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How many times have you thought, “One of these days, I need to go there; it’s so close”? After our long, unforgiving winter, you deserve to treat yourself to a vacation or two, and there’s no need to go far. A fun destination is as close as downtown Detroit, where you can find great company, music, a fine meal, and a luxurious night’s stay all in one place.
Who needs airport hassles and expenses when, after just a short drive north, you can be enjoying sailing, golfing, or sightseeing? Or head south and take in the hospitality of our Ohio neighbors.
Local resorts, cities big and small, and recreation areas are eager to show you how to enjoy a vacation close to home. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take the train somewhere? Why not make it this year? It’s a relaxing and convenient way to see the sites without having to worry about the drive.
Love architecture? You don’t have to travel far to find charming historical buildings dotting area downtowns and lakefronts. Of course, in Michigan, some of the best architecture is created by nature. Rolling hills, sweeping acres of farmland, and majestic trees create a beautiful backdrop for you to explore.
Better weather is here, and it’s time for you to visit places that you’ve always said you would. All of these destinations are only a short drive away, and they’re waiting for you to explore.
HARBOR SHORES
Guest Information: 201 Graham Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
www.harborshoreslife.com
Harbor Shores was introduced to the world just four years ago as Lake Michigan’s first beach and golf community. Ideally located just 90 minutes from downtown Chicago, Harbor Shores is nestled on the edge of Lake Michigan in the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. With five breathtaking beaches, towering sand dunes, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan’s bold blue waters, Harbor Shores is unlike any other community in southwest Michigan.
Harbor Shores has become one of the most popular new real estate destinations in Michigan. In 2012, the 17,500-square-foot golf clubhouse campus was introduced, and the Nature and Fitness Trails were unveiled. In spring 2014, Harbor Shores will debut a new 100-slip marina and open the doors to the Inn at Harbor Shores, an eight-story waterfront hotel architecturally designed in the theme of late 19th-century Lake Michigan hotels.
Memorial Day Weekend in 2014 presents an opportunity for Harbor Shores to showcase its community as the 75th Senior PGA Championship, presented by KitchenAid, is being held at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course for the second time. The championship was a resounding success in 2012, when first-time major winner Roger Chapman took home the historic Alfred S. Bourne trophy after a masterful performance. This year, 2013 champion Kohki Idoki will defend his title among a field that includes legends such as Tom Watson, Bernhard Langer, Jay Haas, and Kenny Perry. The Senior PGA Championship will return to Harbor Shores again in 2016 and 2018.
Residents and visitors alike look forward to continued momentum at Harbor Shores. With ongoing development of the Fairways Signature Golf Homes, Trailside Cottages, and Hideaway Cottages, and the addition of the Renaissance Athletic Club, it’s easy to see why many families are now calling Harbor Shores their vacation home destination.
Make your visit to southwest Michigan complete by visiting this exciting, amenity-rich community. For more information about Harbor Shores, visit www.harborshoreslife.com.
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.
AAA TRAVEL
Guest Information: 31 Offices Statewide
1-800-878-9192 • AAA.com/TravelAgent
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
AAA Travel invites you to taste your way around the world!
Annual Event Returns to Epcot Theme Park This Fall
A food and wine lover’s paradise awaits you at Epcot, with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.! Treat yourself to a deluxe, four-night getaway from AAA Travel coinciding with the extended Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 9-13, 2014.
Perfect for Foodies, Couples, or a Ladies Weekend Getaway
There’s something to satisfy almost every taste and interest. In addition to the attractions guests already enjoy at Epcot theme park, this annual autumn event features a delectable array of offerings, including:
• International kiosks featuring tasty tapas and refreshing beverages
• Cooking demonstrations and dining events — including experiences with celebrity chefs!
• Mixology classes and wine tastings, and
• Live musical performances by popular hit-makers.
Dine your way around the world. Cultivate your cooking skills. Savor a rare vintage. Enjoy an exhilarating outdoor concert.
Indulge in the Comfort of Upscale Accommodations
Upon arriving, you’ll appreciate the convenience of Disney’s Magical Express roundtrip transfers between the airport and Disney’s Yacht Club resort. Here, you’ll delight in the formal grace of a grand New England-style yacht club — and you’ll be within walking distance of Epcot, and just a convenient boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Expect Something More from AAA
As part of AAA’s coveted Custom Vacation Collection, this palate-pleasing package comes loaded with extras — like a four-day Magic Your Way ticket with the Park Hopper Option. Experience the fantasy and magic of all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks! Your Disney Dining Plan lets you choose from more than 100 select restaurants; simply present your Key to the World card and your server will deduct your bill from your preloaded balance.
Other perks include a $100 Disney Gift Card redeemable throughout the resort, an exclusive food and wine pairing event, and a private viewing of Epcot’s nightly fireworks extravaganza!
Book Your Vacation Today
Create magical memories to last a lifetime at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Talk to a knowledgeable AAA travel consultant for details on this carefully crafted, custom vacation.
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 2013 Best Casino Award from Hour Detroit — is always open and ready to play.
Pat Leavy – Representing Northern Michigan’s Finest Properties
Guest Information:
231-838-6700 • patleavy@kiddleavy.com • www.patleavy.com
Making Cottage Memories
Pat Leavy has been helping Southeast Michigan families create memories in beautiful Northern Michigan for over 15 years. With boundless energy, perseverance, humor, dogged persistence, and a great staff, Pat works harder than any other agent to achieve his client’s goals. He has sold over $120 million of estate quality homes in just the last three years.
Pat believes buying a home in northwest Michigan is more than square footage and a floor plan. With its blue lakes, miles of shoreline, fresh air, rolling hills, undisturbed woods, vibrant towns, and friendly people, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to experience and share a real treasure. Clearly, it is Pat’s enthusiasm for the area’s lifestyle that translates into results for you, whether you are a buyer or a seller.
As your Buyer’s Representative, Pat can make the process of house hunting much easier and more efficient than if you did it all yourself. He can help you get financing, guide you to local neighborhoods, help you determine your budget, and prioritize a list of essential features that you need in your next home. He’ll save you valuable time by finding the properties that best suit your requirements, and will show you only the most promising ones. Once you’ve found a place that catches your eye, we’ll look at comparable properties in the area to help determine a purchase offer. Then he’ll negotiate on your behalf with the seller to make sure you get the most favorable terms.
Pat would consider it a privilege to work with you. Call him today to begin your search for your vacation home or vacation rental.
RIDE AMTRAK®
For information and fares, visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL
Train yourself to relax and discover the huge difference between transportation and the ease and comfort of Trainsportation®. Start your journey before you reach your destination. There are no tolls, traffic or weather issues; just comfortable seats and miles of breathtaking views. Sit back, relax and Enjoy the journey® on Amtrak.
Amtrak, Trainsportation and Enjoy the journey are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
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.
MISSION POINT RESORT
Guest Information: Mackinac Island, MI
906-847-3000 • www.missionpoint.com
Mission Point Resort’s guests are welcomed by a relaxed atmosphere; award-winning cuisine; rustic fireside ambiance; rich culture, arts and activities; and broad lawns and lush gardens that, together, create the perfect setting for renewal, inspiration, and meaningful connections. Nestled on 18 acres where the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline greets the sunrise, Mission Point’s traditional lodge ambiance and sweeping lawns are just a few horse-drawn-carriage steps away from the bustle of downtown or the peaceful trails that traverse the woods of Mackinac State Park.
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