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Whether you want to spend the weekend in the great outdoors or are seeking indoor fun, we’ve got plenty of places and events to keep you entertained this fall. To enjoy some of these good times, you don’t even need to leave the city. At MGM Grand, bask in the plush surroundings and partake in gaming, dancing, or dining at one of its many fine restaurants. Eastern Market is a great weekend destination for strolling and shopping, and is increasingly becoming a venue for live performance and interactive events.
Michigan residents know that fall is often the best time to head north. You might already have a favorite destination, but why not explore someplace new? Shanty Creek, Mission Point, and Petoskey each have unique amenities and offer special fall incentives such as wine tours and spa packages. If you want more of a big-city adventure up north, head to Traverse City, where fine restaurants and entertainment are plentiful. For those anxious to explore the fall colors, northern Michigan is alive with color by early autumn.
Just a short drive away from metro Detroit, in Midland, you can visit the beautiful Alden B. Dow Home and Studio — a stunning architectural gem located in a setting that’s perfect for a quiet stroll through hilly gardens, across streams, and under a canopy of trees. An even shorter drive takes you to Ohio, where the sophisticated city of Perrysburg is ready to show visitors a fine time shopping or learning about its rich history.
If your schedule allows a little more time off, consider a vacation destination on board an Amtrak train, or take an AAA European classical music cruise along the Rhine River. Enjoy gourmet food, amazing scenery, and beautiful sounds that will make your spirits soar. Whatever your time and budget allow, there’s a place where you can indulge yourself this season.
AAA Travel
Guest Information: 31 Offices Statewide
800-878-9192 • AAA.com/Travel Agent
Enjoy Classical Music Along the Rhine
What could be better than sailing on the Rhine River at a leisurely pace, taking in the magnificent scenery while indulging in tantalizing wines and gourmet meals, and listening to fine renditions of classical music performed live and exclusively for you and your shipmates?
If you have the time and a deep desire for enjoying the finer things in life, AAA Travel has the trip for you. Make plans now to join fellow music lovers in October 2015 for a pleasant cruise along the historic Rhine River featuring a talented ensemble onboard who will strike just the right note to entertain you.
Begin your musical journey in Zurich followed by stops in Basel, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Bonn and Cologne before ending your adventure in Amsterdam. Along the way, in addition to enjoying the sights of the cities, you’ll engage in new classical music experiences such as an organ concert at St. Thomas Church; a private chamber orchestra performance at the monastery of Eberbach; an onboard musical tea party; a private piano concert at the birthplace of Beethoven; and more.
Of course, when you cruise with AAA Travel, you can count on worry-free travel and incredible value. That’s because AAA Travel is North America’s leading leisure travel agency with expert AAA Travel consultants who can provide tips and suggestions you’d never find your own. And don’t forget about exclusive AAA Member Benefits — perks, discounts, and special experiences you get just for being a member of AAA. Not a member yet? Join today.
For more information or to reserve your spot on this incredible classical music cruise, talk to a local AAA Travel consultant. A reverse cruise sailing Oct. 28 through Nov. 6, 2015 is also available.
Traverse City
Guest Information: 800-Traverse
TraverseCity.com • Facebook.com/TraverseCityTourism
You already know Traverse City as one of the most spectacular summer vacation spots in the Midwest, but those heart-stopping views of sky, water, and shore don’t just disappear after Labor Day. If anything, the place just gets more beautiful in autumn — and lower, off-season rates make it even more attractive!
Fall in Traverse City is a gentle, romantic season. It’s a time of clear mornings, golden afternoons, and cool, lingering evenings — the perfect time, in fact, for a stroll on the beach, a shopping adventure, a round of golf, or a winetasting tour that also gives you an opportunity to enjoy fall’s brilliant colors.
You’ll be charmed by Traverse City’s picturesque downtown, its fresh and imaginative regional cuisine, and its award-winning wines. (Bon Appetit magazine lists it among America’s top “foodie” towns, and the Travel Channel calls it one of the country’s emerging microbrew destinations.)
Visit TraverseCity.com for information on our Fab Fall Specials, and come experience a True North autumn!
Visit Sarasota County
Guest Information: Visitsarasotaarts.org
Sarasota County is home to a one-of-a-kind cultural scene. You’ll find inspiration as you stroll through downtown galleries and view masterpieces hung in gold baroque frames at The Ringling Museum. Visit the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, with its legendary seashell design, or revel in the sounds of the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, and the Venice Symphony. Theatrical works of art are on full display at the Venice Theatre, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the Florida Studio Theatre, and The Asolo Repertory Theatre. Dazzling performances by the nationally acclaimed Sarasota Ballet are sure to delight. Discover all these wonders yourself in Sarasota. You’ll see why we’re known as Florida’s Cultural Coast. Learn more at VisitSarasotaArts.org.
Ride AMTRAK®
For information and fares, visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL
Say goodbye to cancelled flights, traffic jams and detours. There’s a better way to travel. On Amtrak®, your journey begins before you reach your destination. Sit back in a comfortable seat and take in the scenery. Stretch your legs and grab a drink or a bite to eat in the café car. Spend quality time with friends and family, read or work.
Amtrak offers weekly specials and everyday discounts for seniors and kids. With deals to more than 500 destinations nationwide, it’s easy to take Amtrak and Enjoy the journey®. Take the stress out of traveling next trip, and experience trainsportation and not just transportation. For more information, visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Shanty Creek Resorts
Guest Information: Bellaire, Michigan
855-Up-north • shantycreek.com
Shanty Creek Resorts, a four-season golf and ski resort, welcomes guests with award-winning service, multiple dining choices, hundreds of lodging options, and world-class recreation including four golf courses and two ski mountains, boating and fishing on nearby Torch Lake and the rest of the Chain of Lakes, and more than 30 miles of single-track hiking and biking trails at Glacial Hills. Broaden your experience by taking advantage of Shanty Creek Resorts’ roundtrip shuttle service into downtown Bellaire, where you’ll find more entertainment. Just 31 miles northeast of Traverse City, it’s a beautiful day at Shanty Creek Resorts.
Eastern Market After Dark
Guest Information: Artist Suzy Lake
Sept.18, 5-9pm • 1454 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207
Knock back a few Stroh’s or enjoy a Vernors while hanging out with Detroit native and Canadian Visual Artist Suzy Lake at her open studio visit during Eastern Market After Dark. You’ll see new artwork she’s made during her visit home from 5-9 p.m. Sept.18 at 1454 Gratiot Ave. before she heads back to Toronto for her career retrospective at Canada’s prestigious Art Gallery of Ontario this Fall. The event is sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Petoskey Area, MI
Guest Information: 800-845-2828 • PetoskeyArea.com
The Petoskey Area has been called a Michigan Treasure. Visit this fall and you’ll quickly see why. Autumn’s colors make this area’s natural beauty even more spectacular. And our charming Victorian setting along the lake, boutiques, and unrivaled golf are even more enticing. Get great fall rates on golf and lodging. Contact us for your FREE fall color guide.
Mission Point Resort
Guest Information: Mackinac Island, MI
906-847-3000 • www.missionpoint.com
Nestled on 18 acres of lakefront property, Mission Point Resort — one of Michigan’s iconic Up North destinations — offers an escape to a slower way of life. The property boasts 239 guest rooms and suites; three restaurants featuring excellent regionally sourced meats, fish, and produce; on-premise bike rental; and waterfront mini-golf — and it’s just a short walk from bustling downtown or the wooded trails of the Mackinac Island State Park.
Alden B. Dow Home & Studio
Guest Information: 315 Post Street, Midland, MI 48640
989-839-7444 • www.abdow.org
Explore an oasis of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture that inspires and entices you to think and to question. The Alden B. Dow Home and Studio is alive with dynamic color, angle, light and unmatched integration of structure and its natural surroundings. Public tours, by reservation Mon-Sat 2pm & Fri-Sat 10am. www.abdow.org.
MGM Grand Detroit
Guest Information: 1777 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48226
1-877-888-2121 • www.mgmgranddetroit.com
The Only Forbes Four-Star Resort and Spa in the Midwest
Award-winning experiences are waiting for you day and night at MGM Grand Detroit. From the moment you step into this magnificent MGM Resorts International destination, we strive to provide you with an escape that’s both undeniably exciting and absolutely unforgettable.
The truth is, MGM Grand Detroit has worked tirelessly to build an experience that will truly make a lasting impression. From dining to gaming, nightlife, and spa treatments at IMMERSE, there are always Grand Times Ahead.
Vacation or Staycation?
Whether you live in the great city of Detroit or plan on stopping by on your way through town, MGM Grand Detroit is the ideal place to settle in for a bit. This is the only hotel in town to receive four stars from the Forbes Travel Guide in 2014, as well as AAA’s coveted Four-Diamond award. Each of our 400 stylish rooms offers marble showers, pillow-top beds with plush down comforters, and 42-inch HD plasma televisions. What’s more, as a guest you’ll enjoy a dedicated entrance, a private lobby living room, and access to concierge services.
It’s All About the Entertainment
MGM Grand Detroit is home to an impressive collection of “must-dos.” Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck has two restaurants here — Wolfgang Puck Steak and Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina — while Detroit’s newest old sports pub, TAP at MGM Grand Detroit, has become a game-changer for sports fans. For everyone who loves letting loose after dark, V Nightclub lets you ROAR till dawn, while Ignite Sushi Bar & Lounge, Agua Rum & Tequila Bar, and INT ICE provide the perfect atmosphere to chill with your favorite cocktail. And, of course, our 100,000-square-foot casino — equipped with Detroit’s premier poker room, 100 table games, and nearly 4,000 slots and video poker machines that helped us garner the 2014 Best Casino Award from Hour Detroit — is always open and ready to play.
Windsor Essex Pelee Island
Guest Information: visitwindsoressex.com • 1-800-265-3633
Feed your appetite for fun, excitement, and adventure in Windsor Essex County Pelee Island!
Get your game on at Caesars Windsor, the largest casino resort in Canada. From slots to poker, Caesars Windsor delivers nonstop excitement and worldclass service. For entertainment, The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor is always a sure bet, with big-name acts performing regularly.
As Canada’s southernmost region, we’re a leader in grape cultivation and home to a growing wine industry consisting of nearly 20 wineries. Take a guided tour and sample award-winning red, white, and ice wines while strolling through our spectacular Lake Erie North Shore vineyards.
Getting hungry? From taverns to trattorias, causal to formal, our diverse dining scene can satisfy any craving. Choose from a menu of uniquely delicious options, including our renowned Via Italia, as well as authentic Middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian restaurants.
Be mesmerized by the exhibits at the acclaimed Art Gallery of Windsor. Feel the power of a master performance at the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. Explore our region’s fascinating history and heritage at sites like Fort Malden, the John Freeman Walls Historic Site & Underground Railroad Museum, and the Canadian Club Brand Centre.
Explore our great outdoors! Our region is a world-renowned birding destination, and one of the top spots in North America to see hawks, eagles, and falcons. Flex your pedal power, because we also offer some of the best biking trails in Ontario — including our scenic Lake Erie Waterfront Trail.
Whether it’s just for the day, a weekend getaway, or longer, we invite you to enjoy all that Windsor Essex Pelee Island has to offer. See you soon!
Positively Perrysburg!
Guest Information: Sandy Latchem, Director, Perrysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau • Perrysburg, Ohio
419-874-9347 • director@perrysburgchamber.com
Enjoy small town charm with all of the big city amenities in Perrysburg. Located on the banks of the Maumee River at the crossroads of I-75 and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90), Perrysburg is only minutes from Toledo and Lake Erie. Enjoy our gracious historic district, distinctive shopping areas, unique restaurants, and unparalleled entertainment. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, Perrysburg has it all.
Explore history at Fort Meigs, the country’s largest walled reconstructed fort and the site of a crucial battle in the War of 1812. Don’t miss the museum, gift shop, and thrilling battle re-enactments.
Everyone is sure to have loads of fun at Levis Commons, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, movie theaters, entertainment, and special events year-round.
Get your game on! Perrysburg has golf, jogging trails, tennis, parks, fishing, and more. Be sure to make a stop at Perry Falls Mini Golf — it’s fun for the whole family.
Historic downtown Perrysburg is home to many unique shops and restaurants. Special events include a classic car show, horse-drawn carriage rides, a farmers’ market, and festivals and parades that are scheduled throughout the year.
Hungry? Enjoy a variety of great eateries in Perrysburg. From sausage to sushi, Mexican to Mediterranean, we love it all!
Everyone needs a place to rest and relax. Choose from romantic boutique hotels; kid-friendly accommodations with pools, game rooms, and jacuzzis; or studios and suites for the business traveler.
The Ultimate Chicago Getaway
ChooseChicago.com
DAY 1
Head to Millennium Park bright and early to meet “The Bean,” so you can snap a selfie without the crowds. With its reflective stainless steel surface, the iconic sculpture known as Cloud Gate offers countless photo opportunities.
Continue with a Chicago tradition, breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s, then admire the Loop architecture (highlights include the Chicago Cultural Center and Willis Tower).
Great shopping includes Macy’s on State Street, but you’ll definitely want to make your way to the deep-dish destination Lou Malnati’s, for Chicago-style pizza.
See Buckingham Fountain and spend the afternoon at The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, or the Art Institute of Chicago.
Do dinner nearby at The Gage, then enjoy a production from Broadway in Chicago at the award-winning Goodman Theatre.
DAY 2
Pick a neighborhood! Consider a free, guided walk with Chicago Greeter, or venture out on your own. Some options include:
Lincoln Park — Visit the namesake park that boasts 1,200 beautiful acres and offers lookout spots like North Avenue Beach. Grab lunch at Green City Market before exploring Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago History Museum. Do dinner at Italian-inspired restaurant Balena, followed by a show performed by the Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre Company. End with live blues music at Kingston Mines or drinks on the J. Parker rooftop.
Pilsen — Wake up with coffee and breakfast at Kristoffer’s Café & Bakery, followed by a walk along 18th Street through the heart of this diverse Mexican-American community. Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art, then search out the bold murals that dot the landscape. Conclude with dinner at Nuevo Leon Restaurant. Late-night revelers can check out a show at Thalia Hall and enjoy draft brews at Dusek’s Board & Beer or tequila cocktails at Del Toro.
Hyde Park — If you’re an architecture enthusiast, don’t miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and the University of Chicago campus. Grab food at President Obama’s favorite, Valois Restaurant, then take your pick of cultural offerings. The Museum of Science and Industry is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, while the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Court Theatre, the Oriental Institute Museum, and the Smart Museum of Art round out the stellar collection in the area. Two new spots make for a perfect ending: restaurants A10 and The Promontory.
DAY 3
Do brunch in style at NoMI Kitchen, then stroll past the historic Water Tower to cross Michigan Avenue and head to the newest downtown attraction, TILT at 360 CHICAGO.
Join the crowds on The Magnificent Mile for some retail therapy. Grab lunch at Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue or the Purple Pig, if you can snag a table.
Rest your legs and put your camera to use on an architecture boat cruise, then take in more of the skyline from Terrace at Trump.
When dinner calls, explore more of River North, where the plethora of restaurants include sophisticated hotspots Celeste and The Boarding House, modern meat haven Chicago Cut Steakhouse, and chef-driven favorites Frontera Grill and NAHA.
End with live music and a nightcap at Andy’s Jazz or Blue Chicago. For more information on the ultimate Chicago getaway, including itineraries and an events calendar, visit ChooseChicago.com.
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