TT family fun in Midwest, possible location, date and times - ThinnerTimes

Cat_Lover · 07-21-2007, 10:19 AM

Hello All,

Possible Location:

Most people think west Michigan is a good location. Tons of fun stuff to do. There are motels, shopping, lighthouse and many other fun things to do.

South Haven/Benton Harbor area.

There is a KOA in Covert, MI, (South Haven/Benton Harbor area). here is at link: http://www.koa.com/where/mi/22228/ I could mostly stay at the campgrounds. I talked to the host and we can used the pavilion free.

or

Union Pier

A thought. As a group rent an inn for the weekend.

Here is at link: http://www.michigan.org/travel/locations/?m=0

Possible Dates:

August 25 and 26
September 8 and 9
September 15 and 16

Let me know if this works for you or if you need different location / date.

Warm regards,

Cat_Lover

Luna Lurker · 07-21-2007, 04:42 PM

Don't forget artwork to enjoy!

MiladyB · 07-21-2007, 05:51 PM

I personally would prefer an Inn or Bed & Breakfast to the campground. I love to camp but will be post tummy tuck and just not sure how that would go. Union Pier looks like a really nice spot and I'm almost positive that Amtrak has a stop there in case someone wants to take the train. I looked at a few Inns in that area. I found one great house that will hold up to 14 people. The cost was $1000 for 2 nights. I know that sounds like a lot but if we had like 12 people that would only be about $83/person for a 2 night stay. We could even cook our own meals to save some money. This place was only 100 yards from Lake Michigan. Let me find the link and I'll post a picture if you all are interested.

http://www.michiganvacations.com/listings/21288.html

I also just found this one in Holland which is further north so I'm not sure anyone would be interested. The cost is $325/night with a 2 night min. and it sleeps up to 12.

http://www.michiganvacations.com/listings/34507.html

But I am totally open to other ideas. I would say later in September would work the best for me, we also could get off season rates also the later in September to October the colors should be changing. Just a thought.

Cat_Lover · 07-21-2007, 06:16 PM

Hello All,

If people like the Inn / B&B I'll go with it.

Cat_Lover

LisaM · 07-21-2007, 10:00 PM

Love the idea of fall in Michigan, and like the idea of the rental for 12 to 14, so we can cook our own meals, and not be dealing with restaurants every minute--gets exhausting... and expensive!

So, I vote for mid- to late-September, and the group rental.

RNY4me · 07-22-2007, 03:20 AM

For our travel agent! Great job getting this together. And wonderful input from Beth, those are awesome places!

I will not be free until mid October - DH and I are celebrating our 35th this September. We loved our West Michigan summer vacation so much, we've decided to return to celebrate our anniversary. But those plans are dependent upon my mother, who is moving to Iowa end of next month. If she feels able, we would like to bring her to Michigan with us. If she is not feeling able, we will stay local to be available to her needs. So, end of September is kinda out for me. I'll either already be in West Michigan , or celebrating in Iowa. End of August I'll be in Florida, getting mom moved and then will be staying close to her as she settles into her new apartment. That pretty much takes care of all the possible dates you proposed. However, it goes without saying, plan for the majority. If I'm not available, I'll just have to cry my heart out and hope for next time!

MiladyB · 07-22-2007, 09:23 AM

Well Missy, if we plan this when you are already here you could still maybe come and spend a little time with all of us.

If you guys are interested in seeing the colors the peak time is usually the very end of September to the beginning of October.

Cat_Lover · 07-22-2007, 01:07 PM

Hi All,

The Amtrak stop at Bangor, MI, which is close to Holland and Union Pier. I have talked to a lady from Union Pier about renting a house. There are two house that would fit are needs. The house rental would include at stay from Thur(night) - Mon(morning), at a cost of 1,500. So if we have 10 people it would be 150 dollars per person or if we have 14 people it would be 108 dollars per person. That for a weekend. I would need the money about 40 days before the rental date. They want the money 30 days before the rental date. Please note: Prices may be a little higher in Aug./Sept.

I am open to dates, any weekend for Aug. - Oct.

There is a question of food. Do we want to do a group thing and eat family style or have people bring in they own food. There are markets in the area.

If people are coming in by plane or Amtrak. I would be happy to pick you up, just need to know time and place.

If you have question and/or concerns feel free to PM me and we work out the issues.

Website to the area is: http://harborcountry.org/

Warm regards,
Cat_Lover

MiladyB · 07-22-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat_Lover

Hi All,

The Amtrak stop at Bangor, MI, which is close to Holland and Union Pier. I have talked to a lady from Union Pier about renting a house. There are two house that would fit are needs. The house rental would include at stay from Thur(night) - Mon(morning), at a cost of 1,500. So if we have 10 people it would be 150 dollars per person or if we have 14 people it would be 108 dollars per person. That for a weekend. I would need the money about 40 days before the rental date. They want the money 30 days before the rental date. Please note: Prices may be a little higher in Aug./Sept.

I am open to dates, any weekend for Aug. - Oct.

There is a question of food. Do we want to do a group thing and eat family style or have people bring in they own food. There are markets in the area.

If people are coming in by plane or Amtrak. I would be happy to pick you up, just need to know time and place.

If you have question and/or concerns feel free to PM me and we work out the issues.

Website to the area is: http://harborcountry.org/

Warm regards,
Cat_Lover

Mary, wow you are really on the ball!!

I think family style would be a lot of fun for meals. Can you imagine all of us at a market together?? *L* This could be interesting! When it comes for dates I vote for the first or second weekend of Oct. Colors should be good then, hopefully off season prices and I won't have the problem of having it run into my support group date on the 24th of September.

Can you tell us anything about the houses you checked on? Do you have a link for them? Just curious what they look like. Are they right on the beach?

Union Pier or Holland would be good for me. Both are an easy drive from Grand Rapids. If anyone else needs to be picked up I can do that too. So let me know.

Luna Lurker · 07-22-2007, 02:19 PM

Beth, I can be ready with a 30 minute notice. Best yet, my VISA works at all gas stations!I could even pretend to navigate.