Summer Road Trips: Where do you Go?

Nothing says summer like a road trip.

We’re lucky here in the Chicago area to be at the center of a wheel of great Midwestern destinations, from the beaches of Door County to the rolling hills of Galena.

The best way to ensure you pick the right restaurants and activities when venturing somewhere new is to rely on an insider to direct you.

So I want to know from you: What do you think is the best road trip destination from La Grange? What’s your favorite thing to do when you get there?

I’ll start: I spent the Fourth of July in Omena, MI, a charming bayside community along the Leelanau Peninsula, about 30 miles north of Traverse City. My boyfriend’s family has been traveling to Omena for generations, and I am now lucky enough to have been welcomed into the tradition.

Between the slower pace, the stunning water views and the rich local food movement, it’s a little bit of paradise just a six-hour drive from La Grange.

We cribbed much of our vacation plan from an article in the July issue of Martha Stewart Living called “Secret Michigan” that does in fact highlight adventures that my personal Michigan expert had never uncovered.

Here are my top picks for things to do on the peninsula, curated both from Martha Stewart’s suggestions and my own experience:

• Barb’s Bakery: The charming Northport bakeshop made Martha’s cut, and both my boyfriend and I agreed it was one of our favorite stops on the trip. We visited two days in a row, first for the fabled cinnamon twists and then for a flaky strawberry and cream cheese turnover. You can’t beat sitting outside on a warm summer morning with a cup of coffee and an impeccably sweet pastry. Go on a Friday and you might see celebrity chef Mario Batali at the Northport Farmers Market.
• Village Cheese Shanty: Make sure to plan accordingly if you visit this legendary Fishtown sandwich shop. The line frequently curls out the door and takes at least 20 minutes to navigate. But is it ever worth it. Local cheeses and homemade dressings pack the shanty’s famous pretzel bread. Martha highlighted this spot, too, but we claim it as our own because my boyfriend’s brother braved the line nearly every day last summer. Bonus tip: Fishtown is a collection of historic shacks lining the harbor in Leland, which is the town where comedian Tim Allen vacations.
• Tandem Ciders: This cidery, also Martha-approved, offers about half a dozen hard ciders, alongside a handful of non-alcoholic artisanal sodas. Be prepared: The Farmhouse Cider bites with an unexpected bitterness. The Sweetheart variety, however, is mellow and delicious. Samples are free, while pints are $4. If you like what you try, you can take home a half-gallon growler for $16.
• Christmas Cove: Lake Michigan’s water is still pretty chilly in July, though children, especially, are willing to brave the lake. This little beach on the peninsula’s west side is perfect for wading. Its rocky shore is also an ideal spot to collect perfectly smooth, perfectly round beach stones for a lovely (and economical) souvenir.
• And if you get to go for Independence Day: The Leland Fourth of July Parade is sweet, simple and old-fashioned. You won’t want to miss the Cherry Queens gliding by in their red evening gowns. 

Tell us: Where's your favorite spot to go on a road trip? What do you like to do there?