Post-Contact ’25 Fam
“Your Pure (Northern) Michigan Discovery Tour”
Sunday, May 11
Your post-conference Fam trip begins with a day of leisure and exploration on Mackinac Island. Several of our island partners are ready to welcome you to a new hotel for one more night on magical Mackinac Island for Sunday evening.
We have a day planned with unique experiences, including a stop at Grand Hotel’s Stables and Antique Carriage Museum, where the stable master will talk about the life of the horses. You’ll be able to discover historical information about some of the earliest tourist vehicles on Mackinac Island as tourism developed in the northern Michigan destination.
From the Stables, we will walk across the lawn to visit the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory. This lovely spot offers a unique and immersive experience that captivates and educates. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a student, or simply someone seeking a moment of tranquility, the conservatory offers something for everyone. It is a place where the wonders of nature are celebrated and visitors can reconnect with the natural world.
Next, we will take a horse-drawn carriage to the sunrise side of the Island, where we will enjoy Mission Point’s Pasta-bilities Lunch! Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast eager to expand your culinary repertoire or a beginner looking to learn a new skill, Mission Point’s acclaimed chef, John Clements, promises to ignite your passion for homemade pasta. Mix, rest, roll, and stretch fresh egg pasta dough. Cut various traditional flat noodle shapes, such as fettucine and pappardelle. And then savor a delicious lunch with your creations.
By 3 p.m., you will be welcomed to your new hotel to freshen up and look around before joining your fellow Fam trip guests for a progressive dinner along Main Street Mackinac Island, where we will visit some of Mackinac Island’s downtown group-friendly dinner venues, including the Yankee Rebel Tavern, Mary’s Bistro, and Winchester’s. After dinner, we’ll sample the famous Rum Runner at the Pink Pony before we call it a night. The Pink Pony also has live music starting at 9 p.m. for the night owls in the group.
Monday, May 12
On Monday we will depart the island on the 8 a.m. ferry to St. Ignace and board a motorcoach for the trip north to where our off-island adventure begins.
Take a voyage into Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula and discover a natural wonderland, filled with dramatic shorelines, scenic waterfalls, and stories of shipwreck and survival. This trip includes a stop at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, located at Whitefish Point, home to Lake Superior’s oldest operating lighthouse. Over 200 ships have been lost along this ruggedly picturesque shoreline, including the Edmund Fitzgerald, made famous by Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad. In addition to the stories of lighthouse keepers, lifesaving, and shipwrecks, you’ll learn of the point’s fascinating wildlife through Seney National Wildlife Refuge and Whitefish Point Bird Observatory interpreters.
Next, this Fam trip turns west and arrives at one of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls east of the Mississippi: the 200-feet-wide Upper Tahquamenon Falls. Groomed walking paths and scenic overlooks highlight the natural wonders of this 48,000-acre state park. Nature and legend dovetail nicely on this memorable excursion!
By midafternoon we’ll be headed back south to cross the Mighty Mac and travel on to Petoskey, just 20 miles southwest of Mackinac Island. The Petoskey area will welcome us for dinner and overnight. If the stars align, we may enjoy a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan!
Tuesday, May 13
Located in northwest lower Michigan, the Petoskey Area includes the historic waterfront resort towns of Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs, and Boyne City.
The region has been a popular resort destination since the late 19th century, when visitors came by train and steamer to escape industrialized cities throughout the Midwest. Today it’s your turn, as motorcoaches bring groups of all types to the area to enjoy its stunning natural beauty, Victorian charm, and genuine hospitality.
Besides a relaxing overnight stay, your time in Petoskey will include a guided tour of Petoskey’s downtown historical Gaslight District, a mouth-watering visit to Kilwin’s Chocolate Kitchen, and a scenic lunch at Lavender Hill Farm.
When we depart Lavender Hill, we will head for Traverse City, where your day continues with a tour through Old Mission Peninsula. This 18-mile peninsula intersects Grand Traverse Bay and imparts the most stunning views in the area. It’s also full of history, wineries, cherry orchards, lavender fields, and amazing restaurants. We will sample it all and check into your accommodation for a restful evening in Traverse City.
Wednesday, May 14
The “Most Beautiful Place in America,” Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the largest freshwater dune systems in the world, with 65 miles of freshwater shoreline and soaring views over Lake Michigan. A visit to the Maritime Museum and the historical Glen Haven Village will tell just part of the story of this amazing area.
Just a short drive takes us to Glen Arbor and the Great Hall of the Cherry Republic. You will have time to truly experience the hospitality spirit in their motto, “Life, Liberty, Beaches, and Pie” and sample more than 200 cherry products and lunch.
This afternoon we will visit one of the largest historical redevelopment projects in the country, The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This unique village built in 1885 was the Traverse City State Hospital, and previously, the Northern Michigan Asylum. Our visit will end at Left Foot Charley and Higher Grounds Coffee with a tour of each.
After dinner, we settle in for another night of restful sleep along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.
Thursday, May 15
Take a step back in time with a visit to the Music House Museum to learn and listen to rare antique automated musical instruments. The collection is presented to thrill all of your senses.
After lunch you will be ready to depart via Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) on your choice of airlines: American, Delta, United, Allegiant, Avelo, or Sun Country. With 20 nonstop flights, we connect you with the world.