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Travel and Vacation
48
items As an almost empty nester and lover of all things nature and outdoors. I love any place near water no matter the direction. North, south, east, west, it's my happy place. I share ways to have a nice vacation on a budget.
Sections
5
Marquette, Michigan
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Destin, Florida
Tofte, Minnesota
Swanton, Vermont
Marquette, Michigan
My first visit to Michigan was just the beginning of my love for the Michigan area and the Upper Peninsula. Sharing the best of my travels and places to visit and stay.
We love taking our bikes and riding the multipurpose paths for miles and miles. There is so much to do in Marquette, MI. Kayak, fishing, water sports, bicycling, running, shopping and so lots of places to eat. This is a perfect place for retired and ...
Home - City of Marquette
Make sure you fill up on gas and be ready to lose your cellphone signal. It wasn't that hard to find, but we were new to the area. It's down a dirt road and you have to park off to the side ( some parking). Just follow the trail its not too far, but ...
Yellow Dog (Hills) Falls
Presque isle park is a must to visit if you are in Marquette! We hiked the easy to walk path all the way around and stopped to take in the landscape. Lots of benches to rest while watching the water. You can ride your bike on the main road too! We di...
THE 10 BEST Parks & Nature Attractions in Marquette (Updated 2025)
This is an uphill hike and takes a little bit to get to the top, but the views are amazing! Totally worth the hike.
Sugarloaf Mountain (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
We were just a half mile from this at our VRBO and almost didn't stop. I am so glad we did. It's free and takes around an hour to walk it casually to see it all. This place is so massive you won't believe how many sculptures are here. This man created this from leftover contruction scraps an...
Lakenenland Sculpture Park (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
We rode our bike's along the coast on this paved path. Very easy ride.
Iron Ore Heritage Trail (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
This trail is so long! It was everywhere we stopped for sightseeing. I was amazed to see it so many times. I didn't hike this one! It's more rugged and not my best way to travel and hike.
North Country Trail (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)
This is where we stayed in 2023. The house is older, but lots of updates and it was very clean! I would have slept in a tent for the beach that is 450ft of private beach and we were able to read and nap on the beach daily with no encounters with othe...
Beachcomber's Cottage-Private Lake Superior beach ...
Just some hotels I found in Marquette, Michigan near the water. I stayed in a lakehouse through vrbo, but for a short visit I'd pick one like this in town.
HAMPTON INN MARQUETTE/WATERFRONT - Updated 2025 Prices & Hotel Reviews (MI)
I didn't stay here, but I remember hearing about it and it was all good!
THE 10 BEST Marquette Vacation Rentals, Cabins (with Photos)
Make time for this stop in Michigan. It's so pretty and be aware that the beach is way down a huge sandy hill so you need to be in good shape or stay on the top side because it's expensive to get rescued!
Log Slide (U.S. National Park Service)
My daughter went to this and told me to go, but we didn't on the last trip. It's on my list and if you go expect the most clear water and views of fish!
Palms Book State Park
Take a kayaking tour. My daughter did this and had so much fun. The guides are very experienced and don't let you on the water if the waves are too big. And they have a boat that follows you for bathroom breaks and rescue
Plan Your Visit - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)
Mackinac Island, Michigan
I love that there are no cars on the island and that it's a very charming island with so much to do. My favorite thing was biking around the island and looking at all the neat houses. Arch rock is a must to see!
This was my first Michigan adventure that was for three days, Husband had gallbladder attack and felt miserable the first few days, but we still managed to see some forts and history. Rode the ferry to Mackinac island the last morning, rented bikes (...
Mackinac Island
Did you know that there are no cars allowed on the island? Everything is brought in by ferry or plane and horses take the shipments to the businesses and homes.
All Things Horses on Mackinac Island MI - Do - Mackinac Island Tourism
Don't forget to grab some fudge at one of the many shops while your in the area. There are some on the inland side too in Mackinac city. It smells like fudge everywhere you walk there!
Fudge Making on Mackinac Island MI - Do - Mackinac Island Tourism
We rented bikes here and couldn't have been more pleased. The people were so nice and helpful and they helped my kids pick the right size bike and gave a quick lesson on shifting the gears. They can fix bikes for you if you bring yours and need repai...
Mackinac Cycle
Didn't stay here, but it is an amazing site to see. So many beautiful home and hotels on the island.
Historic Island House Hotel
I haven't been kayaking on the Lake… YET! I did see people all around the island water in kayaks. The water is so clear it's captivating!
Great Turtle Kayak Tours
Must see the Fort on the island. It's way larger than I expected for the island.
Fort Mackinac
Make sure to cross the 5 mile Mackinac bridge to see St Ignace. Just a nice place to see.
Saint Ignace
We stayed here during our visit to Mackinac Island. It was clean and friendly people. Get a lakeside room! Cleaning staff very nice and working from abroad. Tip them they work hard!
Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn, Mackinaw City
Destin, Florida
This was my first place to visit in Florida. It's the most beautiful place with white beaches and emerald green clear water. I am sharing my favorite places to stay and things to do while visiting here.
This is where we stayed in Destin, Florida several years ago. It turned out to be the perfect place. They had so much beach gear you could use and the private pool was heaven. There was pool house for a few guests to stay. There were three rooms and ...
Say YES to Spring at our Private Home by Crystal Beach with Heated Pool!
If you think you can't stay in a place like this because of the cost. Just find some friends to go along and you will be amazed at the cost compared to hotels and having to eat out daily. If 10 or 11 couple go that's only around one hundred a night!
Luxury Beach Oasis~Sleeps 26! FREE Golf Cart~Pool/ ...
Best money spent was on beach services. They get your chairs ready for you bright and early so you don't have to fight for a spot and you get to pick your chairs.
Beach Services Destin Florida | Destin Florida
Jetski's are so fun for the whole family. We really love making these memories for our kids.
Destin Jet Ski Rentals & Watersports: Where to Rent | Destin Florida
Great place to shop especially for books and I bought a ballcap because my hair was always messy and I just wanted to hide it and have fun. I still wear that white nike golf cap and it's almost 10 years old!
Destin Florida Shopping - Outlet Malls & More | Destin Florida
If you are going for the food, try Old Bay Steamer. It's just down the road from Destin at Fort Walton and it's a neat place with nice people and great crab legs!
Old Bay Steamer · 102 Santa Rosa Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Rent bikes for the whole week! They will deliver and pick up. We never drove except to venture out farther for the whole week. Rode bikes all over and it's such a family oriented area.
🔎 bicycle rentals near Destin - Google Search
If you like history and museums, this was a fun day and worth the drive from Destin. It's near Pensicola. About an hour drive if I remember, but GPS will tell you.
National Naval Aviation Museum | Visit Pensacola
Tofte, Minnesota
Took a trip to Minnesota late summer 2024. We love Lake Superior and Huron. The Upper Peninsula has so much outdoor activities and Waterfalls!
Super small town with lots of bike paths or foot travel if that's your thing. You will find so many waterfalls in the area you'll be on overload!
Tofte Township | Lake Superior's Best Kept Secret
We rented this place late summer 2024. It is right on the lake and this house comes with a PRIVATE COVE! It's a bit hilly, but worth the walk down to the cove to sit on the rocky beach. Not a sand beach, but it's so peaceful and COOL! as in temperatu...
Tofte Cove on Lake Superior. Certain to WOW You! Sleeps ...
Stop here for the bakery if nothing else! I never did eat a meal here, but it was always busy. Not many places to eat or shop in the area. The bakery desserts and donuts were AMAZING!
Coho Café & Bakery | Bluefin Bay
Such a cool hike. We watched a group of boys jumping off the walking bridge into the river when we parked. At first I screamed because we saw one of the boys pushed the one off and I thought it was going to turn ugly, but it was all good and they wer...
Temperance River State Park
You will not be disappointed in this place, the hike is so relaxing and the falls are beautiful. If it's hot outside when you go- the visitor center is ICE COLD inside! Go to the gift shop too. Clean restroom!
Gooseberry Falls State Park
If you love history and beautiful views, this is must see. THAT IS ALL…
Split Rock Lighthouse | Minnesota Historical Society
This was so much better than we expected. The hike was so nice next to the river, but the falls have steps that walk you right down into the pool of water below. It's so rewarding when you get there!
Caribou Falls, A Quick and Satisfying Hike - Explore Lake Superior's North Shore - North Shore Explorer Minnesota
Come prepared for fishing! We didn't fish much here, but we left our poles and supplies are limited up here. Lots of canoes on cars heading to the chain of lakes that are ideal for fisherman.
Fishing
You won't want to skip this state park, we drove the extra few miles. Right on the Canadian border, view the falls from the U.S side or head across the border and view from there. Bring bear spray! We left ours at the rental and two women ahead of us...
Grand Portage State Park
Dog falls is so pretty. Stop at the roadside park and walk to the main bridge along the highway. The view of the falls is mesmerizing. It looks like it goes on forever! Just don't stop on the bridge in your vehicle even on the side. The Police take t... We witnessed this on our visit. Plus, it's a better view if you walk to it.
Dog Falls - Lake Superior Circle Tour
Take your bikes, Ebikes if you are not in tip top shape. Lots of distance and hills. We did encounter bear poo on the trail. So don't forget the spray like we did. No bears were seen thank goodness!
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Don't skip Duluth, Mn. We went here on a day trip from Tofte and rode bikes around the city park. It is huge and worth it, then we waited for the ships to come in for the day to see the bridge go up. There is a schedule online to see the estimated ar...
City Parks | Outdoor Adventure | Experience | Visit Duluth
Just an overnight stop for us on the way to Minnesota. This hotel surprised me with the full kitchen and living room area. Bring groceries and cook instead of going out. Some dishes were there and has a fridge. Nice people too!
GrandStay Residential Suites - Eau Claire
Stopped here for the night and it was so clean and new. No carpet and super clean. I love places with surfaces that are easy to wipe off and clean. I don't like hotels with carpet. Yuck!
Home2 Suites by Hilton Eau Claire South
Stopped here for a very short hike to the falls. It's mostly paved and parking is good. It's not free to park about $5 and worth it. The falls were amazing!
Big Falls County Park | Fall Creek, WI 54742
Stopped to ride bikes and see the falls before heading on to Minnesota for our vacay! Worth the stop
Area 178 - CORBA - Trails
Swanton, Vermont
Heading to Swanton next week and planning to visit
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
This will be our view for the next week! I am so excited to get there. This place is a new build and offers free use of kayaks, outdoor dining and cooking and private beach! It is rated 10 exceptional on vrbo with over 55 reviews already and it's boo...
Year-round, Kayaks, Firepit, Sunsets, W/D - Swanton