OT - Driving to Chicago and Want to Spend 1 Night in Michigan

[Nittany Ziggy]

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan before meeting friends in the city the following day for lunch. I don't want to go too far north but would appreciate any suggestions for a town where my wife and I can chill and enjoy some food and beverage at the shore.

 

[Art]

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan before meeting friends in the city the following day for lunch. I don't want to go too far north but would appreciate any suggestions for a town where my wife and I can chill and enjoy some food and beverage at the shore.

Woody would be appalled.

 

[TiredOldLion]

St Joseph is nice or a bit futher north to Grand Haven.

 

[Fox Chapel Lion II]

It's a no-doubter. You want to go to St. Joseph. It's on I-94 just over the Indiana line. You're a mere 90 minutes from the Loop so you can spend the following morning too.

It takes me 8 hrs and change to Chicago, so I'd say 7 from Pittsburgh. Leave in the morning, leisurely drive, check in and relax and dinner with a lake view at 6 pm.

I was in Toledo last week. There is construction on the Ohio Pike but not too bad.

http://www.michigan.org/city/st-joseph

 

[michnittlion]

It's a no-doubter. You want to go to St. Joseph. It's on I-94 just over the Indiana line. You're a mere 90 minutes from the Loop so you can spend the following morning too.

It takes me 8 hrs and change to Chicago, so I'd say 7 from Pittsburgh. Leave in the morning, leisurely drive, check in and relax and dinner with a lake view at 6 pm.

I was in Toledo last week. There is construction on the Ohio Pike but not too bad.

http://www.michigan.org/city/st-joseph

Agree. Another vote for St. Joseph from me.

 

[PSU Mike]

Saugatuck

 

[ClarkstonMark]

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan before meeting friends in the city the following day for lunch. I don't want to go too far north but would appreciate any suggestions for a town where my wife and I can chill and enjoy some food and beverage at the shore.

My good friend's sister and her husband have a B&B in Union Pier.
http://www.gardengrove.net/
He was OSU's hockey coach for many years. Tell them Uncle Sparky sent you.

I would normally suggest going further North (South Haven ,Saugatuck) than you want, but Union Pier isn't bad ,especially since you'll be leaving anyway.

 

[The Song Remains the Same]

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan before meeting friends in the city the following day for lunch. I don't want to go too far north but would appreciate any suggestions for a town where my wife and I can chill and enjoy some food and beverage at the shore.

Why are you spending 1 night? Are you wanting to take a good dump or something?

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

Saugatuck

That place looks cool but it doesn't fit in with my itinerary. This is a "smash & dash" operation before a big weekend in the city. Thanks!

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

Why are you spending 1 night? Are you wanting to take a good dump or something?

I don't want to drive all the way to Chicago but want to be within two hours drive the next day.

 

[ChiTownLion]

New Buffalo.

 

[psuro]

Find a town 106 miles from Chicago. Leave for the city in the middle of the night so it's still dark out. Make sure your tank is full and that you have a half a pack of cigarettes. And that you and your wife are both wearing sunglasses.

And play the Peter Gunn theme in your way into the city.

 

[psufan44]

If you are just looking for a place to stop overnight then St. Joseph or New Buffalo. Saugatuck If you r looking a small easy walkable town.

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

Thanks for the replies. I am thinking that St. Joseph s the place except I could stay at a Marriott in New Buffalo using points. Doe anyone know anything about hotels in St. Joe? It seems that the Boulevard Inn and Bistro or the Inn at Harbor Shores. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[NovaPSULuvr]

Find a town 106 miles from Chicago. Leave for the city in the middle of the night so it's still dark out. Make sure your tank is full and that you have a half a pack of cigarettes. And that you and your wife are both wearing sunglasses.

And play the Peter Gunn theme in your way into the city.

Hit it!

 

[psuro]

Hit it!

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

Another option is to stay in South Bend...

I'd rather shave a 3 day beard off my face with a rusty razor while chewing on aluminum foil with my molars that still have the old style metal fillings.

 

[lostlion]

Thanks for the replies. I am thinking that St. Joseph s the place except I could stay at a Marriott in New Buffalo using points. Doe anyone know anything about hotels in St. Joe? It seems that the Boulevard Inn and Bistro or the Inn at Harbor Shores. Any feedback is appreciated.

I spent many nights in St Joe for work reasons, Whirlpool Corp, and I cannot recommend the Boulevard. Overpriced and outdated. It was the last choice for me.

The Inn at Harbor Shores is actually on the river and built for the new golf course. I've not stayed there but I can say there is no Lake View.

I've never stayed in New Buffalo but with the Casino you should have good hotel choices.

BTW, the eastern shore of Lake Michigan is a great summer and early fall get-a-way once the tourist prices drop after Labor Day.

Enjoy the Windy City.

 

[PSU Mike]

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan before meeting friends in the city the following day for lunch. I don't want to go too far north but would appreciate any suggestions for a town where my wife and I can chill and enjoy some food and beverage at the shore.

Crap, remind me when we're having lunch again?

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

Thanks for the replies. I am thinking that St. Joseph s the place except I could stay at a Marriott in New Buffalo using points. Doe anyone know anything about hotels in St. Joe? It seems that the Boulevard Inn and Bistro or the Inn at Harbor Shores. Any feedback is appreciated.

Do you require being in downtown St. Joe's or are you open to staying 3-4 miles east of downtown? There are some chain hotels along I-94.

 

[kgilbert78]

And b

Find a town 106 miles from Chicago. Leave for the city in the middle of the night so it's still dark out. Make sure your tank is full and that you have a half a pack of cigarettes. And that you and your wife are both wearing sunglasses.

And play the Peter Gunn theme in your way into the city.

...and be "on a mission from God"

 

[lostlion]

Do you require being in downtown St. Joe's or are you open to staying 3-4 miles west of downtown? There are some chain hotels along I-94.

Smart Ass Comment Alert, I'm sure you mean on I-94 West, cause the Lake is west of St Joe.

 

[Fox Chapel Lion II]

Smart Ass Comment Alert, I'm sure you mean on I-94 West, cause the Lake is west of St Joe.

Maybe the Ziggy's plan on having fish for dinner?

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

Smart Ass Comment Alert, I'm sure you mean on I-94 West, cause the Lake is west of St Joe.

It seems that I'm more lost than you.

 

[lostlion]

Well, I could see the Pool Boy heading for the Lake. Water's his thing.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo.....have stayed there on many occasions when playing golf on the east side of Lake Michigan and down in South Bend.

 

[CF LION]

Woody would be appalled.

Just don't buy gas there.

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

Thanks for the responses and insights. Loved the The Blues Brothers references. I decided on the Fairfield Inn near Saint Joseph and used points. Coincidentally, it is 106 miles from the Courtyard by Marriott that we have booked downtown. I appreciate all of the information/insights shared and the humor. For PSU Mike: Lunch on Friday is at Wrigley Field. I just don't know when! As I tell my wife on these types of excursions: "There is a sandwich in every bottle".

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

Thanks for the responses and insights. Loved the The Blues Brothers references. I decided on the Fairfield Inn near Saint Joseph and used points. Coincidentally, it is 106 miles from the Courtyard by Marriott that we have booked downtown. I appreciate all of the information/insights shared and the humor. For PSU Mike: Lunch on Friday is at Wrigley Field. I just don't know when! As I tell my wife on these types of excursions: "There is a sandwich in every bottle".

Is the Fairfield west of downtown?

You do need to enjoy a "smoky beer" at the Silver Harbor Brewing Co. if you haven't had one before.

https://www.silverharborbrewing.com/home

Trust Yelp if you and Mrs Ziggy are looking for something better than "pub fare".

 

[sprout69]

On the eastern shore of Lake Michigan before meeting friends in the city the following day for lunch. I don't want to go too far north but would appreciate any suggestions for a town where my wife and I can chill and enjoy some food and beverage at the shore.

Call Harbaugh...I hear he likes creepy sleepovers.

 

[lostlion]

You do need to enjoy a "smoky beer" at the Silver Harbor Brewing Co. if you haven't had one before.

https://www.silverharborbrewing.com/home

.

Going west from the Silver Harbor Brewing Company is Schu's restaurant on the corner of Lake. Afterwards, you can go down to Silver Beach below the bluff and enjoy the sunset.

Enjoy.