I'm looking for input on a fun 4th of July weekend trip...

[MUsoxfan]

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

[mu_hilltopper]

Parameters?

[ChicosBailBonds]

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.

[MUsoxfan]

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

[MUsoxfan]

I forgot to mention....I'm in Chicago

[real chili 83]

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.

[tower912]

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. 

[Skitch]

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.

[wrmrkt]

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.

[Pakuni]

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.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Maybe 4ever can comp you at room at the sybaris in mequon.  He's the night manager there.

[Stronghold]

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/

[77ncaachamps]

Gary, IN.

I hear they're starting a revival.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

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.

[WarriorInNYC]

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.

[🏀]

Traverse City, MI.

[w0bbie]

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/

[GGGG]

I highly recommend Door County. 

[🏀]

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/

That's why he should go.

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

[Litehouse]

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.

[4everwarriors]

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

[tower912]

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   

[robmufan]

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.

[GOO]

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.   

[Benny B]

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.