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MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: MUsoxfan on April 23, 2015, 06:48:13 PM

Title: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: MUsoxfan on April 23, 2015, 06:48:13 PM
The wife and I are looking to take a little road trip for the weekend of the 4th. We just don't really know any places to go. I'd love to check out more of Wisconsin, as the farthest north I've been is West Bend. I'm probably a little late too go anywhere too popular because everything good is likely booked up

Any input would be very helpful
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: mu_hilltopper on April 23, 2015, 06:58:00 PM
Parameters?
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 23, 2015, 07:17:25 PM
Come in July 3rd, go to the Hollywood Bowl and listen to the Los Angeles Philharmonic play while fireworks are going off.

Next morning, come down to Orange County, run a 5K or 10K, have a pancake breakfast with my family and some veterans (fun stories to talk about....you can share them here) which is an annual thing, then go to a Dodgers or Angels game that night for fireworks again.


My son and I will likely be in Chile for the Copa America semis and finals, but my wife would gladly entertain you two.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: MUsoxfan on April 23, 2015, 07:26:17 PM
Parameters?

Sub-10hr drive. Water is a bonus, but not required. Just a fun little summer town. Would like to avoid bigger cities.

We went to Charlevoix, MI last year for a wedding. It's great, but just too far
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: MUsoxfan on April 23, 2015, 07:32:05 PM
I forgot to mention....I'm in Chicago
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: real chili 83 on April 23, 2015, 07:37:22 PM
Sub-10hr drive. Water is a bonus, but not required. Just a fun little summer town. Would like to avoid bigger cities.

We went to Charlevoix, MI last year for a wedding. It's great, but just too far

Spent a week one night in Charlevoix, many years ago.  Sailed down from Mackinac.  Duke Tumatoe was playing at the local watering hole. Great night.  Fun town.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: tower912 on April 23, 2015, 07:49:34 PM
Is Summerfest still going on?    Conversely, a friend, relative, friend of a friend with a cottage on some lake you have never heard of can be pretty great. 
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Skitch on April 23, 2015, 08:11:27 PM
Come up here to Door County. July 4th parades in the morning in Baileys Harbor and afternoon in Egg Harbor and different towns spread out their fireworks so they're on every night between July 2-5.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: wrmrkt on April 23, 2015, 08:35:10 PM
Come up here to Door County. July 4th parades in the morning in Baileys Harbor and afternoon in Egg Harbor and different towns spread out their fireworks so they're on every night between July 2-5.

Ditto what Skitch said.  Recommend staying on the Bay side ( Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim); check VRBO/Homeaway.  Crowds are big, but 4th is a great time.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Pakuni on April 23, 2015, 08:46:33 PM
Southwestern Michigan makes for an awesome weekend getaway from Chicago.
Saugatuck, in particular, but South Haven and Grand Haven also are nice.
Door County also is nice, but I prefer Saugatuck. Especially if you're without kids.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: ZiggysFryBoy on April 23, 2015, 09:00:12 PM
Maybe 4ever can comp you at room at the sybaris in mequon.  He's the night manager there.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Stronghold on April 23, 2015, 09:23:43 PM
Check out the western side of the state of Wisconsin.  The river valley is quite beautiful in the summer and the landscape is way different than southeast WI.  Tons of places along the Mississippi that have fireworks out over the river as well.  A few of the more populated areas are Prairie du Chien, La Crosse, Winona (MN), Red Wing (MN). 

http://wigrr.com/
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: 77ncaachamps on April 24, 2015, 01:29:31 AM
Gary, IN.

I hear they're starting a revival.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on April 24, 2015, 07:43:31 AM
I forgot to mention....I'm in Chicago

10 hours drive from Chicago is far different than 10 hours drive from New Haven, CT.  I can't help.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: WarriorInNYC on April 24, 2015, 07:51:00 AM
Southwestern Michigan makes for an awesome weekend getaway from Chicago.
Saugatuck, in particular, but South Haven and Grand Haven also are nice.
Door County also is nice, but I prefer Saugatuck. Especially if you're without kids.

+1  I'm a big fan of New Buffalo, MI right on the lake.  Gotta grab a burger at Redamak's.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: 🏀 on April 24, 2015, 07:59:25 AM
Traverse City, MI.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: w0bbie on April 24, 2015, 08:20:51 AM
Traverse City, MI.

This is a great place to vacation, but be aware that the Cherry Festival starts on the 4th so downtown and all of the public beaches  will be packed.

http://www.cherryfestival.org/ (http://www.cherryfestival.org/)
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: GGGG on April 24, 2015, 08:25:25 AM
I highly recommend Door County. 
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: 🏀 on April 24, 2015, 08:28:22 AM
This is a great place to vacation, but be aware that the Cherry Festival starts on the 4th so downtown and all of the public beaches  will be packed.

http://www.cherryfestival.org/ (http://www.cherryfestival.org/)

That's why he should go.

Shack up on a lake in Leelanau. Do Glen Arbor/Cherry Fest/Sleeping Bear.

Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Litehouse on April 24, 2015, 08:46:03 AM
If it's just you and your wife, you can't go wrong with Door County.  I think Elkhart Lake is really underrated, and it's a much more convenient location.  They do some fun 4th of July stuff, but it's more family/kids focused with a classic parade ending with a min-carnival at their park on the lake.  Still plenty to do there with just you and the wife though, lots of great restaurants.

Speaking of Elkhart Lake, the vintage race weekend at Road America where they bring all the classic cars into downtown for the "Concourse d'Elegance"is an awesome experience, even if you're not a car lover.  This year its Friday July 17th.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: 4everwarriors on April 24, 2015, 08:52:05 AM
Maybe 4ever can comp you at room at the sybaris in mequon.  He's the night manager there.


Correction:
Promoted to peep camera installation and operations
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: tower912 on April 24, 2015, 10:57:19 AM
Southwestern Michigan makes for an awesome weekend getaway from Chicago.
Saugatuck, in particular, but South Haven and Grand Haven also are nice.
Door County also is nice, but I prefer Saugatuck. Especially if you're without kids.
They are all great places to visit.   I know them well.   However, only one has had a Pure Michigan Parody done about it.   Warning!   Tacky humor alert.   Depending on your workplace, possibly NSFW.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_aQqSHTW9Y   
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: robmufan on April 24, 2015, 11:44:25 AM
Probably well outside your driving limits...but one of the best 4th of July trips I took was South Dakota. The fireworks over Mt Rushmore were fantastic! Add in a 3 mile hike back down the hill with nothing but stars in the sky (guided by some volunteer servicemen with glow sticks) and this trip was one to remember.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: GOO on April 24, 2015, 12:13:46 PM
Wisconsin, within your driving limits:

1.  Head over the the LaCrosse area and head north along the river.  Wineries, apple orchards/cider places, little stores, pottery, etc.  Kind of a mini-door county.  Head back down the MN side and stop at the bald eagle rescue and museum and some nice small towns.  (I am no expert, but have done it a couple of times).  Wildlife areas, biking, rent a bike on the way at the Elroy-Sparta bike trail and do some biking. 

2.  Get a lake house in Oconomowoc area for the weekend/week. You can probably still find something that is hopefully not crazy expensive.  Not driving around, but maybe paddle around a lake instead. Although, July 4th weekend you probably want one of the smaller lakes without a bunch of motor boats on it.

3.  Taliesin area.  If you like Frank Lloyd Wright, check out Taliesin and then hit some of the town in the area with local breweries, pottery, arts, and New Glarus for some more beer.   
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Benny B on April 24, 2015, 12:39:01 PM
I agree with Door County, but what's left as far as accomodations at this point?  Sure, it's beautiful and there's much to do/see, but not at the expense of sleeping in one's car.  Unless you have a Honda CR-V, which is the roomiest compact SUV on the market and great for those weekend last-minute getaways with the wife when you can't find any hotel with vacancies.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: ChitownSpaceForRent on April 24, 2015, 01:00:28 PM
Traverse City, MI.

Spent a lot of time near Traverse City and Frankfort MI. There a nice little resort town pretty isolated called Watervale. Within walking distance of Lake Michigan and they have their own lake there as well. Spent many a summers there.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: keefe on April 24, 2015, 01:06:09 PM
Gary, IN.

I hear they're starting a revival.

"Indiana wants me, But I can't go back there..."

-- Thomas Crean
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: keefe on April 24, 2015, 01:13:08 PM
sybaris in mequon. 

I thought this was a reference to that orgasmatron thing women sit on.

I went to the Sybaris website...they are a cliche for '70's faux romantic swinger chic...

Do people really patronize that place?
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: brandx on April 24, 2015, 01:38:05 PM
Wisconsin, within your driving limits:

1.  Head over the the LaCrosse area and head north along the river.  Wineries, apple orchards/cider places, little stores, pottery, etc.  Kind of a mini-door county.  Head back down the MN side and stop at the bald eagle rescue and museum and some nice small towns.  (I am no expert, but have done it a couple of times).  Wildlife areas, biking, rent a bike on the way at the Elroy-Sparta bike trail and do some biking. 

  

I would suggest the bike trail along the Mississippi instead. Goes through some scenic areas and a wildlife refuge as well as Perot State Park. Several towns along the way to rest and grab a bite to eat.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: 4everwarriors on April 24, 2015, 01:42:01 PM
I thought this was a reference to that orgasmatron thing women sit on.

I went to the Sybaris website...they are a cliche for '70's faux romantic swinger chic...

Do people really patronize that place?



Yeah, F*ckin' showed up with a can of Lysol and a box of balloons and wanted to party.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Spotcheck Billy on April 24, 2015, 02:04:53 PM
I thought this was a reference to that orgasmatron thing women sit on.

I went to the Sybaris website...they are a cliche for '70's faux romantic swinger chic...

Do people really patronize that place?

rooms available for just the afternoon if wanted, and just in case the Mrs. hired a PI, get the room with its own garage so he doesn't spy your car parked out front
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: MUsoxfan on April 24, 2015, 06:42:16 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I just booked a place in Egg Harbor. Looking forward to it
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: SaintPaulWarrior on April 24, 2015, 07:18:16 PM
Southwestern Michigan makes for an awesome weekend getaway from Chicago.
Saugatuck, in particular, but South Haven and Grand Haven also are nice.
Door County also is nice, but I prefer Saugatuck. Especially if you're without kids.

Great Grandparents bought land in the '20's about 10 miles south of South Haven.  Lake Michigan Beach, MI where some of the Best pizza is served east of Chicago http://dimaggiospizzaandburgers.com/ .  Been going there since I was born.  Saugatuck is also a great place to visit.  South Haven I would give a thumbs down for the lack of anything to do except for the beach.  Wine vineyards just east of Saugatuck http://www.fennvalley.com/   St. Joseph if you are in the mood to be a tourist around town.  Casino in New Buffalo  http://www.fourwindscasino.com/and the hotels http://www.harborgrand.com/ and http://www.marinagrandresort.com/ are top notch and my fellow MU grad's sister owns both.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Skitch on April 24, 2015, 11:45:24 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I just booked a place in Egg Harbor. Looking forward to it

Can I ask where?
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: wildbillsb on April 24, 2015, 11:57:34 PM
Quote from: MUsoxfan link=topic=47436.msg725553 #msg725553 date=1429918936
Thanks for all the suggestions. I just booked a place in Egg Harbor. Looking forward to it

Be sure to check out the schedule for live music concerts at Birch Creek Music Center on Cty Hwy E just a couple of miles east of Egg Harbor. Also, be sure to look at the lineup of  American Folklore Theatre productions under the stars on the outdoor stage in Peninsula State Park.  Lots of fun!
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Freeport Warrior on April 27, 2015, 06:54:21 PM
I just booked a place in Egg Harbor. Looking forward to it
We sold our place in Fish Creek a few years ago because we just didn't get up there enough. In-laws still up there, so we still get up there a couple times a year (but without the property taxes!). Fourth of July is always jam packed. Here are some of my favorite DC things. Love Trio restaurant in Egg Harbor -- higher-end food, but casual. To up the ante, Whistling Swan in Fish Creek is probably the best high-end spot. Stone's Throw Winery is fun. Door County Bakery Corsica bread is to die for. Cocktails at Fred and Fuzzy's on the water in Sister Bay is always a good time. My kids always loved to go to the drive-in movie theater in Ephraim -- just open up the back hatch, bring some blankets and get some real butter, buttered popcorn.

My brother-in-law was up recently and told me about a newer brewing company that has bands. Might want to check this out
http://www.doorcountybrewingco.com/tap-room/

Have fun.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: MUsoxfan on April 27, 2015, 07:23:19 PM
Can I ask where?

Lull-abi Inn.

I'm not overly particular about accommodations, seems like it'll work just fine for us
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on April 28, 2015, 12:04:03 AM
Southwestern Michigan makes for an awesome weekend getaway from Chicago.
Saugatuck, in particular, but South Haven and Grand Haven also are nice.
Door County also is nice, but I prefer Saugatuck. Especially if you're without kids.

I'm a big fan of Grand Haven.

Dyckesville, WI is also great....eat the curds.
Title: Re: I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...
Post by: Dr. Blackheart on April 28, 2015, 01:18:58 AM
I'm a big fan of Grand Haven.

Dyckesville, WI is also great....eat the curds.

Santa Catalina Island, a'nia?  USC Song Girls every July 4th.