Travel Gems

Share your passion for travel with us! We want to hear about the favorite ‘hidden gems’ that you’ve discovered, and the unforgettable experiences you’ve had that are not typically found in guidebooks. Help fellow travelers by identfying the places that have left a lasting impression on you. Your travel stories can inspire others to explore places near the Ann Arbor metropolitan area and a bit further out to include Michigan and neighboring states. Join the conversation and let’s create a vibrant community of travel enthusiasts.

Disclaimer: This site is intended to help you explore new travel destinations as recommended by members. The information has not been vetted in any way, especially if the details include any prices or personal quality remarks.

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Share your Travel Gem

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Unique ‘Travel Gems’ as Suggested by Members

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Gem Location Category Distance Details Suggested By

Zingerman’s Warehouse Shop Ann Arbor Shopping Local to Ann Arbor A “secret” Zingerman’s shop located at 710 Phoenix Drive in Ann Arbor. It is part of the Zingerman’s Mail Order Customer Service Center and Warehouse. A self-service small shop with artisanal products, open 9 am – 9 pm, 7 days a week. You will find a variety of products that change frequently, often including reduced-price cheeses, chocolates, and non-perishable specialty goods.

Parking is available just outside of the door. Local Zingerman’s customers can also order products from Zingerman’s Mail Order and pick them up here. Susan Shields

2/2024
Tall Ship sail on Traverse City West Bay Traverse City Outdoors
Natural Area
Cultural
Historical Farther Afield The Manitou is a replica 1800’s tall ship that offers a variety of sailing tours. My family likes the 2-hour options (adult price in the $50-75 range). Guests we’ve taken have been very enthusiastic about this experience.

Crew has been super friendly and accommodating – good with kids and helpful with ability limitations (my mom sails with a walker:) We’ve carried on a sandwich dinner (with their blessing) which is great for families. There’s even an afternoon Moomers ice cream;)

tallshipsailing.com/manitou/ Judy Dean

2/24
Historic Fisher Building Tour Downtown Detroit Food & Drink
Cultural
Historical
Shopping Day Trip The Fisher Bldg, designed by Alfred Kahn, is an Art Deco masterpiece and one of Detroit’s pure gems. 1-hour tours (primarily on Sat/Sun) are sponsored by “Pure Detroit” and tickets ($10-12 p/p) can be reserved online.

I’ve taken visitors and they’ve loved it! Fun shopping and interesting food options nearby – great for a day trip! Also, Pure Detroit has also hosted tours of the Guardian Bldg (also Art Deco) as well as a Skyscraper tour in the pass, check website to see what’s available.

puredetroit.com/

www.fisherbuilding.city Judy Dean

2/2024
Saginaw Forest Ann Arbor Outdoors
Natural Area Local to Ann Arbor Saginaw Forest is an 80-acre parcel of land in Scio Township, open to the public and managed by the U-M School The Environment and Sustainability. The paths are maintained and peaceful, as the forest is not heavily used. It is a manageable size with a selection of trail options. Parking is available at the 2/42 Church located at the intersection of Wagner Road and W. Liberty Road.

This is a nice site for taking a short hike or leisurely walk. There is no charge. Dogs are allowed on a leash. It does not accommodate mobility restrictions. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Parking is free. Park in the SW corner of the 4/24 parking lot where the trailhead begins.

Information, map and directions may be found at: seas.umich.edu/about/field-properties/saginaw-forest Susan Shields

2/2024
Beaver Island Charlevoix, MI Outdoors
Natural Area Farther Afield It is a nature lover’s paradise. Pristine forests are surrounded by the crystalline waters of Lake Michigan with one of the most amazing dark skies for star gazing anywhere in Michigan. A great place to hike, bike or kayak.

If you want to take your car over on the ferry you will need to make your reservation well in advance of your trip. Reservations open in January and fill up very quickly. Don’t wait. Reserve your spot ASAP. Sharon Grayden

2/2024
East Kearsley Street Flint Cultural
Historical Day Trip The several blocks include Applewood (C S Mott Estate), Flint Institute of Arts, Sloan Museum of Discovery, Longway Planetarium, and more. For us, the most amazing collection of historical and cultural venues all within easy walking distance of each other. Finish with one, on to the next, without ever moving your car.

Exceptional free parking and modest or no entry fees. Jim Randolph

3/2024
Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University Big Rapids Cultural
Historical Day Trip The extent of the racial prejudice in the U.S. is excellently presented. Unbelievable amount of artifacts including product advertising.

It’s a three hour self-guided visit with museum administrators on site for questions. David Kluck

3/2024
Arab-American Museum Dearborn Cultural
Historical Local to Ann Arbor The history of Islam and the contributions it made to literature, art, architecture, mathematics, and medicine.

Plan on 2-3 hours. Accessible to everyone. Modest entrance fee. David Kluck

3/2024
Gilmore Car Museum & Heritage Center at Hickory Corners Kalamazoo Food & Drink
Cultural
Historical Day Trip The automobile heritage of dozens & dozens of car manufacturers in the early half of the 20th century. Oodles of gorgeous classic cars. Collection is spread throughout twelve buildings. There’s also a Classic 40’s-50’s diner to have lunch.

Modest entrance fee. Totally accessible. Plan on 4 hours. David Klutch

3/2024
Auburn, Cord, Dussenberg Museum Auburn, Indiana Cultural
Historical Day Trip If you’re into classic automobiles, this is another place for you. Full of the 1920’s & ’30’s Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs.

Modest fee or donation. Fully accessible. Probably a 2-1/2 to 3 hour drive I-94 west to I-69 south. David Klutch

3/2024

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