gardens, home of the DeZwaan Windmill, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S.
• Boat cruises on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.
• Dune riding in nearby Saugatauk.
• Thursday night street performer series all summer long.
• The low-rider show, a vintage cruise along 8th street and the all-European "Euro Hangar" show at Park Township Airport.
• Holland State Park and Big Red, the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan

Honestly, I could go on. There's so much to do in Holland. I know that's very broad, but the list will continue for a while if I keep going.

After lunch, we checked into our hotel, Haworth Inn, which is right on the campus of Hope College. I had a couple meetings with representatives from Tulip Time and Dutch Village, to discuss the events and attractions for my freelance article. These folks definitely made me want to come back to Holland once the snow melts, so I can experience these sites in all their glory. 

A quick stop back at the hotel to grab Amanda, and then we walked over to Warner Vineyards, a wine shop featuring local vinos to sample. For $5, you get five tastings, but we got two extras, cause we're so pretty (according to guy working there). We liked pretty much everything we tried, and I ended up buying a bottle. Then we headed over to New Holland Brewing, where we had a delicious cheese board and three different beers, each. We picked the one we liked the most and bought a growler of it (first souvenir). 

The next morning, we woke up early and checked out the college fitness center, because we're crazy like that. After our workout, I had one more meeting at Windmill Island. The windmill is incredible, even covered in snow. The woman I met with showed me a promotional video for the attraction, and it would be absolutely gorgeous to see in the summer, especially with the rainbow of tulips growing in the open field next to it. I'm also curious to see it work, as when it operates, it creates flour that is distributed to the whole city.

We checked out of the hotel, and made the quick 30-minute drive to Grand Rapids, where we met a representative from the CVB at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This is a leading cultural destination in the Midwest, and features 132 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, a significant sculpture collections and annual horticulture exhibitions. We ate lunch in the Taste of the Gardens Cafe, which has a lovely barley and berry salad and a warming tomato and artichoke soup. We chatted briefly about all the great attractions in Grand Rapids, and once again, the list goes on and on:

• Grand Rapids Public Museum
• Gerald R. Ford Museum
• Grand Rapids Art Museum
• The Downtown Market
• The Quilt of Belonging, a collaborative textile art project consisting of 263 blocks that represent all Canada's main aboriginal groupings and every world nation.
• ArtPrize, a citywide art event where the public gets to vote for their favorite pieces on display.

The Beer Trail was what interested Amanda and I the most. As lovers of craft beer, we were eager to try a few of the best local brewers. After lunch, we walked around the indoor gardens, since the outdoor sites were tough to experience in all the snow. We then made our way to the hotel and unloaded all our luggage and relaxed for a little while. By 3pm, we were jonesing for some beer.

Founders Brewery was the first stop on our trail. I ordered the Party Pils and Amanda got the Smoked Porter. We had a nice conversation with the bartenders to learn more about what we should see in Grand Rapids. Obviously, they suggested everything beer related, but it was definitely insightful and we already have a beer fest in April that we plan to go back for. Then, we headed to HopCat, voted the best brewpub in Grand Rapids. I ordered one of the house brews and Amanda picked another Michigan beer, and we had to have an order of "crack fries," which are as addicting as they sound. Again, we chatted with locals about what makes Grand Rapids so great, and once again, the beer was mentioned on many occasions. We started to sense a trend. 

Brewery Vivant was the next stop, and it was by far our favorite. Built in an old chapel and funeral home, Vivant had a quality about it that was so different from any place I'd been before. It was extremely welcoming, had delicious food and some of the best beers I've tried in a while. We met some fun and friendly individuals who were happy to boast about their city. After a quick drive to the train station to drop off one of our new-found friends, we headed to Harmony Brewing for our final round. This was probably our least favorite, despite great beer and a scrumptious caramel-covered pretzel. It was more like a restaurant and since it was Valentine's Day, there were a number of couples all around us, a less than desirable scenario.

When we got back to the hotel, we found a six pack of different Michigan beers and a couple boxes of candy from a local store. It was a gift from the hotel manager. Such a nice gesture, and one that definitely makes me want to come back to Grand Rapids, on top of everything else I experienced there.

On the last day of the trip, we grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel before checking out. We headed back to Brewery Vivant to pick up some beers to take back to Chicago, as well as some new beer glasses. We then went to the Downtown Market for lunch. There were a number of different vendors and cuisines, and it was difficult deciding which one to go for. We decided on a healthy Thai option, which was very good. Then we hit the road yet again and headed home.

This was my first trip to Michigan, and I am happy to report that it will not be the last. Amanda and I had a blast, and I will definitely be planning another getaway with her sometime soon. Even though our adventure had a heavy beer theme, trust me when I say that this area of Michigan appeals to more than just the beer fans and winos of the world. It caters to nature lovers, gardeners, history buffs, families, art lovers and recreational enthusiasts. I highly recommend a trip here, even just for a weekend. I already have two more trips in mind for warmer months, and I look forward to the adventures that await.

Move, Learn, Eat: The Digital Equivalent of Eat, Pray, Love

Rather than read over 300 pages of a book or watch a two-hour movie to reach spiritual and emotional understanding, you can simply log on to YouTube and watch three, one-minute clips that are just as inspiring, if not more. (Just as a note, I would definitely recommend reading Eat, Pray, Love, because it is an incredible book. The movie, you can forgo.)

Recently, independent filmmaker Rick Mereki went on a round-the-world trip to 11 countries accompanied by two of his friends. His mission: To document all their experiences and pare them down into three short clips relating to the words Move, Learn and Eat. The following movies are perfectly edited, set to inspirational music and feature images that will make anyone smile--I caught myself smiling the whole time I was watching them, and even laughed out loud a couple times, which drew more than a couple looks from coworkers.

I really enjoyed these short films, and I think any travel enthusiast will, too. So, check them out.




LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.


EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

The Drama of Travel

There are varying levels of drama when it comes to travel. There's the stressful itinerary and planning aspect that relates to catching your flight on time, or dealing with lost luggage, or arguing with a stewardess over a missed connection, or realizing the hotel does not have your reservation saved, or discovering the tour you wanted to do has been sold out since January. Those are all scenarios we have dealt with and are prepared to deal with if they happen to arise. But then there's the unforseen drama of travel, the experiences we never see coming. These usually involve travel companions or acquaintances we meet along the way, and they can usually cause more anguish and turmoil than an unfortunate shift in plans, because the drama is always personal.

When you make plans to travel with friends or family, or go visit someone for a trip, there is always the chance that issues can arise. First, money. People usually set budgets for themselves when they travel--unless they are those lucky individuals who have the luxury of splurging without worrying about what it will do to their savings account. On average, most people will decide ahead of time what they want to spend money on, whether it be a few dinners at upscale restaurants or a shopping spree or sightseeing tours. However, when you travel with others, more likely than not, their budget is different. While it may seem like this should not cause problems, money is probably the number one culprit for arguments, especially when traveling. One person may get jealous that another is spending so much, or may feel pressure to spend more than he or she has. There's also the reverse side, where one may feel guilty purchasing an expensive outfit or meal while their friend cannot afford it. Money is always a difficult subject to deal with, and I know from personal experience that it can create some extremely tense situations. The best thing to do is to discuss your budget well ahead of time, making sure your travel companion knows exactly how you feel about expenses. It may not solve everything, but at least there is an understanding established before the trip begins.

Second, personal agendas. Everyone has activities they want to do and sites they want to visit, but the reality is that a group trip is not all about one person. If you have travel buddies, you need to respect that there may be things they want to do that you do not, and vice versa. Sometimes there are two extremes, with one person wanting to spend their vacation relaxing, no agenda necessary; and the other scheduling one event after another hoping to keep every minute of the day occupied with something. This can create some real problems, and in those cases, it's best to go your separate ways, even just for a day. Otherwise, neither one will get what they want out of the trip.

Third, general proximity. Being around the same people for a certain amount of time can become irksome for anyone, especially people who like their privacy or enjoy alone time. Also, there are some personalities that just clash, no matter how well you know the person or how tolerant you may be. And travel can add a whole other level since it takes you out of your comfort zone and into a different world. You are already dealing with the new environment, and a conflicting personality in your travel group will not help the situation. Some of you may be rolling your eyes at this, thinking only an idiot would go on a trip with someone he or she did not get along with. Well, you would be surprised how travel can bring out sides of people you never expected. Once again, if this kind of drama comes up, taking a step back from it and spending some time alone is probably the best solution. Either that, or you could take the confrontational approach and let the person know their voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard.

These are some of the most common dramatic events--at least that I've experienced. And I can only hope that my next two trips will be completely drama free. If not, the best thing to do is roll with the punches, and make every effort to avoid a ruined vacation. But overall, I have found that traveling with friends can be one of the most memorable experiences, and nothing should interfere.

Road Trippin Contest

In my flurry of newsgathering stories, I stumbled upon this one about a great contest from Rand McNally. (You know, the guys that make those spiral bound books with all the maps in them, what are those old-fashioned things called again? Oh yeah, atlases.) Anyway, they are putting on an event called the Best of the Road contest, and you can go to their website and nominate your favorite small towns across the country. They can fit into any of five categories--most beautiful, most patriotic, friendliest, most fun and best for food. Along with that, you can submit your favorite raodside attractions, like the best mountain scene or best pizza joint.

If your nominated city or attraction is selected as a top entrant, it gets a permanent spot on Rand McNally's new travel site and a place in its 2013 Road Atlas. You will also see it appear on USA Today's Travel website, since they are collaborating with the company on the contest.

Now, I know what you are thinking, how can I possibly pick my favorite town? There are so many great ones to choose from, I honestly cannot decide. Obviously, I would love to pick my hometown of Denver, but I don't think you can really classify that as a small town. My college town of Milwaukee would be another great pick, but, again, not so tiny. I certainly can't nominate Chicago. So which town to pick? This could take some time. Luckily, I have until May 23 to submit my vote. And even if I can't possibly decide on a destination before then, I can always enter the other portion of the contest. (That's right, there's more.)

Rand McNally and USA Today will select five teams to go on a three-week cross country road trip to hit the top 20 towns nominated in each category, as well as all the attractions along the way. The trip starts on June 23 and goes until July 15. Each team will visit the four towns in their assigned category, and fans can follow their progress online through Facebook and Twitter. All teams will end their trip in Los Angeles, where the winners will receive $10,000. (Now there's a trip, and a prize, that is totally up my alley.)

So, who wants to be part of my team?

Making Summer Travel Plans

The thaw of winter is still in effect, with little promise for a warm up any time soon, and yet I am already preparing myself for summer. This past week was packed with much freelance writing and travel planning, so I apologize for my absence. The good news is that I have officially booked two vacations this summer: one week-long trip with a few friends to Myrtle Beach where we'll be staying in a nice, three bedroom house right near the beach; and a Fourth of July weekend trip to Boston to visit my best friend.

Myrtle Beach. www.playle.com

I always get excited for summer trips far in advance, and I find myself planning daily excursions, restaurant options, and recreational activities months before I actually need to. But half the fun of summer vacation is preparing for it, researching the area, learning about the best places to visit, the signature dish I just have to try, and all the exciting things I'll get to do. I even go as far as planning my outfits--but that's mostly to help myself pack more efficiently.

I have never been to Myrtle Beach, and it has been over a decade since I have been back to South Carolina. (My family used to vacation in Hilton Head every year during spring break.) Needless to say, I am extremely excited to go on this trip. Not only is it a brand new place to explore, but it is an opportunity to relax and spend time with my good friends from Milwaukee who I do not get to see on a regular basis. Plus, it will be a nice break from everything going on in my life--work, work and more work. My week in Myrtle Beach will be a welcome escape from it all, a chance to hit the refresh button.

While I have visited Boston once before, it was during the cold month of October, and the weather was not always the best. However, it was a real treat to see the leaves changing in Boston Common, certainly an experience I can check off my bucket list. What really excites me about this trip, apart from seeing me best friend, is that I will be celebrating our nation's birthday in one of the oldest cities in the country, the place where the revolution began, where our freedom was fought and won. I must admit I'm a bit of a history nerd, and I love hearing epic stories and interesting facts about landmarks, and let's face it, Boston is rife with them.

As of right now, those are the only two vacations planned for the summer. And while I would love to travel more, I feel those two trips are sufficient enough. One long relaxing week on the beach, and one quick weekend jam packed with barbecues, fireworks and loads of history. Sounds perfect to me.

I will keep you posted on whether any more trips are in the works. And expect exciting blogs about my summer trips when I return.

Renting a Vacation Home

Spring is upon us (even though the weather suggests otherwise) and people are looking to get away. I am in the midst of planning a week-long summer trip with my friends, and I cannot wait to get a break from Chicago and relax on the beach. Lucky for me, one of my friends has a condo where we will be staying, no cramped hotel room, no expensive meals, and no charge. For many spring and summer travelers, a hotel seems like the best option. However, if you are planning a long trip with a large group of people, you might want to consider a vacation house. Think about it: coming home to a spacious living room and a nice kitchen where you can prepare your meals for a lot less than if you went to eat at the hotel restaurant. Sounds nice, right? And if you think this fabulous vacation home is going to cost you a fortune, well, you would be wrong. Many of these places run a decent price, especially if you are splitting the cost among 10 friends. So how do you go about renting one of these places?

This is a great time to utilize the internet and browse the many travel sites dedicated to renting vacation homes. One of the best sites to visit is HomeAway.com. (You may remember it from the somewhat controversial Super Bowl ad it aired where a baby doll was hurled towards a glass wall.) It has more than 500,000 rentals located all over the world. Value is a major selling point for these vacation homes, especially in a tough economy where people want the most for their money.

When booking vacation homes, it is important to make sure you are getting the best option. If you are only planning a weekend trip, then opt for the hotel, it will be much cheaper. If you are staying somewhere for a week or longer, a vacation home is probably the best idea, especially if you have a large group that requires a lot of rooms. These accommodations offer more space, kitchen areas and lounging areas, so you can ultimately save more on food and enjoy a nice relaxing environment at the end of the day.

To make sure you get everything you want, be sure to ask lots of questions when working with vacation-home renters. Many people make the mistake of believing everything in an online ad, and book the location without asking about size or amenities. Make sure you ask about heating and air conditioning, cooking space, laundry, nearby shops and restaurants, privacy and noise level.

Vacation homes can be great accommodations for you and your travel group, but just make sure you ask all the necessary questions, and get everything in writing.


For more on vacation rentals, check out this article.